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NEW CONTENT MOVED TO MIDDLEBORO REVIEW 2

Toyota

Since the Dilly, Dally, Delay & Stall Law Firms are adding their billable hours, the Toyota U.S.A. and Route 44 Toyota posts have been separated here:

Route 44 Toyota Sold Me A Lemon



Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Wynn resort name under fire amid new sex claims


WYNN RESORTS is a publicly traded company and to date, no information has been forthcoming about the impacts of the $7.5 MILLION settlement and the impacts of the concealment. 

Wynn resort name under fire amid new sex claims

Jordan Graham Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Steve Wynn

Credit: Nancy Lane

Explosive new allegations — including rape — against toppled casino mogul Steve Wynn come as the state Gaming Commission has been flooded with unsolicited calls to drop the magnate’s name from the $2.4 billion Everett gambling palace.

Two new accusers have come forward, including one who told authorities Wynn raped her at least three times in the early 1970s, The Associated Press reported.

The woman, who was not identified, told police she was raped in her Chicago apartment by Wynn, and said she became pregnant and later gave birth in a gas station restroom, the AP added.

Another woman told Las Vegas police she was forced to quit her job as a card dealer after refusing to have sex with Wynn in 1976, the news agency added. 

The Wall Street Journal has already reported on a number of sexual harassment allegations against Wynn, including one from a former manicurist at his Las Vegas hotel, who allegedly received a $7.5 million payment from Wynn. State gaming officials have said Wynn took steps to keep that settlement private, including hiding it from investigators. 

Wynn has denied the allegations, blaming his ex-wife for the scandal.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission said yesterday its investigation continues amid the new allegations.

“MCG continues to conduct an aggressive investigation on this very serious matter,” said Elaine Driscoll, a commission spokeswoman.

CHARLIE BAKER RECEIVED A GENEROUS CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION THAT WAS LAUNDERED THROUGH THE RNC.....STEVE WYNN WAS FINANCE CHAIR OF THE RNC UNTIL WYNN WAS FORCED TO RESIGN....HAS THE RNC RETURNED WYNN'S CONTRIBUTIONS?

Image result for STINKS


Gov. Charlie Baker also criticized Wynn, and said he supports the Gaming Commission’s investigation.

“Gov. Baker finds these allegations horrifying and deeply disturbing and expects them to be taken seriously,” said Lizzy Guyton, a spokeswoman for Baker, in a statement. “The governor believes it was the right decision for Wynn resorts to terminate its relationship with Mr. Wynn in light of recent disturbing allegations.”

In the roughly one month since the allegations first surfaced, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission has been hit with unsolicited calls for the Everett casino, called the Wynn Boston Harbor, to be barred from using Wynn in its name.

“I absolutely do not want the Everett Casino to bear the name of Steve Wynn, someone who routinely sexually harassed and assaulted others,” one comment says. “Putting his name on the Boston skyline is an insult to our community.”

The commission has broad power to regulate casinos, but it is unclear if they could demand a name change.
Michael Weaver, a spokesman for Wynn Resorts, said the company will not act on a name change.
“Opinions are running high right now on the topic of changing the name on our Boston resort,” Weaver said. “Wynn is a $25 billion brand supported by 25,000 employees worldwide; it is not about one person. Now is not the right time to quickly consider a name change, considering the global implications of such a decision.”

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/local_coverage/2018/02/wynn_resort_name_under_fire_amid_new_sex_claims



MASSterList: Amazon Prime | Leadership crisis | City Manager Donoghue


MASSterList: Amazon Prime | Leadership crisis | City Manager Donoghue


CHARLIE BAKER'S MISMANAGEMENT IS COSTING TAXPAYER DOLLARS!


FROM: 

POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: DEMS hammer BAKER over new ranking — HOUSE harassment report incoming — LOWELL suing over opioids










RAKED OVER RANKINGS - Massachusetts' drop on the US News and World Report's ranking of top states - from first in the nation to eighth - has provided a new opportunity for Democrats to hammer Gov. Charlie Baker.
While Massachusetts continues to be the top state in the country for education, it's fallen to 40th for fiscal stability and 45th for infrastructure. The top overall spot is now occupied by Iowa.
The criticism over the drop is fair game. Baker himself had repeatedly touted the best-in-the-country ranking from 2017 - even going so far as to mention it (among over top rankings) in his state of the commonwealth speech this year. And for the Democrats eager to find the governor's Achilles heel, it's a welcome chance to hit Baker where it hurts - like the state's first bond rating downgrade in 30 years that came in 2017.
Baker's Democratic challengers say it's a sign the state can't settle for the status quo, as Jay Gonzalez put it yesterday: "If Charlie Baker were CEO of a company, he would be fired."
Setti Warren had a similar criticism: "In many ways, Massachusetts has been on a roll for a while, but our state government is failing. A creature of Beacon Hill like Charlie Baker just can't fix it."

CHARLIE BAKER IS DIRECTLY RESPONSBILE FOR STATE POLICE - ANOTHER CHARLIE BAKER FAIL! 
Are State Police in a leadership crisis?
The Globe, in an editorial, says the recent staff “restructuring” move at the Massachusetts State Police sure looks like a “leadership and institutional crisis at the agency,” tied to the recent TrooperGate controversy and the highly questionable hiring of State Trooper Leigha Genduso, an admitted drug dealer and money launderer. Meanwhile, the Herald’s Howie Carr continues to pound away at State Police, saying the unfolding drama is starting to resemble scenes from ‘The Departed.”


EMS, Deputies Ordered Not to Enter Florida School After Shooting Began


CONSIDER THE SOURCE WHEN READING THIS INFORMATION!
THIS SOURCE PREVIOUSLY QUOTED AN ARTICLE FROM THE LUNATIC ALEX JONES. FOX NEWS = FAKE NEWS = SEX PERVERTS IS NO BETTER. 
THERE ARE NO NAMED SOURCES FOR THIS INFORMATION.

EMS, Deputies Ordered Not to Enter Florida School After Shooting Began




The 1st Amendment Playbook: It's Not Just for Liberals Anymore


The 1st Amendment Playbook: It's Not Just for Liberals Anymore




Bernie Sanders | We Cannot Allow the Extreme Right-Wing to Destroy America's Unions


Bernie Sanders | We Cannot Allow the Extreme Right-Wing to Destroy America's Unions




POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: DEMS hammer BAKER over new ranking — HOUSE harassment report incoming — LOWELL suing over opioids


POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: DEMS hammer BAKER over new ranking — HOUSE harassment report incoming — LOWELL suing over opioids


CHARLIE BAKER'S MISMANAGEMENT IS COSTING TAXPAYER DOLLARS! 

THIS IS NOT PARTISAN! CHARLIE BAKER NEEDS TO GO! 

RAKED OVER RANKINGS - Massachusetts' drop on the US News and World Report's ranking of top states - from first in the nation to eighth - has provided a new opportunity for Democrats to hammer Gov. Charlie Baker.
While Massachusetts continues to be the top state in the country for education, it's fallen to 40th for fiscal stability and 45th for infrastructure. The top overall spot is now occupied by Iowa.
The criticism over the drop is fair game. Baker himself had repeatedly touted the best-in-the-country ranking from 2017 - even going so far as to mention it (among over top rankings) in his state of the commonwealth speech this year. And for the Democrats eager to find the governor's Achilles heel, it's a welcome chance to hit Baker where it hurts - like the state's first bond rating downgrade in 30 years that came in 2017.
Baker's Democratic challengers say it's a sign the state can't settle for the status quo, as Jay Gonzalez put it yesterday: "If Charlie Baker were CEO of a company, he would be fired."
Setti Warren had a similar criticism: "In many ways, Massachusetts has been on a roll for a while, but our state government is failing. A creature of Beacon Hill like Charlie Baker just can't fix it."

Venable Keeps Up Steady Growth as Revenue, Profits Rise


Venable Keeps Up Steady Growth as Revenue, Profits Rise




Andy Borowitz | Trump Hides Under Desk After Diet Coke Can Opens Loudly



Andy Borowitz | Trump Hides Under Desk After Diet Coke Can Opens Loudly


MUST READ!

Betsy DeVos is preparing to issue a declaration that companies collecting federal student loans are off limits for state lawmakers and regulators. (photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Betsy DeVos is preparing to issue a declaration that companies collecting federal student loans are off limits for state lawmakers and regulators. (photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Trump Administration Fights States' Crackdown on Student Loan Collectors
Michael Stratford, Politico
Stratford writes: "The Trump administration is taking steps to shield student loan collection companies from state regulators, over the objections of consumer advocates and even some Republican attorneys general."
READ MORE


The Post Most: Trump stops short of full endorsement of gun proposals



The Post Most: Trump stops short of full endorsement of gun proposals



Ford Customers concerned of exhaust fumes in vehicles


Ford Customers concerned of exhaust fumes in vehicles

Center for Auto Safety director demands recall

Potentially deadly gas is leaking into vehicles.
You may have heard reports of Ford Explorers in police departments having problems, but our I-Team found consumer complaints are sky rocketing.
Frustrated Florida customers are speaking out about the smell of exhaust fumes inside their Ford Explorers.
"My oldest son at one point got sick and nauseated and threw up in the back there," says Andrew Zellner a South Florida customer.
Zellner tell us despite several attempts to fix the issue he still had exhaust fumes in his SUV.
Megan VanOrden in St. Pete has 5 kids, she notices the smell every time she accelerates.
"I have all the kids with me all the time. And to be like 'oh I'm not going to use the interstate because of this stupid smell' is frustrating."
 In describing the smell she says, "I don't know if you've ever smelt burning hair or someone getting a perm in a salon but it is like you are emersed in a cloud of that smell."
Larry Kent in Largo is not taking any chances, he has 2 children. He bought a carbon monoxide detector after he says Ford tried fixing the problem 4 times, and he still smells the exhaust.    
"You spend 40 thousand dollars on a car you expect it to not kill you. Ya know I wish Ford would take ownership of the problem, I don't understand how they can sell a family vehicle that can potentially harm my family," he tells us.
It's a problem ford recognized in their police vehicles.
Police interceptors, a version of the explorer, have been taken off roads by the hundreds across the country.
In a dash cam video, a California police officer swerves off the road, over several lanes, before crashing into a tree.
Over the summer, Austin pulled its fleet of nearly 600 modified explorers after 60 officers filed official complaints about fumes in their vehicles.
Florida drivers say it's not just police vehicles.
According to a report from the Center for Auto Safety in Washington D.C., complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, have increased 900 percent since the feds began investigating Ford in July of 2016.  
The 48-year-old consumer group's Executive Director, Jason Levine, sent a letter to Ford's CEO demanding a recall of the 1.3 million vehicles potentially affected. Explorers from 2011 to 2017.
"We don't need to wait for a body count to see Ford do what it needs to do," says Levine
He warns the public, "carbon monoxide is not something that's a piece of mind problem. It's a dangerous problem that kills over 400 people a year. We'd like to see Ford take this more seriously and recall the vehicles."
In Florida, we found more than 170 complaints to NHTSA, Tampa Bay had at least 44.
The I-Team spoke to more than a dozen in our area all complaining of headaches, dizziness, and vomiting.
One driver we found crashed two Ford Explorers after passing out. He says he's never had any other health issues.
Megan VanOrden says it's frustrating. 
"I don't think it's fair for them to just kind of shrug it off and walk away."
Ford continues to dismiss the need for a recall. In our request for an interview the company responds in a written statement:
"Can’t make someone available for this, but I can share this statement:

Explorers are safe. Ford’s investigation and extensive testing has not found carbon monoxide levels that exceed what people are exposed to every day. The safety of our customers is paramount. We encourage customers with carbon monoxide concerns to bring their vehicle to their local Ford dealer for a free service designed to reduce the concern. If they are not satisfied with the service, we encourage them to call our dedicated hotline at 888-260-5575."


Daniel Barbossa | Ford Communications
But the owners we spoke to say despite several attempts to fix the issue they continue to smell the exhaust fumes.
_________________________________
Jarrod Holbrook is an Emmy and AP Award-winning Investigative Reporter for the ABC Action News I-Team. 
VIDEO ON LINK:

Officer’s ‘Dream Job’ Ripped Away Following Seizure & Crash







February 26, 2018

LONE TREE, Colo. (CBS4) – Childhood dreams became reality for Robert Chamberlain when he became a Lone Tree police officer 10 years ago.
“This is what I planned on doing,” he said. “It’s pretty awesome.”
injured lone tree officer 10pkg transfer frame 60 Officers Dream Job Ripped Away Following Seizure & Crash
Robert Chamberlain (R)
(credit: Shanna and Robert Chamberlain)
Yet his dream became a nightmare on Nov. 30, 2017, while responding to a call.
“I took off, looked to the left to turn out on Ridgegate Parkway and that’s the last thing I remember,” Chamberlain told CBS4’s Kelly Werthmann.
While behind the wheel of his patrol car, he had a severe seizure, causing him to crash. Minutes later, his wife received the heart wrenching call her husband was in the ER.
“I’ve never driven faster in my life,” Shanna Chamberlain said.
injured lone tree officer 10pkg transfer frame 780 Officers Dream Job Ripped Away Following Seizure & Crash
(credit: Shanna and Robert Chamberlain)
When she arrived to the hospital, Shanna said her husband looked like he was dead.
“Standing there with a lot of cops tearing up was impossible for me,” she said.
With five fractured vertebrae, a bruised heart and bleeding on his brain, Chamberlain spent nearly a week in the ICU. He said he has no previous conditions and has never had a seizure before.
“On Nov. 29, the day before, my partner and I got carbon monoxide poisoning,” Chamberlain said, adding they were in one of Lone Tree’s Ford Explorers, a vehicle with a history of carbon monoxide issues.
“One of the doctors said carbon monoxide poisoning can cause seizures like that,” he said.
Nearly three months since the crash, Chamberlain still feels the pain while recovering at home.
injured lone tree officer 10pkg transfer frame 1170 Officers Dream Job Ripped Away Following Seizure & Crash
CBS4’s Kelly Werthmann interviews Shanna and Robert Chamberlain. (credit: CBS)
“It feels like I’m getting stabbed in the back right now by knives,” he explained.
But the sharpest pain, he and his wife said, came from Lone Tree’s police chief.
“Immediately his chief of police said, ‘The accident wasn’t that severe. We’re not liable for this,’” Shanna said of Chief Kirk Wilson’s visit to the hospital.
Not only was Chamberlain denied workman’s comp, he said he was forced to resign last Wednesday.
“What they said was, ‘Turn in all your stuff. We don’t have anything for you,’” Chamberlain said.
lone tree officer transfer frame 270 Officers Dream Job Ripped Away Following Seizure & Crash
(credit: CBS)
According to a letter from Chief Wilson, Chamberlain exhausted all of his leave time due to the November crash and a previous medical issue earlier that year.
“In this current climate,” the chief wrote, “it is imperative that we remain at full staff in the police department as much as possible. The absence of a full-time police officer for eight months’ time has resulted in the Department being short staffed on shifts, which creates safety concerns for our other officers… We can no longer hold your position vacant.”
With his dream job ripped away, Chamberlain said he is in shock and wondering what else he can do other than the career he loves.
lone tree officer transfer frame 90 Officers Dream Job Ripped Away Following Seizure & Crash
(credit: CBS)
“I put myself out there on the line for 10 years, and I just get booted out the door because I got injured on the job,” he said. “I hope this doesn’t happen to the brothers I worked with.”
The couple has hired an attorney to file a wrongful termination lawsuit against the department.
CBS4 reached out to Lone Tree’s chief for comment and received the following statement:
“The City of Lone Tree is aware of recent allegations being made by former Officer Robert Chamberlain.  While the City would like to substantively respond as to what transpired, because this involves a personnel matter the City unfortunately cannot comment further.”
Kelly Werthmann joined the CBS4 team as the morning reporter in 2012. After serving as weekend morning anchor, Kelly is now Covering Colorado First for CBS4 News at 10. Connect with Kelly on Facebook or follow her on Twitter @KellyCBS4.

VIDEO ON LINK:

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Jesse Dorris | #NeverAgain Is Different Because Survivors of School Shootings Can't Grieve in Private Anymore


Jesse Dorris | #NeverAgain Is Different Because Survivors of School Shootings Can't Grieve in Private Anymore




A History of Sex and Abuse in the Trump Administration


A History of Sex and Abuse in the Trump Administration


The US Does a Terrible Job of Keeping Its Children Out of Poverty - Especially Compared to Other Industrialized Nations
Matt Bruenig, Jacobin
Bruenig writes: "According to the latest data, 20 percent of US children live in families with incomes below 50 percent of the national median income. Compare that to Nordic countries, where the same number ranges from 3.6 percent to 6.7 percent."
READ MORE

The Daily 202: Trump gets a seminar on federalism as governors push back on arming teachers


The Daily 202: Trump gets a seminar on federalism as governors push back on arming teachers




Facing Ethics Scrutiny, NLRB Strikes Vote That Overruled Obama-Era Decision | National Law Journal


Facing Ethics Scrutiny, NLRB Strikes Vote That Overruled Obama-Era Decision | National Law Journal




Jeff Sessions on 2nd Circuit's LGBT ruling: Judges must have 'read the New York Times' | National Law Journal


Jeff Sessions on 2nd Circuit's LGBT ruling: Judges must have 'read the New York Times' | National Law Journal




MASSterList: Rollout delay | Principal on leave | 'There is a vision'


MASSterList: Rollout delay | Principal on leave | 'There is a vision'



THIS FROM:

POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook:TEFLON CHARLIE — AFT president calls for gun proposal opposition — POT’s mellow rollout


- "Chabot: Charlie Baker's overtime problem swells," by Hillary Chabot, Boston Herald: "The first-term Republican is facing a rash of swollen OT in key state agencies including the MBTA and the state police - areas already under scrutiny as Baker gears up for re-election. But a new trouble spot could be the Department of Transportation, where many Pike holdovers earn more than $100,000 in overtime."

TEFLON CHARLIE STRIKES AGAIN - A new Barr Foundation/MassINC poll has gauged Massachusetts voters' dissatisfaction with the state's transit situation, and they say it's gotten worse over the last five years. But voters aren't laying blame on Gov. Charlie Baker.
The statewide survey found 68 percent have a favorable view of Baker - and 57 support how he's dealt with local transportation systems. These same respondents said improving highways, roads, and bridges and public transportation should be among the state's top priorities.
That latest data point showing seemingly impossible-to-tarnish support is more good news for Baker's reelection campaign. He has pinned much of his political hopes on transit, despite Democrats' attempts to rake him over the failures of the system like last week's Red Line derailment.
The numbers also add credence to national Democrats' lack of interest in getting involved in the Baker race - consider Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo's praise for him at the NGA this weekend. When asked about Dem chances at defeating Baker this November, Raimondo (a Democrat) punted: "Charlie, I think, is very popular and is doing a good job," she said. "I've enjoyed working with him, and we have a good bipartisan, collaborative relationship."


T official: ‘There is a vision’
 
With transit mishaps occurring now at almost a daily rate, MBTA officials are urging patience, saying recent reforms will soon bear results, and a T board member is asserting: “We are building reliability in the system and we are improving the system and we are doing it every day ... I think it’s important for folks to understand, there is a vision.” The Herald’s Matt Stout has more.
Bruce Mohl at CommonWealth magazine reports how Keolis, overseer of the T’s commuter rail system, does seem to be turning a corner in improving operations. In a separate piece, Mohl reports that T vice chairman Steven Poftak “wants to execute on projects in the pipeline before considering whether new revenues are needed.” To be clear: Poftak is not ruling out the need for new revenues, i.e. fare increases, just that they’re not a priority now.
Boston Herald
 
 
No ticket, no rail ride
 
Speaking of mass transit, from SHNS’s Andy Metzger: “Commuter rail riders departing from South Station will need to show their tickets before boarding evening trains starting this spring under a program designed to boost revenues on the system. Ticket checks began at North Station last September but they were suspended in January due to winter weather, according to Keolis Commuter Services, which runs the commuter rail for the MBTA. The so-called Fare is Fair checks will start for the afternoon rush hour at Back Bay in March, and then at South Station in May."
SHNS (pay wall)


POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook:TEFLON CHARLIE — AFT president calls for gun proposal opposition — POT’s mellow rollout


POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook:TEFLON CHARLIE — AFT president calls for gun proposal opposition — POT’s mellow rollout


TEFLON CHARLIE STRIKES AGAIN - A new Barr Foundation/MassINC poll has gauged Massachusetts voters' dissatisfaction with the state's transit situation, and they say it's gotten worse over the last five years. But voters aren't laying blame on Gov. Charlie Baker.
The statewide survey found 68 percent have a favorable view of Baker - and 57 support how he's dealt with local transportation systems. These same respondents said improving highways, roads, and bridges and public transportation should be among the state's top priorities.
That latest data point showing seemingly impossible-to-tarnish support is more good news for Baker's reelection campaign. He has pinned much of his political hopes on transit, despite Democrats' attempts to rake him over the failures of the system like last week's Red Line derailment.
The numbers also add credence to national Democrats' lack of interest in getting involved in the Baker race - consider Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo's praise for him at the NGA this weekend. When asked about Dem chances at defeating Baker this November, Raimondo (a Democrat) punted: "Charlie, I think, is very popular and is doing a good job," she said. "I've enjoyed working with him, and we have a good bipartisan, collaborative relationship."

- "Chabot: Charlie Baker's overtime problem swells," by Hillary Chabot, Boston Herald: "The first-term Republican is facing a rash of swollen OT in key state agencies including the MBTA and the state police - areas already under scrutiny as Baker gears up for re-election. But a new trouble spot could be the Department of Transportation, where many Pike holdovers earn more than $100,000 in overtime."

Five Key Moments From the Supreme Court's Union-Fee Arguments


Five Key Moments From the Supreme Court's Union-Fee Arguments




Takata agrees to $650-million settlement over air bags but will pay only a fraction of it



Takata agrees to $650-million settlement over air bags but will pay only a fraction of it



ASSOCIATED PRESS

Takata agrees to $650-million settlement over air bags but will pay only a fraction of it
  (Los Angeles Times)




Japanese air bag maker Takata Corp. has reached a $650-million deal to settle consumer protection claims from 44 states and Washington, D.C., but only a fraction of the money will be paid because of Takata's financial problems and bankruptcy.

In an agreement announced Thursday, the states said they will not collect the settlement so victims of Takata's faulty air bag inflators can get a bigger piece of the company's remaining money. The exception: South Carolina, which led the states, will get just over $139,000 to cover costs of the investigation.

Takata air bag inflators can explode with too much force and spew shrapnel into drivers and passengers. At least 22 people have died worldwide, and more than 180 have been hurt.

Attorneys general for the states alleged that Takata concealed air bag issues and failed to disclose safety defects.

Takata was forced into bankruptcy last year amid lawsuits, multimillion-dollar fines and crushing recall costs involving air bag inflators that use the explosive chemical ammonium nitrate as a propellant. The chemical can deteriorate over time when exposed to high heat and humidity and then burn too fast, blowing apart a metal canister.

A reorganization plan was approved last week by a federal bankruptcy judge in Delaware.

Under Thursday's deal, Takata agreed not to represent its air bags as safe unless supported by scientific evidence, not to falsify any testing data and to keep cooperating with automakers to make sure replacement inflators are available. It also agreed not to sell any air bags that use ammonium nitrate unless it's for recall replacement parts. Some of the provisions already were included in an agreement with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A Takata spokesman did not respond to requests for comment Thursday.

As part of a criminal plea agreement with the U.S. Justice Department, Takata agreed to pay victims $125 million and to pay $850 million in restitution to automakers that bought its inflators and are stuck with recall and litigation costs. Under the restructuring plan, Takata will sell most of its non-air bag assets to a Chinese-owned rival for $1.6 billion.

The inflator problem touched off the largest automotive recall in U.S. history. As many as 69 million inflators in the U.S. and an additional 60 million worldwide are being recalled, according to court documents and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.


http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-takata-settlement-20180222-story.html