|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Monday, July 09, 2018
As locals and tourists enjoy our beaches - is there cause for concern?
What now? Pompeo exits North Korea empty-handed
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo seemingly failed to gain a single concession from North Korea after meetings Friday and Saturday in the communist nation’s capital of Pyongyang to discuss America’s demand that the North get rid its nuclear weapons.
In fact, it seems both sides can’t even agree on what was discussed or how the talks went, with the North now even threatening to walk away from its vague pledge to denuclearize.
Following Pompeo’s talks with high-ranking North Korean government official Kim Yong Chol, North Korea accused the Trump administration of making a “unilateral and gangster-like demand for de-nuclearization” that was “deeply regrettable.”
Tellingly, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un – who rules with an iron fist and is the only one with the power to approve substantive concessions to the U.S. – did not even meet with Pompeo Friday or Saturday, although he has met with Pompeo before. That alone is evidence that Pompeo walked away from the talks largely empty-handed.
This disappointing trip by the secretary of state can only mean one thing: The Trump administration has reached the same point that every other U.S. administration – Democrat and Republican – has reached with North Korea. When negotiations get to the point where North Korea must make concessions on its nuclear program that are substantive, officials from the North cry foul – and walk away.
Mike Pompeo is not naive. In fact, the New York Times reported Saturday: “Privately, Mr. Pompeo has said that he doubts Mr. Kim will ever give up his nuclear weapons. And those doubts have been reinforced in recent days by intelligence showing that North Korea, far from dismantling its weapons facilities, has been expanding them and taking steps to conceal the efforts from the United States.”
More
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2018/07/07/what-now-pompeo-exits-north-korea-emptyhanded-leaving-us-with-three-options-all-them-bad.html
In fact, it seems both sides can’t even agree on what was discussed or how the talks went, with the North now even threatening to walk away from its vague pledge to denuclearize.
Following Pompeo’s talks with high-ranking North Korean government official Kim Yong Chol, North Korea accused the Trump administration of making a “unilateral and gangster-like demand for de-nuclearization” that was “deeply regrettable.”
Tellingly, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un – who rules with an iron fist and is the only one with the power to approve substantive concessions to the U.S. – did not even meet with Pompeo Friday or Saturday, although he has met with Pompeo before. That alone is evidence that Pompeo walked away from the talks largely empty-handed.
This disappointing trip by the secretary of state can only mean one thing: The Trump administration has reached the same point that every other U.S. administration – Democrat and Republican – has reached with North Korea. When negotiations get to the point where North Korea must make concessions on its nuclear program that are substantive, officials from the North cry foul – and walk away.
Mike Pompeo is not naive. In fact, the New York Times reported Saturday: “Privately, Mr. Pompeo has said that he doubts Mr. Kim will ever give up his nuclear weapons. And those doubts have been reinforced in recent days by intelligence showing that North Korea, far from dismantling its weapons facilities, has been expanding them and taking steps to conceal the efforts from the United States.”
More
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2018/07/07/what-now-pompeo-exits-north-korea-emptyhanded-leaving-us-with-three-options-all-them-bad.html
Trump Freezes Billions In Obamacare Payments, Outraging Insurers
The Trump administration halted billions of dollars in payments to health insurers after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the agency that administers programs under Obamacare, announced on Saturday it was freezing payments to insurers that cover sicker patients, saying a federal court ruling ties its hands. The move brought a sharp response from health insurers warning of market disruptions and even higher costs.
The payments are intended to help stabilize health insurance markets by compensating insurers that had sicker, more expensive enrollees in 2017. The government collects the money from health insurers with relatively healthy enrollees, who cost less to insure.
In a Saturday announcement, the CMS said the move was necessary because of a February ruling by a federal court in New Mexico, which found that the federal government was using an inaccurate formula for allocating the payments; it added that the trial court in New Mexico "prevents CMS from making further collections or payments under the risk adjustment program, including amounts for the 2017 benefit year, until the litigation is resolved."
The CMS, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services, added that the court’s ruling bars the agency from collecting or making payments under the current methodology, which uses a statewide average premium, Bloomberg reported.
“We were disappointed by the court’s recent ruling. As a result of this litigation, billions of dollars in risk adjustment payments and collections are now on hold." CMS Administrator Seema Verma said in the agency’s statement.
More
The payments are intended to help stabilize health insurance markets by compensating insurers that had sicker, more expensive enrollees in 2017. The government collects the money from health insurers with relatively healthy enrollees, who cost less to insure.
In a Saturday announcement, the CMS said the move was necessary because of a February ruling by a federal court in New Mexico, which found that the federal government was using an inaccurate formula for allocating the payments; it added that the trial court in New Mexico "prevents CMS from making further collections or payments under the risk adjustment program, including amounts for the 2017 benefit year, until the litigation is resolved."
The CMS, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services, added that the court’s ruling bars the agency from collecting or making payments under the current methodology, which uses a statewide average premium, Bloomberg reported.
“We were disappointed by the court’s recent ruling. As a result of this litigation, billions of dollars in risk adjustment payments and collections are now on hold." CMS Administrator Seema Verma said in the agency’s statement.
More
De Blasio Uses Counter-terrorism Plane to Fly to and From Montreal During Vacation
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (Democrat) used a NYPD counter-terrorism plane to travel between the city and Montreal, where he is taking a vacation.
The plane has sensors for detecting radioactive material from so-called dirty bombs and is not normally used to fly the mayor, the New York Post reports, but de Blasio’s office confirmed it flew him from Montreal to Westchester County Airport in New York on Thursday.
"NYPD is transporting him in their plane," de Blasio spokesman Eric Phillips said.
De Blasio was in Montreal when the plane came to pick him up and take him to the memorial for slain NYPD detective Miosotis Familia. He took the same plane back to Montreal from Westchester to continue his vacation.
One source told the Post that the use of the plane was "excessive."
"It is very unusual to go on an international flight to go pick up the mayor," the source said..
More
The plane has sensors for detecting radioactive material from so-called dirty bombs and is not normally used to fly the mayor, the New York Post reports, but de Blasio’s office confirmed it flew him from Montreal to Westchester County Airport in New York on Thursday.
"NYPD is transporting him in their plane," de Blasio spokesman Eric Phillips said.
De Blasio was in Montreal when the plane came to pick him up and take him to the memorial for slain NYPD detective Miosotis Familia. He took the same plane back to Montreal from Westchester to continue his vacation.
One source told the Post that the use of the plane was "excessive."
"It is very unusual to go on an international flight to go pick up the mayor," the source said..
More
Fauxcahontas Erupts Again!
Elizabeth Warren: EPA Administrator Must Believe in Climate Change
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) said on Thursday following President Donald Trump’s tweet announcing that Scott Pruitt was stepping down as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that anyone who doesn’t believe in climate change should not head the agency.
The Hill reported on Warren’s statement about Pruitt’s resignation in which she said he should have been fired “28 scandals ago,” even though he was not fired but tendered a letter of resignation to Trump.
In the letter, Pruitt mentioned “unrelenting attacks” from the leftwing media and Democrats for alleged ethics violations, including criticism of family members “that have taken a sizable toll on all of us.”
More
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) said on Thursday following President Donald Trump’s tweet announcing that Scott Pruitt was stepping down as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that anyone who doesn’t believe in climate change should not head the agency.
The Hill reported on Warren’s statement about Pruitt’s resignation in which she said he should have been fired “28 scandals ago,” even though he was not fired but tendered a letter of resignation to Trump.
In the letter, Pruitt mentioned “unrelenting attacks” from the leftwing media and Democrats for alleged ethics violations, including criticism of family members “that have taken a sizable toll on all of us.”
More
Driver pays $280 fine, ending Md. traffic case after deaths of two law enforcement officers
The driver of a Honda Accord that fatally struck an FBI agent and a fire investigator on the side of a Maryland highway has paid a $280 fine, concluding a case of negligent driving lodged against him.
Roberto Garza Palacios, 28, did not have to appear in court and did not receive jail time, according to court records and lawyers involved in the case, which ended with the June 25 payment.
The outcome reflected what prosecutors had concluded about Garza Palacios’s driving the night of Dec. 8 and how state laws could be applied.
While he drove in a “careless and imprudent manner,” prosecutors found, his actions did not rise to a “gross deviation” from careful driving or a “reckless disregard” for human life — the conditions needed to support more-serious charges.
More
Roberto Garza Palacios, 28, did not have to appear in court and did not receive jail time, according to court records and lawyers involved in the case, which ended with the June 25 payment.
The outcome reflected what prosecutors had concluded about Garza Palacios’s driving the night of Dec. 8 and how state laws could be applied.
While he drove in a “careless and imprudent manner,” prosecutors found, his actions did not rise to a “gross deviation” from careful driving or a “reckless disregard” for human life — the conditions needed to support more-serious charges.
More
Sunday, July 08, 2018
All You Can Eat Crabs $25.00 Today Only ***UPDATE***
Cancel that! The crab truck broke down outside Hoopers Island and they will not have crabs today but will have them tomorrow. Sorry Folks.
Buddy's on Wicomico Street in OC will open their doors at 4 pm today. All you can eat crabs, fries and corn for $25.00. Spread the word.
Buddy's on Wicomico Street in OC will open their doors at 4 pm today. All you can eat crabs, fries and corn for $25.00. Spread the word.
Looking For Something To Do Today?
BREAKING NEWS: Thailand cave rescue: first two boys brought out, local official tells Reuters – live
More/Video
BREAKING NEWS: THE SALISBURY MARYLAND DAILY TIMES HAS BEEN SOLD
FYI: We just received word from our newspaper delivery person that "The Baltimore Sun has acquired The Daily Times effective on Monday, July 23rd." and his last day of delivering the newspaper to us will be on Sunday, July 22.
We enjoy your website and thank you for providing us with real news.
Ocean City Maryland Summer 2018
Over the past two decades, (especially 4th of July) the traffic back up for locals was simply unbearable. Locals learned, (sometimes the hard way) to make sure we did all our shopping by July 3rd or we'd have to deal with horrible traffic conditions.
For example, I live about one mile outside Ocean City, (the island). That means if I had to go to WalMart of Home Depot I could easily get there but coming home, well, that was a whole different story. Many can tell you right here in comments, traffic could back up all the way to Stephen Decatur High School, let alone WalMart. Now I'm talking a parking lot kind of traffic. That short trip back to my home would take at least 45 minutes just to go about 2 miles, (or so).
We have friends who work at Seacrets who informed me last week that they were let go early on Saturday night because Seacrets only had around a thousand customers, something extremely rare. We're watching local businesses close way early on a daily basis because there's just no business. My guess is that you will see a LOT of businesses close their doors for next season because they just can't survive. One local bar is now selling domestic beer for $1.00 ! Talk about desperate. There's no possible way they can survive. Last night we drove by that bar and there was truly ONE car in their entire parking lot and you and I both know that was more then likely an employee vehicle.
Getting back to my point, (sorry, I had an a.d.d. moment, oh look, a chicken) Salisbury News arrived a long time ago. We can no longer be ignored. While many tried to deny our massive success, we continued to plug away every single day and local government learned we're just not going away. Ocean City can try to claim, (anonymously) what we are putting out there just isn't true, they're the liars. The traffic we have always experienced in past years is real. My home overlooks the Rt. 50 Herring Creek Bridge/overpass. We could sit on the front porch and see cars literally parked on that bridge, not just briefly, I'm talking all day and night. That is NOT the case at all this year. In fact, I've not witnessed it ONCE this year.
All that being said, even though the economy is doing a complete 180, Ocean City is NOT the Family Resort it used to be. Friends no longer walk the Boardwalk for exercise in the early mornings because of the drug addicts, the bums, the homeless constantly harassing them. When hotel rates skyrocket to upwards of $450.00 a night, taxes through the roof, just what did they expect. A Typical $20.00 per person meal is not $40.00+. Parking is $3.00 an hour no matter where you go. Uber can cost you upwards of $150.00 round trip just to go to dinner and back.
Sorry Ocean City, we LOVED to visit in the 1970's and 1980's but you've destroyed that island. Hence why you are seeing such massive growth in West Ocean City. Locals know, the best restaurants are in West OC. Many of the talented Chefs are relocating and even partnering with new businesses in West OC.
The image above was taken around 1:20 PM yesterday. Because the island pays out so much in salaries to run and protect it, they've depleted their rainy day money in the tens of millions of dollars and they've created an unbelievable amount of new taxes and fees that will ultimately turn into the next Atlantic City. Ocean City truly needs some new and innovative government leaders before it's too late.
Lying about how busy you are may have worked in years past but when you have SBYNews with traffic in the tens of millions, we can't be bought and clearly we're not going away. I am not out to harm Ocean City. Many of us lived and were even raised on the island. Almost every single one of us got the hell out of there and came to West Ocean City because we saw the writing on the wall. If you don't open your eyes and ears, (lie) you will remain on a fast track to bankruptcy. MANY businesses, (who can't vote) depend on these political leaders. There isn't one business in 2018 who can say they're booming or having a great year.
The parking lot, (above) says it all. Stop cropping pictures and making it look like things are busier then they are. The blame lies on the politicians, forcing businesses to raise their rates to keep up with the local taxes and fees. It wouldn't be so bad if the parking lots were actually full 18 hours a day, BUT THEY'RE NOT.
WBOC Refuses To Tell Its Viewers What The Developer Paid For Riverfront Property In Downtown Salisbury
So let's look at some of the details I had expressed over a week ago HERE. I personally think one of the key details ignored by WBOC was the contract for the "Beer Garden". The developer signed off stating they would be up and running by August 31st 2018. IMPOSSIBLE! There is no way you can deliver plans and get them approved by then. Let alone construction and ultimately permits from the Health Department, not going to happen. Anyone who has had to deal with the Liquor Board knows there's no way the plans, (accepted) can be advertised soon enough to get a license by then as well.
Then again, this is the Eastern Shore and we'll have to keep a very close eye on the outcome of this matter. Your local media is not fair and balanced. They simply want to ease you into what they perceive and fluff news, as if this is a really great thing. Did WBOC research the possibility that the City at some point may have used "Project Open Space" back in the day on these lots? If in fact the City did so, they CANNOT sell these lots. That's what they would've agreed to when they purchased and redeveloped these lots.
Clearly you cannot trust what you are being fed by WBOC. Obviously they found out about this story from Salisbury News, yet they did very little to expose the true details. Especially what the developer offered to purchase the property for and ultimately what Day and Heath agreed to reduce that offer and give away taxpayer owned property.
More to come...
MSP Investigating Death of Salisbury Truck Driver
(HYATTSTOWN, Md.) – Maryland State Police are investigating the death of a tractor-trailer driver that occurred this morning in Montgomery County.
At approximately 11:30 a.m. this morning, a trooper with the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division at the Hyattstown weigh station placed the victim’s tractor-trailer out of service for brake violations. The vehicle was placed in the out-of-service lot at the facility.
Based on a preliminary investigation, the driver was attempting to make the necessary brake adjustments but had failed to engage the parking brake on the vehicle. As the driver was under the truck, it rolled back and over the driver. The driver was declared deceased at the scene.
The victim has been identified as James Lee Hobbs, 58, of Salisbury, Md. No one else was injured as a result of this incident.
The incident remains under investigation.
At approximately 11:30 a.m. this morning, a trooper with the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division at the Hyattstown weigh station placed the victim’s tractor-trailer out of service for brake violations. The vehicle was placed in the out-of-service lot at the facility.
Based on a preliminary investigation, the driver was attempting to make the necessary brake adjustments but had failed to engage the parking brake on the vehicle. As the driver was under the truck, it rolled back and over the driver. The driver was declared deceased at the scene.
The victim has been identified as James Lee Hobbs, 58, of Salisbury, Md. No one else was injured as a result of this incident.
The incident remains under investigation.
Don't Let This Picture Fool You
While this image was posted on Facebook, don't let the image OR WBOC fool you. Ocean City was DEAD yesterday. Take it from someone who has lived in Ocean City, (on and off) for the past 20+ years, there was absolutely no traffic whatsoever heading in to Ocean City.
In years past there'd be a line backing all the way up to WalMart in Berlin. Heck, there wasn't even a back up to Rt. 611. Talking to friends who went into OC, they were excited there were no lines, including Thrashers. The Boardwalk was also clear and I went to Dumser's Ice Cream on Rt. 50 around 8:00 PM and it was as clear as it normally is, (outside a holiday). No backup whatsoever.
WBOC made it sound like Ocean City was packed, that's a flat out LIE. More Fake News from your local MSM. While others cover the news, SBYNews UNCOVERS it, with the truth.
By the way, do the rest of you feel like you're now living on the Mexican border any more? I've always recognized the Eastern Shore accent but this Hispanic accent being shoved down our throats is getting ridiculous. Oh, I must be a racist now, right Libs?
I Guess They Didn't Go To Sam's Club For Gas
ARREST MADE IN EARLY MORNING SALISBURY FIRE
At approximately 5:30 am, the Salisbury Fire Department responded to the 600 Block of Douglas Road for a fire involving a personal watercraft (Yamaha jet ski) on a trailer in the roadway. The fire was extinguished by fire department personnel and placed under control within 5 minutes. The fire was reported to 911 by a passerby. Damages were estimated to be approximately $1,500.00.
During the Origin and Cause investigation it was determined that Flowers intentionally burnt the items by using an ignitable liquid and illegal fireworks. The jet ski and trailer were identified as not being the personal property of Flowers.
Flowers has been charged with 2nd Degree Arson and Malicious Burning 1st Degree. He was seen by a Wicomico County District Court Commissioner and released on his own recognizance.
Ugh!
If Granted By Court, Injunction Would Permit Topless Women In OC Until Final Ruling Made
OCEAN CITY — While the civil suit challenging Ocean City’s topless ordinance moves through the court system, the plaintiffs in the case late last week filed a motion seeking a preliminary injunction allowing women to immediately go bare-chested in the same public areas where men can.
A little over a year ago, the Ocean City Mayor and Council passed an emergency ordinance prohibiting women from going topless in certain public areas including the beach and Boardwalk where men are allowed to go shirtless. The ordinance was passed in response to a request from Chelsea Eline to the Town of Ocean City, the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Maryland Attorney General’s Office for clarification of the existing state laws prohibiting female toplessness in certain public areas.
Last week, with the suit filed in U.S. District Court plodding through the court system and the calendar flipping to July, the attorney for the named plaintiffs filed a motion seeking a preliminary injunction which, if granted, would enjoin the town from enforcing the topless ordinance.
Noted civil rights attorney Devon Jacob, who represents Eline and the other named plaintiffs, filed the motion for a preliminary injunction on Friday. Jacob said he asked the town to consider not enforcing the topless ordinance voluntarily until a decision is reached in the federal case but the request was denied.
More
A little over a year ago, the Ocean City Mayor and Council passed an emergency ordinance prohibiting women from going topless in certain public areas including the beach and Boardwalk where men are allowed to go shirtless. The ordinance was passed in response to a request from Chelsea Eline to the Town of Ocean City, the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Maryland Attorney General’s Office for clarification of the existing state laws prohibiting female toplessness in certain public areas.
Last week, with the suit filed in U.S. District Court plodding through the court system and the calendar flipping to July, the attorney for the named plaintiffs filed a motion seeking a preliminary injunction which, if granted, would enjoin the town from enforcing the topless ordinance.
Noted civil rights attorney Devon Jacob, who represents Eline and the other named plaintiffs, filed the motion for a preliminary injunction on Friday. Jacob said he asked the town to consider not enforcing the topless ordinance voluntarily until a decision is reached in the federal case but the request was denied.
More
Comptroller Arrests Three Men in Eastern Shore Cigarette Stop
Field Enforcement Division agents seize 1,650 packs and vehicle
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced that agents from his Field Enforcement Division (FED) arrested three Philadelphia men who have been charged in Maryland as a result of a surveillance operation on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
"My FED agents are dedicated to identifying criminals who try to cheat the system and use Maryland as a transportation conduit for their illegal activities," Comptroller Franchot said. "Their vigilance protects Maryland businesses and levels the playing field for all."
Agents said Quay Samuel Chaney, 54, was seen buying multiple quantities of cigarettes from various locations June 28 and concealing the cigarettes in the rear seat area of a 2008 Volvo. Chaney was a passenger in a car driven by Ronald Tucker, 59, and occupied by another passenger, Edward B. Johns, 65. The three then drove from Virginia into Maryland, where the car was stopped by police at Sheep House Road in Pocomoke, Worcester County.
Agents searched the vehicle and found 1,650 packs of contraband cigarettes, valued at $10,642.50 and representing a tax loss to the State of $3,300. The cigarettes and car were seized and all three were arrested.
Each man was taken before a Worcester County District Court Commissioner in Snow Hill and charged with a felony count of transporting contraband cigarettes and a misdemeanor count of possession of contraband cigarettes.
Mr. Chaney is being held on a $16,500 bond at the Worcester County Detention Center. His preliminary hearing is set for July 24. Mr. Tucker and Mr. Johns were each released on personal recognizance. Both have hearings set for July 17.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced that agents from his Field Enforcement Division (FED) arrested three Philadelphia men who have been charged in Maryland as a result of a surveillance operation on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
"My FED agents are dedicated to identifying criminals who try to cheat the system and use Maryland as a transportation conduit for their illegal activities," Comptroller Franchot said. "Their vigilance protects Maryland businesses and levels the playing field for all."
Agents said Quay Samuel Chaney, 54, was seen buying multiple quantities of cigarettes from various locations June 28 and concealing the cigarettes in the rear seat area of a 2008 Volvo. Chaney was a passenger in a car driven by Ronald Tucker, 59, and occupied by another passenger, Edward B. Johns, 65. The three then drove from Virginia into Maryland, where the car was stopped by police at Sheep House Road in Pocomoke, Worcester County.
Agents searched the vehicle and found 1,650 packs of contraband cigarettes, valued at $10,642.50 and representing a tax loss to the State of $3,300. The cigarettes and car were seized and all three were arrested.
Each man was taken before a Worcester County District Court Commissioner in Snow Hill and charged with a felony count of transporting contraband cigarettes and a misdemeanor count of possession of contraband cigarettes.
Mr. Chaney is being held on a $16,500 bond at the Worcester County Detention Center. His preliminary hearing is set for July 24. Mr. Tucker and Mr. Johns were each released on personal recognizance. Both have hearings set for July 17.
UPenn Professor: Women Could Go to Jail for Miscarriages if ‘Roe’ Overturned
Dorothy Roberts, a University of Pennsylvania professor of law and sociology, said Wednesday that a conservative Supreme Court could overturn Roe v. Wade and ultimately criminalize miscarriages.
Arguing that President Donald Trump’s pick to succeed Justice Anthony Kennedy would usher in a conservative majority, Roberts said that outcome could lead to prosecutors going after women who suffer miscarriages. In an MSNBC clip noted by the Daily Caller, Roberts said "misogynistic laws" would be able to stand because of the anti-abortion rulings a conservative Court could potentially make.
"It’s a very thin line between putting a woman in prison for a stillbirth or a miscarriage that she’s blamed for—for something she did during her pregnancy—and criminalizing abortions," Roberts claimed. "So we’re already at that point, and I agree with Jennifer that women and others have to protest against this continued criminalization of women, harms to our health, and what I think is misogynistic laws against women."
MSNBC host Ali Velshi asked Roberts about a tweet she wrote saying women would be under fire from all these different directions if the Supreme Court overturned Roe. Roberts expressed concern about the "onslaught on women’s access to abortion" that could occur were a conservative justice to take Kennedy’s place.
More here
Arguing that President Donald Trump’s pick to succeed Justice Anthony Kennedy would usher in a conservative majority, Roberts said that outcome could lead to prosecutors going after women who suffer miscarriages. In an MSNBC clip noted by the Daily Caller, Roberts said "misogynistic laws" would be able to stand because of the anti-abortion rulings a conservative Court could potentially make.
"It’s a very thin line between putting a woman in prison for a stillbirth or a miscarriage that she’s blamed for—for something she did during her pregnancy—and criminalizing abortions," Roberts claimed. "So we’re already at that point, and I agree with Jennifer that women and others have to protest against this continued criminalization of women, harms to our health, and what I think is misogynistic laws against women."
MSNBC host Ali Velshi asked Roberts about a tweet she wrote saying women would be under fire from all these different directions if the Supreme Court overturned Roe. Roberts expressed concern about the "onslaught on women’s access to abortion" that could occur were a conservative justice to take Kennedy’s place.
More here
A Viewer Writes: "public safety" officer
Well this truck had it's lights on and was stopped in the right lane of traffic behind a red truck. It almost caused a couple accidents with people trying to get around them in rush hour traffic. After getting through the traffic backup, and getting up to Lowe's, the red truck pulls away, and the "public safety" truck pulls into traffic and turns off it's lights. The red truck didn't seemed broken down, it didn't seem to be working on anything, it was just stopped.
So I tried slowing down enough to get a picture of the rear plate (as I didn't see a front plate) and the truck seemed to know what I was doing and pulled into the right turn ramp onto the bypass at the last minute, as I tried to get behind him, he quickly sped up and switched into the regular 13 business lanes and headed south as I continued to the 50 West exit.
The whole thing just seemed out of place, why was their no city/county logo anywhere on vehicle or anything to identify what municipality this "public safety" truck belongs to? I don't know of any town locally that has a "public safety officer" or department. Perhaps Ocean City? But this truck continued south through Salisbury.
Restaurant manager fired after refusing to serve customer wearing MAGA hat
Darin Hodge, the former manager of the Teahouse in Stanley Park, told Global News he stood by his decision to ask the man to take off the cap saying the hat represented “racism, bigotry, Islamophobia, misogyny, white supremacy, (and) homophobia.”
“As a person with a strong moral backbone, I had to take a stand against this guest’s choice of headwear while in my former place of work. Absolutely no regrets,” he said in a written statement to Global News.
The hats were made popular during Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.
More
Breaking News: A rescue effort in Thailand is underway to save 12 trapped boys and their soccer coach, officials said. Divers have been sent into the cave.
The commander of the rescue operation said they hoped the first rescue would take place at 9 p.m. Sunday.
Saturday, July 07, 2018
Waters off US East Coast may give birth to tropical storm west of Bermuda
This feature may join Hurricane Beryl, which formed in the south-central Atlantic on Thursday.
"We are monitoring an area of disturbed weather a couple of hundred miles south of Bermuda at this time," according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Max Vido.
The potential formation zone is close to the Gulf Stream, which is a continuous current of warm water that originates from the tropics. Waters along much of the Atlantic seaboard are much above average for this time of the year.
More
MAN PUNCHED, DRAGGED 30 FEET BY CAR FOR HAVING TRUMP FLAG IN HIS YARD
A Florida man said he was punched in the face and dragged 30 feet with his arm trapped in a car by a man who was angry over the fact he had a Trump flag in his front yard.
The incident occurred in Boynton Beach on July 4th as Jeff Good watched a fireworks display from his driveway at around 9:30pm.
An older man with gray hair and his female companion drove up and began yelling about President Trump and demanding Good remove the Trump flag from his yard.
When Good refused, the man allegedly punched him in the face. Good tried to punch back, but the man immediately drove off with Good’s arm still trapped in the car.
More
Here's Why Hillary Is Running Again in 2020
That's right: Hillary Clinton is running for president again in 2020. She has actually ramped up her campaign since her defeat in 2016! From her Twitter feed to university speeches to appearances abroad – from Ireland to Australia to India – the "I'm with her" campaign continues. The message remains the same: Donald Trump is racist and sexist, and his supporters are deplorable. Hillary also continues to preach that she won the 2016 popular vote by 3,000,000 votes, but because of the electoral college (that damn Constitution thing) and RussiaRussiaRussia, she was robbed of her rightful prize and place in history.
Her Path to the Nomination
Hillary has a highly plausible path to the Democratic Party nomination, something no other potential Democrat candidate for president can say. In the primaries, Hillary Clinton's name recognition and loyal voters would earn her an easy 25% of the vote, while the anti-Hillary vote would split among as many as ten other candidates at about 5-10% each. This is not dissimilar to what Trump accomplished on the Republican side in 2016. With a solid base of supporters, Trump was able to win primary after primary while the others split the vote. Each time someone dropped out, Trump picked up about half of his supporters, with the other half disbursed among the other candidates. This is a realistic path for Hillary to gain the Democrat nomination, and it is no doubt irresistible to her.
Hillary is the only potential Democrat with big money-raising potential and an existing fundraising mechanism. That mechanism has been in place for 30 years! Hillary also has as much as $1 billion in Clinton Foundation donations stashed away for just such a rainy day. You didn't really think all that Russian oligarch money was sent to hungry children in Haiti, did you?
More
Her Path to the Nomination
Hillary has a highly plausible path to the Democratic Party nomination, something no other potential Democrat candidate for president can say. In the primaries, Hillary Clinton's name recognition and loyal voters would earn her an easy 25% of the vote, while the anti-Hillary vote would split among as many as ten other candidates at about 5-10% each. This is not dissimilar to what Trump accomplished on the Republican side in 2016. With a solid base of supporters, Trump was able to win primary after primary while the others split the vote. Each time someone dropped out, Trump picked up about half of his supporters, with the other half disbursed among the other candidates. This is a realistic path for Hillary to gain the Democrat nomination, and it is no doubt irresistible to her.
Hillary is the only potential Democrat with big money-raising potential and an existing fundraising mechanism. That mechanism has been in place for 30 years! Hillary also has as much as $1 billion in Clinton Foundation donations stashed away for just such a rainy day. You didn't really think all that Russian oligarch money was sent to hungry children in Haiti, did you?
More
Rape Suspects Hard to Find Due to Illegal Status, ABC Admits
One suspect accused of raping teens was deported in 2017
Rape suspects who are in the country illegally are hard for police to track down, a local ABC affiliate admitted.
In particular, US Marshals are struggling to find men accused of raping two teens at a hotel in Bowling Green, Ohio, because they lack legal documentation.
“The problem is that [they] appear to be in this country illegally and police are using what little they have to go on,” 13 ABC of Ohio reported. “…Investigators do know what hotel they were staying in but that’s about it.”
“Most of the paperwork and documents they’ve received from this group has turned out to be bogus.”
More
Rape suspects who are in the country illegally are hard for police to track down, a local ABC affiliate admitted.
In particular, US Marshals are struggling to find men accused of raping two teens at a hotel in Bowling Green, Ohio, because they lack legal documentation.
“The problem is that [they] appear to be in this country illegally and police are using what little they have to go on,” 13 ABC of Ohio reported. “…Investigators do know what hotel they were staying in but that’s about it.”
“Most of the paperwork and documents they’ve received from this group has turned out to be bogus.”
More
SCOTUS Frontrunner Raymond Kethledge’s Record Reveals Immigration Weakness
Judge Raymond Kethledge, by some reports now the frontrunner for President Donald Trump’s next Supreme Court nomination, has a record that shows weakness on immigration.
Since President George W. Bush appointed Kethledge to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, he has consistently demonstrated interpretations of immigration law at odds with the conservative wing of the Supreme Court and, more broadly, the notion that American immigration laws exist for the benefit of Americans. He has also shown a willingness to inject his own sympathies with the plight of illegal aliens facing deportation into his opinions.
In 2013, for example, Kethledge sided with an illegal alien who overstayed a tourist visa and then spent the next ten years, while in the country illegally, trying to get an employment visa. Two separate employers filed paperwork that would have allowed the Indian national to remain in the United States, and both times the applications were denied when U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) found the jobs to be bogus. Kethledge ruled, over a dissent by a Bill Clinton-appointed judge, that the alien himself had a right to challenge the determination that the employers did not qualify to keep foreign workers in the country, rather than just the employers themselves.
Even more troubling for those who prefer an America First interpretation of immigration law, Kethledge’s opinion in Patel v. USCIS expressly rejected the government’s contention that the sole purpose of those laws is to protect American workers and benefit American businesses that need foreign labor in qualifying circumstances where they cannot find Americans.
More here
Since President George W. Bush appointed Kethledge to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, he has consistently demonstrated interpretations of immigration law at odds with the conservative wing of the Supreme Court and, more broadly, the notion that American immigration laws exist for the benefit of Americans. He has also shown a willingness to inject his own sympathies with the plight of illegal aliens facing deportation into his opinions.
In 2013, for example, Kethledge sided with an illegal alien who overstayed a tourist visa and then spent the next ten years, while in the country illegally, trying to get an employment visa. Two separate employers filed paperwork that would have allowed the Indian national to remain in the United States, and both times the applications were denied when U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) found the jobs to be bogus. Kethledge ruled, over a dissent by a Bill Clinton-appointed judge, that the alien himself had a right to challenge the determination that the employers did not qualify to keep foreign workers in the country, rather than just the employers themselves.
Even more troubling for those who prefer an America First interpretation of immigration law, Kethledge’s opinion in Patel v. USCIS expressly rejected the government’s contention that the sole purpose of those laws is to protect American workers and benefit American businesses that need foreign labor in qualifying circumstances where they cannot find Americans.
More here
"Hurry The F Up": New Strzok-Page Email Reveals FBI Scramble For Dirt On Trump Campaign
Congressional investigators have received a trove of new communications between embattled FBI agent Peter Strzok and his counterintelligence team which reveal "troubling" evidence that the FBI was rushing at breakneck speed to dig up any possible dirt on the Trump campaign, reports The Hill's John Solomon, after the communications were described to him.
Memos the FBI is now producing to the Department of Justice (DOJ) inspector general and multiple Senate and House committees offer what sources involved in the production, review or investigation describe to me as “damning” or “troubling” evidence.
They show Strzok and his counterintelligence team rushing in the fall of 2016 to find “derogatory” information from informants, or a “pretext” to accelerate the probe and get a surveillance warrant on figures tied to the future president. -The Hill
More
Memos the FBI is now producing to the Department of Justice (DOJ) inspector general and multiple Senate and House committees offer what sources involved in the production, review or investigation describe to me as “damning” or “troubling” evidence.
They show Strzok and his counterintelligence team rushing in the fall of 2016 to find “derogatory” information from informants, or a “pretext” to accelerate the probe and get a surveillance warrant on figures tied to the future president. -The Hill
More
Lost Dog In Salisbury: ***UPDATE!!!***
Anti-White Congolese Activist and Immigrant Who Assaults Cops and Climbed Statue of Liberty Says Trump Is a Monster
Anti-white Congolese immigrant and activist Therese Okoumou was cheered by Democrats as she pleaded not guilty in court to climbing the Statue of Liberty.
Therese Okoumou, from the Congo, wore a “white supremacy is terrorism” T-shirt to court.
Again, Therese Okoumou pleaded ‘not guilty’ to climbing the Statue of Liberty.
Therese Okoumou assaulted a police officer last year.
She attends anti-Trump rallies on a weekly basis.
She credited Michelle Obama for her stunt on the 4th of July.
Can someone explain what this immigrant is contributing to our society?
More
Therese Okoumou, from the Congo, wore a “white supremacy is terrorism” T-shirt to court.
Again, Therese Okoumou pleaded ‘not guilty’ to climbing the Statue of Liberty.
Therese Okoumou assaulted a police officer last year.
She attends anti-Trump rallies on a weekly basis.
She credited Michelle Obama for her stunt on the 4th of July.
Can someone explain what this immigrant is contributing to our society?
More
The Reason Democrats Are All Behind Mueller Witch Hunt Is Likely Hidden in the IG’s Clinton Email Report and It Will Make You Sick
Their efforts to frame the current President are so extreme, corrupt and criminal that one has to wonder why they would go through all this to frame President Trump? What could be so devastating that liberals in politics and the media will do all they can to make up this bold and grandiose lie? The answer may have been hidden in the recent IG’s report on the FBI’s actions with Hillary’s emails.
The IG’s report released a month ago reported numerous crimes and corrupt actions taken by many individuals in the deep state FBI and DOJ. These fiends reportedly did all they could to cover up Hillary’s email crimes while setting up the current President on a phony non-existent crime of Russian collusion. We now have more information that may be the reason for the extreme measures to take down the current President.
More
Medical Marijuana a Hit With Seniors
Seniors are giving rave reviews for medical marijuana.
In a new survey, those who turned to it for treating chronic pain reported it reduced pain and decreased the need for opioid painkillers.
Nine out of 10 liked it so much they said they'd recommend medical pot to others.
"I was on Percocet and replaced it with medical marijuana. Thank you, thank you, thank you," said one senior.
Another patient put it this way: "It [medical marijuana] is extremely effective and has allowed me to function in my work and life again. It has not completely taken away the pain, but allows me to manage it."
More
In a new survey, those who turned to it for treating chronic pain reported it reduced pain and decreased the need for opioid painkillers.
Nine out of 10 liked it so much they said they'd recommend medical pot to others.
"I was on Percocet and replaced it with medical marijuana. Thank you, thank you, thank you," said one senior.
Another patient put it this way: "It [medical marijuana] is extremely effective and has allowed me to function in my work and life again. It has not completely taken away the pain, but allows me to manage it."
More
China's military reforms designed to 'WIN A WAR' and overtake the US
CHINA’s military reforms have been revealed by leaked internal documents, which indicate Beijing intends to expand its military might offshore so that the country will be allowed to “manage a crisis, contain a conflict, win a war” and overtake the United States in military strength.
The leaked documents were published by the Central Military Commission in February for the purpose of spreading President Xi Jinping’s “thought on strengthening the armed forces”.
If the reforms go ahead, they will lead to heightened tensions with China’s neighbouring countries, including Japan, in the East and South China Seas and the US.
The documents read: “As we open up and expand our national interests beyond borders, we desperately need a comprehensive protection of our own security around the globe.”
The report adds a military expansion will allow China to “more effectively create a situation, manage a crisis, contain a conflict, win a war, defend the expansion of our country’s strategic interests in an all-round fashion and realise the goals set by the party and Chairman Xi”.
More
The leaked documents were published by the Central Military Commission in February for the purpose of spreading President Xi Jinping’s “thought on strengthening the armed forces”.
If the reforms go ahead, they will lead to heightened tensions with China’s neighbouring countries, including Japan, in the East and South China Seas and the US.
The documents read: “As we open up and expand our national interests beyond borders, we desperately need a comprehensive protection of our own security around the globe.”
The report adds a military expansion will allow China to “more effectively create a situation, manage a crisis, contain a conflict, win a war, defend the expansion of our country’s strategic interests in an all-round fashion and realise the goals set by the party and Chairman Xi”.
More
Anti-Union California Teachers Want Union Fees Back After Janus Case
Seven California teachers believe teacher unions violated their constitutional rights by forcing them to pay union fees, so they have filed a class-action lawsuit trying to recoup their money.
The July 3 lawsuit comes after the Supreme Court ruled 5–4 in the Janus v. AFSCME 31 case making it unconstitutional under the First Amendment to use compulsory agency fees for public employees.
If the lawsuit is successful, the plaintiffs want to “refund all fair-share service fees or agency fees unlawfully withheld or collected” from them.
Plaintiffs believe the union fees violated their First Amendment free speech rights by forcing them to “subsidize private speech on matters of substantial public concern,” according to the lawsuit.
“The teachers are asking the unions, which took all that money, to give their hard-earned money,” said John Bursch, a lawyer who helped file the lawsuit. Bursch added that the teachers are asking for three years of refunds from the teacher unions.
More
The July 3 lawsuit comes after the Supreme Court ruled 5–4 in the Janus v. AFSCME 31 case making it unconstitutional under the First Amendment to use compulsory agency fees for public employees.
If the lawsuit is successful, the plaintiffs want to “refund all fair-share service fees or agency fees unlawfully withheld or collected” from them.
Plaintiffs believe the union fees violated their First Amendment free speech rights by forcing them to “subsidize private speech on matters of substantial public concern,” according to the lawsuit.
“The teachers are asking the unions, which took all that money, to give their hard-earned money,” said John Bursch, a lawyer who helped file the lawsuit. Bursch added that the teachers are asking for three years of refunds from the teacher unions.
More
After no-show threat, FBI agent Strzok's public testimony rescheduled
Two House committees have pushed back the public testimony of Peter Strzok, the FBI agent who vowed to stop President Trump from winning the 2016 election, after his attorney threatened to ignore the subpoena.
Mr. Strozk is now expected to testify in a public hearing on July 12. Initially, the House Judiciary and and Oversight and Government reform committees had initially scheduled his appearance on July 10.
The switch comes after the embattled G-man’s lawyer, Aitan Goelman, said his attorney may not comply with the subpoena issued Tuesday.
“We just got this subpoena today, so I don’t know whether or not we are going to be testifying next Tuesday in front of these two particular House committees,” Mr. Goelman told CNN earlier this week.
More
Mr. Strozk is now expected to testify in a public hearing on July 12. Initially, the House Judiciary and and Oversight and Government reform committees had initially scheduled his appearance on July 10.
The switch comes after the embattled G-man’s lawyer, Aitan Goelman, said his attorney may not comply with the subpoena issued Tuesday.
“We just got this subpoena today, so I don’t know whether or not we are going to be testifying next Tuesday in front of these two particular House committees,” Mr. Goelman told CNN earlier this week.
More
Emails Shed Light On Peter Strzok
During a closed-door interview on June 27, former FBI official Peter Strzok downplayed his role in obtaining surveillance warrants to spy on former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page.
The Daily Beast reported that Strzok, the former deputy chief of counterintelligence, claimed in the interview that he had no substantive input on drafting or securing Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrants used to spy on Page, an energy consultant who left the Trump team in September 2016.
Strzok also denied providing evidence for the FISAs, the first of which was granted on Oct. 21, 2016.
A Republican in the June 27 interview confirmed that Strzok, who oversaw the Russian investigation, denied having a direct role in the FISA process. But the Republican was also incredulous at Strzok’s suggestion that he had little to do with the spy warrants obtained against Page.
More
The Daily Beast reported that Strzok, the former deputy chief of counterintelligence, claimed in the interview that he had no substantive input on drafting or securing Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrants used to spy on Page, an energy consultant who left the Trump team in September 2016.
Strzok also denied providing evidence for the FISAs, the first of which was granted on Oct. 21, 2016.
A Republican in the June 27 interview confirmed that Strzok, who oversaw the Russian investigation, denied having a direct role in the FISA process. But the Republican was also incredulous at Strzok’s suggestion that he had little to do with the spy warrants obtained against Page.
More
ICE seizes 181,000 counterfeit items worth nearly $43 million in Laredo, Texas
In mid-June 2018, HSI special agents conducted surveillance over a three-day period and observed boxes containing suspected counterfeit merchandise being moved. During the enforcement action, HSI discovered that all shipping labels on all the boxes depicted fictitious delivery addresses in Laredo. HSI confirmed the boxes contained counterfeit merchandise and detained the boxes. HSI eventually seized 795 boxes containing 181,615 pieces of trademark-infringed merchandise, which included many counterfeited brands, such as the following names: Adidas, Apple, Calvin Klein, Casio, Chanel, Coach, Diesel, Fendi, Gucci, Hugo Boss, LG, Luis Vuitton, Mark Kors, Nike, Rolex, Samsung, Sony, Under Armor, Yves St. Laurent; and DC and Marvel Comics. Through its investigation, HSI discovered that the Laredo-based criminal organization was the same organization that agents identified from a separate May 2018 counterfeit merchandise seizure. During the May 2018 seizure, HSI seized $16.1 million in trademark infringed merchandise which was destined for illegal export to Mexico.
More
Maxine Waters Incited ‘Very Definition of Mob Violence,’ Says Group Filing Ethics Complaint with House
Conservative watchdog and activism group Judicial Watch has filed an ethics complaint against Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), said Tom Fitton, the organization's president, on Fox News on Thursday.
"The number one House ethics rule is you've got to act in a way that reflects credibly on the House at all times, and when you’re out there… inciting mob violence against sitting Trump cabinet members, that doesn’t obviously reflect credibly on the House,” said Fitton on Fox & Friends. “And the House has to decide whether they’re going to allow its members to use the House as a platform and its power and position to attack and incite violence against Trump cabinet members.”
Waters infamously told a crowd of liberal protestors to "create a crowd" and "push back" any time they see a member of the Trump cabinet.
More
"The number one House ethics rule is you've got to act in a way that reflects credibly on the House at all times, and when you’re out there… inciting mob violence against sitting Trump cabinet members, that doesn’t obviously reflect credibly on the House,” said Fitton on Fox & Friends. “And the House has to decide whether they’re going to allow its members to use the House as a platform and its power and position to attack and incite violence against Trump cabinet members.”
Waters infamously told a crowd of liberal protestors to "create a crowd" and "push back" any time they see a member of the Trump cabinet.
More
ICE detainees worth millions to Worcester
It’s no secret, but it might not be common knowledge that Worcester is among the Maryland counties that has been housing Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees at its jail since 1998.
It’s also known that the county is paid for this service, and the current rate is $87.11 per day, per inmate.
What most people probably don’t know, however, is how that money adds up. Since 2012, the county has brought in more than $42 million by housing these federal detainees.
Currently, there are 151 detainees at the Worcester County Jail, and that translates into almost $13,200 per day in revenue.
More
It’s also known that the county is paid for this service, and the current rate is $87.11 per day, per inmate.
What most people probably don’t know, however, is how that money adds up. Since 2012, the county has brought in more than $42 million by housing these federal detainees.
Currently, there are 151 detainees at the Worcester County Jail, and that translates into almost $13,200 per day in revenue.
More
THE LEFT CELEBRATES JULY 4 BY DENOUNCING THE FIRST AMENDMENT
Leading publication of mainstream Left openly coming out against First Amendment
The biggest news this week is that the Left has officially turned against the First Amendment and freedom of speech — and just in time for the Fourth of July!
If you’re on the Right, it is not news that the Left wants to shut us up. The only change is that this goal is being announced openly in the leading publications of the mainstream Left, specifically in a long article in The New York Times warning about “How Conservatives Weaponized the First Amendment.” Weaponized. That’s right, they’re giving the First Amendment the same treatment they gave the Second. Does free speech seem as scary and dangerous as an AR-15 yet?
So what’s wrong with the First Amendment? It protects people the Left doesn’t like. No, really, that’s the argument.
More
The biggest news this week is that the Left has officially turned against the First Amendment and freedom of speech — and just in time for the Fourth of July!
If you’re on the Right, it is not news that the Left wants to shut us up. The only change is that this goal is being announced openly in the leading publications of the mainstream Left, specifically in a long article in The New York Times warning about “How Conservatives Weaponized the First Amendment.” Weaponized. That’s right, they’re giving the First Amendment the same treatment they gave the Second. Does free speech seem as scary and dangerous as an AR-15 yet?
So what’s wrong with the First Amendment? It protects people the Left doesn’t like. No, really, that’s the argument.
More
Hans Parisis: Hike Gas Prices to Get an American's Attention
President Donald Trump has tweeted angrily about OPEC and oil prices.
“The OPEC Monopoly must remember that gas prices are up & they are doing little to help. If anything, they are driving prices higher as the United States defends many of their members for very little $’s. This must be a two way street. REDUCE PRICING NOW!” he wrote on Twitter.
The president appears unhappy with the level of oil prices considering them to be too high. The president’s authority in the oil market is such that oil prices rose marginally in European trading when markets were closed in the U.S. for the holiday.
A higher oil price transfers money from American oil consumers to oil producers. Now, as OPEC spends, by far, most of its income in Europe rather than in the United States, any money flowing from the U.S. to OPEC will tend to be spent in Europe.
However, and for investors that’s important, not that much money flows from the U.S. to OPEC into the U.S. fracking area.
More
“The OPEC Monopoly must remember that gas prices are up & they are doing little to help. If anything, they are driving prices higher as the United States defends many of their members for very little $’s. This must be a two way street. REDUCE PRICING NOW!” he wrote on Twitter.
The president appears unhappy with the level of oil prices considering them to be too high. The president’s authority in the oil market is such that oil prices rose marginally in European trading when markets were closed in the U.S. for the holiday.
A higher oil price transfers money from American oil consumers to oil producers. Now, as OPEC spends, by far, most of its income in Europe rather than in the United States, any money flowing from the U.S. to OPEC will tend to be spent in Europe.
However, and for investors that’s important, not that much money flows from the U.S. to OPEC into the U.S. fracking area.
More
Former VP Joe Biden Endorses Maryland Governor Candidate Ben Jealous
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Former Vice President Joe Biden has endorsed Ben Jealous, who won the Democratic nomination for Maryland Governor in the primary election last month.
Jealous, who beat out Rushern Baker, Richard Madeleno, Alec Ross, Jim Shea, and Krish Vignarajah, is taking on current Governor Larry Hogan
Dave Chappelle and Bernie Sanders had previously endorsed Jealous, along with nearly 40 other people or organizations, according to Jealous’ campaign.
More/Video
Jealous, who beat out Rushern Baker, Richard Madeleno, Alec Ross, Jim Shea, and Krish Vignarajah, is taking on current Governor Larry Hogan
Dave Chappelle and Bernie Sanders had previously endorsed Jealous, along with nearly 40 other people or organizations, according to Jealous’ campaign.
More/Video
Japan Executes Cult Leader Behind Infamous 1990s Sarin Gas Attack
Doomsday cult leader Shoko Asahara and several followers were executed Friday for their roles in a deadly 1995 gas attack on the Tokyo subways and other crimes, Japanese media reported.
The top Japanese government spokesman confirmed Asahara's execution but wouldn't comment on the others. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said only that the Justice Ministry would make an announcement later Friday.
Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported that six followers were also hanged, citing unidentified sources. In all, 12 followers had been on death row with Asahara for the crimes, which killed 27 people. Asahara was 63 years old.
More
The top Japanese government spokesman confirmed Asahara's execution but wouldn't comment on the others. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said only that the Justice Ministry would make an announcement later Friday.
Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported that six followers were also hanged, citing unidentified sources. In all, 12 followers had been on death row with Asahara for the crimes, which killed 27 people. Asahara was 63 years old.
More
New Jersey expands LGBTQ protections
Genderqueer residents can now have their birth and death certificates amended to reflect their gender identity.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed three bills into law on Tuesday that offer more rights and protections for the LGBTQ community.
The first two measures, SB478 and SB493, allow birth and death certificates for transgender residents to be amended to reflect their gender identity. People may identify themselves as female, male or undesignated. Previously, transgender or genderqueer residents had to undergo gender confirmation surgery and obtain proof from their doctor to update their birth certificate.
The third bill, SB705, establishes the Transgender Equality Task Force, which will ensure that protections are put in place for the trans community andoversee those efforts.
According to the measure, the group, consisting of 17 members, will provide “recommendations to the Legislature and the Governor on how to ensure equality and improve the lives of transgender individuals, with particular attention to the following areas: healthcare, long term care, education, higher education, housing, employment and criminal justice.”
More
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed three bills into law on Tuesday that offer more rights and protections for the LGBTQ community.
The first two measures, SB478 and SB493, allow birth and death certificates for transgender residents to be amended to reflect their gender identity. People may identify themselves as female, male or undesignated. Previously, transgender or genderqueer residents had to undergo gender confirmation surgery and obtain proof from their doctor to update their birth certificate.
The third bill, SB705, establishes the Transgender Equality Task Force, which will ensure that protections are put in place for the trans community andoversee those efforts.
According to the measure, the group, consisting of 17 members, will provide “recommendations to the Legislature and the Governor on how to ensure equality and improve the lives of transgender individuals, with particular attention to the following areas: healthcare, long term care, education, higher education, housing, employment and criminal justice.”
More
Department of Planning and Zoning Has Updated Its "Floodplain" Page
SALISBURY, MD - In recognition of "National Insurance Awareness Day" celebrated on June 28th, the Wicomico County Department of Planning and Zoning has updated its "Floodplain" page to include newly released publications from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
"We are getting a head start on the upcoming hurricane season by providing the citizens of Wicomico County with useful information to help them prepare for potential flooding events," stated Bob Culver, County Executive. "We also want to encourage every homeowner to consider obtaining flood insurance - even if your home is located outside of a mapped floodplain," he added.
FEMA reports that more than 20 percent of flood insurance claims come from properties outside of mapped flood zones. Wicomico County qualifies for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by maintaining strict building standards. NFIP communities are provided discounts on flood insurance premiums.
Recent estimates provided by FEMA claim that one inch of water in a home can cost more than $25,000 in damage. A newly released publication provides guidance on low-cost projects that homeowners can do themselves. "Protect Your Home From Flooding" is now available on the County's Department of Planning and Zoning web page at: http://www.wicomicocounty.org/540/Floodplain or by contacting the Planning and Zoning Department at 410-548-4810.
Additional publications to help homeowners prepare for flooding events, including caring for pets during a flood, are also available on-line or at the Department of Planning and Zoning located at 125 N. Division Street in downtown Salisbury. Homeowners can also visit the department for individual guidance with improvements to prevent flooding.
"We are getting a head start on the upcoming hurricane season by providing the citizens of Wicomico County with useful information to help them prepare for potential flooding events," stated Bob Culver, County Executive. "We also want to encourage every homeowner to consider obtaining flood insurance - even if your home is located outside of a mapped floodplain," he added.
FEMA reports that more than 20 percent of flood insurance claims come from properties outside of mapped flood zones. Wicomico County qualifies for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by maintaining strict building standards. NFIP communities are provided discounts on flood insurance premiums.
Recent estimates provided by FEMA claim that one inch of water in a home can cost more than $25,000 in damage. A newly released publication provides guidance on low-cost projects that homeowners can do themselves. "Protect Your Home From Flooding" is now available on the County's Department of Planning and Zoning web page at: http://www.wicomicocounty.org/540/Floodplain or by contacting the Planning and Zoning Department at 410-548-4810.
Additional publications to help homeowners prepare for flooding events, including caring for pets during a flood, are also available on-line or at the Department of Planning and Zoning located at 125 N. Division Street in downtown Salisbury. Homeowners can also visit the department for individual guidance with improvements to prevent flooding.
Stamp-Size Mistake Costs Postal Service $3.5 Million
That statue welcomes visitors to the New York-New York Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, and between 2010 and 2014, it earned the Postal Service over $70 million in profits.
Last week, Las Vegas sculptor Robert Davidson was awarded $3.5 million from the Postal Service in a lawsuit.
The confusion started a decade ago, when the Postal Service decided to update its line of "forever" stamps with an image featuring Lady Liberty.
According to court documents, a stamp development manager at the time started by gathering stock images of the Statue of Liberty — all possibilities for the new stamp. But he didn't realize that his final choice was not, in fact, a photograph of the national monument.
More
FBI's Peter Strzok may ignore House subpoena, says his lawyer
Peter Strzok, the former FBI agent who vowed to "stop" President Trump from winning the 2016 election despite being part of a federal investigation into his campaign, may not show up to testify next week despite being subpoenaed.
"My client will testify soon, somewhere, sometime. We just got this subpoena today, so I don't know whether or not we are going to be testifying next Tuesday in front of these two particular House subcommittees," Aitan Goelman, Strzok's attorney, told CNN's Chris Cuomo.
Goelman said he could not automatically respond "yes" because the two "have come to the conclusion, forced to come to the conclusion, that this is not a search for truth, it is a chance for Republican members of the House to preen and posture before their most radical, conspiracy-minded constituents."
More
"My client will testify soon, somewhere, sometime. We just got this subpoena today, so I don't know whether or not we are going to be testifying next Tuesday in front of these two particular House subcommittees," Aitan Goelman, Strzok's attorney, told CNN's Chris Cuomo.
Goelman said he could not automatically respond "yes" because the two "have come to the conclusion, forced to come to the conclusion, that this is not a search for truth, it is a chance for Republican members of the House to preen and posture before their most radical, conspiracy-minded constituents."
More
Will History Record Illinois As A Failure Of Democracy?
As America celebrates its Independence this week, it seems only right to consider the most far-reaching questions raised by Illinois’ crisis:
Did the Founding Fathers miss something? Did we miss something the Founders stood for? Is our form of democracy fundamentally flawed?
The importance of those questions is part of why Wirepoints exists, and why we hope other states follow Illinois’ story.
Illinois inherited assets most states and nations would envy. Its GDP remains larger than all but fifteen countries of the world. More importantly, it inherited constitutional self-government.
But it’s failing.
More
Did the Founding Fathers miss something? Did we miss something the Founders stood for? Is our form of democracy fundamentally flawed?
The importance of those questions is part of why Wirepoints exists, and why we hope other states follow Illinois’ story.
Illinois inherited assets most states and nations would envy. Its GDP remains larger than all but fifteen countries of the world. More importantly, it inherited constitutional self-government.
But it’s failing.
More
Senate Democrats Create Giant Trump Nominee Backlog
Senate Democrats pushed three times as many cloture votes to stall President Donald Trump’s nominees as were pushed during his four previous predecessors’ combined first terms.
As of July 2, the Senate has used the cloture rule to force at least 30 hours of debate on 101 Trump nominees. This is the second year of Trump’s first term. In contrast, the cloture rule was invoked a combined 32 times for nominees of Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.
Just days away from Trump announcing a nomination to the Supreme Court, the pace of moving lower-level nominees will most assuredly slow even further.
White House officials have accused Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., of “weaponizing” cloture.
More
As of July 2, the Senate has used the cloture rule to force at least 30 hours of debate on 101 Trump nominees. This is the second year of Trump’s first term. In contrast, the cloture rule was invoked a combined 32 times for nominees of Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.
Just days away from Trump announcing a nomination to the Supreme Court, the pace of moving lower-level nominees will most assuredly slow even further.
White House officials have accused Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., of “weaponizing” cloture.
More
Breaking News: North Korea accused the U.S. of a "gangster-like demand for denuclearization," even as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called talks productive
Despite North Korea’s criticism, its Foreign Ministry said leader Kim Jong-un still wanted to build on the “friendly relationship and trust” forged with President Trump during their summit meeting in Singapore on June 12. The ministry also said Mr. Kim had written a personal letter to Mr. Trump, which was handed to Mr. Pompeo to deliver.
Iran is ready for change
On Saturday, the people of Khorramshahr, a city in southwestern Iran, poured into the streets to protest against poor living conditions and a lack of access to drinking water. Like many other protests happening across Iran, slogans against the highest authorities of the Iranian regime, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, accompanied Khorramshahr’s demonstrations. Instead of taking steps to address the people’s grievances, the regime responded by dispatching its security forces to crack down on the protesters. Clashes ensued as the deprived people of Khorramshahr refused to back down from fighting for their most basic rights.
Protests like those in Khorramshahr have become quite common since the turn of the year, when economic woes and government corruption triggered nationwide unrest across Iran. But what made the Khorramshahr demonstrations different was that they took place while tens of thousands of Iranians had gathered in Paris to support protesters in Iran.
Called “Free Iran 2018,” the event was attended by high-profile politicians and lawmakers from dozens of countries. The rally had two messages. To the people of Iran: You’re not alone. To the rest of the world: There’s a real and viable alternative to the tyrannical and extremist mullahs ruling in Iran.
More
Protests like those in Khorramshahr have become quite common since the turn of the year, when economic woes and government corruption triggered nationwide unrest across Iran. But what made the Khorramshahr demonstrations different was that they took place while tens of thousands of Iranians had gathered in Paris to support protesters in Iran.
Called “Free Iran 2018,” the event was attended by high-profile politicians and lawmakers from dozens of countries. The rally had two messages. To the people of Iran: You’re not alone. To the rest of the world: There’s a real and viable alternative to the tyrannical and extremist mullahs ruling in Iran.
More
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)