Should You Fear the Phantom Toll Booth? RealClearInvestigations Across the country, highways are eliminating cash booths and going all-electronic. That will mean better traffic flow, perhaps, but also that drivers will have no choice but to surrender more privacy to the government. Russia Used Facebook to Organize Anti-Immigrant Rallies Daily Beast Pushing fake news was just one component of the Russian campaign to shape American minds during the election. Part two, the Daily Beast reports, was organizing anti-immigrant events echoing themes from the pro-Trump press. Judge Orders Maryland Bar to Investigate Clinton Email Lawyers Washington Times A Maryland county judge has ordered the state bar to investigate three lawyers accused of deleting thousands of Hillary Clinton´s emails: Cheryl Mills, Heather Samuelson and David E. Kendall. The judge found merit in a complaint filed by Ty Clevenger, a New York attorney. He was recently denied FBI files on the matter. Hospital Watchdog Rarely Withdraws Approval Wall Street Journal The accrediting organization for nearly 80 percent of American hospitals, called the Joint Commission, rarely revokes or modifies accreditation when inspectors find serious safety violations. And it doesn't make its inspection reports public, even though most states rely on them rather than inspect hospitals themselves. State Dept. Requires Citizens to Repay Hurricane Rescues Washington Free Beacon The State Department requires Americans in need of rescue from hurricane-struck areas abroad to first sign a promissory note to pay back all costs, such as airfare. Some U.S. citizens seeking evacuation from islands hit by Hurricane Irma expressed surprise when presented with the form. Secret Service Accused of Abusing Disability Retirements Washington Free Beacon The Secret Service has offered to "fast-track" disability retirement for able-bodied agents and other employees in return for dropping complaints or disputes, according to an agent who filed a whistleblower-retaliation complaint and several Department of Homeland Security sources. Discrimination in the United Kingdom Guardian The British authorities are investigating claims that nationals from the European Union are being illegally prevented from renting or buying properties or getting jobs. Advocates said they repeatedly found job ads specifying that British only need apply. Some violators cite as justification the anti-immigrant Brexit vote to leave the EU. Trump Portraits Absent From Federal Buildings Washington Post Federal offices are still waiting to hang Donald Trump's picture nine months into his administration. Pictures of the President and Vice President Mike Pence are missing from thousands of courthouses, laboratories, military installations and embassies. The holdup: The Government Publishing Office says it has yet to receive the images from the White House. |