Ozone created by electric
cars now killing millions in
the seventh largest Country
in the world, Mexifornia,
formerly known as
California.
White minorities still
trying to have English
recognized as the third language.
Spotted Owl plague threatens
Northwestern United States
crops and livestock.
Baby conceived naturally!
Scientists stumped.
Couple petitions court to
reinstate heterosexual
marriage.
Iran still closed off;
physicists estimate it will
take at least 10 more years
before radioactivity
decreases to safe levels.
France pleads for
global help after being
taken over by Jamaica.
No other country comes
forward to help the
beleaguered nation!
Last Castro finally dies
at age 112; Cuban cigars
can now be imported
legally, but President
Chelsea Clinton has
banned all smoking.
George Z. Bush says he
will run for President in
2060.
Postal Service raises
price of first class stamp
to $17.89 and reduces
mail delivery to
Wednesdays only.
Average weight of
Americans drops to
250 lbs.
85-year $75.8 billion study:
Diet and exercise
is the key to weight loss.
Global cooling blamed
for citrus crop failure
for third consecutive
year in Mexifornia and
Floruba.
Japanese scientists have
created a camera with such
a fast shutter speed they
now can photograph a
woman with her mouth shut.
Abortion clinics now
available in every High
School in United States.
Senate still blocking
drilling in ANWR even
though gas is selling
for 4532 Pesos per liter
and gas stations are
only open on Tuesdays
and Fridays.
Massachusetts executes
last remaining
conservative.
Supreme Court rules any
punishment of criminals
violates their civil rights.
A Couple Finally Had
Sexual Harmony .
They had simultaneous
Headaches.
Average height of NBA
players is now nine feet
seven inches with only 5
illegitimate children.
New federal law requires
that all nail clippers,
screwdrivers, fly
swatters and rolled-up
newspapers must be
registered by January
2060.
IRS sets lowest tax rate
at 75 percent.
Floruba voters still
having trouble with
voting machines.
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 07, 2019
Mazie Hirono: Hunter Biden ‘Conspiracy Theory’ Not What Impeachment Should Be All About
During an appearance on CNN’s “New Day” on Friday, Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) argued against former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden being participants in a potential U.S. Senate impeachment hearing.
Hirono called allegations the Bidens benefited off of the office of the vice presidency during the elder Biden’s tenure in the Obama administration a “conspiracy theory.”
“Well, that continues the whole conspiracy theory that the Republicans keep pushing, that’s been debunked,” she said.
“You know, one thing the Republicans should do — which they haven’t done this — they ought to focus on what I call ‘the this’ — ‘the this’ being what the president did to shake down the president of another country,” Hirono added.
More
[ "I looked at them and said: I’m leaving in six hours. If the prosecutor is not fired, you’re not getting the money. Well, son of a bitch. He got fired. And they put in place someone who was solid at the time.." --VP Joe Biden, Council on Foreign Relations, January 23, 2018]
Hirono called allegations the Bidens benefited off of the office of the vice presidency during the elder Biden’s tenure in the Obama administration a “conspiracy theory.”
“Well, that continues the whole conspiracy theory that the Republicans keep pushing, that’s been debunked,” she said.
“You know, one thing the Republicans should do — which they haven’t done this — they ought to focus on what I call ‘the this’ — ‘the this’ being what the president did to shake down the president of another country,” Hirono added.
More
[ "I looked at them and said: I’m leaving in six hours. If the prosecutor is not fired, you’re not getting the money. Well, son of a bitch. He got fired. And they put in place someone who was solid at the time.." --VP Joe Biden, Council on Foreign Relations, January 23, 2018]
Ginsburg places hold on court order demanding Deutsche Bank turn over Trump records
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has placed a hold on a circuit court order for two banks to turn over President Trump’s financial information to Congress.
Ginsburg placed a hold on the order on Friday, according to Reuters. The 2nd District Court of Appeals issued a ruling on Tuesday ordering Deutsche Bank and Capital One to turn over financial documents on Trump, members of his family, and his business.
The district court ruling came as a result of a lawsuit by Trump to thwart subpoenas issued by the Committee on Financial Services and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. The Democrat-controlled committees subpoenaed both banks on April 11 seeking Trump’s financial records.
More
Ginsburg placed a hold on the order on Friday, according to Reuters. The 2nd District Court of Appeals issued a ruling on Tuesday ordering Deutsche Bank and Capital One to turn over financial documents on Trump, members of his family, and his business.
The district court ruling came as a result of a lawsuit by Trump to thwart subpoenas issued by the Committee on Financial Services and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. The Democrat-controlled committees subpoenaed both banks on April 11 seeking Trump’s financial records.
More
Starbucks relaxes its dress code and allows staff to wear facial piercings so they 'can bring their whole selves to work'
Starbucks has adjusted its dress code allowing its baristas to wear facial piercings.
The facial piercings must be no larger than the size of a dime.
Previously, workers were allowed a small nose stud, but septum piercings or rings were not permitted.
The old dress code which was contained in a book comprised of several pages and stated: 'No other pierced jewelry or body adornments are allowed, including tongue studs.'
More
The facial piercings must be no larger than the size of a dime.
Previously, workers were allowed a small nose stud, but septum piercings or rings were not permitted.
The old dress code which was contained in a book comprised of several pages and stated: 'No other pierced jewelry or body adornments are allowed, including tongue studs.'
More
Democratic lawmaker: 'I am struggling' to see a case for impeachment
Several moderate Democratic House representatives are balking at impeaching President Trump as they worry doing so will have severe political consequences.
One anonymous member said he is "struggling" to see the case for impeachment and expressed concern that all of the information being used to draft articles of impeachment is "secondhand," according to CNN.
The anonymous admissions from Democratic lawmakers comes nearly two weeks after Democratic Rep. Brenda Lawrence of Michigan told a local radio host she favors censure over impeachment. Lawrence walked back that statement after it hit national news, and she pledged to support impeachment.
More
One anonymous member said he is "struggling" to see the case for impeachment and expressed concern that all of the information being used to draft articles of impeachment is "secondhand," according to CNN.
The anonymous admissions from Democratic lawmakers comes nearly two weeks after Democratic Rep. Brenda Lawrence of Michigan told a local radio host she favors censure over impeachment. Lawrence walked back that statement after it hit national news, and she pledged to support impeachment.
More
Obamas Officially Purchase $11.75 Million Waterfront Mansion in Martha’s Vineyard
Rumblings of the Obamas multimillion-dollar purchase surfaced in August, but they officially closed the deal this week, joining the elite Martha’s Vineyard community in a nearly 7,000 square foot home that sits on roughly 29 acres, facing the Edgartown Great Pond. The Dukes County Registry of Deeds recorded the $11.75 million price on Wednesday afternoon, per the Vineyard Gazette. The compound was originally listed for sale in 2015 for $22.5 million and dropped to $14.85 million in July 2019.
The listing details the property’s “long and winding driveway, sprawling lawn and incredible water views” and notes that the main residence is “finished with the finest details,” including “multiple seating and entertaining spaces, a modern Chef’s kitchen, and a formal circular dining room surrounded by a wall of windows overlooking the grounds.” It is also equipped with a jacuzzi located off the second-floor balcony.
“There are two guest wings and an impressive master suite with fireplace, private sun deck and spectacular water views,” the listing boasts.
The purchase comes in addition to the $8.1 million home the Obamas purchased in 2017 in Washington, DC’s Kalorama neighborhood. They also own a 6,243-square-foot home in Chicago’s South Side Kenwood neighborhood.
More here
[MAGA! --Editor]
'Legitimatizes inequality': Tlaib and the Squad split from Democrats on two-state resolution
The four members of the House's left-wing "Squad" opposed a resolution put forward by Democrats to support a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"This resolution not only endorses an unrealistic, unattainable solution, one that Israel has made impossible, but also one that legitimatizes inequality, ethnic discrimination, and inhumane conditions," Rep. Rashida Tlaib said Friday on the House floor. The Michigan Democrat has said previously that she supports a one-state solution because two states would enforce a "separate but equal" mentality.
The resolution, which was approved on Friday, was meant as a rebuke to President Trump by Democrats, who claim the president is moving away from the two-state solution by favoring Israel. The four Squad members, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, and Tlaib, were the only four Democrats to vote "no" on the resolution.
More
"This resolution not only endorses an unrealistic, unattainable solution, one that Israel has made impossible, but also one that legitimatizes inequality, ethnic discrimination, and inhumane conditions," Rep. Rashida Tlaib said Friday on the House floor. The Michigan Democrat has said previously that she supports a one-state solution because two states would enforce a "separate but equal" mentality.
The resolution, which was approved on Friday, was meant as a rebuke to President Trump by Democrats, who claim the president is moving away from the two-state solution by favoring Israel. The four Squad members, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, and Tlaib, were the only four Democrats to vote "no" on the resolution.
More
White House wins partial victory in effort to disincentivize immigrants taking welfare
The White House welcomed an appeals court decision allowing a plan to expand rules that would disqualify immigrants who use government assistance programs from obtaining permanent legal status, but it said its hands are tied due to injunctions in other courts.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit on Thursday lifted two district court injunctions by judges in Spokane, Washington, and Oakland, California, filed over the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services plan to block immigrants who used government benefits, otherwise known as people deemed a "public charge."
"The Ninth Circuit has rightly recognized the administration's authority to adopt an interpretation of the 'public charge' restriction more faithful to and consistent with the scope of the statute passed by Congress," the White House press secretary said in a statement Friday.
More
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit on Thursday lifted two district court injunctions by judges in Spokane, Washington, and Oakland, California, filed over the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services plan to block immigrants who used government benefits, otherwise known as people deemed a "public charge."
"The Ninth Circuit has rightly recognized the administration's authority to adopt an interpretation of the 'public charge' restriction more faithful to and consistent with the scope of the statute passed by Congress," the White House press secretary said in a statement Friday.
More
REPORT: Deep State NSA and ATT Assisted Adam Schiff in Unprecedented Surveillance of Giuliani, Nunes and Reporter Solomon’s Phone Records
Laura Ingraham on Thursday invited guest Fred Fleitz, a former CIA analyst, to discuss Adam Schiff’s surveillance of President Trump’s attorney Rudy Giuliani, Rep. Devin Nunes and reporter John Solomon’s phone calls.
On Tuesday Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff released his highly political impeachment report that omitted several key facts from the interviews and the case. The report bogus report also contained phone records from Rep. Devin Nunes, President Trump’s attorney Rudy Giuliani and investigative reporter John Solomon.
On Thursday Laura Ingraham told her audience that the Deep State NSA willingly assisted Adam Schiff in his surveillance of a mainstream reporter and the President’s attorney. This raises all kinds of legal and ethical questions. This also proves once again that the US surveillance state has become an arm of the Democrat Party.
More/Video
On Tuesday Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff released his highly political impeachment report that omitted several key facts from the interviews and the case. The report bogus report also contained phone records from Rep. Devin Nunes, President Trump’s attorney Rudy Giuliani and investigative reporter John Solomon.
On Thursday Laura Ingraham told her audience that the Deep State NSA willingly assisted Adam Schiff in his surveillance of a mainstream reporter and the President’s attorney. This raises all kinds of legal and ethical questions. This also proves once again that the US surveillance state has become an arm of the Democrat Party.
More/Video
White vice president at CNN 'threatened to kill' longtime black employee because he sued the network
A black CNN employee claims the network's white vice president threatened to 'kill' him over a race discrimination lawsuit he filed against the company earlier this year.
DeWayne Walker, who is black and has worked at the CNN Center in Atlanta for 16 years, filed a lawsuit against the CNN network in May over racial discrimination in job promotions.
On August 15, 2019 CNN’s vice president and group creative director Whit Friese allegedly retaliated against Walker, the manager of integrated marketing for CNN, by threatening to kill him during an incident in the CNN Center bathroom.
Friese allegedly told Walker, 'Just stop it,'' leading him to respond 'Or?'
More
DeWayne Walker, who is black and has worked at the CNN Center in Atlanta for 16 years, filed a lawsuit against the CNN network in May over racial discrimination in job promotions.
On August 15, 2019 CNN’s vice president and group creative director Whit Friese allegedly retaliated against Walker, the manager of integrated marketing for CNN, by threatening to kill him during an incident in the CNN Center bathroom.
Friese allegedly told Walker, 'Just stop it,'' leading him to respond 'Or?'
More
Media split: Bongino Report, Drudge alternative, competes in news aggregator space
GOP media battler Dan Bongino has made good on his plans to create a news site that would be more like the Drudge Report than the real Drudge Report. And it almost imploded his server.
Bongino, who hosts a widely subscribed Dan Bongino Show podcast, had 20,000 users on his site just an hour after it went live on Wednesday. “Interest has been through the roof,” he said of the Bongino Report.
Like Drudge, it aggregates stories, especially those of interest to conservatives. Unlike Drudge, it generally won’t pick up stories from sources critics dub “fake news,” such as the New York Times or CNN.
More
Bongino, who hosts a widely subscribed Dan Bongino Show podcast, had 20,000 users on his site just an hour after it went live on Wednesday. “Interest has been through the roof,” he said of the Bongino Report.
Like Drudge, it aggregates stories, especially those of interest to conservatives. Unlike Drudge, it generally won’t pick up stories from sources critics dub “fake news,” such as the New York Times or CNN.
More
Nancy Pelosi says 'great president' Bill Clinton was impeached just for 'being stupid', when asked to compare the case with Trump's
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has claimed former president Bill Clinton was impeached for 'being stupid'.
Pelosi made the comments during a televised town hall meeting on Thursday evening in Washington, D.C., when she was asked to compare the case to US President Donald Trump's impeachment inquiry to Clinton's.
Questions were put to her by 11 audience members, eight of whom were Democrats, one was Republican and two identified as independent voters.
More
Pelosi made the comments during a televised town hall meeting on Thursday evening in Washington, D.C., when she was asked to compare the case to US President Donald Trump's impeachment inquiry to Clinton's.
Questions were put to her by 11 audience members, eight of whom were Democrats, one was Republican and two identified as independent voters.
More
Every Bubble Eventually Finds Its Pin
The transfer of wealth from workers and savers to governments and big banks continued this week with Swiss-like precision. The process is both mechanical and subtle. Here in the USA the automated elegance of this ongoing operation receives little attention.
NFL football. EBT card acceptance at Del Taco. Adam Schiff’s impeachment extravaganza. You name it. Bread and circuses like these – and many others – offer the American populace countless opportunities for chasing the wild goose.
All the while, and with little fanfare, debts pile up like deadwood in Sequoia National Forest. These debts, both public and private, stand little chance of ever being honestly repaid. According to the IMF, global debt – both public and private – has reached an all-time high of $188 trillion. That comes to about 230 percent of world output.
Certainly, some of the private debt will be defaulted on during the next credit crisis and depression. But when it comes to the public debt, governments do everything they can to prevent an outright default. Central banks crank up the printing press and attempt to inflate it away.
More
NFL football. EBT card acceptance at Del Taco. Adam Schiff’s impeachment extravaganza. You name it. Bread and circuses like these – and many others – offer the American populace countless opportunities for chasing the wild goose.
All the while, and with little fanfare, debts pile up like deadwood in Sequoia National Forest. These debts, both public and private, stand little chance of ever being honestly repaid. According to the IMF, global debt – both public and private – has reached an all-time high of $188 trillion. That comes to about 230 percent of world output.
Certainly, some of the private debt will be defaulted on during the next credit crisis and depression. But when it comes to the public debt, governments do everything they can to prevent an outright default. Central banks crank up the printing press and attempt to inflate it away.
More
RUDY NUKES DEMOCRATS: Ukrainians Find Misuse of $5.3 BILLION in US Aid During Obama Admin
Oh gosh.
This wasn’t supposed to happen.
This was supposed to be Pelosi’s week to shine!
On Thursday Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that Democrats will move ahead on impeachment of President Trump for not giving away US taxpayer dollars quick enough to one of the world’s most corrupt nations. Democrats believe this is grounds for impeachment.
Hmm.
Earlier this week Rudy Giuliani met with Ukrainian officials to discuss the misuse of US funds in Ukraine and the creation of a group to fight corruption in the country.
More
This wasn’t supposed to happen.
This was supposed to be Pelosi’s week to shine!
On Thursday Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that Democrats will move ahead on impeachment of President Trump for not giving away US taxpayer dollars quick enough to one of the world’s most corrupt nations. Democrats believe this is grounds for impeachment.
Hmm.
Earlier this week Rudy Giuliani met with Ukrainian officials to discuss the misuse of US funds in Ukraine and the creation of a group to fight corruption in the country.
More
The Loss of Our Watchmen’s Moral Authority
One symptom of a society in crisis is the unreliability or even corruption of its own auditors.
After all, when the watchmen have lost moral authority to watch, who can be believed or trusted? Or, as the Roman satirist Juvenal famously put it, “Who will guard the guardians?”
It was recently reported that FBI lawyer Kevin Clinesmith altered an email to bolster a suspicious FBI effort to obtain a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court warrant authorizing the surveillance of Carter Page, a onetime employee of the Trump campaign.
More
After all, when the watchmen have lost moral authority to watch, who can be believed or trusted? Or, as the Roman satirist Juvenal famously put it, “Who will guard the guardians?”
It was recently reported that FBI lawyer Kevin Clinesmith altered an email to bolster a suspicious FBI effort to obtain a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court warrant authorizing the surveillance of Carter Page, a onetime employee of the Trump campaign.
More
Epstein Was A Mossad Agent Used To Blackmail American Politicians, Former Israeli Spy Claims
Jeffrey Epstein was a Mossad asset who was used by Israeli intelligence to blackmail American politicians, according to a former Israeli spy.
Ari Ben-Menashe, a former Israeli spy and alleged “handler” of Robert Maxwell, told the authors of a new book, Epstein: Dead Men Tell No Tales, that Epstein ran a “complex intelligence operation” at the behest of Mossad.
Believing that Epstein planned to marry his daughter, Maxwell introduced him and Ghislaine Maxwell to Ben-Menashe’s Mossad circle.
Ari Ben-Menashe, a former Israeli spy and alleged “handler” of Robert Maxwell, told the authors of a new book, Epstein: Dead Men Tell No Tales, that Epstein ran a “complex intelligence operation” at the behest of Mossad.
Believing that Epstein planned to marry his daughter, Maxwell introduced him and Ghislaine Maxwell to Ben-Menashe’s Mossad circle.
“Maxwell sort of started liking him, and my theory is that Maxwell felt that this guy is going for his daughter,” Ben-Menashe said.More
“He felt that he could bless him with some work and help him out in like a paternal [way].”
Court Denies FBI Effort to Block Release of Secret Records About FBI-Clinton Lawyer Meeting on Russia
Judicial Watch strikes again!
Conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch on Friday announced that US District Judge James E. Boasberg, an Obama appointee, denied FBI efforts to keep secret records about a Clinton lawyer’s meeting with FBI lawyer James Baker related to ‘Trump Russia.’
In October of 2018, former FBI lawyer James Baker testified that he received a packet of information from Michael Sussmann, a Perkins Coie law partner (and former DOJ lawyer) targeting Trump during the 2016 presidential election.
Perkins Coie was the same law firm that represented the DNC and Hillary Clinton’s campaign — Hillary funneled money through Perkins Coie to pay for the phony Russia dossier.
More
Conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch on Friday announced that US District Judge James E. Boasberg, an Obama appointee, denied FBI efforts to keep secret records about a Clinton lawyer’s meeting with FBI lawyer James Baker related to ‘Trump Russia.’
In October of 2018, former FBI lawyer James Baker testified that he received a packet of information from Michael Sussmann, a Perkins Coie law partner (and former DOJ lawyer) targeting Trump during the 2016 presidential election.
Perkins Coie was the same law firm that represented the DNC and Hillary Clinton’s campaign — Hillary funneled money through Perkins Coie to pay for the phony Russia dossier.
More
What a Grinch! Mean-spirited teacher tells first-graders that 'Santa isn't real' leaving children in tears as principal says the educator will 'never return to class'
A teacher at a New York City public school told first-grade students that Santa isn't real, sending the youngsters home in tears and outraging their parents.
The unnamed instructor at PS 321 in Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood also told the five and six-year-olds on Monday that the Tooth Fairy doesn't exist.
Families who complained to the school said the unthinkable revelations about St. Nick just three weeks before Christmas happened during a lesson about 'convincing'.
More
The unnamed instructor at PS 321 in Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood also told the five and six-year-olds on Monday that the Tooth Fairy doesn't exist.
Families who complained to the school said the unthinkable revelations about St. Nick just three weeks before Christmas happened during a lesson about 'convincing'.
More
Six Saudis Arrested For Questioning After Pensacola Shooting - Three Were Filming Attack
Six Saudi nationals were taken into custody for questioning near the Florida naval base where an Air Force trainee - also from Saudi Arabia - opened fire Friday morning, killing three before a sheriff's deputy shot and killed him.
According to the New York Times, three of the Saudis were filming the attack. It is unknown whether they were students at the base, or whether they are connected to the gunman.
The shooting spanned two floors in a classroom, according to Sheriff David Morgan of Escambia Country. Two deputies were shot in the ensuing gun battle and are expected to recover.
The gunman, identified as Saudi Air Force second lieutenant Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, used a locally bought Glock 45 9mm handgun with an extended magazine, and was carrying between four and six more magazines.
More
According to the New York Times, three of the Saudis were filming the attack. It is unknown whether they were students at the base, or whether they are connected to the gunman.
The shooting spanned two floors in a classroom, according to Sheriff David Morgan of Escambia Country. Two deputies were shot in the ensuing gun battle and are expected to recover.
The gunman, identified as Saudi Air Force second lieutenant Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, used a locally bought Glock 45 9mm handgun with an extended magazine, and was carrying between four and six more magazines.
More
Jonathan Turley, GOP witness, says he's received threats after impeachment testimony
A law school professor summoned by Republicans as a witness in this week’s impeachment hearing said Thursday night that he’s received threats over his testimony.
Jonathan Turley, a professor at George Washington University Law School, said he was flooded with threats even before he concluded his testimony Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee.
“My call for greater civility and dialogue may have been the least successful argument I made to the committee,” Mr. Turley tweeted. “Before I finished my testimony, my home and office were inundated with threatening messages and demands that I be fired from GW.”
A Hillary Clinton supporter and self-described liberal, Mr. Turley urged Democrats to slow down their impeachment push. He criticized Democrats for not meeting the burden of proof necessary to warrant impeachment.
More
Jonathan Turley, a professor at George Washington University Law School, said he was flooded with threats even before he concluded his testimony Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee.
“My call for greater civility and dialogue may have been the least successful argument I made to the committee,” Mr. Turley tweeted. “Before I finished my testimony, my home and office were inundated with threatening messages and demands that I be fired from GW.”
A Hillary Clinton supporter and self-described liberal, Mr. Turley urged Democrats to slow down their impeachment push. He criticized Democrats for not meeting the burden of proof necessary to warrant impeachment.
More
Out-of-state drivers owe Md. $102 million in video tolls, fines
The Maryland Transportation Authority is also in the process of contracting for a collections agency to go after out-of-state drivers, which is expected to be implemented sometime after the 3G transition.
Earlier this year, the state said out-of-state drivers have racked up $102 million in unpaid video tolls and fines.
Del. Al Carr said that the solution should instead be negotiating agreements with neighboring jurisdictions to flag vehicle registrations at renewal of drivers who haven’t paid Maryland tolls. It’s something the state is working on but the MDTA has argued that establishing reciprocal agreements is difficult because there are many different tolling agencies and some states have many different agencies like Virginia where there are 15 tolling entities. Each state also has different late payment policies, including some that are harsher than Maryland’s.
More
Earlier this year, the state said out-of-state drivers have racked up $102 million in unpaid video tolls and fines.
Del. Al Carr said that the solution should instead be negotiating agreements with neighboring jurisdictions to flag vehicle registrations at renewal of drivers who haven’t paid Maryland tolls. It’s something the state is working on but the MDTA has argued that establishing reciprocal agreements is difficult because there are many different tolling agencies and some states have many different agencies like Virginia where there are 15 tolling entities. Each state also has different late payment policies, including some that are harsher than Maryland’s.
More
Maryland charges big fines for skipping small tolls
As Maryland moves toward all-electronic toll billing and constituents complain about high fines that total thousands of dollars in some cases, two lawmakers are working to reduce the penalties for late video toll payments.
Drivers who go through toll facilities without paying – such as drivers on the all-electronic Intercounty Connector (ICC) who do not have EZ Pass transponders – are sent a video toll invoice. If the video toll is not paid within 30 days, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) issues a citation with a $50 civil penalty.
In the case of the ICC, commuters might get a notice with multiple trips included, so a single notice paid late can result in several $50 fines that add up quickly. (CORRECTION: ICC tolls are calculated at the entrance and exit to the toll road. ICC commuters who use the road frequently may get a notice with several missed toll trips, and each of those can result in a late penalty if not paid) Some drivers don’t realize they have a problem with an E-ZPass account or change addresses, only to later find out they owe hundreds or thousands in fines for small initial toll charges.
The Chesapeake Bay bridge has also gone to all cashless tolls on some days to ease traffic congestion.
More
Drivers who go through toll facilities without paying – such as drivers on the all-electronic Intercounty Connector (ICC) who do not have EZ Pass transponders – are sent a video toll invoice. If the video toll is not paid within 30 days, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) issues a citation with a $50 civil penalty.
In the case of the ICC, commuters might get a notice with multiple trips included, so a single notice paid late can result in several $50 fines that add up quickly. (CORRECTION: ICC tolls are calculated at the entrance and exit to the toll road. ICC commuters who use the road frequently may get a notice with several missed toll trips, and each of those can result in a late penalty if not paid) Some drivers don’t realize they have a problem with an E-ZPass account or change addresses, only to later find out they owe hundreds or thousands in fines for small initial toll charges.
The Chesapeake Bay bridge has also gone to all cashless tolls on some days to ease traffic congestion.
More
ICE! at Gaylord National Resort takes visitors through Whoville
FORT WASHINGTON, Md. —The newest ICE! exhibit at the Gaylord National Resort takes visitors through a Dr. Seuss favorite, where visitors can experience a classic tale in a whole new way.
"It's a magnificent, beautiful, marvelous sight to see," said Stephanie Ball, with the Gaylord National Resort.
This year's ICE! at the Gaylord National is incredibly detailed as it takes visitors inside Whoville for "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." There are 12 scenes from the Dr. Seuss classic told through 2 million pounds of ice.
"We used 13 different colors this year," Ball said. "They’re very vibrant, very vivid."
More
"It's a magnificent, beautiful, marvelous sight to see," said Stephanie Ball, with the Gaylord National Resort.
This year's ICE! at the Gaylord National is incredibly detailed as it takes visitors inside Whoville for "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." There are 12 scenes from the Dr. Seuss classic told through 2 million pounds of ice.
"We used 13 different colors this year," Ball said. "They’re very vibrant, very vivid."
More
Assateague’s Annual Pregnancy Test Results Expected This Month
ASSATEAGUE =- While it certainly wasn’t the most glamorous aspect of managing the wild horses on Assateague, National Park Service staffers have completed the annual November pregnancy tests on most of the mares on the barrier island.
Each November, Assateague Island National Seashore biologists conduct pregnancy tests on the mares among the population of wild horses in an attempt to predict how many, if any, new foals are expected to join the herd in the coming year. The size of the wild horse population on the Maryland side of Assateague has dipped to 75, or the low side of the ideal range of 80-100, so the pregnancy tests completed this month will be watched perhaps more closely than in other years.
The pregnancy testing targeted 36 mares between the ages of two and 24, according to Assateague Island National Seashore Chief of Interpretation and Education Liz Davis.
“Of the 53 mares in the current herd, 36 were pregnancy tested,” she said. “We expect the results to come back by mid-December.”
More
Each November, Assateague Island National Seashore biologists conduct pregnancy tests on the mares among the population of wild horses in an attempt to predict how many, if any, new foals are expected to join the herd in the coming year. The size of the wild horse population on the Maryland side of Assateague has dipped to 75, or the low side of the ideal range of 80-100, so the pregnancy tests completed this month will be watched perhaps more closely than in other years.
The pregnancy testing targeted 36 mares between the ages of two and 24, according to Assateague Island National Seashore Chief of Interpretation and Education Liz Davis.
“Of the 53 mares in the current herd, 36 were pregnancy tested,” she said. “We expect the results to come back by mid-December.”
More
'Pure Raw Hatred'
Democrats have "abandoned any pretense" of caring about what the American people want, and their constant attacks on President Donald Trump will go on after he wins the 2020 race, conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh said Friday.
"They have abandoned any pretense of any care or concern of what the American people want," Limbaugh told Fox News' "Fox and Friends." "After Trump wins 2020, they'll keep going like he's John Gotti. So people better get ready for this because this isn't going to end because the Democrats are nothing but pure raw hatred."
His comments came in the wake of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's announcement Thursday that Democrats will continue with articles of impeachment against Trump. They also came after the testimony of four legal witnesses to members of the House Judiciary Committee, during which three picked by Democrats argued in favor of impeachment while the other, picked by Republicans, argued against it.
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"They have abandoned any pretense of any care or concern of what the American people want," Limbaugh told Fox News' "Fox and Friends." "After Trump wins 2020, they'll keep going like he's John Gotti. So people better get ready for this because this isn't going to end because the Democrats are nothing but pure raw hatred."
His comments came in the wake of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's announcement Thursday that Democrats will continue with articles of impeachment against Trump. They also came after the testimony of four legal witnesses to members of the House Judiciary Committee, during which three picked by Democrats argued in favor of impeachment while the other, picked by Republicans, argued against it.
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Privacy concerns over proposed cameras to catch distracted drivers in Maryland
ROCKVILLE, Md. — The world's first artificial intelligence traffic camera system designed to catch and ticket drivers distracted by hand-held devices has been deployed in Australia. Maryland legislators are now considering a bill that would legalize the practice in the Old Line State.
Montgomery County's Council is split over whether to support the bill because of privacy concerns. The council voted 5 to 3 this week to "take no position" on the proposed change in state law.
"I think it's a bad idea," Councilmember Will Jawando said. "I think there are serious, serious privacy issues here and some serious potential for racial equity issues."
Jawando and other opponents noted the cameras are designed to peer inside motorists' vehicles from above and can capture images and information not related to a distracted driving offense.
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Montgomery County's Council is split over whether to support the bill because of privacy concerns. The council voted 5 to 3 this week to "take no position" on the proposed change in state law.
"I think it's a bad idea," Councilmember Will Jawando said. "I think there are serious, serious privacy issues here and some serious potential for racial equity issues."
Jawando and other opponents noted the cameras are designed to peer inside motorists' vehicles from above and can capture images and information not related to a distracted driving offense.
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Dogs may soon return to restaurants in Delaware
DOVER — Turns out you soon may be able to bring your dogs to restaurants after all.
In August, the Division of Public Health began stepping up enforcement of a little-known policy prohibiting most canines from food establishments. Now, the agency is proposing changes to the laws governing food safety in the state, including one that would allow pups “in designated OUTDOOR SPACES that are not used for food storage or preparation, when a person controls the animal and if a health or safety hazard will not result from the presence or activities.”
Every month, the state publishes a list of proposed changes to regulations, which, unlike laws, can be adjusted by a state agency rather than the General Assembly. Among the items on December’s list is one stating DPH intends to replace the Delaware food regulations with the federal 2017 food code, with a few alterations.
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In August, the Division of Public Health began stepping up enforcement of a little-known policy prohibiting most canines from food establishments. Now, the agency is proposing changes to the laws governing food safety in the state, including one that would allow pups “in designated OUTDOOR SPACES that are not used for food storage or preparation, when a person controls the animal and if a health or safety hazard will not result from the presence or activities.”
Every month, the state publishes a list of proposed changes to regulations, which, unlike laws, can be adjusted by a state agency rather than the General Assembly. Among the items on December’s list is one stating DPH intends to replace the Delaware food regulations with the federal 2017 food code, with a few alterations.
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