Florida has been ranked rock-bottom in a list of American states, prompting a light-hearted backlash from local media.
The Sunshine State was beneath all 49 other states when rated by a lifestyle website on 'everything'.
Included in the assessment was the states' 'contributions to America', 'inventions', 'food/drink', 'productive famous people' and 'unique physical beauty'.
More
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, February 01, 2018
Ron Paul: The Last Fed Chairman?
Next Fed-created economic crisis could lead people to force Congress to audit, then end the Fed
Last week the Senate confirmed Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve Chairman by a vote of 84-13. This is in contrast to the contentious debates and closer votes over Janet Yellen’s confirmation in 2014 and Ben Bernanke’s confirmation for a second term in 2010. Powell benefited from a perception that the economy’s recovery from the 2007-08 meltdown proves that the Fed is a capable manager of monetary policy. However, the perceptions of economic recovery and Federal Reserve competence are both far from the truth.
The economy may seem to have recovered, but the recovery is not built on a firm foundation. Instead it rests on Fed-created bubbles in areas such as automobile sales, credit cards debt, student loan debt, stocks, and even a new housing bubble.
The most dangerous bubble is the government debt bubble. The Fed facilitates deficit spending by monetizing the federal debt. The desire to enable Congress’ spending addiction is a major reason why the Fed cannot significantly raise interest rates, as increasing rates could increase federal debt payments to unsustainable levels. This may be one reason why President Trump has reversed course and endorsed low interest rates. Of course, all first-term presidents want low interest rates since they believe the low rates boost the economy and thus help them win reelection.
More
Last week the Senate confirmed Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve Chairman by a vote of 84-13. This is in contrast to the contentious debates and closer votes over Janet Yellen’s confirmation in 2014 and Ben Bernanke’s confirmation for a second term in 2010. Powell benefited from a perception that the economy’s recovery from the 2007-08 meltdown proves that the Fed is a capable manager of monetary policy. However, the perceptions of economic recovery and Federal Reserve competence are both far from the truth.
The economy may seem to have recovered, but the recovery is not built on a firm foundation. Instead it rests on Fed-created bubbles in areas such as automobile sales, credit cards debt, student loan debt, stocks, and even a new housing bubble.
The most dangerous bubble is the government debt bubble. The Fed facilitates deficit spending by monetizing the federal debt. The desire to enable Congress’ spending addiction is a major reason why the Fed cannot significantly raise interest rates, as increasing rates could increase federal debt payments to unsustainable levels. This may be one reason why President Trump has reversed course and endorsed low interest rates. Of course, all first-term presidents want low interest rates since they believe the low rates boost the economy and thus help them win reelection.
More
Texas set to execute man who murdered his ex-girlfriend
Carol Lynn Thomas Hall knew William Rayford had spent time in prison for killing his estranged wife but defended her own relationship with him, telling relatives she believed it was her Christian duty to give the parolee a second chance.
The Dallas woman who ran Sunday school at her church became Rayford's second murder victim in an attack eerily similar to his first killing.
Rayford, 64, is now set to die Tuesday for Hall's 1999 slaying. He will be the nation's second inmate executed this year, both in Texas. Another is set for Thursday in Texas as well.
More
The Dallas woman who ran Sunday school at her church became Rayford's second murder victim in an attack eerily similar to his first killing.
Rayford, 64, is now set to die Tuesday for Hall's 1999 slaying. He will be the nation's second inmate executed this year, both in Texas. Another is set for Thursday in Texas as well.
More
FBI officials review surveillance memo, could not cite 'any factual inaccuracies': source
Two senior FBI officials have now reviewed a controversial Republican staff memo alleging abuses of government surveillance programs during the 2016 presidential campaign, a source familiar with the matter told Fox News – adding that the officials “could not point to any factual inaccuracies.”
The two officials – one from the bureau’s counterintelligence division and the other from the legal division – followed up after an initial review of the memo during a rare Sunday trip to Capitol Hill by FBI Director Christopher Wray.
The House Intelligence Committee voted late Monday along party lines to release the memo, prompting a backlash from Democratic lawmakers. Top Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff called it a “very sad day.” President Trump has five working days to review the contents but is widely expected not to block its release.
After the contentious committee vote Monday night, the source confirmed that House staffers physically took the memo over to the White House for the president.
More
The two officials – one from the bureau’s counterintelligence division and the other from the legal division – followed up after an initial review of the memo during a rare Sunday trip to Capitol Hill by FBI Director Christopher Wray.
The House Intelligence Committee voted late Monday along party lines to release the memo, prompting a backlash from Democratic lawmakers. Top Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff called it a “very sad day.” President Trump has five working days to review the contents but is widely expected not to block its release.
After the contentious committee vote Monday night, the source confirmed that House staffers physically took the memo over to the White House for the president.
More
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/01/30/fbi-officials-review-surveillance-memo-could-not-cite-any-factual-inaccuracies-source.html
Murkowski, Collins Kill Pain-Capable Bill
Two Republican senators helped kill a 20-week abortion ban in the Senate on Monday evening.
The Senate voted 51-46 in favor of the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which was short of the 60 votes required to proceed to a final vote under current Senate rules.
Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine both voted against the bill, which would have prohibited abortions on unborn babies after 20 weeks, the age at which they can feel pain, with exceptions in cases rape, incest or to save the life of the mother.
More
The Senate voted 51-46 in favor of the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which was short of the 60 votes required to proceed to a final vote under current Senate rules.
Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine both voted against the bill, which would have prohibited abortions on unborn babies after 20 weeks, the age at which they can feel pain, with exceptions in cases rape, incest or to save the life of the mother.
More
Buchanan on Trade: The Big Issue Is What Trump Does with NAFTA
This week on “The McLaughlin Group,” conservative political commentator Pat Buchanan warned to watch out for what President Donald Trump does with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Trump has threatened to terminate NAFTA but said he could also renegotiate the deal.
“You’ve got the NAFTA problem that’s going to be coming up, that’s going to be big,” said Buchanan.
More
Trump has threatened to terminate NAFTA but said he could also renegotiate the deal.
“You’ve got the NAFTA problem that’s going to be coming up, that’s going to be big,” said Buchanan.
More
Pro-Sovereignty Populists on Course to Dominate European 2018 Elections
Globalism under siege in Europe
After the victory of pro-sovereignty and anti-mass migration Czech President Miloš Zeman at the weekend, many are looking to the three big national elections coming in Europe this year in which populists and pro-sovereignty parties look to dominate in Italy and Hungary and place strongly in Sweden.
While 2017 saw major elections in France and Germany, which saw strong showings from the populist French Front National and the Alternative for Germany (AfD), neither managed to enter government. In Austria, the Freedom Party (FPÖ) became the first populist party in Western Europe to enter government and polls show that in 2018 this trend could continue.
Italy’s general election is coming March 4th, and there has already been a significant rise in support for populist parties like Lega and the Eurosceptic Five Star Movement.
Read more
After the victory of pro-sovereignty and anti-mass migration Czech President Miloš Zeman at the weekend, many are looking to the three big national elections coming in Europe this year in which populists and pro-sovereignty parties look to dominate in Italy and Hungary and place strongly in Sweden.
While 2017 saw major elections in France and Germany, which saw strong showings from the populist French Front National and the Alternative for Germany (AfD), neither managed to enter government. In Austria, the Freedom Party (FPÖ) became the first populist party in Western Europe to enter government and polls show that in 2018 this trend could continue.
Italy’s general election is coming March 4th, and there has already been a significant rise in support for populist parties like Lega and the Eurosceptic Five Star Movement.
Read more
Angel Dad: ‘Treasonous’ Amnesty Puts ‘Foreign Invaders' over ‘American Families’
“There are the types of stories that CNN is never going to tell, neither is MSNBC or any of the other mainstream media outlets,” said Angel Dad Dan Golvach of the 2015 murder of his 25-year-old son by a previously deported illegal alien.
Golvach joined Breitbart News’s Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow on Monday for an interview on SiriusXM’s Breitbart News Daily.
News media outlets such as CNN and MSNBC align with Democrats in advocacy for amnestying illegal aliens while ignoring Angel Families and the broader consequences of illegal immigration, said Golvach.
“We have the whole of the Democratic Party — along with the Republican defectors — that are in both houses that have decided to put the interests and health and well-being of foreign invaders … ahead of American families,” said Golvach. “Do you think any of these Democrats or these bleeding hearts are going to put up one of their own kids as an offering, as a sacrifice to this agenda of theirs? No. It’s easy to sacrifice mine. … It’s just treasonous, and I’m sick of it. I’m sick and tired of Americans not being even mentioned in the mix.”
CNN markets itself as a politically objective and non-partisan news media outlet, billing itself “The Most Trusted Name In News.”
More
Golvach joined Breitbart News’s Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow on Monday for an interview on SiriusXM’s Breitbart News Daily.
News media outlets such as CNN and MSNBC align with Democrats in advocacy for amnestying illegal aliens while ignoring Angel Families and the broader consequences of illegal immigration, said Golvach.
“We have the whole of the Democratic Party — along with the Republican defectors — that are in both houses that have decided to put the interests and health and well-being of foreign invaders … ahead of American families,” said Golvach. “Do you think any of these Democrats or these bleeding hearts are going to put up one of their own kids as an offering, as a sacrifice to this agenda of theirs? No. It’s easy to sacrifice mine. … It’s just treasonous, and I’m sick of it. I’m sick and tired of Americans not being even mentioned in the mix.”
CNN markets itself as a politically objective and non-partisan news media outlet, billing itself “The Most Trusted Name In News.”
More
Too Many Wars. Too Many Enemies
If Turkey is not bluffing, U.S. troops in Manbij, Syria, could be under fire by week’s end, and NATO engulfed in the worst crisis in its history.
Turkish President Erdogan said Friday his troops will cleanse Manbij of Kurdish fighters, alongside whom U.S. troops are embedded.
Erdogan’s foreign minister demanded concrete steps by the U.S. to end its support of the Kurds, who control the Syrian border with Turkey east of the Euphrates, all the way to Iraq.
If the Turks attack Manbij, the U.S. will face a choice: Stand by our Kurdish allies and resist the Turks, or abandon the Kurds.
Should the U.S. let the Turks drive the Kurds out of Manbij and the entire Syrian border area with Turkey, as Erdogan threatens, U.S. credibility would suffer a blow from which it would not soon recover.
But to stand with the Kurds and oppose Erdogan’s forces could mean a crackup of NATO and loss of U.S. bases inside Turkey, including the air base at Incirlik.
More
Turkish President Erdogan said Friday his troops will cleanse Manbij of Kurdish fighters, alongside whom U.S. troops are embedded.
Erdogan’s foreign minister demanded concrete steps by the U.S. to end its support of the Kurds, who control the Syrian border with Turkey east of the Euphrates, all the way to Iraq.
If the Turks attack Manbij, the U.S. will face a choice: Stand by our Kurdish allies and resist the Turks, or abandon the Kurds.
Should the U.S. let the Turks drive the Kurds out of Manbij and the entire Syrian border area with Turkey, as Erdogan threatens, U.S. credibility would suffer a blow from which it would not soon recover.
But to stand with the Kurds and oppose Erdogan’s forces could mean a crackup of NATO and loss of U.S. bases inside Turkey, including the air base at Incirlik.
More
Tennessee Meat Market Owner Accused of Carrying Out $1.2 Million Food Stamp Fraud
A Tennessee meat market owner is accused of carrying out a $1.2 million food stamp fraud scheme where he traded benefits for cash.
A federal grand jury indicted Guy Randal “Randy” Stockard, 59, on charges of food stamp fraud, conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud, and theft of government property on January 11, the Justice Department announced in a press release.
Stockard owned Southern Meat Market, a meat market in Memphis that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) authorized to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits—often referred to as food stamps.
More
A federal grand jury indicted Guy Randal “Randy” Stockard, 59, on charges of food stamp fraud, conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud, and theft of government property on January 11, the Justice Department announced in a press release.
Stockard owned Southern Meat Market, a meat market in Memphis that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) authorized to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits—often referred to as food stamps.
More
SC: Support For Firing Squads Is Growing
South Carolina is one of thirty-two states which (like the federal government) allows for capital punishment in response to certain offenses – however it no longer carry out death sentences.
In fact it hasn’t for years …
There’s a death row in the Palmetto State – it was recently relocated as a matter of fact – but executions have been effectively discontinued. None have taken place since 2011, and several condemned inmates who were scheduled to meet their maker in recent years have seen their sentences commuted to life in prison.
What gives?
Like many other state prison systems, the S.C. Department of Corrections (SCDC) has been unable to purchase one of the drugs needed to perform lethal injections. No American companies manufacture the substance, and the European companies that produce it refuse to sell it in America. Why? Because they oppose capital punishment.
One prominent Palmetto State prosecutor has had enough of the impasse …
More
In fact it hasn’t for years …
There’s a death row in the Palmetto State – it was recently relocated as a matter of fact – but executions have been effectively discontinued. None have taken place since 2011, and several condemned inmates who were scheduled to meet their maker in recent years have seen their sentences commuted to life in prison.
What gives?
Like many other state prison systems, the S.C. Department of Corrections (SCDC) has been unable to purchase one of the drugs needed to perform lethal injections. No American companies manufacture the substance, and the European companies that produce it refuse to sell it in America. Why? Because they oppose capital punishment.
One prominent Palmetto State prosecutor has had enough of the impasse …
More
Suffering a blow to the head raises the risk of dementia
Suffering a severe blow to the head raises the risk of dementia even 30 years later, a major new study concludes.
Swedish researchers discovered the devastating disease is six times more prevalent among victims of a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
The findings, derived from data of 995,000 people, is the biggest investigation of its kind into the link between TBIs and dementia.
It showed the more severe the blow, the greater the risk of the incurable disease, according to the analysis led by Umea University.
The results, welcomed by charities, add to the mounting concerns about the dangers of head injuries from playing football, rugby, boxing and American football.
Studies have repeatedly uncovered links between dementia and blows to the head, such as those sustained from contact sports.
More
Swedish researchers discovered the devastating disease is six times more prevalent among victims of a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
The findings, derived from data of 995,000 people, is the biggest investigation of its kind into the link between TBIs and dementia.
It showed the more severe the blow, the greater the risk of the incurable disease, according to the analysis led by Umea University.
The results, welcomed by charities, add to the mounting concerns about the dangers of head injuries from playing football, rugby, boxing and American football.
Studies have repeatedly uncovered links between dementia and blows to the head, such as those sustained from contact sports.
More
BIPARTISANSHIP ALERT: Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act
Governor Hogan Thanks Members Of The General Assembly For Supporting Similar Common Sense Legislation
“This bipartisan proposal has been considered by the legislature for several years now, but amazingly has never passed. We want this year to finally be the year that this common sense measure is enacted into law.” - Governor Larry Hogan, January 4, 2018
Governor Hogan Has Pushed For The Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act
During The 2017 Legislative Session, Governor Hogan Introduced The Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act Of 2017. (“Senate Bill 316,” Maryland General Assembly, 11/28/17; “House Bill 369,” Maryland General Assembly, 11/28/17)
Governor Hogan Reintroduced The Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act As Part Of His Robust 2018 Legislative Agenda
Governor Hogan's Proposed Legislation, The Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act, Would Allow A Court To Admit Evidence Of A Defendant’s Prior Sexually Assaultive Behavior During Prosecution For Certain Sexual Offenses Under Specific Circumstances. “The court may admit evidence of sexually assaultive behavior if the court finds and states on the record that: The evidence is being offered to: Prove lack of consent; or Rebut an express or implied allegation that a minor victim fabricated the sexual offense; The sexually assaultive behavior was proven by clear and convincing evidence; and The probative value of the evidence is not substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice.” (“House Bill 353,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/23/18)
The Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act Is Sponsored By A Group Of 16 Bipartisan Senators And 46 Members Of The House Of Delegates. (“Senate Bill 298,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/22/18; “House Bill 353,”Maryland General Assembly, 1/23/18)
Members Of The State Senate And House Of Delegates Are Introducing Similar Legislation As Governor Hogan
Senator Jim Brochin And Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary Are Introducing The Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act Of 2018; Legislation Which Is Similar To Governor Hogan’s Proposed Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act. (“Senate Bill 270,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/26/18; “House Bill 301,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/26/18)
“This bipartisan proposal has been considered by the legislature for several years now, but amazingly has never passed. We want this year to finally be the year that this common sense measure is enacted into law.” - Governor Larry Hogan, January 4, 2018
Governor Hogan Has Pushed For The Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act
During The 2017 Legislative Session, Governor Hogan Introduced The Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act Of 2017. (“Senate Bill 316,” Maryland General Assembly, 11/28/17; “House Bill 369,” Maryland General Assembly, 11/28/17)
Governor Hogan Reintroduced The Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act As Part Of His Robust 2018 Legislative Agenda
Governor Hogan's Proposed Legislation, The Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act, Would Allow A Court To Admit Evidence Of A Defendant’s Prior Sexually Assaultive Behavior During Prosecution For Certain Sexual Offenses Under Specific Circumstances. “The court may admit evidence of sexually assaultive behavior if the court finds and states on the record that: The evidence is being offered to: Prove lack of consent; or Rebut an express or implied allegation that a minor victim fabricated the sexual offense; The sexually assaultive behavior was proven by clear and convincing evidence; and The probative value of the evidence is not substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice.” (“House Bill 353,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/23/18)
The Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act Is Sponsored By A Group Of 16 Bipartisan Senators And 46 Members Of The House Of Delegates. (“Senate Bill 298,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/22/18; “House Bill 353,”Maryland General Assembly, 1/23/18)
Members Of The State Senate And House Of Delegates Are Introducing Similar Legislation As Governor Hogan
Senator Jim Brochin And Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary Are Introducing The Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act Of 2018; Legislation Which Is Similar To Governor Hogan’s Proposed Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act. (“Senate Bill 270,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/26/18; “House Bill 301,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/26/18)
MILITARY ORDNANCE DISCOVERED IN DORCHESTER COUNTY
HURLOCK, MD - Bomb technicians with the Maryland State Fire Marshal Bomb Squad were requested by the Maryland State Police – Easton Barrack yesterday to determine the hazards associated with what was believed to be military ordnance discovered by a citizen collecting recyclables in the 6700 Block of Bobtown Road.
The Maryland State Police, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office and the Hurlock Volunteer Fire Department assisted on the scene with traffic control and securing a perimeter as bomb technicians rendered safe multiple military grenades.
In total 38 grenades were recovered from along Bobtown Road. There were nine (9) live devices, nineteen (19) devices with fuse but no explosive filler and ten (10) inert devices recovered. The devices were determined to be hazardous and render safe procedures were conducted immediately at the scene; in addition six devices were transported to a nearby County landfill where they were counter charged.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was also requested to assist in the investigation.
No injuries or property damage has been reported related to this incident.
Anyone having any information in reference to this incident is urged to contact the Maryland State Fire Marshal Bomb Squad at 410-859-7152 or the Maryland State Police – Easton Barrack at 410-822-3101.
The Maryland State Police, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office and the Hurlock Volunteer Fire Department assisted on the scene with traffic control and securing a perimeter as bomb technicians rendered safe multiple military grenades.
In total 38 grenades were recovered from along Bobtown Road. There were nine (9) live devices, nineteen (19) devices with fuse but no explosive filler and ten (10) inert devices recovered. The devices were determined to be hazardous and render safe procedures were conducted immediately at the scene; in addition six devices were transported to a nearby County landfill where they were counter charged.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was also requested to assist in the investigation.
No injuries or property damage has been reported related to this incident.
Anyone having any information in reference to this incident is urged to contact the Maryland State Fire Marshal Bomb Squad at 410-859-7152 or the Maryland State Police – Easton Barrack at 410-822-3101.
Update regarding the water boil advisory
Paul Ryan calls to 'cleanse' the FBI, backs surveillance memo release
House Speaker Paul Ryan called Tuesday to “cleanse” the FBI as he openly backed the release of a controversial memo that purportedly details alleged surveillance abuses by the U.S. government.
“Let it all out, get it all out there. Cleanse the organization,” Ryan, R-Wis., said.
He added: “I think we should disclose all this stuff. It’s the best disinfectant. Accountability, transparency -- for the sake of the reputation of our institutions.”
The striking remarks came at a breakfast with anchors and reporters ahead of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address; much of the session was off the record.
Ryan spoke on the record to address the controversy over the House Intelligence Committee voting late Monday to make public the surveillance memo.
Ryan said “we should disclose,” and “disclosure is the way to go.”
He said problems at the FBI and the Justice Department should be cleaned out, while “covering up mischief would be worse.”
More
“Let it all out, get it all out there. Cleanse the organization,” Ryan, R-Wis., said.
He added: “I think we should disclose all this stuff. It’s the best disinfectant. Accountability, transparency -- for the sake of the reputation of our institutions.”
The striking remarks came at a breakfast with anchors and reporters ahead of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address; much of the session was off the record.
Ryan spoke on the record to address the controversy over the House Intelligence Committee voting late Monday to make public the surveillance memo.
Ryan said “we should disclose,” and “disclosure is the way to go.”
He said problems at the FBI and the Justice Department should be cleaned out, while “covering up mischief would be worse.”
More
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/01/30/paul-ryan-calls-to-cleanse-fbi-backs-surveillance-memo-release.html
Here’s Why The DOJ Watchdog Is Investigating Andrew McCabe
The Justice Department’s inspector general has been investigating whether former FBI Director Andrew McCabe tried to delay an investigation into Hillary Clinton’s emails until after the 2016 election, according to a new report.
The Washington Post reports that DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz is looking into why McCabe appears to have waited three weeks to inspect a laptop owned by Anthony Weiner and his wife, Huma Abedin, a longtime Clinton aide.
In a surprise move, McCabe stepped down from his position as FBI No. 2 on Monday. He will remain on leave until March when he can retire with a full pension.
McCabe’s sudden decision prompted widespread speculation that he had been forced out by President Trump. Trump has publicly criticized McCabe and other FBI officials over the past year.
More
The Washington Post reports that DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz is looking into why McCabe appears to have waited three weeks to inspect a laptop owned by Anthony Weiner and his wife, Huma Abedin, a longtime Clinton aide.
In a surprise move, McCabe stepped down from his position as FBI No. 2 on Monday. He will remain on leave until March when he can retire with a full pension.
McCabe’s sudden decision prompted widespread speculation that he had been forced out by President Trump. Trump has publicly criticized McCabe and other FBI officials over the past year.
More
Christopher Steele Gave FBI Another Dossier
Former British spy Christopher Steele gave the FBI a copy of a second dossier on Donald Trump, this one put together by a Democratic political operative who has been referred to as a “hatchet man” for the Clinton family.
The Guardian reports that Steele passed the so-called “Shearer memo” — compiled by Cody Shearer — to the FBI in October 2016. Steele, an ex-MI6 officer, had been given the document by an American contact who is unnamed in The Guardian report.
According to the newspaper, Steele told the FBI that he could not verify the information in the memo, but he said that he gave the bureau a copy because some of the information in it matched up with what he had reported in his own dossier.
More
The Guardian reports that Steele passed the so-called “Shearer memo” — compiled by Cody Shearer — to the FBI in October 2016. Steele, an ex-MI6 officer, had been given the document by an American contact who is unnamed in The Guardian report.
According to the newspaper, Steele told the FBI that he could not verify the information in the memo, but he said that he gave the bureau a copy because some of the information in it matched up with what he had reported in his own dossier.
More
Breaking News: President Trump will not block House Republicans from releasing a memo said to accuse the F.B.I. of abuses and is unlikely to seek redactions
FBI officials review FISA memo, could not cite 'any factual inaccuracies'
Two senior FBI officials have now reviewed a controversial Republican staff memo alleging abuses of government surveillance programs during the 2016 presidential campaign, a source familiar with the matter told Fox News – adding that the officials “could not point to any factual inaccuracies.”
The two officials – one from the bureau’s counterintelligence division and the other from the legal division – followed up after an initial review of the memo during a rare Sunday trip to Capitol Hill by FBI Director Christopher Wray.
The House Intelligence Committee voted late Monday along party lines to release the memo, prompting a backlash from Democratic lawmakers. Top Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff called it a “very sad day.” President Trump has five working days to review the contents but is widely expected not to block its release.
After the contentious committee vote Monday night, the source confirmed that House staffers physically took the memo over to the White House for the president.
Fox News is told the memo was “drafted deliberately to eliminate national security information” that could be damaging if viewed by individuals outside Congress.
More
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/01/30/fbi-officials-review-surveillance-memo-could-not-cite-any-factual-inaccuracies-source.html
The two officials – one from the bureau’s counterintelligence division and the other from the legal division – followed up after an initial review of the memo during a rare Sunday trip to Capitol Hill by FBI Director Christopher Wray.
The House Intelligence Committee voted late Monday along party lines to release the memo, prompting a backlash from Democratic lawmakers. Top Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff called it a “very sad day.” President Trump has five working days to review the contents but is widely expected not to block its release.
After the contentious committee vote Monday night, the source confirmed that House staffers physically took the memo over to the White House for the president.
Fox News is told the memo was “drafted deliberately to eliminate national security information” that could be damaging if viewed by individuals outside Congress.
More
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/01/30/fbi-officials-review-surveillance-memo-could-not-cite-any-factual-inaccuracies-source.html
Trump EEOC Gets Settlement for Muslim Security Guard
Keeping with an Obama practice of pursuing American businesses that won’t accommodate Muslims, the Trump administration sued a security company for refusing to modify its grooming standards. This constituted religious discrimination, according to the government, because the Muslim employee requested the grooming exemption in accordance with his “sincerely held religious beliefs.”
In a settlement reached this month between the company and the government, the security guard gets $90,000 in damages and the firm must hire an equal employment monitor and revise its religious accommodation policies.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the bloated federal agency that enforces the nation’s workplace discrimination laws, filed the lawsuit in December against Allied Universal in United States District Court for the Southern District of California. Allied is a national company with more than 150,000 employees that protect tens of thousands of clients across the country.
The plaintiff, William Webb, was hired as a security guard to work in the San Diego area. After getting hired, he asked for the grooming exemption and the company refused. The EEOC, which filed dozens of similar lawsuits during the Obama administration, alleges in its complaint that Allied’s conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits religious discrimination and requires employers to make reasonable accommodations to employees’ sincerely held religious beliefs.
More here
In a settlement reached this month between the company and the government, the security guard gets $90,000 in damages and the firm must hire an equal employment monitor and revise its religious accommodation policies.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the bloated federal agency that enforces the nation’s workplace discrimination laws, filed the lawsuit in December against Allied Universal in United States District Court for the Southern District of California. Allied is a national company with more than 150,000 employees that protect tens of thousands of clients across the country.
The plaintiff, William Webb, was hired as a security guard to work in the San Diego area. After getting hired, he asked for the grooming exemption and the company refused. The EEOC, which filed dozens of similar lawsuits during the Obama administration, alleges in its complaint that Allied’s conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits religious discrimination and requires employers to make reasonable accommodations to employees’ sincerely held religious beliefs.
More here
Cotton: U.S. Companies Should Not Be Pressured to Adopt Global Regulations
Sen. Tom Cotton (R., Ark.) questioned Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin on Tuesday about U.S. control of its own financial regulation and said the government should not cede its power to foreign bodies.
Cotton mentioned a letter he wrote with fellow members of the Senate Banking Committee raising concerns about the Financial Security Board (FSB), an international body he suspects of exerting undue pressure on American firms.
"We’re concerned that it’s morphed into a kind of global regulatory body using its peer-review mechanism as a quasi-enforcement tool to pressure U.S. companies into adopting global standards," Cotton said about the FSB. "I’m concerned about that kind of regulatory creep into U.S. jurisdictions, especially considering how dissimilar our financial markets are from any foreign markets. For example, we have thousands of small lenders, we have independent asset managers, and we have an insurance industry regulated by our states primarily."
He then asked Mnuchin whether FSB regulations were voluntary or binding, and Mnuchin said they were voluntary. Mnuchin went onto affirm that U.S. regulators have the final say.
More
Cotton mentioned a letter he wrote with fellow members of the Senate Banking Committee raising concerns about the Financial Security Board (FSB), an international body he suspects of exerting undue pressure on American firms.
"We’re concerned that it’s morphed into a kind of global regulatory body using its peer-review mechanism as a quasi-enforcement tool to pressure U.S. companies into adopting global standards," Cotton said about the FSB. "I’m concerned about that kind of regulatory creep into U.S. jurisdictions, especially considering how dissimilar our financial markets are from any foreign markets. For example, we have thousands of small lenders, we have independent asset managers, and we have an insurance industry regulated by our states primarily."
He then asked Mnuchin whether FSB regulations were voluntary or binding, and Mnuchin said they were voluntary. Mnuchin went onto affirm that U.S. regulators have the final say.
More
Feds investigating Apple over iPhone slowdown scandal
The Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission are investigating whether Apple violated securities laws concerning its disclosures that it slowed older iPhones with flagging batteries, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday.
The government has requested information from the company, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
The chairman of a Senate committee overseeing business issues asked Apple to answer questions about its disclosures, Reuters reported this month.
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. An SEC spokesman and Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment.
More
The government has requested information from the company, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
The chairman of a Senate committee overseeing business issues asked Apple to answer questions about its disclosures, Reuters reported this month.
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. An SEC spokesman and Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment.
More
Wanted- Felony Burglary- Somerset County, Maryland
(Princess Anne, MD) On November 19, 2017, Troopers responded to the report of a residential burglary in which two long guns were stolen. During the course of their investigation, troopers were able to identify RICHARD “RICKY” WILLIAM LAIRD (47 year old Caucasian male, photograph attached) as a primary suspect.
A felony arrest warrant was obtained charging Richard Laird with various burglary and firearm related charges. It was reported to troopers that Richard Laird is residing with various acquaintances in Virginia and has family ties to Tangier Island, and Somerset County, Maryland.
Anyone having information on Richard Laird’s whereabouts are asked to contact the Maryland State Police – Princess Anne Barrack at 443-260-3700. All callers can remain anonymous.
A felony arrest warrant was obtained charging Richard Laird with various burglary and firearm related charges. It was reported to troopers that Richard Laird is residing with various acquaintances in Virginia and has family ties to Tangier Island, and Somerset County, Maryland.
Anyone having information on Richard Laird’s whereabouts are asked to contact the Maryland State Police – Princess Anne Barrack at 443-260-3700. All callers can remain anonymous.
CONFUSION: Flustered Pelosi slams 'Dennis' Nunes over FISA memo
A flustered Nancy Pelosi alternated between manic and panic on Monday during an appearance on CNN.
She lectured host Chris Cuomo as he asked about the FISA memo the House Intelligence Committee voted to release publicly earlier in the day.
When asked if she thinks it will “put lives at stake if the memo comes out,” Pelosi responded, “We’re not saying that intelligence that is necessary for other countries to share with us, why would they put it at the mercy of Dennis Nunes, who doesn’t even memo and say to the American people should see it,” she said incoherently, calling Devin Nunes by the wrong first name.
“The American people — they have their own jobs to do. They’re not there saying, ‘Now I’m going to redact the memo because I know what is true and what is false,” Pelosi said.
“No, I’m saying you guys redact what you need to redact and let the American people decide,” Cuomo responded.
“But they– that’s not, that’s the way intelligence works,” Pelosi stammered. “You, you — that’s not the way it works,” she repeated.
More
She lectured host Chris Cuomo as he asked about the FISA memo the House Intelligence Committee voted to release publicly earlier in the day.
When asked if she thinks it will “put lives at stake if the memo comes out,” Pelosi responded, “We’re not saying that intelligence that is necessary for other countries to share with us, why would they put it at the mercy of Dennis Nunes, who doesn’t even memo and say to the American people should see it,” she said incoherently, calling Devin Nunes by the wrong first name.
“The American people — they have their own jobs to do. They’re not there saying, ‘Now I’m going to redact the memo because I know what is true and what is false,” Pelosi said.
“No, I’m saying you guys redact what you need to redact and let the American people decide,” Cuomo responded.
“But they– that’s not, that’s the way intelligence works,” Pelosi stammered. “You, you — that’s not the way it works,” she repeated.
More
New York Times: Immigrants Are Superior to Americans and Their Kids
New York Times columnist David Brooks tells his friends that the costs imposed by cheap-labor immigration don’t exist because, really, Americans are just inferior to immigrants in every way.
He writes:
Over all, America is suffering from a loss of dynamism. New business formation is down. Interstate mobility is down. Americans switch jobs less frequently and more Americans go through the day without ever leaving the house.
But these trends are largely within the native population. Immigrants provide the antidote. They start new businesses at twice the rate of nonimmigrants. Roughly 70 percent of immigrants express confidence in the American dream, compared with only 50 percent of the native-born. …
Republicans’ problem is that since George W. Bush left town they’ve become the East Germans of the 21st century. They have embraced a cultural model that produces low growth and low dynamism. No wonder they want to erect a wall.
More
He writes:
Over all, America is suffering from a loss of dynamism. New business formation is down. Interstate mobility is down. Americans switch jobs less frequently and more Americans go through the day without ever leaving the house.
But these trends are largely within the native population. Immigrants provide the antidote. They start new businesses at twice the rate of nonimmigrants. Roughly 70 percent of immigrants express confidence in the American dream, compared with only 50 percent of the native-born. …
Republicans’ problem is that since George W. Bush left town they’ve become the East Germans of the 21st century. They have embraced a cultural model that produces low growth and low dynamism. No wonder they want to erect a wall.
More
Va Senate backs bid to dock Lottery winners who received social welfare payments
Senate approves bill to dock lottery winners who got TANF
The Senate passed a bill Monday that would take back money from Virginia Lottery winners if they had received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits in the previous five years.
Senate Bill 192 by Sen. Mark Peake, R-Lynchburg, says that for lottery prizes of $25,000 or more, the state will be credited the amount of any cash benefit the winner received from TANF.
Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin County, said that after taxes, that would essentially strip a winner of all earnings — and thus send them back on welfare.
“Come on man, are we really doing this?” Stanley said. “This is not a partisan issue. This is about taking care of poor people who get lucky!”
More
The Senate passed a bill Monday that would take back money from Virginia Lottery winners if they had received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits in the previous five years.
Senate Bill 192 by Sen. Mark Peake, R-Lynchburg, says that for lottery prizes of $25,000 or more, the state will be credited the amount of any cash benefit the winner received from TANF.
Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin County, said that after taxes, that would essentially strip a winner of all earnings — and thus send them back on welfare.
“Come on man, are we really doing this?” Stanley said. “This is not a partisan issue. This is about taking care of poor people who get lucky!”
More
Watchdog: Taliban Replacing Bombed Heroin Labs in ‘Three to Four Days’
The Trump administration’s record numbers of airstrikes in Afghanistan have failed to expand the Afghan government’s control over its population and stop the Taliban from quickly replacing its opium and heroin processing labs pulverized by the U.S. military, a watchdog agency said in a report to Congress released Tuesday.
In its latest quarterly audit to lawmakers, the U.S. Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) noted:
The expanded authorities provided [by President Trump] to U.S. forces in Afghanistan have resulted in a significant uptick in U.S. air strikes and special operations against the insurgency, with the U.S. dropping 653 munitions in October 2017, a record high since 2012 and a more than three-fold increase from October 2016.
These actions have yet to increase the Afghan government’s control over its population … The goal of the Afghan government is to control 80% of its population within the next two years.
While the U.S. military is targeting the Taliban’s opium business, dealing a blow worth millions of dollars to the group, it is barely making a dent on the illicit trafficking of the lucrative poppy plant, noted SIGAR, explaining:
U.S. and Afghan air strikes this quarter have targeted the Taliban’s opium-production industry, which the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) estimates has as many as 400–500 active facilities at any given time.
More
In its latest quarterly audit to lawmakers, the U.S. Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) noted:
The expanded authorities provided [by President Trump] to U.S. forces in Afghanistan have resulted in a significant uptick in U.S. air strikes and special operations against the insurgency, with the U.S. dropping 653 munitions in October 2017, a record high since 2012 and a more than three-fold increase from October 2016.
These actions have yet to increase the Afghan government’s control over its population … The goal of the Afghan government is to control 80% of its population within the next two years.
While the U.S. military is targeting the Taliban’s opium business, dealing a blow worth millions of dollars to the group, it is barely making a dent on the illicit trafficking of the lucrative poppy plant, noted SIGAR, explaining:
U.S. and Afghan air strikes this quarter have targeted the Taliban’s opium-production industry, which the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) estimates has as many as 400–500 active facilities at any given time.
More
Michael Savage: Pelosi and Democrats Pushing 'Cultural Genocide Against Caucasians'
“Cultural genocide [is] being promulgated against Caucasians by Nancy Pelosi and the entire Democrat-Hollywood establishment,” said Michael Savage on Monday, responding to Pelosi’s recent rebranding of Donald Trump’s campaign slogan to “Make America White Again.”
Savage made his comments during his eponymous radio show on Monday.
“[Nancy Pelosi] is one of the richest most powerful Caucasian women in the world … who hates her own heritage, who puts down her own race,” said Savage. “[She is] promoting racism and violence; can’t get enough of attacking white people.”
Pelosi is “not alone in this epidemic of hatred towards Caucasians,” said Savage, describing Democrats and the broader left as pushing animosity towards whites for political purposes.
More
Savage made his comments during his eponymous radio show on Monday.
“[Nancy Pelosi] is one of the richest most powerful Caucasian women in the world … who hates her own heritage, who puts down her own race,” said Savage. “[She is] promoting racism and violence; can’t get enough of attacking white people.”
Pelosi is “not alone in this epidemic of hatred towards Caucasians,” said Savage, describing Democrats and the broader left as pushing animosity towards whites for political purposes.
More
Pizza Is A Better Breakfast Than Most Cereals, Nutritionist Claims
BALTIMORE — Pizza for breakfast may sound like a meal you’d only have after a long night of drinking, but one nutritionist says a hot, cheesy slice in the morning is actually healthier than your normal bowl of cereal.
Speaking to The Daily Meal, nutritionist Chelsey Amer explained that many cereals lack the protein and healthy fats your body needs as fuel for the day ahead.
“You may be surprised to find out that an average slice of pizza and a bowl of cereal with whole milk contain nearly the same amount of calories,” Amer said. “However, pizza packs a much larger protein punch, which will keep you full and boost satiety throughout the morning.”
More
Speaking to The Daily Meal, nutritionist Chelsey Amer explained that many cereals lack the protein and healthy fats your body needs as fuel for the day ahead.
“You may be surprised to find out that an average slice of pizza and a bowl of cereal with whole milk contain nearly the same amount of calories,” Amer said. “However, pizza packs a much larger protein punch, which will keep you full and boost satiety throughout the morning.”
More
Parents Of Md. Teacher, Killed While Pregnant, To Introduce Fetal Homicide Bill
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Laura Wallen’s parents say she already had a boy’s name picked out for her unborn baby before she was killed, even though she didn’t yet know the gender.
Wallen was about 14 weeks pregnant with a son who would have been named Reid when, according to police, her longtime boyfriend Tyler Tessier shot her point blank in the back of her head, and buried her on a friend’s property in Montgomery County.
Family members, friends and colleagues became concerned when Wallen didn’t show up for the first day of classes at Wilde Lake High School in Columbia, where she taught.
She was reported missing Sept. 4, and her body was found Sept. 13. Tessier was charged with her murder shortly thereafter. But he didn’t face a second count for the baby Wallen was carrying because, under Maryland law, a fetus is only viable apart from its mother at 23 weeks or more.
More
Wallen was about 14 weeks pregnant with a son who would have been named Reid when, according to police, her longtime boyfriend Tyler Tessier shot her point blank in the back of her head, and buried her on a friend’s property in Montgomery County.
Family members, friends and colleagues became concerned when Wallen didn’t show up for the first day of classes at Wilde Lake High School in Columbia, where she taught.
She was reported missing Sept. 4, and her body was found Sept. 13. Tessier was charged with her murder shortly thereafter. But he didn’t face a second count for the baby Wallen was carrying because, under Maryland law, a fetus is only viable apart from its mother at 23 weeks or more.
More
Package theft suspect who took bad fall in Bothell arrested
Video of the pair went viral after the woman is seen falling and injuring herself after grabbing packages from a porch. The getaway driver carries her off before returning to retrieve the packages.
Treat attended court in a wheelchair.
See the original footage below
The Bothell homeowners say theft has happened to them before, so they set up precautions to protect their packages. They get text alerts from UPS and installed the camera system that captured this incident.
More
Pentagon: China, Russia Soon Capable of Destroying U.S. Satellites
China and Russia are developing anti-satellite missiles and other weapons and will soon be capable of damaging or destroying all U.S. satellites in low-earth orbit, according to the Pentagon's Joint Staff.
The Joint Staff intelligence directorate, known as J-2, issued the warning in a recent report on the growing threat of anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons from those states, according to officials familiar with the assessment.
The report concludes that "China and Russia will be capable of severely disrupting or destroying U.S. satellites in low-earth orbit" in the next several years, said the officials.
The capability to attack low-earth orbit satellites could be in place by 2020, the officials said.
A Joint Staff spokesman declined to comment, citing a policy of not discussing internal reports.
The J-2 report echoes a similar but less specific warning from Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats in May.
More
The Joint Staff intelligence directorate, known as J-2, issued the warning in a recent report on the growing threat of anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons from those states, according to officials familiar with the assessment.
The report concludes that "China and Russia will be capable of severely disrupting or destroying U.S. satellites in low-earth orbit" in the next several years, said the officials.
The capability to attack low-earth orbit satellites could be in place by 2020, the officials said.
A Joint Staff spokesman declined to comment, citing a policy of not discussing internal reports.
The J-2 report echoes a similar but less specific warning from Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats in May.
More
Andrew McCabe’s Pension Is Worth About $1.8 Million
Top FBI official retires after scrutiny for handling of Clinton email investigation
FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe is set to receive a nearly $2 million pension, according to a Washington Free Beacon analysis.
The top law enforcement official, who has come under scrutiny for overseeing the investigation into Hillary Clinton's private email server, stepped aside on Monday. McCabe took early retirement, which he was eligible for after serving at the bureau for over 20 years.
McCabe joined the FBI in 1996 and worked his way up to high paying executive service positions. He was serving as the assistant director in charge of the Washington, D.C., field office until July 2015, when he was named the FBI's associate deputy director, carrying an ES Level 4 pay scale.
McCabe has been at the center of controversy over leadership at the FBI since before the 2016 presidential election, when the Wall Street Journal revealed his wife received over $600,000 for her failed Virginia state senate campaign from political groups tied to Terry McAuliffe, a long-standing ally of Hillary Clinton. McCabe oversaw the investigation into Clinton's misuse of classified information.
More
FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe is set to receive a nearly $2 million pension, according to a Washington Free Beacon analysis.
The top law enforcement official, who has come under scrutiny for overseeing the investigation into Hillary Clinton's private email server, stepped aside on Monday. McCabe took early retirement, which he was eligible for after serving at the bureau for over 20 years.
McCabe joined the FBI in 1996 and worked his way up to high paying executive service positions. He was serving as the assistant director in charge of the Washington, D.C., field office until July 2015, when he was named the FBI's associate deputy director, carrying an ES Level 4 pay scale.
McCabe has been at the center of controversy over leadership at the FBI since before the 2016 presidential election, when the Wall Street Journal revealed his wife received over $600,000 for her failed Virginia state senate campaign from political groups tied to Terry McAuliffe, a long-standing ally of Hillary Clinton. McCabe oversaw the investigation into Clinton's misuse of classified information.
More
Update/Meeting On Wicomico County Animal Ordinance
Marc Kilmer, Wicomico County Council
During next week's council meeting, we will be holding a public hearing on legislation that would overhaul the county's animal ordinance. This rewrite of the laws governing dogs, cats, and other animals was prompted by concerns that the current law had some problems. For instance, Wicomico County's current standards for ordering dogs euthanized is far harsher compared to many other jurisdictions. A committee thoroughly reviewed our law and made a variety of recommendations. These are embodied in the bill that will be considered on February 6. Let me know what you think about it: http://www.wicomicocounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/6643
During next week's council meeting, we will be holding a public hearing on legislation that would overhaul the county's animal ordinance. This rewrite of the laws governing dogs, cats, and other animals was prompted by concerns that the current law had some problems. For instance, Wicomico County's current standards for ordering dogs euthanized is far harsher compared to many other jurisdictions. A committee thoroughly reviewed our law and made a variety of recommendations. These are embodied in the bill that will be considered on February 6. Let me know what you think about it: http://www.wicomicocounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/6643
Poll: More Americans Support Zero Immigration Than The Current Legal Immigration Levels
Americans support admitting zero legal immigrants every year-- more than they support current legal immigration levels, at which roughly one to 1.5 million legal immigrants arrive in the United States annually.
The revelation comes in a Harvard-Harris poll released this month. When asked, “In your opinion, about how many legal immigrants should be admitted to the U.S. each year?” more Americans (about nine percent) say they support a legal immigration pause than those who said they support current legal immigration levels (about seven percent) .
As Breitbart News reported, nearly 50 percent of black Americans said they would like to see less than 250,000 legal immigrants brought to the U.S.each year.
More
The revelation comes in a Harvard-Harris poll released this month. When asked, “In your opinion, about how many legal immigrants should be admitted to the U.S. each year?” more Americans (about nine percent) say they support a legal immigration pause than those who said they support current legal immigration levels (about seven percent) .
As Breitbart News reported, nearly 50 percent of black Americans said they would like to see less than 250,000 legal immigrants brought to the U.S.each year.
More
Protesters For Hire In Salisbury
Need people to hold signs $10 per hour 5 hrs a day. Kmart closing signs. Please call or text or PM 3072314448. Days are Friday Saturday and Sunday 11-4
Kmart In Salisbury
IRS Admits It Encourages Illegals To Steal Social Security Numbers For Taxes
This isn’t exactly the kind of story the IRS wants buzzing around at tax time. The IRS and Justice Department normally want 'scared straight' stories just before Tax Day. Ideally, when an indictment or conviction for tax evasion hits the news, it makes you think twice. Somehow, you think just a bit more about all those deductions, or if you really reported all your income, before you sign your return under penalties of perjury.
Instead, we have the top dog at the IRS, the IRS Commissioner himself, admitting that, well, there’s a problem with illegal immigrants and taxes. In fact, the top IRS official this time wasn’t talking about how the IRS wipes some hard drives or can’t find emails. He wasn’t even asking for a bigger budget to give bonuses to IRS employees.
More
Instead, we have the top dog at the IRS, the IRS Commissioner himself, admitting that, well, there’s a problem with illegal immigrants and taxes. In fact, the top IRS official this time wasn’t talking about how the IRS wipes some hard drives or can’t find emails. He wasn’t even asking for a bigger budget to give bonuses to IRS employees.
More
Salisbury Maryland Police Department Crime Reports 1-15-18 thru 1-22-18
Numbers From 2 weeks ago
17 Violent Crimes
26 Property Crimes
3 Quality of Life Crimes
3 Other Crimes
Numbers From Last week
16 Violent Crimes
38 Property Crimes
1 Quality of Life Crimes
SPD Crime Reports 1-22-18 thru 1-29-18
Violent Crimes (17)
Assault
700 Block RAMSEY CT
00450-ASSAULT: SIMPLE, NOT AGG
Jan 28, 2018
around 4 PM
Robbery
600 Block WILLIAMS LANDING PL
00345-ROBBERY: STRNGARM, RESID
Jan 28, 2018
around 10 AM
Assault with Deadly Weapon
500 Block W MAIN ST
00420-ASSAULT: KNIFE
Jan 28, 2018
around 1 AM
Assault
1100 Block WEST RD
00450-ASSAULT: SIMPLE, NOT AGG
Jan 27, 2018
around 7 PM
Assault
200 Block E VINE ST
00450-ASSAULT: SIMPLE, NOT AGG
Jan 27, 2018
around 4 PM
Assault
400 Block BARCLAY ST
00450-ASSAULT: SIMPLE, NOT AGG
Jan 27, 2018
around 1 PM
Assault
1000 Block ADAMS AV
00450-ASSAULT: SIMPLE, NOT AGG
Jan 26, 2018
around 6 PM
Robbery
1400 Block HIDDEN MEADOW LN
00345-ROBBERY: STRNGARM, RESID
Jan 26, 2018
around 11 AM
Assault
300 Block E RAILROAD AV
00450-ASSAULT: SIMPLE, NOT AGG
Jan 25, 2018
around 10 PM
Assault
2000 Block HUNTSMAN DR
00450-ASSAULT: SIMPLE, NOT AGG
Jan 25, 2018
around 7 PM
Assault
300 Block NAYLOR ST
00450-ASSAULT: SIMPLE, NOT AGG
Jan 24, 2018
around 4 PM
Assault
100 Block TIMES SQ
00450-ASSAULT: SIMPLE, NOT AGG
Jan 23, 2018
around 12 PM
Robbery
600 Block FITZWATER ST
00347-ROBBERY: STNGARM, MISC
Jan 22, 2018
around 8 PM
17 Violent Crimes
26 Property Crimes
3 Quality of Life Crimes
3 Other Crimes
Numbers From Last week
16 Violent Crimes
38 Property Crimes
1 Quality of Life Crimes
SPD Crime Reports 1-22-18 thru 1-29-18
Violent Crimes (17)
Assault
700 Block RAMSEY CT
00450-ASSAULT: SIMPLE, NOT AGG
Jan 28, 2018
around 4 PM
Robbery
600 Block WILLIAMS LANDING PL
00345-ROBBERY: STRNGARM, RESID
Jan 28, 2018
around 10 AM
Assault with Deadly Weapon
500 Block W MAIN ST
00420-ASSAULT: KNIFE
Jan 28, 2018
around 1 AM
Assault
1100 Block WEST RD
00450-ASSAULT: SIMPLE, NOT AGG
Jan 27, 2018
around 7 PM
Assault
200 Block E VINE ST
00450-ASSAULT: SIMPLE, NOT AGG
Jan 27, 2018
around 4 PM
Assault
400 Block BARCLAY ST
00450-ASSAULT: SIMPLE, NOT AGG
Jan 27, 2018
around 1 PM
Assault
1000 Block ADAMS AV
00450-ASSAULT: SIMPLE, NOT AGG
Jan 26, 2018
around 6 PM
Robbery
1400 Block HIDDEN MEADOW LN
00345-ROBBERY: STRNGARM, RESID
Jan 26, 2018
around 11 AM
Assault
300 Block E RAILROAD AV
00450-ASSAULT: SIMPLE, NOT AGG
Jan 25, 2018
around 10 PM
Assault
2000 Block HUNTSMAN DR
00450-ASSAULT: SIMPLE, NOT AGG
Jan 25, 2018
around 7 PM
Assault
300 Block NAYLOR ST
00450-ASSAULT: SIMPLE, NOT AGG
Jan 24, 2018
around 4 PM
Assault
100 Block TIMES SQ
00450-ASSAULT: SIMPLE, NOT AGG
Jan 23, 2018
around 12 PM
Robbery
600 Block FITZWATER ST
00347-ROBBERY: STNGARM, MISC
Jan 22, 2018
around 8 PM
Bad Combination: NFL Losing Viewership Among Older, and Younger Demographics
A couple weeks ago, we learned that the NFL is increasingly unpopular amongst older viewers. Fast-forward a couple weeks, and we learn that younger viewers don’t particularly care for the league either.
The Public Religion Research Institute recently released the findings of a poll which analyzed fan interest in football across different age groups. The results of that poll, will not sit well with the NFL.
Writing in The Big Lead, Jason Lisk described the poll results: “According to the poll, only 22% of those aged 18-29 say they are likely to watch the NFL on Sundays (10% who say they are likely to both watch football and go to church, 12% who say they watch football only). That’s nearly half of the total for those age 30-49, where 41% say they are likely to be watching football on Sundays.”
More
The Public Religion Research Institute recently released the findings of a poll which analyzed fan interest in football across different age groups. The results of that poll, will not sit well with the NFL.
Writing in The Big Lead, Jason Lisk described the poll results: “According to the poll, only 22% of those aged 18-29 say they are likely to watch the NFL on Sundays (10% who say they are likely to both watch football and go to church, 12% who say they watch football only). That’s nearly half of the total for those age 30-49, where 41% say they are likely to be watching football on Sundays.”
More
Sorry Delmarva Power Customers......you will probably get an increase instead
BGE customers to see lower bills, thanks to tax cut
BALTIMORE (WBFF) - BGE customers are set to get a dip in their monthly bills soon, after the Maryland Public Service Commission approved the company's plan to offer $103 million in annual tax savings to customers.
Starting Feb. 1, the average BGE residental electric customer will see an estimated $2.91 decrease in their monthly bill, and the average natural-gas-and-electric customer will see an estimated $5.41 monthly reduction, said BGE on Wednesday.
BGE decided to file the proposal to cut rates after President Trump's tax overhaul.
More
BALTIMORE (WBFF) - BGE customers are set to get a dip in their monthly bills soon, after the Maryland Public Service Commission approved the company's plan to offer $103 million in annual tax savings to customers.
Starting Feb. 1, the average BGE residental electric customer will see an estimated $2.91 decrease in their monthly bill, and the average natural-gas-and-electric customer will see an estimated $5.41 monthly reduction, said BGE on Wednesday.
BGE decided to file the proposal to cut rates after President Trump's tax overhaul.
More
Former Secret Service Agent: FISA Memo will Implicate Obama!
‘All of this spying was probably being inserted into daily briefs by Barack Obama’
The secret FISA memo will likely reveal former President Obama was privy to intel obtained from spying on the Trump campaign, ex-Secret Service Agent Dan Bongino says.
Speaking to Fox News’ Tucker Carlson Monday, Bongino claimed the much-anticipated memo, soon to be released pending President Trump’s approval, could implicate many in the previous administration, including President Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
“It is not a coincidence that Devin Nunes, who has an entire scope of what happened went back in March to the White House facility to read very specific intel that I think will very likely be in this memo,” Bongino told Carlson.
More/Video
The secret FISA memo will likely reveal former President Obama was privy to intel obtained from spying on the Trump campaign, ex-Secret Service Agent Dan Bongino says.
Speaking to Fox News’ Tucker Carlson Monday, Bongino claimed the much-anticipated memo, soon to be released pending President Trump’s approval, could implicate many in the previous administration, including President Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
“It is not a coincidence that Devin Nunes, who has an entire scope of what happened went back in March to the White House facility to read very specific intel that I think will very likely be in this memo,” Bongino told Carlson.
More/Video
CrimeReports Alerts for Salisbury Crime
| ||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
| Due to ongoing investigations, some incidents are not immediately added to the database. These incidents have been added since your last alert. | ||||||||||||||
|
Eggs, Chairs Fly During Massive Brawl at NJ Denny's
Police are looking for the brawlers involved in a wild melee in a New Jersey Denny's over the weekend that sent chairs crashing into plates of pancakes and diners ducking for cover.
It's not clear what spurred the fight early Saturday at the restaurant in Vineland, but social media users caught the fisticuffs on camera.
The footage shows more than a dozen people chucking chairs across the restaurant. Plates of unattended food get smashed and people scream as they take off in an attempt to avoid the debris.
More
It's not clear what spurred the fight early Saturday at the restaurant in Vineland, but social media users caught the fisticuffs on camera.
The footage shows more than a dozen people chucking chairs across the restaurant. Plates of unattended food get smashed and people scream as they take off in an attempt to avoid the debris.
More
"This Isn't A Drill" Mortgage Rates Hit Highest Level Since May 2014
A housing bust may be just around the corner. Rates have climbed to a level last seen in May of 2014.
The chart does not quite show what MND headline says but the difference is a just a few basis points. I suspect rates inched lower just after the article came out.
For the past few weeks, rates made several successive runs up to the highest levels in more than 9 months. It was really only the spring of 2017 that stood in the way of rates being the highest since early 2014. After Friday marked another "highest in 9 months" day, it would only have taken a moderate movement to break into the "3+ year" territory. The move ended up being even bigger.
From a week and a half ago, most borrowers are now looking at another eighth of a percentage point higher in rate. In total, rates are up the better part of half a point since December 15th. This marks the only time rates have risen this much without having been at long term lows in the past year. For example, late 2010, mid-2013, mid-2015, and late 2016 all saw sharper increases in rates overall, but each of those moves happened only 1-3 months after a long term rate low.
Not a Drill
So far this month, MBS have stunningly dropped over 200 bps, which easily translates into a .5% or more increase in rates. I've been shouting "lock early" for quite a while, and this is precisely why, This isn't a drill, or a momentary rate upturn. It's likely the end of a decade+ long bull bond market. LOCK EARLY. -Ted Rood, Senior Originator
More
The chart does not quite show what MND headline says but the difference is a just a few basis points. I suspect rates inched lower just after the article came out.
For the past few weeks, rates made several successive runs up to the highest levels in more than 9 months. It was really only the spring of 2017 that stood in the way of rates being the highest since early 2014. After Friday marked another "highest in 9 months" day, it would only have taken a moderate movement to break into the "3+ year" territory. The move ended up being even bigger.
From a week and a half ago, most borrowers are now looking at another eighth of a percentage point higher in rate. In total, rates are up the better part of half a point since December 15th. This marks the only time rates have risen this much without having been at long term lows in the past year. For example, late 2010, mid-2013, mid-2015, and late 2016 all saw sharper increases in rates overall, but each of those moves happened only 1-3 months after a long term rate low.
Not a Drill
So far this month, MBS have stunningly dropped over 200 bps, which easily translates into a .5% or more increase in rates. I've been shouting "lock early" for quite a while, and this is precisely why, This isn't a drill, or a momentary rate upturn. It's likely the end of a decade+ long bull bond market. LOCK EARLY. -Ted Rood, Senior Originator
More
Korryn Gaines' estate seeks $4M in wrongful death lawsuit
TOWSON, Md. — A trial began Tuesday in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Korryn Gaines, the Randallstown woman shot and killed by Baltimore County police in 2016.
The story gained national attention when it began on Aug. 1, 2016 -- a fact that's mirrored in responses from potential jurors. Of the initial pool of 60, nearly half told the judge they had heard of this case.
"We're pleased with how things are going. We meticulously tried to select a jury, and we achieved that," said J. Wyndal Gordon, the attorney for the Gaines estate.
The final panel of nine women -- six jurors and three alternates -- was seated after lunchtime Tuesday at Baltimore County Circuit Court.
More
The story gained national attention when it began on Aug. 1, 2016 -- a fact that's mirrored in responses from potential jurors. Of the initial pool of 60, nearly half told the judge they had heard of this case.
"We're pleased with how things are going. We meticulously tried to select a jury, and we achieved that," said J. Wyndal Gordon, the attorney for the Gaines estate.
The final panel of nine women -- six jurors and three alternates -- was seated after lunchtime Tuesday at Baltimore County Circuit Court.
More
Cancer risk elevated with severe gum disease
(Reuters Health) - People with severe gum disease may be at greater risk for cancer, a U.S. study suggests.
“What this report does is continue the support of the idea that gum disease is not just a matter of what happens to our teeth,” said Dr. Leonard Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society.
Researchers performed dental exams on 7,466 individuals from Mississippi, Maryland, Minnesota and North Carolina and then monitored them for an average of 15 years. None of the participants had cancer at the start of the study.
Fifteen years later, individuals with severe gum disease on the dental exam had a 24 percent higher risk of developing any kind of cancer, and more than double the risk of lung cancer, compared to those with no or mild gum disease.
Odds of developing colorectal cancer were increased particularly for nonsmokers with severe gum disease, the researchers found.
More
“What this report does is continue the support of the idea that gum disease is not just a matter of what happens to our teeth,” said Dr. Leonard Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society.
Researchers performed dental exams on 7,466 individuals from Mississippi, Maryland, Minnesota and North Carolina and then monitored them for an average of 15 years. None of the participants had cancer at the start of the study.
Fifteen years later, individuals with severe gum disease on the dental exam had a 24 percent higher risk of developing any kind of cancer, and more than double the risk of lung cancer, compared to those with no or mild gum disease.
Odds of developing colorectal cancer were increased particularly for nonsmokers with severe gum disease, the researchers found.
More
State Police Investigate Meth Lab Operation-Millsboro
WANTED-Elijah L. Cantrell
Millsboro - The Delaware State Police are investigating the manufacturing of methamphetamine (meth) in a residence in which one suspect is wanted.
On Monday, January 29, 2018, Troop 4 patrol units responded to the 30ooo block of Millsboro Highway for a domestic related complaint. Upon arrival, contact was made with a resident who advised that she believed her son, 39-year-old Elijah L. Cantrell of Millsboro was manufacturing methamphetamine within the residence. Further investigation revealed that items believed to be consistent with manufacturing methamphetamine were located in a trash container in the garage. Members of the Sussex County Governor's Task Force (GTF) and Sussex Drug Unit (SDU) responded to the scene and confirmed that a meth lab was present.
A hazmat response was coordinated with DNREC, Millsboro Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services. The residence was searched and numerous items consistent with the manufacturing of methamphetamine and additional drug paraphernalia were located and disposed of by DNREC. No evacuations were ordered as it was determined that there was no immediate hazard to nearby residents.
Elijah Cantrell fled the residence prior to the arrival of the police. Warrants have been obtained for his arrest including charges of Operating a Clandestine Laboratory and two counts of Drug Paraphernalia.
If anyone has any information in reference to the location of this individual, they are asked to please contact Troop 4 , Detective T. Ralston at 302-752-3823. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.
Science's Explaination: Why Coffee Drinkers Live Longer
There is actual science behind the fact that coffee drinkers often live longer than their non-caffeinated counterparts. Researchers have discovered that caffeine can counteract the inflammatory reactions that lead to cardiovascular disease later in life.
As if you need another reason to brew a fresh cup of joe every morning, the science appears to be increasingly on the side of those who consume the delicious brew.
Lead author David Furman, Ph.D., of the Institute for Immunity, Transplantation, and Infection at Stanford University in California, and colleagues published their study in the journal Nature Medicine.
“That something many people drink – and actually like to drink – might have a direct benefit came as a surprise to us. We didn’t give some of the mice coffee and the others decaf. What we’ve shown is a correlation between caffeine consumption and longevity. And we’ve shown more rigorously, in laboratory tests, a very plausible mechanism for why this might be so.” – Mark Davis, Ph.D.
More
As if you need another reason to brew a fresh cup of joe every morning, the science appears to be increasingly on the side of those who consume the delicious brew.
Lead author David Furman, Ph.D., of the Institute for Immunity, Transplantation, and Infection at Stanford University in California, and colleagues published their study in the journal Nature Medicine.
“That something many people drink – and actually like to drink – might have a direct benefit came as a surprise to us. We didn’t give some of the mice coffee and the others decaf. What we’ve shown is a correlation between caffeine consumption and longevity. And we’ve shown more rigorously, in laboratory tests, a very plausible mechanism for why this might be so.” – Mark Davis, Ph.D.
More
Open Mic Night At Trader Lee's
If you enjoy live music and want to enjoy a great night out, come to Trader Lee's. More importantly, if you want to get on stage and play your heart out, even better. So far I've watched/enjoyed guitar players, drummers, saxophone and singers.
The festivities start around 8:30 and goes on till whenever.
HEARING ALERT: Criminal Gang Offenses - Penalties, Procedure, And Elements
Important Legislation Assists Prosecutors To More Effectively Target Criminal Gang Enterprises
Note: Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee to Hold Hearing on SB 198 on January 30, 2018, 1:00 PM
“We will introduce emergency legislation to further strengthen Maryland’s gang statutes and RICO laws to allow Maryland prosecutors to more effectively build and prosecute cases against and to take down these criminal gang enterprises.” - Governor Larry Hogan, December 5, 2017
Governor Hogan’s Proposed Criminal Gang Offenses - Penalties, Procedures, And Elements Legislation Is Part Of His Statewide Violent Crimes Initiatives
In December 2017, Governor Hogan Announced A Series Of Bold Initiatives Aimed At Combating Criminal Gang Enterprises And Repeat Violent Offenders Across The State. “Governor Larry Hogan today joined with federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and officials to announce a series of initiatives to combat criminal gang enterprises and repeat violent offenders responsible for terrorizing Baltimore City and participating in violent crime throughout the state. The governor’s announcements include state and federal law enforcement assistance targeting the violent crime ravaging Baltimore City; legislation to ensure that violent criminals serve their full prison sentence; and a new, collaborative data-sharing network to help prosecutors and law enforcement bring down criminal networks across the state.” (Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Announces Statewide Violent Crime Initiatives,” Office Of The Governor, 12/5/17)
Governor Hogan: “Let me be crystal clear – I have absolutely no tolerance whatsoever for these repeat violent offenders or these criminal gangs causing lawlessness in our streets… Our focus is to give law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges the tools they need to get these violent criminals off the streets and into prison.” (Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Announces Statewide Violent Crime Initiatives,” Office Of The Governor, 12/5/17)
Governor Hogan Has Been Committed To Curbing Gang Activity In Maryland
In 2016, Governor Hogan Signed Legislation (Justice Reinvestment Act) Which Included An Amendment To Maryland’s Gang Statute To Be Better Modeled After The Federal Racketeer Influenced And Corrupt Organization Act (RICO); Maryland Became The 34th State To Adopt RICO Laws. “Governor Hogan is proposing legislation that would amend Maryland’s Gang Statute to better model it after the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO). The federal RICO Act, originally passed in 1970 to combat organized crime, has been expanded and used to go after a variety of organizations, from corrupt police departments to motorcycle gangs. Although 33 states have also adopted similar state RICO laws, Maryland has not.” “Additionally, the legislation models state law after the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) to allow prosecutors to target high-level drug traffickers.” (Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Introduces Legislation To Combat Maryland’s Heroin And Opioid Epidemic,” Office Of The Governor, 1/26/16; Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Signs 144 Bills Into Law,” Office Of The Governor, 5/19/16)
Note: Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee to Hold Hearing on SB 198 on January 30, 2018, 1:00 PM
“We will introduce emergency legislation to further strengthen Maryland’s gang statutes and RICO laws to allow Maryland prosecutors to more effectively build and prosecute cases against and to take down these criminal gang enterprises.” - Governor Larry Hogan, December 5, 2017
Governor Hogan’s Proposed Criminal Gang Offenses - Penalties, Procedures, And Elements Legislation Is Part Of His Statewide Violent Crimes Initiatives
In December 2017, Governor Hogan Announced A Series Of Bold Initiatives Aimed At Combating Criminal Gang Enterprises And Repeat Violent Offenders Across The State. “Governor Larry Hogan today joined with federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and officials to announce a series of initiatives to combat criminal gang enterprises and repeat violent offenders responsible for terrorizing Baltimore City and participating in violent crime throughout the state. The governor’s announcements include state and federal law enforcement assistance targeting the violent crime ravaging Baltimore City; legislation to ensure that violent criminals serve their full prison sentence; and a new, collaborative data-sharing network to help prosecutors and law enforcement bring down criminal networks across the state.” (Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Announces Statewide Violent Crime Initiatives,” Office Of The Governor, 12/5/17)
Governor Hogan: “Let me be crystal clear – I have absolutely no tolerance whatsoever for these repeat violent offenders or these criminal gangs causing lawlessness in our streets… Our focus is to give law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges the tools they need to get these violent criminals off the streets and into prison.” (Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Announces Statewide Violent Crime Initiatives,” Office Of The Governor, 12/5/17)
Governor Hogan Has Been Committed To Curbing Gang Activity In Maryland
In 2016, Governor Hogan Signed Legislation (Justice Reinvestment Act) Which Included An Amendment To Maryland’s Gang Statute To Be Better Modeled After The Federal Racketeer Influenced And Corrupt Organization Act (RICO); Maryland Became The 34th State To Adopt RICO Laws. “Governor Hogan is proposing legislation that would amend Maryland’s Gang Statute to better model it after the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO). The federal RICO Act, originally passed in 1970 to combat organized crime, has been expanded and used to go after a variety of organizations, from corrupt police departments to motorcycle gangs. Although 33 states have also adopted similar state RICO laws, Maryland has not.” “Additionally, the legislation models state law after the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) to allow prosecutors to target high-level drug traffickers.” (Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Introduces Legislation To Combat Maryland’s Heroin And Opioid Epidemic,” Office Of The Governor, 1/26/16; Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Signs 144 Bills Into Law,” Office Of The Governor, 5/19/16)
HEARING ALERT: Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act
Important Legislation Gives Courts More Tools To Prosecute Repeat Sexual Offenders
Note:House Judiciary Committee to Hold Hearing On HB 353 on January 30, 2018, 1:00 PM
“We are also introducing the Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act of 2018. This bill will allow courts to admit evidence of a defendant’s prior history of sexual crimes or abuse during prosecution for subsequent sexual offenses.”- Governor Larry Hogan, January 4, 2018
Governor Hogan Has A Strong Record Of Protecting Victims Of Sexual Predators
In 2017, Governor Hogan Signed Legislation Allowing Convictions In Other States To Apply Toward Repeat Offender Penalties In The Case Of First And Second Degree Rape And Sexual Offense. “...A person is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life if the person has been convicted on a prior occasion not arising from the same incident: of any violation of § 3-303, § 3-304, § 3-305, or § 3-306 of this subtitle; or in another state or in a federal, military, or Native American tribunal court of a crime that, if committed in this state would constitute a violation of § 3-3-03, § 3-304, § 3-305, or § 3-306 of this subtitle.” (“House Bill 738,” Maryland General Assembly, 5/25/17)
In 2016, Governor Hogan Signed Legislation To Prohibit District Court Commissioners From Issuing The Pretrial Release Of Out Of State Sex Offenders. “A District Court commissioner may not authorize the pretrial release of a defendant who… is a sex offender who is required to register by another jurisdiction, a federal, military, or tribunal court, or a foreign government.” (“House Bill 166,” Maryland General Assembly, 5/19/16)
In 2016, Governor Hogan Signed Legislation That Requires All Schools To Implement Prevention-Oriented Child Sexual Abuse Program. “The State Board and each nonpublic school in the state shall develop and implement a program of age-appropriate education on the awareness and prevention of sexual abuse and assault.” (“House Bill 72,” Maryland General Assembly, 5/19/16)
Maryland Joined 26 Other States That Teach Include Sexual Assault Awareness As Part Of Their Curriculum. “Erin’s Law would bring Maryland in line with 26 other states in what kids learn about sexualassault. The bill requires lessons on personal body safety. Children are taught that if they are being sexually abused, not to keep it a secret, but to tell someone.” (“Erin’s Law Headed For Gov. Hogan’s Desk," WMAR, 3/29/16)
Since Taking Office, Governor Hogan Has Secured Over $110 Million In Victims Of Crime Act Victim Assistance Grants; In The Past Year Alone, More Than 181,000 Victims In Maryland Received Aid. . VOCA Victim Assistance grants are awarded to organizations that provide direct services to a wide array of crime victims. These agencies include sexual assault and rape crisis centers, domestic violence programs and shelters, child abuse programs, mental health services, and programs for underserved victims.” (Governor’s Office Of Crime Control & Prevention; Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Announces Over $46 Million In Federal Funding For Crime Victims,” Office Of The Governor, 11/21/16)
Governor Hogan Introduced The Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act Last Session
Note:House Judiciary Committee to Hold Hearing On HB 353 on January 30, 2018, 1:00 PM
“We are also introducing the Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act of 2018. This bill will allow courts to admit evidence of a defendant’s prior history of sexual crimes or abuse during prosecution for subsequent sexual offenses.”- Governor Larry Hogan, January 4, 2018
Governor Hogan Has A Strong Record Of Protecting Victims Of Sexual Predators
In 2017, Governor Hogan Signed Legislation Allowing Convictions In Other States To Apply Toward Repeat Offender Penalties In The Case Of First And Second Degree Rape And Sexual Offense. “...A person is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life if the person has been convicted on a prior occasion not arising from the same incident: of any violation of § 3-303, § 3-304, § 3-305, or § 3-306 of this subtitle; or in another state or in a federal, military, or Native American tribunal court of a crime that, if committed in this state would constitute a violation of § 3-3-03, § 3-304, § 3-305, or § 3-306 of this subtitle.” (“House Bill 738,” Maryland General Assembly, 5/25/17)
In 2016, Governor Hogan Signed Legislation To Prohibit District Court Commissioners From Issuing The Pretrial Release Of Out Of State Sex Offenders. “A District Court commissioner may not authorize the pretrial release of a defendant who… is a sex offender who is required to register by another jurisdiction, a federal, military, or tribunal court, or a foreign government.” (“House Bill 166,” Maryland General Assembly, 5/19/16)
In 2016, Governor Hogan Signed Legislation That Requires All Schools To Implement Prevention-Oriented Child Sexual Abuse Program. “The State Board and each nonpublic school in the state shall develop and implement a program of age-appropriate education on the awareness and prevention of sexual abuse and assault.” (“House Bill 72,” Maryland General Assembly, 5/19/16)
Maryland Joined 26 Other States That Teach Include Sexual Assault Awareness As Part Of Their Curriculum. “Erin’s Law would bring Maryland in line with 26 other states in what kids learn about sexualassault. The bill requires lessons on personal body safety. Children are taught that if they are being sexually abused, not to keep it a secret, but to tell someone.” (“Erin’s Law Headed For Gov. Hogan’s Desk," WMAR, 3/29/16)
Since Taking Office, Governor Hogan Has Secured Over $110 Million In Victims Of Crime Act Victim Assistance Grants; In The Past Year Alone, More Than 181,000 Victims In Maryland Received Aid. . VOCA Victim Assistance grants are awarded to organizations that provide direct services to a wide array of crime victims. These agencies include sexual assault and rape crisis centers, domestic violence programs and shelters, child abuse programs, mental health services, and programs for underserved victims.” (Governor’s Office Of Crime Control & Prevention; Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Announces Over $46 Million In Federal Funding For Crime Victims,” Office Of The Governor, 11/21/16)
Governor Hogan Introduced The Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act Last Session
HEARING ALERT: Accountability For Violent Criminals Act Of 2018
Important Legislation Requires Repeat Violent Criminals To Serve Their Full Sentences
Note: Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee to Hold Hearing on SB 199 on January 30, 2018, 1:00 PM
“We will introduce three pieces of emergency legislation aimed at combating violent crime in Maryland. This will include “truth in sentencing” legislation to get the worst violent offenders who have repeatedly victimized our communities off our streets and into prison.” - Governor Larry Hogan, December 5, 2017
Governor Hogan’s Proposed Accountability For Violent Criminals Act Of 2018 Is Part Of His Statewide Violent Crimes Initiatives
In December 2017, Governor Hogan Announced A Series Of Bold Initiatives Aimed At Combating Criminal Gang Enterprises And Repeat Violent Offenders Across The State. “Governor Larry Hogan today joined with federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and officials to announce a series of initiatives to combat criminal gang enterprises and repeat violent offenders responsible for terrorizing Baltimore City and participating in violent crime throughout the state. The governor’s announcements include state and federal law enforcement assistance targeting the violent crime ravaging Baltimore City; legislation to ensure that violent criminals serve their full prison sentence; and a new, collaborative data-sharing network to help prosecutors and law enforcement bring down criminal networks across the state.” (Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Announces Statewide Violent Crime Initiatives,” Office Of The Governor, 12/5/17)
Governor Hogan: “Let me be crystal clear – I have absolutely no tolerance whatsoever for these repeat violent offenders or these criminal gangs causing lawlessness in our streets… Our focus is to give law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges the tools they need to get these violent criminals off the streets and into prison.” (Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Announces Statewide Violent Crime Initiatives,” Office Of The Governor, 12/5/17)
Governor Hogan Stated Support For Truth In Sentencing Measures To Keep Violent Repeat Offenders Off Of The Streets
Governor Hogan Expressed Frustration That Repeat Violent Offenders With Multiple Convictions Are Continuously Released From Jail Prior To Serving The Duration Of Their Sentence. “One of my biggest concerns is that we have repeat violent offenders, sometimes with an average of 11 or 13 convictions, who are not being sentenced to jail once they are convicted of a violent crime,’ Hogan said. ‘We have, in some cases for repeat violent offenders, mandatory minimum sentences but we have sentences that are being handed down that they’re waiving — let’s say it’s a five-year minimum sentence — we’ll give you five years but we’re going to waive it all and give you probation.’” (Bryan Sears, “Hogan Calls For ‘Truth In Sentencing’ As Judges Are Tried In Absentia,” The Daily Record, 8/29/17)
Governor Hogan: “We’re going to push the legislature to get even tougher… So if you say you’re going to get this number of years, you’re going to get that number of years.” (Luke Broadwater, “After Baltimore Crime Meeting, Hogan Proposes ‘Truth In Sentencing’ Legislation,” The Baltimore Sun, 8/29/17)
Governor Hogan Has Received Bipartisan Support For His Call To Keep Repeat Violent Offenders Off Of The Streets
Note: Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee to Hold Hearing on SB 199 on January 30, 2018, 1:00 PM
“We will introduce three pieces of emergency legislation aimed at combating violent crime in Maryland. This will include “truth in sentencing” legislation to get the worst violent offenders who have repeatedly victimized our communities off our streets and into prison.” - Governor Larry Hogan, December 5, 2017
Governor Hogan’s Proposed Accountability For Violent Criminals Act Of 2018 Is Part Of His Statewide Violent Crimes Initiatives
In December 2017, Governor Hogan Announced A Series Of Bold Initiatives Aimed At Combating Criminal Gang Enterprises And Repeat Violent Offenders Across The State. “Governor Larry Hogan today joined with federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and officials to announce a series of initiatives to combat criminal gang enterprises and repeat violent offenders responsible for terrorizing Baltimore City and participating in violent crime throughout the state. The governor’s announcements include state and federal law enforcement assistance targeting the violent crime ravaging Baltimore City; legislation to ensure that violent criminals serve their full prison sentence; and a new, collaborative data-sharing network to help prosecutors and law enforcement bring down criminal networks across the state.” (Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Announces Statewide Violent Crime Initiatives,” Office Of The Governor, 12/5/17)
Governor Hogan: “Let me be crystal clear – I have absolutely no tolerance whatsoever for these repeat violent offenders or these criminal gangs causing lawlessness in our streets… Our focus is to give law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges the tools they need to get these violent criminals off the streets and into prison.” (Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Announces Statewide Violent Crime Initiatives,” Office Of The Governor, 12/5/17)
Governor Hogan Stated Support For Truth In Sentencing Measures To Keep Violent Repeat Offenders Off Of The Streets
Governor Hogan Expressed Frustration That Repeat Violent Offenders With Multiple Convictions Are Continuously Released From Jail Prior To Serving The Duration Of Their Sentence. “One of my biggest concerns is that we have repeat violent offenders, sometimes with an average of 11 or 13 convictions, who are not being sentenced to jail once they are convicted of a violent crime,’ Hogan said. ‘We have, in some cases for repeat violent offenders, mandatory minimum sentences but we have sentences that are being handed down that they’re waiving — let’s say it’s a five-year minimum sentence — we’ll give you five years but we’re going to waive it all and give you probation.’” (Bryan Sears, “Hogan Calls For ‘Truth In Sentencing’ As Judges Are Tried In Absentia,” The Daily Record, 8/29/17)
Governor Hogan: “We’re going to push the legislature to get even tougher… So if you say you’re going to get this number of years, you’re going to get that number of years.” (Luke Broadwater, “After Baltimore Crime Meeting, Hogan Proposes ‘Truth In Sentencing’ Legislation,” The Baltimore Sun, 8/29/17)
Governor Hogan Has Received Bipartisan Support For His Call To Keep Repeat Violent Offenders Off Of The Streets
HEARING ALERT: Crimes - Firearms - Penalties
Important Legislation Holds Repeat Violent Firearm Offenders Accountable
Note: Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee to Hold Hearing on SB 197 on January 30, 2018. 1:00 PM
“We will also be introducing legislation which will hold repeat offenders who use guns to commit crimes truly accountable for their actions.” - Governor Larry Hogan, December 5, 2017
Governor Hogan’s Proposed Crimes - Firearms - Penalties Legislation Is Part Of His Statewide Violent Crimes Initiatives
In December 2017, Governor Hogan Announced A Series Of Bold Initiatives Aimed At Combating Criminal Gang Enterprises And Repeat Violent Offenders Across The State. “Governor Larry Hogan today joined with federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and officials to announce a series of initiatives to combat criminal gang enterprises and repeat violent offenders responsible for terrorizing Baltimore City and participating in violent crime throughout the state. The governor’s announcements include state and federal law enforcement assistance targeting the violent crime ravaging Baltimore City; legislation to ensure that violent criminals serve their full prison sentence; and a new, collaborative data-sharing network to help prosecutors and law enforcement bring down criminal networks across the state.” (Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Announces Statewide Violent Crime Initiatives,” Office Of The Governor, 12/5/17)
Governor Hogan: “Let me be crystal clear – I have absolutely no tolerance whatsoever for these repeat violent offenders or these criminal gangs causing lawlessness in our streets… Our focus is to give law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges the tools they need to get these violent criminals off the streets and into prison.” (Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Announces Statewide Violent Crime Initiatives,” Office Of The Governor, 12/5/17)
Repeat Firearm Criminals Are Not Being Held Accountable For Their Actions
Governor Hogan: “It is unacceptable that we have a system particularly in Baltimore City where repeat gun criminals are getting a slap on the wrist and then being released back on to the streets to commit yet another felony with a gun. The current minimum penalty for using a firearm to commit a violent crime is five years, but all too often these criminals have their sentences suspended and are put back on to the streets of Baltimore.” (Remarks, “Violent Crimes Initiatives,” 12/5/17)
60% Of Firearm Offenders In Baltimore City Have Seen A Suspended Sentence. “Police Commissioner Kevin Davis says from arrest to conviction some of Baltimore’s most dangerous criminals are on the street with little to no fear of breaking the law and getting any serious jail time. For the past 18 months, the Baltimore Police Department has tracked gun offenders from their point of arrest to their sentencing. In 60% of the cases, the gunman has seen a suspended sentence. Davis says, ‘They know if they’re caught nothing is gonna happen to them they know it.’” (Joy Lepola, “Police: 60% Of Gun Offenders In Last 18 Months Received Suspended Sentence,” Fox Baltimore, 6/15/17)
Note: Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee to Hold Hearing on SB 197 on January 30, 2018. 1:00 PM
“We will also be introducing legislation which will hold repeat offenders who use guns to commit crimes truly accountable for their actions.” - Governor Larry Hogan, December 5, 2017
Governor Hogan’s Proposed Crimes - Firearms - Penalties Legislation Is Part Of His Statewide Violent Crimes Initiatives
In December 2017, Governor Hogan Announced A Series Of Bold Initiatives Aimed At Combating Criminal Gang Enterprises And Repeat Violent Offenders Across The State. “Governor Larry Hogan today joined with federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and officials to announce a series of initiatives to combat criminal gang enterprises and repeat violent offenders responsible for terrorizing Baltimore City and participating in violent crime throughout the state. The governor’s announcements include state and federal law enforcement assistance targeting the violent crime ravaging Baltimore City; legislation to ensure that violent criminals serve their full prison sentence; and a new, collaborative data-sharing network to help prosecutors and law enforcement bring down criminal networks across the state.” (Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Announces Statewide Violent Crime Initiatives,” Office Of The Governor, 12/5/17)
Governor Hogan: “Let me be crystal clear – I have absolutely no tolerance whatsoever for these repeat violent offenders or these criminal gangs causing lawlessness in our streets… Our focus is to give law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges the tools they need to get these violent criminals off the streets and into prison.” (Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Announces Statewide Violent Crime Initiatives,” Office Of The Governor, 12/5/17)
Repeat Firearm Criminals Are Not Being Held Accountable For Their Actions
Governor Hogan: “It is unacceptable that we have a system particularly in Baltimore City where repeat gun criminals are getting a slap on the wrist and then being released back on to the streets to commit yet another felony with a gun. The current minimum penalty for using a firearm to commit a violent crime is five years, but all too often these criminals have their sentences suspended and are put back on to the streets of Baltimore.” (Remarks, “Violent Crimes Initiatives,” 12/5/17)
60% Of Firearm Offenders In Baltimore City Have Seen A Suspended Sentence. “Police Commissioner Kevin Davis says from arrest to conviction some of Baltimore’s most dangerous criminals are on the street with little to no fear of breaking the law and getting any serious jail time. For the past 18 months, the Baltimore Police Department has tracked gun offenders from their point of arrest to their sentencing. In 60% of the cases, the gunman has seen a suspended sentence. Davis says, ‘They know if they’re caught nothing is gonna happen to them they know it.’” (Joy Lepola, “Police: 60% Of Gun Offenders In Last 18 Months Received Suspended Sentence,” Fox Baltimore, 6/15/17)