BERLIN – The town will once again ring in the new year with celebrations for both children and adults Dec. 31.
Berlin will host a New Year’s Eve ball drop for kids at 6 p.m. followed by a second ball drop at midnight as the town celebrates the official start of 2019.
Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director, said the addition of the event for children has expanded the success of Berlin’s New Year’s Eve celebration.
“The kids ball drop was so well received last year,” she said. “It gave parents the chance to celebrate with their kids without having to keep them up until midnight. Berlin is one giant family and families celebrate together.”
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Shutdown: Democrats Confident Trump Will Crack
Democrats are said to be confident that they will win the shutdown over border security — that President Donald Trump will cave to their demands and sign a spending bill to re-open all federal government departments without receiving any funding for his border wall.
Politico reported Thursday evening that Democrats “are plotting ways to reopen the government while denying the president even a penny more for his border wall when they take power Jan. 3.”
They are basing that conclusion on the past behavior of Republican leaders when facing a swamp of negative media coverage about national monuments closed, paychecks delayed, and office doors shut. While Trump and the GOP leadership are putting on a brave face, the Democrats plan simply to pass a”continuing resolution” bill to re-open the government once they take control of the House, and pass it along to the Senate, daring Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) — long opposed to shutdowns — to refuse. “[T]hey’re confident that their political leverage will only increase the longer the shutdown lasts — a notion that some GOP leaders agree with privately,” Politico adds.
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Politico reported Thursday evening that Democrats “are plotting ways to reopen the government while denying the president even a penny more for his border wall when they take power Jan. 3.”
They are basing that conclusion on the past behavior of Republican leaders when facing a swamp of negative media coverage about national monuments closed, paychecks delayed, and office doors shut. While Trump and the GOP leadership are putting on a brave face, the Democrats plan simply to pass a”continuing resolution” bill to re-open the government once they take control of the House, and pass it along to the Senate, daring Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) — long opposed to shutdowns — to refuse. “[T]hey’re confident that their political leverage will only increase the longer the shutdown lasts — a notion that some GOP leaders agree with privately,” Politico adds.
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Residents Express Support For Wicomico Nursing Home; Financial Issues Plague Facility
SALISBURY – Community members called on county officials last week to support a county-owned nursing home.
Last week, several county residents came before the Wicomico County Council to advocate for the Wicomico Nursing Home after learning the facility was experiencing financial issues.
In November, representatives of the Wicomico Nursing Home came before the county council to request a $489,320 loan to sustain operations through fiscal year 2019. At the time, officials attributed financial woes at the facility to low occupancy, personnel costs and write offs of bad debt.
At the recommendation of staff, the county council earlier this month approved a loan that would keep the facility afloat through June 30, 2019.
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Last week, several county residents came before the Wicomico County Council to advocate for the Wicomico Nursing Home after learning the facility was experiencing financial issues.
In November, representatives of the Wicomico Nursing Home came before the county council to request a $489,320 loan to sustain operations through fiscal year 2019. At the time, officials attributed financial woes at the facility to low occupancy, personnel costs and write offs of bad debt.
At the recommendation of staff, the county council earlier this month approved a loan that would keep the facility afloat through June 30, 2019.
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The man who could impeach Trump: Nancy Pelosi hires new top lawyer
Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has picked a new guiding force for Democrats investigating and potentially impeaching President Trump when they take control of the House next year.
Douglas Letter, a 40-year veteran of the Justice Department and former associate counsel in President Bill Clinton's White House, will be appointed to the role of House general counsel, Pelosi said in a statement.
Read the full story here.
Douglas Letter, a 40-year veteran of the Justice Department and former associate counsel in President Bill Clinton's White House, will be appointed to the role of House general counsel, Pelosi said in a statement.
Read the full story here.
West OC Bike Path Review Raises Bridge Questions
OCEAN CITY- A review of the proposed bike-friendly trail along the Route 50 corridor from Route 611 into Ocean City raised some eyebrows this month for its apparent design flaw that has it crossing the busy highway.
During last Monday’s Mayor and Council meeting, Councilman Tony DeLuca briefed his colleagues on some of the highlights from a recent Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee including an update on a proposed bicycle and pedestrian-friendly trail along the Route 50 corridor in West Ocean City. Bicycle traffic along the section of Route 50 from Route 611 to the bridge has created challenges for years, but the issue has exacerbated recently with the proliferation of new hotels and shopping in West Ocean City.
Perhaps more importantly, more and more J-1 visa summer workers are living in West Ocean City where housing is often more available and more affordable and are commuting to jobs on the island on foot and on bicycles. To that end, the State Highway Administration (SHA) has been developing plans for a bicycle and pedestrian-friendly path along the Route 50 corridor in West Ocean City. There is some existing bike-friendly infrastructure along that section of highway, particularly in front of the outlets on the north side, but SHA is planning on tying the existing paths together with a more comprehensive system.
Ocean City’s bike and pedestrian advisory committee has been privy to the plans and got a review during a meeting this month. As chairman of the committee, DeLuca updated the Mayor and Council on the proposed plans during last week’s regular meeting.
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During last Monday’s Mayor and Council meeting, Councilman Tony DeLuca briefed his colleagues on some of the highlights from a recent Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee including an update on a proposed bicycle and pedestrian-friendly trail along the Route 50 corridor in West Ocean City. Bicycle traffic along the section of Route 50 from Route 611 to the bridge has created challenges for years, but the issue has exacerbated recently with the proliferation of new hotels and shopping in West Ocean City.
Perhaps more importantly, more and more J-1 visa summer workers are living in West Ocean City where housing is often more available and more affordable and are commuting to jobs on the island on foot and on bicycles. To that end, the State Highway Administration (SHA) has been developing plans for a bicycle and pedestrian-friendly path along the Route 50 corridor in West Ocean City. There is some existing bike-friendly infrastructure along that section of highway, particularly in front of the outlets on the north side, but SHA is planning on tying the existing paths together with a more comprehensive system.
Ocean City’s bike and pedestrian advisory committee has been privy to the plans and got a review during a meeting this month. As chairman of the committee, DeLuca updated the Mayor and Council on the proposed plans during last week’s regular meeting.
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Trump Defies 'Fake News' CNN: 'I Will Sign' MAGA Hats for the Troops
President Donald Trump responded to media complaints on Thursday because he signed Make America Great Again hats for the troops overseas.
“If these brave young people ask me to sign their hat, I will sign,” Trump wrote on Twitter, defying CNN and other media reports complainingabout his token of appreciation for soldiers overseas.
Trump signed dozens of campaign MAGA hats for soldiers who brought them during his surprise visit to troops in Germany and Iraq.
More/Video
“If these brave young people ask me to sign their hat, I will sign,” Trump wrote on Twitter, defying CNN and other media reports complainingabout his token of appreciation for soldiers overseas.
Trump signed dozens of campaign MAGA hats for soldiers who brought them during his surprise visit to troops in Germany and Iraq.
More/Video
AGH’s Penguin Swim To Celebrate 25th Anniversary
BERLIN – Event organizers with the 25th Annual Penguin Swim say it is not too late to register for next week’s fundraising event.
On Tuesday, Jan. 1, Atlantic General Hospital (AGH) will host its 25th Annual Penguin Swim at the Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel on 91st Street in Ocean City. There, swimmers will brave the chilly conditions and frigid ocean waters to raise money for health care services at the facility and in the community.
“The penguin swim is a fun, annual event to support our not-for-profit community hospital,” Special Events Coordinator Joy Stokes said. “Each year, hundreds of penguins raise funds to help the hospital provide the excellent quality care our community depends on. Individual and team fundraising efforts by Penguin Swim participants enable Atlantic General to continue to provide that care.”
Last year, the event attracted hundreds of participants and raised $78,000 for AGH. Since its inception, the event has raised nearly $1.1 million.
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On Tuesday, Jan. 1, Atlantic General Hospital (AGH) will host its 25th Annual Penguin Swim at the Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel on 91st Street in Ocean City. There, swimmers will brave the chilly conditions and frigid ocean waters to raise money for health care services at the facility and in the community.
“The penguin swim is a fun, annual event to support our not-for-profit community hospital,” Special Events Coordinator Joy Stokes said. “Each year, hundreds of penguins raise funds to help the hospital provide the excellent quality care our community depends on. Individual and team fundraising efforts by Penguin Swim participants enable Atlantic General to continue to provide that care.”
Last year, the event attracted hundreds of participants and raised $78,000 for AGH. Since its inception, the event has raised nearly $1.1 million.
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Second Migrant Caravan to Leave from Honduras in January
A caravan of migrants, estimated at up to 15,000 people, is set to depart from Honduras in mid-January a few months after the previous caravan, according to the San Diego Union Tribune.
“They say they are even bigger and stronger than the last caravan,” said Irma Garrido of Reactiva Tijuana Foundation, which advocates for migrants.
The previous caravan left Honduras in October, and is currently stuck at the U.S. border with Mexico, with many migrants taking refuge in crowded shelters while applying for asylum in America. This new caravan likely will “stay in the south of Mexico in Chiapas and Oaxaca,” according to Garrido. “Their aim is to request work there.”
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“They say they are even bigger and stronger than the last caravan,” said Irma Garrido of Reactiva Tijuana Foundation, which advocates for migrants.
The previous caravan left Honduras in October, and is currently stuck at the U.S. border with Mexico, with many migrants taking refuge in crowded shelters while applying for asylum in America. This new caravan likely will “stay in the south of Mexico in Chiapas and Oaxaca,” according to Garrido. “Their aim is to request work there.”
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Troopers Investigating Fatal Pedestrian Crash – Delmar
Delmar – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian that occurred overnight in Delmar.
The initial investigation has determined that at approximately 12:16 a.m., Saturday, December 29, 2018, a 2018 Honda Accord, driven by a 45 year old Seaford man was traveling northbound on Sussex Hwy. (U.S. 13) in the left lane, north of Line Rd. A 33 year old Delmar man, who was on foot attempting to cross Sussex Hwy. in a westerly direction, proceeded directly into the path of the Honda at which time he was struck by the front left bumper. After being thrown onto the hood of the vehicle the pedestrian came to rest in the grass median of Sussex Hwy. The Honda continued northbound for a short distance before coming to a stop in the grass median. There are no crosswalks in the area where the collision took place.
The pedestrian, who was wearing dark clothing and not carrying a light was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. Impairment on his behalf is undetermined at this time. Identification is pending notification of next of kin.
The driver of the Honda was properly restrained and was not injured. Impairment is not a factor on his behalf.
The northbound lanes of Sussex Hwy. were closed for approximately 3.5 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Cpl. A. Mitchell of the Sussex County Collision Reconstruction Unit at (302)703-3267.
Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet athttp://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com
The initial investigation has determined that at approximately 12:16 a.m., Saturday, December 29, 2018, a 2018 Honda Accord, driven by a 45 year old Seaford man was traveling northbound on Sussex Hwy. (U.S. 13) in the left lane, north of Line Rd. A 33 year old Delmar man, who was on foot attempting to cross Sussex Hwy. in a westerly direction, proceeded directly into the path of the Honda at which time he was struck by the front left bumper. After being thrown onto the hood of the vehicle the pedestrian came to rest in the grass median of Sussex Hwy. The Honda continued northbound for a short distance before coming to a stop in the grass median. There are no crosswalks in the area where the collision took place.
The pedestrian, who was wearing dark clothing and not carrying a light was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. Impairment on his behalf is undetermined at this time. Identification is pending notification of next of kin.
The driver of the Honda was properly restrained and was not injured. Impairment is not a factor on his behalf.
The northbound lanes of Sussex Hwy. were closed for approximately 3.5 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Cpl. A. Mitchell of the Sussex County Collision Reconstruction Unit at (302)703-3267.
Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet athttp://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com
'I'm not allowed to talk about that': Nancy Pelosi office stonewalls on her shutdown vacation in Hawaii
Nancy Pelosi, the next speaker of the House of Representatives, is reportedly spending the government shutdown at a Hawaiian resort.
A person answering the media contact number for Pelosi's office identified herself as "press desk." When asked about the vacation, she told the Washington Examiner: "I'm not allowed to talk about that." She said she would pass on a message on to the deputy chief of staff, Drew Hammill, who did not respond.
According to the Washington Free Beacon, the California Democrat was seen Thursday at the Fairmont Orchid resort, which features accommodations up to almost $5,000 a night.
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A person answering the media contact number for Pelosi's office identified herself as "press desk." When asked about the vacation, she told the Washington Examiner: "I'm not allowed to talk about that." She said she would pass on a message on to the deputy chief of staff, Drew Hammill, who did not respond.
According to the Washington Free Beacon, the California Democrat was seen Thursday at the Fairmont Orchid resort, which features accommodations up to almost $5,000 a night.
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This Is Exactly The Kind Of Behavior That You Would Expect During A Stock Market Implosion…
If a doctor tells you that his patient’s condition is swinging up and down wildly, is that a good sign or a bad sign?
If a doctor tells you that his patient’s condition is swinging up and down wildly, is that a good sign or a bad sign? Of course the answer to that question is quite obvious.
And if a doctor tells you that his patient’s condition is “stable”, is that a good sign or a bad sign? Just like in the medical world, instability is not something that is a desirable thing on Wall Street, and right now we are witnessing extreme volatility on an almost daily basis. On Thursday, the Dow was already down several hundred points when I went out to do some grocery shopping with my wife, and at the low point of the day it had fallen 611 points. But then a “miracle happened” and the Dow ended the day with an increase of 260 points. As I detailed yesterday, this is precisely the sort of behavior that you would expect during a chaotic bear market.
As Fox Business has noted, bear market rallies are typically “sharp, quick and usually short”. I figured that the momentum from Wednesday would carry over into the early portion of Thursday, so I was surprised when the Dow was down by so much as we neared the middle of the day. But then around 2 PM we witnessed an extraordinary market surge…
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If a doctor tells you that his patient’s condition is swinging up and down wildly, is that a good sign or a bad sign? Of course the answer to that question is quite obvious.
And if a doctor tells you that his patient’s condition is “stable”, is that a good sign or a bad sign? Just like in the medical world, instability is not something that is a desirable thing on Wall Street, and right now we are witnessing extreme volatility on an almost daily basis. On Thursday, the Dow was already down several hundred points when I went out to do some grocery shopping with my wife, and at the low point of the day it had fallen 611 points. But then a “miracle happened” and the Dow ended the day with an increase of 260 points. As I detailed yesterday, this is precisely the sort of behavior that you would expect during a chaotic bear market.
As Fox Business has noted, bear market rallies are typically “sharp, quick and usually short”. I figured that the momentum from Wednesday would carry over into the early portion of Thursday, so I was surprised when the Dow was down by so much as we neared the middle of the day. But then around 2 PM we witnessed an extraordinary market surge…
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Buchanan: 2020 - Year Of The Democrats? Maybe Not
If Democrats are optimistic as 2019 begins, it is understandable.
Their victory on Nov. 6, adding 40 seats and taking control of the House of Representatives, was impressive. And with the party’s total vote far exceeding the GOP total, in places it became a rout
In the six New England states, Republicans no longer hold a single House seat. Susan Collins of Maine is the last GOP senator.
In California, Democrats took the governorship, every state office, 45 of 53 House seats and both houses of the legislature by more than 2-to-1. In the Goldwater-Nixon-Reagan Golden State bastion of Orange County, no GOP congressman survived.
Does this rejection of the GOP in 2018 portend the defeat of Donald Trump in 2020, assuming he is still in office then?
Not necessarily.
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Their victory on Nov. 6, adding 40 seats and taking control of the House of Representatives, was impressive. And with the party’s total vote far exceeding the GOP total, in places it became a rout
In the six New England states, Republicans no longer hold a single House seat. Susan Collins of Maine is the last GOP senator.
In California, Democrats took the governorship, every state office, 45 of 53 House seats and both houses of the legislature by more than 2-to-1. In the Goldwater-Nixon-Reagan Golden State bastion of Orange County, no GOP congressman survived.
Does this rejection of the GOP in 2018 portend the defeat of Donald Trump in 2020, assuming he is still in office then?
Not necessarily.
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Meadows: 'Looks Like We Could Be in For a Very Long-Term Shutdown'
On Thursday’s broadcast of CNN’s “The Lead,” House Freedom Caucus Chair Mark Meadows (R-NC) stated that “at this point, it looks like we could be in for a very long-term shutdown.”
Meadows said, “Well, obviously, over the last 24, 48 hours, things have not progressed. There’s been a lot of conversations between rank and file members, not necessarily Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi, but senators, House members, with some of their Democrat colleagues. And it really comes down to this, Democrats are dug in that there’s not going to be any money for the wall. We passed obviously, 5.7 billion out of the House, and even a compromise that the administration — the president has put forth a number of different proposals with Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi, have really fallen on deaf ears. So, at this point, it looks like we could be in for a very long-term shutdown.”
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Meadows said, “Well, obviously, over the last 24, 48 hours, things have not progressed. There’s been a lot of conversations between rank and file members, not necessarily Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi, but senators, House members, with some of their Democrat colleagues. And it really comes down to this, Democrats are dug in that there’s not going to be any money for the wall. We passed obviously, 5.7 billion out of the House, and even a compromise that the administration — the president has put forth a number of different proposals with Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi, have really fallen on deaf ears. So, at this point, it looks like we could be in for a very long-term shutdown.”
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Pelosi Taps Florida Democrat to Lead Climate Change Panel
House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi has appointed Florida Rep. Kathy Castor to lead a special committee on climate change that will be reinstated in the new Congress.
Pelosi, the likely House speaker, said Castor brings experience, energy and "urgency to the existential threat of the climate crisis" facing the United States and the world. Castor is set to begin her seventh term representing the Tampa Bay area and serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
"Congresswoman Castor is a proven champion for public health and green infrastructure, who deeply understands the scope and seriousness of this threat. Her decades of experience in this fight, both in Florida and in the Congress . will be vital," Pelosi said.
Castor said in a statement that she was honored to lead the panel and pledged to "act with urgency to reduce carbon pollution" and "unleash" American ingenuity to create clean-energy jobs.
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Pelosi, the likely House speaker, said Castor brings experience, energy and "urgency to the existential threat of the climate crisis" facing the United States and the world. Castor is set to begin her seventh term representing the Tampa Bay area and serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
"Congresswoman Castor is a proven champion for public health and green infrastructure, who deeply understands the scope and seriousness of this threat. Her decades of experience in this fight, both in Florida and in the Congress . will be vital," Pelosi said.
Castor said in a statement that she was honored to lead the panel and pledged to "act with urgency to reduce carbon pollution" and "unleash" American ingenuity to create clean-energy jobs.
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Sarah Sanders fades into background as Trump opts to 'engage directly' with media
We have come to bury the White House daily press briefing, not necessarily to praise it.
Under the highly accessible President Trump, televised media briefings by press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sandersin the once-crowded White House press room have dwindled almost out of existence.
After adhering to the traditional five-briefings-per-week schedule early in the administration, the White Housestarted cutting back noticeably on the often-raucous exercises last summer. By August, only a handful of televised question-and-answer sessions were held per month.
In October, there was one briefing.
On Nov. 20, when a live Thanksgiving turkey awaiting a presidential pardon wandered into the White House press room, a journalist joked that the turkey had made more appearances at the press secretary’s podium in November than Mrs. Sanders had. She held her only briefing of the month on Nov. 27.
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Under the highly accessible President Trump, televised media briefings by press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sandersin the once-crowded White House press room have dwindled almost out of existence.
After adhering to the traditional five-briefings-per-week schedule early in the administration, the White Housestarted cutting back noticeably on the often-raucous exercises last summer. By August, only a handful of televised question-and-answer sessions were held per month.
In October, there was one briefing.
On Nov. 20, when a live Thanksgiving turkey awaiting a presidential pardon wandered into the White House press room, a journalist joked that the turkey had made more appearances at the press secretary’s podium in November than Mrs. Sanders had. She held her only briefing of the month on Nov. 27.
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Troops Cleared In MAGA Hat-Gate, CNN Hardest Hit, Plus The Best Interviews Of 2018
On the Friday edition, we have our video show. This week, it’s a look back at some of the best interviews we’ve had this year. There’s also the audio-only version with the interviews, as well as added content on the news of the day.
And that news involves the U.S. Air Force declaring our troops who asked the president to sign their MAGA hats did not violate military rules, much to the chagrin of CNN; the government shutdown continues and it’s barely even news; an illegal alien murdered a police officer on Christmas Day in the sanctuary state of California and the story is getting minimal national coverage because it goes against the liberal narrative on immigration; and the Boston Marathon bomber is seeking a new trial because, even though his lawyers admit he is guilty, they say he didn’t get a fair trial because that trial wasn’t moved out of Boston.
You can’t make this stuff up. Plus clips of our interviews with Tucker Carlson, Ann Coulter, David Limbaugh, Ken Starr, Gregg Jarrett, and Michael Foley.
Watch the show:
And that news involves the U.S. Air Force declaring our troops who asked the president to sign their MAGA hats did not violate military rules, much to the chagrin of CNN; the government shutdown continues and it’s barely even news; an illegal alien murdered a police officer on Christmas Day in the sanctuary state of California and the story is getting minimal national coverage because it goes against the liberal narrative on immigration; and the Boston Marathon bomber is seeking a new trial because, even though his lawyers admit he is guilty, they say he didn’t get a fair trial because that trial wasn’t moved out of Boston.
You can’t make this stuff up. Plus clips of our interviews with Tucker Carlson, Ann Coulter, David Limbaugh, Ken Starr, Gregg Jarrett, and Michael Foley.
Watch the show:
Ohio lawmakers override John Kasich's gun bill veto
The state Senate in Ohio has overridden a veto from Gov. John Kasich on a gun proposal that pushes the burden of proof to prosecutors in shootings involving self-defense.
The Republican governor on Dec. 20 vetoed House Bill 228. The state Senate then convened after Christmas session and the GOP-majority chamber overrode Kasich's veto.
H.B. 228 makes several changes to Ohio's law regarding firearms. One of the most notable involves adjudication of self-defense shooting cases. The burden is now pushed from defendants to prosecutors to show the accused did not use their weapons "in self-defense, defense of another, or defense of that person's residence."
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The Republican governor on Dec. 20 vetoed House Bill 228. The state Senate then convened after Christmas session and the GOP-majority chamber overrode Kasich's veto.
H.B. 228 makes several changes to Ohio's law regarding firearms. One of the most notable involves adjudication of self-defense shooting cases. The burden is now pushed from defendants to prosecutors to show the accused did not use their weapons "in self-defense, defense of another, or defense of that person's residence."
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Lindsey Graham Writes An Open Letter To Nancy Pelosi About The Border Wall
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham told House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and her Democratic caucus on Friday that there would not be a deal on a funding bill unless it included appropriations to construct a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.
“To Nancy Pelosi and the House Democrats,” Graham tweeted. “No Wall Money, No Deal.”
The House passed a stopgap funding bill on Dec. 20 that included $5.7 billion for a border wall, however, with a 51-seat majority in the Senate, Republicans fell short of the necessary 60 votes needed to send it to President Donald Trump’s desk for signature.
“To Nancy Pelosi and the House Democrats,” Graham tweeted. “No Wall Money, No Deal.”
The House passed a stopgap funding bill on Dec. 20 that included $5.7 billion for a border wall, however, with a 51-seat majority in the Senate, Republicans fell short of the necessary 60 votes needed to send it to President Donald Trump’s desk for signature.
Harris, Booker And Warren To Announce 2020 Bids Next Month: NBC
One months from now, most of the contenders for the 2020 Democratic nomination will have officially declared their intention to run, according to NBC News. In a report published Friday, NBC News said that Senators Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris and Corey Booker are all planning to announce their campaigns next month, while a handful of other contenders are also gearing up for campaign launches of their own.
The reason candidates are planning to announce so early in the cycle really comes down to one factor: Money, as NBC explained. Particularly in what's expected to be an intense battle of attrition between potentially more than a dozen candidates, the candidates with the biggest purses will have a distinct advantage.
Many potential Democratic candidates have circled January or early February on their calendars as the ideal launch window — early enough to try to raise an impressive amount of money in the first quarter of the year without stepping on November's midterm elections.
[...]
Meanwhile, Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Kamala Harris of California are all also quietly preparing for potential campaign launches in early 2019, people close to them have said.
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The reason candidates are planning to announce so early in the cycle really comes down to one factor: Money, as NBC explained. Particularly in what's expected to be an intense battle of attrition between potentially more than a dozen candidates, the candidates with the biggest purses will have a distinct advantage.
Many potential Democratic candidates have circled January or early February on their calendars as the ideal launch window — early enough to try to raise an impressive amount of money in the first quarter of the year without stepping on November's midterm elections.
[...]
Meanwhile, Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Kamala Harris of California are all also quietly preparing for potential campaign launches in early 2019, people close to them have said.
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MSNBC stunned at new survey showing how many Hispanics voted for Republicans in midterms
Looks like the heated rhetoric didn't work
A new survey appeared to stun the progressive MSNBC news outlet when it showed that Latinos had not dropped in support for Republicans despite what many saw as racially insensitive rhetoric from the president.
VoteCast data from the Associated Press showed that 32 percent of Latinos voted for Republicans at a time when many pundits and most Democrats hoped that the demographic group might lead an electoral revolt against President Donald Trump's immigration policies.
"Data from November's elections show the GOP's position among Latinos has not weakened during the Trump administration, despite the president's rhetoric and policy," read the tweet from MSNBC.
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A new survey appeared to stun the progressive MSNBC news outlet when it showed that Latinos had not dropped in support for Republicans despite what many saw as racially insensitive rhetoric from the president.
VoteCast data from the Associated Press showed that 32 percent of Latinos voted for Republicans at a time when many pundits and most Democrats hoped that the demographic group might lead an electoral revolt against President Donald Trump's immigration policies.
"Data from November's elections show the GOP's position among Latinos has not weakened during the Trump administration, despite the president's rhetoric and policy," read the tweet from MSNBC.
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Phone Scam Press Release
On December 28, 2018 the Fruitland Police Department began receiving calls from individuals stating that they were returning calls from the Fruitland Police Department. The number that was provided was a Fruitland Police number, however it was not a main line. It is believed that the number was cloned or is being used by a phone line “Spoofing” application by a telephone scammer. Those that answered the call stated that the scammer is trying to convince the receiver to commit Medicare fraud and purchase back and neck braces. The scammer is in no way affiliated with the Fruitland Police Department.
This case is currently under investigation.
NY Times Reporter Spoke At An Event Organized By Alabama Dirty Tricksters
Last week the New York Times revealed that money from tech billionaire Reid Hoffman was used to run a small disinformation “experiment” aimed at helping Democrat Doug Jones win last year’s Alabama special Senate election. That resulted in Facebook suspending five accounts and Hoffman issuing an apology.
But left unmentioned in the Times story was that one of its authors learned about the Alabama campaign when he spoke at an off-the-record meeting organized by the same group who ran the operation. A copy of a confidential report about the Alabama effort, obtained by BuzzFeed News, raises new questions about whether the project was — as the Times said — an “experiment,” or whether it was a straightforward Democratic attempt to replicate the model of the Russian Internet Research Agency.
Scott Shane, a Pulitzer Prize–winning New York Times national security reporter, was one of a handful of speakers at a meeting held in Washington in early September by American Engagement Technologies, according to an agenda obtained by BuzzFeed News. AET is run by Mikey Dickerson, who previously served in the Obama administration. The organization received $750,000 in funding that originated with Hoffman and spent approximately $100,000 of that on what was dubbed “Project Birmingham.”
During the meeting, Dickerson and Sara Hudson, a former Justice Department employee who now works for a company partly funded by Hoffman, detailed the results of their attempt to use social media and online ads to suppress Republican votes, “enrage” Democratic voters to help with turnout, and execute a “false flag” to hurt the campaign of Republican Roy Moore.
More here
But left unmentioned in the Times story was that one of its authors learned about the Alabama campaign when he spoke at an off-the-record meeting organized by the same group who ran the operation. A copy of a confidential report about the Alabama effort, obtained by BuzzFeed News, raises new questions about whether the project was — as the Times said — an “experiment,” or whether it was a straightforward Democratic attempt to replicate the model of the Russian Internet Research Agency.
Scott Shane, a Pulitzer Prize–winning New York Times national security reporter, was one of a handful of speakers at a meeting held in Washington in early September by American Engagement Technologies, according to an agenda obtained by BuzzFeed News. AET is run by Mikey Dickerson, who previously served in the Obama administration. The organization received $750,000 in funding that originated with Hoffman and spent approximately $100,000 of that on what was dubbed “Project Birmingham.”
During the meeting, Dickerson and Sara Hudson, a former Justice Department employee who now works for a company partly funded by Hoffman, detailed the results of their attempt to use social media and online ads to suppress Republican votes, “enrage” Democratic voters to help with turnout, and execute a “false flag” to hurt the campaign of Republican Roy Moore.
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DOJ Sued for Allegedly Ignoring FOIA Request About Mueller’s Security Costs
A conservative watchdog group on Thursday sued the Department of Justice (DOJ) for failing to disclose the security costs of the special counsel team investigating the 2016 campaign activities of President Donald Trump.
Judicial Watch, a conservative watchdog group based in Washington, D.C., filed the lawsuit in its ongoing efforts to get records related to the security detail for special counsel Robert Mueller.
The Mueller team has been investigating the president over allegations that he or his associates colluded with Russian interests to sway the results of the presidential election of 2016.
“The Justice Department, the FBI and special counsel Robert Mueller’s [team] continue to operate as if they are above the law,” Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said in a statement.
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Judicial Watch, a conservative watchdog group based in Washington, D.C., filed the lawsuit in its ongoing efforts to get records related to the security detail for special counsel Robert Mueller.
The Mueller team has been investigating the president over allegations that he or his associates colluded with Russian interests to sway the results of the presidential election of 2016.
“The Justice Department, the FBI and special counsel Robert Mueller’s [team] continue to operate as if they are above the law,” Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said in a statement.
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New Year's Holiday
WICOMICO COUNTY GOVERNMENT OFFICES
Salisbury, MD ... Wicomico County Government Offices will be closed Tuesday, January 01, 2019 for the New Year's holiday.
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE FOR CONVENIENCE CENTERS, LANDFILL, BRUSH PILE AND FERRIES
Salisbury, MD ... On Tuesday, January 01, 2019, the Newland Park Landfill, Brush Pile, all Convenience Centers and the Whitehaven and Upper Ferries will be closed.
For more information, please contact the Newland Park Landfill at 410-548-4935. Ferry information is available by calling 410-543-2765.
Salisbury, MD ... Wicomico County Government Offices will be closed Tuesday, January 01, 2019 for the New Year's holiday.
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE FOR CONVENIENCE CENTERS, LANDFILL, BRUSH PILE AND FERRIES
Salisbury, MD ... On Tuesday, January 01, 2019, the Newland Park Landfill, Brush Pile, all Convenience Centers and the Whitehaven and Upper Ferries will be closed.
For more information, please contact the Newland Park Landfill at 410-548-4935. Ferry information is available by calling 410-543-2765.
Police in California capture man wanted for fatally shooting cop
A man suspected of fatally shooting a police officer in northern California earlier this week was captured and taken into custody Friday morning, according to local media reports.
The unnamed suspect, believed to be illegally present in the U.S., was arrested Friday just south of Bakersfield, Calif.
In addition, the Kern County Sheriff's Department suspended its "be on the lookout" alert for the suspect around 8 a.m. local time Friday, according to KGET.
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The unnamed suspect, believed to be illegally present in the U.S., was arrested Friday just south of Bakersfield, Calif.
In addition, the Kern County Sheriff's Department suspended its "be on the lookout" alert for the suspect around 8 a.m. local time Friday, according to KGET.
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Muqtada Al-Sadr Of Sadr City Is Upset Trump Didn’t Tell Them He Was Coming For ‘Security Reasons’
Iraqi politicians including a Shia Muslim cleric whose followers have fought against the U.S. Army criticized President Donald Trump for keeping his Tuesday visit to Iraq a secret for security reasons.
Trump’s Christmas Day visit to the Assad Air Base demonstrated “U.S. disregard for other nations’ sovereignty,” a spokesman for cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s said, according to the Los Angeles Times. Trump and first lady Melania Trump surprised troops at the base for his first trip to a war zone as president.
Several Iraqi politicians pushed for Iraq to expel U.S. forces because of the president, even though the U.S. has been fighting against the Islamic State alongside many Iraqi fighters.
“Iraq’s response will be with a parliamentary decision to expel [Trump’s] military forces,” Iraqi politician Qais Khazali, an Iran-backed militia leader, tweeted Wednesday, according to the LA Times.
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Trump’s Christmas Day visit to the Assad Air Base demonstrated “U.S. disregard for other nations’ sovereignty,” a spokesman for cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s said, according to the Los Angeles Times. Trump and first lady Melania Trump surprised troops at the base for his first trip to a war zone as president.
Several Iraqi politicians pushed for Iraq to expel U.S. forces because of the president, even though the U.S. has been fighting against the Islamic State alongside many Iraqi fighters.
“Iraq’s response will be with a parliamentary decision to expel [Trump’s] military forces,” Iraqi politician Qais Khazali, an Iran-backed militia leader, tweeted Wednesday, according to the LA Times.
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Lost Dog 12-29-18
Trump needs to forget the stock market and remember the working class
President Trump may watch the stock market more closely than any day trader does.
For a president who underlined the increasing importance of working-class whites to the GOP coalition, and who trampled so much bipartisan economic orthodoxy during the campaign, to be so overtly obsessed with the stock market is a strange disconnect.
In fact, no president in memory has so publicly staked himself to the market. Trump has, in contrast, paid relatively little public attention to wage growth, which is the measure that more closely tracks with his particular political project, especially considering that his election prospects may again depend on Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Why the focus on the stock market? For one thing, it’s impossible to avoid. The stock market numbers run in little boxes in the bottom right-hand corner of cable-news TV screens. Big gains or drops make front-page news. The market’s performance affects how people feel about the economy on any given day.
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For a president who underlined the increasing importance of working-class whites to the GOP coalition, and who trampled so much bipartisan economic orthodoxy during the campaign, to be so overtly obsessed with the stock market is a strange disconnect.
In fact, no president in memory has so publicly staked himself to the market. Trump has, in contrast, paid relatively little public attention to wage growth, which is the measure that more closely tracks with his particular political project, especially considering that his election prospects may again depend on Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Why the focus on the stock market? For one thing, it’s impossible to avoid. The stock market numbers run in little boxes in the bottom right-hand corner of cable-news TV screens. Big gains or drops make front-page news. The market’s performance affects how people feel about the economy on any given day.
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TV antennas are making a comeback
“I talked to the cable companies and asked if there was a way to have one account,” Rudnick said. “There wasn’t, and all of a sudden I was looking at spending $300 a month just to have internet and TV.”
After doing some research, Rudnick decided on a throwback solution to bring down his monthly outlay without giving up the TV programming he liked. He purchased two TV antennas for about $80 each. He installed one in the attic of each house, giving him access to ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, PBS and dozens of other broadcast channels for free. At his West Coast home, he was able to connect the antenna to the cable company’s coaxial wires.
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Trump urged to nationalize ‘E-Verify’
President Trump is being encouraged to sign an executive order on E-Verify after immigration police said that arrests of illegal immigrant workers and employers surged 700 percent.
Led by advocates of tighter immigration laws, Trump is getting advice to nationalize the E-Verify system that the federal government uses to make sure that contractors are hiring employees that are legally allowed to work in the United States.
“There are many changes that could be made to the immigration laws that would enable the United States to gain control over its illegal population,” said Andrew R. Arthur, a former immigration judge.
“Of all of the proposals, however, E-Verify would be the most effective at curbing illegal entries and limiting non-immigrant overstays. And the president could likely make it mandatory through executive action,” added Arthur, now a legal expert with the Center for Immigration Studies.
The push for the simple employment verification system, currently a voluntary opt-in for non-government contractors, comes after Immigration and Customs Enforcement revealed stunning new statistics of workplace enforcement investigations.
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Led by advocates of tighter immigration laws, Trump is getting advice to nationalize the E-Verify system that the federal government uses to make sure that contractors are hiring employees that are legally allowed to work in the United States.
“There are many changes that could be made to the immigration laws that would enable the United States to gain control over its illegal population,” said Andrew R. Arthur, a former immigration judge.
“Of all of the proposals, however, E-Verify would be the most effective at curbing illegal entries and limiting non-immigrant overstays. And the president could likely make it mandatory through executive action,” added Arthur, now a legal expert with the Center for Immigration Studies.
The push for the simple employment verification system, currently a voluntary opt-in for non-government contractors, comes after Immigration and Customs Enforcement revealed stunning new statistics of workplace enforcement investigations.
More here
Leana Wen opens her Planned Parenthood tenure with five false talking points
Leana Wen formally took the reins as president of Planned Parenthood on Nov. 12, but she has basked in the national spotlight from an affectionate media for months — ever since America’s largest abortion business announced that it had hired the motivated young Baltimore physician as its public face and fundraiser in chief.
On her first day as Planned Parenthood’s leader, she appeared on "CBS The Morning" without once even uttering the word “abortion” or speaking beyond platitudes about issues on which no one genuinely disagrees, such as the need for authentic, comprehensive healthcare for all persons.
As ThinkProgress notes, Wen consistently cites her experience as “a doctor and a scientist” to suggest that no aspect of Planned Parenthood’s work should be subject to public debate. However, Wen speaks in the manner of a politician rather than with the specificity of a physician addressing concrete medical facts. And while no physician should shy away from a truthful description of the medical realities confronting their patients, Wen refuses even to acknowledge her role as America’s preeminent abortion advocate — let alone to address the ethical and philosophical questions that lie at the heart of her organization’s work.
Catherine Glenn Foster, the president of Americans United for Life, encouraged journalists to ask Wen the question that matters: “Is a preborn child’s right to life only secure if that child’s parents want her? And if so, what makes that a scientific or medical basis for determining human rights?”
So as long as Wen continues to avoid speaking about her organization’s work, it’s worth examining five of her favorite talk points. Do Wen’s talking points reflect reality?
1. No federal funds go toward abortion.
On her first day as Planned Parenthood’s leader, she appeared on "CBS The Morning" without once even uttering the word “abortion” or speaking beyond platitudes about issues on which no one genuinely disagrees, such as the need for authentic, comprehensive healthcare for all persons.
As ThinkProgress notes, Wen consistently cites her experience as “a doctor and a scientist” to suggest that no aspect of Planned Parenthood’s work should be subject to public debate. However, Wen speaks in the manner of a politician rather than with the specificity of a physician addressing concrete medical facts. And while no physician should shy away from a truthful description of the medical realities confronting their patients, Wen refuses even to acknowledge her role as America’s preeminent abortion advocate — let alone to address the ethical and philosophical questions that lie at the heart of her organization’s work.
Catherine Glenn Foster, the president of Americans United for Life, encouraged journalists to ask Wen the question that matters: “Is a preborn child’s right to life only secure if that child’s parents want her? And if so, what makes that a scientific or medical basis for determining human rights?”
So as long as Wen continues to avoid speaking about her organization’s work, it’s worth examining five of her favorite talk points. Do Wen’s talking points reflect reality?
1. No federal funds go toward abortion.
(Armed Robbery Investigation-Bank of Delmarva) ARREST
A 24 year old male of Salisbury, Maryland is now behind bars as a result of an armed bank robbery which occurred today during the late afternoon hours.
On December 28, 2018, at approximately 2 p.m., officers of the Salisbury Police Department responded to the Bank of Delmarva, located at 1206 Nanticoke Road for a report of an armed robbery.
Bank employees stated that a male suspect entered the bank and immediately approached a bank teller. The suspect made a distinct motion that led the employee to believe that he had a weapon although no weapon was ever displayed. The suspect was provided an undisclosed amount of cash, prior to fleeing the bank. The suspect entered a taxi cab which was waiting for him.
Bank employees immediately called 911 and began relaying necessary descriptive information of the suspect as well as the vehicle that he was riding in. This information was relayed to the responding officers who quickly located the vehicle in question traveling north on Rt 13 near Olive Street. Officers initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and immediately were able to identify and arrest 24 year old Erroll Ralph Jenkins of Salisbury, MD. Jenkins was taken into custody without incident and charged with the bank robbery. Search of the vehicle resulted in additional evidence being located.
Further investigation revealed that the taxi cab driver was not part of this incident and was simply there to pick up a paying fare with no knowledge of the intent of Jenkins. Jenkins was transported to the Wicomico County Detention Center for an initial appearance hearing. There were no injuries reported as a result of this armed robbery.
ARRESTED: Erroll Ralph Jenkins, 24 years of age, Salisbury, MD CHARGES: Armed robbery, robbery, theft, assault 1st degree, assault 2nd degree
Armed Robbery At Pharmacy SPD Press Release
On December 27, 2018 at approximately 6:00 p.m., Salisbury police officers and detectives responded to the Mt. Hermon Discount Pharmacy located at 1207 Mt. Hermon Road, Salisbury, Maryland for a reported armed robbery. The store employees stated that an armed suspect entered the store and immediately ordered the employees to the floor.
Further investigation revealed that upon entering the store the suspect displayed what was described as a black semi-automatic handgun. The suspect ordered the employees to the floor, while proceeding behind the counter where he removed an undisclosed amount of store product from the shelves of the pharmacy. The suspect then fled on foot towards the area of Rt. 50. Detectives have been and will continue to work with nearby business owners in an effort to locate and analyze surveillance footage. At this time there is no identifiable surveillance footage available for release. There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident.
Worcester County Sheriff’s Office K-9 team assisted in the investigation, and conducted a K-9 track which did not reveal additional evidence.
SUSPECT: 18-20 year old male, approximately 5’-05” to 5’-07”, 120 pounds, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with the hood pulled up over his head to hide his face, gray sweatpants. He was armed with a black semi-automatic style handgun.
Ed Rollins: Mr. Trump, Mueller's team is the best. Yours must be even better. -- Prep for battle and lawyer up
After this week of political and legal drama, what comes next?
This week reminded me of the Watergate hearings of the 1970s, when I was part of the Nixon administration and every day was a day of anticipation. What would the Washington Post or the New York Times break next?
In those days there was no social media or cable television, so what you read in your newspapers or watched on the evening network news carried the story.
To those of us currently riveted by the drama and concerned about where it may go, we obviously want to know what’s next. Unfortunately, only one person really knows the full picture and what the strategy and timeline are.
The president doesn’t know. His lawyers don’t know. The Congress doesn’t know. The Supreme Court doesn’t know. The media don’t know. And certainly, the public doesn’t know.
The man who knows is Robert Mueller. Hopefully, acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker knows some of it, but I doubt it. And that’s one of the problems with the special counsel game.
More
This week reminded me of the Watergate hearings of the 1970s, when I was part of the Nixon administration and every day was a day of anticipation. What would the Washington Post or the New York Times break next?
In those days there was no social media or cable television, so what you read in your newspapers or watched on the evening network news carried the story.
To those of us currently riveted by the drama and concerned about where it may go, we obviously want to know what’s next. Unfortunately, only one person really knows the full picture and what the strategy and timeline are.
The president doesn’t know. His lawyers don’t know. The Congress doesn’t know. The Supreme Court doesn’t know. The media don’t know. And certainly, the public doesn’t know.
The man who knows is Robert Mueller. Hopefully, acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker knows some of it, but I doubt it. And that’s one of the problems with the special counsel game.
More
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/ed-rollins-mr-trump-muellers-team-is-the-best-yours-must-be-even-better-prep-for-battle-and-lawyer-up
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