Maryland
Maryland Democrats Threaten Funding of Immigrant Rights Group That Called for Gaza Ceasefire
A group of Democratic state senators in Maryland is threatening to strip state funding for an immigrant rights group after it called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and condemned the “utilization of US tax dollars to promote the ongoing violence.”
The nine lawmakers who represent Montgomery County — Maryland’s most populous county — said in a statement on Wednesday that the remarks by CASA were “hurtful, divisive, and antisemitic.”
CASA is a Maryland-based advocacy organization that also provides services for the state’s immigrant communities, and it receives millions of dollars from the state and local governments to do that work. The Democratic delegation, whose members sit on influential committees in the state legislature, suggested that it may cease state support for the organization. “This might be an appropriate time to reevaluate the state’s mechanism for providing financial aid and support to our immigrant community,” the senators wrote. “More specifically, we must ensure that public funds are not being used to promote antisemitism and Jewish hate.”
The Democrats’ threat follows actions by other state and federal officials urging crackdowns against those supportive of the Palestinian people and critical of Israel’s war on Gaza. Sen. Josh Hawley led a resolution condemning “radical student organizations” protesting on college campuses, while Sen. Tom Cotton called to deport foreign nationals deemed to be in support of Hamas. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, meanwhile, has opened an investigation into a pro-Palestinian nonprofit, while students and employees across the country have faced professional retaliation for their support of Palestine.
“The systematic targeting and silencing of organizations and individuals advocating for a ceasefire and an end to the occupation needs to stop,” said Yasmine Taeb, legislative and political director at MPower Change Action Fund, a Muslim-led justice organization. “It’s particularly shameful for Montgomery County state senators to attempt to silence CASA, an organization fighting on behalf of our immigrant communities, by threatening to withhold their funding.”
The saga in Maryland began with a statement CASA released on Monday, expressing “resolute and steadfast solidarity with the people of Palestine” and calling for an “immediate ceasefire to save all precious life and halt the systematic ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people.”
The statement, signed by CASA Executive Director Gustavo Torres, condemned Hamas’s attack on October 7 and rejected the notion that any violence could justify Israel’s attacks of “terror,” including the targeting of refugee camps and medical and United Nations aid workers.
The group, which was founded by activists who opposed U.S. interference in Latin America, also noted its strong support for decolonization and for Indigenous and historically colonized people. “The Palestinian struggle mirrors our own; with many CASA members fleeing governments and countries wrecked by the damage of US economic and political intervention.”
The organization also posted a series of tweets mirroring the language in the statement. CASA faced swift pushback, including from Montgomery County Council Vice President Andrew Friedson, who called the statement “inflammatory and inaccurate” and urged the group to retract it.
The group deleted the statement and the tweets on the same day it issued them and posted an apology. “We write to acknowledge that our words have caused hurt,” CASA tweeted. “We have received feedback from our dear and trusted partners, who have expressed their concerns about the impact of our language.”
Torres expressed similar sentiments in an interview with The Intercept, saying that the group feels “horrendous” about hurting Jewish community members, some of whom they have worked with for years.
He said CASA maintains its support for a ceasefire and that the group will have a new statement in the days to come. The group hopes to communicate that it is for peace, that it denounces the killing of civilians by both Hamas and the Israeli government, and that Palestine deserves self-determination, as Israel deserves a democratic state with security.
Torres said he has spoken with some of the senators and believes that they do not want to cut funding for CASA’s basic services, including workforce development and English and computer classes. “I hope that that is not their intention. And I hope that they are going to analyze better the statement they make about that.”
According to CASA’s 2021 tax filings, the group received $4.89 million in government grants and another $11.3 million in government contracts, out of its total $25.7 million in revenue.
In their letter, the senators wrote that they “have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with CASA to support Montgomery County’s values,” and that Hamas represents the antithesis of those values.” They also decried CASA’s “inflammatory posting of a sign that reads ‘From the River to the Sea,’” referring to a picture of a protest sign that CASA had posted on Instagram and later deleted. The slogan, which has become a lightning rod in the political discourse about Israel and Gaza, has long been used by Palestinians to refer to their aspirations for freedom and equality.
The Democrats said CASA — which opened its statement by condemning the Hamas attack — overlooked the militants’ efforts to kill Jews. Their letter made no mention of the over 10,000 Palestinian casualties of Israel’s retaliatory war on Gaza.
In a statement on Thursday, state Delegate Gabriel Acevero shot back against his Senate counterparts, saying he was “disgusted” by the delegation’s threats. “Let me be very clear, I will call out and fight any attempt by any Democrat in Annapolis to target resources for new Americans,” he wrote. “I don’t tolerate xenophobia from Republicans, and I won’t tolerate it from Democrats. I am calling on the Montgomery County Senate Delegation to retract the insensitive letter they authored and rethink how they communicate with our community, and their constituents.”
The nine Maryland Democrats who signed the letter are:
Benjamin Kramer
Ariana Kelly
Brian Feldman
Katie Fry Hester
Cheryl Kagan
Nancy King
William Smith
Jeff Waldstreicher
Craig Zucker
Penn State Football Behind Enemy Lines: Maryland Terrapins
Sitting one win away from locking up their first ever berth in the College Football Playoff, and a likely first-round home game, no. 4 Penn State is set to welcome a struggling Maryland Terrapins (4-7, 1-7) squad to Beaver Stadium on Saturday afternoon. In a game where the attendance may be low with the temperatures even lower, the Nittany Lions may need to bring their own juice. Something that is not typically the case for a game at Beaver Stadium.
The Terrapins may struggle to have much juice for this game, too. Sitting at 4-7 with bowl eligibility off the table, Maryland has little to play for. Factor in the Terps entering this game as losers of four games in a row and six of their last seven, and they may not present much of a fight on Saturday.
To get more insight on Maryland we turn to Scott Greene of our sister site at TerrapinSportsReport. For one last time this regular season, let’s go behind enemy lines.
HVI: Obviously, it has been a rough year in College Park. With Maryland likely on their way to a 4-8 finish, could Mike Locksley be on the hot seat?
SG: This has become a question that has been asked quite a bit over the last couple of weeks and regardless of what happens Saturday, the answer remains the same, Locksley is not on the hot seat despite missing a bowl game this year.
The facts remain, Maryland has the smallest booster base in the Big Ten and also one of the smallest budgets among all P4 programs. Even if the AD or administration wanted to fire him, they almost certainly couldn’t afford to.
Then there is the incoming recruiting class, currently ranked 29th nationally and headlined by local superstar Rivals250 quarterback Malik Washington. The Severn (Md.) Archbishop Spalding signal caller led the Cavaliers to a 12-0 record and a third straight MIAA ‘A’ conference championship this fall, propelling them to the top-10 national ranking. A two-sport standout in football and basketball, Penn State remained in heavy pursuit of Washington even after he committed to the Terps and Michigan tried to swoop in at the 11th hour. Having seen a lot of Washington, he has the potential to be the kind of quarterback that can single-handedly change the fortunes of a program. And with Washington expected to enroll in January to get a head start on learning the offense and getting acclimated to college life, there is just zero chance they would even think about moving on from Locksley at this point in time.
HVI: To build on the first question, is this a Maryland team with much fight left in them? Or is this group ready to move on to the offseason?
SG: Based on what we saw in the first half last week, it feels like this Maryland group is ready to move on to the offseason. With that said, the Penn State game is one that most Maryland players are going to really get up for, regardless of how the season has gone, simply because there is a lot of familiarity with these teams. There are a number of players on both teams that played together in high school at places like Archbishop Spalding and Owing Mills (Md.) McDonogh. This familiarity often leads to guys being more up for the Penn State game and can also lead to some chippiness out on the field which again, just serves to get everyone on both sides riled up. So while this Maryland team doesn’t have much to play for as a unit, I think pride and showing out against their former teammates will motivate quite a few Terps.
HVI: Billy Edwards has done some nice things for the Terps this season but appears to be battling the injury bug. Do you expect him to play on Saturday? If he does play, how limited could he be?
SG: Taking Locksley at his word, based on what he said during his Tuesday press conference earlier in the week, yes, I expect to see Billy Edwards Jr. at least try to give it a go in warmups, and as long as he can hand the ball off and make the basic throws, we will see him start the game. Edwards is as tough as they come and one of the fiercest competitors on the Maryland roster. If he is able to go, there is no way he will be sitting on the sideline when the offense takes the field to start the game.
As for how limited Edwards might be, he’s been battling a thumb injury that could hinder his ability to make certain throws as well as secure the ball while running with it. So it is definitely something to keep an eye on, especially in warmups. If Edwards is unable to go, I would expect to see NC State transfer MJ Morris likely get the start in his place.
HVI: Tai Felton is a stud, but is there anyone else on the Maryland offense that Penn State fans should know about ahead of Saturday?
SG: As you mentioned, Tai Felton is the top offensive weapon and option for the Maryland offense, but he isn’t the only weapon you need to account for. Senior wideout Kaden Prather comes into Saturday’s game with 55 catches for 599 yards and three touchdowns and has the ability to really stretch the field vertically. Junior running back Roman Hemby has had his struggles this season and had difficulty finding any room last week versus Iowa, but. he rushed for over 100 yards versus Indiana earlier this season and had over 140 all-purpose yards a couple of weeks ago versus Rutgers. So while he hasn’t had the season most Terp fans had hoped for, he has the ability to be a 100-yard rusher on any given Saturday.
HVI: Neither stats nor metrics paint a pretty picture of Maryland’s defensive results this season. What has gone wrong for the Terps on defense?
SG: Where to start? The defensive front seven, which was supposed to be the Maryland defense’s strong suit, has simply not lived up to its billing, specifically the linebackers, who have really struggled at times.
But perhaps the biggest issue throughout the season has been the secondary. Maryland brought in Jalen Huskey from Bowling Green to man one of the starting corner spots, and while he’s certainly had his moments and is tied for the team lead with three interceptions, he has also had his struggles in coverage. Young, inexperienced corners like Kevis Thomas and Perry Fisher have had to fill in opposite Huskey and have struggled all season long. Throw in missed games due to injury from players like veteran, starting safety Dante Trader Jr. and it has just led to some disasters and major breakdowns in the secondary.
HVI: What is your prediction for the game?
SG: With a playoff spot on the line for Penn State, I think they come out focused and looking for a big win versus an opponent that comes into this one reeling. I could see the Terps showing some life early and maybe putting some points on the board in the first quarter, but PSU will have over 100,000 fans behind them with too much size, too much talent and too much to play for. PSU pulls away in the second half and wins big.
Penn State – 38
Maryland – 13
Maryland
Weird laws in Maryland, including $5-$500 fine for manufacturing, trading or selling 'stench bomb'
Maryland is known for its popular tourist destinations, like stops along the Chesapeake Bay and the locations on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Maryland is also famous for its savory seafood, more specifically the state’s sweet blue crabs.
Whether you are a resident or visitor of the state, there are some strange laws you may have never heard of before.
Every state has its own head-scratching laws. Some of Maryland’s can be found below.
Among Maryland’s oddest laws include stink bombs, dyed chicks and “The Star-Spangled Banner.” (iStock)
BIZARRE LAWS IN WASHINGTON, SUCH AS BEING CHARGED WITH RECKLESS DRIVING IF HUGGING WHILE BEHIND THE WHEEL
- Avoid “stench bombs”
- Be cautious of growing thistles in your yard
- “Star-Spangled” stipulations
- Don’t dye chicks
1. Avoid “stench bombs”
You’re unlikely to find any “stench bombs,” also known as stink bombs, in Maryland.
A stench bomb is a device that lets out a smelly odor once it’s activated.
It’s against the law in Maryland to trade, manufacture or sell the stench-inducing mechanism.
In Maryland law, a stench bomb is defined as “any liquid, gaseous, or solid substance or matter of any kind which is intended to be thrown, dropped, poured, deposited, or discharged for the purpose of producing a noxious, nauseating, sickening, irritating, or offensive odor.”
There is a law in Maryland that prevents the use of “stench bombs,” also commonly referred to as stink bombs. (iStock)
BIZARRE NEW YORK LAWS INCLUDE RESTRICTIONS, PENALTIES FOR TAKING A SELFIE WITH A TIGER
The fines for breaking this law range, according to Article 19 § 59-30. Those who break the law are “subject to a fine of not less than $5 and not more than $500 at the discretion of the court.”
2. Be cautious of growing thistles in your yard
Growing thistles? You may want to think twice before doing so in Maryland.
Numerous kinds of thistles are considered to be “noxious weeds.” Noxious plants are illegal to grow in most states.
Maryland Agriculture Code Section 9–401 lists the plants and weeds that are determined to be noxious.
Among them are “thistles belonging to the asteraceae or compositae family, including Canada, musk, nodding, plumeless, and bull thistle” and “Johnsongrass (sorghum halepense) or hybrids that contain Johnsongrass as a parent.”
Many kinds of thistles are considered to be “noxious weeds” in Maryland law. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
PAST AND PRESENT VERMONT LAWS THAT WILL SHOCK YOU, INCLUDING A HEFTY FINE FOR PAINTING A HORSE
“Shatter cane and wild cane (sorghum bicolor)” are also on this list.
3. “Star-Spangled” stipulations
Maryland is the birthplace of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” having been written by Francis Scott Key in Baltimore.
There are numerous states that have laws that regard how “The Star-Spangled Banner” is performed.
“‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ shall not be played, sung or rendered in the City of Baltimore in any public place, or at any public entertainment, or in any theatre or moving picture hall, restaurant, or cafe, except as an entire and separate,” Article 19 § 49-1 states.
“Nor shall “The Star-Spangled Banner” or any part thereof or selection from the same be played as a part or selection of a medley of any kind,” Maryland law states.
Maryland is one U.S. state that has stipulations in the law regarding the performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” (iStock)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Use for dancing or exit march prohibited,” the law states, which also requires those playing the national anthem to stand.
Those who break this law could be fined up to $100.
Massachusetts is another example of a state that has a law surrounding singing and playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
4. Don’t dye chicks
In Maryland, it’s best to let chicks be, as changing their color by dying them can land you in trouble.
It’s against the law to “sell, offer for sale, barter, or give away a chick as a pet, toy, premium, or novelty; or color, dye, stain, or otherwise change the natural color of a chick,” according to Maryland Criminal Law Code § 10-614.
The fine for changing the color of a chick is an amount up to $25.
BALTIMORE — As Thanksgiving comes to a close, the holiday shopping season officially begins.
The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported the period from Black Friday and Cyber Monday could break records, as they predict more than 183 million people will be shopping.
Even with the dominance of online shopping, in-person shopping remains a big preference for some shoppers.
WJZ talked to several Baltimoreans about whether or not they’ll be shopping on Black Friday and for every person who said they wouldn’t, someone said they would.
“It’s a little hectic,” said Regina Webb. “[Also] my kids don’t really like shopping.”
Jamall Watts said he couldn’t wait, and he is planning to get his son an iPhone and buy some furniture for his house.
In its annual survey, the NRF predicts nearly 132 million people are going to shop on Black Friday. Two-thirds of those shoppers are expected to head to the store.
For anyone heading out, AAA reminds shoppers to put whatever they buy in the trunk and out of sight.
“You don’t want to leave them visible,” said Ragina Ali with AAA Mid-Atlantic. “This is true, not just for Black Friday and holiday shopping, but all of the time. Make sure your packages are securely in the trunk of your vehicle, so as not to entice potential thieves.”
More than 72 million people are expected to shop on Cyber Monday, according to NRF estimates.
AAA warns scammers will be working around the clock this holiday season. To lessen the chance of becoming a victim, AAA recommends buying from major retailers or verified vendors.
Also, use a credit card if you have one. Ali said credit cards often have more protections against fraudulent charges and identity theft than debit cards.
The following area malls will be open on Black Friday. It should be noted that some stores in these malls could be open earlier than the mall itself.
- Towson Town Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- White March Mall will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Eastpoint Mall will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- The Mall in Columbia will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Arundel Mills will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Annapolis Mall will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Marley Station Mall will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The following retailers will be open on Black Friday:
- Target will open at 6 a.m.
- Walmart will open at 6 a.m.
- Kohl’s will open at 5 a.m.
- Macy’s will open at 6 a.m.
- JCPenney will open at 5 a.m.
- Best Buy will open at 6 a.m.
Trudeau meets Trump to talk trade amid tariff threat – DW – 11/30/2024
Nevada gov speaks out against trans athletes in women's sports ahead of controversial volleyball tournament
Rocket launch attendees share hopes about Elon Musk’s prediction for Mars travel by 2026
Maryland inmate suspected of murdering another prisoner in his own cell
2 arrested for alleged prostitution services at Riverside County massage parlor
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Why Marjorie Taylor Greene was ‘kicked out’ of the Freedom Caucus according to Rep. Buck
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
Trudeau meets Trump to talk trade amid tariff threat – DW – 11/30/2024
Dem leader condemns Thanksgiving bomb threats against liberal lawmakers after Team Trump targeted
At least 42 Palestinians killed as Israel ramps up Gaza attacks
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was the deadliest in nearly two decades
Political betting markets still have plenty of action despite end of election season
-
Health7 days agoHoliday gatherings can lead to stress eating: Try these 5 tips to control it
-
Science4 days agoDespite warnings from bird flu experts, it's business as usual in California dairy country
-
Health4 days agoCheekyMD Offers Needle-Free GLP-1s | Woman's World
-
Science1 week agoAlameda County child believed to be latest case of bird flu; source unknown
-
Technology3 days agoLost access? Here’s how to reclaim your Facebook account
-
Sports1 week agoBehind Comcast's big TV deal: a bleak picture for once mighty cable industry
-
Entertainment2 days agoReview: A tense household becomes a metaphor for Iran's divisions in 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig'
-
Science1 week agoVideo: SpaceX Unable to Recover Booster Stage During Sixth Test Flight