Anti-Semitic Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) exploded at former Reagan administration official Elliott Abrams during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on Wednesday as she called him by the wrong name and refused to accept one of his answers.
"Abrams testified in front of the House Foreign Affairs Committee about the U.S. response to the crisis in Venezuela, which has collapsed under far-left policies that have decimated its economy and caused hyperinflation, starvation and medical shortages," The Washington Free Beacon reported. "The Trump administration is supporting Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido and said authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro must step down and leave the country."
"Mr. Adams, in 1991 you pleaded guilty to two counts of withholding information from Congress regarding your involvement in the Iran-contra affair for which you were later pardoned by President George HW Bush," Omar said. "I fail to understand why members of this committee or the American people should find any testimony that you give today to be truthful."
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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
Thursday, February 14, 2019
WATCH: Hollywood, First Responders, Service Members Unite To Pay Tribute To Gary Sinise AKA Lt. Dan
On Tuesday, Gary Sinise, who is well known for his role as Lieutenant Dan in the movie "Forrest Gump," was thanked in a touching video by celebrities, service members and first responders for the work he has done over the decades.
The video opened with comedian Jay Leno thanking Sinise for his work with the Armed Forces, saying: “You know, every time I go do a USO show or visit troops, I always get, ‘Hey Jay Leno, how ya doing? You know who was just here?’ ‘Who?’ ‘Gary Sinise, in fact, he’s been here three times. Is this your first time?’ ‘Yeah, this is my first time.’ ‘Yeah Gary was here three times, brought us a bunch of stuff too.’’”
The video goes on to include firemen, service members, politicians, veterans, people whom Sinise has helped, and high-profile actors.
“Thank you for all the things you have done for our young men and women who have served their nation,” former Secretary of State Colin Powell said. “And not only for what you’ve done for them, but what you’ve done for their children, what you’ve done for their families. What you’ve done to help them rebuild their lives.
“You motivate other people,” actor Tim Allen said.
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The video opened with comedian Jay Leno thanking Sinise for his work with the Armed Forces, saying: “You know, every time I go do a USO show or visit troops, I always get, ‘Hey Jay Leno, how ya doing? You know who was just here?’ ‘Who?’ ‘Gary Sinise, in fact, he’s been here three times. Is this your first time?’ ‘Yeah, this is my first time.’ ‘Yeah Gary was here three times, brought us a bunch of stuff too.’’”
The video goes on to include firemen, service members, politicians, veterans, people whom Sinise has helped, and high-profile actors.
“Thank you for all the things you have done for our young men and women who have served their nation,” former Secretary of State Colin Powell said. “And not only for what you’ve done for them, but what you’ve done for their children, what you’ve done for their families. What you’ve done to help them rebuild their lives.
“You motivate other people,” actor Tim Allen said.
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New Emails Confirm FBI Tried To Work Deal With State Dept To Minimize Hillary Email Scandal
Over two years after the fact, newly released FBI emails obtained via a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request confirm that James Comey's FBI attempted to work out a quid pro quo deal with the Obama State Department to help minimize the Hillary Clinton private email server scandal just weeks before the 2016 election.
Fox News's Catherine Herridge and Pamela K. Browne first reported on the alleged deal back on October 15, 2016, but full confirmation did not come until this week when the government transparency watchdog group Judicial Watch released FBI communication related to the deal.
"FBI interview summaries and notes, provided late Friday to the House Government Oversight and Intelligence Committees, contain allegations of a 'quid pro quo' between a senior State Department executive and FBI agents during the Hillary Clinton email investigation, two congressional sources told Fox News," Herridge and Browne reported in 2016. "This is a flashing red light of potential criminality," Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz (Utah) told Fox News at the time. "In return for altering the classification, the possibility of additional slots for the FBI at missions overseas was discussed," he said.
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Fox News's Catherine Herridge and Pamela K. Browne first reported on the alleged deal back on October 15, 2016, but full confirmation did not come until this week when the government transparency watchdog group Judicial Watch released FBI communication related to the deal.
"FBI interview summaries and notes, provided late Friday to the House Government Oversight and Intelligence Committees, contain allegations of a 'quid pro quo' between a senior State Department executive and FBI agents during the Hillary Clinton email investigation, two congressional sources told Fox News," Herridge and Browne reported in 2016. "This is a flashing red light of potential criminality," Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz (Utah) told Fox News at the time. "In return for altering the classification, the possibility of additional slots for the FBI at missions overseas was discussed," he said.
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It's Time for the Chicago PD to Charge Jussie Smollett for Fabricating a Hate Crime
It’s time for the Chicago Police Department to stop wasting taxpayer resources investigating what is obviously a fabricated hate crime and charge Jussie Smollett with making a false statement to police.
To quickly recap: Smollett, an openly gay actor and musician who stars in the Fox show, “Empire,” recently claimed he was the victim of a horrific hate crime perpetuated by Trump-supporting thugs. Besides acting, Smollett is well known for being an outspoken critic of President Trump.
According to the account relayed to the celebrity gossip site, TMZ, Smollett was attacked upon leaving a Chicago Subway sandwich shop around 2 AM. The masked attackers, he says, recognized him, hurled racial and homophobic epithets at him (”Empire f*gg*t n*gger!”), beat him up, tied a noose around his neck, poured bleach on him, and said triumphantly, “This is MAGA Country!”
The original report said his rib was broken in the attack and he was recovering in a hospital. Smollett also told police that in the days before the attack, he received a death threat in the mail. That letter was signed “MAGA,” the same thing he says his attackers yelled. The letter itself used letters from magazines to conceal the sender’s handwriting.
News of the attack immediately went viral, and celebrities worldwide used the incident to denounce what they described as growing intolerance of minorities.
But as people clamored for more information, Smollett started clamming up. The Chicago Police Department opened an investigation, with an assist from the FBI, only to find the actor extremely uncooperative. What evidence they did turn up only served to undermine Smollett’s story.
During a performance at Chicago’s Troubadour Theater days after the attack, Smollett read a prepared statement acknowledging parts of his original story were untrue. Smollett admitted his ribs were not actually broken and that he never went to the hospital.
More here
To quickly recap: Smollett, an openly gay actor and musician who stars in the Fox show, “Empire,” recently claimed he was the victim of a horrific hate crime perpetuated by Trump-supporting thugs. Besides acting, Smollett is well known for being an outspoken critic of President Trump.
According to the account relayed to the celebrity gossip site, TMZ, Smollett was attacked upon leaving a Chicago Subway sandwich shop around 2 AM. The masked attackers, he says, recognized him, hurled racial and homophobic epithets at him (”Empire f*gg*t n*gger!”), beat him up, tied a noose around his neck, poured bleach on him, and said triumphantly, “This is MAGA Country!”
The original report said his rib was broken in the attack and he was recovering in a hospital. Smollett also told police that in the days before the attack, he received a death threat in the mail. That letter was signed “MAGA,” the same thing he says his attackers yelled. The letter itself used letters from magazines to conceal the sender’s handwriting.
News of the attack immediately went viral, and celebrities worldwide used the incident to denounce what they described as growing intolerance of minorities.
But as people clamored for more information, Smollett started clamming up. The Chicago Police Department opened an investigation, with an assist from the FBI, only to find the actor extremely uncooperative. What evidence they did turn up only served to undermine Smollett’s story.
During a performance at Chicago’s Troubadour Theater days after the attack, Smollett read a prepared statement acknowledging parts of his original story were untrue. Smollett admitted his ribs were not actually broken and that he never went to the hospital.
More here
Hillary Clinton: A Clear and One Percent Danger
It's been two and a half years since Hillary Clinton lost the election. And based on her latest talking points, she still doesn't have a single clue why. The same extremism that turned off voters in 2016 is back, reminding Americans what kind of country they'd have if the woman who made late-term abortion her closing argument for presidenthad won.
This time, they aren't squaring off on the debate stage -- but Hillary Clinton is still managing to make one of the best cases for Donald Trump's reelection. In a bitter response to his State of the Union address, the former first lady tweeted Monday that the president was lying about the severity of third-trimester abortions. "Only about 1% of abortions happen later in pregnancy," she tweeted, "almost always because a woman's health or life is at risk, or the pregnancy is no longer viable. Lying about this is dangerous, and a slap in the face to families who face heartbreaking situations."
First things first. The number of children it affects has nothing to do with the morality of late-term abortion. If there were only two kids on a burning bus, people wouldn't shrug and say, "Oh, the bus isn't full. Don't bother." Right is right. It doesn't have quotas, check the polls, or change with the times. If it's your son or daughter in harm's way, I guarantee you'd say that one life is worth saving.
Like Hillary, Democrats are fond of throwing around this one-percent statistic on late-term abortion (1.3 percent if they're feeling generous). It's a convenient number to use, since most people are trained to dismiss it as nothing. But in this case, that "one percent" represents 5,597 children a year. That's double the number of casualties on 9/11. (Only this time, we're attacking our own.) Imagine if someone said, just as casually, "America only lost 2,996 lives on September 11th. It's just .001 of one percent." It would be unthinkable -- almost as unthinkable as a country passing laws that make it easier to kill perfectly-healthy babies. But unfortunately, that's the culture abortion has created. In the 46 years of Roe, we're talking about 257,462 late-term lives. How does "only one percent" sound now?
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This time, they aren't squaring off on the debate stage -- but Hillary Clinton is still managing to make one of the best cases for Donald Trump's reelection. In a bitter response to his State of the Union address, the former first lady tweeted Monday that the president was lying about the severity of third-trimester abortions. "Only about 1% of abortions happen later in pregnancy," she tweeted, "almost always because a woman's health or life is at risk, or the pregnancy is no longer viable. Lying about this is dangerous, and a slap in the face to families who face heartbreaking situations."
First things first. The number of children it affects has nothing to do with the morality of late-term abortion. If there were only two kids on a burning bus, people wouldn't shrug and say, "Oh, the bus isn't full. Don't bother." Right is right. It doesn't have quotas, check the polls, or change with the times. If it's your son or daughter in harm's way, I guarantee you'd say that one life is worth saving.
Like Hillary, Democrats are fond of throwing around this one-percent statistic on late-term abortion (1.3 percent if they're feeling generous). It's a convenient number to use, since most people are trained to dismiss it as nothing. But in this case, that "one percent" represents 5,597 children a year. That's double the number of casualties on 9/11. (Only this time, we're attacking our own.) Imagine if someone said, just as casually, "America only lost 2,996 lives on September 11th. It's just .001 of one percent." It would be unthinkable -- almost as unthinkable as a country passing laws that make it easier to kill perfectly-healthy babies. But unfortunately, that's the culture abortion has created. In the 46 years of Roe, we're talking about 257,462 late-term lives. How does "only one percent" sound now?
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Maryland Troopers arrest Woman for Abandoning 3 Year Old Son in Apartment
Type of Incident: Child Neglect, Child Abandonment, Hindering/Obstruction, False Statement
Date and Time: February 13, 2019 @ 0819 hrs.
Location: Fairground Dr, Salisbury, MD
(SALISBURY, Md.) — On February 13, 2019 at approximately 0819 hrs., Troopers from MSP Salisbury Barrack responded to westbound Rt. 50 at Booth St. for a motor vehicle collision with injuries.
While investigating this collision, it was learned that the at fault driver, 32 year old Chevonne Elizabeth Plater of Salisbury, Maryland, who was being transported to PRMC for injuries, asked the ambulance to stop and exited the ambulance. She fled the scene after law enforcement was alerted that Plater has been known to leave her three year old child unattended at her residence.
Troopers quickly responded to Plater’s residence on Fairground Drive and discovered Plater had arrived to her apartment just prior to them. Troopers determined that Plater’s three year old son was alone locked in the apartment prior to Plater’s arrival. Plater was placed under arrest for child neglect and abandonment, hindering/obstruction and false statement. The Department of Social Services responded and took custody of the child.
Accused #1: Plater, Chevonne Elizabeth, 32 YOA, B/F, Fairground Dr., Salisbury MD
Baltimore Ravens agree to trade Joe Flacco to Denver Broncos
The Baltimore Ravens reportedly agreed to trade former Super Bowl MVP quarterback Joe Flaccoto the Denver Broncos on Wednesday.
The trade cannot officially be completed until the new league year begins March 13, ESPNreported. The Ravens will receive a mid-round draft pick in return for Flacco, according to ESPN.
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The trade cannot officially be completed until the new league year begins March 13, ESPNreported. The Ravens will receive a mid-round draft pick in return for Flacco, according to ESPN.
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https://www.foxnews.com/sports/baltimore-ravens-agree-to-trade-joe-flacco-to-denver-broncos-report
Democrats' Gun Control Wouldn't Stop Parkland, Las Vegas, Orlando
The universal background check House Democrats want to vote on this week would not have stopped the Parkland high school shooting, the 2017 Las Vegas attack, or the 2016 Orlando Pulse shooting.
This is because the attackers at Parkland, Las Vegas, and Orlando, passed background checks to acquire their weapons.
Moreover, universal background checks would not have stopped the Tree of Life Synagogue attacker (October 27, 2018), the Texas church attacker (November 5, 2017), the Alexandria attacker (June 14, 2017), the San Bernardino attackers (December 2, 2015), the Colorado Springs attacker (October 31, 2015), the Umpqua Community College attacker (October 1, 2015), Alison Parker’s attacker (August 26, 2015), the Lafayette movie theater attacker (July 23, 2015), the Chattanooga attacker (July 16, 2015), the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal attacker (Jun 17, 2015), the Muhammad Carton Contest attackers (May 3, 2014), the Las Vegas cop killers (June 9, 2015), the Santa Barbara attacker (May 23, 2014), the Fort Hood attacker (April 2, 2014), the Arapahoe High School attacker (December 13, 2013), the D.C. Navy Yard attacker (September 16, 2013), the Aurora movie theater attacker (July 20, 2012), the Fort Hood attacker (November 5, 2009), or the Virginia Tech attacker (April 16, 2007).
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This is because the attackers at Parkland, Las Vegas, and Orlando, passed background checks to acquire their weapons.
Moreover, universal background checks would not have stopped the Tree of Life Synagogue attacker (October 27, 2018), the Texas church attacker (November 5, 2017), the Alexandria attacker (June 14, 2017), the San Bernardino attackers (December 2, 2015), the Colorado Springs attacker (October 31, 2015), the Umpqua Community College attacker (October 1, 2015), Alison Parker’s attacker (August 26, 2015), the Lafayette movie theater attacker (July 23, 2015), the Chattanooga attacker (July 16, 2015), the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal attacker (Jun 17, 2015), the Muhammad Carton Contest attackers (May 3, 2014), the Las Vegas cop killers (June 9, 2015), the Santa Barbara attacker (May 23, 2014), the Fort Hood attacker (April 2, 2014), the Arapahoe High School attacker (December 13, 2013), the D.C. Navy Yard attacker (September 16, 2013), the Aurora movie theater attacker (July 20, 2012), the Fort Hood attacker (November 5, 2009), or the Virginia Tech attacker (April 16, 2007).
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Police officer forced a woman to perform oral sex or threatened to arrest her
A police officer was charged with second-degree rape after forcing a woman to perform oral sex on him while on duty.
Police said Corporal Thomas Oliver Jr. was on-duty, wearing his gun belt and driving in a marked police vehicle on October 16, 2018, when he pulled up beside a woman in Wilmington, Delaware.
Oliver, 35, instructed her to sit into the vehicle at the 700 block of East 9th Street and exposed himself to her.
He told her she had an active warrant for her arrest.
However he said he would allow her to leave if she performed a sex act on him, Wilmington Police said in a statement.
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Police said Corporal Thomas Oliver Jr. was on-duty, wearing his gun belt and driving in a marked police vehicle on October 16, 2018, when he pulled up beside a woman in Wilmington, Delaware.
Oliver, 35, instructed her to sit into the vehicle at the 700 block of East 9th Street and exposed himself to her.
He told her she had an active warrant for her arrest.
However he said he would allow her to leave if she performed a sex act on him, Wilmington Police said in a statement.
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Nolte: Andrew Cuomo Now Blames Florida for $2.3B Budget Shortfall
Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) is now falsely blaming both President Trump and Florida for his own state’s $2.3 billion budget shortfall.
If you recall, less than ten days ago, Cuomo attempted to blame Trump’s tax cut for New York’s failure to collect the revenue necessary to cover this year’s budget.
“It literally restructured the economy to help red states at the cost of blue states,” Cuomo whined of the tax reform that has soared the national economy.
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If you recall, less than ten days ago, Cuomo attempted to blame Trump’s tax cut for New York’s failure to collect the revenue necessary to cover this year’s budget.
“It literally restructured the economy to help red states at the cost of blue states,” Cuomo whined of the tax reform that has soared the national economy.
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5 insane provisions in the amnesty omnibus bill
Before getting into the details of this crazy omnibus bill, it’s important to recognize that we don’t understand all the details. The worst provisions are written in vague language ensconced in an 1,169-page bill, which has already been posted online in two different versions (the first was 10 pages shorter). That is exactly why Democrats are salivating to vote on this within a few hours of passage, which is exactly why Trump has a responsibility to oppose it immediately and demand at least a short-term clean continuing resolution so that he can digest the consequences of this bill. If he cannot make that simple demand, which would not even trigger a phony shutdown, then his presidency is worthless.
The process is indefensible: It is immoral, from any ideological perspective, to vote on an 1,169-page omnibus with new provisions on immigration amid a border crisis. We are already four and a half months into this fiscal year and have been operating on stopgap bills. There is no rush to vote on something like this, which will fund seven departments for the remainder of the year, within a few hours when we should have another stopgap bill while we debate, and even discover, the contents of this long-term bill that makes important statutory changes. The only reason one would pursue this process is to hide things from the American people.
Here are the immediate issues to flag:
1) Less of a wall than even what Democrats already agreed to: Trump originally demanded $25 billion for the wall. Then he negotiated himself down to $5.6 billion. Democrats balked and only agreed to $1.6 billion. This bill calls it a day at $1.375 billion, enough to construct 55 miles. But it’s worse than that. This bill limits the president’s ability to construct “barriers” to just the Rio Grande Valley sector and only bollard fencing, not concrete walls of any kind. There’s no ability to adapt. Furthermore, section 231 prohibits construction even within the RGV in five locations that are either federal or state lands. Remember, the challenge with building a wall in Texas is that, unlike in other states, the feds need to navigate issues with private lands. The first place you’d construct fencing is on public lands, which are now prohibited. The national parks along the border have gotten so bad that park rangers are scared to travel alone in them.
2) Liberal local officials have veto power over wall:
The process is indefensible: It is immoral, from any ideological perspective, to vote on an 1,169-page omnibus with new provisions on immigration amid a border crisis. We are already four and a half months into this fiscal year and have been operating on stopgap bills. There is no rush to vote on something like this, which will fund seven departments for the remainder of the year, within a few hours when we should have another stopgap bill while we debate, and even discover, the contents of this long-term bill that makes important statutory changes. The only reason one would pursue this process is to hide things from the American people.
Here are the immediate issues to flag:
1) Less of a wall than even what Democrats already agreed to: Trump originally demanded $25 billion for the wall. Then he negotiated himself down to $5.6 billion. Democrats balked and only agreed to $1.6 billion. This bill calls it a day at $1.375 billion, enough to construct 55 miles. But it’s worse than that. This bill limits the president’s ability to construct “barriers” to just the Rio Grande Valley sector and only bollard fencing, not concrete walls of any kind. There’s no ability to adapt. Furthermore, section 231 prohibits construction even within the RGV in five locations that are either federal or state lands. Remember, the challenge with building a wall in Texas is that, unlike in other states, the feds need to navigate issues with private lands. The first place you’d construct fencing is on public lands, which are now prohibited. The national parks along the border have gotten so bad that park rangers are scared to travel alone in them.
2) Liberal local officials have veto power over wall:
Subject: Independent Investigation Shows Covington Boys Told the Truth, Confirms Nathan Phillips is a Liar Amplified by the Media
The results of an independent investigation into the January 18, 2019 Lincoln Memorial confrontation between leftist activist Nathan Phillips, black supremacist group the Black Hebrew Israelites and students from Covington Catholic High School were released Wednesday by Greater Cincinatti Investigation, Inc.
The report, which is four pages long, shows what everyone could have known initially if the time was taken to reach for context: Covington students didn't use a single racial slur against either Phillips or the Black Hebrew Israelites and they didn't instigate the confrontation. In fact, it was the opposite.
"We found no evidence of offensive or racist statements by students to Mr. Phillips or members of his group,” the report states. "We found no evidence that the students performed a 'Build the Wall' chant."
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The report, which is four pages long, shows what everyone could have known initially if the time was taken to reach for context: Covington students didn't use a single racial slur against either Phillips or the Black Hebrew Israelites and they didn't instigate the confrontation. In fact, it was the opposite.
"We found no evidence of offensive or racist statements by students to Mr. Phillips or members of his group,” the report states. "We found no evidence that the students performed a 'Build the Wall' chant."
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BREAKING NEWS: Ocean City Fire Chief to Retire After Nearly 12 Years
“I have been honored to serve as a member of the Volunteer Fire Company for over 27 years and most recently serve as fire chief for the Ocean City Fire Department,” Larmore said. “I am thankful for the men and women that I work with each and every day, and for the opportunity to serve the community that has been my home for most of my life.”
Larmore was hired as fire chief in 2008, when the Town of Ocean City created a combined fire department. Serving as the department’s first chief, Larmore oversees three of the department’s divisions, including the volunteer division, career division and the fire marshal’s office.
“Chief Larmore lead the department through both changing and challenging times,” commented City Manager Doug Miller. “He played a vital role in the successful merging of our volunteer division and our EMS division. He exemplified the slogan, ‘United to Serve’ and his service will most certainly be missed.”
Although an official date has not been announced, Chief Larmore is expected to retire before the start of the summer season.
Ford recalls 1.5M pickups because transmissions can suddenly downshift without warning
Ford is recalling nearly 1.5 million pickup trucks in North America because the transmissions can suddenly downshift into first gear.
The recall covers F-150 trucks from the 2011 through 2013 model years with six-speed automatic transmissions.
The company says a glitch in sending a signal from the transmission speed sensor is the cause.
'Depending on vehicle speed, a downshift to first gear without warning could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash,' a press release from Ford read.
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The recall covers F-150 trucks from the 2011 through 2013 model years with six-speed automatic transmissions.
The company says a glitch in sending a signal from the transmission speed sensor is the cause.
'Depending on vehicle speed, a downshift to first gear without warning could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash,' a press release from Ford read.
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JUST IN:Trump will sign border security bill, declare national emergency, White House says
The Senate on Thursday afternoon approved a border security package to avert another government shutdown, as the White House said President Trump is preparing to take the extraordinary step of declaring a national emergency to obtain additional funding for his long-proposed wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.
The bill passed 83-16. The border security compromise now heads to the House for a vote.
Before the Senate vote, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said the president would sign the compromise bill, and would take executive action to unlock other federal dollars for the wall.
“President Trump will sign the government funding bill, and as he has stated before, he will also take other executive action -- including a national emergency -- to ensure we stop the national security and humanitarian crisis at the border," Sanders said in a statement. "The president is once again delivering on his promise to build the wall, protect the border, and secure our great country.”
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mcconnell-says-trump-prepared-to-sign-border-security-bill-and-will-declare-national-emergency
The bill passed 83-16. The border security compromise now heads to the House for a vote.
Before the Senate vote, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said the president would sign the compromise bill, and would take executive action to unlock other federal dollars for the wall.
“President Trump will sign the government funding bill, and as he has stated before, he will also take other executive action -- including a national emergency -- to ensure we stop the national security and humanitarian crisis at the border," Sanders said in a statement. "The president is once again delivering on his promise to build the wall, protect the border, and secure our great country.”
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mcconnell-says-trump-prepared-to-sign-border-security-bill-and-will-declare-national-emergency
Fact-Checker Slams Kamala Harris for 'Nonsensical and Misleading' Tax Claim
Washington Post Wednesday for a claim it described as "nonsensical and misleading."
Harris took a shot at President Donald Trump's tax reform Monday, claiming it was hurting the average American and the middle class.
"The average tax refund is down about $170 compared to last year," she wrote. "Let’s call the President’s tax cut what it is: a middle-class tax hike to line the
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Harris took a shot at President Donald Trump's tax reform Monday, claiming it was hurting the average American and the middle class.
"The average tax refund is down about $170 compared to last year," she wrote. "Let’s call the President’s tax cut what it is: a middle-class tax hike to line the
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Dem Congressman on Using El Chapo's Money to Pay for Border Security Deal: 'Why Not?'
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D., Ill.) suggested Wednesday he was open to using money seized from convicted Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman to pay for the appropriations package recently agreed to by congressional negotiators.
CNN host Brianna Keilar asked the congressman about using the Guzman's lucre for the wall, an idea proposed in the Senate by Ted Cruz (R., Texas) in his Ensuring Lawful Collection of Hidden Assets to Provide Order (EL CHAPO) Act.
"Senator Ted Cruz has said that convicted drug kingpin El Chapo should pay for the wall. This is what he tweeted. He said let's pass the EL CHAPO Act and make El Chapo pay to secure our border. It's getting a lot of attention, but do you think that that is any sort of serious proposition?" Keilar asked.
"Very interesting. I don't know how much El Chapo has, but if he wants to, if we can use his money instead of taxpayer money to fund this particular appropriations package, why not?" Krishnamoorthi responded.
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CNN host Brianna Keilar asked the congressman about using the Guzman's lucre for the wall, an idea proposed in the Senate by Ted Cruz (R., Texas) in his Ensuring Lawful Collection of Hidden Assets to Provide Order (EL CHAPO) Act.
"Senator Ted Cruz has said that convicted drug kingpin El Chapo should pay for the wall. This is what he tweeted. He said let's pass the EL CHAPO Act and make El Chapo pay to secure our border. It's getting a lot of attention, but do you think that that is any sort of serious proposition?" Keilar asked.
"Very interesting. I don't know how much El Chapo has, but if he wants to, if we can use his money instead of taxpayer money to fund this particular appropriations package, why not?" Krishnamoorthi responded.
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Marco Rubio Discovers 'Pure Native American' Relative on PBS
Sen. Marco Rubio (R., Fla.) was featured on the PBS show Finding Your Roots and was told he has a distant relative who was a "pure Native American," giving him at least twice as much Native American ancestry as his Democratic Massachusetts Senate colleague Elizabeth Warren.
Rubio was shocked to learn from host Henry Louis Gates Jr., director of Harvard University's Hutchins Center for African & African American Research, that his great-great-great-grandmother was a Native American.
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Rubio was shocked to learn from host Henry Louis Gates Jr., director of Harvard University's Hutchins Center for African & African American Research, that his great-great-great-grandmother was a Native American.
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Florida, Maryland CBP Team to Mitigate Destructive Pest Threat
BALTIMORE – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists in Jacksonville, Florida and in Baltimore teamed up recently to mitigate a serious economic threat posed by a beetle. This wasn’t just any beetle; it was Trogoderma granarium Everts, commonly known as Khapra beetle, one of the world’s most destructive insect pests.
While inspecting the M/V Green Ridge, a 650-foot vehicle carrier, February 4, Jacksonville CBP agriculture specialists discovered one live suspected Khapra beetle larvae and many caste skins in a dry goods store room. CBP collected the specimens, sealed the store room and permitted the vessel to transit to Baltimore while the U.S. Department of Agriculture entomologist identified the pest.
The USDA entomologist confirmed the larvae as Khapra beetle February 6. On the same day, Jacksonville CBP agriculture specialists issued an Emergency Action Notification requiring the vessel be fumigated. Baltimore CBP agriculture specialists boarded the vessel and notified the ship’s captain that cargo offloading was suspended until the fumigation could be completed. Fumigation completed on Saturday and cargo operations commenced Monday.
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While inspecting the M/V Green Ridge, a 650-foot vehicle carrier, February 4, Jacksonville CBP agriculture specialists discovered one live suspected Khapra beetle larvae and many caste skins in a dry goods store room. CBP collected the specimens, sealed the store room and permitted the vessel to transit to Baltimore while the U.S. Department of Agriculture entomologist identified the pest.
The USDA entomologist confirmed the larvae as Khapra beetle February 6. On the same day, Jacksonville CBP agriculture specialists issued an Emergency Action Notification requiring the vessel be fumigated. Baltimore CBP agriculture specialists boarded the vessel and notified the ship’s captain that cargo offloading was suspended until the fumigation could be completed. Fumigation completed on Saturday and cargo operations commenced Monday.
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Record 7 million Americans are 90 days behind on car loan payments, Fed report says
Chicago — A new report on household debt finds a record 7 million Americans are at least 90 days behind on their car loan payments. Alana Frierson painfully recalls the day her car was repossessed.
"We were devastated. I was devastated," she said.
A city worker in Fort Worth, Texas, she fell months behind on her loan payments when her husband got sick and was unable to show up for his job. Bankruptcy followed.
"If you don't have any money saved, yeah, you're screwed. You're out on the street, or you're walking," Frierson said.
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"We were devastated. I was devastated," she said.
A city worker in Fort Worth, Texas, she fell months behind on her loan payments when her husband got sick and was unable to show up for his job. Bankruptcy followed.
"If you don't have any money saved, yeah, you're screwed. You're out on the street, or you're walking," Frierson said.
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Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan ends discussions with Redskins to build new stadium at Oxon Cove
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has changed his mind, which means it looks more likely the Redskins will move out of Maryland and back into Washington, D.C. once the lease expires at FedEx Field in 2027.
Hogan telling the team that he is withdrawing his idea to build a new stadium in Oxon Cove Park, which is across the highway from the MGM National Harbor.
“At this time,” according to Hogan’s statement.
Monique Walker represents Oxon Hill on the County Council and is among those pleased that for now, at least this prime waterfront land, is no longer being considered as a possible home for a new Redskins stadium.
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Hogan telling the team that he is withdrawing his idea to build a new stadium in Oxon Cove Park, which is across the highway from the MGM National Harbor.
“At this time,” according to Hogan’s statement.
Monique Walker represents Oxon Hill on the County Council and is among those pleased that for now, at least this prime waterfront land, is no longer being considered as a possible home for a new Redskins stadium.
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Tucker Carlson: There was no Russian collusion -- It was all fake. It's negligence on a stunning scale
We have news for you, breaking news, that for whatever reason is being downplayed or ignored by other media outlets, but we think you want to know about it. Five simple words describe it, there was no Russian collusion. There is no evidence whatsoever that the Trump campaign conspired in any way with the government of Vladimir Putin during the last presidential election.
That is apparently the conclusion of the bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee. That Committee spent two years investigating this question. Of course, hundreds of interviews, reams of classified documents, untold millions in taxpayer dollars. No collusion at all. That is what we are hearing on Tuesday evening that they have found.
Now, if you've been following the story at all, and of course you have been, you will not be surprised by this. No Russian collusion is a lot like the moon landing actually happened or the abominable snowman was probably a long-haired mountain goat. You knew that already because you are not an idiot, but if so, compare your mental acuity to that of prominent political figures here in Washington.
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That is apparently the conclusion of the bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee. That Committee spent two years investigating this question. Of course, hundreds of interviews, reams of classified documents, untold millions in taxpayer dollars. No collusion at all. That is what we are hearing on Tuesday evening that they have found.
Now, if you've been following the story at all, and of course you have been, you will not be surprised by this. No Russian collusion is a lot like the moon landing actually happened or the abominable snowman was probably a long-haired mountain goat. You knew that already because you are not an idiot, but if so, compare your mental acuity to that of prominent political figures here in Washington.
More
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/tucker-carlson-there-was-no-russian-collusion-it-was-all-fake-its-negligence-on-a-stunning-scale
HEARING ALERT: Repeat Drunk Driving Offenders Act Of 2019
Important Legislation Holds Impaired Drivers AccountableNote: House Judiciary Committee to Hold Hearing On HB 230 on Wednesday, February 13, 2019, 1:00 PM
| “Our administration is committed to doing everything we can to prevent future impaired driving crashes and fatalities. We must do everything in our power to save lives and to prevent future tragedies, and by working together, we can make a difference and we can save lives.” - Governor Larry Hogan, November 19, 2018 |
Repeat Drunk Driving Offenders Act Of 2019
Governor Hogan’s Proposed Legislation Creates A Felony Punishable By Up To 10 Years For Anyone Convicted Of A Drunk Or Drugged Driving Offense On Three Or More Prior Occasions, As Well As Anyone Convicted Of Causing A Death Or A Life-Threatening Injury On Their Second And/Or Subsequent Offenses. “A person may not violate subsection (a), (b), (c), or (d) of this section if the person has previously been convicted of: Three or more violations of any provision of subsection (a), (b), (c), or (d) of this section; or a violation of § 2-503, § 2-504, § 2-505, § 2-506, or § 3-211 of the Criminal Law Article. For purposes of this subsection, a conviction for a crime under the laws of any state or the United States that would be a crime included in paragraph (1) of this subsection if committed in this State shall be considered a prior conviction under this subsection. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.” (“House Bill 230,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/24/19)
This Is The Third Year In A Row That Governor Hogan Has Proposed The Repeat Drunk Driving Offenders Act.(“Senate Bill 312,” Maryland General Assembly; “Senate Bill 296,” Maryland General Assembly)
- In Maryland, Approximately One Third Of Roadway Deaths Involve Impaired Driving. “Between 2013 and 2017 in Maryland, more than 800 people were killed and more than 16,400 were injured in a crash where drugs and/or alcohol were involved. Approximately one-third of Maryland’s roadway deaths each year involve impaired driving.” (Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Memorializes Victims Of Drunk Driving Crashes,” Office Of The Governor, 11/19/18)
Governor Hogan Has Taken Action To Keep Drunk Drivers Off Of Roads
In 2016, Governor Hogan Signed Noah’s Law, Legislation Requires Ignition Interlock Devices For Individuals Convicted Of Drunk Driving In Maryland. “Among the bills signed today was SB 945, more commonly known as Noah’s Law, which will require ignition interlock devices for anyone convicted of drunk driving in the state of Maryland. The legislation, which was strongly supported by the Hogan administration, was named for Montgomery County police officer Noah Leotta, who was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver last December.” (Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Signs 144 Bills Into Law,” Office Of The Governor, 5/19/16)
- Governor Hogan: “As I mentioned, last year we were proud to enact Noah’s Law, which now requires ignition interlock devices for anyone convicted of drunk driving in Maryland. It’s already saving lives.” (Remarks, “Justice For Victims Initiative,” 1/12/17)
In 2016, Governor Hogan Signed Alex And Calvin’s Law, Imposing Strict Penalties Against Adults Who Provide Alcohol To Individuals Under 21 Years Old; Adults Can Face Up To One Year In Jail If Under Aged Individuals Seriously Injure Themselves Or Others While Driving Impaired. “Prohibits a person from knowingly and willfully allowing an individual under 21 years old to possess or consume an alcoholic beverage at a residence the person owns or leases; and in which the person resides, or furnishing an alcoholic beverage for consumption to an individual under 21 years old if the adult knew or reasonably should have known the individual would operate a motor vehicle and did operate the vehicle under the influence of alcohol and caused serious injury or death.” “According to the new law if a parent gives an underage child alcohol they could face up to a year in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000 if the drinkers drive and then cause any injury.“ (Press Release “Governor Larry Hogan Signs 144 Bills Into Law,” Office Of The Governor, 5/19/16; Julian Sadur, “Alex And Calvin’s Law Now In Effect In Md.,” WMDT, 11/1/16)
Ex-Trump attorney John Dowd slams 'waste of time' Mueller probe as 'one of the greatest frauds' in US history
Veteran criminal defense attorney John Dowd has savaged Robert Mueller’s Russia probe as a "terrible waste of time" and questioned whether a report will ever be produced.
Dowd, who served as a member of President Donald Trump’s legal team from June 2017 until March 2018, made the explosive comments during an interview with ABC News.
“I will be shocked, if anything regarding the president is made public, other than, ‘we’re done’,” the 77-year-old said.
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Dowd, who served as a member of President Donald Trump’s legal team from June 2017 until March 2018, made the explosive comments during an interview with ABC News.
“I will be shocked, if anything regarding the president is made public, other than, ‘we’re done’,” the 77-year-old said.
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Update On Yesterdays School Bus Incident
Obviously the bus was too close behind the Jeep.
Women's March becomes a goose step
The first Women’s March, in January 2017, was a giant, boisterous success. President Trump had just been inaugurated, and plenty of people were angry enough to take to the streets. They were “the Resistance,” ready to fight Trump and his new administration. Four of the march leaders, Linda Sarsour, Tamika Mallory, Carmen Perez, and the pseudonymous Bob Bland, would become famous. An estimated 4,157,894 people participated in 653 marches across America, including between half a million to a million people in Washington, D.C., alone. It was the biggest single-day demonstration in America ever.
In 2019, it’s a different story. Left-liberal anger over the Trump presidency remains strong. But the Women’s March is in disarray, a darkened but diminished shadow of what it was only two years ago. Only an estimated 665,324-735,978 people attended this year’s demonstrations. Perhaps thankfully, our Facebook feeds weren’t filled with smiling women wearing pink hats and holding clever signs.
Something had happened.
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In 2019, it’s a different story. Left-liberal anger over the Trump presidency remains strong. But the Women’s March is in disarray, a darkened but diminished shadow of what it was only two years ago. Only an estimated 665,324-735,978 people attended this year’s demonstrations. Perhaps thankfully, our Facebook feeds weren’t filled with smiling women wearing pink hats and holding clever signs.
Something had happened.
More
Guatemala Intel Minister: Migrant Caravans Are ‘Well-Planned,’ Not Spontaneous
Guatemalan head of intelligence Mario Duarte said during a visit to Washington Tuesday that the migrant caravans heading to the U.S. southern border are “well-planned” and “well-organized” by those wanting to “weaponize those in need.”
“This was not a spontaneous event. It was well-planned. It was well-organized,” Duarte, head of the Secretariat of Strategic Intelligence of Guatemala, said at an event hosted by the Center for a Free Secure Society at the National Press Club.
He said different intelligence, law enforcement, and military agencies found evidence that the October caravan from Honduras to the U.S. — which at one point contained about 40,000 migrants — was organized in advance.
There was a call on October 5 in Honduras for citizens to join a “massive migration walk to the United States,” he said. “We detected logistical preparation throughout Guatemala and Mexico, to be able to bring all these people to the U.S. southern border.”
He said the main organization behind the caravans was a non-governmental organization based out of Chicago, called Pueblos Sin Fronteras, led by organizer and pastor Emma Lozano.
More here
“This was not a spontaneous event. It was well-planned. It was well-organized,” Duarte, head of the Secretariat of Strategic Intelligence of Guatemala, said at an event hosted by the Center for a Free Secure Society at the National Press Club.
He said different intelligence, law enforcement, and military agencies found evidence that the October caravan from Honduras to the U.S. — which at one point contained about 40,000 migrants — was organized in advance.
There was a call on October 5 in Honduras for citizens to join a “massive migration walk to the United States,” he said. “We detected logistical preparation throughout Guatemala and Mexico, to be able to bring all these people to the U.S. southern border.”
He said the main organization behind the caravans was a non-governmental organization based out of Chicago, called Pueblos Sin Fronteras, led by organizer and pastor Emma Lozano.
More here
Florida School Hires Armed Combat Vets to Protect Students, Teachers
Palmetto, Florida’s Manatee School for the Arts is employing two armed combat veterans to protect students and teachers while at the school.
One of the armed combat veterans is already on campus and the second will began guarding by the end of this month.
The New York Times reports that one of veterans will carry a Glock handgun in 9mm and the other will carry a semiautomatic rifle. The rifle is a Kel-Tec RDB 17″, which shoots the same rounds as an AR-15 (.223 or 5.56).
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One of the armed combat veterans is already on campus and the second will began guarding by the end of this month.
The New York Times reports that one of veterans will carry a Glock handgun in 9mm and the other will carry a semiautomatic rifle. The rifle is a Kel-Tec RDB 17″, which shoots the same rounds as an AR-15 (.223 or 5.56).
More
Judicial Watch Requests DOJ IG Investigate Leaks to CNN and BuzzFeed
(Washington, DC) – Judicial Watch announced that it sent an official complaint to the Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General (IG) calling for investigations into leaks of information about Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation. The complaint asks for an investigation of any leaks to CNN about the controversial raid on the home of Roger Stone and for leaks to BuzzFeed suggesting that President Trump directed Michael Cohen to lie to Congress.
On January 25, 2019, CNN was the only media outlet to be present and shooting exclusive footage of the SWAT-team type raid by the FBI when it arrested former Trump associate Roger Stone at his home in Florida. Though CNN has claimed that its being on site in the dark of night was merely a matter of “good instincts,” Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker told a congressional committee last week that “It was deeply concerning to me as to how CNN found out about that.”
In its complaint, Judicial Watch points out that an Inspector General investigation is required due to an apparent violation of “Limited Official Use” information, which is “unclassified information of a sensitive, proprietary or personally private nature which must be protected against release to unauthorized individuals, and this term is prescribed for use within the Department to signify such information.”
On January 17, 2019, BuzzFeed published an article titled “President Trump Directed His Attorney Michael Cohen To Lie To Congress About the Moscow Tower Project.” In the article, the authors reveal that they were given information “according to two federal law enforcement officials involved in an investigation of the matter.” Mueller’s office, in a rare public rebuke, later disputed the story:
BuzzFeed’s description of specific statements to the Special Counsel’s Office, and characterization of documents and testimony obtained by this office, regarding Michael Cohen’s Congressional testimony are not accurate.
In its complaint, Judicial Watch asks for an investigation into the BuzzFeed question and “equal application of the law,” considering “former FBI Director James Comey launched a federal leak investigation following comments made by former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani … suggesting that he had advance knowledge gleaned from federal agents of the reopening of the Hillary Clinton email server investigation resulting from the discovery of Mrs. Clinton’s emails on Anthony Weiner’s laptop.”
More here
On January 25, 2019, CNN was the only media outlet to be present and shooting exclusive footage of the SWAT-team type raid by the FBI when it arrested former Trump associate Roger Stone at his home in Florida. Though CNN has claimed that its being on site in the dark of night was merely a matter of “good instincts,” Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker told a congressional committee last week that “It was deeply concerning to me as to how CNN found out about that.”
In its complaint, Judicial Watch points out that an Inspector General investigation is required due to an apparent violation of “Limited Official Use” information, which is “unclassified information of a sensitive, proprietary or personally private nature which must be protected against release to unauthorized individuals, and this term is prescribed for use within the Department to signify such information.”
On January 17, 2019, BuzzFeed published an article titled “President Trump Directed His Attorney Michael Cohen To Lie To Congress About the Moscow Tower Project.” In the article, the authors reveal that they were given information “according to two federal law enforcement officials involved in an investigation of the matter.” Mueller’s office, in a rare public rebuke, later disputed the story:
BuzzFeed’s description of specific statements to the Special Counsel’s Office, and characterization of documents and testimony obtained by this office, regarding Michael Cohen’s Congressional testimony are not accurate.
In its complaint, Judicial Watch asks for an investigation into the BuzzFeed question and “equal application of the law,” considering “former FBI Director James Comey launched a federal leak investigation following comments made by former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani … suggesting that he had advance knowledge gleaned from federal agents of the reopening of the Hillary Clinton email server investigation resulting from the discovery of Mrs. Clinton’s emails on Anthony Weiner’s laptop.”
More here
Amazon’s plastic packaging jamming up recycling machines
Over the last year, Amazon.com Inc. has reduced the portion of shipments it packs in its cardboard boxes in favor of lightweight plastic mailers, which enable the retailing giant to squeeze more packages into delivery trucks and planes.
But environmental activists and waste experts say the new plastic sacks, which aren’t recyclable in curbside recycling bins, are having a negative effect.
“That Amazon packaging suffers from the same problems as plastic bags, which are not sortable in our recycling system and get caught in the machinery,” said Lisa Sepanski, project manager for the King County Solid Waste Division, which oversees recycling in King County, Wash., where Amazon is based. “It takes labor to cut them out. They have to stop the machinery.”
Last year’s holiday season, the busiest for e-commerce, meant ever more shipments — creating a massive hangover of packaging waste. As the platform behind half of all e-commerce transactions in 2018, according to EMarketer, Amazon is by far the biggest shipper and producer of that waste — and it’s a trendsetter, meaning that its switch to plastic mailers could herald a shift across the industry. Other retailers that use similar plastic mailers include Target Corp., which declined to comment.
The problem with the plastic mailers is that they need to be recycled separately, and if they end up in the usual stream, they gum up recycling systems and prevent larger bundles of materials from being recycled.
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But environmental activists and waste experts say the new plastic sacks, which aren’t recyclable in curbside recycling bins, are having a negative effect.
“That Amazon packaging suffers from the same problems as plastic bags, which are not sortable in our recycling system and get caught in the machinery,” said Lisa Sepanski, project manager for the King County Solid Waste Division, which oversees recycling in King County, Wash., where Amazon is based. “It takes labor to cut them out. They have to stop the machinery.”
Last year’s holiday season, the busiest for e-commerce, meant ever more shipments — creating a massive hangover of packaging waste. As the platform behind half of all e-commerce transactions in 2018, according to EMarketer, Amazon is by far the biggest shipper and producer of that waste — and it’s a trendsetter, meaning that its switch to plastic mailers could herald a shift across the industry. Other retailers that use similar plastic mailers include Target Corp., which declined to comment.
The problem with the plastic mailers is that they need to be recycled separately, and if they end up in the usual stream, they gum up recycling systems and prevent larger bundles of materials from being recycled.
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Investigation Clears Covington Students of Wrongdoing
The Catholic schoolboys originally accused of mocking Native Americans and making offensive statements after last month's March For Life did nothing of the sort, a new investigation found.
According to The Washington Post, Greater Cincinnati Investigation, Inc. looked at what happened Jan. 18 and determined none of the boys from Covington Catholic High School participated in offensive behavior.
A video went viral two days after the alleged incident that appeared to show a student mocking a Native American activist who was playing a drum. Longer videos showed a group of Black Israelites were actually mocking the boys and swearing at them, at which point the Native Americans got between the two groups.
That did not stop many in the media and other groups from blaming the boys, but the investigation found they did nothing wrong.
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According to The Washington Post, Greater Cincinnati Investigation, Inc. looked at what happened Jan. 18 and determined none of the boys from Covington Catholic High School participated in offensive behavior.
A video went viral two days after the alleged incident that appeared to show a student mocking a Native American activist who was playing a drum. Longer videos showed a group of Black Israelites were actually mocking the boys and swearing at them, at which point the Native Americans got between the two groups.
That did not stop many in the media and other groups from blaming the boys, but the investigation found they did nothing wrong.
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Senate has uncovered no direct evidence of conspiracy between Trump campaign and Russia
"We were never going to find a contract signed in blood saying, 'Hey Vlad, we're going to collude,'" one Democratic aide said.
WASHINGTON — After two years and 200 interviews, the Senate Intelligence Committee is approaching the end of its investigationinto the 2016 election, having uncovered no direct evidence of a conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia, according toboth Democrats and Republicans on the committee.
But investigators disagree along party lines when it comes to the implications of a pattern of contacts they have documented betweenTrump associates and Russians — contacts that occurred before, during and after Russian intelligence operatives were seeking to help Donald Trump by leaking hacked Democratic emails and attacking his opponent, Hillary Clinton, on social media.
"If we write a report based upon the facts that we have, then we don't have anything that would suggest there was collusion by the Trump campaign and Russia," said Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, in an interview with CBS News last week.
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WASHINGTON — After two years and 200 interviews, the Senate Intelligence Committee is approaching the end of its investigationinto the 2016 election, having uncovered no direct evidence of a conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia, according toboth Democrats and Republicans on the committee.
But investigators disagree along party lines when it comes to the implications of a pattern of contacts they have documented betweenTrump associates and Russians — contacts that occurred before, during and after Russian intelligence operatives were seeking to help Donald Trump by leaking hacked Democratic emails and attacking his opponent, Hillary Clinton, on social media.
"If we write a report based upon the facts that we have, then we don't have anything that would suggest there was collusion by the Trump campaign and Russia," said Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, in an interview with CBS News last week.
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Deadly ‘zombie’ deer disease could possibly spread to humans, experts warn
A deadly disease that has affected the deer population in an estimated 24 states and two Canadian provinces could eventually spread to and infect humans, experts warn.
Speaking at the Minnesota State Capitol last week, experts from the University of Minnesota told lawmakers of the dangers of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), or what the U.S. Geological Survey describes as a “ fatal, neurological illness occurring in North American cervids (members of the deer family), including white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and moose.”
Currently, there are no vaccines or treatments available for the disease, which scientists say spreads directly through animal-to-animal contact but also indirectly through contaminated drinking water or food.
While there have been no reported cases of CWD in people, Michael Osterholm, the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, told lawmakers that the disease should be treated as a public health issue, claiming human cases of CWD will likely be “documented in the years ahead.”
“It is probable that human cases of CWD associated with the consumption of contaminated meat will be documented in the years ahead. It is possible that number of human cases will be substantial and will not be isolated events,” he said, in part, according to the Twin Cities Pioneer Press.
Osterholm likened CWD to mad cow disease, which public health officials and those in the beef industry once did not think could infect people (it has since been confirmed that a cureless variant of mad cow — Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) — can adversely impact humans).
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https://www.foxnews.com/health/deadly-zombie-deer-disease-could-possibly-spread-to-humans-experts-warn
Speaking at the Minnesota State Capitol last week, experts from the University of Minnesota told lawmakers of the dangers of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), or what the U.S. Geological Survey describes as a “ fatal, neurological illness occurring in North American cervids (members of the deer family), including white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and moose.”
Currently, there are no vaccines or treatments available for the disease, which scientists say spreads directly through animal-to-animal contact but also indirectly through contaminated drinking water or food.
While there have been no reported cases of CWD in people, Michael Osterholm, the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, told lawmakers that the disease should be treated as a public health issue, claiming human cases of CWD will likely be “documented in the years ahead.”
“It is probable that human cases of CWD associated with the consumption of contaminated meat will be documented in the years ahead. It is possible that number of human cases will be substantial and will not be isolated events,” he said, in part, according to the Twin Cities Pioneer Press.
Osterholm likened CWD to mad cow disease, which public health officials and those in the beef industry once did not think could infect people (it has since been confirmed that a cureless variant of mad cow — Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) — can adversely impact humans).
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https://www.foxnews.com/health/deadly-zombie-deer-disease-could-possibly-spread-to-humans-experts-warn
Happy Valentine's/Anniversary Day
So off we went to Pohanka where she wanted a very specific model and color and they found it and brought it to Salisbury. Can you believe we traded in a BMW Z4 for a PRIUS!
Oh well, that's what she wanted, that's what we got.
A BIG thank you once again to Sandy Fitzgerald and her entire team for making this happen. I'm telling you Folks, there's no better place or experience then buying from Pohanka.
We are now the proud owners of THREE Prius'. See you at the pumps, NOT!
Nancy Pelosi Defends Ilhan Omar with Lie About ‘Jew-S-A’ at Trump Rallies
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) defended Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) on Wednesday by claiming, falsely, that Trump supporters had chanted “Jew-S-A” at his campaign rallies and he “never distanced himself.”
CNN’s Elizabeth Landers asked Pelosi to respond to a statement by Vice President Mike Pence on Tuesday in which he called Omar’s Monday apology for antisemitic rhetoric “inadequate,” and said she did not belong on the House Foreign Affairs Committee:
Pelosi said: “As I heard the president [Donald Trump] speaking this morning, all that was going through my mind was ‘Jew-S-A, Jew-S-A’ at his rallies that he never distanced himself from.”
In all of the many rallies during the 2016 presidential campaign, and all of the Trump rallies since, there has been only one instance of one individual chanting “Jew-S-A.”
The Trump campaign not only distanced itself from the man and the chant, but it “forcefully disavowed” that supporter — as theWashington Post noted.
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CNN’s Elizabeth Landers asked Pelosi to respond to a statement by Vice President Mike Pence on Tuesday in which he called Omar’s Monday apology for antisemitic rhetoric “inadequate,” and said she did not belong on the House Foreign Affairs Committee:
Pelosi said: “As I heard the president [Donald Trump] speaking this morning, all that was going through my mind was ‘Jew-S-A, Jew-S-A’ at his rallies that he never distanced himself from.”
In all of the many rallies during the 2016 presidential campaign, and all of the Trump rallies since, there has been only one instance of one individual chanting “Jew-S-A.”
The Trump campaign not only distanced itself from the man and the chant, but it “forcefully disavowed” that supporter — as theWashington Post noted.
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Rep. Liz Cheney enters draft summary of Green New Deal into Congressional Record
House Republicans announced Wednesday that they have entered an outline of the controversial "Green New Deal" and a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the sweeping Democratic proposal into the Congressional Record after the document was deleted from the website of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.
"It's very important the American people see that there be transparency about what [Democrats] are pushing," Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., told reporters at the House GOP's weekly press conference. "And we call on (House) Speaker (Nancy) Pelosi, (D-Calif.), to put this up for a vote on the floor.
"We think Democrats need to be held accountable. If they support this as they say they do and as their presidential candidates do," Cheney added," then let's have a vote on it and see to what extent they're all going to get behind moving toward this kind of fantasy."
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/rep-liz-cheney-enters-draft-summary-of-green-new-deal-into-congressional-record
"It's very important the American people see that there be transparency about what [Democrats] are pushing," Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., told reporters at the House GOP's weekly press conference. "And we call on (House) Speaker (Nancy) Pelosi, (D-Calif.), to put this up for a vote on the floor.
"We think Democrats need to be held accountable. If they support this as they say they do and as their presidential candidates do," Cheney added," then let's have a vote on it and see to what extent they're all going to get behind moving toward this kind of fantasy."
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/rep-liz-cheney-enters-draft-summary-of-green-new-deal-into-congressional-record
Elizabeth Warren Made $10,000 Donation to Stacey Abrams's Dark Money Nonprofit
A separate nonprofit established by Abrams additionally hit with new tax liens
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) pushed a $10,000 donation from her campaign committee to a dark money nonprofit established by rising Democratic politician Stacey Abrams, Federal Election Commission filings show.
Abrams, who unsuccessfully ran for governor in Georgia and is now "strongly considering" a Senate run in 2020, established Fair Fight Action, Inc., an Atlanta-based nonprofit, to focus on election reform, education, and increasing voter turnout.
Abrams was listed as Fair Fight's executive director until December when the nonprofit—previously called the Voter Access Initiative—removed language from its bylaws that would allow it to "directly or indirectly" get involved in "any political campaign on behalf of any candidates for public office," the Daily Beast reported.
The group has been used to fuel Abrams's speaking tour and has paid for ads alleging her Republican opponent, Brian Kemp, "robbed" her of a victory during the midterm elections.
Fair Fight is a "dark money" group that does not have to disclose its donors, but Warren's most recent filings to the FEC show that the Massachusetts senator cut a $10,000 check on Dec. 26, 2018 from Elizabeth for Massachusetts, her Senate campaign committee, to the group.
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Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) pushed a $10,000 donation from her campaign committee to a dark money nonprofit established by rising Democratic politician Stacey Abrams, Federal Election Commission filings show.
Abrams, who unsuccessfully ran for governor in Georgia and is now "strongly considering" a Senate run in 2020, established Fair Fight Action, Inc., an Atlanta-based nonprofit, to focus on election reform, education, and increasing voter turnout.
Abrams was listed as Fair Fight's executive director until December when the nonprofit—previously called the Voter Access Initiative—removed language from its bylaws that would allow it to "directly or indirectly" get involved in "any political campaign on behalf of any candidates for public office," the Daily Beast reported.
The group has been used to fuel Abrams's speaking tour and has paid for ads alleging her Republican opponent, Brian Kemp, "robbed" her of a victory during the midterm elections.
Fair Fight is a "dark money" group that does not have to disclose its donors, but Warren's most recent filings to the FEC show that the Massachusetts senator cut a $10,000 check on Dec. 26, 2018 from Elizabeth for Massachusetts, her Senate campaign committee, to the group.
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House To Vote On Trillion Dollar Spending Bill Tomorrow. No One Has Read It.
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on a government appropriations bill Thursday evening and, with a day until the vote, lawmakers still have not received the text of the legislation.
“No one has seen the final wording of a long and complicated bill we will be expected to vote on tomorrow evening,” Republican Maryland Rep. Andy Harris told The Daily Caller News Foundation. “That’s no way to run a legislature.”
Republican Study Chairman Mike Johnson also confirmed that “as of lunch on Wednesday, members of the RSC, and to our knowledge, even members of the conference committee, had not seen the text.”
“It has been reported that [House Majority Leader Steny] Hoyer has said if the bill is dropped today we will consider it tomorrow. This is reminiscent of the, ‘you must pass it to find out what is in it,’ Obamacare debacle,” Johnson said to TheDCNF. “This bill is expected to be well over 1,000 pages, and we will potentially have less than 24 hours to digest it. This is absurd.”
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“No one has seen the final wording of a long and complicated bill we will be expected to vote on tomorrow evening,” Republican Maryland Rep. Andy Harris told The Daily Caller News Foundation. “That’s no way to run a legislature.”
Republican Study Chairman Mike Johnson also confirmed that “as of lunch on Wednesday, members of the RSC, and to our knowledge, even members of the conference committee, had not seen the text.”
“It has been reported that [House Majority Leader Steny] Hoyer has said if the bill is dropped today we will consider it tomorrow. This is reminiscent of the, ‘you must pass it to find out what is in it,’ Obamacare debacle,” Johnson said to TheDCNF. “This bill is expected to be well over 1,000 pages, and we will potentially have less than 24 hours to digest it. This is absurd.”
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Mike Braun, Rick Scott Introduce Legislation to End Taxpayer-Funded Congressional Pensions
Sens. Mike Braun (R-IN) and Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced legislation on Tuesday to end taxpayer-funded congressional pensions. Braun contends that this legislation would help the D.C. swamp.
Sens. Braun and Scott introduced the End Pensions in Congress (EPIC) Act on Tuesday. Lawmakers can receive a taxpayer-funded pension if they work in Congress for five years and their pension can rise even higher depending on their years of service and average of the highest three years of salary.
Braun and Scott’s bill would eliminate the congressional pension.
Braun and Scott released the bill as the government may soon face another government shutdown on Friday if Congress cannot find a solution to fund the government and fund President Donald J. Trump’s requested border wall funding.
For example, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has been in Congress for 33 years, and if she retired tomorrow, her annual taxpayer-funded pension would be over $102,000.
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Sens. Braun and Scott introduced the End Pensions in Congress (EPIC) Act on Tuesday. Lawmakers can receive a taxpayer-funded pension if they work in Congress for five years and their pension can rise even higher depending on their years of service and average of the highest three years of salary.
Braun and Scott’s bill would eliminate the congressional pension.
Braun and Scott released the bill as the government may soon face another government shutdown on Friday if Congress cannot find a solution to fund the government and fund President Donald J. Trump’s requested border wall funding.
For example, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has been in Congress for 33 years, and if she retired tomorrow, her annual taxpayer-funded pension would be over $102,000.
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Lesbian Activist Defends ‘Biological Reality’ After Being Booted From Baltimore LGBTQ Commission
Julia Beck, a lesbian activist kicked off a Baltimore LGBTQ Commission for using the “wrong” pronoun to refer to an alleged male rapist who considers himself a female, defended “biological reality” while lamenting the fact that, in today’s environment, men can easily “gain access to single-sex spaces” simply by calling themselves female.
Beck appeared on Monday night’s edition of “Tucker Carlson Tonight” after Fox News reporter Trace Gallagher set up the segment by explaining the controversy that led to her penning an article titled, “How I Became The Most Hated Lesbian In Baltimore”.
WATCH:
Beck appeared on Monday night’s edition of “Tucker Carlson Tonight” after Fox News reporter Trace Gallagher set up the segment by explaining the controversy that led to her penning an article titled, “How I Became The Most Hated Lesbian In Baltimore”.
WATCH:
Caribbean Joe's Quickly Becoming "The Place To Go" In West Ocean City
Report: 2nd Fairfax Accuser Made Allegations in Private in 2017
A woman who accused Virginia's Democratic Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax of sexual assault made the allegations in private during the state's 2017 election while she considered whether to come forward, Fox Newsreported.
Citing newly revealed Facebook messages it had obtained, Fox News reported posts dating as far back as March 2017 show Meredith Watson commenting on Fairfax's candidacy and telling contacts about the alleged rape.
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Citing newly revealed Facebook messages it had obtained, Fox News reported posts dating as far back as March 2017 show Meredith Watson commenting on Fairfax's candidacy and telling contacts about the alleged rape.
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Why Ilhan Omar won’t pay for peddling bigotry
Ilhan Omar can’t seem to help herself when it comes to anti-Semitism. The question is: What are leading Democrats and Never Trumpers, who’ve repeatedly accused the White House of empowering anti-Semitism, prepared to do about the congresswoman from Minnesota?
Omar tried to wiggle out of the implications of her earlier tweet about Israel “hypnotizing” the world by claiming ignorance about its meaning. She said she didn’t know she was tapping into an anti-Semitic trope when she smeared Israelis defending themselves against Hamas terrorists.
But she dug herself in deeper this weekend with tweets in which she asserted that the only reason why members of Congress support the Jewish state is “the Benjamins” — that is, money — offered by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the pro-Israel lobby.
The claim that Jews use wealth to get their way is another libel that is straight out of “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion,” the classic anti-Semitic hoax that has migrated from czarist Russia to the Muslim fever swamps.
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Omar tried to wiggle out of the implications of her earlier tweet about Israel “hypnotizing” the world by claiming ignorance about its meaning. She said she didn’t know she was tapping into an anti-Semitic trope when she smeared Israelis defending themselves against Hamas terrorists.
But she dug herself in deeper this weekend with tweets in which she asserted that the only reason why members of Congress support the Jewish state is “the Benjamins” — that is, money — offered by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the pro-Israel lobby.
The claim that Jews use wealth to get their way is another libel that is straight out of “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion,” the classic anti-Semitic hoax that has migrated from czarist Russia to the Muslim fever swamps.
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House Democrats Block Bill Against Infanticide For Fourth Legislative Day In A Row
On Monday night, for the fourth time in the last four legislative days the House has convened, Democrats blocked Republicans from calling a vote against infanticide. U.S. Representative Mark Walker (R-N.C.) asked for unanimous consent to bring U.S. Representative Ann Wagner's (R-Mo.) Born Alive Survivors Protection Act up for a vote. After he was blocked, Walker wrote an op-ed for LifeSite News, stating:
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Auto-Loan Delinquencies Are The Highest Since 2012
The percent of auto loans in serious default rose to the highest level in almost seven years in the last three months of 2018, as consumers with weak credit struggled to make payments despite a strong U.S. economy and tight labor market.
Auto loans delinquent more than 90 days rose to 4.47 percent of the total in the fourth quarter, the highest since the period ended in March 2012, and up from 4.05 percent a year ago, according to Federal Reserve Bank of New York data.
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Auto loans delinquent more than 90 days rose to 4.47 percent of the total in the fourth quarter, the highest since the period ended in March 2012, and up from 4.05 percent a year ago, according to Federal Reserve Bank of New York data.
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Eighth Sex Offender Arrested by El Centro Sector Border Patrol this Fiscal Year
CALEXICO, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents arrested a convicted sex offender this past Monday afternoon.
At around 6:25 p.m., agents assigned to the Calexico Station, arrested a man suspected of illegally entering the U.S. approximately 25 miles east of the Calexico Port of Entry. The man was arrested and transported to the El Centro station to confirm his identity and evaluate his criminal and immigration history.
Agents conducted records checks which identify the man as, Salvador Toribio-Gonzalez, a 37-year-old Mexican national. Records checks also revealed that the man is a convicted sex offender.
Toribio was convicted in the state of California in 2002 for Sex with a Minor, and was subsequently sentenced to 364 days in jail and 36 months’ probation. Toribio was deported in June of 2004 after serving his sentence.
Toribio is being held in Federal custody pending prosecution for Re-Entry after Removal.
So far in fiscal year 2019, El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents have arrested and removed eight individuals either convicted or wanted on sexual assault charges after entering the United States illegally.
At around 6:25 p.m., agents assigned to the Calexico Station, arrested a man suspected of illegally entering the U.S. approximately 25 miles east of the Calexico Port of Entry. The man was arrested and transported to the El Centro station to confirm his identity and evaluate his criminal and immigration history.
Agents conducted records checks which identify the man as, Salvador Toribio-Gonzalez, a 37-year-old Mexican national. Records checks also revealed that the man is a convicted sex offender.
Toribio was convicted in the state of California in 2002 for Sex with a Minor, and was subsequently sentenced to 364 days in jail and 36 months’ probation. Toribio was deported in June of 2004 after serving his sentence.
Toribio is being held in Federal custody pending prosecution for Re-Entry after Removal.
So far in fiscal year 2019, El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents have arrested and removed eight individuals either convicted or wanted on sexual assault charges after entering the United States illegally.
North Carolina Boys Stop to Say Pledge Outside Fire Station
The fire department’s photo, which has amassed more than 6,400 shares on Facebook, shows the two young boys on scooters placing their hands over their hearts while reciting the pledge.
Fire officials not pictured in the photo had been raising the flag to full staff in front of the fire station.
“This afternoon as Chaplain Herring was raising the U.S. flag to full staff, he looked over to the intersection and saw these two young people standing there with hands on their heart saying the pledge of allegiance,” fire officials said in the post.
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