GEORGETOWN, Del. – Nine students pursuing college and graduate studies connected to careers in Delmarva’s chicken industry will receive scholarships through the Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. (DPI) College Scholarship Program. Eight of the recipients will attend undergraduate colleges in the fall, and are receiving $2,000 scholarships; the ninth recipient, a graduate student, will be awarded a $4,000 scholarship. In total, DPI is awarding $20,000 in scholarships in 2018; last year, DPI awarded $16,000 in scholarship grants.
“DPI’s college scholarship program aims to support the next generation of leaders in Delmarva’s chicken industry,” said Bill Satterfield, DPI’s executive director. “We were impressed by the caliber of this year’s applicants, and we’re awarding more scholarships than we did last year to encourage young people to consider all the interesting and rewarding ways they can be a part of Delmarva’s $3.4 billion chicken economy.”
Altogether, this year’s group of applicants attend or will matriculate in more than a dozen colleges and universities around the country. They are pursuing a wide range of majors, from business to engineering to agriculture.
The following students will receive scholarships:
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, May 24, 2018
2018 Photo Contest Underway
Did you see a lot of snow this winter? Spot a pollinator up close? Spend some time in a park or out on the water? Watch the leaves turn brilliant oranges and reds?
Show us!
The 2018 Maryland Natural Resource photo contest is open through Aug. 31. Enter your best shots online or through the mail. Instructions, rules and other details are available here.
First, second and third place winners will be selected for each of the four seasons featuring any of the following subjects:
BIRDS: Easily our most popular category, with 400+ species to choose from.
FLORA: Impress us with your macro lens or showcase fields of flowers.
INSECTS: Another macro favorite, creepy crawlers make for interesting shots.
LANDSCAPES: From the mountains to the bays and all the unique scenes in between.
RECREATION: We love seeing people enjoy the great outdoors! Biking, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, skiing, surfing—you name it, we want to see it!
WEATHER & WONDER: Natural phenomena like deep freezes, fog, lightning storms, rainbows, shooting stars and super moons.
WILDLIFE: Amphibians, mammals, reptiles—oh my!
Selected photos will be featured in our 2019 wall calendar. One lucky grand prize winner will receive $500, a 2019 park passport, a 5-year magazine subscription and five calendars with winning image on the cover.
Additional prizes include:
First Place: A 2019 park passport, 2-year magazine subscription, five calendars
Second Place: A 1-year magazine subscription, five calendars
Third Place: One calendar
A "Fan Favorite" will also be selected by our Facebook followers after the contest closes.
Show us!
The 2018 Maryland Natural Resource photo contest is open through Aug. 31. Enter your best shots online or through the mail. Instructions, rules and other details are available here.
First, second and third place winners will be selected for each of the four seasons featuring any of the following subjects:
BIRDS: Easily our most popular category, with 400+ species to choose from.
FLORA: Impress us with your macro lens or showcase fields of flowers.
INSECTS: Another macro favorite, creepy crawlers make for interesting shots.
LANDSCAPES: From the mountains to the bays and all the unique scenes in between.
RECREATION: We love seeing people enjoy the great outdoors! Biking, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, skiing, surfing—you name it, we want to see it!
WEATHER & WONDER: Natural phenomena like deep freezes, fog, lightning storms, rainbows, shooting stars and super moons.
WILDLIFE: Amphibians, mammals, reptiles—oh my!
Selected photos will be featured in our 2019 wall calendar. One lucky grand prize winner will receive $500, a 2019 park passport, a 5-year magazine subscription and five calendars with winning image on the cover.
Additional prizes include:
First Place: A 2019 park passport, 2-year magazine subscription, five calendars
Second Place: A 1-year magazine subscription, five calendars
Third Place: One calendar
A "Fan Favorite" will also be selected by our Facebook followers after the contest closes.
Obama WH Plotted Strategy After Newtown
Former President Barack Obama’s education secretary and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel were planning how to turn a national tragedy into a legislative victory for the administration two days after the 2012 mass shooting in Newtown, Conn.
That’s according to emails obtained under a Freedom of Information request from a reporter from the Baltimore Post.
On the morning of Dec. 14, 2012, a 20-year-old man killed his mother in their home then traveled to Sandy Hook Elementary School — a semi-automatic rifle and two pistols in tow. He broke into the school and killed another 26 people — 20 of them first-grade students. The gunman committed suicide after authorities arrived on the scene
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That’s according to emails obtained under a Freedom of Information request from a reporter from the Baltimore Post.
On the morning of Dec. 14, 2012, a 20-year-old man killed his mother in their home then traveled to Sandy Hook Elementary School — a semi-automatic rifle and two pistols in tow. He broke into the school and killed another 26 people — 20 of them first-grade students. The gunman committed suicide after authorities arrived on the scene
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Sweeping Veterans Choice Bill to Become Law Days Before Memorial Day
'VA Mission Act will ensure veterans have timely access to the quality care'
The Senate on Wednesday is expected to easily pass legislation to give veterans the option to seek private-sector medical care when the Department of Veterans Affairs is unable to provide a patient with adequate or timely health services, Sen. Johnny Isakson (R., Ga.) said Tuesday.
Isakson, who chairs the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, said President Donald Trump will sign the measure by the end of the week, codifying it into law just days before Memorial Day. The bill, called the VA Mission Act, sailed through the House last week in a 347-70 vote.
"I'm delighted to say that a few days before the celebration of Memorial Day we're going to pass through the United States Senate, and the president is going to sign later this week, the VA Mission bill, which is the final piece of the mosaic we started two years ago to put together to fix the veterans healthcare service system—make it more accountable, make it relative to our veterans, and make sure we use the private sector as a force multiplier to deliver health services to our veterans at their choice," Isakson told reporters during a news conference.
"The veterans, in consult with their primary care VA doctor, will be able to choose the doctor of their choice and the service of their choice, whether through the VA or delivered in the private sector, based on quality, accessibility, availability, and the choice of the veteran."
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The Senate on Wednesday is expected to easily pass legislation to give veterans the option to seek private-sector medical care when the Department of Veterans Affairs is unable to provide a patient with adequate or timely health services, Sen. Johnny Isakson (R., Ga.) said Tuesday.
Isakson, who chairs the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, said President Donald Trump will sign the measure by the end of the week, codifying it into law just days before Memorial Day. The bill, called the VA Mission Act, sailed through the House last week in a 347-70 vote.
"I'm delighted to say that a few days before the celebration of Memorial Day we're going to pass through the United States Senate, and the president is going to sign later this week, the VA Mission bill, which is the final piece of the mosaic we started two years ago to put together to fix the veterans healthcare service system—make it more accountable, make it relative to our veterans, and make sure we use the private sector as a force multiplier to deliver health services to our veterans at their choice," Isakson told reporters during a news conference.
"The veterans, in consult with their primary care VA doctor, will be able to choose the doctor of their choice and the service of their choice, whether through the VA or delivered in the private sector, based on quality, accessibility, availability, and the choice of the veteran."
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Trump Gloats: "Look How Things Turned Around On The Criminal Deep State"
Continuing his gloating from late Tuesday evening, President Trump taunted the FBI in an early Wednesday tweet musing "how things have turned around on the Criminal Deep State." Trump remarks on the irony of the FBI "getting caught in a major SPY scandal the likes of which this country may never have seen before" after they went after "Phony Collusion with Russia," which he called "a made up Scam".
Since the New York Times and Washington Post on Friday confirmed speculation that the FBI did, in fact, have a mole inside the Trump campaign, the president has repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of the Mueller probe, stating that if there was any evidence of collusion, the FBI's mole would've discovered it during the campaign.
Instead, the Mueller probe has dragged on for more than a year, with the intelligence community insisting they never deliberately spied on Trump. But in an embarrassing revelation, we now know that the bureau FBI enlisted Stefan Halper, a US citizen, political veteran and longtime US Intelligence asset, to befriend and spy on three members of the Trump campaign during the 2016 US election. In another reference to the spying revelations, Trump quoted Fox's Andrew Napolitano saying "it's clear that they had eyes and ears all over the Trump Campaign," before reiterating that "SPYGATE...could be one of the biggest political scandals in history."
More
Instead, the Mueller probe has dragged on for more than a year, with the intelligence community insisting they never deliberately spied on Trump. But in an embarrassing revelation, we now know that the bureau FBI enlisted Stefan Halper, a US citizen, political veteran and longtime US Intelligence asset, to befriend and spy on three members of the Trump campaign during the 2016 US election. In another reference to the spying revelations, Trump quoted Fox's Andrew Napolitano saying "it's clear that they had eyes and ears all over the Trump Campaign," before reiterating that "SPYGATE...could be one of the biggest political scandals in history."
More
Somerset County Sheriff's Office reports most recents arrests
James Patrick Wilkerson of Stockton, arrested 5-10-18 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Wilkerson was later released after posting bond
Sean Patrick Kable of Princess Anne, arrested 5-10-18 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Kable was later held on a $500.00 bond
Kasey Marie Joseph of Marion, arrested 5-11-18 for driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol, and unsafe backing. The arrest was the result of a vehicle stuck in a ditch call for service in the area of Whites Rd.
Bethenia Delores Abrams of princess Anne, arrested 5-11-18 on a warrant for violation of probation. Abrams was later held without bond
Sidney Diavon Jackson of Princess Anne, arrested 5-13-18 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Jackson was later held on a $500.00 bond
Michael Doran Ware of Princess Anne, arrested 5-14-18 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Ware was later held without bond
Carla Ann Renee Ruf, of Westover, and Stephan Guan Abbott Jr of Crisfield, arrested 5-14-18. Ruf was charged with prostitution, false statements to law enforcement, and obstruction. Abbott was charged with prostitution, false statements to law enforcement, obstruction, and civil possession of marijuana. Both subjects were held on a $5,000 bonds. Deputies were conducting patrol checks in the area of Raccoon Point where they investigated a parked vehicle in the roadway. Deputies later learned that the two were at this location for a prearranged, paid sexual act.
Leroy Dwayne Cooper of Princess Anne, arrested 5-20-18 on a warrant for violation of probation. Cooper was later held without bond
Clarence Linnell Ward Jr. of Crisfield, arrested 5-18-18 on warrants for cds possession with the intent to distribute, illegal possession of ammo, and 1st degree burglary. Ward was later held without bond
Adam Douglas Lowe of Crisfield, arrested 5-22-18 on two District Court bench warrants. Lowe was later released on personal recognizance.
Sean Patrick Kable of Princess Anne, arrested 5-10-18 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Kable was later held on a $500.00 bond
Kasey Marie Joseph of Marion, arrested 5-11-18 for driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol, and unsafe backing. The arrest was the result of a vehicle stuck in a ditch call for service in the area of Whites Rd.
Bethenia Delores Abrams of princess Anne, arrested 5-11-18 on a warrant for violation of probation. Abrams was later held without bond
Sidney Diavon Jackson of Princess Anne, arrested 5-13-18 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Jackson was later held on a $500.00 bond
Michael Doran Ware of Princess Anne, arrested 5-14-18 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Ware was later held without bond
Carla Ann Renee Ruf, of Westover, and Stephan Guan Abbott Jr of Crisfield, arrested 5-14-18. Ruf was charged with prostitution, false statements to law enforcement, and obstruction. Abbott was charged with prostitution, false statements to law enforcement, obstruction, and civil possession of marijuana. Both subjects were held on a $5,000 bonds. Deputies were conducting patrol checks in the area of Raccoon Point where they investigated a parked vehicle in the roadway. Deputies later learned that the two were at this location for a prearranged, paid sexual act.
Leroy Dwayne Cooper of Princess Anne, arrested 5-20-18 on a warrant for violation of probation. Cooper was later held without bond
Clarence Linnell Ward Jr. of Crisfield, arrested 5-18-18 on warrants for cds possession with the intent to distribute, illegal possession of ammo, and 1st degree burglary. Ward was later held without bond
Adam Douglas Lowe of Crisfield, arrested 5-22-18 on two District Court bench warrants. Lowe was later released on personal recognizance.
48 Hours Later, Media Still Keeps Dems' Total Collapse in Reuters Poll a Secret
On Monday, Reuters/Ipsos announced that the Democratic Party's strong lead on the generic ballot question, which had remained stable for most of 2018, had rapidly collapsed over the prior week.
The #BlueWave narrative -- the media's all-but-concluded assumption that Democrats would retake the House of Representatives from the GOP in November -- has largely been based on the state of the generic ballot poll. So you might assume the media tasked with covering the 2018 midterm elections would immediately react to a sudden shift in the most important metric available for predicting the most important outcome of those elections.
They did not. Yesterday, I published an article titled: "24 Hours Later, Not One Mainstream Outlet Has Covered Dems' Total Collapse in Reuters Poll".
You might assume the media couldn't possibly ignore Tuesday's and Wednesday's game-changing news: the poll was no outlier.
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The #BlueWave narrative -- the media's all-but-concluded assumption that Democrats would retake the House of Representatives from the GOP in November -- has largely been based on the state of the generic ballot poll. So you might assume the media tasked with covering the 2018 midterm elections would immediately react to a sudden shift in the most important metric available for predicting the most important outcome of those elections.
They did not. Yesterday, I published an article titled: "24 Hours Later, Not One Mainstream Outlet Has Covered Dems' Total Collapse in Reuters Poll".
You might assume the media couldn't possibly ignore Tuesday's and Wednesday's game-changing news: the poll was no outlier.
More
FLOTUS Flower Power: Award-Winning Orchid Named for Melania Trump
The Rlc Melania Trump is a fuschia-hued first-of-its-kind hybrid cattleya orchid, according to Bloomberg:
During its monthly competition over the weekend, the American Orchid Society honored the orchid with one of its coveted HCC (Highly Commended Certificate) awards. Judges, who rate specimens on as many as 15 criteria, scored the Melania at the top of the HCC range.
The five most popular types of orchids are paphiopedilum, oncidium, dendrobium, cattleya, and phalaenopsis.
“And cattleyas are the most glamorous of all,” Arthur Chadwick, president of Chadwick & Son Orchids Inc., who raised the winning flower, told Bloomberg. “This variety was a fashion statement from the 1920s to 1960s. They’re the most visually appealing, and they require significant care.”
This is no grocery store flower. Not just anyone can pick a pretty flower and call it “Melania.”
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Nikki Haley Destroys ‘White Supremacist’ Twitter Attack Following Hamas Riots in Israel
Over the weekend, critics on Twitter blasted U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley for her support for Israel and attacks against the Hamas insurgents who caused a skirmish around the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.
Mohamad, a Twitter user who goes by the handle @The_Black_Camel and who identifies himself as a student at the University of Houston (UH), attacked UH for inviting Haley to speak on the campus.
"Shame on UH for welcoming Nikki Haley to come speak on Tuesday! As U.S. ambassador to the UN, she claimed that Israel 'showed restraint' in the Gaza massacre of 109 protesters & walked out on a Palestinian rep in a meeting. DM me if you’re down to respond to her coming," Mohamad tweeted.
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Mohamad, a Twitter user who goes by the handle @The_Black_Camel and who identifies himself as a student at the University of Houston (UH), attacked UH for inviting Haley to speak on the campus.
"Shame on UH for welcoming Nikki Haley to come speak on Tuesday! As U.S. ambassador to the UN, she claimed that Israel 'showed restraint' in the Gaza massacre of 109 protesters & walked out on a Palestinian rep in a meeting. DM me if you’re down to respond to her coming," Mohamad tweeted.
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Father of Daughter Killed by MS-13 Gang Members Praises Donald Trump for Using ‘Correct Word’ to Describe Them
President Donald Trump met with parents of children on Wednesday who were killed by MS-13 gang members, promising to continue deporting illegal immigrant gangs and secure the Southern border.
One father praised the president for describing the gang members as “animals” despite the controversy that followed.
“I think you used the correct word. Animals. That they are,” said Freddy Cuevas, the father of a girl murdered by MS-13 said. “They took her away from us and destroyed her dream.”
Both the girls, Kayla Cuevas and Nisa Mickens, were killed in September 2016, by MS-13 gang members beating them to death with baseball bats and machetes.
Robert Mickens, another father who lost his daughter thanked Trump for continuing to fight gangs of illegal immigrants.
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One father praised the president for describing the gang members as “animals” despite the controversy that followed.
“I think you used the correct word. Animals. That they are,” said Freddy Cuevas, the father of a girl murdered by MS-13 said. “They took her away from us and destroyed her dream.”
Both the girls, Kayla Cuevas and Nisa Mickens, were killed in September 2016, by MS-13 gang members beating them to death with baseball bats and machetes.
Robert Mickens, another father who lost his daughter thanked Trump for continuing to fight gangs of illegal immigrants.
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Ann Coulter -- The Doomsday Scenario: What If School Walkouts Don't Work
The New York Times seemed to think it was bitterly ironic that some of the students at Santa Fe High School, site of the recent mass shooting, had staged a walkout last month in support of the Parkland, Florida, students. But now, only a month later, one of the students who participated in the walkout is in the hospital from yet another school shooting.
I suppose we could revel in the irony, but, as a more results-oriented person, what I take from that vignette is that school walkouts are not effective deterrents to school shootings. I’m not sure the poems did much either.
These are hideous events that require serious proposals, not the self-indulgent mawkishness our media keep serving up.
Here are some news items that might help us figure out how to reduce the number of school shooting victims.
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I suppose we could revel in the irony, but, as a more results-oriented person, what I take from that vignette is that school walkouts are not effective deterrents to school shootings. I’m not sure the poems did much either.
These are hideous events that require serious proposals, not the self-indulgent mawkishness our media keep serving up.
Here are some news items that might help us figure out how to reduce the number of school shooting victims.
More
No Whites Allowed at Georgetown Community Dialogue on Racism
Georgetown University students who recently held a community dialogue event on a new proposal to arm campus police told their white peers that they weren’t permitted to attend.
The event, which was highlighted by Robby Soave at Reason Magazine, took place at the end of April and was hosted by the student group, Georgetown United Against Police Aggression.
The event’s description on Facebook explicitly stated that white students would not be permitted to attend, even those white students who share the group’s beliefs about police aggression as a political issue, who the group describes as “allies.”
More here
The event, which was highlighted by Robby Soave at Reason Magazine, took place at the end of April and was hosted by the student group, Georgetown United Against Police Aggression.
The event’s description on Facebook explicitly stated that white students would not be permitted to attend, even those white students who share the group’s beliefs about police aggression as a political issue, who the group describes as “allies.”
More here
Prominent defense attorney to represent teen charged in officer's death
Attorney Warren Brown said via his Facebook page on Tuesday he will represent 16-year-old Dawnta Harris who is charged as an adult with first-degree murder in the death of Officer First Class Amy Caprio.
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Breaking News: Harvey Weinstein is expected to be arrested in New York on Friday after an inquiry into allegations that he sexually assaulted numerous women
Mr. Weinstein is expected to surrender to authorities on Friday morning, according to two law enforcement officials.
Critically ill man says doctors are REFUSING him medical care but have offered assisted death
A terminal ill man who needs around-the-clock care filed a lawsuit claiming doctors are pressuring him to go home or die in medically assisted death.
Roger Foley, of Canada, said he has been a patient at London Health Science Centres Victoria Hospital in Ontario for the past two years.
Foley suffers from an incurable brain disorder called cerebellar ataxia, a condition which limits his ability to move his arms and legs and leaves him unable to perform mundane tasks such as feeding himself and lifting himself up.
Because of the condition, Foley also has trouble speaking.
According to the February 14 lawsuit, Foley was given two options on how to move forward with his medical care: 'forced discharge' from the hospital 'to work with contracted agencies that have failed him' or medically assisted death.
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Roger Foley, of Canada, said he has been a patient at London Health Science Centres Victoria Hospital in Ontario for the past two years.
Foley suffers from an incurable brain disorder called cerebellar ataxia, a condition which limits his ability to move his arms and legs and leaves him unable to perform mundane tasks such as feeding himself and lifting himself up.
Because of the condition, Foley also has trouble speaking.
According to the February 14 lawsuit, Foley was given two options on how to move forward with his medical care: 'forced discharge' from the hospital 'to work with contracted agencies that have failed him' or medically assisted death.
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Delingpole: Global Warming Has Rotted the Brains of the Political Class
“Is the political class’s obsession with global warming rotting their brains?” asks Christopher Booker in a must-read piece for the Daily Mail.
To which the answer, obviously, is “Duh.”
Booker focuses on the disastrous policies, introduced by successive UK governments, encouraging people to burn more wood.
Apparently – or so the fashionable theory briefly ran – this pre-industrial technology was much more eco-friendly than coal- or gas-fired power and would thus help save the planet from the global warming.
Except of course, it hasn’t:
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To which the answer, obviously, is “Duh.”
Booker focuses on the disastrous policies, introduced by successive UK governments, encouraging people to burn more wood.
Apparently – or so the fashionable theory briefly ran – this pre-industrial technology was much more eco-friendly than coal- or gas-fired power and would thus help save the planet from the global warming.
Except of course, it hasn’t:
More
FDA warns teething medicines unsafe
Federal health officials warned parents Wednesday about the dangers of teething remedies that contain a popular numbing ingredient and asked manufacturers to stop selling their products intended for babies and toddlers.
The Food and Drug Administration said that various gels and creams containing the drug benzocaine can cause rare but deadly side effects in children, especially those 2 years and younger.
The agency has been warning about the products for a decade but said reports of illnesses and deaths have continued. Now, it wants teething products off the market, noting there is little evidence they actually work.
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The Food and Drug Administration said that various gels and creams containing the drug benzocaine can cause rare but deadly side effects in children, especially those 2 years and younger.
The agency has been warning about the products for a decade but said reports of illnesses and deaths have continued. Now, it wants teething products off the market, noting there is little evidence they actually work.
More
Royal wedding guest's gift bag goes for nearly $30K on Ebay
She made a royal killing.
A British woman named Claire Oliver hawked her free royal wedding gift bag on eBay — for close to $30,000.
The 31-year-old human resources manager was one of the 1,200 people invited to spend Saturday outside St George’s Chapel to get a peek at the royal couple on their big day, for demonstrating “strong leadership in their communities.”
“I get to watch the royal wedding right outside Windsor Castle in this amazing setting. Such an amazing day #Goldenticket #RoyalConnections,” she posted on Twitter the day of the wedding,according to the Daily Mail.
She scored the coveted invite because she works for Troup Bywaters — an engineering firm whose work offering young people apprenticeships is a cause close to Prince Harry’s heart.
More
A British woman named Claire Oliver hawked her free royal wedding gift bag on eBay — for close to $30,000.
The 31-year-old human resources manager was one of the 1,200 people invited to spend Saturday outside St George’s Chapel to get a peek at the royal couple on their big day, for demonstrating “strong leadership in their communities.”
“I get to watch the royal wedding right outside Windsor Castle in this amazing setting. Such an amazing day #Goldenticket #RoyalConnections,” she posted on Twitter the day of the wedding,according to the Daily Mail.
She scored the coveted invite because she works for Troup Bywaters — an engineering firm whose work offering young people apprenticeships is a cause close to Prince Harry’s heart.
More
Michelle Malkin: Crapweasel of the Week: Educrat Arne Duncan
Educrat (ED-yoo-krat) noun, usually pejorative. A government school official or administrator whose primary function is to spend tax dollars telling other parents what to do with their children.
Beltway education bureaucrats abhor families who choose to keep their kids out of public schools — unless it’s to grandstand over gun control.
Behold Arne Duncan, longtime pal of Barack Obama and former U.S. Department of Education secretary, who called last weekend for parents nationwide to withdraw students from classes “until gun laws [are] changed to keep them safe.”
Emotions are still raw after a teen shot 10 classmates and teachers to death in Texas last week. But Duncan has no excuse for his cynical, made-for-cable-TV exploitation of the Santa Fe High School massacre. Existing state laws banning minors under 18 from purchasing or possessing guns didn’t stop the shooter. Neither did laws against possessing sawed-off shotguns or pipe bombs.
More
Beltway education bureaucrats abhor families who choose to keep their kids out of public schools — unless it’s to grandstand over gun control.
Behold Arne Duncan, longtime pal of Barack Obama and former U.S. Department of Education secretary, who called last weekend for parents nationwide to withdraw students from classes “until gun laws [are] changed to keep them safe.”
Emotions are still raw after a teen shot 10 classmates and teachers to death in Texas last week. But Duncan has no excuse for his cynical, made-for-cable-TV exploitation of the Santa Fe High School massacre. Existing state laws banning minors under 18 from purchasing or possessing guns didn’t stop the shooter. Neither did laws against possessing sawed-off shotguns or pipe bombs.
More
House approves bill rolling back Dodd-Frank banking rules
Congress has moved to dismantle some key rules for banks that were installed to prevent a replay of the 2008 financial crisis.
The House voted 258-159 to approve legislation rolling back the landmark Dodd-Frank law, sending the bill to President Donald Trump. He is poised to sign it into law to deliver on a campaign pledge of gutting Dodd-Frank.
The Republican-led bill, which already cleared the Senate in March, garnered votes from some House Democrats.
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The House voted 258-159 to approve legislation rolling back the landmark Dodd-Frank law, sending the bill to President Donald Trump. He is poised to sign it into law to deliver on a campaign pledge of gutting Dodd-Frank.
The Republican-led bill, which already cleared the Senate in March, garnered votes from some House Democrats.
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Donald Trump Calls for ‘Total Transparency’ in ‘Spygate’
President Donald J. Trump said Wednesday he was trying to clean up the Justice Department, calling for transparency in the investigation of his campaign during the presidential election.
“What I want is total transparency, you have to have transparency,” Trump said to reporters at the White House.
The president made his remarks as he left the White House for New York City, where he plans to host a roundtable on the ongoing fight against illegal immigration and MS-13.
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“What I want is total transparency, you have to have transparency,” Trump said to reporters at the White House.
The president made his remarks as he left the White House for New York City, where he plans to host a roundtable on the ongoing fight against illegal immigration and MS-13.
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Spygate: Brennan Was the Deep-State Boss
More news has come to light that implicates Barack Obama-era officials for involvement in a plot that President Donald Trump has dubbed “Spygate.” Mounting evidence suggests that leadership within U.S. intelligence agencies, specifically the FBI and CIA, secretly orchestrated a surveillance operation against the Trump campaign soon after he won the Republican primary. As we noted last week, it appears that part of this joint CIA-FBI program, codenamed “Operation Crossfire Hurricane,” was the placement of a mole within the Trump campaign. That spy is widely believed to be Stefan Halper, a professor with dual U.S.-British citizenship who has deep connections with both U.S. and British intelligence.
However, it’s those individuals behind any plot who are the most responsible. And a name that has been rapidly rising to the top of the Spygate suspect list is that of Barack Obama’s former CIA director, John Brennan.
More here
However, it’s those individuals behind any plot who are the most responsible. And a name that has been rapidly rising to the top of the Spygate suspect list is that of Barack Obama’s former CIA director, John Brennan.
More here
Rank And File FBI Agents "Sickened" By Comey And McCabe Want To "Come Forward And Testify"
Several FBI agents would like Congress to subpoena them so that they can step forward and reveal dirt on former FBI Director James Comey and his Deputy Andrew McCabe, reports the Daily Caller, citing three active field agents and former federal prosecutor Joe DiGenova.
“There are agents all over this country who love the bureau and are sickened by [James] Comey’s behavior and [Andrew] McCabe and [Eric] Holder and [Loretta] Lynch and the thugs like [John] Brennan–who despise the fact that the bureau was used as a tool of political intelligence by the Obama administration thugs,” former federal prosecutor Joe DiGenova told The Daily Caller Tuesday.
“They are just waiting for a chance to come forward and testify.”
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“There are agents all over this country who love the bureau and are sickened by [James] Comey’s behavior and [Andrew] McCabe and [Eric] Holder and [Loretta] Lynch and the thugs like [John] Brennan–who despise the fact that the bureau was used as a tool of political intelligence by the Obama administration thugs,” former federal prosecutor Joe DiGenova told The Daily Caller Tuesday.
“They are just waiting for a chance to come forward and testify.”
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Maryland Fishing Report: May 23
Many of us found ourselves fishing in the rain last week. I was with a friend on the lower Choptank River last week enjoying some striped bass topwater action — the fishing was fun and the overcast weather showed us one of nature’s many moods to be enjoyed.
Often less-than-perfect weather gives us a unique perspective on the world around us. As we all know, the fish do not care if it’s raining and low light conditions can be beneficial.
Heading into Memorial Day weekend it looks like we’ll have a little respite from the rain. Whether you will be heading to the mountains of Maryland, to the coastal areas, or staying closer to home, be sure to spend close-up time with those dear to you. There is no better way to do that than fishing together.
Don’t forget there are some free fishing days coming up June 2, June 9 and July 4. If you can think of someone you might like to introduce to fishing, this is a great opportunity for someone to try the sport without buying a license.
Weekly Fishing Conditions Forecast Summary: May 23-29
Expect some reduced water clarity and poor oxygen conditions from the die-off of a large algal bloom in some areas of the bay for at least the next week. However, anglers will experience drier, sunnier conditions until the weekend when the chance of rain increases through Monday.
Areas impacted by the recent algal bloom, or “mahogany tide” — on the western shore from north of Sandy Point south to near Kent Point and the Magothy, Severn and South river areas — continue to experience poor oxygen conditions below depths of 15 feet to 20 feet. The bloom is not a threat to human health.
Near the mouth of the Choptank River, better oxygen conditions are found in the center channel and east side of the bay. From Cove Point south, and in most areas of the Potomac River, there is adequate oxygen throughout the water column.
Main Chesapeake Bay water temperatures are holding steady near 70 degrees as reported from the NOAA buoys at Annapolis, Gooses Reef and Point Lookout. Expect the warmer, sunny, and dry weather during the first part of this week to increase water temperatures above the 70 degree mark. Expect below average water clarity moving down the upper bay and in the Back, Bush, Gunpowder, Honga, Middle, Potomac (down near Colonial Beach), and Nanticoke rivers, and along many streams entering the bay as a result of the recent, heavy rains. There will be above average tidal currents Friday through next Tuesday as a result of the full moon on Tuesday, May 29.
For the full weekly fishing conditions summary and more detailed and up-to-date fishing conditions in your area of the bay, be sure to check out Click Before You Cast. Also check out the new Bay Bottom Habitat Mapper that shows bottom type, fishing reefs, popular fishing areas, recent oyster planting sites and submerged aquatic vegetation. The depth/navigation charts backdrop allows you to see their relationship with nearby channel edges, points, humps, flats or other key contour features.
Often less-than-perfect weather gives us a unique perspective on the world around us. As we all know, the fish do not care if it’s raining and low light conditions can be beneficial.
Heading into Memorial Day weekend it looks like we’ll have a little respite from the rain. Whether you will be heading to the mountains of Maryland, to the coastal areas, or staying closer to home, be sure to spend close-up time with those dear to you. There is no better way to do that than fishing together.
Don’t forget there are some free fishing days coming up June 2, June 9 and July 4. If you can think of someone you might like to introduce to fishing, this is a great opportunity for someone to try the sport without buying a license.
Weekly Fishing Conditions Forecast Summary: May 23-29
Expect some reduced water clarity and poor oxygen conditions from the die-off of a large algal bloom in some areas of the bay for at least the next week. However, anglers will experience drier, sunnier conditions until the weekend when the chance of rain increases through Monday.
Areas impacted by the recent algal bloom, or “mahogany tide” — on the western shore from north of Sandy Point south to near Kent Point and the Magothy, Severn and South river areas — continue to experience poor oxygen conditions below depths of 15 feet to 20 feet. The bloom is not a threat to human health.
Near the mouth of the Choptank River, better oxygen conditions are found in the center channel and east side of the bay. From Cove Point south, and in most areas of the Potomac River, there is adequate oxygen throughout the water column.
Main Chesapeake Bay water temperatures are holding steady near 70 degrees as reported from the NOAA buoys at Annapolis, Gooses Reef and Point Lookout. Expect the warmer, sunny, and dry weather during the first part of this week to increase water temperatures above the 70 degree mark. Expect below average water clarity moving down the upper bay and in the Back, Bush, Gunpowder, Honga, Middle, Potomac (down near Colonial Beach), and Nanticoke rivers, and along many streams entering the bay as a result of the recent, heavy rains. There will be above average tidal currents Friday through next Tuesday as a result of the full moon on Tuesday, May 29.
For the full weekly fishing conditions summary and more detailed and up-to-date fishing conditions in your area of the bay, be sure to check out Click Before You Cast. Also check out the new Bay Bottom Habitat Mapper that shows bottom type, fishing reefs, popular fishing areas, recent oyster planting sites and submerged aquatic vegetation. The depth/navigation charts backdrop allows you to see their relationship with nearby channel edges, points, humps, flats or other key contour features.
Upper Chesapeake Bay
A week’s worth of heavy rain has caused the upper bay region to have areas where the water is stained from runoff. Up near the Susquehanna Flats area there is also floating debris. Despite stained water there has been good fishing for slot-sized striped bass in the Susquehanna Flats designated area. Striped bass are being caught on topwater lures, soft plastic jigs and crankbaits.
Farther down the bay there has been fairly good trolling success for striped bass above and below 28 inches in length at the Triple Buoys, Love Point and Podickory Point. Chumming has also become a popular way to fish at these same locations; anglers are reminded that circle hooks are now required along with other new information about striped bass fishing. The Bay Bridge piers and rock piles are holding striped bass and most are jigging with good success, and the sewer pipe has also been a place to set up for chumming.
Lauren Sheehan caught this fine striped bass while trolling at the Triple Buoys. Photo by Mike Sheehan
Farther down the bay there has been fairly good trolling success for striped bass above and below 28 inches in length at the Triple Buoys, Love Point and Podickory Point. Chumming has also become a popular way to fish at these same locations; anglers are reminded that circle hooks are now required along with other new information about striped bass fishing. The Bay Bridge piers and rock piles are holding striped bass and most are jigging with good success, and the sewer pipe has also been a place to set up for chumming.
Tracy Dirks holds up two nice striped bass caught while chunking with her cousin this past Monday. Photo by Kevin Thomas
Eye-popping surge of illegal immigrants abducting children
The government warned federal judges in 2016 that their attempts to create a catch-and-release policy for illegal immigrant families would lead to children being “abducted” by migrants hoping to pose as families to take advantage.
The court brushed aside those worries and imposed catch-and-release anyway.
Two years later, children are indeed being kidnapped or borrowed by illegal immigrants trying to pose as families, according to Homeland Security numbers, which show the U.S. is on pace for more than 400 such attempts this year. That would be a staggering 900 percent increase over 2017’s total.
“The eye-popping increase in fraud and abuse shows that these smugglers know it’s easier to get released into America if they are part of a family and if they bring unaccompanied alien children,” said Katie Waldman, a Homeland Security spokeswoman. “These loopholes make a mockery of our nation’s laws, and Congress must act to close these legal loopholes and secure our borders.”
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The court brushed aside those worries and imposed catch-and-release anyway.
Two years later, children are indeed being kidnapped or borrowed by illegal immigrants trying to pose as families, according to Homeland Security numbers, which show the U.S. is on pace for more than 400 such attempts this year. That would be a staggering 900 percent increase over 2017’s total.
“The eye-popping increase in fraud and abuse shows that these smugglers know it’s easier to get released into America if they are part of a family and if they bring unaccompanied alien children,” said Katie Waldman, a Homeland Security spokeswoman. “These loopholes make a mockery of our nation’s laws, and Congress must act to close these legal loopholes and secure our borders.”
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Why Aren't More Jews Attracted to the GOP?
I am an outspoken Zionist, Jewish Republican, and Trump-supporter, and as such, I have a number of conservative friends. Given that I live in a trendy neighborhood in a large metropolitan area, I have many liberal Jewish friends as well. Many of my conservative friends have approached me over the years and asked me why more Jews aren't Republicans. Given my unique personal and political situation, I will do my best in this piece to answer this question.
The question is especially acute at times like the present, when Israel is under attack, not only by Hamas, but by the international community and media. The Trump administration, on the other hand, has been steadfast in its support for Israel – it followed through on its promises to exit Obama's Great Appeasement to Iran and move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, has not obsessed over Israel building apartments in suburbs of Jerusalem (as the Obama administration did), and has vigorously defended Israel for its response to Hamas's provocations in Gaza. Further, 15 GOP members of Congress attended the embassy dedication ceremony, while zero Democrats (including none of the 26 Jewish Democratic Congressional members) did. The question my friends ask is more than a justifiable query; it is a question that demands answering if one is to attain a remotely accurate picture of the current political landscape.
More here
The question is especially acute at times like the present, when Israel is under attack, not only by Hamas, but by the international community and media. The Trump administration, on the other hand, has been steadfast in its support for Israel – it followed through on its promises to exit Obama's Great Appeasement to Iran and move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, has not obsessed over Israel building apartments in suburbs of Jerusalem (as the Obama administration did), and has vigorously defended Israel for its response to Hamas's provocations in Gaza. Further, 15 GOP members of Congress attended the embassy dedication ceremony, while zero Democrats (including none of the 26 Jewish Democratic Congressional members) did. The question my friends ask is more than a justifiable query; it is a question that demands answering if one is to attain a remotely accurate picture of the current political landscape.
More here
Pentagon Blocks China From Joining Naval Exercise
In response to China's militarization of disputed islands in the South China Sea, the Pentagon announced Wednesday that China would not be allowed to take part in the large international naval exercise known as Rim of the Pacific, or RIMPAC.
"China's continued militarization of disputed features in the South China Sea only serve to raise tensions and destabilize the region," Lt. Col. Christopher Logan said in a statement.
"As an initial response to China's continued militarization of the South China Sea, we have disinvited the PLA navy from the 2018 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise. China's behavior is inconsistent with the principles and purposes of the RIMPAC exercise."
The action is a major step back from the unfettered military engagement policy of the Obama administration that saw reciprocal military officer and ship visits and China's participation in RIMPAC as a way to build trust with China's Communist Party-ruled military.
Logan said "strong evidence" has revealed China's deployment of anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles, and electronic jammers on disputed reefs and atoll in the South China Sea.
"China's landing of bomber aircraft at Woody Island has also raised tensions," Logan said, referring to one of the Paracel islands in the northern part of the strategic waterway.
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"China's continued militarization of disputed features in the South China Sea only serve to raise tensions and destabilize the region," Lt. Col. Christopher Logan said in a statement.
"As an initial response to China's continued militarization of the South China Sea, we have disinvited the PLA navy from the 2018 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise. China's behavior is inconsistent with the principles and purposes of the RIMPAC exercise."
The action is a major step back from the unfettered military engagement policy of the Obama administration that saw reciprocal military officer and ship visits and China's participation in RIMPAC as a way to build trust with China's Communist Party-ruled military.
Logan said "strong evidence" has revealed China's deployment of anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles, and electronic jammers on disputed reefs and atoll in the South China Sea.
"China's landing of bomber aircraft at Woody Island has also raised tensions," Logan said, referring to one of the Paracel islands in the northern part of the strategic waterway.
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Crenshaw Secures Landslide Victory in Texas GOP Runoff
Retired Navy SEAL Dan Crenshaw notched a landslide victory Tuesday in the Texas Republican primary runoff for the seat of the retiring U.S. Rep. Ted Poe (R.), securing nearly 70 percent of the vote to his opponent's 30 percent.
Crenshaw's definitive win came less than two months after he finished a distant second behind state Rep. Kevin Roberts in the March 6 primary election, upending early predictions by party operatives that the ex-SEAL didn't have a shot.
"We spent our entire campaign trying to create this fire that spread throughout the district and I think we succeeded," Crenshaw told the Washington Free Beacon on Wednesday.
"Political experts miss this all the time because they lose sight of the heart behind politics. They take a very cerebral approach to politics with polling, statistics, looking at the money raised and the power brokers in the race, that's all they care about, so they completely lose sight of what you can accomplish if you know why you're there and you're willing to connect with people, you're willing to spark fires, and your supporters then spark that fire in someone else."
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Crenshaw's definitive win came less than two months after he finished a distant second behind state Rep. Kevin Roberts in the March 6 primary election, upending early predictions by party operatives that the ex-SEAL didn't have a shot.
"We spent our entire campaign trying to create this fire that spread throughout the district and I think we succeeded," Crenshaw told the Washington Free Beacon on Wednesday.
"Political experts miss this all the time because they lose sight of the heart behind politics. They take a very cerebral approach to politics with polling, statistics, looking at the money raised and the power brokers in the race, that's all they care about, so they completely lose sight of what you can accomplish if you know why you're there and you're willing to connect with people, you're willing to spark fires, and your supporters then spark that fire in someone else."
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Breaking News: President Trump has canceled the June 12 summit meeting with Kim Jong-un. He cited "tremendous anger" from the North Korean side.
Rising Income, Dodd-Frank Rollback Yield GOP Support
Lower taxes and reduced regulations have been a theme of Donald Trump’s presidency. The result has been a boost to the economy. The latest is a report showing that median household income is steadily rising again after stagnating during the previous administration. In January 2017, it was $59,471; now, it’s $61,483. According to Investor’s Business Daily (IBD), “Household income is now higher than it’s been in at least 50 years — after adjusting for inflation.” The economy is largely about consumer confidence. Rising incomes, more jobs, lower taxes and less regulation all add up to help people feel better about the economy, which then propels even more growth.
So it’s against this backdrop that Congress has accomplished a notable feat — rolling back significant chunks of Democrats’ onerous financial regulations. In 2010, Democrats rammed through the massive Dodd-Frank regulatory package in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, which, by the way, Democrats created with bad policy started in Bill Clinton’s administration. The result of Barack Obama’s regulatory bonanza was years of stagnation.
Tuesday night, the House passed reform legislation, following the Senate’s lead back in March...
So it’s against this backdrop that Congress has accomplished a notable feat — rolling back significant chunks of Democrats’ onerous financial regulations. In 2010, Democrats rammed through the massive Dodd-Frank regulatory package in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, which, by the way, Democrats created with bad policy started in Bill Clinton’s administration. The result of Barack Obama’s regulatory bonanza was years of stagnation.
Tuesday night, the House passed reform legislation, following the Senate’s lead back in March...
Op 'Crossfire Hurricane' Is Now Op 'Backfire Tornado'
In the Rolling Stones’ hit song “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” Mick Jagger wails, “I was born in a crossfire hurricane. And I howled at the morning driving rain.” I have no idea what that means, but a counterintelligence investigation of the Trump campaign under the codename “Crossfire Hurricane” certainly justifies a lot of howling.
Let’s review.
Last week marked the one-year anniversary of “independent” counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into the fake Trump/Putin collusion delusion, sponsored by ludicrous and unverified opposition research provided to the CIA and FBI by operatives of the Clinton/Putin/Fusion farce.
Clinton’s charade prompted months of FBI and CIA investigations into the Trump campaign, followed by the appointment of Mueller to widen the investigation.
Despite having stacked his investigative team with 13 hard-core Democrats (some overt donors to Hillary Clinton’s campaign) and zero Republicans, and having burned through 10 million taxpayer dollars (and as much in legal defense fees from those they’ve targeted), what Trump/Putin collusion has Mueller uncovered?
According to The New York Times — yes, The New York Times — “A year and a half later, no public evidence has surfaced connecting Mr. Trump’s advisers … or linking Mr. Trump himself, to the Russian government’s disruptive efforts.”
Let that sink in..
Read on..
Let’s review.
Last week marked the one-year anniversary of “independent” counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into the fake Trump/Putin collusion delusion, sponsored by ludicrous and unverified opposition research provided to the CIA and FBI by operatives of the Clinton/Putin/Fusion farce.
Clinton’s charade prompted months of FBI and CIA investigations into the Trump campaign, followed by the appointment of Mueller to widen the investigation.
Despite having stacked his investigative team with 13 hard-core Democrats (some overt donors to Hillary Clinton’s campaign) and zero Republicans, and having burned through 10 million taxpayer dollars (and as much in legal defense fees from those they’ve targeted), what Trump/Putin collusion has Mueller uncovered?
According to The New York Times — yes, The New York Times — “A year and a half later, no public evidence has surfaced connecting Mr. Trump’s advisers … or linking Mr. Trump himself, to the Russian government’s disruptive efforts.”
Let that sink in..
Read on..
Maryland Church Leaders Accused of Abusing Teen Girls in Program for At-Risk Youth
Authorities have charged a Maryland pastor, his minister son and another church leader with sexually abusing four teen girls in a program for at-risk youth. One of the men is a U.S. Capitol Police officer who has been placed on non-duty status.
Prince George's County police say the abuse occurred between 2001 and 2008, when the victims were between age 15 and 18 and were part of a program run by the Oxon Hill Assembly of Jesus Christ in Fort Washington. The program was called Children Having Overcoming Power, or CHOP, and was designed to provide living accommodations and classes for at-risk young people, police said.
The suspects were identified Wednesday as 67-year-old Joshua William Wright of Brandywine; his 46-year-old son, William Joshua Wright of White Plains; and 40-year-old Donald Jackson, also of White Plains.
Police say the elder Wright is head pastor of the church, where his son is a minster. Jackson is the elder Wright's son-in-law and one of the church leaders.
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FBI will ask anti-Trump agents to preserve personal-device communications
The FBI will ask agents Peter Strzok and Lisa Page to preserve any bureau records stored on their personal accounts and devices, a conservative government watchdog group said Wednesday.
Judicial Watch said the FBI will make the request as part of its Freedom of Information Act lawsuit in which it had asked for thousands of page documents on personal devices of the pair, including emails, text messages, chats and travel documents.
Some texts between Mr. Strzok and Ms. Page on their FBI-issued phones have been preserved, but it is not known how much the pair communicated through personal devices.
On Monday, U.S. District Court Judge Reggie B. Walton ordered the FBI to began processing 13,000 pages of previously undisclosed emails exchanged between Mr. Strzok and Ms. Page between February 1, 2015 and December 2017, Judicial Watch said. The first 500 pages of the records are said to be processed by June 29, 2018.
Judge’s Walton’s order is what resulted in the FBI asking Mr. Strzok and Ms. Page to preserve their communications.
“The FBI’s purposeful slow-walking of the Strzok-Page materials shows contempt for both transparency law and the public interest in figuring out how and why the FBI was politicized to target President Trump, while protecting Hillary Clinton,” Judicial Watch President Tom Litton said in a statement. “Director Wray and Attorney General Sessions should step up and speed up the release of these documents.”
More here
Judicial Watch said the FBI will make the request as part of its Freedom of Information Act lawsuit in which it had asked for thousands of page documents on personal devices of the pair, including emails, text messages, chats and travel documents.
Some texts between Mr. Strzok and Ms. Page on their FBI-issued phones have been preserved, but it is not known how much the pair communicated through personal devices.
On Monday, U.S. District Court Judge Reggie B. Walton ordered the FBI to began processing 13,000 pages of previously undisclosed emails exchanged between Mr. Strzok and Ms. Page between February 1, 2015 and December 2017, Judicial Watch said. The first 500 pages of the records are said to be processed by June 29, 2018.
Judge’s Walton’s order is what resulted in the FBI asking Mr. Strzok and Ms. Page to preserve their communications.
“The FBI’s purposeful slow-walking of the Strzok-Page materials shows contempt for both transparency law and the public interest in figuring out how and why the FBI was politicized to target President Trump, while protecting Hillary Clinton,” Judicial Watch President Tom Litton said in a statement. “Director Wray and Attorney General Sessions should step up and speed up the release of these documents.”
More here
Bannon Slams Mnuchin Over China Trade Truce; “You Might As Well Have Hank Paulson Doing This”
Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon slammed Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Monday over a weekend truce in the ongoing trade dispute with China.
In comments to Bloomberg on Monday, Bannon said that Trump "changed the dynamic regarding China, but in one weekend Secretary Mnuchin has given it away."
“We’re putting the trade war on hold,” said Mnuchin in a Joint statement with China on Sunday. “Right now, we have agreed to put the tariffs on hold while we execute the framework.”
Bannon wasn't impressed - telling Bloomberg that Mnuchin "misses the central point" of the economic competition between the two nations
“They’re in a trade war with us and it hasn’t stopped,” Bannon said. “Mnuchin has completely misread the geopolitical, military, and historical precedence and what President Trump had done was finally put the Chinese on their back heels.”
“You might as well have Hank Paulson doing this”
The Trump administration said it would back down from prior threats of new tariffs against China after the two nations agreed to “substantially” downsize the U.S. merchandise trade deficit, which hit a record $375 billion last year. In response, Beijing promised to “significantly” increase US purchases going forward - albeit with no dollar figure attached. The White House, however, gave assurances that China would cave to its demand for a $200 billion annual trade-gap reduction.
Trump on Monday defended the negotiations. “China has agreed to buy massive amounts of ADDITIONAL Farm/Agricultural Products - would be one of the best things to happen to our farmers in many years!” he said in a series of postings on Twitter. “On China, Barriers and Tariffs to come down for first time.”
More
In comments to Bloomberg on Monday, Bannon said that Trump "changed the dynamic regarding China, but in one weekend Secretary Mnuchin has given it away."
“We’re putting the trade war on hold,” said Mnuchin in a Joint statement with China on Sunday. “Right now, we have agreed to put the tariffs on hold while we execute the framework.”
Bannon wasn't impressed - telling Bloomberg that Mnuchin "misses the central point" of the economic competition between the two nations
“They’re in a trade war with us and it hasn’t stopped,” Bannon said. “Mnuchin has completely misread the geopolitical, military, and historical precedence and what President Trump had done was finally put the Chinese on their back heels.”
“You might as well have Hank Paulson doing this”
The Trump administration said it would back down from prior threats of new tariffs against China after the two nations agreed to “substantially” downsize the U.S. merchandise trade deficit, which hit a record $375 billion last year. In response, Beijing promised to “significantly” increase US purchases going forward - albeit with no dollar figure attached. The White House, however, gave assurances that China would cave to its demand for a $200 billion annual trade-gap reduction.
Trump on Monday defended the negotiations. “China has agreed to buy massive amounts of ADDITIONAL Farm/Agricultural Products - would be one of the best things to happen to our farmers in many years!” he said in a series of postings on Twitter. “On China, Barriers and Tariffs to come down for first time.”
More
Right to Try Passes House, Trump Expected to Sign
The U.S. House passed Right to Try legislation on Tuesday that gives the terminally ill access to experimental drugs showing efficacy in clinical trials but not yet approved by the FDA.
The bill now awaits President Donald Trump's signature and he has indicated he will sign it.
The House passed the legislation by a vote of 250-169, largely along party lines, though 22 Democrats voted with Republicans to pass the bill. All the no votes were Democrats.
"This legislation, introduced only last week, is an egregious attempt by a libertarian think tank to undermine the ‘gold standard' drug approval process at the Food and Drug Administration," said Rep. Frank Pallone (D., NJ) on the House floor.
More here
The bill now awaits President Donald Trump's signature and he has indicated he will sign it.
The House passed the legislation by a vote of 250-169, largely along party lines, though 22 Democrats voted with Republicans to pass the bill. All the no votes were Democrats.
"This legislation, introduced only last week, is an egregious attempt by a libertarian think tank to undermine the ‘gold standard' drug approval process at the Food and Drug Administration," said Rep. Frank Pallone (D., NJ) on the House floor.
More here
Trump turns up heat on Obama, Brennan amid 'informant' questions
President Trump sought to turn the tables on the Obama administration Monday after demanding a probe into whether his predecessor’s FBI “infiltrated” his 2016 campaign, pointedly asking what then-President Barack Obama knew about the operation – while clashing with former CIA boss John Brennan.
Following reports detailing how an FBI “informant” had multiple contacts with members of Trump’s campaign, the president said Sunday he’d formally seek a DOJ probe of whether agents surveilled the campaign for political purposes, and whether any such demands came from the Obama administration.
While the DOJ swiftly asked the department’s inspector general to handle that review, the president turned the spotlight Monday to Obama.
“The Wall Street Journal asks, ‘WHERE IN THE WORLD WAS BARACK OBAMA?’ A very good question!” Trump tweeted.
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Following reports detailing how an FBI “informant” had multiple contacts with members of Trump’s campaign, the president said Sunday he’d formally seek a DOJ probe of whether agents surveilled the campaign for political purposes, and whether any such demands came from the Obama administration.
While the DOJ swiftly asked the department’s inspector general to handle that review, the president turned the spotlight Monday to Obama.
“The Wall Street Journal asks, ‘WHERE IN THE WORLD WAS BARACK OBAMA?’ A very good question!” Trump tweeted.
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http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/05/21/trump-turns-up-heat-on-obama-brennan-amid-informant-questions.html
Attkisson: Evidence Mounts of FBI ‘Counterintelligence’ Op Against Trump
It could be true that President Trump illegally conspired with Russia and was so good at covering it up he’s managed to outwit our best intel and media minds who've searched for irrefutable evidence for two years. (We still await special counsel Robert Mueller’s findings.)
But there’s a growing appearance of alleged wrongdoing equally as insidious, if not more so, because it implies widespread misuse of America’s intelligence and law enforcement apparatus.
Here are eight signs pointing to a counterintelligence operation deployed against Trump for political reasons.
Code name
The operation reportedly had at least one code name that was leaked to The New York Times: “Crossfire Hurricane.”
Wiretap fever
But there’s a growing appearance of alleged wrongdoing equally as insidious, if not more so, because it implies widespread misuse of America’s intelligence and law enforcement apparatus.
Here are eight signs pointing to a counterintelligence operation deployed against Trump for political reasons.
Code name
The operation reportedly had at least one code name that was leaked to The New York Times: “Crossfire Hurricane.”
Wiretap fever
Judicial Watch: ‘Obama can still be impeached’
'If anyone needs to be on the dock, it would be' former president
If Congress is considering impeachment charges related to the 2016 election, they should center not on President Trump but on former President Obama “and his Nixonian use of various agencies to target candidate Trump,” contends Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.
“If there is anyone who needs to be on the dock, it would be President Obama,” he said in an interview Monday with WND.
Fitton’s organization, with 30 lawsuits already in motion, has relentlessly pursued documents and communications related to the Obama administration’s investigation of alleged collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign through Freedom of Information Act requests.
“The very nature of the activity suggests President Obama would have been advised and approved of the counter-intelligence/spy operation against candidate Trump,” Fitton said.
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If Congress is considering impeachment charges related to the 2016 election, they should center not on President Trump but on former President Obama “and his Nixonian use of various agencies to target candidate Trump,” contends Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.
“If there is anyone who needs to be on the dock, it would be President Obama,” he said in an interview Monday with WND.
Fitton’s organization, with 30 lawsuits already in motion, has relentlessly pursued documents and communications related to the Obama administration’s investigation of alleged collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign through Freedom of Information Act requests.
“The very nature of the activity suggests President Obama would have been advised and approved of the counter-intelligence/spy operation against candidate Trump,” Fitton said.
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Trump shames Democrats for defending violent MS-13 gang
President Trump on Wednesday called on Capitol Hill Democrats to help him in the battle against the vicious MS-13 gang by dropping their lockstep opposition to tightening immigration laws.
“Democrats have to abandon their resistance to border security,” he said at a roundtable in a Long Island, New York, town that has been under siege from MS-13.
The gang is responsible for rapes and brutal murders that are often carried out with machetes and knives.
Mr. Trump said that the blind opposition to his immigration agenda was exposed when Democrats, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, criticized him for referring to MS-13 gang members as “animals.”
“They are coming to the defense of MS-13. That was the end of them,” the president said.
More here
“Democrats have to abandon their resistance to border security,” he said at a roundtable in a Long Island, New York, town that has been under siege from MS-13.
The gang is responsible for rapes and brutal murders that are often carried out with machetes and knives.
Mr. Trump said that the blind opposition to his immigration agenda was exposed when Democrats, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, criticized him for referring to MS-13 gang members as “animals.”
“They are coming to the defense of MS-13. That was the end of them,” the president said.
More here
Astounding technology for its time: Steamships
Bill Federer recounts history of water transportation 'against the wind and weather'
The SS Savannah left May 22, 1819, from Savannah, Georgia, and 25 days later arrived in Liverpool, England, completing the first trans-Atlantic voyage by steamship. To pay tribute to the American Merchant Marine, President Franklin Roosevelt designated May 22, 1933, as National Maritime Day.
Ronald Reagan commented, May 20, 1986: “When steam-powered vessels began to eclipse sailing ships in the latter part of the 19th century, it was largely the result of pioneering work by two Americans, John Fitch and Robert Fulton.”
As a young man, Robert Fulton met Benjamin Franklin, who was renown as an inventor. In fact, Franklin had written on using steam to propel boats and supported the earlier inventor James Rumsey in his attempt develop steam-powered jet propulsion. Another inventor competing for patent protection was John Fitch, whose design was to use a steam engine attached to a bank of oars to paddle the boat. Samuel Morey successfully invented a steam power paddle wheel, but he lacked financial backing. John Stevens built a screw-driven steamboat in 1802.
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The SS Savannah left May 22, 1819, from Savannah, Georgia, and 25 days later arrived in Liverpool, England, completing the first trans-Atlantic voyage by steamship. To pay tribute to the American Merchant Marine, President Franklin Roosevelt designated May 22, 1933, as National Maritime Day.
Ronald Reagan commented, May 20, 1986: “When steam-powered vessels began to eclipse sailing ships in the latter part of the 19th century, it was largely the result of pioneering work by two Americans, John Fitch and Robert Fulton.”
As a young man, Robert Fulton met Benjamin Franklin, who was renown as an inventor. In fact, Franklin had written on using steam to propel boats and supported the earlier inventor James Rumsey in his attempt develop steam-powered jet propulsion. Another inventor competing for patent protection was John Fitch, whose design was to use a steam engine attached to a bank of oars to paddle the boat. Samuel Morey successfully invented a steam power paddle wheel, but he lacked financial backing. John Stevens built a screw-driven steamboat in 1802.
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Hypocrat: 'I'm really inspired by women who are making their voices heard'
Hillary Clinton gave a powerful, inspiration speech praising women 'who are making their voices heard like never before' this election year and then snubbed actress Cynthia Nixon to endorse Andrew Cuomo for New York governor.
'I'm also really inspired by women who are making their voices heard like never before,' she said to huge applause at the New York state Democratic convention at Hofstra University in New York on Wednesday.
At least 482 women are running for Congress or governor this year, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, including Nixon , who, if elected, would be New York's first woman governor and the second openly bisexual governor of any state.
But while Clinton, who would have been the first female president if she had won in 2016, touted the work of suffragists like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who fought for women's right to vote at the Seneca Falls Convention in New York in 1848, she put her political weight behind Cuomo's quest for a third term in the governor's office.
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'I'm also really inspired by women who are making their voices heard like never before,' she said to huge applause at the New York state Democratic convention at Hofstra University in New York on Wednesday.
At least 482 women are running for Congress or governor this year, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, including Nixon , who, if elected, would be New York's first woman governor and the second openly bisexual governor of any state.
But while Clinton, who would have been the first female president if she had won in 2016, touted the work of suffragists like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who fought for women's right to vote at the Seneca Falls Convention in New York in 1848, she put her political weight behind Cuomo's quest for a third term in the governor's office.
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Trump Lifts Obama Regs Off Alaska Hunters
The Department of the Interior (DOI) is proposing to roll back Obama-era regulations barring some hunting practices in Alaska allowed by the state, The Hill reported.
The National Park Service (NPS) formally proposed the rule change Monday, publishing the motion in the Federal Register. The new rule would give the states back their authority to regulate hunting within their boundaries, according to The Hill.
Former-President Barack Obama’s administration prohibited certain hunting practices in 2015. In practice, the rule targeted Alaska by outlawing many hunting strategies used by Alaskans and others to hunt the state’s local wildlife. The Obama administration forbid the use of artificial light to hunt black bears near dens, using dogs to hunt black bears, using bait to hunt brown bears, hunting wolves and coyotes during denning season, using motorboats to hunt caribou, and hunting swimming caribou.
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The National Park Service (NPS) formally proposed the rule change Monday, publishing the motion in the Federal Register. The new rule would give the states back their authority to regulate hunting within their boundaries, according to The Hill.
Former-President Barack Obama’s administration prohibited certain hunting practices in 2015. In practice, the rule targeted Alaska by outlawing many hunting strategies used by Alaskans and others to hunt the state’s local wildlife. The Obama administration forbid the use of artificial light to hunt black bears near dens, using dogs to hunt black bears, using bait to hunt brown bears, hunting wolves and coyotes during denning season, using motorboats to hunt caribou, and hunting swimming caribou.
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Nolte: Imagine How the Russia Probe Would Have Gone Under President Hillary
Thought experiment: Imagine how the Russia probe would look today with Hillary Clinton as president and Donald Trump a helpless citizen. Because, believe me, whatever horrors you are imagining, that was the plan.
Certain Hillary would win, the Deep State and their confederates in the establishment media held on to that Russian dossier for only one purpose: to destroy Trump, his business empire, and most especially the MAGA movement.
No rational person can honestly believe our media held on to the hoax-dossier out of some sense of journalistic responsibility. Are you kidding me? I promise you — PROMISE YOU — that the moment Trump won the presidency, straight through to this very moment, straight through to end of their miserable, bitter, corrupt lives, the media deeply regret not releasing the hoax-dossier prior to Election Day. And they should regret it. My guess is, had they, things were close enough it would have tipped the scales to Hillary.
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Certain Hillary would win, the Deep State and their confederates in the establishment media held on to that Russian dossier for only one purpose: to destroy Trump, his business empire, and most especially the MAGA movement.
No rational person can honestly believe our media held on to the hoax-dossier out of some sense of journalistic responsibility. Are you kidding me? I promise you — PROMISE YOU — that the moment Trump won the presidency, straight through to this very moment, straight through to end of their miserable, bitter, corrupt lives, the media deeply regret not releasing the hoax-dossier prior to Election Day. And they should regret it. My guess is, had they, things were close enough it would have tipped the scales to Hillary.
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GOP Reps Submit Bill for Second Special Counsel into FBI Meddling
Seventeen Republican lawmakers, led by Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY), submitted a resolution Tuesday demanding the appointment of a second special counsel to probe “misconduct” by Justice Department and FBI officials during the 2016 presidential election.
Will be introing this res today w/@RepMarkMeadows @Jim_Jordan @RepDeSantis @RepMattGaetz & many others detailing misconduct at highest levels of DOJ/FBI re FISA abuse, how/why Clinton probe ended, Trump-Russia probe began & calling for 2nd Special Counsel zeldin.house.gov/sites/zeldin.h…
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Breaking News: North Korea said it had destroyed its only known nuclear test site, three weeks before Kim Jong-un is scheduled to meet with President Trump
The event was captured by foreign journalists, but North Korea did not invite any independent nuclear monitors to verify the dismantlement.
No easy task for a president to 'abuse' his authority over the Justice Department
Despite America’s deep divisions, our political, intellectual, and media elites seem to agree on at least one thing: that the Department of Justice should be “independent” of the president.
Democrats accuse President Trump of wrongly “interfering” in the investigation of General Michael Flynn. Republicans broadcast their suspicions that President Obama was really calling the shots on the Clinton e-mail investigation, the Trump-Russia investigation, or both. Both sides concur, then, that there is something wrong with a president trying to direct or influence the activities of the Justice Department.
This consensus represents an understandable reaction to the trauma of Watergate. In that infamous scandal, President Nixon sought to impede a criminal investigation. Nixon clearly acted on self-serving political motives, and he ended up being driven from office.
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Democrats accuse President Trump of wrongly “interfering” in the investigation of General Michael Flynn. Republicans broadcast their suspicions that President Obama was really calling the shots on the Clinton e-mail investigation, the Trump-Russia investigation, or both. Both sides concur, then, that there is something wrong with a president trying to direct or influence the activities of the Justice Department.
This consensus represents an understandable reaction to the trauma of Watergate. In that infamous scandal, President Nixon sought to impede a criminal investigation. Nixon clearly acted on self-serving political motives, and he ended up being driven from office.
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Manafort’s Lawyers Suggest Key Mueller Deputy Is Leaking To Media
A senior assistant special counsel to Robert Mueller’s investigation is facing allegations he leaked information to reporters concerning the Russian collusion investigation, according to a Monday court filing.
Paul Manafort’s defense attorney Kevin Downing officially leveled the leaking allegation against key Mueller deputy Andrew Weissmann as part of a new legal offensive against Mueller’s indictment of Manafort, who served briefly as Trump’s campaign manager. Downing charges that a flood of media leaks has prevented his client from getting a fair trial. Downing asked presiding federal Judge T.S. Ellis III on April 30 to convene a hearing on media leaks. The judge has yet to rule on the request.
In the latest filing, Downing charged that a senior Justice Department official — identified as Weissmann in exhibits attached to the filing — briefed Associated Press reporters in spring 2017, which led to four breaking stories about the government’s investigation into alleged Trump-Russian collusion and Manafort.
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Paul Manafort’s defense attorney Kevin Downing officially leveled the leaking allegation against key Mueller deputy Andrew Weissmann as part of a new legal offensive against Mueller’s indictment of Manafort, who served briefly as Trump’s campaign manager. Downing charges that a flood of media leaks has prevented his client from getting a fair trial. Downing asked presiding federal Judge T.S. Ellis III on April 30 to convene a hearing on media leaks. The judge has yet to rule on the request.
In the latest filing, Downing charged that a senior Justice Department official — identified as Weissmann in exhibits attached to the filing — briefed Associated Press reporters in spring 2017, which led to four breaking stories about the government’s investigation into alleged Trump-Russian collusion and Manafort.
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MS-13 gang member known as 'Animal' sentenced to 40 years in prison over killing of 15-year-old boy
A member of the notorious MS-13 street gang known as "Animal," who admitted to the 2015 killing of a teenage boy in Massachusetts, was sentenced to 40 years in prison, officials said Tuesday.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Massachusetts announced that 23-year-old Joel Martinez, who went by the street name of "Animal," will be subject to deportation once he's released from federal prison.
Martinez pleaded guilty in December to RICO conspiracy and admitting to stabbing 15-year-old Irvin Javier de Paz Castro to death on Sept. 20, 2015, according to prosecutors.
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The U.S. Attorney's Office in Massachusetts announced that 23-year-old Joel Martinez, who went by the street name of "Animal," will be subject to deportation once he's released from federal prison.
Martinez pleaded guilty in December to RICO conspiracy and admitting to stabbing 15-year-old Irvin Javier de Paz Castro to death on Sept. 20, 2015, according to prosecutors.
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http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/05/22/ms-13-gang-member-known-as-animal-sentenced-to-40-years-in-prison-over-killing-15-year-old-boy.html
Israelis Respond to Biased Coverage of Gaza Riots
'Israeli soldiers do not thrive on shooting innocent Palestinians or even Hamas activists'
TEL AVIV, Israel — A couple of weeks before the Gaza riots began, the pro-Israel media watchdog CAMERA put up across from theNew York Times building a massive billboard: "The New York Times At it AGAIN: Defaming Israel with distorted ‘news.'" Although its strategic location made it impossible to miss, Israelis nearly universally agree that the Old Gray Lady didn't get the message—and that the Times is but one of a slew of global media outlets copying from the same script, according to which IDF soldiers randomly kill peaceful protesters.
While the Israeli public is accustomed to anti-Israel bias in the international media, coverage of the Gaza riots appears to have a struck a nerve, perhaps because foreign coverage of "peaceful protests" is so at odds with what Israelis see on their local TV. On Israeli TV they see swastika-painted kite bombs setting alight Israeli fields, bullets lodged into the window sills of nearby Sderot homes, Hamas fence-cutting units crying "Khaybar, Khaybar"—a battle cry referring to the Muslim massacre of Jews in that Arabian town in 628 A.D. When these aspects of the story don't make it to Western media outlets, Israelis are understandably aggrieved.
Nizar Amer, a deputy spokesperson at Israel's foreign ministry, says that from the Israeli government's point of view, most of the coverage in the international media fails to provide the full picture. "You didn't see many media outlets saying that Hamas led and organized this campaign. There's a gap between what's happening on the ground and what the media is reporting." A pundit on Israel’s Channel 20, a news channel with a nationalistic bent, argued that the country should start ejecting journalists who print falsehoods about Israel. Am
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TEL AVIV, Israel — A couple of weeks before the Gaza riots began, the pro-Israel media watchdog CAMERA put up across from theNew York Times building a massive billboard: "The New York Times At it AGAIN: Defaming Israel with distorted ‘news.'" Although its strategic location made it impossible to miss, Israelis nearly universally agree that the Old Gray Lady didn't get the message—and that the Times is but one of a slew of global media outlets copying from the same script, according to which IDF soldiers randomly kill peaceful protesters.
While the Israeli public is accustomed to anti-Israel bias in the international media, coverage of the Gaza riots appears to have a struck a nerve, perhaps because foreign coverage of "peaceful protests" is so at odds with what Israelis see on their local TV. On Israeli TV they see swastika-painted kite bombs setting alight Israeli fields, bullets lodged into the window sills of nearby Sderot homes, Hamas fence-cutting units crying "Khaybar, Khaybar"—a battle cry referring to the Muslim massacre of Jews in that Arabian town in 628 A.D. When these aspects of the story don't make it to Western media outlets, Israelis are understandably aggrieved.
Nizar Amer, a deputy spokesperson at Israel's foreign ministry, says that from the Israeli government's point of view, most of the coverage in the international media fails to provide the full picture. "You didn't see many media outlets saying that Hamas led and organized this campaign. There's a gap between what's happening on the ground and what the media is reporting." A pundit on Israel’s Channel 20, a news channel with a nationalistic bent, argued that the country should start ejecting journalists who print falsehoods about Israel. Am
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Junkies are filling Bronx parks with over 5,000 used needles a week
Junkies have been dumping some 5,000 used needles a week in parks across the Bronx — prompting desperate city officials to install dozens of syringe-disposal kiosks in hopes of cleaning up the dangerous mess.
There has been a dramatic gain in the number of syringes found in parks in the Bronx in recent years because of the ongoing opioid epidemic, city Health Department officials say.
The 60 kiosks, which will be locked trash boxes placed in the hardest-hit Bronx parks, are part of a $60 million HealingNYC program to combat the drug plague, announced Monday.
The plan will also include outreach from needle-exchange programs to users who shoot up in parks.
“Everyone deserves parks that are safe and clean,” said Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver. “Our goal is to protect parkgoers and to offer a helping hand to those struggling with addiction.”
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There has been a dramatic gain in the number of syringes found in parks in the Bronx in recent years because of the ongoing opioid epidemic, city Health Department officials say.
The 60 kiosks, which will be locked trash boxes placed in the hardest-hit Bronx parks, are part of a $60 million HealingNYC program to combat the drug plague, announced Monday.
The plan will also include outreach from needle-exchange programs to users who shoot up in parks.
“Everyone deserves parks that are safe and clean,” said Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver. “Our goal is to protect parkgoers and to offer a helping hand to those struggling with addiction.”
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Re-Emerging Diseases: Why Some Are Making a Comeback
In the past century or so, humans have fought—and won—their fair share of battles with disease. Vaccines defeated smallpox. Antibiotics conqueredscarlet fever. And insecticide scaled back mosquito-borne illnesses.
Despite these successes, some diseases appear to be making a comeback. Outbreaks of measles and mumps have made more than a few headlines of late, and once-lost pathogens like cholera are creeping back into medical histories. While the reasons behind the rise and fall of diseases are often complex and difficult to pin down, here are a few key reasons behind some of these resurgences.
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Despite these successes, some diseases appear to be making a comeback. Outbreaks of measles and mumps have made more than a few headlines of late, and once-lost pathogens like cholera are creeping back into medical histories. While the reasons behind the rise and fall of diseases are often complex and difficult to pin down, here are a few key reasons behind some of these resurgences.
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Congressman Andy Harris Press Releases
Rep. Harris Issues Statement in Support of FIRST STEP Act
WASHINGTON, DC: On May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5682, the FIRST STEP Act. The FIRST STEP Act seeks to improve the federal prison system through enhanced prison security and providing inmates with educational and vocational training opportunities. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement after the bill was passed:
“Today, the House of Representatives passed bipartisan prison reform legislation to make our country safer and more successful. The FIRST STEP Act expands educational, mentoring, and job training opportunities for inmates, setting up inmates to lead productive lives upon release. Inmates with access to such programs are more likely to find work and housing upon release, and have a lower risk of returning to a life of crime. The FIRST STEP Act will strengthen our public safety by reducing the number of inmates who become repeat offenders.”
Rep. Harris Issues Statement on Right to Try Act
WASHINGTON, DC: On May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 204, the Trickett Wendler, Frank Mongiello, Jordan McLinn, and Matthew Bellina Right to Try Act. This legislation increases terminally ill patients’ access to experimental drugs that have not yet been approved or licensed by the FDA. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement lauding the bill’s passage:
“Today, the House of Representatives delivered new hope to patients fighting for their lives. Stunning new cures in medicine occur each and every day, and patients deserve the right to try any and all available treatments, including treatment options still in the final approval process. The federal government has no place denying terminally-ill patients the opportunity for survival, especially when there are hundreds of potential treatments stuck in the FDA’s pipeline. As a physician, I am proud to support the Right to Try Act – a bill that will bring hope and relief to families plagued by terminal illness across the United States.”
Rep. Harris Releases Statement on Bipartisan Banking Reform Bill
WASHINGTON, DC: On May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 2155 – the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act. This bipartisan bill eases the burden several Dodd-Frank regulations have placed on small community banks and consumers. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) released the following statement in support of the legislation:
“Heavy handed and costly banking regulations hurt America’s small community banks and American consumers. The bipartisan Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act passed by the House of Representatives today will provide small community banks and consumers with much-needed relief. This legislation will exempt small banks from time-consuming reporting requirements, protect consumers’ access to credit, and implement credit protections for veterans and student borrowers. I applaud my colleagues in Congress for passing this pro-consumer, pro-small business legislation.”