In his extraordinarily forward-looking 1796 “Farewell Address,” President George Washington recommended for our “solemn contemplation” and “frequent review, some sentiments which are the result of much reflection” and “which appears to me all important to the permanency of your felicity as a people.”
Among the most notable advice he offered was a warning about the danger of those who would seek to divide the nation in order to empower their own partisan interests. He noted that the “love of power and proneness to abuse it” would result in “cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled” political leaders who would “organize faction; to give it an artificial and extraordinary force; to put in the place of the delegated will of the nation, the will of a party.”
He warned that their “foolish compliances of ambition, corruption, or infatuation” would “usurp the applause and confidence of the people to surrender their interests,” and that we should “distrust the patriotism of those who, in any quarter, may endeavor to weaken” our nation’s bonds.
Here, Washington’s advice is as enduring as his legacy. The current partisan political tensions are more troubling than in any period since the 1960s, and his words are applicable.
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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, October 26, 2018
WATCH: Hillary Changes Tune On 'Civility' After Bomb Scare
Democrat Hillary Clinton appeared to change her tune on being "civil" on Wednesday after an apparent bomb was sent to her home in Westchester County, New York.
"But it is a troubling time, isn’t it?" Clinton said at a campaign event for Donna Shalala. "And it’s a time of deep divisions and we have to do everything we can to bring our country together. We also have to elect candidates who will try to do the same."
Clinton's remarks, which come after multiple devices were sent to Democratic figures, are in stark contrast to what she said just two weeks ago in an interview with CNN.
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"But it is a troubling time, isn’t it?" Clinton said at a campaign event for Donna Shalala. "And it’s a time of deep divisions and we have to do everything we can to bring our country together. We also have to elect candidates who will try to do the same."
Clinton's remarks, which come after multiple devices were sent to Democratic figures, are in stark contrast to what she said just two weeks ago in an interview with CNN.
More/Video
What A Bunch Of Idiots!?
Tell me this isn’t crazy...
A few days ago the creator of the most famous consumer ‘credit score’ in the United States announced a major overhaul in how it rates borrowers.
Consumers live and die by this ‘FICO score’. A high FICO score means that it’s easy to obtain loans at lower interest rates.
And a bad FICO score (in theory) means that you have a history of not paying your debts… hence making it difficult to obtain loans.
Well it turns out there are tens of millions of people in the US who either don’t have FICO scores at all (i.e. NO credit history), or they have BAD credit.
So FICO decided that they would reinvent the way they calculate the scores– giving a big boost to people with bad credit.
Virtually overnight, people who have a history of not paying their bills will immediately be deemed creditworthy.
And poof… they’ll have access to more debt than ever before.
No offense, but what a bunch of idiots.
This company is deliberately lowering its standards and pretending that people with a terrible credit history are actually top quality borrowers.
Gee where have we seen this before?
Oh that’s right… just before the massive financial crisis ten years ago! It’s genius!
It wasn’t even that long ago during the housing boom in the early 2000s that banks were doing EXACTLY the same thing– deliberately lowering their lending standards and providing loans (WITH NO MONEY DOWN) to borrowers with bad credit.
Everyone was in on it. The big ratings agencies like S&P and Moody’s all played along.
Even the federal government gave its seal of approval to this ridiculous charade.
But eventually the bubble burst. Interest rates started rising and the borrowers could no longer pay.
Housing prices tanked. Banks lost billions. The stock market plummetted. The economy went into a tailspin.
It unraveled so quickly… and it all started with a system that churned out far too much debt, far too easily, to borrowers who had no hope of paying it back.
And that’s precisely what we’re seeing now.
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A few days ago the creator of the most famous consumer ‘credit score’ in the United States announced a major overhaul in how it rates borrowers.
Consumers live and die by this ‘FICO score’. A high FICO score means that it’s easy to obtain loans at lower interest rates.
And a bad FICO score (in theory) means that you have a history of not paying your debts… hence making it difficult to obtain loans.
Well it turns out there are tens of millions of people in the US who either don’t have FICO scores at all (i.e. NO credit history), or they have BAD credit.
So FICO decided that they would reinvent the way they calculate the scores– giving a big boost to people with bad credit.
Virtually overnight, people who have a history of not paying their bills will immediately be deemed creditworthy.
And poof… they’ll have access to more debt than ever before.
No offense, but what a bunch of idiots.
This company is deliberately lowering its standards and pretending that people with a terrible credit history are actually top quality borrowers.
Gee where have we seen this before?
Oh that’s right… just before the massive financial crisis ten years ago! It’s genius!
It wasn’t even that long ago during the housing boom in the early 2000s that banks were doing EXACTLY the same thing– deliberately lowering their lending standards and providing loans (WITH NO MONEY DOWN) to borrowers with bad credit.
Everyone was in on it. The big ratings agencies like S&P and Moody’s all played along.
Even the federal government gave its seal of approval to this ridiculous charade.
But eventually the bubble burst. Interest rates started rising and the borrowers could no longer pay.
Housing prices tanked. Banks lost billions. The stock market plummetted. The economy went into a tailspin.
It unraveled so quickly… and it all started with a system that churned out far too much debt, far too easily, to borrowers who had no hope of paying it back.
And that’s precisely what we’re seeing now.
More
CONFIRMED: Pipe Bomb Powder Sent to CNN Was Harmless – It Was Not Ricin – Bombs Likely Fakes
Law enforcement confirmed on Wednesday night that the white powder with the “pipe bomb” sent to CNN addressed to John Brennan was a harmless.
According to the AP: The NYPD said the explosive devices were live during a Wednesday afternoon press conference but subsequent reporting suggests they were not functional.
All of the devices carried a parody ISIS flag featuring comedian Larry the Cable Guy’s signature slogan, “git ‘er done,” NBC News reported late Wednesday.
It appears they were all fakes.
As The Gateway Pundit reported earlier today — IT WAS ALL A HOAX.
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According to the AP: The NYPD said the explosive devices were live during a Wednesday afternoon press conference but subsequent reporting suggests they were not functional.
All of the devices carried a parody ISIS flag featuring comedian Larry the Cable Guy’s signature slogan, “git ‘er done,” NBC News reported late Wednesday.
It appears they were all fakes.
As The Gateway Pundit reported earlier today — IT WAS ALL A HOAX.
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IT WAS A TOTAL HOAX! Clocks Taped to ‘Pipe Bombs’ Do Not Have Alarm Function! Were Just for Show!
The Secret Service announced that suspicious packages were sent to Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
George Soros, former AG Eric Holder, Rep. Maxine Waters were also sent mail bombs.
The return address name on the suspicious packages sent to Clinton, Obama, Holder and Maxine Waters belonged to Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
But now it appears this was all a hoax!
The clocks taped to the “pipe bombs” do not have an alarm function.
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George Soros, former AG Eric Holder, Rep. Maxine Waters were also sent mail bombs.
The return address name on the suspicious packages sent to Clinton, Obama, Holder and Maxine Waters belonged to Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
But now it appears this was all a hoax!
The clocks taped to the “pipe bombs” do not have an alarm function.
More/Video
Democrats Spending $6 Million To Save Sen. Bob Menendez’s Seat. It’s Working.
"Polls show him between 5-7 points ahead of Bob Hugins."
If New Jersey Republicans cannot manage to unseat a senator credibly accused of 18 counts of corruption, then somebody needs to be fired. As Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) continued to slip in the polls against his GOP challenger, the Democrats were dishing out big dollars to save his seat; $6 million later, polls show him between 5-7 points ahead of Bob Hugins.
According to Real Clear Politics, the Senate Majority PAC will spend $3.05 million on television ads that will air in New York and Philadelphia in a desperate attempt to save his seat. This follows an October 16 advertisement that cost another $3 million in which Menendez's GOP opponent Bob Hugin was attacked for money he earned working at a pharmaceutical company.
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If New Jersey Republicans cannot manage to unseat a senator credibly accused of 18 counts of corruption, then somebody needs to be fired. As Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) continued to slip in the polls against his GOP challenger, the Democrats were dishing out big dollars to save his seat; $6 million later, polls show him between 5-7 points ahead of Bob Hugins.
According to Real Clear Politics, the Senate Majority PAC will spend $3.05 million on television ads that will air in New York and Philadelphia in a desperate attempt to save his seat. This follows an October 16 advertisement that cost another $3 million in which Menendez's GOP opponent Bob Hugin was attacked for money he earned working at a pharmaceutical company.
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Political Editors: Thursday Short Cuts
For the record: “Some insensitive bureaucrat argued that federal policy on gender should be based on ‘a biological basis that is clear, grounded in science, objective and administrable.’ Oh, the horror of it all. But wait. Don’t liberals believe policy should be grounded in science? The answer is yes — but not when it conflicts with their cultural dogmas on ‘gender fluidity.’ … As usual, any step backward from the Obama administration’s radical march into a funhouse with 51 boutique gender identities is seen as a return to the horrific world of … five years ago.” —L. Brent Bozell & Tim Graham
Upright: “It’s okay to disagree in politics, but it’s never okay to take action against another individual.” —White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders
It begins: “There is a total and complete lack of understanding at the White House about the seriousness of their continued attacks on the media. The President, and especially the White House Press Secretary, should understand their words matter. Thus far, they have shown no comprehension of that.” —CNN president Jeff Zucker
Braying Jackass: “If you look at who [the bomb maker] targeted so far, it’s almost like they’re following Donald Trump’s Twitter feed. … The other part of Sarah Sanders’ statement is those who are responsible will be held accountable, and I think you have to ask how much Donald Trump is responsible for the climate that we’re in where things like this happen.” —Hillary Clinton aide Philippe Reines
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Upright: “It’s okay to disagree in politics, but it’s never okay to take action against another individual.” —White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders
It begins: “There is a total and complete lack of understanding at the White House about the seriousness of their continued attacks on the media. The President, and especially the White House Press Secretary, should understand their words matter. Thus far, they have shown no comprehension of that.” —CNN president Jeff Zucker
Braying Jackass: “If you look at who [the bomb maker] targeted so far, it’s almost like they’re following Donald Trump’s Twitter feed. … The other part of Sarah Sanders’ statement is those who are responsible will be held accountable, and I think you have to ask how much Donald Trump is responsible for the climate that we’re in where things like this happen.” —Hillary Clinton aide Philippe Reines
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HOAX? Former Navy EOD Officer Explains Why 'Bombs' Addressed To Democrats Almost Certainly Meant To Be Intercepted
Former Navy explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) officer Tom Sauer authored a viral Twitter thread concerning the potentially explosive packages addressed to prominent Democrats on Wednesday. According to Sauer, it's extremely likely that the packages were meant to be intercepted and cause political damage, as opposed to actual attempts to harm targets.
Sauer, whose identity has been verified to The Daily Wire, used his expertise to analyze an image of a package addressed to former CIA Director John Brennan, which was first obtained by CNN. The former bomb disposal officer, who emphasized that he only spoke on behalf of himself, told The Daily Wire that the makeup of the device appears to indicate that it was intended to be intercepted. "It's highly, highly unlikely that this was a genuine attempt," he explained. "This is like holding up a bank with a toy gun."
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Sauer, whose identity has been verified to The Daily Wire, used his expertise to analyze an image of a package addressed to former CIA Director John Brennan, which was first obtained by CNN. The former bomb disposal officer, who emphasized that he only spoke on behalf of himself, told The Daily Wire that the makeup of the device appears to indicate that it was intended to be intercepted. "It's highly, highly unlikely that this was a genuine attempt," he explained. "This is like holding up a bank with a toy gun."
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Avenatti, Swetnick Referred To DOJ For Criminal Investigation Over False Statements On Kavanaugh
Attorney Michael Avenatti and his client Julie Swetnick have been referred to the Justice Department for criminal investigation for a "potential conspiracy to provide materially false statements to Congress and obstruct a congressional committee investigation, three separate crimes, in the course of considering Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court of the United States," according to a statement released by the Judiciary Committee.
While the Committee was in the middle of its extensive investigation of the late-breaking sexual-assault allegations made by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford against Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh, Avenatti publicized his client’s allegations of drug- and alcohol-fueled gang rapes in the 1980s. The obvious, subsequent contradictions along with the suspicious timing of the allegations necessitate a criminal investigation by the Justice Department.
“When a well-meaning citizen comes forward with information relevant to the committee’s work, I take it seriously. It takes courage to come forward, especially with allegations of sexual misconduct or personal trauma. I’m grateful for those who find that courage,” Grassley said. “But in the heat of partisan moments, some do try to knowingly mislead the committee. That’s unfair to my colleagues, the nominees and others providing information who are seeking the truth. It stifles our ability to work on legitimate lines of inquiry. It also wastes time and resources for destructive reasons. Thankfully, the law prohibits such false statements to Congress and obstruction of congressional committee investigations. For the law to work, we can’t just brush aside potential violations. I don’t take lightly making a referral of this nature, but ignoring this behavior will just invite more of it in the future.”
Grassley referred Swetnick and Avenatti for investigation in a letter sent today to the Attorney General of the United States and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The letter notes potential violations of 18 U.S.C. §§ 371, 1001 and 1505, which respectively define the federal criminal offenses of conspiracy, false statements and obstruction of Congress. The referral seeks further investigation only, and is not intended to be an allegation of a crime. -Senate Judiciary Committee
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While the Committee was in the middle of its extensive investigation of the late-breaking sexual-assault allegations made by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford against Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh, Avenatti publicized his client’s allegations of drug- and alcohol-fueled gang rapes in the 1980s. The obvious, subsequent contradictions along with the suspicious timing of the allegations necessitate a criminal investigation by the Justice Department.
“When a well-meaning citizen comes forward with information relevant to the committee’s work, I take it seriously. It takes courage to come forward, especially with allegations of sexual misconduct or personal trauma. I’m grateful for those who find that courage,” Grassley said. “But in the heat of partisan moments, some do try to knowingly mislead the committee. That’s unfair to my colleagues, the nominees and others providing information who are seeking the truth. It stifles our ability to work on legitimate lines of inquiry. It also wastes time and resources for destructive reasons. Thankfully, the law prohibits such false statements to Congress and obstruction of congressional committee investigations. For the law to work, we can’t just brush aside potential violations. I don’t take lightly making a referral of this nature, but ignoring this behavior will just invite more of it in the future.”
Grassley referred Swetnick and Avenatti for investigation in a letter sent today to the Attorney General of the United States and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The letter notes potential violations of 18 U.S.C. §§ 371, 1001 and 1505, which respectively define the federal criminal offenses of conspiracy, false statements and obstruction of Congress. The referral seeks further investigation only, and is not intended to be an allegation of a crime. -Senate Judiciary Committee
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O’Malley calls Gov. Hogan’s real estate dealings a ‘racket’
Former Gov. Martin O’Malley has attacked the man who replaced him in Government House over his commercial real estate interests.
In a series of tweets Wednesday morning O’Malley, a Democrat, accused Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, of corruption and running a “Real Estate racket.” In one message O’Malley compared Hogan, who was elected in 2014, to the late Spiro Agnew.
Agnew served as Baltimore County executive, Maryland governor, and vice president in President Richard Nixon’s administration. He later resigned as vice president after taking a plea deal involving one count of failing to report income on his federal taxes.
A spokesman for the Hogan campaign declined to comment on O’Malley’s tweets.
In a series of tweets Wednesday morning O’Malley, a Democrat, accused Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, of corruption and running a “Real Estate racket.” In one message O’Malley compared Hogan, who was elected in 2014, to the late Spiro Agnew.
Agnew served as Baltimore County executive, Maryland governor, and vice president in President Richard Nixon’s administration. He later resigned as vice president after taking a plea deal involving one count of failing to report income on his federal taxes.
A spokesman for the Hogan campaign declined to comment on O’Malley’s tweets.
Hogan’s Real Estate racket — No disclosure of client interests, not a single recusal on capital budget, decisions, and not a single abstention on any matter before Board of Public Works.
Kavanaugh comes clean about his high school and college years...
"I spent the last two years of high school in a daze, locking away the questions that life seemed insistent on imposing. I kept playing basketball, attended classes sparingly, drank beer heavily, and tried drugs enthusiastically. I discovered that it didn't make any difference if you smoked reefer in the white class mates sparkling new van, or in the dorm room with some brother you'd met down at the gym, or on the beach with a couple of Hawaiian kids who had dropped out of school and now spent most of their time looking for an excuse to brawl."
Just kidding.... That's from Obama's book describing HIS high school and college days.
Double Standard Nowadays?
Just kidding.... That's from Obama's book describing HIS high school and college days.
Double Standard Nowadays?
Maryland comptroller says Natty Light 77-packs take advantage of young drinkers
Last week, Franchot spoke out against the supersized silver, red and blue keg-shaped containers that were introduced and distributed for a limited time in College Park in early October.
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Trump Blames ‘Hateful’ Media In Part For Societal Anger
President Donald Trump blamed the mainstream media Thursday in part for contributing to a toxic political environment, as a federal investigation continues into suspicious packages sent to Democratic officials, CNN, and others.
Trump has struck a dual tone in the wake of the attempted mail bombing attacks on Democratic officials including his former opponent Hillary Clinton and former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.
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Trump has struck a dual tone in the wake of the attempted mail bombing attacks on Democratic officials including his former opponent Hillary Clinton and former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.
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Trump tells migrant caravan to turn around, as troops being sent to border
President Trump tweeted a stern warning Thursday to the migrant caravan heading toward the United States– telling the thousands of people currently making their way through Mexico to turn around as U.S. troops are set to move to the southern border.
“To those in the Caravan, turnaround, we are not letting people into the United States illegally,” the president tweeted. “Go back to your Country and if you want, apply for citizenship like millions of others are doing!”
Trump’s tweet comes only hours after a U.S. official confirmed to Fox News that hundreds of U.S. troops are set to make their way to the southern border to help Homeland Security and National Guard troops deal with the migrant caravan.
The official said that roughly 800 active duty soldiers will be sent to the area to offer “logistical support," including providing tents and vehicles, to the 2,100 National Guard troops on the southern border assisting Homeland Security.
It is unclear which units will be deployed to the border or why they are being deployed - since National Guard troops can perform the same functions - but Defense Secretary Jim Mattis could sign the deployment orders as early as Thursday. Federal law, however, prohibits the use of active duty service members for law enforcement inside the U.S. unless specifically authorized by Congress.
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“To those in the Caravan, turnaround, we are not letting people into the United States illegally,” the president tweeted. “Go back to your Country and if you want, apply for citizenship like millions of others are doing!”
The official said that roughly 800 active duty soldiers will be sent to the area to offer “logistical support," including providing tents and vehicles, to the 2,100 National Guard troops on the southern border assisting Homeland Security.
It is unclear which units will be deployed to the border or why they are being deployed - since National Guard troops can perform the same functions - but Defense Secretary Jim Mattis could sign the deployment orders as early as Thursday. Federal law, however, prohibits the use of active duty service members for law enforcement inside the U.S. unless specifically authorized by Congress.
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-tells-migrant-caravan-to-turn-around-as-troops-being-sent-to-border
Alleged ‘MAGA Bomber’ Cesar Sayoc Only Follows Left-Wing People on Twitter
But he was seen at numerous Trump rallies
Despite his vehicle being festooned with pro-Trump stickers and him attending Trump rallies, so-called ‘MAGA bomber’ Cesar Sayoc doesn’t follow any Republicans or conservatives on Twitter, choosing instead to follow left-wing personalities like Lena Dunham, Jimmy Kimmel and Barack Obama.
Following his capture in Plantation, Florida, leftists gushed with excitement at seeing images of Sayoc’s van covered with pro-Trump stickers alongside some of the targets of his dud mail bombs, including HiIlary Clinton, in crosshairs.
DC 'mansion murders' suspect Daron Wint convicted on all 20 counts
A man accused of brutally murdering three members of a wealthy Washington D.C. family and their housekeeper in a crime dubbed the "Mansion Murders" was found guilty Thursday of all 20 counts against him.
Daron Wint was accused of first-degree murder in the deaths of Savvas Savopoulos, his wife, Amy, their son, Philip, and the family’s housekeeper, Vera Figueroa. He was also charged with burglary, aggravated kidnapping, theft, and arson.
All four victims were found beaten, strangled and stabbed to death inside the burning Savopoulos mansion in Northwest Washington on May 14, 2015. Wint was arrested seven days later.
Wint now faces life in prison without parole. His sentencing hearing was set for Feb. 1.
Prosecutors said Wint, who was previously employed as a welder at a company owned by Savvas Savopoulos, held the family and the housekeeper hostage in exchange for a $40,000 ransom. After the money was delivered, they claimed, Wint killed all four of his hostages, set the house on fire and drove away in the family's Porsche convertible. The car was later found abandoned and on fire in Prince George's County, Md.
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https://www.foxnews.com/us/dc-mansion-murders-suspect-daron-wint-convicted-on-all-20-counts
Daron Wint was accused of first-degree murder in the deaths of Savvas Savopoulos, his wife, Amy, their son, Philip, and the family’s housekeeper, Vera Figueroa. He was also charged with burglary, aggravated kidnapping, theft, and arson.
All four victims were found beaten, strangled and stabbed to death inside the burning Savopoulos mansion in Northwest Washington on May 14, 2015. Wint was arrested seven days later.
Wint now faces life in prison without parole. His sentencing hearing was set for Feb. 1.
Prosecutors said Wint, who was previously employed as a welder at a company owned by Savvas Savopoulos, held the family and the housekeeper hostage in exchange for a $40,000 ransom. After the money was delivered, they claimed, Wint killed all four of his hostages, set the house on fire and drove away in the family's Porsche convertible. The car was later found abandoned and on fire in Prince George's County, Md.
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https://www.foxnews.com/us/dc-mansion-murders-suspect-daron-wint-convicted-on-all-20-counts
NBC Admits "Blue Wave Turning Purple" As Republicans Outnumber Dems In Early Voting
"Is the blue wave turning purple?"
While this statement might not seem like much of a concession from left-leaning NBC News, a more thoughtful analysis reveals that it's just the latest indication of a shifting political reality - one that anti-Trump news organizations can no longer afford to ignore: That, just like in 2016, Republican turnout in the upcoming Nov. 6 midterm vote is already looking to be much higher than the polls initially predicted as issues like the migrant caravan and the contentious confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh have backfired on Democrats (who had hoped they would sway moderates to vote against Republicans) and instead galvanized the conservative movement and alienated those very same moderates they had hoped to attract.
According to the latest polling data, Republican-affiliated voters are outpacing Democratic-affiliated voters in early voting in seven closely watched battleground states. This according to data from TargetSmart, which was analyzed by NBC's Data Lab. Democratic candidates have already fallen behind in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Montana, Tennessee and Texas. The only battleground state where early voting Democrats outnumbered their Republican peers was Nevada.
While early votes represent only a small fraction of the total, these data appear to confirm that the surge in interest among Republican voters reported by the Wall Street Journal last week has already translated into higher turnout at the ballot box.
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While this statement might not seem like much of a concession from left-leaning NBC News, a more thoughtful analysis reveals that it's just the latest indication of a shifting political reality - one that anti-Trump news organizations can no longer afford to ignore: That, just like in 2016, Republican turnout in the upcoming Nov. 6 midterm vote is already looking to be much higher than the polls initially predicted as issues like the migrant caravan and the contentious confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh have backfired on Democrats (who had hoped they would sway moderates to vote against Republicans) and instead galvanized the conservative movement and alienated those very same moderates they had hoped to attract.
According to the latest polling data, Republican-affiliated voters are outpacing Democratic-affiliated voters in early voting in seven closely watched battleground states. This according to data from TargetSmart, which was analyzed by NBC's Data Lab. Democratic candidates have already fallen behind in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Montana, Tennessee and Texas. The only battleground state where early voting Democrats outnumbered their Republican peers was Nevada.
While early votes represent only a small fraction of the total, these data appear to confirm that the surge in interest among Republican voters reported by the Wall Street Journal last week has already translated into higher turnout at the ballot box.
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Delaware Child Rape Suspect Is Twice-Deported Illegal Alien, Feds Say
The man who police say raped a 6-year-old Delaware girl over seven years ago is a Mexican national who has been deported twice, according to immigration officials.
Police in Dover, Delaware, identified Juan Carlos Hernandez, 33, as the primary suspect in the alleged rape on Oct. 4, after the victim disclosed details of the incident to a school therapist. Following a “forensic interview” with the girl and a review of related evidence, police obtained an arrest warrant for Hernandez on charges of second-degree rape.
Local media reports about the incident did not include any information about Hernandez’s immigration status, despite an advisory from Dover police that he might have fled to Mexico after the alleged assault. Prompted by unanswered questions about the suspect’s background, constituents began calling Delaware State Sen. Colin Bonini looking for answers, he told The Daily Caller News Foundation.
Bonini, a Republican who represents the state Senate district covering suburban Dover, says he called Dover police to find out more about the case. Police subsequently told him they had learned from immigration authorities that Hernandez was an illegal alien from Mexico.
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Police in Dover, Delaware, identified Juan Carlos Hernandez, 33, as the primary suspect in the alleged rape on Oct. 4, after the victim disclosed details of the incident to a school therapist. Following a “forensic interview” with the girl and a review of related evidence, police obtained an arrest warrant for Hernandez on charges of second-degree rape.
Local media reports about the incident did not include any information about Hernandez’s immigration status, despite an advisory from Dover police that he might have fled to Mexico after the alleged assault. Prompted by unanswered questions about the suspect’s background, constituents began calling Delaware State Sen. Colin Bonini looking for answers, he told The Daily Caller News Foundation.
Bonini, a Republican who represents the state Senate district covering suburban Dover, says he called Dover police to find out more about the case. Police subsequently told him they had learned from immigration authorities that Hernandez was an illegal alien from Mexico.
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Massive Training Operation Set For Ocean City Next Weekend
OCEAN CITY — Helicopters will swirl around the skies, Navy vessels will set up offshore and hundreds of first-responders from dozens of agencies will be running around the downtown area next Saturday, but there will be no need to panic.
Coordinated by the Maryland National Guard and mandated by Gov. Larry Hogan, Operation Tourist Boom will be conducted at different locations all over the downtown Ocean City area next Saturday afternoon. Allied federal, state and local agencies along with private sector groups and quasi-public organizations will be participating in the operation, which will include an active shooter exercise, a simulated vehicle assault with multiple casualties, a ship-boarding exercise off the coast, a simulated bomb detonation and a handful of other exercises will be part of the operation.
Operation Tourist Boom is designed to test the local, state and federal agencies’ ability to coordinate a measured response to the types of emergency situations that have occurred in other areas in recent years. The operation will include local agencies such as Ocean City Emergency Services, the Ocean City Police Department, the Ocean City Fire Department and EMS, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, the Maryland State Police, the Maryland Natural Resources Police and U.S. Park Police from Assateague. State and federal agencies scheduled to participate include the Maryland National Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard and even the U.S. Navy.
According to a release from the coordinating agency, over 600 Maryland National Guard soldiers from all around the state will participate and work in coordination with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and dozens of local, state and federal agencies. The total estimated number of participants in the various exercises is expected to top 1,100.
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Coordinated by the Maryland National Guard and mandated by Gov. Larry Hogan, Operation Tourist Boom will be conducted at different locations all over the downtown Ocean City area next Saturday afternoon. Allied federal, state and local agencies along with private sector groups and quasi-public organizations will be participating in the operation, which will include an active shooter exercise, a simulated vehicle assault with multiple casualties, a ship-boarding exercise off the coast, a simulated bomb detonation and a handful of other exercises will be part of the operation.
Operation Tourist Boom is designed to test the local, state and federal agencies’ ability to coordinate a measured response to the types of emergency situations that have occurred in other areas in recent years. The operation will include local agencies such as Ocean City Emergency Services, the Ocean City Police Department, the Ocean City Fire Department and EMS, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, the Maryland State Police, the Maryland Natural Resources Police and U.S. Park Police from Assateague. State and federal agencies scheduled to participate include the Maryland National Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard and even the U.S. Navy.
According to a release from the coordinating agency, over 600 Maryland National Guard soldiers from all around the state will participate and work in coordination with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and dozens of local, state and federal agencies. The total estimated number of participants in the various exercises is expected to top 1,100.
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Maryland SAT Scores Take a Leap Forward for the Class of 2018
Maryland Scores, Participation Rise; AP Scores Also Increase
BALTIMORE – The mean SAT score for graduating seniors in Maryland public schools increased by 20 points for the class of 2018, according to data released today.
The composite score for graduating Maryland public school students improved to 1066 for the class of 2018, up from 1046 in 2017. That compares to a national public school average of 1049, up three points from 1044 in 2017.
The State’s improvement on the SAT came as a record number of graduating students took the exam. A total of 40,639 members of the class of 2018 took the SAT, compared to 36,459 in 2017.
“Ensuring that every young Marylander has access to a world-class education is our top priority, and our administration has made record investments in K-12 education so our students have the opportunity to achieve their dreams,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “I am proud to see our students thriving, and I congratulate the Class of 2018, as well as the leadership, teachers, and parents that contribute to their success, both now and in the future.”
Dr. Karen Salmon, State Superintendent of Schools, said the assessment results indicate a growing number of Maryland students are better prepared for college or the workforce as they complete high school.
“These tests serve as an important yardstick for our students as they ready themselves for life after graduation,” Dr. Salmon said. “The better prepared our graduates, the more likely they are to enter college or their first job with a clear pathway to success.”
The College Board today related 2018 data for the SAT, which underwent considerable changes two years ago. The organization dropped a required separate writing test, which it added a decade ago, and changed other facets of the test at that time.
The mean score for the evidence-based reading and writing section (English language arts) for Maryland public school students in the class of 2018 students is 538, compared to 528 for the class of 2017, while the mean score for mathematics is 528 compared to 518 in the class of 2017. The SAT tests are scored on a 200 to 800-point scale for each section.
The College Board also released data on the Advanced Placement tests for 2018. Today’s release was preceded by the release last week of ACT test data.
SAT Results
Maryland’s SAT results improved across-the-board in 2018. The mean composite score for Asian students increased from 1164 to 1221; for African American students, up from 937 to 947; for Hispanic students from 1013 to 1024, and for White students from 1134 to 1142.
Male students from Maryland had a mean score of 1075, while female students’ mean was 1058. Females scored better on the evidence-based reading and writing portion (540 compared to 535), while males had a higher mean score on mathematics (540 to 519).
SAT results are scheduled to be released today at www.collegeboard.org.
ACT Results
Although SAT remains the dominant exam in Maryland, a record number of graduating seniors in the State took the ACT in 2018. There were 15,100 members of the class of 2018 who took the ACT, a big increase over the 12,664 for the class of 2017.
The average composite score for Maryland public school students dipped for the Class of 2018, to 22.1 from 23.4 for the class of 2017. Maryland’s scores remain above the national average, 20.8, which dipped slightly from 21.0 in 2017.
Maryland public school students scored above the national averages in all four ACT categories, English (21.4 to 20.2), mathematics (21.8 to 20.5), reading (22.6 to 21.3) and science (21.9 to 20.7). The ACT is scored on a 1-36 point scale.
ACT results are available on its website, www.act.org.
Advanced Placement
The College Board in early 2019 will release its annual look at AP by graduating cohort, but today released some raw numbers for Maryland test takers.
Nearly 60,000 Maryland students (58,537) took at least one AP test in 2018 across all grades, about the same as the previous school year. The number of exams taken—110,147—also was on par with 2017. However, the number of students scoring a 3, 4 or 5 increased – from 69,928 in 2017 to 72,090 in 2018.
Man Arrested In Connection To Suspected Explosive Packages, Identified As Cesar Sayoc Jr.
Update2: President Trump announced the apprehension and arrest, and says the suspect will be "prosecuted to the full extent of the law."
Update: NBC News has identified the suspect as Cesar Sayoc Jr.
Federal authorities arrested a Florida man at approximately 10:30 a.m. Friday in connection with a spate of suspected explosive devices mailed to prominent Democrats and anti-Trump figures over the past week.
According to CBS Miami, the man, 56, was arrested in the Miami area after discovering DNA evidence that led them to a packaging center, when then led them to the suspect - reportedly at a Plantation Auto Zone in Broward County, miles away from the Sunrise, FL office of Congresswoman Debbie Wassermsan-Schultz - the return address on the mailed devices.
The Miami Herald, meanwhile, reports that the suspect is from Aventura and is being questioned by FBI agents along with the joint terrorism task force.
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Update: NBC News has identified the suspect as Cesar Sayoc Jr.
BREAKING: Cesar Sayoc Jr., a Florida resident, is suspect arrested in Florida in connection with wave of pipe bomb packages, law enforcement sources tell @NBCInvestigates. NBCNews.com
According to CBS Miami, the man, 56, was arrested in the Miami area after discovering DNA evidence that led them to a packaging center, when then led them to the suspect - reportedly at a Plantation Auto Zone in Broward County, miles away from the Sunrise, FL office of Congresswoman Debbie Wassermsan-Schultz - the return address on the mailed devices.
The Miami Herald, meanwhile, reports that the suspect is from Aventura and is being questioned by FBI agents along with the joint terrorism task force.
More