This story was updated after we were contacted by the Chicago law firm representing Joel and Mary Rich.
They deny the claims by Butowsky.
* * * * * * * *
Ed Butowsky, the man who offered to assist the family of Seth Rich with the cost of hiring a private investigator, told the Gateway Pundit that he held a December 2016 conversation with the father of the slain staffer.
Butowsky further stated that the family was deeply concerned with their son being remembered for helping to get President Donald Trump elected.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Saturday, March 10, 2018
Nobody Knows How Many Kids Get Caught With Guns in School. Here’s Why.
One day after a Florida teenager walked into his former high school and carried out one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history, at least seven other teens across the country walked into school with a gun.
The firearms were seized without harm in Arizona, Florida, Maryland, Missouri and Texas, according to local news reports. Such incidents fuel the widespread fear that students often bring guns to school. But there’s no way to tell if this is true. There is no good data.
Because of lax reporting by schools and lax oversight by state and federal authorities — and despite federal law — it’s nearly impossible to say just how many students get caught taking firearms into public schools each year.
When a student is caught with a gun at school, the 1994 Gun-Free Schools Act requires schools to report the incident to the school district, which is supposed to pass the information along to state education officials, who then are supposed to send it to the U.S. Department of Education. The idea behind the reporting requirement is to make it possible to detect trends and inform policymakers as they seek to address the problem.
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The firearms were seized without harm in Arizona, Florida, Maryland, Missouri and Texas, according to local news reports. Such incidents fuel the widespread fear that students often bring guns to school. But there’s no way to tell if this is true. There is no good data.
Because of lax reporting by schools and lax oversight by state and federal authorities — and despite federal law — it’s nearly impossible to say just how many students get caught taking firearms into public schools each year.
When a student is caught with a gun at school, the 1994 Gun-Free Schools Act requires schools to report the incident to the school district, which is supposed to pass the information along to state education officials, who then are supposed to send it to the U.S. Department of Education. The idea behind the reporting requirement is to make it possible to detect trends and inform policymakers as they seek to address the problem.
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Mississippi Legislature Approves Bill Banning Abortions After 15 Weeks
Mississippi's Legislature has passed a bill banning abortion after 15 weeks of gestation, one of the most restrictive limitations on abortion in the country.
The measure, which is poised to become law once signed by the governor, allows for exceptions only in a "medical emergency and in cases of severe fetal abnormality." It does not allow abortion in cases involving rape or incest. Fifteen weeks is calculated from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period.
The bill defines severe fetal abnormality as a physical condition "incompatible with life outside the womb."
Gov. Phil Bryant has signaled that he will sign the bill.
"As I have repeatedly said, I want Mississippi to be the safest place in America for an unborn child," he wrote on Twitter. "House Bill 1510 will help us achieve that goal."
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The measure, which is poised to become law once signed by the governor, allows for exceptions only in a "medical emergency and in cases of severe fetal abnormality." It does not allow abortion in cases involving rape or incest. Fifteen weeks is calculated from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period.
The bill defines severe fetal abnormality as a physical condition "incompatible with life outside the womb."
Gov. Phil Bryant has signaled that he will sign the bill.
"As I have repeatedly said, I want Mississippi to be the safest place in America for an unborn child," he wrote on Twitter. "House Bill 1510 will help us achieve that goal."
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Andrew McCabe Investigated For Leaks
The Department of Justice’s internal watchdog will criticize former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe for authorizing leaks to the media and giving misleading statements to investigators about doing so, according to two new reports.
McCabe, 49, authorized FBI officials to speak to the media for articles prior to the 2016 election, including one about an ongoing investigation into the Clinton Foundation, according to a report being prepared by Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz.
The FBI No. 2 also misled watchdog investigators when they initially asked about the media disclosures, according to The Washington Post.
The New York Times also reported details of Horowitz’s report, which is expected to be released in March or April.
More/Video
McCabe, 49, authorized FBI officials to speak to the media for articles prior to the 2016 election, including one about an ongoing investigation into the Clinton Foundation, according to a report being prepared by Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz.
The FBI No. 2 also misled watchdog investigators when they initially asked about the media disclosures, according to The Washington Post.
The New York Times also reported details of Horowitz’s report, which is expected to be released in March or April.
More/Video
Why I believe a killer flu pandemic is just beyond the corner
The big one is coming: a global virus pandemic that could kill 33 million victims in its first 200 days.
Within the ensuing two years, more than 300 million people could perish worldwide.
At the extreme, with disrupted supply of food and medicines and without enough survivors to run computer or energy systems, the global economy would collapse. Starvation and looting could lay waste to parts of the world.
It’s a disaster movie nightmare. Yet it is waiting to come true, thanks to influenza — the most diabolical, hardest-to-control and fastest-spreading potential viral killer known to humankind.
As a medical doctor and a health chief who has led global programmes at the World Health Organisation (WHO), I believe that the world is at risk of a viral pandemic that will be at least as deadly as anything we have ever known before.
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Within the ensuing two years, more than 300 million people could perish worldwide.
At the extreme, with disrupted supply of food and medicines and without enough survivors to run computer or energy systems, the global economy would collapse. Starvation and looting could lay waste to parts of the world.
It’s a disaster movie nightmare. Yet it is waiting to come true, thanks to influenza — the most diabolical, hardest-to-control and fastest-spreading potential viral killer known to humankind.
As a medical doctor and a health chief who has led global programmes at the World Health Organisation (WHO), I believe that the world is at risk of a viral pandemic that will be at least as deadly as anything we have ever known before.
More
‘Friendly fire’ blamed for killing of US marshal
HARRISBURG, Pa. — A deputy US marshal who was killed in January while trying to serve an arrest warrant in Pennsylvania died by “friendly fire,” the US Marshals Service said Thursday.
Christopher Hill, 45, was accidentally struck by a bullet fired by another member of the law enforcement team serving an arrest warrant on Shayla Lynette Towles Pierce, 30, at a Harrisburg home for threatening a neighbor with a firearm.
When deputy marshals and local police announced themselves and entered the house, they were fired on by Kevin Sturgis, 31, who also was wanted by authorities on charges he shot his pregnant ex-girlfriend in Philadelphia.
Investigators initially believed that Sturgis, who was shot and killed as he tried to flee from the house, had fired the bullet that killed Hill.
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Christopher Hill, 45, was accidentally struck by a bullet fired by another member of the law enforcement team serving an arrest warrant on Shayla Lynette Towles Pierce, 30, at a Harrisburg home for threatening a neighbor with a firearm.
When deputy marshals and local police announced themselves and entered the house, they were fired on by Kevin Sturgis, 31, who also was wanted by authorities on charges he shot his pregnant ex-girlfriend in Philadelphia.
Investigators initially believed that Sturgis, who was shot and killed as he tried to flee from the house, had fired the bullet that killed Hill.
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Marc Thiessen: It's time to protect public workers from unions who want them to finance their liberal agenda
WASHINGTON -- The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is ostensibly a public worker union. In truth, it is nothing more than an appendage of the Democratic Party. One hundred percent of its political contributions go to Democrats, and it works tirelessly to increase government spending and stop Republicans who want to reform state government.
Should AFSCME be able to force public workers who disagree with its liberal agenda to pay union dues and support it? That was the question before the Supreme Court this week, when justices heard oral arguments in Janus v. AFSCME, a case brought by Illinois child-support specialist Mark Janus, who argues that forcing him to contribute to union coffers violates his First Amendment rights by compelling him to support speech with which he disagrees.
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Should AFSCME be able to force public workers who disagree with its liberal agenda to pay union dues and support it? That was the question before the Supreme Court this week, when justices heard oral arguments in Janus v. AFSCME, a case brought by Illinois child-support specialist Mark Janus, who argues that forcing him to contribute to union coffers violates his First Amendment rights by compelling him to support speech with which he disagrees.
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http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2018/03/02/marc-thiessen-its-time-to-protect-public-workers-from-unions-who-want-them-to-finance-their-liberal-agenda.html
Hungarian minister: Vienna is increasingly crime-ridden since migrants began living there
Austria’s capital “is dirtier, poorer and increasingly crime-ridden since migrants began living there”
Janos Lazar, Chief of Staff of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, posted a controversial video about Austria’s capital on his Facebook. He states that “immigrant communities have completely changed the cityscape” and “Vienna has become a worse place because of refugees”.
In the video, Lazar says that Austria’s capital “is dirtier, poorer and increasingly crime-ridden since migrants began living there”. When he tried to ask citizens of Vienna how they experience this “nobody spoke German [Austria’s main language]”, he says.
Lazar concludes “a city within a city” is created and if Hungary’s not careful its capital could look Vienna within 20 years. “There are a great number of schools in Vienna where there are no white Viennese children left, only the children of Muslim immigrants and immigrants from the Middle East,” Lazar says.
More/Video
Janos Lazar, Chief of Staff of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, posted a controversial video about Austria’s capital on his Facebook. He states that “immigrant communities have completely changed the cityscape” and “Vienna has become a worse place because of refugees”.
In the video, Lazar says that Austria’s capital “is dirtier, poorer and increasingly crime-ridden since migrants began living there”. When he tried to ask citizens of Vienna how they experience this “nobody spoke German [Austria’s main language]”, he says.
Lazar concludes “a city within a city” is created and if Hungary’s not careful its capital could look Vienna within 20 years. “There are a great number of schools in Vienna where there are no white Viennese children left, only the children of Muslim immigrants and immigrants from the Middle East,” Lazar says.
More/Video
Feds reveal missed warnings about the Florida massacre suspect
The FBI has detailed a series of mistakes it made in the handling of tips about the gunman who killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland,Florida.
FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich made the comments in a closed briefing on Tuesday with members of the House Judiciary and Oversight Committees.
In a press release made available on Wednesday, Bowdich cited two tips that the FBI received about 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz in September 2017 and in January 2018 that were mishandled.
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FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich made the comments in a closed briefing on Tuesday with members of the House Judiciary and Oversight Committees.
In a press release made available on Wednesday, Bowdich cited two tips that the FBI received about 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz in September 2017 and in January 2018 that were mishandled.
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Exclusive -- Jeff Sessions: We Will Defeat California's 'Sanctuary State' Laws
SACRAMENTO, California — Attorney Jeff Sessions told Breitbart News in an exclusive interview on Wednesday morning that he expects to prevail in a lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice Tuesday evening against California’s “sanctuary state” laws.
In his first interview since the DOJ filed the lawsuit, which challenges the constitutionality of the California statutes under the Supremacy Clause, Sessions told Breitbart News that he was optimistic about the case’s prospects.
“We believe that we cannot accept the kind of restrictions that California placed on federal law officers, and we believe that their actions exceeded the Constitution, and we will win in the courts eventually,” he said.
The state’s elected leaders — all Democrats — slammed Sessions’s lawsuit on Tuesday evening. Governor Jerry Brown, Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA), and Attorney General Xavier Becerra all took to Twitter to oppose the lawsuit. Becerra even claimed that he was determined to “uphold the law” — state “sanctuary” law, as opposed to federal immigration law.
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In his first interview since the DOJ filed the lawsuit, which challenges the constitutionality of the California statutes under the Supremacy Clause, Sessions told Breitbart News that he was optimistic about the case’s prospects.
“We believe that we cannot accept the kind of restrictions that California placed on federal law officers, and we believe that their actions exceeded the Constitution, and we will win in the courts eventually,” he said.
The state’s elected leaders — all Democrats — slammed Sessions’s lawsuit on Tuesday evening. Governor Jerry Brown, Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA), and Attorney General Xavier Becerra all took to Twitter to oppose the lawsuit. Becerra even claimed that he was determined to “uphold the law” — state “sanctuary” law, as opposed to federal immigration law.
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We're Not Sure If This Is A Weekly Schedule, Or Not?
Baltimore Sues Trump Administration Over Defunding Teen Pregnancy Program
Baltimore City is joining a lawsuit against the Trump administration to save federal funding for a teen-pregnancy prevention program. Officials say the funding is being cut without any explanation two years early.
City officials said they have received no clear explanation for the cutoff of the grant funding. The same thing is happening nationwide. The city's program does involve birth control.
In fact, birth control is anything but a taboo phrase at the Baltimore City Health Department. It offers free condoms in its lobby.
Since 2015, the department has been using a federal grant to teach birth control and other measures to prevent teen pregnancy to middle and high students. But, that grant is being ended two years early by the Trump Administration's Health and Human Services Agency.
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City officials said they have received no clear explanation for the cutoff of the grant funding. The same thing is happening nationwide. The city's program does involve birth control.
In fact, birth control is anything but a taboo phrase at the Baltimore City Health Department. It offers free condoms in its lobby.
Since 2015, the department has been using a federal grant to teach birth control and other measures to prevent teen pregnancy to middle and high students. But, that grant is being ended two years early by the Trump Administration's Health and Human Services Agency.
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A Maryland law lets violent convicts leave prison early for drug treatment. Prosecutors are pushing against it
In February 2017, armed robber Sheirod Saunders had served less than three years of an eight-year prison sentence when a judge ordered him released to a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Baltimore.
Saunders promptly escaped from the unsecured facility, authorities say. He scooped up bags holding the belongings of other patients, they say, ran out the front door, jumped into a light green car and headed off. They’ve been searching for him ever since.
Across the state, dozens of inmates convicted of violent crimes — carjackings, shootings and attempted murder — are using a Maryland law intended to help addicted offenders get drug treatment to win early release, sometimes years before they are eligible for parole. Now some officials are objecting.
“We have very serious, high-risk offenders receiving sentencing modifications and absconding from treatment,” says Lisa Smith, director of policy and legislative affairs for the Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Office. “That is a very serious public safety concern for us.”
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Saunders promptly escaped from the unsecured facility, authorities say. He scooped up bags holding the belongings of other patients, they say, ran out the front door, jumped into a light green car and headed off. They’ve been searching for him ever since.
Across the state, dozens of inmates convicted of violent crimes — carjackings, shootings and attempted murder — are using a Maryland law intended to help addicted offenders get drug treatment to win early release, sometimes years before they are eligible for parole. Now some officials are objecting.
“We have very serious, high-risk offenders receiving sentencing modifications and absconding from treatment,” says Lisa Smith, director of policy and legislative affairs for the Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Office. “That is a very serious public safety concern for us.”
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Breaking News: Some British schools are encouraging riskier play to build resilience and grit. As for sharp edges? Kids "normally only cut themselves once."
Educators in Britain, after decades spent in a collective effort to minimize risk, are now, cautiously, getting into the business of providing it.
The approach is tinged with nostalgia for an earlier Britain, in which children were tougher and more self-reliant. It is also supported by a growing list of government officials, among them Amanda Spielman, the chief inspector of Ofsted, the powerful agency that inspects British schools.
The approach is tinged with nostalgia for an earlier Britain, in which children were tougher and more self-reliant. It is also supported by a growing list of government officials, among them Amanda Spielman, the chief inspector of Ofsted, the powerful agency that inspects British schools.
Maryland projects nearly $400 million more in tax revenue than expected
The Maryland agency that forecasts tax collections predicted Wednesday that the state will take in nearly $400 million more than previously expected this year and in 2019, giving the General Assembly and Gov. Larry Hogan some flexibility as they finalize the budget.
The Board of Revenue Estimates forecast that revenues for the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30, will actually fall nearly $40 million short of previous expectations. But the agency predicted that tax revenue for the budget year starting July 1 would come in more than $433 million higher, largely because of the impact of the recent revision of the federal tax code.
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The Board of Revenue Estimates forecast that revenues for the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30, will actually fall nearly $40 million short of previous expectations. But the agency predicted that tax revenue for the budget year starting July 1 would come in more than $433 million higher, largely because of the impact of the recent revision of the federal tax code.
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Peter Thiel: Donald Trump "Still Better" Than Clinton Or "The Republican Zombies"
In what appears to be his second New York Times profile in the span of a year, Peter Thiel, the PayPal founder, Facebook board member and venture capitalist, defends his support for President Donald Trump, saying that although Trump hadn't yet followed through with everything he'd promised (notably Trump has made no effort to reduce American involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan) he's still been way better than Clinton or a moderate Republican would've been.
Thiel, who recently decided to move his company and his primary place of residence to Los Angeles to avoid the "groupthink" in Silicon Valley, told the Times that he's support for the president is undiminished, and that he still has access to Trump, whom he famously impressed with his speech at the Republican National Convention, "any time I want."
The investor said he had last spoken to the president "a few months ago."
"We don't talk that often but i have access to him any time I want," Thiel said.
The Trump whom Mr. Thiel touted at the Republican convention was a candidate who would "end the era of stupid wars and rebuild our country," move us past "fake culture wars" and start projects the equivalent of the Apollo space program. That does not seem ot be the president he got.
"There are all these ways that things have fallen short," Mr. Thiel said. But he said he had no regrets about his endorsement. "It's still better than Hillary Clinton or the Republican zombies," he said, referring to the other candidates.
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Thiel, who recently decided to move his company and his primary place of residence to Los Angeles to avoid the "groupthink" in Silicon Valley, told the Times that he's support for the president is undiminished, and that he still has access to Trump, whom he famously impressed with his speech at the Republican National Convention, "any time I want."
The investor said he had last spoken to the president "a few months ago."
"We don't talk that often but i have access to him any time I want," Thiel said.
The Trump whom Mr. Thiel touted at the Republican convention was a candidate who would "end the era of stupid wars and rebuild our country," move us past "fake culture wars" and start projects the equivalent of the Apollo space program. That does not seem ot be the president he got.
"There are all these ways that things have fallen short," Mr. Thiel said. But he said he had no regrets about his endorsement. "It's still better than Hillary Clinton or the Republican zombies," he said, referring to the other candidates.
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Secret Service Employee Arrested On Child Porn Charges
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — An employee for the United States Secret Service who lives in Maryland has been arrested on child porn charges.
52-year-old Jeffrey Litteral faces charges of possession of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, possession of obscene material, and distribution of obscene material.
Maryland State Police began investigating Letteral after getting information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about possible child pornography being uploaded from a computer in Caroline County.
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52-year-old Jeffrey Litteral faces charges of possession of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, possession of obscene material, and distribution of obscene material.
Maryland State Police began investigating Letteral after getting information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about possible child pornography being uploaded from a computer in Caroline County.
More/Video
Migrants Taking Berlin Back to Dark Ages
Incompatible cultures foster strife
“Isolated” cases of abuse and discord by migrants in Berlin are becoming all too familiar to Germans, with one school official even admitting “we are heading toward the Middle Ages.”
For example, German media is now forced to report on the fact that young women are called obscene names by foreign nationals for not wearing a headscarf or daring to wear a bikini.
Furthermore, a 60-year-old woman was solicited for sex by a young Arab while she was walking with her husband in a park.
“I no longer feel well and safe in this city. Something is out of joint here,”says a longterm resident.
Intense anxiety is now an everyday part of life due to the influx of Islamic migrants.
Volunteers have worked on integrating the new arrivals into German companies; however, there’s still an enormous amount of young men who won’t work.
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“Isolated” cases of abuse and discord by migrants in Berlin are becoming all too familiar to Germans, with one school official even admitting “we are heading toward the Middle Ages.”
For example, German media is now forced to report on the fact that young women are called obscene names by foreign nationals for not wearing a headscarf or daring to wear a bikini.
Furthermore, a 60-year-old woman was solicited for sex by a young Arab while she was walking with her husband in a park.
“I no longer feel well and safe in this city. Something is out of joint here,”says a longterm resident.
Intense anxiety is now an everyday part of life due to the influx of Islamic migrants.
Volunteers have worked on integrating the new arrivals into German companies; however, there’s still an enormous amount of young men who won’t work.
More
Obama State Dept Official Who Aided Dossier Author Was Key Player in Dubai Ports Scandal
NEW YORK — Jonathan M. Winer, the Obama State Department official who acknowledged regularly interfacing and exchanging information with the author of the largely discredited 35-page anti-Trump dossier, headed a firm that helped the company owned by the United Arab Emirates government in its controversial failed bid to take over some terminal operations at major American ports.
The events known as the Dubai Ports World controversy saw DP World, the holding company owned by the United Arab Emirates, face backlash when their attempted ports takeover prompted an American national security debate in 2006. DP World hired Winer’s company to help them purchase Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation, which had the contract to operate some of America’s biggest ports.
Involvement in the deal represents another possible link between Winer and the Clintons. Breitbart News first reported that Winer served as senior vice president of another firm that did extensive pro bono work for the Clinton Global Initiative. Breitbart News also first reported that the firm where Winer worked in a senior capacity lobbied for the U.S. subsidiary of a Russian state company that purchased a controlling stake in Uranium One, the Canadian uranium mining company with operations in the U.S. The purchase was approved by the Obama administration in a decision that is currently being probed by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
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The events known as the Dubai Ports World controversy saw DP World, the holding company owned by the United Arab Emirates, face backlash when their attempted ports takeover prompted an American national security debate in 2006. DP World hired Winer’s company to help them purchase Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation, which had the contract to operate some of America’s biggest ports.
Involvement in the deal represents another possible link between Winer and the Clintons. Breitbart News first reported that Winer served as senior vice president of another firm that did extensive pro bono work for the Clinton Global Initiative. Breitbart News also first reported that the firm where Winer worked in a senior capacity lobbied for the U.S. subsidiary of a Russian state company that purchased a controlling stake in Uranium One, the Canadian uranium mining company with operations in the U.S. The purchase was approved by the Obama administration in a decision that is currently being probed by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
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Trump Creates Prison Reform Council
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday to create a new, interagency federal council to report on federal prison reentry policy, continuing the administration's ongoing focus on prison reform.
The Federal Interagency Council on Crime Prevention and Improving Reentry will bring together representatives from 11 executive departments and offices, ranging the Department of the Education to the Office of National Drug Control Policy. The representatives appointed to the council will be responsible for producing recommendations for evidence-based reforms to improve federal support for programs which cut offending and recidivating.
Those programs include both pre-offense programs—including support for mental and behavioral health services—and access to resources for inmates to help them reintegrate with society once their time is served. Those resources would include better access to education, mentorship, substance abuse treatment, and mental and behavioral health treatment.
More here
The Federal Interagency Council on Crime Prevention and Improving Reentry will bring together representatives from 11 executive departments and offices, ranging the Department of the Education to the Office of National Drug Control Policy. The representatives appointed to the council will be responsible for producing recommendations for evidence-based reforms to improve federal support for programs which cut offending and recidivating.
Those programs include both pre-offense programs—including support for mental and behavioral health services—and access to resources for inmates to help them reintegrate with society once their time is served. Those resources would include better access to education, mentorship, substance abuse treatment, and mental and behavioral health treatment.
More here
Primaries Turn Texas a Deeper Shade of Red
In the GOP civil war between populists and centrists, populists gained ground in Tuesday's elections that kicked off the year's primary season.
In the election season's first primary of 2018, populists continued to gain ground in their Texas Republican civil war with moderates.
Most of the moderate or establishment Republicans who were targeted in primaries on Tuesday managed to hold on to their seats, but the faction of more populist conservatives, who take a hard line on taxes and social issues, made further advances and could pick up additional seats in May's runoff elections.
"There's been a gradual shift toward the more conservative wing of the party, and that continued in Tuesday's primary," says Brandon Rottinghaus, a political scientist at the University of Houston. "Little by little, they chip away at the support of moderates."
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In the election season's first primary of 2018, populists continued to gain ground in their Texas Republican civil war with moderates.
Most of the moderate or establishment Republicans who were targeted in primaries on Tuesday managed to hold on to their seats, but the faction of more populist conservatives, who take a hard line on taxes and social issues, made further advances and could pick up additional seats in May's runoff elections.
"There's been a gradual shift toward the more conservative wing of the party, and that continued in Tuesday's primary," says Brandon Rottinghaus, a political scientist at the University of Houston. "Little by little, they chip away at the support of moderates."
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NEWS IN NUMBERS
$155,000
MARCH 7, 2018
Money raised by an online fundraiser started in memory of Philando Castile that is being used to pay all of the school lunch debt for public schools in St. Paul. Castile was fatally shot by a Minnesota police officer during a traffic stop in 2016.
Source: the Minneapolis Star Tribune
$23.5 million
MARCH 6, 2018
Money in Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo's budget that relies on revenue from sports gambling, which is illegal unless the U.S. Supreme Court ends the federal ban on it this summer.
Source: Governing
$2 billion
MARCH 5, 2018
Worth of a bond that California lawmakers approved back in 2016 to help finance new housing for the homeless. Not a penny has been spent as the issue of how the debt will be repaid plays out in court.
Source: the Los Angeles Times
Are California's Sanctuary Laws Vulnerable in Court? Yes, Say Legal Experts.
California's three new "sanctuary" laws, challenged in court this week by the Trump administration, face different hurdles and have varying vulnerabilities, legal experts said Wednesday.
Law professors who read the lawsuit filed by Attorney General Jeff Sessions generally described it as a credible challenge that presents complex legal questions that might wind up before the U.S. Supreme Court.
"The arguments made by the Justice Department are not at all lightweight arguments," said Pepperdine law school professor Douglas W. Kmiec. "They are quite substantial."
The federal government has wide authority over matters of immigration, and Sessions has charged that California's new laws usurp or pre-empt federal rules.
The supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution says federal law takes precedence over state laws, and Sessions' suit accuses California's new regulations of violating that provision.
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Law professors who read the lawsuit filed by Attorney General Jeff Sessions generally described it as a credible challenge that presents complex legal questions that might wind up before the U.S. Supreme Court.
"The arguments made by the Justice Department are not at all lightweight arguments," said Pepperdine law school professor Douglas W. Kmiec. "They are quite substantial."
The federal government has wide authority over matters of immigration, and Sessions has charged that California's new laws usurp or pre-empt federal rules.
The supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution says federal law takes precedence over state laws, and Sessions' suit accuses California's new regulations of violating that provision.
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One Hundred Years Later, the Madness of Daylight Saving Time Endures
One hundred years after Congress passed the first daylight saving legislation, lawmakers in Florida this week passed the “Sunshine Protection Act,” which will make daylight saving a year-round reality in the Sunshine State.
If approved by the federal government, this will effectively move Florida’s residents one time zone to the east, aligning cities from Jacksonville to Miami with Nova Scotia rather than New York and Washington, D.C.
The cost of rescheduling international and interstate business and commerce hasn’t been calculated. Instead, relying on the same overly optimistic math that led the original proponents of daylight saving to predict vast energy savings, crisper farm products harvested before the morning dew dried and lessened eye strain for industrial workers, Florida legislators are lauding the benefits of putting “more sunshine in our lives.”
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If approved by the federal government, this will effectively move Florida’s residents one time zone to the east, aligning cities from Jacksonville to Miami with Nova Scotia rather than New York and Washington, D.C.
The cost of rescheduling international and interstate business and commerce hasn’t been calculated. Instead, relying on the same overly optimistic math that led the original proponents of daylight saving to predict vast energy savings, crisper farm products harvested before the morning dew dried and lessened eye strain for industrial workers, Florida legislators are lauding the benefits of putting “more sunshine in our lives.”
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DAILY GOVERNMENT QUOTES
This isn't hard. Putting your kid in the ground is hard. This is pushing a button.
MARCH 9, 2018
Florida state Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat, to lawmakers who struggled with whether to vote for a bill to raise the age to buy a gun and take guns from people who pose a threat. He said he's haunted by the screams of parents learning that their children were victims of last month's school shooting in Parkland.
Source: Tribune News Service
In a primary electorate in New York state that is far more demographically attuned to ‘60 Minutes’ more than ‘Sex and the City,’ I wouldn’t think that Nixon or the characters she has played have the kind of broad recognition one would need to run.
MARCH 8, 2018
Jef Pollock, a pollster for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, on the prospect of actress Cynthia Nixon winning the Democratic gubernatorial primary if she enters -- a move she is reportedly weighing.
Source: Politico
Route 611 Repaving Project To Continue Through April
WEST OCEAN CITY — State Highway Administration (SHA) contractors on Monday began two simultaneous projects on Route 611 in West Ocean City that will create some headaches and detours this week and beyond.
On Monday, SHA contractors began replacing aging drainage pipes along Route 611 in a stretch from Antique Road to Landings Boulevard. As a result, the stretch of Route 611 in that area will be closed each day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and traffic will be detoured during that segment of the project, which is expected to be completed by Friday.
Motorists attempting to access the south end of Route 611 to areas such as Assateague Island and the South Points area, for example, will be detoured to Route 50, then to Route 113. From Route 113 in Berlin, traffic will be detoured back along Route 376, or Assateague Road, to Route 611. Drivers should expect delays and added commute times during the project.
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On Monday, SHA contractors began replacing aging drainage pipes along Route 611 in a stretch from Antique Road to Landings Boulevard. As a result, the stretch of Route 611 in that area will be closed each day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and traffic will be detoured during that segment of the project, which is expected to be completed by Friday.
Motorists attempting to access the south end of Route 611 to areas such as Assateague Island and the South Points area, for example, will be detoured to Route 50, then to Route 113. From Route 113 in Berlin, traffic will be detoured back along Route 376, or Assateague Road, to Route 611. Drivers should expect delays and added commute times during the project.
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In Portland, Landlords Now Have to Pay Some Tenants' Moving Costs
Portland city commissioners made permanent on Wednesday a program that requires landlords to pay renters' moving costs if they are evicted without cause or are forced to move because of a rent increase of 10 percent or more.
The program, a brainchild of Commissioner Chloe Eudaly, is designed to address Portland's escalating housing and homelessness crisis, in addition to other steps taken by the city council.
It had been used on a trial basis for a year before commissioners made it permanent, and included a blanket exemption for landlords that own only one rental unit. The permanent program removes that all-encompassing exemption, but adds a laundry list of new ones that will allow some landlords with a single unit and other landlords meeting certain conditions to avoid paying tenants' relocation costs.
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The program, a brainchild of Commissioner Chloe Eudaly, is designed to address Portland's escalating housing and homelessness crisis, in addition to other steps taken by the city council.
It had been used on a trial basis for a year before commissioners made it permanent, and included a blanket exemption for landlords that own only one rental unit. The permanent program removes that all-encompassing exemption, but adds a laundry list of new ones that will allow some landlords with a single unit and other landlords meeting certain conditions to avoid paying tenants' relocation costs.
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Pruitt's $1 Billion Rollback at the EPA
On Feb. 17, 2017, Scott Pruitt — formerly a conservative lawmaker and attorney general in Oklahoma — succeeded in becoming the new face of the EPA. Democrats didn’t take his ascension very well. In fact, Pruitt was forced to reinforce his security detail last autumn because of numerous death threats from eco-fascists. The Left’s adversarial attitude toward Pruitt is better understood when you consider just how pivotal of a role he has in the Trump administration.
The EPA just revealed that Pruitt’s de-regulatory endeavor has yielded $1 billion in cost savings after just one year. This was the direct outcome of nearly two dozen de-regulations.
More importantly, it’s also only a taste of what’s coming down the pipeline.
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The EPA just revealed that Pruitt’s de-regulatory endeavor has yielded $1 billion in cost savings after just one year. This was the direct outcome of nearly two dozen de-regulations.
More importantly, it’s also only a taste of what’s coming down the pipeline.
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Oregon Closes 'Boyfriend Loophole' in Gun Laws
A bill prohibiting domestic abusers and people under restraining orders from owning firearms became America’s first new gun control law since the Feb. 14 Florida high school massacre.
“Well done, Oregon,” Democratic Gov. Kate Brown exclaimed Monday after signing the law on the steps of the state Capitol as some 200 people, including victims of domestic abuse and high school students, applauded and cheered.
State Sen. Floyd Prozanski, whose sister was fatally shot by her boyfriend, and Rep. Janeen Sollman, who fled her home as a child when her father was in a violent rage, hugged as they stood behind the governor.
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“Well done, Oregon,” Democratic Gov. Kate Brown exclaimed Monday after signing the law on the steps of the state Capitol as some 200 people, including victims of domestic abuse and high school students, applauded and cheered.
State Sen. Floyd Prozanski, whose sister was fatally shot by her boyfriend, and Rep. Janeen Sollman, who fled her home as a child when her father was in a violent rage, hugged as they stood behind the governor.
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Martin Shkreli, the ex-pharmaceutical chief notorious for raising a drug price by 5,000 percent, got a 7-year sentence in a fraud case
Martin Shkreli, a former pharmaceutical executive notorious for sharply increasing drug prices, mounting sneering defenses of his actions and even issuing a bounty for one of Hillary Clinton’s hairs, was sentenced on Friday to seven years in prison after being convicted of fraud last year.
Prosecutors had sought a sentence of at least 15 years; the defense had pushed for 12 to 18 months.
Prosecutors had sought a sentence of at least 15 years; the defense had pushed for 12 to 18 months.
Connecticut Goes to War With the NRA
The NRA has "in essence become a terrorist organization," said Gov. Dannel Malloy, who is considering cutting it out of the state's gun permitting process. It's not the only state, however, that directs funds toward the group.
In Connecticut, the state that heavily cracked down on guns in the wake of a 2012 mass shooting at an elementary school, there's a new push to cut the National Rifle Association out of the gun-permitting equation.
On Monday, Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin sent a letter to Democratic Gov. Dannel Malloy and top state lawmakers, calling for the state to develop its own curriculum for training instructors and gun-holders. The only other jurisdictions that run their own training programs are California and Washington, D.C. -- for instructors -- and Rhode Island -- for gun-holders.
Bronin, a Democrat running to replace Malloy, said language in the state’s gun permitting statute acts as “inadvertent, indirect support for the NRA” and works to legitimize the group.
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In Connecticut, the state that heavily cracked down on guns in the wake of a 2012 mass shooting at an elementary school, there's a new push to cut the National Rifle Association out of the gun-permitting equation.
On Monday, Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin sent a letter to Democratic Gov. Dannel Malloy and top state lawmakers, calling for the state to develop its own curriculum for training instructors and gun-holders. The only other jurisdictions that run their own training programs are California and Washington, D.C. -- for instructors -- and Rhode Island -- for gun-holders.
Bronin, a Democrat running to replace Malloy, said language in the state’s gun permitting statute acts as “inadvertent, indirect support for the NRA” and works to legitimize the group.
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West Virginia Teachers Strike Inspires Talk of Protest in Other States
The success of the statewide walkout, which ended on Wednesday, could spur similar movements across the country at a time when the fate of unions is in the Supreme Court's hands.
West Virginia’s teachers are back in class today after Gov. Jim Justice approved 5 percent pay raises for the state’s public employees, ending a nearly two-week-long strike.
The teachers received everything they asked for, including a 16-month freeze on health premiums.
Before the deal, spiking health care costs and low pay were drivers of deep discontent among West Virginia teachers, who are among the lowest-paid in the nation, ranking 48th out of 50 states and the District of Columbia.
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West Virginia’s teachers are back in class today after Gov. Jim Justice approved 5 percent pay raises for the state’s public employees, ending a nearly two-week-long strike.
The teachers received everything they asked for, including a 16-month freeze on health premiums.
Before the deal, spiking health care costs and low pay were drivers of deep discontent among West Virginia teachers, who are among the lowest-paid in the nation, ranking 48th out of 50 states and the District of Columbia.
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Baby Suffocation Deaths From Co-Sleeping Rise
Sam and Maura Hanke were over the moon when they welcomed their first child, Charlie, into the world in 2010. They quickly settled into life with the healthy newborn and loved the joys and challenges that came with realizing their dream of becoming parents.
One night when he was 3 weeks old, Charlie was fussier than normal and was up late into the night, struggling to sleep. Since Maura wasbreastfeeding, Sam offered to hold him so his wife could get some rest. The new father sat down on the couch to watch television and fell asleep with Charlie lying on his chest.
“When I woke up, he was gone,” Hanke said. “I would do everything in my power to have another day with him.”
Charlie was a victim of an unsafe sleep environment. About 3,500 infants die every year in the U.S. from sleep-related deaths. But while the number of babies that die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has been falling, the number of babies dying from accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed skyrocketed 184% from 1999 to 2015, according to new statistics released Monday by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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One night when he was 3 weeks old, Charlie was fussier than normal and was up late into the night, struggling to sleep. Since Maura wasbreastfeeding, Sam offered to hold him so his wife could get some rest. The new father sat down on the couch to watch television and fell asleep with Charlie lying on his chest.
“When I woke up, he was gone,” Hanke said. “I would do everything in my power to have another day with him.”
Charlie was a victim of an unsafe sleep environment. About 3,500 infants die every year in the U.S. from sleep-related deaths. But while the number of babies that die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has been falling, the number of babies dying from accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed skyrocketed 184% from 1999 to 2015, according to new statistics released Monday by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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Democrats Divided Over Whether To Condemn Anti-Semite Farrakhan
House Democrats are currently divided on whether or not to condemn Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, a notorious racist and anti-Semite.
At least seven House Democrats are known to have ties to Farrakhan, as The Daily Caller News Foundation revealed.
Two of those seven, Democratic Reps. Barbara Lee of California and Gregory Meeks of New York, condemned Farrakhan in statements posted to Twitter on Thursday.
Another, Indiana Rep. Andre Carson, on Thursday confirmed to Politico that he has met with Farrakhan but said that shouldn’t be taken as an endorsement.
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At least seven House Democrats are known to have ties to Farrakhan, as The Daily Caller News Foundation revealed.
Two of those seven, Democratic Reps. Barbara Lee of California and Gregory Meeks of New York, condemned Farrakhan in statements posted to Twitter on Thursday.
Another, Indiana Rep. Andre Carson, on Thursday confirmed to Politico that he has met with Farrakhan but said that shouldn’t be taken as an endorsement.
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Lawmakers Received Jars Of Tar And Feathers After Gun Control Vote
Senate Republicans in Florida received jars full of tar and feathers after they sided with Democrats and voted for some rather draconian gun laws. The jars are entirely symbolic, but were labeled with “enemy of freedom reward.”
Of the 17 Republicans who voted against basic gun rights, only six are faced with reelection this year. Other laws some of the Republicans voted for included a mandatory three day wait period and bump stock ban.
According to The Tampa Bay Times, the Republicans are facing a swift backlash. Reports claim the jars didn’t come from children although they say they did. “From the Children of Bradford County,″ reads the note, written in red tape across one side of the jelly jars. “The tar and feather enemy of freedom award,” they read on the other side. On the top, the jars are decorated with a plastic “poop” emoji and a glued feather.
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Of the 17 Republicans who voted against basic gun rights, only six are faced with reelection this year. Other laws some of the Republicans voted for included a mandatory three day wait period and bump stock ban.
According to The Tampa Bay Times, the Republicans are facing a swift backlash. Reports claim the jars didn’t come from children although they say they did. “From the Children of Bradford County,″ reads the note, written in red tape across one side of the jelly jars. “The tar and feather enemy of freedom award,” they read on the other side. On the top, the jars are decorated with a plastic “poop” emoji and a glued feather.
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Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force Press Release
Suspect 1: Scott Michael Mudd Race: White / Sex: Male DOB 07-28- 1998 1409 University Terrace, Apt 104, Salisbury, MD
Suspect 2: Joshua Ron Franzak Race: White / Sex: Male DOB 06-21- 1998 1060 Arnoldstown Rd., Jefferson, MD 21755
Suspect 3: Arne Scott Nelson Race: White / Sex: Male DOB 08-30-1998 105 Annapolis View Rd., Stevensville, MD
During the month of February 2018, members of the Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force, hereinafter referred to as WINTF, were informed that a Salisbury University student was selling amounts of cocaine, marijuana and other types of controlled dangerous substances in Wicomico County, Maryland. Members of WINTF started an investigation and were able to identify Scott Michael Mudd, W/M, who was residing at 1409 University Terrace, Apt 104, Salisbury, Maryland, as a potential suspect. Based on information acquired through the investigation, law enforcement officers were able to author a search & seizure warrant for 1409 University Terrace, Apt. 104, Salisbury, Maryland. On March 5, 2018, at approximately 2130 hours, officers executed the search warrant. Members of law enforcement conducted a search of the apartment and were able to identify the occupants of the four rooms located within the residence. The occupants of the apartment arrived home during execution of the warrant and were detained.
A search of the apartment resulted in the seizure of (8) eight marijuana plants, 178.9 grams of suspected marijuana, 27.2 grams of suspected cocaine, numerous pills, promethazine syrup, various pieces of paraphernalia used to cultivate marijuana, and $5,637.00 in U.S. currency.
As a result of the search, Joshua Franzak, Arne Nelson and Scott Mudd were arrested and charged accordingly. All three individuals were presented before a District Court Commissioner, released on bond and are pending trial.
Members of WINTF were assisted by the Salisbury University Police Department, Salisbury Police Department, Maryland State Police Barrack "E", Wicomico County Sheriff's Office K-9, and the Wicomico County State's Attorney’s Office.
The Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force consists of members of the Maryland State Police, Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Salisbury City Police Department, Fruitland Police Department and the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Suspect 2: Joshua Ron Franzak Race: White / Sex: Male DOB 06-21- 1998 1060 Arnoldstown Rd., Jefferson, MD 21755
Suspect 3: Arne Scott Nelson Race: White / Sex: Male DOB 08-30-1998 105 Annapolis View Rd., Stevensville, MD
During the month of February 2018, members of the Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force, hereinafter referred to as WINTF, were informed that a Salisbury University student was selling amounts of cocaine, marijuana and other types of controlled dangerous substances in Wicomico County, Maryland. Members of WINTF started an investigation and were able to identify Scott Michael Mudd, W/M, who was residing at 1409 University Terrace, Apt 104, Salisbury, Maryland, as a potential suspect. Based on information acquired through the investigation, law enforcement officers were able to author a search & seizure warrant for 1409 University Terrace, Apt. 104, Salisbury, Maryland. On March 5, 2018, at approximately 2130 hours, officers executed the search warrant. Members of law enforcement conducted a search of the apartment and were able to identify the occupants of the four rooms located within the residence. The occupants of the apartment arrived home during execution of the warrant and were detained.
A search of the apartment resulted in the seizure of (8) eight marijuana plants, 178.9 grams of suspected marijuana, 27.2 grams of suspected cocaine, numerous pills, promethazine syrup, various pieces of paraphernalia used to cultivate marijuana, and $5,637.00 in U.S. currency.
As a result of the search, Joshua Franzak, Arne Nelson and Scott Mudd were arrested and charged accordingly. All three individuals were presented before a District Court Commissioner, released on bond and are pending trial.
Members of WINTF were assisted by the Salisbury University Police Department, Salisbury Police Department, Maryland State Police Barrack "E", Wicomico County Sheriff's Office K-9, and the Wicomico County State's Attorney’s Office.
The Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force consists of members of the Maryland State Police, Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Salisbury City Police Department, Fruitland Police Department and the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office.
U.S. Civil Rights Commissioners: Obama-Era School Leniency Policy Brings 'Fear' and 'Danger'
Two members of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights say the Obama-era school leniency policy that discourages reports of threatening behavior by minority students to law enforcement is dangerous.
“Many schools that have adopted lenient disciplinary policies – i.e., defining offenses down so that blacks and Hispanics aren’t suspended or expelled at significantly higher rates than whites and Asians—have seen marked increases in the number and severity of offenses,” attorney Peter Kirsanow, a Republican member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, tells Breitbart News. “St. Paul is just one example, but numerous districts across the country have reported spikes in violence against teachers and students, as well as other forms of disruptive behavior.”
“Students (and teachers) have reported being fearful of going to school,” adds Kirsanow, who also chairs the board of directors of the Center for New Black Leadership. “One school principal stated unequivocally that the people that are most harmed are the good students who want to learn but are harmed by the chaotic environment.”
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“Many schools that have adopted lenient disciplinary policies – i.e., defining offenses down so that blacks and Hispanics aren’t suspended or expelled at significantly higher rates than whites and Asians—have seen marked increases in the number and severity of offenses,” attorney Peter Kirsanow, a Republican member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, tells Breitbart News. “St. Paul is just one example, but numerous districts across the country have reported spikes in violence against teachers and students, as well as other forms of disruptive behavior.”
“Students (and teachers) have reported being fearful of going to school,” adds Kirsanow, who also chairs the board of directors of the Center for New Black Leadership. “One school principal stated unequivocally that the people that are most harmed are the good students who want to learn but are harmed by the chaotic environment.”
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WEATHER ALERT
As Craft Beer Industry Booms, Maryland Is Losing Brewers To Virginia
Beer lovers say Maryland could be a brewing capital, but its regulations are scaring away business.
In the middle of white-collar downtown Silver Spring, Denizens Brewing Company is a throwback to America’s manufacturing heyday. A forklift beeps as co-owner Julie Verratti walks the concrete floor, pointing out wooden barrels full of intriguing brews.
“We have everything from tequila barrels to bourbon barrels to mezcal to white wine to rum,” Verratti says. “You name it, if it’s had some sort of alcohol in it, we’re going to age beer in it.”
Denizens has produced a sour ale aged four-and-a-half months in tequila barrels. A Russian imperial stout aged 10 months in bourbon barrels is called the “Chapless Horseman.” Craft brewing is creative that way — not to mention economically stimulating. Denizens employs 30 people, and on warm weekends, tables outside brim with customers quaffing its popular IPAs, pilsners and lagers.
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In the middle of white-collar downtown Silver Spring, Denizens Brewing Company is a throwback to America’s manufacturing heyday. A forklift beeps as co-owner Julie Verratti walks the concrete floor, pointing out wooden barrels full of intriguing brews.
“We have everything from tequila barrels to bourbon barrels to mezcal to white wine to rum,” Verratti says. “You name it, if it’s had some sort of alcohol in it, we’re going to age beer in it.”
Denizens has produced a sour ale aged four-and-a-half months in tequila barrels. A Russian imperial stout aged 10 months in bourbon barrels is called the “Chapless Horseman.” Craft brewing is creative that way — not to mention economically stimulating. Denizens employs 30 people, and on warm weekends, tables outside brim with customers quaffing its popular IPAs, pilsners and lagers.
More
Report: Top 100 Most Dangerous Cities in the U.S.
NeighborhoodScout, a web-based platform that, among other things, tracks crime statistics, released its annual list of the Top 100 Most Dangerous Cities in the U.S. for 2018.
According to a press release, the list is based on a comparison of the safety of cities with 25,000 or more people nationwide, "based on the number of violent crimes (murder, rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault) reported to the FBI to have occurred in each city, and the population of each city, divided by 1,000." The calculation reveals the rate of violent crimes per 1,000 residents.
The most dangerous city in American, according to the report, is Monroe, Louisiana, followed by Bessemer, Ala., and East St. Louis, Illinois. Rounding out the top ten are Camden, N.J., Detroit, Mich., St. Louis, Mo., Wilmington, Del., Alexandria, La., Memphis, Tenn., and W. Memphis, Ark.
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According to a press release, the list is based on a comparison of the safety of cities with 25,000 or more people nationwide, "based on the number of violent crimes (murder, rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault) reported to the FBI to have occurred in each city, and the population of each city, divided by 1,000." The calculation reveals the rate of violent crimes per 1,000 residents.
The most dangerous city in American, according to the report, is Monroe, Louisiana, followed by Bessemer, Ala., and East St. Louis, Illinois. Rounding out the top ten are Camden, N.J., Detroit, Mich., St. Louis, Mo., Wilmington, Del., Alexandria, La., Memphis, Tenn., and W. Memphis, Ark.
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'How Dare You': Jeff Sessions Files Suit, Rips Oakland Mayor for Warning Illegal Aliens of ICE Raid
On Wednesday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions had stern words for the mayor of Oakland, California, who recently warned local illegal aliens that ICE officers were planning a major sweep in their area. Reportedly 864 illegals, including violent criminals, avoided capture.
"How dare you," Sessions said in a direct message to Mayor Libby Schaaf during his speech at the California Peace Officers Association conference in Sacramento.
The attorney general ripped California for flouting federal immigration law with its "sanctuary" policies. His Justice Department also filed a lawsuit against those California policies Tuesday night.
“California is using every power it has -- and some it doesn’t -- to frustrate federal law enforcement. So you can be sure I’m going to use every power I have to stop them,” Sessions warned.
“California has enacted a number of laws designed to intentionally obstruct the work of our sworn immigration enforcement officers -- to intentionally use every power it has to undermine duly-established immigration law in America,” he added.
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"How dare you," Sessions said in a direct message to Mayor Libby Schaaf during his speech at the California Peace Officers Association conference in Sacramento.
The attorney general ripped California for flouting federal immigration law with its "sanctuary" policies. His Justice Department also filed a lawsuit against those California policies Tuesday night.
“California is using every power it has -- and some it doesn’t -- to frustrate federal law enforcement. So you can be sure I’m going to use every power I have to stop them,” Sessions warned.
“California has enacted a number of laws designed to intentionally obstruct the work of our sworn immigration enforcement officers -- to intentionally use every power it has to undermine duly-established immigration law in America,” he added.
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ST. PATTY’S DAY PARTY!
OC BILLIARDS @ TRADER LEES !!!
ST. PATTY’S DAY PARTY!!! Live Music with Recording Artist (THE GEORGIA FLOOD) music starts at 8 pm Doors Open at 1pm
Giving Government and Criminals a Monopoly on Violence
For the last few weeks, America has been greatly saddened by the massacre of innocent schoolkids in Parkland, Florida by a lone gunman using an AR-15 rifle. In reaction to this atrocity, there has been an outpouring of sadness around the loss of innocent life and also a fierce debate around the issue of gun control. Cooler heads have remained silent to give time for those who have suffered to mourn and enable a calm and thoughtful debate concerning public policy as regards guns. Watching the debate unfold, we clearly see how deeply unintelligent or simplistic the arguments for gun control have become. These arguments can be summed up simply as "guns are so bad that only criminals and government can have them" – thus obtaining a monopoly on violence.
The political aftermath of the Parkland shooting has been liberal-led mass hysteria about guns, with many expressing outrage on how the gunman was able to purchase the weapon and calling for stricter gun control, such as better background checks, raising the minimum age to own a gun, an "assault weapons" ban, etc. All of these proposals are based on the idea of "we must do something," which seems to be a misguided and panicky approach to public policy.
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The political aftermath of the Parkland shooting has been liberal-led mass hysteria about guns, with many expressing outrage on how the gunman was able to purchase the weapon and calling for stricter gun control, such as better background checks, raising the minimum age to own a gun, an "assault weapons" ban, etc. All of these proposals are based on the idea of "we must do something," which seems to be a misguided and panicky approach to public policy.
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Body of Plane Crash Victim Recovered
(OCEAN CITY, MD) — Maryland State Police, along with local and federal agencies, recovered a body of a plane crash victim in Worcester County.
Shortly after 10 a.m. today, federal officials notified the Maryland State Police Special Operations Division that an aircraft believed to be a single-engine, four-passenger plane left Martin State Airport last night en route to Ocean City and had not yet returned. It is unknown for certain how many people were on board the plane. It was determined the aircraft was not at the Ocean City Airport.
A search of the area near the Ocean City Airport was initiated late this morning. The crew of Maryland State Police Aviation Command Trooper 4 and Civil Air Patrol personnel located what was described as an oil slick in the ocean, about 1.5 miles from the Ocean City Airport.
Rescue personnel are focusing their search on that area at this time. Although the aircraft has not been spotted, Natural Resources Police officers in the water near the oil slick have recovered debris believed to be associated with an aircraft.
Search efforts continued throughout the day. Just before 5 p.m. this evening, Maryland State Police, Natural Resources Police and the Coast Guard conducted side scanning operations in an underwater debris field. The debris field was located approximately 5 miles from the initial oil slick in the Atlantic Ocean.
Rescue personnel advised the aircraft was located in severely deteriorated conditions. A body was recovered from among the pieces of the plane. The body recovered was a male wearing the same clothing as described on the pilot who left Martin State Airport yesterday. The body will be transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for autopsy.
Search efforts concluded at just before 6 p.m. this evening. Dive teams will resume searching for other passengers once the impending storm passes and the ocean conditions permit. The investigation continues.
Shortly after 10 a.m. today, federal officials notified the Maryland State Police Special Operations Division that an aircraft believed to be a single-engine, four-passenger plane left Martin State Airport last night en route to Ocean City and had not yet returned. It is unknown for certain how many people were on board the plane. It was determined the aircraft was not at the Ocean City Airport.
A search of the area near the Ocean City Airport was initiated late this morning. The crew of Maryland State Police Aviation Command Trooper 4 and Civil Air Patrol personnel located what was described as an oil slick in the ocean, about 1.5 miles from the Ocean City Airport.
Rescue personnel are focusing their search on that area at this time. Although the aircraft has not been spotted, Natural Resources Police officers in the water near the oil slick have recovered debris believed to be associated with an aircraft.
Search efforts continued throughout the day. Just before 5 p.m. this evening, Maryland State Police, Natural Resources Police and the Coast Guard conducted side scanning operations in an underwater debris field. The debris field was located approximately 5 miles from the initial oil slick in the Atlantic Ocean.
Rescue personnel advised the aircraft was located in severely deteriorated conditions. A body was recovered from among the pieces of the plane. The body recovered was a male wearing the same clothing as described on the pilot who left Martin State Airport yesterday. The body will be transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for autopsy.
Search efforts concluded at just before 6 p.m. this evening. Dive teams will resume searching for other passengers once the impending storm passes and the ocean conditions permit. The investigation continues.
Lara Trump Hits Back At Rumors
Trump campaign spokesperson Lara Trump brushed aside reports Thursday that the Trump team is worried about a potential run against former vice president Joe Biden.
Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, appeared on Fox News’ “Outnumbered” to talk about rumblings that the campaign is concerned about Biden running for president in 2020.
“Well, it’s interesting to me that they said that. That’s news to me. The only thing we’re worried about is that Joe Biden has been living off the swamp for five decades now. And if that’s the person that the Democrats want to run, that they think the American people want, I wish them a lot of luck with that,” Trump said.
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Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, appeared on Fox News’ “Outnumbered” to talk about rumblings that the campaign is concerned about Biden running for president in 2020.
“Well, it’s interesting to me that they said that. That’s news to me. The only thing we’re worried about is that Joe Biden has been living off the swamp for five decades now. And if that’s the person that the Democrats want to run, that they think the American people want, I wish them a lot of luck with that,” Trump said.
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Scientist ’99 Percent’ Certain These Are Amelia Earhart’s Bones
A university scientist is 99 percent certain bones found on an island in the Pacific Ocean belong to Amelia Earhart, according to a Wednesday report.
Earhart – the first woman to fly an airplane over the Atlantic Ocean – and her navigator, Fred Noonan, went missing somewhere over the Pacific in 1937 while attempting to fly around the world.
University of Tennessee skeletal biology expert Richard Jantz asserted his certainty after estimating Earhart’s bone size and comparing them to measurements taken from bones found on Nikumaroro – an island about 400 miles south of one of Earhart’s planned stops, Howland Island, the Daily Mail reported.
“What I can say scientifically is that they are 99 percent likely to be her,” Jantz said, according to the Daily Mail.
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Earhart – the first woman to fly an airplane over the Atlantic Ocean – and her navigator, Fred Noonan, went missing somewhere over the Pacific in 1937 while attempting to fly around the world.
University of Tennessee skeletal biology expert Richard Jantz asserted his certainty after estimating Earhart’s bone size and comparing them to measurements taken from bones found on Nikumaroro – an island about 400 miles south of one of Earhart’s planned stops, Howland Island, the Daily Mail reported.
“What I can say scientifically is that they are 99 percent likely to be her,” Jantz said, according to the Daily Mail.
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Ignoring Democrats’ Farrakhan Ties Is The Epitome Of Media Bias
A congressman reaffirmed his ties to an avowed anti-Semite this week, but you wouldn’t know about it if you get your news from the establishment media.
The Daily Caller News Foundation’s Peter Hasson broke the story of Democratic Rep. Danny Davis doubling down on claiming Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan is an “outstanding human being.”
“I know Farrakhan, I know the Middle East question, I know the Jews and Farrakhan — I know all that, but that’s not what I spend all my time focused on,” Davis told Hasson with a laugh. The congressman also dismissed the claim — made by his own office — that he had been misquoted about his past praise of Farrakhan.
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The Daily Caller News Foundation’s Peter Hasson broke the story of Democratic Rep. Danny Davis doubling down on claiming Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan is an “outstanding human being.”
“I know Farrakhan, I know the Middle East question, I know the Jews and Farrakhan — I know all that, but that’s not what I spend all my time focused on,” Davis told Hasson with a laugh. The congressman also dismissed the claim — made by his own office — that he had been misquoted about his past praise of Farrakhan.
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The Ninth Circuit Just Allowed Children To Sue Trump Over Global Warming
A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday in favor of 21 children and young adults suing the U.S. government for not doing enough to protect their constitutional right to a stable climate.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals judges refused to grant mandamus relief and block the U.S. District Court in Oregon from hearing the suit, which was originally filed by the environmental group Our Children’s Trust in 2015.
A federal judge in Oregon ruled in 2016 the 21 youngsters had standing to sue. President Donald Trump’s administration and oil and gas groups appealed the decision in June 2017. They asked judges to “end this clearly improper attempt to have the judiciary decide important questions of energy and environmental policy” and upset the balance of powers. The Ninth Circuit disagreed.
“There is enduring value in the orderly administration of litigation by the trial courts, free of needless appellate interference,” Judge Sidney Thomas wrote on behalf of the court.
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The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals judges refused to grant mandamus relief and block the U.S. District Court in Oregon from hearing the suit, which was originally filed by the environmental group Our Children’s Trust in 2015.
A federal judge in Oregon ruled in 2016 the 21 youngsters had standing to sue. President Donald Trump’s administration and oil and gas groups appealed the decision in June 2017. They asked judges to “end this clearly improper attempt to have the judiciary decide important questions of energy and environmental policy” and upset the balance of powers. The Ninth Circuit disagreed.
“There is enduring value in the orderly administration of litigation by the trial courts, free of needless appellate interference,” Judge Sidney Thomas wrote on behalf of the court.
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Over-the-counter acid reflux drugs could cause depression
Over-the-counter (OTC) acid-reflux drugs may cause depression, new research suggests.
Sufferers of the mental-health condition are significantly more likely to take proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) every day, a Taiwanese study found.
Although unclear exactly why this association occurs, the researchers believe PPIs may alter guts' bacterial make-up.
Previous research suggests a link between the microbiome and people's mental health.
Although generally considered safe, PPIs have previously been associated with dementia, bone fractures, pneumonia and gut infections.
As well as being available without a prescription at pharmacies, corner shops and supermarkets, doctors dole out more than five million bottles and packets of PPIs every year in England alone to treat severe heartburn.
Around three per cent of adults in the UK suffer from depression every year.
More
Sufferers of the mental-health condition are significantly more likely to take proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) every day, a Taiwanese study found.
Although unclear exactly why this association occurs, the researchers believe PPIs may alter guts' bacterial make-up.
Previous research suggests a link between the microbiome and people's mental health.
Although generally considered safe, PPIs have previously been associated with dementia, bone fractures, pneumonia and gut infections.
As well as being available without a prescription at pharmacies, corner shops and supermarkets, doctors dole out more than five million bottles and packets of PPIs every year in England alone to treat severe heartburn.
Around three per cent of adults in the UK suffer from depression every year.
More
Opening Night 3/15
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DPI Director Testifies Before U.S. Senate to Support FARM Act
Bill Satterfield, executive director of Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc., gave testimony today before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Management, and Regulatory Oversight in support of the Fair Agricultural Reporting Method (FARM) Act.
The FARM Act is sponsored by 34 senators, including Delaware Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons and Virginia Sen. Mark Warner. The legislation negates the need for a pending federal court requirement that farmers raising chickens, along with many other animal agriculture producers, must calculate and report to federal emergency response authorities the natural emission of ammonia from their farms. Chicken growers are concerned about how to measure the emissions, how to report them to the federal government, and the usefulness of the information that is to be reported.
The FARM Act restores the on-farm exemption for emissions from manure produced in animal agriculture. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) requires entities releasing certain substances to notify the federal government – specifically, the National Response Center (NRC), operated by the U.S. Coast Guard. When the law was enacted, the Environmental Protection Agency did not believe that the release of low levels of ammonia from animal agriculture was included in the intent of the law. However, a lawsuit was filed by several environmental groups saying animal agriculture should not be excluded, and in April 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled in favor of that interpretation of Congress's legislative intent. The legislation now introduced makes it clear Congress intends to exempt animal agriculture from emissions reporting regulations that are more appropriate for factories and ships.
“In November of 2017, a handful of poultry producers from the Delmarva Peninsula and other parts of the country attempted to initiate the CERCLA reporting process before the court issued the reporting mandate because they were fearful of potential violations. One such producer is Sharon, who operates a poultry farm near Marydel, Maryland,” Satterfield told the subcommittee. “Upon telephoning the NRC to provide an initial notification of a continuous release, she heard a recording informing her that the NRC would not be accepting telephone notifications. As feared, the NRC was not capable of handling the increased call volume prompted by the reporting requirement. The recording further directed her to submit the initial notification by email to the NRC. You need to understand that many of our farmers members do not have or use email regularly, so requiring an email notification is not practical and could result in farmers wishing to be compliant to be in violation of the CERCLA statute. Sharon is 73 years old and never has owned a computer or used email, so this was not an option for her. We received several telephone calls from our members that week with similar messages and concerns, including one that tried sending the email several times in one day, received an error message each time, and then was not able to reach anybody by telephone.”
The FARM Act is sponsored by 34 senators, including Delaware Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons and Virginia Sen. Mark Warner. The legislation negates the need for a pending federal court requirement that farmers raising chickens, along with many other animal agriculture producers, must calculate and report to federal emergency response authorities the natural emission of ammonia from their farms. Chicken growers are concerned about how to measure the emissions, how to report them to the federal government, and the usefulness of the information that is to be reported.
The FARM Act restores the on-farm exemption for emissions from manure produced in animal agriculture. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) requires entities releasing certain substances to notify the federal government – specifically, the National Response Center (NRC), operated by the U.S. Coast Guard. When the law was enacted, the Environmental Protection Agency did not believe that the release of low levels of ammonia from animal agriculture was included in the intent of the law. However, a lawsuit was filed by several environmental groups saying animal agriculture should not be excluded, and in April 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled in favor of that interpretation of Congress's legislative intent. The legislation now introduced makes it clear Congress intends to exempt animal agriculture from emissions reporting regulations that are more appropriate for factories and ships.
“In November of 2017, a handful of poultry producers from the Delmarva Peninsula and other parts of the country attempted to initiate the CERCLA reporting process before the court issued the reporting mandate because they were fearful of potential violations. One such producer is Sharon, who operates a poultry farm near Marydel, Maryland,” Satterfield told the subcommittee. “Upon telephoning the NRC to provide an initial notification of a continuous release, she heard a recording informing her that the NRC would not be accepting telephone notifications. As feared, the NRC was not capable of handling the increased call volume prompted by the reporting requirement. The recording further directed her to submit the initial notification by email to the NRC. You need to understand that many of our farmers members do not have or use email regularly, so requiring an email notification is not practical and could result in farmers wishing to be compliant to be in violation of the CERCLA statute. Sharon is 73 years old and never has owned a computer or used email, so this was not an option for her. We received several telephone calls from our members that week with similar messages and concerns, including one that tried sending the email several times in one day, received an error message each time, and then was not able to reach anybody by telephone.”
Democratic Rep. Kihuen reconsidering retirement decision amid sexual harassment allegations
Fox News confirmed Wednesday that Nevada's Democratic Rep. Ruben Kihuen is reconsidering his decision to not face re-election this fall amid sexual misconduct allegations.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi called on Kihuen to resign after information surfaced in the fall that Kihuen’s campaign finance director accused him of sexual harassment. The woman alleged Kihuen encouraged her to go on dates with him and touched her leg in 2015 and 2016. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee was aware of the allegations when they supported Kihuen in his 2016 bid.
When the allegations first surfaced, Nevada Democratic Party Chairman William McCurdy said in a statement that there is a "zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment" and leaders should be held "accountable for inappropriate conduct."
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House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi called on Kihuen to resign after information surfaced in the fall that Kihuen’s campaign finance director accused him of sexual harassment. The woman alleged Kihuen encouraged her to go on dates with him and touched her leg in 2015 and 2016. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee was aware of the allegations when they supported Kihuen in his 2016 bid.
When the allegations first surfaced, Nevada Democratic Party Chairman William McCurdy said in a statement that there is a "zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment" and leaders should be held "accountable for inappropriate conduct."
More
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/03/07/democratic-rep-kihuen-reconsidering-retirement-decision-amid-sexual-harassment-allegations.html
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