NEW YORK — CBS News on Wednesday fired “60 Minutes” top executive Jeff Fager, who has been under investigation following reports that he groped women at parties and tolerated an abusive workplace.
The network news president, David Rhodes, said Fager’s firing was “not directly related” to the allegations against him, but because he violated company policy. Fager said it was because of a text message he sent to a CBS News reporter who was covering the story about him.
“My language was harsh and, despite the fact that journalists receive harsh demands for fairness all the time, CBS did not like it,” Fager said.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Friday, September 14, 2018
Commissioner Redmer to Hold Second Public Hearing on Proposed Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Premium Rates for 2019
Public Hearing to be held Monday, September 17 in Baltimore
BALTIMORE — Maryland Insurance Commissioner Al Redmer, Jr. will hold a second public hearing on insurance companies’ proposed premium rates for 2019 health insurance plans. This quasi-legislative hearing, scheduled from 10:00 am – 12 pm noon on Monday, September 17, 2018 at the Maryland Insurance Administration’s (MIA) office in Baltimore, will primarily focus on plans sold directly to individuals. Comments related to the small group market will also be heard.
“As we evaluate the proposed health insurance rates, we want to give all interested stakeholders an opportunity to present their views to us in this second open forum. The purpose of the second hearing is to address the impact of the 1332 waiver and our state based reinsurance program on proposed rates,” said Commissioner Redmer. “We are looking forward to hearing from interested parties on this important topic.”
Two insurers (four legal entities) filed to sell in the Individual Non-Medigap (INM) market for next year, and four insurers (10 legal entities) filed for the small group market. A summary of their proposed premium rate requests can be found at www.insurance.maryland.gov. More comprehensive information can be found at: www.healthrates.mdinsurance.state.md.us. Public comments may be submitted until 5 p.m. on Friday, September 14, 2018.
The 5 dumbest moments during the Kavanaugh confirmation hearing
The Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to confirm Appellate Court Judge Brett Kavanaugh went beyond partisan charades. It was a downright circus.
So, here are the dumbest things that happened in the Kavanaugh confirmation hearing:
1.) Kamala Harris
The Kavanaugh hearings were less a study of the Supreme Court nominee than an audition for the 2020 Democratic nomination. Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., stood out — and not in a good way.
Lights Of Hope Event Planned To Raise Addiction Awareness
OCEAN CITY – A new event aims to raise addiction awareness by honoring those who are in recovery and commemorating lives lost to the disease.
On Sunday, Sept. 16, the national organization The Addict’s Mom will present Lights of Hope at Sunset Park in Ocean City. The event, which runs from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., will feature guest speakers, resource displays and a candle lighting ceremony.
“The addiction epidemic’s not getting any better,” said Brian Shofi, one of the event’s organizers. “It’s gotten out of control. Every one of us has been touched by addiction whether we know it or not.”
The Addict’s Mom is a national organization that aims to raise addiction awareness and provide support for the families of those battling addiction. Though the group has hosted Lights of Hope events throughout the United States in the past, this will be the first scheduled in Maryland. Ruthie Chavis, Shofi’s wife, spearheaded the effort to bring Lights of Hope to Maryland. She, Shofi and volunteer Judy Kisly have spent the past several months planning the event.
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On Sunday, Sept. 16, the national organization The Addict’s Mom will present Lights of Hope at Sunset Park in Ocean City. The event, which runs from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., will feature guest speakers, resource displays and a candle lighting ceremony.
“The addiction epidemic’s not getting any better,” said Brian Shofi, one of the event’s organizers. “It’s gotten out of control. Every one of us has been touched by addiction whether we know it or not.”
The Addict’s Mom is a national organization that aims to raise addiction awareness and provide support for the families of those battling addiction. Though the group has hosted Lights of Hope events throughout the United States in the past, this will be the first scheduled in Maryland. Ruthie Chavis, Shofi’s wife, spearheaded the effort to bring Lights of Hope to Maryland. She, Shofi and volunteer Judy Kisly have spent the past several months planning the event.
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Cops And Courts – September 14, 2018
Assault Charges Over Choking Incident
OCEAN CITY — An Ocean City man was arrested on assault charges last weekend after allegedly choking his live-in girlfriend during a domestic dispute over a cell phone.
Hotel Assault Arrest
OCEAN CITY — A Montgomery County man was arrested on assault charges last week after allegedly punching his girlfriend in the face multiple times.
Courthouse Lobby Assault
OCEAN CITY — An Ocean City woman was arrested on assault charges last week after allegedly accosting the very person whom had been granted a peace order against her shortly before in the lobby of the District Court building in Ocean City.
Hazmat Spill Near Snow Hill
SNOW HILL — A tractor trailer overturned on Snow Hill Road late Tuesday afternoon, dumping its load of highly caustic cargo and causing the roadway to be closed overnight.
Michelle Obama’s Book Tour May Be Coming To An Arena Near You
She will appear in arenas across the country for “An Intimate Conversation With Michelle Obama,” produced by Live Nation, which is known for promoting concerts for such artists as Cher, Paul McCartney, Rihanna and Pink.
The appearances will “feature intimate and honest conversations between Mrs. Obama and a selection of to-be-announced moderators,” according to an announcement from Live Nation and the book’s publisher, Penguin Random House’s Crown Publishing Group.
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September 15 Grilled Pork Chop Dinner at Delmar VFW
The public is invited to join the Delmar VFW Auxiliary for a Grilled Pork Chop Dinner on Saturday, September 15, from 5 until 8 p.m. at the VFW Post, 200 W. State St. Delmar, MD.
The menu includes a large savory grilled pork chop that has been marinated for 24 hours, a tossed salad with choice of dressing, a seasoned baked potato with sour cream and/or butter, choice of succotash or broccoli with melted cheese, and a dinner roll. The cost is $12 per person. Desserts will also be available.
Carry outs can be ordered IN PERSON ONLY AFTER 5 P.M. Proceeds benefit the many local charities and organizations supported by the Delmar VFW Auxiliary.
The menu includes a large savory grilled pork chop that has been marinated for 24 hours, a tossed salad with choice of dressing, a seasoned baked potato with sour cream and/or butter, choice of succotash or broccoli with melted cheese, and a dinner roll. The cost is $12 per person. Desserts will also be available.
Carry outs can be ordered IN PERSON ONLY AFTER 5 P.M. Proceeds benefit the many local charities and organizations supported by the Delmar VFW Auxiliary.
US, UK law enforcement sign proclamation against female genital mutilation and cutting
On August 30, law enforcement from the two nations also gathered at the U.S. embassy in London to sign a proclamation affirming their commitment to end the practice of FGM/C in both countries and around the world. The proclamation reads, in part:
“Female genital mutilation/cutting is a global issue that transcends our borders. FGM/C is a culturally-based, gender-specific form of violence and when performed on girls under the age of 18, it is child abuse. The top priorities of the U.K. and U.S. are safeguarding girls through prevention, multi-agency partnership and education. These efforts require that we learn and share our experiences and cooperate through both our informal and formal engagements. Through existing police to police and mutual assistance agreements and arrangements, the U.S. and U.K. law enforcement intend to share intelligence to enhance our knowledge of, and response to female genital mutilation. This collaboration seeks to build our intelligence capacity to identify those involved in perpetrating or facilitating FGM/C offences whilst safeguarding potential victims.”
Signatories of the proclamation include representatives from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, London Metropolitan Police Service, UK National Police Chiefs Council, UK Border Force, UK Crown Prosecution Service, and British Transport Police.
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Fact Check: Trump is Right About Puerto Rico
Democrats and the media have been pounding President Donald Trump over the past few days, as Hurricane Florence nears the Carolinas, over his alleged insensitivity to deaths in Puerto Rico last year from Hurricane Maria.
On Thursday morning, President Trump pushed back on Twitter, alleging that Democrats had inflated the death toll “in order to make me look as bad as possible.”
That led to more criticism, with the Associated Press accusing Trump of making claims “without evidence.”
But Trump is correct.
His opponents — including the media — have strained for more than a year to turn Hurricane Maria into his version of Hurricane Katrina, the devastating 2005 storm that prompted criticism of President George W. Bush’s response — even though state and local authorities had been far worse — and foreshadowed a Democratic takeover of Congress in 2006.
Leading the charge was CNN, which made a special effort to link Hurricane Maria in 2017 to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and made a temporary media sensation of San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz, who accused the Trump administration of neglect.
However, the media’s effort at the time was frustrated by several factors. First, experts praised the federal government’s response to Hurricane Maria, which posed special challenges because Puerto Rico is so far from the mainland U.S.
Second, Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló himself praised the federal government’s response: ““The president and the administration, every time we’ve asked them to execute, they’ve executed quickly,” he told Fox News in September 2017.
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On Thursday morning, President Trump pushed back on Twitter, alleging that Democrats had inflated the death toll “in order to make me look as bad as possible.”
That led to more criticism, with the Associated Press accusing Trump of making claims “without evidence.”
But Trump is correct.
His opponents — including the media — have strained for more than a year to turn Hurricane Maria into his version of Hurricane Katrina, the devastating 2005 storm that prompted criticism of President George W. Bush’s response — even though state and local authorities had been far worse — and foreshadowed a Democratic takeover of Congress in 2006.
Leading the charge was CNN, which made a special effort to link Hurricane Maria in 2017 to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and made a temporary media sensation of San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz, who accused the Trump administration of neglect.
However, the media’s effort at the time was frustrated by several factors. First, experts praised the federal government’s response to Hurricane Maria, which posed special challenges because Puerto Rico is so far from the mainland U.S.
Second, Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló himself praised the federal government’s response: ““The president and the administration, every time we’ve asked them to execute, they’ve executed quickly,” he told Fox News in September 2017.
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CASHING IN ON TERROR Outrage over artwork allowing visitors to pose as victims of ISIS killer Jihadi John
A GRAPHIC artwork which encourages visitors to pose for a photo with ISIS terrorist Jihadi John waiting to behead them has caused outrage.
The installation, dubbed Phantom Pain, is part of an exhibition at the Gogbot art and music festival in the Netherlands.
It features a life-sized image of the crazed killer on a wooden panel next to a kneeling victim in an orange jumpsuit moments before execution.
Those visiting the exhibit are invited to put their heads through a hole cut in the board and pose beside the sick fanatic.
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Golf Ball Water Tower Cost Gives Council Sticker Shock; Bids Reviewed For New 64th Street Tower Look
Earlier this year, a divided Mayor and Council nixed the idea of a shared marketing opportunity with Coca-Cola that would have allowed the soft drink giant’s logo on a town-owned water tower at 64th Street near Route 90 and the entrance to the resort with some councilmembers calling the idea a sell-out. That concept was ultimately eliminated, and the water tower repainting moved to the Request For Proposal (RFP) process with a handful of options including the traditional light blue paint scheme, the light blue paint scheme with the town’s logo on it, replicating the downtown beach ball design and, finally, a golf ball and tee design promoting the town-owned Eagle’s Landing golf course and Ocean City’s reputation as a golf destination.
The latter proposal caused some heartburn for some on the council at the time over concerns promoting Eagle’s Landing on the tower was an affront to the 15 or so other golf courses in the resort area with whom the town has a partnership on marketing and advertising efforts. Nonetheless, the golf ball concept was included in the RFP in order to have all options and their varying price tags on the table.
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Bike Week 2018 Best Year Ever
So come join the PARTY at Trader Lee's. No one can top our Party. By the way, the pictures you are seeing are from about 4:30 PM today. We've been packed all day and tonight, well, it's going to be incredible.
DALI LAMA: “EUROPE BELONGS TO EUROPEANS”
His says his stance comes from a position of compassion, and he added that westerners have a “moral responsibility” to help refugees.
“Receive them, help them, educate them… but ultimately they should develop their own country,” he said. “I think Europe belongs to the Europeans.”
“They [refugees] ultimately should rebuild their own country.”
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Hillary Slips Up, Tweets Furious Screed Based On Debunked Kavanaugh Smear
Hillary Clinton went on 6-tweet tirade Wednesday against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, citing a debunked fake news story that Kavanaugh referred to birth-control pills as "abortion-inducing drugs."
"I want to be sure we're all clear about something that Brett Kavanaugh said in his confirmation hearings last week," Hillary confidently tweeted, adding "He referred to birth-control pills as "abortion-inducing drugs." That set off a lot of alarm bells for me, and it should for you, too."The rest of the screed, which you can read by clicking on her tweet, condemns Kavanaugh for making it "clear that safe and legal abortion isn't the only fundamental reproductive right at grave risk if he is confirmed. Access to birth control is, too."
Except, Kavanaugh never said that...
And Hillary either didn't get the message, or is choosing to deceive her 23.4 million followers.
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House of Representatives Passes Harris Bill To Rename Postal Office Honoring Local Fallen Hero
WASHINGTON, DC: On Thursday, September 13th, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4913 to rename a United States Postal facility in honor of the deceased Sgt. Maj. Wardell B. Turner. Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) is the original author of H.R. 4913, which will designate the United States Postal facility located at 816 East Salisbury Parkway in Salisbury, Maryland, as the ‘‘Sgt. Maj. Wardell B. Turner Post Office Building’’. Congressman Harris released the following statement lauding its passage:
“Husband, father and soldier, Army Sgt. Maj. Wardell Turner died from wounds suffered from a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) while serving our country in Afghanistan on November 24, 2014. As a veteran, I greatly admire Sgt. Maj. Turner’s remarkable service. The memory of his life is a true example of courage, strength, and perseverance.
In 1993, he enlisted in the Army and served globally in places such as Germany, South Korea, Bosnia, and Iraq. While earning the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and other Meritorious Service Medals, he climbed up the enlisted ranks, earning the title of Sgt. Maj. in 2013.
While in high school, his leadership and ability on the football team for the Bennett High School Clippers earned the team two state titles in 1982 and 1983. Wardell’s athleticism eventually led him to an athletic scholarship for Towson University. In 2011, he earned his master’s degree in criminal justice from Central Missouri State University.
Sgt. Maj. Turner was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in January of 2015. Last year, friends, family and high school teammates gathered at the Wicomico Presbyterian Church to retire his Bennett High School jersey and celebrate his life and military service. In 2016, Towson University created the “Wardell Turner Scholarship”, and Mayor Jake Day of Salisbury proclaimed October 28, 2017 as “Sgt. Maj, Wardell Turner Day”.
Wardell Turner left a lasting legacy in his community -- a legacy that continues with his five children, Shayla, Quinton, Devin, Wardell II, Xavier, several grandchildren, and his devoted wife, Katherine. We will always cherish the memory and service of Sgt. Maj. Wardell Turner to his family, community, and country.”
“Husband, father and soldier, Army Sgt. Maj. Wardell Turner died from wounds suffered from a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) while serving our country in Afghanistan on November 24, 2014. As a veteran, I greatly admire Sgt. Maj. Turner’s remarkable service. The memory of his life is a true example of courage, strength, and perseverance.
In 1993, he enlisted in the Army and served globally in places such as Germany, South Korea, Bosnia, and Iraq. While earning the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and other Meritorious Service Medals, he climbed up the enlisted ranks, earning the title of Sgt. Maj. in 2013.
While in high school, his leadership and ability on the football team for the Bennett High School Clippers earned the team two state titles in 1982 and 1983. Wardell’s athleticism eventually led him to an athletic scholarship for Towson University. In 2011, he earned his master’s degree in criminal justice from Central Missouri State University.
Sgt. Maj. Turner was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in January of 2015. Last year, friends, family and high school teammates gathered at the Wicomico Presbyterian Church to retire his Bennett High School jersey and celebrate his life and military service. In 2016, Towson University created the “Wardell Turner Scholarship”, and Mayor Jake Day of Salisbury proclaimed October 28, 2017 as “Sgt. Maj, Wardell Turner Day”.
Wardell Turner left a lasting legacy in his community -- a legacy that continues with his five children, Shayla, Quinton, Devin, Wardell II, Xavier, several grandchildren, and his devoted wife, Katherine. We will always cherish the memory and service of Sgt. Maj. Wardell Turner to his family, community, and country.”
MICHIGAN MOTHER CHARGED WITH MULTIPLE COUNTS OF STEALING AND USING TERMINAL ILL DAUGHTER’S MEDICATIONS
Medical staff they were treating a patient identified as CM (age 20) who is terminally ill and under the care of hospice and her primary care giver is her mother identified as Carol Ballweg(age 46). Staff listed concerns regarding Ballweg not providing CM pain medications. CM was prescribed Fentanyl and Oxycodone for pain. Medical staff had previously made numerous “hotline” calls regarding CM’s care. Staff had concerns regarding Ballweg’s requests for the above medications be filled earlier than should be required on several occasions.
Medical staff also advised an ongoing investigation by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and provided the name of the investigator.
Incomes hit new record high and poverty fell to pre-recession low in 2017
Median household income rose to $61,400, according to the bureau's Current Population Survey, improving 1.8 percent on the previous year’s mark of $60,300. Over the past two years, median incomes appear to have eclipsed, finally, the all-time high set in the dotcom bubble year of 1999, adjusting for inflation.
The comparison, though, complicated by changes the Census Bureau made to survey questions in 2014. Adjusting for those changes suggests that typical incomes were roughly the same in 2017 as they were in 2007 and 1999, a Census official said.
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ICE arrests 16 during 2-day Operation SOAR in the New York City metropolitan area
In the course of Operation SOAR, ERO deportation officers apprehended 16 individuals with criminal histories related to sexual offenses. Of those arrested, 5 were previously released from local law enforcement on an active detainer. ICE places detainers on individuals who have been arrested on local criminal charges and who are suspected of being deportable, so that ICE can take custody of that person when he or she is released from local custody. When law enforcement agencies fail to honor immigration detainers and release serious criminal offenders onto the streets, it undermines ICE’s ability to protect public safety and carry out its mission.
In years past, most of these individuals would have been turned over to ICE by local authorities upon their release from jail based on ICE detainers. Now that many sanctuary cities, including New York City, do not honor ICE detainers, these individuals, who often have significant criminal histories, are released onto the street, presenting a potential public safety threat.
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Illegal immigrants cited in theft of 39 million Social Security numbers
Nearly 40 million Social Security numbers have been stolen and used by illegal immigrants and others to get work, according to agency records obtained by an immigration reform group.
The Immigration Reform Law Institute said that from 2012 to 2016 there were “39 million instances where names and Social Security numbers on W-2 tax forms did not match the corresponding Social Security records.”
The group said that there is a “thriving black market” used by illegal immigrants to get Social Security numbers needed to get a job.
Their report draws attention to a move by former President Barack Obama to stop sending so-called “no match” letters to employers notifying them that numbers used by employees on the wage forms do not match their identity.
WCSO Press Releases - Sept. 13, 2018
Date of Incident: 12 September 2018
Location: 9000 block of Rum Ridge Road, Delmar, MD
Suspect: Taylor Lloyd Rogers, 31, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 12 September 2018 at 4:45 PM, a deputy responded to the report of a subject stuck in a field in the 9000 block of Rum Ridge Road in Delmar. Upon arrival, the deputy discovered that Taylor Rogers had driven off-road into the field in a Toyota Camry and proceeded to drive in a manner through the muddy field in an erratic manner before he found himself stuck in the mud. The deputy also observed numerous ruts that were cut in the field by Rogers as he drove through the field. A tow truck was called to the scene to assist Rogers with the extrication of his car, which turned out to require substantial effort and special equipment. Due to the process taking over two hours, the deputy had to leave the scene to handle calls for service elsewhere.
The deputy learned that as soon as Roger’s vehicle was removed from the field, Rogers drove away without paying the tow bill after being informed how much it was.
The deputy responded to Rogers’ address at which point the deputy found him and made a custodial arrest of Rogers for causing damage to the private property and stiffing the tow truck driver on the bill. Rogers was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. Following an initial appearance, the Commissioner released Rogers on personal Recognizance.
Charges: Malicious Destruction of Property less than $1,000.00 and Theft less than $1,500.00
Date of Incident: 12 September 2018
Location: 1100 block of Nokomis Avenue, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Keymia M. Jones, 23, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 12 September 2018 at 7;16 PM, a deputy responded to a residence in the 1100 block of Nokomis Avenue for a reported altercation. Upon arrival, the deputy learned that a subject, later identified as Keymia Jones, became enraged when she could not locate her wallet and held a butcher knife to a male subject’s throat inside the residence demanding to know its location.
During the investigation, the deputy observed evidence that corroborated the complainant’s account.
The deputy placed Jones under arrest and transported her to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. Jones was detained without bond in the Detention Center pending a District Court Bond review.
Charges: Assault 1st Degree and Dangerous Weapon
Operation SEAs The Day Honors Wounded Veterans
Last Friday, 32 wounded veterans and their families received a warm welcome from community members along routes 1 and 54 as they made their way by bus to a concert at the Freeman Stage.
For miles, residents and visitors along the corridors cheered and greeted the families as motorcycles and police and fire department vehicles escorted them to their destination.
Each year, Operation SEAs the Day, a local nonprofit, works with local homeowners and businesses to provide a free, weeklong vacation in Bethany Beach for wounded veteran families.
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More Route 50 Bridge Repairs Needed
Earlier this week, SHA crews began repairing and replacing sections of failing concrete on the underside of the Route 50 bridge. Technically, the term is “spalling,” which essentially means concrete that is breaking up, becoming flaked or pitted and typically caused by environmental issues and exposure to the elements.
SHA spokesman Robert Rager said this week crews began working on the concrete sections this week and the project will be a lengthy one.
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ARE DEMOCRATS ADVOCATING DOMESTIC TERRORISM?
A response from Dreamstar Justice, who according to Daily Mail supports the Democratic Socialists, responded, saying, “I am coming with a gun and I expect to get numerous bloodstained MAGA hats as trophies.”
D.C. police vehicles were spotted outside of the hotel and a manager confirmed staff were aware of the threat and taking appropriate security measures.
But the Democrats are only getting started.
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Chicago sets up universal income task force as city seeks ways to tackle poverty
The idea for the program, which would make monthly payments to a number of Chicago families without any conditions, has been floated around in the city for months now.
Back in June, Chicago’s North Side Ald. Ameya Pawar introduced a resolution calling upon the mayor to launch the pilot of the program and pay 1,000 families $500 every month.
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http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/09/12/chicago-sets-up-universal-income-task-force-as-city-seeks-ways-to-tackle-poverty.html
Drug overdose deaths shatter August record
The monthly total of 39 deaths was the highest since the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) began tracking deaths from suspected overdoses in late 2013.
The previous monthly record was 27 deaths in April of this year.
“It is heartbreaking and alarming to see so many lives lost to suspected overdoses,” said DHSS Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker. “We suspect that many of the overdoses involved fentanyl so we are warning people who are in active use to assume that the illicit drugs they are using contain this highly toxic and dangerous synthetic opioid. Any use of such a substance could kill them.” Fentanyl is up to 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin.
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BARACK OBAMA'S RETURN JUST REMINDS US HOW HE FUELED AMERICAN DISTRUST
Former president Barack Obama is back. He kicked off a series of campaign appearances last week with a blistering attack on the Trump administration and said the Republican Party had “embraced a rising absolutism.” President Donald Trump deserves plenty of harsh criticism, but Obama’s indictment is akin to the kid who killed his parents and then sought mercy from the judge because he was an orphan.
Obama declared that“the biggest threat to our democracy is cynicism.” He also called for “a restoration of honesty and decency and lawfulness in our government.” But his eight years as president fueled the distrust of Washington that Obama now condemns.....
When Obama took office, the United States had the 20th-most-free press in the world, according to the Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index. By 2016, it had fallen to 41st — worse than South Africa and barely ahead of Botswana. Obama appointees severely undermined the Freedom of Information Act.
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Obama declared that“the biggest threat to our democracy is cynicism.” He also called for “a restoration of honesty and decency and lawfulness in our government.” But his eight years as president fueled the distrust of Washington that Obama now condemns.....
When Obama took office, the United States had the 20th-most-free press in the world, according to the Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index. By 2016, it had fallen to 41st — worse than South Africa and barely ahead of Botswana. Obama appointees severely undermined the Freedom of Information Act.
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Andrew Cuomo beats back progressive challenge from Cynthia Nixon
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo beat progressive challenger Cynthia Nixon Thursday night, after a vicious and sensational Democratic primary.
Progressives had hoped Nixon could ride an insurgent wave within the party and stop Cuomo from winning a third term. Nixon did push Cuomo to the Left on a number of issues, forcing the incumbent to shift his positions including on the legalization of marijuana.
Cuomo left nothing to chance, however, spending millions on TV ads, and mailers, and touted endorsements from former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Vice President Joe Biden.
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Progressives had hoped Nixon could ride an insurgent wave within the party and stop Cuomo from winning a third term. Nixon did push Cuomo to the Left on a number of issues, forcing the incumbent to shift his positions including on the legalization of marijuana.
Cuomo left nothing to chance, however, spending millions on TV ads, and mailers, and touted endorsements from former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Vice President Joe Biden.
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Cyclist Who Flipped Off Trump in Viral Photo Will Run for Office in Virginia
Juli Briskman, who flipped off President Donald Trump's motorcade while she was bicycling last fall near the President's golf course, will run for local office in Virginia.
"Today, I am filing my organizational papers in a bid for local office in Loudoun County, Va," Briskman tweeted Wednesday. "Loudoun deserves transparency in government, fully funded schools & smarter solutions to growth. It's time for a change."
Briskman said she plans to run in 2019 as supervisor for the Algonkian District in Loudoun County, where she will face Republican Suzanne Volpe. The Washington Post, which first reported Briskman's run for office, points out that the county reliably votes for Democrats on a state and local level but Republicans control Loudon's Board of Supervisors by 6-3 and have represented the county in Congress for more than 40 years.
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"Today, I am filing my organizational papers in a bid for local office in Loudoun County, Va," Briskman tweeted Wednesday. "Loudoun deserves transparency in government, fully funded schools & smarter solutions to growth. It's time for a change."
Briskman said she plans to run in 2019 as supervisor for the Algonkian District in Loudoun County, where she will face Republican Suzanne Volpe. The Washington Post, which first reported Briskman's run for office, points out that the county reliably votes for Democrats on a state and local level but Republicans control Loudon's Board of Supervisors by 6-3 and have represented the county in Congress for more than 40 years.
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Police: Shoplifter ran over, killed accomplice fleeing Md. Walmart
Investigators identified the victim as Keneesha Cunningham, 35, of Wilmington, Del., who was run over at about 1:15 a.m. Saturday in Row 3 of the parking lot at the Walmart Supercenter in the 1000 block of East Pulaski Highway, according to the Elkton Police Department.
Cunningham was using her body to conceal the rear license plate of a 2006 Chevrolet Impala — the alleged getaway vehicle — as a Walmart security officer attempted to take a photo of the tag after witnessing Cunningham and her two companions shoplift at the store, police said.
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Maine Governor: Medicaid Applicants Will Be Denied Until Expansion Is Funded
Republican Gov. Paul LePage said he’ll continue denying applications under a voter-approved Medicaid expansion until lawmakers provide funding under his terms.
Pro-Medicaid expansion advocates who are suing to force Maine to roll-out voter-approved Medicaid expansion have encouraged Mainers to apply for Medicaid expansion this summer. But LePage said the plan is to deny those applications “until they’re funded.”
“All they got to do is give me the money and everything’s going to be fine,” he told The Associated Press. “I don’t know why the Legislature refuses to acknowledge that Medicaid is not free.”
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Pro-Medicaid expansion advocates who are suing to force Maine to roll-out voter-approved Medicaid expansion have encouraged Mainers to apply for Medicaid expansion this summer. But LePage said the plan is to deny those applications “until they’re funded.”
“All they got to do is give me the money and everything’s going to be fine,” he told The Associated Press. “I don’t know why the Legislature refuses to acknowledge that Medicaid is not free.”
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California Ban on Handgun Advertising Ruled Unconstitutional in Federal Court
Judge Troy Nunley of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, an Obama appointee, ruled California could no longer enforce Section 26820 of the California Penal Code, which dates back to 1923. That law banned gun stores from displaying signs promoting the sale of handguns. California argued the ban was necessary to prevent suicides and murders but Judge Nunley said it violates constitutional protections on free speech.
"California may not accomplish its goals by violating the First Amendment," Nunley wrote in his ruling. "Accordingly, [the law] is unconstitutional on its face."
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Median Fence Achieved Early Safety Goal, Officials Believe
OCEAN CITY — With the first summer season with the new median fence down a vast section of Coastal Highway in the midtown area now in the books, local officials believe the project has accomplished its early goals.
The much-debated median fence project with enhanced lighting got underway last fall. The median fence is expected to improve public safety in the known trouble spot section of Coastal Highway, which historically has seen the most pedestrian-vehicle collisions, by forcing pedestrians to cross the highway at marked crosswalks at street ends and not dash across between blocks.
The project, which was designed by the State Highway Administration (SHA) with significant input from Ocean City officials, cost $4.5 million for the initial phase. The project features an undulating fence down the center median of Coastal Highway mimicking the iconic fences along the dunes in Ocean City complete with the appropriate landscaping to complete the illusion. No less important is the improved lighting along the corridor with higher wattage LED lights on poles in the center median.
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AP Fact Checks Obama: He 'Doesn't Always Tell A Straight Story'
The AP concludes — shockingly — that Barack Obama "doesn’t always tell the straight story."
The fact check specifically concerns comments Obama made while accepting an award in his home state of Illinois last week, where the former president compared his treatment of press outlets he didn't quite care for, like Fox News, to current President Donald Trump's feud with CNN.
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Klausmeier, Senate Democrats Sending Misleading Mailer
The mailer says “Our Governor, Larry Hogan. Our Senator Kathy Klausmeier” in a clear attempt to imply that Governor Hogan, who is wildly popular in the 8th District, is supporting Klausmeier and to imply that Klausmeier is supportive of Governor Hogan’s agenda.
Governor Hogan, of course, is supporting Delegate Christian Miele in his bid to oust the longtime incumbent Klausmeier.
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Bloede Dam removal blasts off in advance of storm
Kiewit, the Nebraska-based contractor handling the removal of the state-owned dam, had been waiting for the river’s rain-swollen flow to subside before triggering the blast to make it easier for heavy equipment to work in the channel.
But Hurricane Florence’s imminent East Coast landfall prompted a decision to get on with it, according to Amy Kober, spokeswoman for the nonprofit conservation group American Rivers.
The yearlong preparatory work for the dam’s demolition already had suffered disruptions and delay earlier this year because of severe flash flooding on Memorial Day weekend. Now, there’s a chance the tropical storm expected to hit the Carolinas later this week could produce more heavy rain and potentially disruptive flooding in central Maryland.
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US House members agree to ban slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption
The Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2018 prohibits the intentional slaughtering for human consumption.
Forty-four states allow it to happen, said legislators seeking to completely outlaw the practice. Only four states specifically ban it., Rep. Ralph Abraham, R-Louisiana, said.
The bill calls for a fine of up to $5,000 for each violation and has an exception for Native American tribes for a religious ceremony.
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Opposition to Kavanaugh Is Failing Because It's Meritless
The American people have had a chance this week to hear directly from Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh in what might be the longest nomination hearing in Supreme Court history.
For more than 32 hours, Kavanaugh has sat before the TV lights of the Senate Judiciary Committee, fielding questions from our 21-member panel.
By any measure, his testimony was outstanding.
In the face of a coordinated effort by opponents to derail the hearing, Kavanaugh was unflappable, showcasing his deep understanding of case law and legal precedent, his judicial independence, and his unwavering fidelity to the Constitution.
His straightforward, patient, and articulate responses to questions outshined a steady stream of outbursts and interruptions that I have not witnessed in the 14 other Supreme Court nomination hearings that I have attended.
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For more than 32 hours, Kavanaugh has sat before the TV lights of the Senate Judiciary Committee, fielding questions from our 21-member panel.
By any measure, his testimony was outstanding.
In the face of a coordinated effort by opponents to derail the hearing, Kavanaugh was unflappable, showcasing his deep understanding of case law and legal precedent, his judicial independence, and his unwavering fidelity to the Constitution.
His straightforward, patient, and articulate responses to questions outshined a steady stream of outbursts and interruptions that I have not witnessed in the 14 other Supreme Court nomination hearings that I have attended.
More