Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., continued to pay a computer expert who was accused of stealing computers and data systems in February, the Miami Herald reported Wednesday.
She fired Imran Awan on Tuesday after he was arrested on bank-fraud charges, but has not explained why she retained him or what kind of work he did for her.
"After details of the investigation were reviewed with us, my office was provided no evidence to indicate that laws had been broken, which over time, raised troubling concerns about due process, fair treatment, and potential ethnic and religious profiling," she said in a statement provided to the Herald.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Why people are getting the hell out of the Northeast
Winter is coming for the North.
Last year, three states in the Northeast — New Jersey, New York and Connecticut — landed in the top five places people were moving out of fastest, according to 2017 data from United Van Lines. (The other two states on the list were Illinois and Kansas.) And data from Pew Charitable Trusts found that while people are all about moving to the South (their population grew by nearly 1.4 million people from 2014 to 2015) and the West (866,000 more people), the population growth in the Northeast is “sluggish.”
The Northeastern exodus is particularly acute in many big cities like New York City. Since 2010, more than 1 million people have moved from the New York area — which includes parts of New Jersey, Connecticut and Long Island — to other parts of the country.
So why are so many Northerners packing their bags?
Last year, three states in the Northeast — New Jersey, New York and Connecticut — landed in the top five places people were moving out of fastest, according to 2017 data from United Van Lines. (The other two states on the list were Illinois and Kansas.) And data from Pew Charitable Trusts found that while people are all about moving to the South (their population grew by nearly 1.4 million people from 2014 to 2015) and the West (866,000 more people), the population growth in the Northeast is “sluggish.”
The Northeastern exodus is particularly acute in many big cities like New York City. Since 2010, more than 1 million people have moved from the New York area — which includes parts of New Jersey, Connecticut and Long Island — to other parts of the country.
So why are so many Northerners packing their bags?
The insanely high cost
Data released on Wednesday by personal finance site GoBankingRates.com reveals that the No. 1 financial fear of people who live in the Northeast is that they will have to live in debt forever; the Northeast is the only region of the country that ranked this as No. 1. (The other regions put retirement as their No. 1.)
And no wonder they’re worried. The cost of living across the region is among the highest in the nation and three of the five most expensive states or districts in the country (New York, Washington, DC, Massachusetts) are in the area. (The other two states are Hawaii and California.) Having to spend so much just to get by can make getting out of debt seem much harder. And housing costs and taxes in many of these states are also sky-high.
Data released on Wednesday by personal finance site GoBankingRates.com reveals that the No. 1 financial fear of people who live in the Northeast is that they will have to live in debt forever; the Northeast is the only region of the country that ranked this as No. 1. (The other regions put retirement as their No. 1.)
And no wonder they’re worried. The cost of living across the region is among the highest in the nation and three of the five most expensive states or districts in the country (New York, Washington, DC, Massachusetts) are in the area. (The other two states are Hawaii and California.) Having to spend so much just to get by can make getting out of debt seem much harder. And housing costs and taxes in many of these states are also sky-high.
The horrendous weather
50 indicted in large Eastern Shore drug bust
The long term undercover narcotic investigation was conducted by the Eastern Shore Drug Task Force, which is made up of personnel from the Accomack and Northampton County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police.
The indictments on the charges are for over 100 separate drug charges involving heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, prescription drugs and felony firearms violations.
In order to locate the people wanted for the drug offenses, four traffic checkpoints in Northampton County and 16 home visits by probation and parole. According to police, 102 sealed indictments were served in Accomack County and Northampton County, 131 traffic summons were issued, six other outstanding warrants were served, one person was charged with DUI and one person was charged with being intoxicated in public.
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Repealing Obamacare Without Replacement Fails in Senate With 45-55 Vote
On Wednesday, Senate Republicans voted against repealing Obamacare without a replacement in a 45-55 vote.
Seven Republican senators blocked the measure.
Voting against the measure:
Shelley Moore Capito (R., W.V.)
Susan Collins (R., Maine)
Dean Heller (R., Nev.)
John McCain (R., Ariz.)
Rob Portman (R., Ohio)
Lamar Alexander (R., Tenn.)
Lisa Murkowski (R., Alaska).
The Senate voted on the Obamacare Repeal and Reconciliation Act, which would repeal parts of Obamacare including the individual and employer mandates, taxes, and spending.
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Seven Republican senators blocked the measure.
Voting against the measure:
Shelley Moore Capito (R., W.V.)
Susan Collins (R., Maine)
Dean Heller (R., Nev.)
John McCain (R., Ariz.)
Rob Portman (R., Ohio)
Lamar Alexander (R., Tenn.)
Lisa Murkowski (R., Alaska).
The Senate voted on the Obamacare Repeal and Reconciliation Act, which would repeal parts of Obamacare including the individual and employer mandates, taxes, and spending.
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Smith Island tries to stem losses from rising sea levels
Scientists said rising sea levels and coastal erosion are putting Smith Island at risk of sinking into the bay, but that's not how residents see it.
There is work being done to keep the island community alive for centuries to come.
People approaching Smith Island off the southern tip of Maryland can almost feel the tradition that's existed for over 400 years. The goal on the island is to make sure it's around 400 years from now.
"Been here all my life, except going away for school and things like that," said Jennifer Dize, with Harbor Side restaurant.
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Queen Anne's Arts Council turns weekly concert into tornado benefit
Normally, the concerts raise $300 to $400 that goes toward supporting the council's art programs, said Allison Moffatt, office coordinator for the council. They hope to raise $500.
"It's not going to be a million dollar concert, but we couldn't very well pass the hat for ourselves at a moment like this," she said.
The council will partner with Kent Island Elks Post 2576 to get money directly to two members who lost their homes. No donation of goods or emergency supplies will be accepted. The arts council suggested contacted a local volunteer fire department for those donations.
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Health Officials Urge Individuals, Families to Seek Treatment or Access to Naloxone in Wake of Six Suspected Heroin Overdose Deaths
Through death investigations, the Division of Forensic Science identified two separate stamps on packets that are suspected of being used by the six individuals or were found at the scenes of their deaths. The division is doing toxicology testing of the substances involved and also testing the remaining packets to determine the specific content.
The six suspected overdose deaths – five in New Castle County and one in Sussex – all occurred within the past three weeks, Division of Forensic Science staff reported. Through July 24, the Division of Forensic Science has reported a total of 125 suspected overdose deaths in Delaware.
Online Fishing Tool Helps Anglers Find the Fish
Using Science to Increase Fishing Success
The tool provides a simple-to-follow, eight-step process to help anglers identify the best places to fish based on a number of scientific data points, be it clarity, habitat, oxygen levels, salinity or water quality. Click Before You Cast seeks to enhance the fishing experience and help anglers find and catch the species they are seeking.
Maryland and its partner agencies collect, analyze and post a variety of environmental monitoring data to aid in the protection and restoration of critical natural resources, including Maryland’s treasured waterways like the Chesapeake Bay. This data can also be used anglers and fishermen as they prepare for their fishing trip.
“When this goldmine of data and monitoring information is combined and distilled, it can provide anglers with a powerful new tool to avoid unproductive waters, save fuel, and increase the chances of fishing success,” said Tom Parham of the department’s Resource Assessment Service. “This is a great example of using science to serve multiple partners and purposes while providing valuable customer service for Maryland residents and visitors.”
Regular updates about Click Before You Cast will be included the department’s weekly fishing reports.
One dead, seven injured on ride at Ohio State Fair in Columbus, reports say
The man killed was among those thrown from the ride, the Associated Press reported, citing the Columbus Fire Department.
A five-second video posted on YouTube shows the ride swinging back and forth when it crashes into something and part of the ride carrying passengers breaks off. The video captured several people falling from the ride.
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Alcohol may improve memory in social drinkers
While many people drink in the hope of drowning out unwanted memories, a surprising new study suggests this may not be an effective strategy.
The study suggests that drinking alcohol improves your memory for information learned before the drinking episode began.
While the reason for this remains unclear, researchers suggest that alcohol may block the learning of new information, giving the brain more resources to lay down recently learned information into long-term memory.
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The study suggests that drinking alcohol improves your memory for information learned before the drinking episode began.
While the reason for this remains unclear, researchers suggest that alcohol may block the learning of new information, giving the brain more resources to lay down recently learned information into long-term memory.
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Baltimore has more than 16,000 vacant houses. Why can’t the homeless move in?
Council, a stocky man with a beard flecked with gray, sees the vacant houses on his way to the homeless shelter. The gutted facades are inescapable, he says, blanketing entire city blocks. He peers up at them and can’t help but feel frustrated.
“I look at all of these vacant houses, and I’m like, ‘I could be living in one of these houses,’ ” Council said. “I think, ‘We all, all the homeless, could be living in one of those houses.’ ”
Council has had enough. So he’s joined Housing Our Neighbors, a group that trumpets an innovative solution used across the country that it says would ensure affordable housing for vulnerable residents. Vacant housing, the group says, presents a “unique opportunity” to turn Baltimore’s blight into a boon. Although the city has historically had difficulty rehabilitating poor neighborhoods and critics question the plan’s feasibility, the group says the urgency couldn’t be greater.
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Wednesday, July 26, 2017
FBI arrests Debbie’s IT aide trying to flee to Pakistan, but then it gets a whole lot worse
Imran Awan, a Pakistani-born IT aide, had access to all emails and files of dozens of members of Congress, as well as the password to the iPad that Wasserman Schultz used for Democratic National Committee business before she resigned as its head in July 2016.”Conservatives continually scratch their heads in an effort to understand the odd relationship between liberals and Islam. We cannot understand how or why people who seem to despise those whom they see as religious zealots will go so far out of their way to embrace those who profess Allah, no matter how zealous they may be. And as a top aid for Debbie Wasserman-Schultz has just demonstrated, it’s not just an intellectual quest to embrace and understand. Liberal Democrats actually do their best to inform and empower Islamists. Sometimes, as in this case or as did Barack Obama when he sent chartered planes loaded with greenbacks on pallets to Iran, with cold hard cash.
This morning the Daily Caller has broken a story about Imran Awan, Wasserman-Schultz’s top information technology officer who has been arrested by the FBI after having wired nearly $300,000 to Pakistan and attempting to leave the USA en route to Pakistan – which just happens to be the same country his wife has already bolted America for with $12,000 of cash stashed in her suitcase!
“Florida Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s top information technology (IT) aide was arrested Monday attempting to board a flight to Pakistan after wiring $283,000 from the Congressional Federal Credit Union to that country.
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ELTA North America to Open Cyber Center in Maryland
Israeli Company Adds Cyber Capabilities at Howard County Headquarters Following Negotiations During Governor’s 2016 Trade Mission
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today announced that ELTA North America, a global leader in the design, manufacture, and support of innovative electronic systems, has selected Maryland for its new Cyber Innovation Center. The announcement follows the May 2017 grand opening of ELTA’s new headquarters in Annapolis Junction, when the company upgraded from a 7,500-square-foot facility to a 21,500-square-foot-facility and announced plans to add as many as 50 new jobs. ELTA North America’s decision to locate the Cyber Innovation Center in Maryland is the direct result of negotiations between Governor Hogan and company leadership, including a site visit to ELTA’s Israeli headquarters, during the governor's economic development and trade mission to Israel in September 2016.
“Our administration is dedicated to making Maryland more business-friendly and building upon our already incredibly strong cybersecurity industry, and ELTA’s decision to open its Cyber Innovation Center here is another vote of confidence in the direction we are taking our state,” said Governor Hogan. “ELTA is a world-class defense company and we are proud that they have chosen to expand their operations and continue to manufacture the components for their cutting-edge defense systems here in Maryland.”
“We are pleased to establish our footprint for cyber in Maryland,” said Eric Womble, CEO and president of ELTA North America. “We look forward to tapping into the state’s strong cybersecurity market and well-trained workforce.”
“I want to thank Eric Womble and the entire ELTA North America team for your continued commitment to Maryland,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “Here in the nation’s center of cybersecurity, ELTA has access to federal agencies at the forefront of cyber efforts, as well as a vibrant community of cyber companies and highly-trained cyber warriors. We’re very pleased that ELTA chose Maryland for the Cyber Innovation Center.”
“ELTA continues to recognize the value that Howard County offers international firms seeking to start or grow in the United States,” said Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman. “With access to leading industry talent, a strategic Mid-Atlantic location and a great quality of life, Howard County has become an ideal location for international businesses.”
State and county incentives for which the project may be eligible include conditional loans, tax credits, and training grants.
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today announced that ELTA North America, a global leader in the design, manufacture, and support of innovative electronic systems, has selected Maryland for its new Cyber Innovation Center. The announcement follows the May 2017 grand opening of ELTA’s new headquarters in Annapolis Junction, when the company upgraded from a 7,500-square-foot facility to a 21,500-square-foot-facility and announced plans to add as many as 50 new jobs. ELTA North America’s decision to locate the Cyber Innovation Center in Maryland is the direct result of negotiations between Governor Hogan and company leadership, including a site visit to ELTA’s Israeli headquarters, during the governor's economic development and trade mission to Israel in September 2016.
“Our administration is dedicated to making Maryland more business-friendly and building upon our already incredibly strong cybersecurity industry, and ELTA’s decision to open its Cyber Innovation Center here is another vote of confidence in the direction we are taking our state,” said Governor Hogan. “ELTA is a world-class defense company and we are proud that they have chosen to expand their operations and continue to manufacture the components for their cutting-edge defense systems here in Maryland.”
“We are pleased to establish our footprint for cyber in Maryland,” said Eric Womble, CEO and president of ELTA North America. “We look forward to tapping into the state’s strong cybersecurity market and well-trained workforce.”
“I want to thank Eric Womble and the entire ELTA North America team for your continued commitment to Maryland,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “Here in the nation’s center of cybersecurity, ELTA has access to federal agencies at the forefront of cyber efforts, as well as a vibrant community of cyber companies and highly-trained cyber warriors. We’re very pleased that ELTA chose Maryland for the Cyber Innovation Center.”
“ELTA continues to recognize the value that Howard County offers international firms seeking to start or grow in the United States,” said Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman. “With access to leading industry talent, a strategic Mid-Atlantic location and a great quality of life, Howard County has become an ideal location for international businesses.”
State and county incentives for which the project may be eligible include conditional loans, tax credits, and training grants.
114 arrested in New York ICE operation targeting criminal aliens, illegal re-entrants, immigration fugitives
NEW YORK – An Ecuadorian citizen convicted of rape is among the 114 foreign nationals arrested during a recently concluded 11-day operation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) deportation officers in New York targeting at-large criminal aliens, illegal re-entrants, and immigration fugitives.
Of those arrested during the enforcement action which ended Saturday, 82 had criminal histories, including prior convictions for sex crimes, drug offenses, and fraud. 15 have pending criminal charges including assault, larceny and sexual exploitation of a minor. 37 individuals have final orders of removal. Nine of those arrested were released from local custody on an active detainer.
One has a pending dangerous drug charge and a final order of removal. Others taken into custody during the operation included:
- A Jamaican national arrested in Queens, NY with a prior conviction of forcible touching, robbery in the 1st degree, and act in manner to injure a child less than 17
- A Mexican national arrested in New York, NY whose criminal record includes manslaughter in the 1st degree
Wisconsin company to offer staff microchip implants: ‘The next evolution in payment systems’
Roughly 50 employees at Wisconsin-based Three Square Market (32M) will soon have microchips embedded between their thumb and forefinger.
Opening doors, logging in to computers, and paying for food in the 32M break room will now be handled by encrypted technology the size of a grain or rice. CEO Todd Westby says all of his River Falls staff will have the opportunity to have devices implanted under their skin starting Aug. 1.
“It’s the next thing that’s inevitably going to happen, and we want to be a part of it,” Mr. Westby told a local ABC affiliate on Monday.
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MSNBC Host Mocks Dems’ ‘Better Deal’ Rollout
While guest-hosting MTP Daily, Chris Jansing told Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE) that Democrats who were on stage “didn’t look tremendously diverse.”
Ten Democrats went to Virginia for the “better deal” rollout, and there were just two (Reps. Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico and Hakeem Jeffries of New York) or three (Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts) Democrats of color on stage, depending on whether Warren is actually part Native American.
Jansing also noted that the Democrats’ new message—“better jobs, better wages, better future”—“doesn’t roll off the tongue.” She agreed with critics that the Democrats’ new message also does indeed sound like “the better ingredients, better pizza” slogan that Papa John’s Pizza uses.
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D.C.’s Strict Gun-Carry Law Again Declared Unconstitutional in Federal Court
'We are bound to leave the District as much space to regulate as the Constitution allows—but no more'
A federal court struck down the District of Columbia's gun-carry law as unconstitutional on Tuesday.
In a 2-to-1 ruling the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit said the city's requirement that those who apply for a gun-carry permit must show "good reason" beyond the desire for self-defense or residence in a high-crime area before being granted one runs afoul of the Second Amendment. The court said the Constitution guarantees a right to carry a firearm for self-protection for the law-abiding, even outside of the home. The ruling is the latest in a series of federal court rulings rebuking the nation's capital for unconstitutional gun laws that stretch back more than a decade and include a half dozen decisions against the city.
"Reading the Amendment, applying Heller I’s reasoning, and crediting key early sources, we conclude: the individual right to carry common firearms beyond the home for self-defense—even in densely populated areas, even for those lacking special self-defense needs—falls within the core of the Second Amendment’s protections," Judge Thomas Griffith wrote for the majority.
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A federal court struck down the District of Columbia's gun-carry law as unconstitutional on Tuesday.
In a 2-to-1 ruling the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit said the city's requirement that those who apply for a gun-carry permit must show "good reason" beyond the desire for self-defense or residence in a high-crime area before being granted one runs afoul of the Second Amendment. The court said the Constitution guarantees a right to carry a firearm for self-protection for the law-abiding, even outside of the home. The ruling is the latest in a series of federal court rulings rebuking the nation's capital for unconstitutional gun laws that stretch back more than a decade and include a half dozen decisions against the city.
"Reading the Amendment, applying Heller I’s reasoning, and crediting key early sources, we conclude: the individual right to carry common firearms beyond the home for self-defense—even in densely populated areas, even for those lacking special self-defense needs—falls within the core of the Second Amendment’s protections," Judge Thomas Griffith wrote for the majority.
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