TEL AVIV — Glenn R. Simpson, the co-founder of the controversial opposition research firm Fusion GPS, stated in testimony it “makes sense” to him that the FBI paid for a trip to Rome by the former British spy who was contracted by Simpson’s company to produce the largely discredited 35-page anti-Trump dossier.
Fusion GPS hired Christopher Steele, a former British intelligence agent, to do the work cited in the anti-Trump dossier. Last July, Steele reportedly traveled to Rome, where he met with an FBI contact to supply the agency with the anti-Trump dossier and other information he found during the course of his anti-Trump work.
Steele’s dossier reportedly served as some of the basis for the FBI’s investigation into Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and unsubstantiated claims of coordination with Russia.
In August 22 testimony released last week and reviewed in full by Breitbart News, Simpson stated that Steele’s outreach to the FBI was “something that Chris took on on his own.”
Simpson stated that as far as he knew Fusion GPS did not fund Steele’s trip to Rome to meet with the FBI. He said he believes that the trip expenses may have been reimbursed by the FBI.
“I don’t think we did,” Simpson stated, referring to whether Fusion GPS paid for Steele’s travel to Rome to meet with the FBI. “I have no information that we paid for it.”
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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
Saturday, January 20, 2018
'Worse Than Watergate': 'Shocking' House Intel Memo Reveals FISA Abuse by Senior DOJ and FBI Officials
Members of the House on Thursday said they viewed a “shocking” classified memo allegedly detailing abuse of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) by senior Justice Department and Federal Bureau of Investigations officials in relation to the investigation of the Trump campaign and called for it to be declassified and available to the public immediately.
“It’s troubling. It is shocking,” Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) told Fox News. “Part of me wishes that I didn’t read it because I don’t want to believe that those kinds of things could be happening in this country that I call home and love so much.”
“The facts contained in this memo are jaw-dropping and demand full transparency. There is no higher priority than the release of this information to preserve our democracy,” said Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), a member of the Judiciary Committee, which oversees the DOJ and the FBI.
Another Judiciary Committee member, Rep. Steve King (R-IA), called what he saw in the memo “sickening” and said it was “worse than Watergate.”
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“It’s troubling. It is shocking,” Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) told Fox News. “Part of me wishes that I didn’t read it because I don’t want to believe that those kinds of things could be happening in this country that I call home and love so much.”
“The facts contained in this memo are jaw-dropping and demand full transparency. There is no higher priority than the release of this information to preserve our democracy,” said Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), a member of the Judiciary Committee, which oversees the DOJ and the FBI.
Another Judiciary Committee member, Rep. Steve King (R-IA), called what he saw in the memo “sickening” and said it was “worse than Watergate.”
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Senator Eckardt Weekly Wrap Up
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Jets star threatened to sexually assault my wife during arrest: cop
Rising New York Jets star Robby Anderson was busted in Florida for driving double the speed limit early Friday — and then threatening to sexually assault the cop’s wife while sitting in the back of a cruiser, police said.
Anderson, 24, vowed to “find” her, “f–k her” and “nut in her eye,” according to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.
“Based on his statements, it was clear that he intended to sexually assault my wife,” the officer explained in the police report.
“He continued [to] make other verbal threats towards my family,” the cop said. “He also began to brag about how much money he has and how all I was doing was trying to do is ‘ruin his fun.’ ”
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Anderson, 24, vowed to “find” her, “f–k her” and “nut in her eye,” according to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.
“Based on his statements, it was clear that he intended to sexually assault my wife,” the officer explained in the police report.
“He continued [to] make other verbal threats towards my family,” the cop said. “He also began to brag about how much money he has and how all I was doing was trying to do is ‘ruin his fun.’ ”
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Explorers find shipwreck off North Carolina coast
Explorers may have finally found the wreckage of an 1838 steamboat that was ferrying notables of the day and exploded off the coast of North Carolina.
The Pulaski was ferrying politicians such as William B Rochester, a politician and the son of the New York city's namesake, and members of the Lamar family, a wealthy Southern dynasty, from Savannah, Georgia to Baltimore, Maryland in the spring of 1838. The former and at least five of the latter died. The ship made a stop - its last landfall - in Charleston, South Carolina.
An account of the ship's tragic end by a Mrs Hugh McLeod reads: 'The passengers were from the elite of [Savannah].
'Sojourners returning to their distant homes, and others from farther South and West, assembled on the deck, presenting a picture of unusual brightness; so many happy faces animated by hope and expectation.
'[The Pulaski] inspired confidence. She appeared so strong, and looked so comfortable.'
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The Pulaski was ferrying politicians such as William B Rochester, a politician and the son of the New York city's namesake, and members of the Lamar family, a wealthy Southern dynasty, from Savannah, Georgia to Baltimore, Maryland in the spring of 1838. The former and at least five of the latter died. The ship made a stop - its last landfall - in Charleston, South Carolina.
An account of the ship's tragic end by a Mrs Hugh McLeod reads: 'The passengers were from the elite of [Savannah].
'Sojourners returning to their distant homes, and others from farther South and West, assembled on the deck, presenting a picture of unusual brightness; so many happy faces animated by hope and expectation.
'[The Pulaski] inspired confidence. She appeared so strong, and looked so comfortable.'
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Texas carries out nation’s first execution of 2018
HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Texas carried out the nation’s first execution of 2018 Thursday evening, giving a lethal injection to a man who became known as Houston’s “Tourniquet Killer” because of his signature murder technique on four female victims.
Anthony Allen Shore was put to death for one of those slayings, the 1992 killing of a 21-year-old woman whose body was dumped in the drive-through of a Houston Dairy Queen.
In his final statement, Shore, 55, was apologetic and his voice cracked with emotion.
“No amount of words or apology could ever undo what I’ve done,” Shore said. “I wish I could undo the past, but it is what it is.”
He was pronounced dead at 6:28 p.m. CST.
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Anthony Allen Shore was put to death for one of those slayings, the 1992 killing of a 21-year-old woman whose body was dumped in the drive-through of a Houston Dairy Queen.
In his final statement, Shore, 55, was apologetic and his voice cracked with emotion.
“No amount of words or apology could ever undo what I’ve done,” Shore said. “I wish I could undo the past, but it is what it is.”
He was pronounced dead at 6:28 p.m. CST.
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Former Secret Service Agent: FISA Memo Will 'Destroy Image of Benevolent Obama'
A former Secret Service agent who worked under Obama has declared that the details contained within the reportedly shocking classified FISA abuse memo will completely rewrite the legacy of the former President.
The memo is circulating on Capitol Hill, and is described by those who have seen it as so devastating that it could end special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia probe instantaneously.
In essence, the memo names and shames those who have sought to deliberately undermine and obstruct Trump’s Presidency, by using underhanded and possibly even illegal tactics.
Former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino has intimated that one of those individuals is Barack Obama.
“Take it to the bank, the FBI/FISA docs are devastating for the Dems. The whole image of a benevolent Barack Obama they’ve disingenuously tried to portray is about to be destroyed. The real Obama, the vengeful narcissist, is going to be exposed for all to see,” Bongino tweeted.
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Army Major: "We're Killing These Kids, We're Breaking The Army!"
He went on to explain the competing requirements for standard, conventional army units - to say nothing of the overstretched Special Forces - in 2018: balancing Russia in Eastern Europe, deterrence rotations in South Korea, advise and assist missions in Africa. Add to that deployments to the usual hotspots in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
He was genuinely concerned about the physical and emotional toll on the active-duty force, pushed to its limits by 17 years of perpetual combat. After all, with high military suicide rates now labeled the “new normal,” and a recent succession of accidental training deaths, it seems reasonable to wonder whether we are, indeed, “killing [our] kids.”
The overall effects of this rapid operations tempo on morale and readiness are difficult to measure in a disciplined, professional, all-volunteer military such as the one the United States possesses. What we do know is that despite former president Obama’s ongoing promises that “the tide of war is receding” and that America could finally “start nation-building at home,” nothing of the sort occurred then, or is now, under President Trump. Though the U.S. military (thankfully) no longer maintains six-figure troop counts in either Iraq or Afghanistan, American soldiers are still there, as well as serving in 70 percent of the world’s countries in one capacity or another in what has become a “generational war.” America’s troops are still being killed, though in admittedly fewer numbers. Nevertheless, U.S. servicemen continued to die in combat in several countries in 2017, including Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Yemen, and Niger.
After major drawdowns in Iraq (2011) and Afghanistan (2014), many soldiers, myself included, looked forward to longer “dwell time” at home stations and, just maybe, something resembling peace and even normalcy.
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He was genuinely concerned about the physical and emotional toll on the active-duty force, pushed to its limits by 17 years of perpetual combat. After all, with high military suicide rates now labeled the “new normal,” and a recent succession of accidental training deaths, it seems reasonable to wonder whether we are, indeed, “killing [our] kids.”
The overall effects of this rapid operations tempo on morale and readiness are difficult to measure in a disciplined, professional, all-volunteer military such as the one the United States possesses. What we do know is that despite former president Obama’s ongoing promises that “the tide of war is receding” and that America could finally “start nation-building at home,” nothing of the sort occurred then, or is now, under President Trump. Though the U.S. military (thankfully) no longer maintains six-figure troop counts in either Iraq or Afghanistan, American soldiers are still there, as well as serving in 70 percent of the world’s countries in one capacity or another in what has become a “generational war.” America’s troops are still being killed, though in admittedly fewer numbers. Nevertheless, U.S. servicemen continued to die in combat in several countries in 2017, including Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Yemen, and Niger.
After major drawdowns in Iraq (2011) and Afghanistan (2014), many soldiers, myself included, looked forward to longer “dwell time” at home stations and, just maybe, something resembling peace and even normalcy.
More
De Blasio now backing plan to charge vehicles driving in Manhattan
Despite lingering concerns, Mayor de Blasio opened the door on Friday to supporting the state’s congestion pricing plan, which if approved would impose fees on vehicles driving south of 60th Street in Manhattan.
For years de Blasio has dismissed prior congestion pricing proposals as a “regressive tax” on the outer boroughs and on low-income car owners.
“This plan certainly shows improvement over previous plans we’ve seen over the years, and that’s a good thing,” Hizzoner said Friday on WNYC radio.
“It does not achieve, in my view, some of the things we need the most, which is a guaranteed, reliable form of funding for the MTA.”
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For years de Blasio has dismissed prior congestion pricing proposals as a “regressive tax” on the outer boroughs and on low-income car owners.
“This plan certainly shows improvement over previous plans we’ve seen over the years, and that’s a good thing,” Hizzoner said Friday on WNYC radio.
“It does not achieve, in my view, some of the things we need the most, which is a guaranteed, reliable form of funding for the MTA.”
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Elizabeth Warren’s Native American problem goes beyond politics
WASHINGTON — There’s a ghost haunting Elizabeth Warren as she ramps up for a possible 2020 presidential bid and a reelection campaign in Massachusetts this year: her enduring and undocumented claims of Native American ancestry.
Warren says now, as she has from the first days of her public life, that she based her assertions on family lore, on her reasonable trust in what she was told about her ancestry as a child.
“I know who I am,” she said in a recent interview with the Globe.
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Warren says now, as she has from the first days of her public life, that she based her assertions on family lore, on her reasonable trust in what she was told about her ancestry as a child.
“I know who I am,” she said in a recent interview with the Globe.
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Baltimore CBP Seizes $1M in Counterfeit Stainless Steel Sinks
BALTIMORE – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized 2,990 stainless steel sinks, that if authentic would have an MSRP of more than $1 million, for displaying a counterfeit UPC shield design Wednesday in Baltimore.
The shipment of sinks arrived from Malaysia and was destined to an address in Maryland. CBP examined the shipment for Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties enforcement. During that examination, CBP officers discovered the UPC shield logo.
CBP officers and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) specialists verified the authenticity of the UPC shield logo with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, the registered trademark holder, who determined the use of the logo to be unauthorized.
CBP seized the entire shipment of sinks as counterfeit for using registered markings without trademark holder’s authorization (19 CFR 133.21).
If authentic, the stainless steel sinks would have had a manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of about $1.1 million.
“Customs and Border Protection will continue to work closely with our trade and consumer safety partners to seize counterfeit and inferior merchandise, especially those products that pose potential harm to American consumers, negatively impact legitimate business brand reputations, and potentially steal jobs from U.S. workers,” said Dianna Bowman, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Baltimore.
CBP protects businesses and consumers every day through an aggressive Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) enforcement program, and has made IPR enforcement a CBP Priority Trade Issue.
CBP and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement seized a record number of goods that violated Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in FY2016.
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The shipment of sinks arrived from Malaysia and was destined to an address in Maryland. CBP examined the shipment for Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties enforcement. During that examination, CBP officers discovered the UPC shield logo.
CBP officers and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) specialists verified the authenticity of the UPC shield logo with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, the registered trademark holder, who determined the use of the logo to be unauthorized.
CBP seized the entire shipment of sinks as counterfeit for using registered markings without trademark holder’s authorization (19 CFR 133.21).
If authentic, the stainless steel sinks would have had a manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of about $1.1 million.
“Customs and Border Protection will continue to work closely with our trade and consumer safety partners to seize counterfeit and inferior merchandise, especially those products that pose potential harm to American consumers, negatively impact legitimate business brand reputations, and potentially steal jobs from U.S. workers,” said Dianna Bowman, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Baltimore.
CBP protects businesses and consumers every day through an aggressive Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) enforcement program, and has made IPR enforcement a CBP Priority Trade Issue.
CBP and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement seized a record number of goods that violated Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in FY2016.
More
Flu deaths prompt warnings from victims' families as outbreak continues
It doesn't matter if you run marathons or play sports, when it comes to the flu, no one is completely immune.
That's the warning families of flu victims and health officials are hoping to spread throughout this year's flu season as the epidemic continues to plague the U.S
The flu is now widespread in every state except Hawaii and it has claimed the lives of at least 20 children, according to the CDC's latest report. California is being hit particularly hard, with reports of at least 27 deaths of people under the age of 65 in the state since October.
The virus that's predominating this year is Influenza A (H3N2), and that tends to be more severe. It affects the elderly and the very young, epidemiologist Lynnette Brammer, who leads the CDC's Domestic Influenza Surveillance Team, told Fox News.
But the flu can hit anyone.
"Sadly, we hear every year of people that were previously healthy and active and they get influenza and die and for reasons we don’t understand," Brammer said. "[But] if you get sick and you're not getting better...call your doctor."
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That's the warning families of flu victims and health officials are hoping to spread throughout this year's flu season as the epidemic continues to plague the U.S
The flu is now widespread in every state except Hawaii and it has claimed the lives of at least 20 children, according to the CDC's latest report. California is being hit particularly hard, with reports of at least 27 deaths of people under the age of 65 in the state since October.
The virus that's predominating this year is Influenza A (H3N2), and that tends to be more severe. It affects the elderly and the very young, epidemiologist Lynnette Brammer, who leads the CDC's Domestic Influenza Surveillance Team, told Fox News.
But the flu can hit anyone.
"Sadly, we hear every year of people that were previously healthy and active and they get influenza and die and for reasons we don’t understand," Brammer said. "[But] if you get sick and you're not getting better...call your doctor."
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http://www.foxnews.com/health/2018/01/18/flu-deaths-prompt-warnings-from-victims-families-as-outbreak-continues.html?cmpid=prn_msn
2018 Safe Boating Classes begin
The days are already getting longer. The boating season is rapidly approaching. Are you ready? Perhaps you are starting out in boating, or coming back to it. Regardless, the Maryland Basic Boating Class is a great opportunity to satisfy Maryland requirements and to get practical boating knowledge from state certified Coast Guard Auxiliary Instructors.
The Maryland Boating Safety Education Act requires that anyone born after July 1, 1972 must possess a Maryland Basic Boating Safety Certificate to operate a boat in the state of Maryland. Those attending the class and passing the test will receive a Maryland Boating Certificate.
Besides the state mandated material, the class will tap the local knowledge and experience of the certified instructors. Topics include: safely navigating and piloting about our Ocean City waters, how to tie basic nautical knots, how to identify bad weather and tactics for boating in foul weather, nautical terminology, boat trailering, and more. There are also discussions on maintenance and common medical issues that can occur while boating.
Even if you were born before 1 July, 1972, and can ‘shiver your timbers’ like a buccaneer, the Maryland Basic Boating Course is an ideal low key environment to brush up on your general nautical knowledge and to build your boat handling confidence.
Current Month's Class
This class will be held February 6, 7 & 8 at the Ocean Pines Library, 11107 Cathell Road, Ocean Pines. The three evening course will begin at 6:00 p.m. and end no later than 9:00 p.m. each evening.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary will teach the state mandated Recreational Safe Boating Course at the Ocean Pines Library five additional times on three consecutive week nights in 2018.
Future Classes
March 6, 7, & 8
April 24, 25 & 26
June 5, 6, & 7
July 10, 11, & 12
September 11, 12, & 13
The Maryland Safe Boating Class will also be taught twice in a one day format.
Saturday, May 5
Saturday, August 4
The Saturday class will run from 8:30AM to 4:30PM.
Cost for the course is $15.00 and includes all course materials.
Pre-registration is required. To register or if you have questions, please contact:
Barry Cohen at 410-935-4807 or E mail CGAUXOC@Gmail.com
Calendar item
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering the Maryland Basic Boating Safety Course February 6, 7, & 8 at the Ocean Pines Library. The Maryland Safe Boating Certificate required for all those born after July 1st 1972 is awarded after successful completion of the course. The Course also includes topics such as piloting in local waters, tying nautical knots, foul weather tactics and legal issues, maintenance and common medical issues that can occur while boating. The fee is $15. Register or get more information by calling Barry Cohen at 410-935-4807, or Email CGAUX1205@Gmail.com
The Maryland Boating Safety Education Act requires that anyone born after July 1, 1972 must possess a Maryland Basic Boating Safety Certificate to operate a boat in the state of Maryland. Those attending the class and passing the test will receive a Maryland Boating Certificate.
Besides the state mandated material, the class will tap the local knowledge and experience of the certified instructors. Topics include: safely navigating and piloting about our Ocean City waters, how to tie basic nautical knots, how to identify bad weather and tactics for boating in foul weather, nautical terminology, boat trailering, and more. There are also discussions on maintenance and common medical issues that can occur while boating.
Even if you were born before 1 July, 1972, and can ‘shiver your timbers’ like a buccaneer, the Maryland Basic Boating Course is an ideal low key environment to brush up on your general nautical knowledge and to build your boat handling confidence.
Current Month's Class
This class will be held February 6, 7 & 8 at the Ocean Pines Library, 11107 Cathell Road, Ocean Pines. The three evening course will begin at 6:00 p.m. and end no later than 9:00 p.m. each evening.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary will teach the state mandated Recreational Safe Boating Course at the Ocean Pines Library five additional times on three consecutive week nights in 2018.
Future Classes
March 6, 7, & 8
April 24, 25 & 26
June 5, 6, & 7
July 10, 11, & 12
September 11, 12, & 13
The Maryland Safe Boating Class will also be taught twice in a one day format.
Saturday, May 5
Saturday, August 4
The Saturday class will run from 8:30AM to 4:30PM.
Cost for the course is $15.00 and includes all course materials.
Pre-registration is required. To register or if you have questions, please contact:
Barry Cohen at 410-935-4807 or E mail CGAUXOC@Gmail.com
Calendar item
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering the Maryland Basic Boating Safety Course February 6, 7, & 8 at the Ocean Pines Library. The Maryland Safe Boating Certificate required for all those born after July 1st 1972 is awarded after successful completion of the course. The Course also includes topics such as piloting in local waters, tying nautical knots, foul weather tactics and legal issues, maintenance and common medical issues that can occur while boating. The fee is $15. Register or get more information by calling Barry Cohen at 410-935-4807, or Email CGAUX1205@Gmail.com
Hypocrats sang a different tune in 2013
In 2013, Democrats called Republicans who refused to get on board with the Obama administration's agenda “anarchists," and “arsonists” with “a bomb strapped to their chest."
"I call them 'legislative arsonists'," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said at the time.
Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said at the time that he has “never seen such an extreme group of people adopt such an insane policy.”
“Does Speaker (John) Boehner need to engage in something like the ancient practice of sacrifice, this time to the right-wing gods? Do we have to sacrifice the economy and help for millions of middle class people?” he said during a TV appearance.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., called Republicans “unhinged.”
More here
#ReleaseTheMemo Trends as Public, Politicians Demand Transparency on FISA Memo
#ReleaseTheMemo was a trending Twitter topic on Thursday evening as public concern over alleged Obama-era abuse of government surveillance power mounted.
The hashtag quickly accumulated over 300,000 tweets, trending worldwide and in the United States.
Users took to social media to demand the release of a four-page memo currently circulating in Congress, allegedly revealing government surveillance abuses under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
Republican lawmakers have described the memo as “shocking” and “alarming.” Ohio Representative Jim Jordan said the American people “have to see this.”
Pennsylvania Rep. Scott Perry said, “You think about, ‘Is this happening in America or is this the KGB?’ That’s how alarming it is.”
More here
The hashtag quickly accumulated over 300,000 tweets, trending worldwide and in the United States.
Users took to social media to demand the release of a four-page memo currently circulating in Congress, allegedly revealing government surveillance abuses under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
Republican lawmakers have described the memo as “shocking” and “alarming.” Ohio Representative Jim Jordan said the American people “have to see this.”
Pennsylvania Rep. Scott Perry said, “You think about, ‘Is this happening in America or is this the KGB?’ That’s how alarming it is.”
More here
GPS Fusion: We Generate a ‘Solution’ to Client’s ‘Problem’
Glenn R. Simpson, the co-founder of the controversial opposition research firm Fusion GPS, which is behind the largely discredited 35-page anti-Trump dossier, explained in testimony released publicly last week that his firm works to “customize a research solution” based on the “problem” of each client.
The statements may raise more questions about the veracity of the dossier accusing Donald Trump and his 2016 presidential campaign of ties with Russia. The questionable document reportedly served as part of the basis for the FBI’s investigation into Trump’s presidential campaign.
Simpson’s statements are significant in light of the disclosure last April that Fusion GPS’s anti-Trump work was financed by Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign and the Democratic National Committee (DNC).
In August 22 testimony released last week and reviewed in full by Breitbart News, Steele stated, “Another thing we say about our work is it’s custom information, it’s a customized product. You tell us what your problem is and we customize a research solution.”
Simpson was responding to a question about “concerns that the work being done was driven in a direction designed to reach a particular conclusion for a client or because of the client’s identity.”
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The statements may raise more questions about the veracity of the dossier accusing Donald Trump and his 2016 presidential campaign of ties with Russia. The questionable document reportedly served as part of the basis for the FBI’s investigation into Trump’s presidential campaign.
Simpson’s statements are significant in light of the disclosure last April that Fusion GPS’s anti-Trump work was financed by Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign and the Democratic National Committee (DNC).
In August 22 testimony released last week and reviewed in full by Breitbart News, Steele stated, “Another thing we say about our work is it’s custom information, it’s a customized product. You tell us what your problem is and we customize a research solution.”
Simpson was responding to a question about “concerns that the work being done was driven in a direction designed to reach a particular conclusion for a client or because of the client’s identity.”
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It's time to take our privacy back from tech companies
Your personal information is being collected, organized, purchased and sold on a global market. Polls consistently show that most people are concerned they have lost control of their own personal data. No one is immune from the pervasive information grab by governments, companies, and hackers. This is happening to pretty much anyone alive (or dead) who has ever used the internet, a credit card, gone to school, subscribed to cable television or used a cell phone. There is no escaping this new reality.
However, we can change the rules that govern the way your information is collected and used.
Absolute control of your information is no longer possible, but you can and should have a say in the matter. Think of your data or information as personal property. Companies and governments can use eminent domain or other seizure processes to take that property, but the sting eases when you realize they must afford due process and justly compensate the owner for the property taken.
The biggest difference between your digital property and other personalty is that your every action online creates new digital items of value. Especially your online actions that involve monetary transactions, such as what kind of movies you watch, food you eat or places you visit. This data goes into a profile that increases the value of your information to a marketing company.
More here
However, we can change the rules that govern the way your information is collected and used.
Absolute control of your information is no longer possible, but you can and should have a say in the matter. Think of your data or information as personal property. Companies and governments can use eminent domain or other seizure processes to take that property, but the sting eases when you realize they must afford due process and justly compensate the owner for the property taken.
The biggest difference between your digital property and other personalty is that your every action online creates new digital items of value. Especially your online actions that involve monetary transactions, such as what kind of movies you watch, food you eat or places you visit. This data goes into a profile that increases the value of your information to a marketing company.
More here
Two boys charged with destruction of half million bees
SIOUX CITY — Police delivered sweet news to the owners of a small Sioux City honey business Wednesday, nearly a month after vandals killed their half million bees and nearly wiped out their livelihood.
Wild Hill Honey owners Justin and Tori Englehardt went to check on their 50 hives on the morning of Dec. 28 and found them all destroyed, resulting in more than $60,000 in damage to the business.
The police department said Wednesday two boys, ages 12 and 13, have been arrested in connection with the incident, which drew ire from people across the country and garnered national and international media coverage. Because they were charged as juveniles, the suspects cannot be identified under state privacy law.
Englehardt thinks the story of Wild Hill resonated with so many people because people are becoming increasingly aware of much the honey bee population is struggling to survive. Some of the issues include rapid loss of their habitat, varroa mite, which feeds on honey bees, and the mysterious phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder.
More here
Wild Hill Honey owners Justin and Tori Englehardt went to check on their 50 hives on the morning of Dec. 28 and found them all destroyed, resulting in more than $60,000 in damage to the business.
The police department said Wednesday two boys, ages 12 and 13, have been arrested in connection with the incident, which drew ire from people across the country and garnered national and international media coverage. Because they were charged as juveniles, the suspects cannot be identified under state privacy law.
Englehardt thinks the story of Wild Hill resonated with so many people because people are becoming increasingly aware of much the honey bee population is struggling to survive. Some of the issues include rapid loss of their habitat, varroa mite, which feeds on honey bees, and the mysterious phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder.
More here
Philadelphia refiner's woes pose test for U.S. biofuel policy
NEW YORK (Reuters) - The worsening financial condition of East Coast oil refiner Philadelphia Energy Solutions will present a new test for America’s controversial biofuels policy, legal experts say, revealing whether the government can collect a massive biofuels-related debt from a company in distress.
The outcome could have implications for other refiners struggling to cope with the Renewable Fuels Standard, a law administered by the Environmental Protection Agency that requires refiners to blend biofuels into the nation’s fuel supply every year, or buy credits from those who do.
PES, the oldest and largest refiner on the East Coast, is carrying a shortfall of such credits owed to the EPA likely worth over $100 million, while its management also considers filing for bankruptcy ahead of a separate $550 million short-term loan that comes due in March.
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The outcome could have implications for other refiners struggling to cope with the Renewable Fuels Standard, a law administered by the Environmental Protection Agency that requires refiners to blend biofuels into the nation’s fuel supply every year, or buy credits from those who do.
PES, the oldest and largest refiner on the East Coast, is carrying a shortfall of such credits owed to the EPA likely worth over $100 million, while its management also considers filing for bankruptcy ahead of a separate $550 million short-term loan that comes due in March.
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TV Crew Tried To Get Through Airport Security Checkpoint With Fake Bomb
At least seven people who said they worked for a TV crew were arrested at Newark Liberty International Airport Thursday, after they allegedly tried to film themselves going through a security checkpoint with a fake explosive device.
The Transportation Security Administration said Port Authority police arrested the group after officers detected a suspicious item in a carry-on bag.
A preliminary investigation indicated that the defendants were all in collaboration and claimed to work for a television network, the TSA said. Some members of the group tried deliberately to carry through the security checkpoint a carry-on bag that with something inside that had “all the makings of an improvised explosive device,” the TSA said.
Sources told CBS2 the crew was associated with the CNBC show “Staten Island Hustle.”
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The Transportation Security Administration said Port Authority police arrested the group after officers detected a suspicious item in a carry-on bag.
A preliminary investigation indicated that the defendants were all in collaboration and claimed to work for a television network, the TSA said. Some members of the group tried deliberately to carry through the security checkpoint a carry-on bag that with something inside that had “all the makings of an improvised explosive device,” the TSA said.
Sources told CBS2 the crew was associated with the CNBC show “Staten Island Hustle.”
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Emergency Inlet Dredging Planned For Next Month
OCEAN CITY — After recent storms accelerated the chronic shoaling of the Ocean City Inlet to the point navigation has been compromised, the federal Army Corps is heading to the resort to dredge the navigation channel with an emergency operation.
While the Inlet and other channels in and around the commercial harbor naturally fill in and are in continual need of maintenance dredging, the problem has become even more acute in recent weeks after a series of coastal storms accelerated the issue. In recent weeks, some vessels operating out the commercial harbor have found it difficult, if not impossible, to pass through the Inlet even on the highest of tides because of the shoaling of the navigational channel.
Congressman Andy Harris (R-1) said this week the Army Corps of Engineers, which routinely dredges the Inlet and surrounding channels, has expedited an effort to dredge the Inlet on an emergency basis. Harris said he reached out to the Army Corps seeking immediate assistance after discovering the Inlet had shoaled in to the point even modest-sized vessels had difficulty passing through the channel.
“Ocean City is Maryland’s only Atlantic coast seaport, and small businesses across Maryland’s First District depend on the Ocean City Inlet for the transport of goods,” he said. “The buildup of sand now restricts access to the Inlet for fishing vessels and larger ships, and has become a threat to the livelihood of many Eastern Shore residents. In fact, a fishing trawler recently attempted to return to their dock with a load of black sea bass before getting temporarily grounded in the Ocean City Inlet. The ship was freed, but was unable to return to their dock and unload. I am grateful to the Army Corps of Engineers for their cooperation and immediate attention to this matter, so that future problems will be avoided.”
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While the Inlet and other channels in and around the commercial harbor naturally fill in and are in continual need of maintenance dredging, the problem has become even more acute in recent weeks after a series of coastal storms accelerated the issue. In recent weeks, some vessels operating out the commercial harbor have found it difficult, if not impossible, to pass through the Inlet even on the highest of tides because of the shoaling of the navigational channel.
Congressman Andy Harris (R-1) said this week the Army Corps of Engineers, which routinely dredges the Inlet and surrounding channels, has expedited an effort to dredge the Inlet on an emergency basis. Harris said he reached out to the Army Corps seeking immediate assistance after discovering the Inlet had shoaled in to the point even modest-sized vessels had difficulty passing through the channel.
“Ocean City is Maryland’s only Atlantic coast seaport, and small businesses across Maryland’s First District depend on the Ocean City Inlet for the transport of goods,” he said. “The buildup of sand now restricts access to the Inlet for fishing vessels and larger ships, and has become a threat to the livelihood of many Eastern Shore residents. In fact, a fishing trawler recently attempted to return to their dock with a load of black sea bass before getting temporarily grounded in the Ocean City Inlet. The ship was freed, but was unable to return to their dock and unload. I am grateful to the Army Corps of Engineers for their cooperation and immediate attention to this matter, so that future problems will be avoided.”
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McConnell, other Republicans say Dem leader could have avoided shutdown
Republican leaders blamed their Democratic counterparts after the Senate failed to pass a spending bill by midnight Friday to avert a government shutdown.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and the GOP needed 60 votes to pass a measure that would have kept the government running until mid-February, but not enough Democrats went along with the plan. The tally was 50-49, with five Democrats voting in favor of the measure and five Republicans voting against it.
“Most of the stuff we agree on. One reason we ended up here, the shoehorning of illegal immigration into this debate,” McConnell said after the vote failed, adding that the Senate would resume talks later Saturday to prevent a prolonged shutdown.
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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and the GOP needed 60 votes to pass a measure that would have kept the government running until mid-February, but not enough Democrats went along with the plan. The tally was 50-49, with five Democrats voting in favor of the measure and five Republicans voting against it.
“Most of the stuff we agree on. One reason we ended up here, the shoehorning of illegal immigration into this debate,” McConnell said after the vote failed, adding that the Senate would resume talks later Saturday to prevent a prolonged shutdown.
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http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/01/20/dems-deserve-blame-for-schumer-shutdown-gop-leaders-say.html
Migrant Crisis: 77 Per Cent of Belgians 'No Longer Feel at Home'
The massive rise in the proportion of Muslim migrants in the country has resulted in two-thirds of Belgians feeling their nation is being “increasingly invaded”, according to a new study.
This sentiment was especially marked among respondents to the detailed survey aged 65 and over, 84 per cent of whom likened the influx of migrants and refugees to an invasion.
Overall, two-thirds of the 4,734 people polled believe there are “too many immigrants in Belgium”, while 77 per cent agreed with the statement, “Today we no longer feel at home as we did before [mass migration]”.
Entitled Black Yellow Blues 2017, the research was an initiative of public broadcaster RTBF and liberal newspaper Le Soir, carried out by sociology research institute Survey and Action and the globalist ‘This is Not a Crisis’ foundation.
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This sentiment was especially marked among respondents to the detailed survey aged 65 and over, 84 per cent of whom likened the influx of migrants and refugees to an invasion.
Overall, two-thirds of the 4,734 people polled believe there are “too many immigrants in Belgium”, while 77 per cent agreed with the statement, “Today we no longer feel at home as we did before [mass migration]”.
Entitled Black Yellow Blues 2017, the research was an initiative of public broadcaster RTBF and liberal newspaper Le Soir, carried out by sociology research institute Survey and Action and the globalist ‘This is Not a Crisis’ foundation.
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Government Shuts Down As Congress Fails To Pass Funding Measure
The federal government is now in a partial shutdown after Congress failed to pass a stopgap measure to keep funding going ahead of a midnight deadline.
It's an unprecedented situation given that shutdowns usually happen in times of divided government. But this is the first time it's happened with one party controlling both Congress and the White House.
On Saturday morning, President Trump responded on Twitter, accusing Democrats of playing "Shutdown politics."
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It's an unprecedented situation given that shutdowns usually happen in times of divided government. But this is the first time it's happened with one party controlling both Congress and the White House.
On Saturday morning, President Trump responded on Twitter, accusing Democrats of playing "Shutdown politics."
Democrats are far more concerned with Illegal Immigrants than they are with our great Military or Safety at our dangerous Southern Border. They could have easily made a deal but decided to play Shutdown politics instead. #WeNeedMoreRepublicansIn18 in order to power through mess!
How Conservatives Are Being Destroyed by Facebook, Twitter and Google Without Even Realizing It
Today, as you read this, my website Right Wing News is shutting down operations. It has been around since 2001, but became massive a few years ago because of Facebook.
Remember the mainstream media liberals going out of their minds because the Russians reached almost 150 million people with their $100,000 Facebook ad buy? In July of 2015, in just a week, the Right Wing News Facebook page reached 133 million people. Because conservatives were sharing content they were interested in, little ol’ Right Wing News (well, I guess nearly 3.6 million Facebook likes isn’t so little) was driving the same amount of web traffic as some of the biggest newspapers in America. Barack Obama’s Facebook page was 36 times bigger than our page; yet we had 7 times as many people talking about our content.
Ironically, that’s a big part of what killed the website.
You see, what Facebook giveth, Facebook can take away. So, why would Facebook want to kill extremely successful Facebook pages that its users enjoyed?
One of the reasons goes back to something I told multiple reporters during the 2016 election. I believe that all of the thriving right wing Facebook pages activated large numbers of what I like to think of as “instinctive conservatives.” You know, the sort of people who love God, guns and America, but who don’t follow politics day to day, read National Review or consume any of Milton Friedman’s books. From what I could see on Facebook, that group of people LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Donald Trump and I believe they were responsible for getting him the GOP nomination and probably even got him over the hump in states like Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. I think the liberals that run Facebook came to that same conclusion.
Before the election season got into full swing, Facebook had already made some mild downgrades to reach. Afterwards, when liberal mainstream media outlets were screaming about Russian ad buys and “fake news,” Facebook systematically, methodically reduced the reach of all its pages with each algorithm change. By then, most of us understood where it was going long-term. If Facebook killed every conservative page overnight, there would be a huge outcry. On the other hand, if Facebook slowly strangled us to death, we’d fade away and would people even notice?
You can read the rest of it here.
Remember the mainstream media liberals going out of their minds because the Russians reached almost 150 million people with their $100,000 Facebook ad buy? In July of 2015, in just a week, the Right Wing News Facebook page reached 133 million people. Because conservatives were sharing content they were interested in, little ol’ Right Wing News (well, I guess nearly 3.6 million Facebook likes isn’t so little) was driving the same amount of web traffic as some of the biggest newspapers in America. Barack Obama’s Facebook page was 36 times bigger than our page; yet we had 7 times as many people talking about our content.
Ironically, that’s a big part of what killed the website.
You see, what Facebook giveth, Facebook can take away. So, why would Facebook want to kill extremely successful Facebook pages that its users enjoyed?
One of the reasons goes back to something I told multiple reporters during the 2016 election. I believe that all of the thriving right wing Facebook pages activated large numbers of what I like to think of as “instinctive conservatives.” You know, the sort of people who love God, guns and America, but who don’t follow politics day to day, read National Review or consume any of Milton Friedman’s books. From what I could see on Facebook, that group of people LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Donald Trump and I believe they were responsible for getting him the GOP nomination and probably even got him over the hump in states like Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. I think the liberals that run Facebook came to that same conclusion.
Before the election season got into full swing, Facebook had already made some mild downgrades to reach. Afterwards, when liberal mainstream media outlets were screaming about Russian ad buys and “fake news,” Facebook systematically, methodically reduced the reach of all its pages with each algorithm change. By then, most of us understood where it was going long-term. If Facebook killed every conservative page overnight, there would be a huge outcry. On the other hand, if Facebook slowly strangled us to death, we’d fade away and would people even notice?
You can read the rest of it here.
Feds to retry Senator Bob Menendez in bribery case
The Department of Justice announced Friday it intends to retry New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, two months after a federal judge declared a mistrial in the high-profile bribery case.
“Today, the United States filed a notice of intent to retry Sen. Robert Menendez and Dr. Salomon Melgen and requested that the court set the case for retrial at the earliest possible date,” Department of Justice spokesperson Wyn Hornbuckle said in a statement. “The conduct alleged in the indictment is serious and warrants retrial before a jury of citizens in the District of New Jersey. “
Hornbuckle said the decision to retry the case was “based on the facts and the law, following a careful review.”
“We regret that the DOJ, after spending millions and millions of taxpayer dollars, and failing to prove a single allegation in a court of law, has decided to double down on an unjust prosecution," according to a statement release by Menendez' office. "Evidently, they did not hear the overwhelming voices of the New Jerseyans who served on the jury this fall. Senator Menendez fully intends to be vindicated -- again.”
In November, a federal judge declared a mistrial after jurors twice reported they were hopelessly deadlocked.
“Today, the United States filed a notice of intent to retry Sen. Robert Menendez and Dr. Salomon Melgen and requested that the court set the case for retrial at the earliest possible date,” Department of Justice spokesperson Wyn Hornbuckle said in a statement. “The conduct alleged in the indictment is serious and warrants retrial before a jury of citizens in the District of New Jersey. “
Hornbuckle said the decision to retry the case was “based on the facts and the law, following a careful review.”
“We regret that the DOJ, after spending millions and millions of taxpayer dollars, and failing to prove a single allegation in a court of law, has decided to double down on an unjust prosecution," according to a statement release by Menendez' office. "Evidently, they did not hear the overwhelming voices of the New Jerseyans who served on the jury this fall. Senator Menendez fully intends to be vindicated -- again.”
In November, a federal judge declared a mistrial after jurors twice reported they were hopelessly deadlocked.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/01/19/feds-to-retry-senator-bob-menendez-in-bribery-case.html
Unarmed 16yo Boy Shot and Killed as He Tried to Stop a Cop from Hurting His Mom
Franklin County, OH — In juvenile court this week, a 16-year-old boy intervened after a police officer allegedly pushed his mother against the wall—so the police officer shot and killed him. The boy’s name was Joseph Haynes and he was unarmed.
The single shot which killed Haynes was fired, police say, in self-defense but family members are disputing that claim. The boy’s grandmother Geraldine Haynes said she witnessed the entire incident. In an interview with the Columbus Dispatch, the grandmother recounted the incident.
They had an altercation in the courtroom. The judge gave us another court date and we were leaving. The cop told Karen (boy’s mother) to get out of the courthouse and wouldn’t let her get her stuff or nothing. And then he (cop) started going over and pushing her against the wall.
That’s when she says her grandson, Joseph, stepped in to defend his mother from the officer’s manhandling.
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The single shot which killed Haynes was fired, police say, in self-defense but family members are disputing that claim. The boy’s grandmother Geraldine Haynes said she witnessed the entire incident. In an interview with the Columbus Dispatch, the grandmother recounted the incident.
They had an altercation in the courtroom. The judge gave us another court date and we were leaving. The cop told Karen (boy’s mother) to get out of the courthouse and wouldn’t let her get her stuff or nothing. And then he (cop) started going over and pushing her against the wall.
That’s when she says her grandson, Joseph, stepped in to defend his mother from the officer’s manhandling.
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You can't make this stuff up..
Former FBI Director James Comey will teach a course on ethical leadership for his alma mater, the College of William & Mary, beginning in the fall 2018 semester.
Comey will co-teach the three-credit course with Drew Stelljes, executive assistant professor of education and assistant vice president for student leadership, the Washington Examiner reported Friday. After the fall, the class will also be held during the spring 2019 and summer 2019 semesters.
The course will meet primarily at the school's Washington Center in Washington, D.C., and will also be taught at the William & Mary School of Education in Williamsburg, Virginia, at which time it will be live-streamed back to the campus in Washington.
"Jim Comey is among William & Mary’s most distinguished alumni," school President Taylor Reveley said. "He understands to the core of his being that our leaders must have an abiding commitment to ethical behavior and sacrificial service if we are to have good government. Our students will benefit significantly from his experience and wisdom."
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Comey will co-teach the three-credit course with Drew Stelljes, executive assistant professor of education and assistant vice president for student leadership, the Washington Examiner reported Friday. After the fall, the class will also be held during the spring 2019 and summer 2019 semesters.
The course will meet primarily at the school's Washington Center in Washington, D.C., and will also be taught at the William & Mary School of Education in Williamsburg, Virginia, at which time it will be live-streamed back to the campus in Washington.
"Jim Comey is among William & Mary’s most distinguished alumni," school President Taylor Reveley said. "He understands to the core of his being that our leaders must have an abiding commitment to ethical behavior and sacrificial service if we are to have good government. Our students will benefit significantly from his experience and wisdom."
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DEA investigation unravels drug trafficking and corruption by Honduran congressman
Conspiracy included massive cocaine loads from Colombia and elsewhere for U.S. import, safe passage, bribes, government protection
WASHINGTON – A member of the Honduran National Congress faces U.S. charges for drug trafficking, weapons and conspiracy thanks to a DEA-led international drug investigation, federal law enforcement officials announced today. Honduran Congressman Fredy Renan Najera Montoya has been charged in Manhattan federal court with conspiring to import cocaine into the United States and related weapons offenses involving the use and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. The United States is seeking Najera’s extradition from Honduras and he faces a maximum of life imprisonment if convicted.
“Najera used his position in the Honduran Congress to facilitate huge amounts of drug trafficking and corruption, while using security teams possessing dangerous and deadly weapons that threaten the rule of law and innocent lives,” said Raymond Donovan, DEA Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Special Operations Division, which coordinates multi-agency, multi-national drug trafficking and narco-terror operations worldwide. “DEA will continue to go after these dangerous criminal individuals and their violent networks with our counterparts across the world utilizing every law enforcement tool at our disposal.”
According to the DEA investigation and in the charges announced, multiple drug-trafficking organizations in Honduras and elsewhere worked together with support from Najera and others to receive multi-hundred kilogram loads of cocaine sent to Honduras from Colombia and elsewhere via air and maritime routes. Their criminal scheme also included drug transport westward in Honduras toward the border with Guatemala and eventually to the United States. For protection from official interference, and in order to facilitate the safe passage through Honduras of the cocaine loads, drug traffickers paid bribes to public officials, including certain members of the National Congress of Honduras.
WASHINGTON – A member of the Honduran National Congress faces U.S. charges for drug trafficking, weapons and conspiracy thanks to a DEA-led international drug investigation, federal law enforcement officials announced today. Honduran Congressman Fredy Renan Najera Montoya has been charged in Manhattan federal court with conspiring to import cocaine into the United States and related weapons offenses involving the use and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. The United States is seeking Najera’s extradition from Honduras and he faces a maximum of life imprisonment if convicted.
“Najera used his position in the Honduran Congress to facilitate huge amounts of drug trafficking and corruption, while using security teams possessing dangerous and deadly weapons that threaten the rule of law and innocent lives,” said Raymond Donovan, DEA Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Special Operations Division, which coordinates multi-agency, multi-national drug trafficking and narco-terror operations worldwide. “DEA will continue to go after these dangerous criminal individuals and their violent networks with our counterparts across the world utilizing every law enforcement tool at our disposal.”
According to the DEA investigation and in the charges announced, multiple drug-trafficking organizations in Honduras and elsewhere worked together with support from Najera and others to receive multi-hundred kilogram loads of cocaine sent to Honduras from Colombia and elsewhere via air and maritime routes. Their criminal scheme also included drug transport westward in Honduras toward the border with Guatemala and eventually to the United States. For protection from official interference, and in order to facilitate the safe passage through Honduras of the cocaine loads, drug traffickers paid bribes to public officials, including certain members of the National Congress of Honduras.
Man fools police with fake car made of snow
MONTREAL -- It's a policy we're not too familiar with here in Houston, but typically you’re supposed to keep your car out of the street when the snow plows need to come through.
In Canada, however, it's a well-known law. So naturally police wanted to issue one violator a ticket, only it turns out, his car wasn’t real. It was all snow!
L.S.D Laprise Simon Designs showed off their creation and the police officer’s note in a Facebook post.
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The Bell Is Tolling for Common Core
For several turbulent years, the Common Core State Standards Initiative, better known simply as Common Core, was the hot new trend in education. As such, it was finally at long last going to make our kids smarter and more academically well-rounded for college and career. Sold as a replacement for the George W. Bush-era No Child Left Behind program, Common Core got its big push from Barack Obama’s administration when it dangled federal stimulus money in front of the states during its initial Race to the Top program — but only for including Common Core standards in their efforts. No Common Core, no cash. At its peak, all but five states took the money.
But as our erstwhile colleague Allyne Caan wrote a couple of years back, “The real takeaway here is that the federal government makes an abysmal schoolteacher and is no better at being principal or superintendent. Perhaps that’s one of many reasons our Constitution does not include education among Congress’ enumerated powers. Instead, education is rightly a state, local and primarily parental responsibility.”
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But as our erstwhile colleague Allyne Caan wrote a couple of years back, “The real takeaway here is that the federal government makes an abysmal schoolteacher and is no better at being principal or superintendent. Perhaps that’s one of many reasons our Constitution does not include education among Congress’ enumerated powers. Instead, education is rightly a state, local and primarily parental responsibility.”
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Delaware utility rates are set to drop as a result of federal corporate tax cuts
The Delaware Public Commission voted to approve a petition to reduce Delaware utility rates in response to recently passed federal tax cuts.
Last month the federal government passed legislation dropping the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%.
Delaware’s Public Advocate petitioned to have utility companies in the state drop their rates proportionate to the savings from the cuts. The Delaware Public Commission voted unanimously—four to zero—in favor of the petition Wednesday.
Public Advocate Drew Slater says there was some argument to put the funds towards infrastructure projects, but he’s glad they will go back to rate-payers.
“If you go to WaWa and buy a dollar cup of coffee and you pay with a $20 bill, you get your $19 back. You don’t expect them to hold on to the money for you,” said Slater. “Similarly, when you pay federal income tax. When you pay too much, you expect a refund.”
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Last month the federal government passed legislation dropping the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%.
Delaware’s Public Advocate petitioned to have utility companies in the state drop their rates proportionate to the savings from the cuts. The Delaware Public Commission voted unanimously—four to zero—in favor of the petition Wednesday.
Public Advocate Drew Slater says there was some argument to put the funds towards infrastructure projects, but he’s glad they will go back to rate-payers.
“If you go to WaWa and buy a dollar cup of coffee and you pay with a $20 bill, you get your $19 back. You don’t expect them to hold on to the money for you,” said Slater. “Similarly, when you pay federal income tax. When you pay too much, you expect a refund.”
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Baltimore Mayor Replaces City Police Commissioner Kevin Davis
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh has fired Commissioner Kevin Davis as head of the city’s police force, she announced Friday morning.
Deputy Commissioner Darryl D. DeSousa, 53, will replace Commissioner Kevin Davis, becoming the department’s 40th commissioner.
Following appropriate approvals, his appointment as Commissioner will be made permanent, the mayor says.
“As I have made clear, reducing violence and restoring the confidence of our citizens in their police officers is my highest priority,” Mayor Pugh said in a statement.
Deadly violent crime has been on the rise in Baltimore since Freddie Gray’s 2015 death. There were 211 homicides in 2014, compared with 342 in 2015, 318 in 2016 and 343 in 2017.
“The fact is, we are not achieving the pace of progress that our residents have every right to expect in the weeks since we ended what was nearly a record year for homicides in the City of Baltimore,” Pugh continued in her statement.
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Publishers Notes: They keep firing the police commissioner........same result with a new commissioner.
Deputy Commissioner Darryl D. DeSousa, 53, will replace Commissioner Kevin Davis, becoming the department’s 40th commissioner.
Following appropriate approvals, his appointment as Commissioner will be made permanent, the mayor says.
“As I have made clear, reducing violence and restoring the confidence of our citizens in their police officers is my highest priority,” Mayor Pugh said in a statement.
Deadly violent crime has been on the rise in Baltimore since Freddie Gray’s 2015 death. There were 211 homicides in 2014, compared with 342 in 2015, 318 in 2016 and 343 in 2017.
“The fact is, we are not achieving the pace of progress that our residents have every right to expect in the weeks since we ended what was nearly a record year for homicides in the City of Baltimore,” Pugh continued in her statement.
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Things That Make You Go, Hmmm?
You have to wonder why today all 7 democrat congressmen from Maryland voted against funding the children's health insurance program (CHIP) for six years.
This costume designer repaired a baby butterfly’s wing, then watched in delight as it flew away
Romy McCloskey is a costume designer by training, with a specialty in intricate bead work that demands precision. She also raises and releases monarch butterflies at her Texas home.
It just so happened that these two skills intersected on a recent day when she actually performed surgery on one of her injured monarch’s wings, an operation that saved its life and allowed it to fly away to migrate.
“Hopefully he’s having a margarita down in Mexico with his buddies,” said McCloskey, 43, a mother of two boys.
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It just so happened that these two skills intersected on a recent day when she actually performed surgery on one of her injured monarch’s wings, an operation that saved its life and allowed it to fly away to migrate.
“Hopefully he’s having a margarita down in Mexico with his buddies,” said McCloskey, 43, a mother of two boys.
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WARNING!!! NEW SPEED CAMERA IN PITTSVILLE
What makes this so wrong is that it is the only area in the county that I know of that drops down to 20 MPH while the rest of their 30 mph signs in town state all roads in Pittsville are 30 mph.
That alone will win every single case in court. Watch them remove the 30 mph notices after they read this. Get your cameras out now and take a picture of the speed signs stating that and take it to court with you.
Sheriff Mike Lewis must be desperate for cash because this is getting as low as a Sheriff can get. Keep in mind Folks, if you need a cop in Pittsville you'll wait 30 to 45 minutes before they get there.
Some Questions To Ponder
1- Since only 10 million people have Obama Care, how will 24 million
people die if it is repealed? Will 14 million people be randomly shot?
2- If Donald Trump deleted all of his emails, wiped his server with
Bleach and destroyed all of his phones with a hammer, would the
Mainstream Media suddenly lose all interest in the story and declare him
innocent?
3- If women do the same job for less money, why do companies hire men to
do the same job for more money?
4-If you rob a bank in a Sanctuary City, is it illegal or is it just an
Undocumented Withdrawal?
5- If each ISIS attack now is a reaction to Trump policies, why were all ISIS
attacks during Obama's term due to Climate Change and a plea for
jobs?
6- After the London 'Lone Wolf' terrorist attack, government officials
have arrested at least eight other 'Lone Wolves' who had conspired with
the original 'Lone Wolf' in planning the 'Lone Wolf' attack. If all involved
are Muslims, and you can be assured, the 'Lone Wolf attack has
nothing at all to do with Islam, are all the other 1000 plus 'Lone
Wolf' attacks by Muslims completely unassociated with Islam?
7- Why are we calling them 'Entitlements'? Welfare, Food Stamps,
WIC, are not entitlements. They are taxpayer-funded handouts, and
shouldn't be called entitlements at all.. Social Security and Veterans
Benefits are Entitlements because the people receiving them are entitled
to them. They were earned and paid for by the recipients.
8- If Muslims want to run away from a Muslim country, does that mean
they're Islamophobic?
9- If Liberals don't believe in biological gender, then why did they
march for women's rights?
10- How did the Russians get Debbie Wasserman Schultz and the DNC to
steal the Primary from Bernie Sanders? How did Russia get Donna Brazile
to leak debate questions to Hillary Clinton in advance of the debates?
11- Why is it that Democrats think Superdelegates are fine, but they
have a problem with the Electoral College?
12- If you don't want the FBI involved in elections, then why nominate
someone who's being investigated by the FBI?
13- If Hillary's speeches cost $250,000 an hour, how come no one shows
up to her free ones?
14- The DNC is mad at Russia because they 'think' they are trying to
manipulate our election by exposing that the DNC is manipulating our
election?
15- Why is it that Liberals and the Media are upset about the words
Trump used 11 years ago, but they are all right with adult "men" using the
Ladies Room with your wife and children?