DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Alabama state senator files bill criminalizing sanctuary city policies
An Alabama state senator has introduced legislation that would criminalize sanctuary city policies.
The bill, filed by Republican Sen. Arthur Orr, would make not complying with federal immigration officials a Class C felony. Orr said, however, he plans to rewrite the penalties from Class C felony to a Class B misdemeanor, which carries up to six months behind bars as opposed to up to 10 years.
Under the bill, it would be "the policy of this state to discharge illegal immigration by complying with all federal immigration laws and assisting and fully cooperating with federal immigration authorities in the enforcement of federal immigration laws.”
More
The bill, filed by Republican Sen. Arthur Orr, would make not complying with federal immigration officials a Class C felony. Orr said, however, he plans to rewrite the penalties from Class C felony to a Class B misdemeanor, which carries up to six months behind bars as opposed to up to 10 years.
Under the bill, it would be "the policy of this state to discharge illegal immigration by complying with all federal immigration laws and assisting and fully cooperating with federal immigration authorities in the enforcement of federal immigration laws.”
More
Congressional Republicans earn higher approval ratings than Democrats after impeachment: Poll
The impeachment of President Trump didn’t boost approval ratings for congressional Democrats.
According to a Gallup poll released Tuesday, approval for Republicans in Congress surpassed that of their Democratic colleagues, with the parties earning 40% approval and 35% approval, respectively. Republicans had trailed Democrats in this poll for several years, and it has been more than 15 years since either party has exceeded 50% approval.
Impeachment seems to have played a role in Republicans surpassing Democrats in the poll. Republicans gained 6 percentage points in their approval ratings from October to February while Democrats lost 3 percentage points, gaining 5 percentage points in their disapproval polling. Trump was impeached in the Democratic-controlled House in December and acquitted by the Republican-controlled Senate in February.
More
According to a Gallup poll released Tuesday, approval for Republicans in Congress surpassed that of their Democratic colleagues, with the parties earning 40% approval and 35% approval, respectively. Republicans had trailed Democrats in this poll for several years, and it has been more than 15 years since either party has exceeded 50% approval.
Impeachment seems to have played a role in Republicans surpassing Democrats in the poll. Republicans gained 6 percentage points in their approval ratings from October to February while Democrats lost 3 percentage points, gaining 5 percentage points in their disapproval polling. Trump was impeached in the Democratic-controlled House in December and acquitted by the Republican-controlled Senate in February.
More
InfoWars' Alex Jones is arrested for drunk driving in Texas after his 'wife' called cops over a 'physical' dispute then he 'fled in his car despite drinking a bottle of sake'
Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones was arrested for drunk driving in Texas, before taking to his fake news website to brand the incident a 'DWI dragnet' and claiming he was only picked up because cops needed to up their arrest rates.
But a police report claims that cops were called to his home after a family altercation that 'was physical' earlier in the day and ended with him driving away following a verbal argument.
A woman described as his 'wife' told officers he had been drinking and by 10pm Monday night, they pulled him over in Austin and smelled a strong odor of alcohol, TMZ reported.
More
But a police report claims that cops were called to his home after a family altercation that 'was physical' earlier in the day and ended with him driving away following a verbal argument.
A woman described as his 'wife' told officers he had been drinking and by 10pm Monday night, they pulled him over in Austin and smelled a strong odor of alcohol, TMZ reported.
More
Illegal immigrant driver in crash that killed four family members vacationing at Disney World ticketed for 'careless driving'
An illegal immigrant involved in a traffic accident that took the lives of four family members as they vacationed at Disney World has been charged with careless driving in Florida.
Lucas Dos Reis Laurindo, a Brazilian national, was driving a pickup truck down Florida’s 429 highway last month when traffic began to slow down, according to police. He failed to slow down in time and crashed into a Toyota Sienna, which overturned. The crash killed 5-year-old Scarlett Smith, her 12-year-old brother Jaxon Smith, their mother, 41-year-old Julie Smith, and grandmother, 76-year-old Josephine Fay.
Josephine’s husband, Bill, Julie’s husband, Shane, and their daughters Shalie and Skylar were in the car as well but survived the crash. The Massachusetts family was in Florida to visit Disney World.
More
Lucas Dos Reis Laurindo, a Brazilian national, was driving a pickup truck down Florida’s 429 highway last month when traffic began to slow down, according to police. He failed to slow down in time and crashed into a Toyota Sienna, which overturned. The crash killed 5-year-old Scarlett Smith, her 12-year-old brother Jaxon Smith, their mother, 41-year-old Julie Smith, and grandmother, 76-year-old Josephine Fay.
Josephine’s husband, Bill, Julie’s husband, Shane, and their daughters Shalie and Skylar were in the car as well but survived the crash. The Massachusetts family was in Florida to visit Disney World.
More
Alabama Senate passes bill to criminalize prescribing transgender treatments to children
Alabama’s Senate passed a bill that would make it a felony for doctors in the state to perform or prescribe gender-altering treatments on children under 19.
“I just don’t think, and others don’t think, that kids should be given experimental drugs or surgeries that could have irreversible consequences for the rest of their life,” state Sen. Shay Shelnutt, who introduced the bill, said.
The Republican-led state Senate passed the Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act on last week in a 22-3 vote. The bill will now move to the state’s House of Representatives, which has already passed a similar bill.
More
“I just don’t think, and others don’t think, that kids should be given experimental drugs or surgeries that could have irreversible consequences for the rest of their life,” state Sen. Shay Shelnutt, who introduced the bill, said.
The Republican-led state Senate passed the Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act on last week in a 22-3 vote. The bill will now move to the state’s House of Representatives, which has already passed a similar bill.
More
'I just found some white men to kill': Court is shown horrifying confession of black man facing death penalty in California over 'race hate' slayings of four people
A man accused of killing four men in California in suspected race hate crimes, told detectives in a recorded interview that he purposely hunted down white people as his victims.
A horrifying recording of Kori Ali Muhammad's confession was played in Fresno, California Monday as a court tried to determine whether the April 2017 murders warrant the death sentence.
He explained on the recording how the killing of motel security guard Carl Williams III, 25, led to the slaying of Zachary Randalls, Mark Gassett, and David Jackson.
'I didn't want to do nothing to law enforcement so I just found some white men to kill,' Muhammad - who is black - told police in a chilling video from shortly after his arrest.
More
A horrifying recording of Kori Ali Muhammad's confession was played in Fresno, California Monday as a court tried to determine whether the April 2017 murders warrant the death sentence.
He explained on the recording how the killing of motel security guard Carl Williams III, 25, led to the slaying of Zachary Randalls, Mark Gassett, and David Jackson.
'I didn't want to do nothing to law enforcement so I just found some white men to kill,' Muhammad - who is black - told police in a chilling video from shortly after his arrest.
More
'Followed through': Newsom praises Trump for response to Grand Princess coronavirus outbreak
California Gov. Gavin Newsom offered rare praise of President Trump's administration for the way it has responded to an outbreak of the COVID-19 virus on a cruise ship carrying hundreds.
The ship, dubbed the Grand Princess and carrying 3,500 people from 54 countries, docked in Oakland, California, this week after circling waters off the coast of the state for two days while health officials debated if it was safe to let the ship dock on American soil. Health officials screened 46 people aboard and found 21 who tested positive for the virus.
Over the weekend, Trump said he would prefer if the passengers did not exit the ship but would defer to the opinion of top U.S. health officials.
More
The ship, dubbed the Grand Princess and carrying 3,500 people from 54 countries, docked in Oakland, California, this week after circling waters off the coast of the state for two days while health officials debated if it was safe to let the ship dock on American soil. Health officials screened 46 people aboard and found 21 who tested positive for the virus.
Over the weekend, Trump said he would prefer if the passengers did not exit the ship but would defer to the opinion of top U.S. health officials.
More
'Sorry for being less than mindful': Joe Scarborough apologizes after sharing fake Trump tweet
MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough fell for a fake Trump tweet from 2015 calling for a president to be punished if the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1,000 points in a single day.
The stock market dropped more than 2,000 points Monday in the worst day of trading since the subprime mortgage collapse in 2008.
Scarborough took the plummet as an opportunity to pounce on a screenshot of a fake tweet that appeared to have been written by President Trump back in 2015.
The tweet read, “If the Dow Joans ever falls more than 1000 'points' in a Single Day the sitting president should be 'loaded' into a very big cannon and Shot into the sun at TREMENDOUS SPEED! No excuses!”
More
The stock market dropped more than 2,000 points Monday in the worst day of trading since the subprime mortgage collapse in 2008.
Scarborough took the plummet as an opportunity to pounce on a screenshot of a fake tweet that appeared to have been written by President Trump back in 2015.
The tweet read, “If the Dow Joans ever falls more than 1000 'points' in a Single Day the sitting president should be 'loaded' into a very big cannon and Shot into the sun at TREMENDOUS SPEED! No excuses!”
More
CNN mistakenly shows Bernie Sanders as winner in Mississippi race
CNN had some technical difficulties while calling the winner in Mississippi's Democratic primary on Tuesday, mistakenly airing a graphic declaring the state as a victory for Sen. Bernie Sander (I-Vt.) when, in fact, former Vice President Joe Biden was projected to win the state by a landslide.
What are the details?
The network apparently tried to be ahead of the game as it showed the seconds to countdown as polls closed at 8:00 p.m. EST, but as soon as the clock ran out the screen declared "Bernie Sanders wins the Mississippi primary." Host Wolf Blitzer caught the error right away saying that Sanders was "not happening right now" and quickly calling the state for Biden as technical difficulties continued.
More/Video
What are the details?
The network apparently tried to be ahead of the game as it showed the seconds to countdown as polls closed at 8:00 p.m. EST, but as soon as the clock ran out the screen declared "Bernie Sanders wins the Mississippi primary." Host Wolf Blitzer caught the error right away saying that Sanders was "not happening right now" and quickly calling the state for Biden as technical difficulties continued.
More/Video
Rashida Tlaib promotes Linda Sarsour book while wearing T-shirt that says 'Palestine' over map of Israel
Rep. Rashida Tlaib was photographed promoting controversial activist Linda Sarsour’s new book while wearing a T-shirt depicting Israel covered in Arabic letters that spell "Palestine."
“Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib's t-shirt doesn't exactly scream 'two-state solution,’" Alex VanNess, a fellow at the Endowment for Middle East Truth, tweeted Monday, along with a photo of the Michigan Democrat proudly holding up the book while sporting the shirt with Arabic writing and the colors of the Palestinian flag.
The Washington Examiner independently confirmed that the writing translates to the word "Palestine."
More
“Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib's t-shirt doesn't exactly scream 'two-state solution,’" Alex VanNess, a fellow at the Endowment for Middle East Truth, tweeted Monday, along with a photo of the Michigan Democrat proudly holding up the book while sporting the shirt with Arabic writing and the colors of the Palestinian flag.
The Washington Examiner independently confirmed that the writing translates to the word "Palestine."
More
This is what happens to votes after a candidate withdraws from the Democratic presidential primary
Although the presidential primary elections in each state have a set date, many voters choose to cast their ballots in the days and weeks leading up to election day.
According to the Maryland State Board of Elections, for the 2016 primary election, 259,051 eligible voters participated in early voting, 60,518 voted by absentee ballot and 1,061,733 voters showed up to polling centers on the day of the primary. More than 34% of eligible voters in Maryland participated in the primary election, which was higher than the national total of 28.5%, according to the Pew Research Center.
Absentee ballots, early voting and mail-in only elections have been expanded with the intention of increasing voter turnout and making voting more accessible. In a highly contested and fast-moving race such as the Democratic presidential primary, there are sometimes unintended consequences.
More
According to the Maryland State Board of Elections, for the 2016 primary election, 259,051 eligible voters participated in early voting, 60,518 voted by absentee ballot and 1,061,733 voters showed up to polling centers on the day of the primary. More than 34% of eligible voters in Maryland participated in the primary election, which was higher than the national total of 28.5%, according to the Pew Research Center.
Absentee ballots, early voting and mail-in only elections have been expanded with the intention of increasing voter turnout and making voting more accessible. In a highly contested and fast-moving race such as the Democratic presidential primary, there are sometimes unintended consequences.
More
Montana Resident Visiting Anne Arundel County Tests Positive for COVID-19
Maryland Officials Leading the Investigation; World Health Organization Declares Global Pandemic
ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today announced that a Montana resident visiting Anne Arundel County has tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). While this will be classified as a Montana case, the Maryland and Anne Arundel County Health Departments will take the lead on the investigation.
This individual is a woman in her 70s who was alerted that she had been in close contact with a confirmed case. The patient presented for testing at an Anne Arundel County hospital, which took all necessary precautions to protect staff and patients.
Maryland Department of Health (MDH) officials have notified Montana health officials, and Governor Hogan contacted Montana Governor Steve Bullock.
“Once we became aware of this case, we acted swiftly to coordinate with officials both here in Anne Arundel County and in Montana,” said Governor Hogan. “I continue to urge Marylanders to stay informed, and follow the guidance we have issued. We want to emphasize that if you are concerned about symptoms, please call your healthcare provider. We will continue to share information as it becomes available.”
Today, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic. More than 1,000 cases of COVID-19 have been detected in the United States across more than 35 states.
Maryland is currently operating under a state of emergency, and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has elevated its state response activation level. At the governor’s direction, state agencies have ramped up response and preparedness effort across all levels of government. He has also issued a directive requiring state health carriers to waive all cost-sharing regarding testing for COVID-19, andguidance to long-term and continuing care facilities that serve older people. The list of ongoing state actions is available atgovernor.maryland.gov/coronavirus.
For health resources regarding COVID-19, including case counts and clinician guidance, Marylanders should visithealth.maryland.gov/coronavirus.
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor recuses herself from Electoral College case
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor rescued herself from an upcoming case that will affect the Electoral College, citing a potential conflict of interest.
The Colorado court case, which will be heard next month, will rule whether the U.S. Constitution forbids states from dictating how members of the Electoral College cast votes for president. The question before the court is if electors, or those who ultimately cast the Electoral College votes, are mandated to cast those votes for the candidate who won the popular vote.
Sotomayor recused herself as a result of a long-time friendship with one of the parties in one of the cases. The acquaintance, Polly Baca, was one of three electors who argue that they should to be able vote for the candidate of their choice rather than the candidate who won the popular vote in the state. Baca and Sotomayor have been friends for decades, with Baca's sister and her family living in Sotomayor's New York apartment, according to NBC News.
More
The Colorado court case, which will be heard next month, will rule whether the U.S. Constitution forbids states from dictating how members of the Electoral College cast votes for president. The question before the court is if electors, or those who ultimately cast the Electoral College votes, are mandated to cast those votes for the candidate who won the popular vote.
Sotomayor recused herself as a result of a long-time friendship with one of the parties in one of the cases. The acquaintance, Polly Baca, was one of three electors who argue that they should to be able vote for the candidate of their choice rather than the candidate who won the popular vote in the state. Baca and Sotomayor have been friends for decades, with Baca's sister and her family living in Sotomayor's New York apartment, according to NBC News.
More
JUST IN: World Health Organization declares coronavirus global 'pandemic'
The World Health Organization has declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a global "pandemic."
During a media briefing Wednesday, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the WHO, said there are now more than 118,000 cases of COVID-19 in 114 countries, with 4,291 deaths.
He said in the days and weeks ahead, they expect to see the number of cases and deaths "climb even higher."
https://www.foxnews.com/health/who-declares-coronavirus-global-pandemic?
During a media briefing Wednesday, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the WHO, said there are now more than 118,000 cases of COVID-19 in 114 countries, with 4,291 deaths.
He said in the days and weeks ahead, they expect to see the number of cases and deaths "climb even higher."
https://www.foxnews.com/health/who-declares-coronavirus-global-pandemic?
Alan Dershowitz threatens libel lawsuit against CNN over impeachment coverage
Retired Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz floated the idea of filing a libel lawsuit against CNN for its characterization of comments he made during the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump.
Dershowitz, who was on Trump's legal defense team, announced the potential litigation in a column published Tuesday on Newsmax. He claims the network intentionally misrepresented what he said during his arguments on behalf of the president during the trial.
He claims that CNN, among others in the media, reported that he said Trump, or any president, has the right to do anything to secure his reelection if he believes such is in the national interest.
More
Dershowitz, who was on Trump's legal defense team, announced the potential litigation in a column published Tuesday on Newsmax. He claims the network intentionally misrepresented what he said during his arguments on behalf of the president during the trial.
He claims that CNN, among others in the media, reported that he said Trump, or any president, has the right to do anything to secure his reelection if he believes such is in the national interest.
More
“A REAL LEADER Who Will Never Let MAGA/KAG Down” – HUGE! President Trump Endorses Former Auburn Coach TOMMY TUBERVILLE over Turncoat Jeff Sessions
THIS IS HUGE!
President Donald Trump endorsed former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville in the Alabama Senate race.
President Trump: Tommy Tuberville (@TTuberville) is running for the U.S. Senate from the Great State of Alabama. Tommy was a terrific head football coach at Auburn University. He is a REAL LEADER who will never let MAGA/KAG, or our Country, down! Tommy will protect your Second Amendment (which is under siege), is strong on Crime and the Border, and truly LOVES our Military and our Vets. He will be a great Senator for the people of Alabama. Coach Tommy Tuberville, a winner, has my Complete and Total Endorsement. I love Alabama!
Former Auburn Coach Tommy Tuberville won the most votes in the Alabama Republican primary for US Senate last Tuesday night.
More
President Donald Trump endorsed former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville in the Alabama Senate race.
President Trump: Tommy Tuberville (@TTuberville) is running for the U.S. Senate from the Great State of Alabama. Tommy was a terrific head football coach at Auburn University. He is a REAL LEADER who will never let MAGA/KAG, or our Country, down! Tommy will protect your Second Amendment (which is under siege), is strong on Crime and the Border, and truly LOVES our Military and our Vets. He will be a great Senator for the people of Alabama. Coach Tommy Tuberville, a winner, has my Complete and Total Endorsement. I love Alabama!
Former Auburn Coach Tommy Tuberville won the most votes in the Alabama Republican primary for US Senate last Tuesday night.
More
'Whatever needs to be done': Kid Rock Foundation donates $50K to victims of Tennessee tornadoes
Musician Kid Rock pledged to donate $50,000 to help victims of the tornadoes that ravaged Tennessee last week.
The heart of Tennessee was hit by at least six tornadoes and heavy wind last Tuesday, leaving behind hundreds of destroyed buildings and at least 24 dead.
"Whatever needs to be done to help Tennessee and the people she holds hit by last nights devastating storm, count me in," he wrote following the storms. "God Bless Nashville."
More
The heart of Tennessee was hit by at least six tornadoes and heavy wind last Tuesday, leaving behind hundreds of destroyed buildings and at least 24 dead.
"Whatever needs to be done to help Tennessee and the people she holds hit by last nights devastating storm, count me in," he wrote following the storms. "God Bless Nashville."
More
Donald Trump's top economic adviser says a slowdown IS coming and can't offer any detail on massive tax cut president is hoping will get country through coronavirus crisis
Donald Trump economic advisor Larry Kudlow is predicting there will be 'problems ahead' on the economic front, as he spoke in broad outlines about the president's tax cut proposals without offering specifics.
Kudlow spoke to reporters 24 hours after Trump said he would produce 'major' tax cut proposals, only to float a few ideas to senators without releasing any kind of plan. He dispatched his Treasury secretary to sit down with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and talked up plans to aid affected industries and try to bolster American workers.
'We are working out details right now so I don't want to quote any numbers ahead of time,' Kudlow told reporters at the White House hours after Trump huddled with GOP senators, some of whom were cool to the initial proposals.
More
Kudlow spoke to reporters 24 hours after Trump said he would produce 'major' tax cut proposals, only to float a few ideas to senators without releasing any kind of plan. He dispatched his Treasury secretary to sit down with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and talked up plans to aid affected industries and try to bolster American workers.
'We are working out details right now so I don't want to quote any numbers ahead of time,' Kudlow told reporters at the White House hours after Trump huddled with GOP senators, some of whom were cool to the initial proposals.
More
Harvey Weinstein sentenced to 23 years in prison on rape, criminal sex act convictions
NEW YORK – Harvey Weinstein, 67, was sentenced in New York City on Wednesday to 23 years in prison for third-degree rape and a criminal sex act as he maintained he simply had consensual "extramarital affairs" with the victims.
Weinstein was convicted on two counts last month: criminal sex act for the 2006 assault of a production assistant and rape in the third degree for the 2013 attack on another woman. On the criminal sex act count, he faced a minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 25 years, while the third-degree rape count carried a maximum penalty of four years in prison.
Weinstein, who arrived in court on Wednesday in a wheelchair, addressed the judge even though he had opted out of testifying on his own behalf during his trial.
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/harvey-weinstein-sentenced-rape-criminal-sex-acts-convictions?
Weinstein was convicted on two counts last month: criminal sex act for the 2006 assault of a production assistant and rape in the third degree for the 2013 attack on another woman. On the criminal sex act count, he faced a minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 25 years, while the third-degree rape count carried a maximum penalty of four years in prison.
Weinstein, who arrived in court on Wednesday in a wheelchair, addressed the judge even though he had opted out of testifying on his own behalf during his trial.
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/harvey-weinstein-sentenced-rape-criminal-sex-acts-convictions?
'This is racist': Ilhan Omar scolds Kevin McCarthy for calling illness 'Chinese coronavirus'
It is racist to reference the location of the original outbreak of the coronavirus when describing COVID-19, according to Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Minnesota Democrat.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy tweeted out information about the coronavirus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday, writing, “Everything you need to know about the Chinese coronavirus can be found on one, regularly-updated website.”
Omar took offense to McCarthy’s use of the phrase “Chinese coronavirus.” She responded to his remarks, tweeting, “Viruses don't have nationalities. This is racist.”
More
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy tweeted out information about the coronavirus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday, writing, “Everything you need to know about the Chinese coronavirus can be found on one, regularly-updated website.”
Omar took offense to McCarthy’s use of the phrase “Chinese coronavirus.” She responded to his remarks, tweeting, “Viruses don't have nationalities. This is racist.”
More
Hunter Biden to skip deposition in paternity case, citing coronavirus and pregnant wife
Hunter Biden won’t travel to Arkansas this week for a scheduled deposition in his paternity case, citing coronavirus-related travel restrictions and his pregnant wife's imminent due date.
Biden was ordered last Thursday to appear in court Wednesday, but his lawyers told an Arkansas judge that he would be unable to attend.
"Defendant requests continuance of the hearing as he is unavailable to attend due to his wife's due date in 2 and a half weeks or less and risks involved with travel," the court filing read.
“It is unsafe for the Defendant to travel, as travel restrictions have been implemented both domestically and internationally, particularly on airlines, due to the Coronavirus. Setting aside personal endangerment, Defendant reasonably believes that such travel unnecessarily exposes his wife and unborn child to this virus. California, in particular, has been the site of numerous reported cases of exposure,” the filing continued.
More
Biden was ordered last Thursday to appear in court Wednesday, but his lawyers told an Arkansas judge that he would be unable to attend.
"Defendant requests continuance of the hearing as he is unavailable to attend due to his wife's due date in 2 and a half weeks or less and risks involved with travel," the court filing read.
“It is unsafe for the Defendant to travel, as travel restrictions have been implemented both domestically and internationally, particularly on airlines, due to the Coronavirus. Setting aside personal endangerment, Defendant reasonably believes that such travel unnecessarily exposes his wife and unborn child to this virus. California, in particular, has been the site of numerous reported cases of exposure,” the filing continued.
More
Affordable housing and political will can end U.S. homelessness, new book says
Almost 570,000 people sleep on the streets or in emergency shelters across the United States on any given night. The count rises to about 1.6 million over a full year. But who are they? What causes their homelessness? How does the country end it and prevent it from persisting?
These are the questions that the new book “In the Midst of Plenty: Homelessness and What to Do About It” by Marybeth Shinn and Jill Khadduri tackles. It’s a comprehensive look at an issue that’s endured for decades nationwide.
Modern homelessness was born out of the late 1970s housing affordability crisis — which was a product of income inequality, rising real-estate prices and a declining number of units available for people experiencing poverty, among other factors.
More
These are the questions that the new book “In the Midst of Plenty: Homelessness and What to Do About It” by Marybeth Shinn and Jill Khadduri tackles. It’s a comprehensive look at an issue that’s endured for decades nationwide.
Modern homelessness was born out of the late 1970s housing affordability crisis — which was a product of income inequality, rising real-estate prices and a declining number of units available for people experiencing poverty, among other factors.
More
Maxine Waters: ‘I Don’t Know’ if Biden Can Beat Trump
House Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) on Tuesday punted when asked whether she believes former Vice President Joe Biden (D) could defeat President Donald Trump in a general election contest.
“I don’t know, but we’ll see,” Waters replied when asked by Just the News senior correspondent Nicholas Ballasy if Biden, 77, has what it takes to win in November.
Waters noted that while she has not publically announced her support for Biden or his Democrat presidential primary rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), it’s paramount that the nominee is able to unseat the president. “It’s not about who you like,” the California Democrat explained. “It’s about now watching and understanding who can beat Trump.”
Waters was then asked about Biden’s frequent gaffes on the campaign trail and whether his mental acuity is a cause of concern.
More
“I don’t know, but we’ll see,” Waters replied when asked by Just the News senior correspondent Nicholas Ballasy if Biden, 77, has what it takes to win in November.
Waters noted that while she has not publically announced her support for Biden or his Democrat presidential primary rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), it’s paramount that the nominee is able to unseat the president. “It’s not about who you like,” the California Democrat explained. “It’s about now watching and understanding who can beat Trump.”
Waters was then asked about Biden’s frequent gaffes on the campaign trail and whether his mental acuity is a cause of concern.
More
Four Illinois sheriffs sue to strike down Illinois law allowing release of non-citizen felons
Four county sheriffs have sued the state of Illinois in federal court seeking to strike down a state law they said puts communities in danger.
The Illinois TRUST Act, enacted in 2017, was the reason given by the Illinois Department of Corrections when the Illinois Sheriffs' Association and several county sheriffs from around the state revealed the state’s prisons were no longer notifying local sheriffs about the release of felons who were not U.S. citizens upon completion of their sentence.
Last month, Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey said law enforcement officials were notified Jan. 30 by IDOC they had canceled pickups of non-citizens upon release from prisons. Downey said Kankakee contracted with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2018 to facilitate the transfer of convicted felon non-citizens being released from Illinois prisons to ICE custody.
More
The Illinois TRUST Act, enacted in 2017, was the reason given by the Illinois Department of Corrections when the Illinois Sheriffs' Association and several county sheriffs from around the state revealed the state’s prisons were no longer notifying local sheriffs about the release of felons who were not U.S. citizens upon completion of their sentence.
Last month, Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey said law enforcement officials were notified Jan. 30 by IDOC they had canceled pickups of non-citizens upon release from prisons. Downey said Kankakee contracted with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2018 to facilitate the transfer of convicted felon non-citizens being released from Illinois prisons to ICE custody.
More
Health insurers say they’ll waive coronavirus testing fees; Trump, Congress weigh payroll, industry aid
WASHINGTON — Major health insurance companies will waive copayments for novel coronavirus testing, Vice President Mike Pence said at a briefing with firm executives and President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday.
“While the risk to the average American of contracting the coronavirus remains low, we want a full partnership with industry and give the American people all the information they need to avoid contracting or spreading the coronavirus,” said Pence, who’s chairing the White House Coronavirus Task Force.
The companies at the table — which insure nearly 240 million Americans through private insurance and support of Medicare and Medicaid, according to Pence — will also extend coverage for treatment in benefit plans and telemedicine while avoiding surprise billing.
More
“While the risk to the average American of contracting the coronavirus remains low, we want a full partnership with industry and give the American people all the information they need to avoid contracting or spreading the coronavirus,” said Pence, who’s chairing the White House Coronavirus Task Force.
The companies at the table — which insure nearly 240 million Americans through private insurance and support of Medicare and Medicaid, according to Pence — will also extend coverage for treatment in benefit plans and telemedicine while avoiding surprise billing.
More
Can You Say More Affordable Housing?
Black pastors group starts petition urging Congress to censure Schumer
The president and founder of the Coalition of African American Pastors began a petition urging the Senate to censure Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for his threatening remarks aimed at two conservative Supreme Court justices.
“This behavior is an affront to the dignity of the U.S. Senate,” the petition reads. “It perpetuates a sense of division in our nation and encourages radicals to approach political disagreements as a forum for violent action. The Senate should demonstrate that Senator Schumer has gone beyond the bounds of acceptable behavior and take appropriate disciplinary action.”
Schumer, a New York Democrat, was criticized on both sides of the aisle last week for comments directed at Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh that many felt constituted a threat.
More
“This behavior is an affront to the dignity of the U.S. Senate,” the petition reads. “It perpetuates a sense of division in our nation and encourages radicals to approach political disagreements as a forum for violent action. The Senate should demonstrate that Senator Schumer has gone beyond the bounds of acceptable behavior and take appropriate disciplinary action.”
Schumer, a New York Democrat, was criticized on both sides of the aisle last week for comments directed at Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh that many felt constituted a threat.
More
Fitton: Victory! Court Orders Hillary Clinton Deposition on Emails, Benghazi Attack Documents
We’ve been in court for years over Hillary Clinton’s emails — as you know, we are persistent for justice.
The great news is that U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth has granted our request to depose the former secretary of state about her emails and Benghazi attack documents. The court also ordered the deposition of Clinton’s former Chief of Staff, Cheryl Mills, and two other State Department officials.
Additionally, the court granted our request to subpoena Google for relevant documents and records associated with Clinton’s emails during her tenure at the State Department.
The ruling comes in our lawsuit seeking records concerning “talking points or updates on the Benghazi attack” (Judicial Watch v. U.S. Department of State (No. 1:14-cv-01242)).
More
The great news is that U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth has granted our request to depose the former secretary of state about her emails and Benghazi attack documents. The court also ordered the deposition of Clinton’s former Chief of Staff, Cheryl Mills, and two other State Department officials.
Additionally, the court granted our request to subpoena Google for relevant documents and records associated with Clinton’s emails during her tenure at the State Department.
The ruling comes in our lawsuit seeking records concerning “talking points or updates on the Benghazi attack” (Judicial Watch v. U.S. Department of State (No. 1:14-cv-01242)).
More
Former West Virginia University Professor Pleads Guilty to Fraud That Enabled Him to Participate in the People’s Republic of China’s “Thousand Talents Plan”
Dr. James Patrick Lewis, of Fairview, West Virginia, has admitted to a fraud charge involving West Virginia University, the Department of Justice announced.
Lewis, age 54, pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him with “Federal Program Fraud.” From 2006 to August 2019, Lewis was a tenured professor at West Virginia University in the physics department, specializing in molecular reactions used in coal conversion technologies. In July 2017, Lewis entered into a contract of employment with the People’s Republic of China through its “Global Experts 1000 Talents Plan.” China’s Thousand Talents Plan is one of the most prominent Chinese Talent recruit plans that are designed to attract, recruit, and cultivate high-level scientific talent in furtherance of China’s scientific development, economic prosperity and national security. These talent programs seek to lure overseas talent and foreign experts to bring their knowledge and experience to China and reward individuals for stealing proprietary information.