Latest news with #Maryland-based
USA Today
8 hours ago
- Politics
- USA Today
Trump takes bid to oust consumer product safety commissioners to Supreme Court
President Donald Trump's administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday to intervene in his bid to fire three Democratic Consumer Product Safety Commission members by putting on hold a judicial order calling for their reinstatement. In the latest fight over presidential powers to reach the top U.S. judicial body since Trump returned to office in January, the three commissioners in a separate filing told the justices they should be allowed to continue serving while the Supreme Court considers the administration's request. Maryland-based U.S. District Judge Matthew Maddox ruled last month that the Republican president had overstepped his authority when he dismissed Commissioners Mary Boyle, Alexander Hoehn-Saric and Richard Trumka Jr, all of whom were appointed by Democratic former President Joe Biden. The Justice Department in Wednesday's filing told the Supreme Court that Trump had acted within his powers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission was created by Congress in 1972 and tasked with shielding consumers from injury or death from defective or harmful products. After being notified in May that Trump had fired them, Boyle, Hoehn-Saric and Trumka sued to challenge the action. Commissioners of independent agencies established by Congress such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission can be removed by the president only for neglect of duty or malfeasance, not at will, their lawsuit noted. Boyle, Hoehn-Saric and Trumka make up a majority on the five-member board. The Justice Department in its filing said the three commissioners have expressed hostility to Trump's agenda. The Supreme Court in May decided that Trump could bar two Democratic members of federal labor boards from their posts while they challenge the legality of his dismissal of them, on similar grounds as in the Consumer Product Safety Commission litigation. The Trump administration cited that order in its filing on Wednesday. The judge said Boyle, Hoehn-Saric and Trumka "have performed ably in their roles" and that the administration had not presented a justification for terminating them. The Richmond, Virginia-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday rejected the administration's request to pause Maddox's reinstatement order. "Congress lawfully constrained the president's removal authority, and no court has found that constraint unconstitutional," 4th Circuit Judge James Wynn wrote. Wynn said the continued service of Boyle, Hoehn-Saric and Trumka "preserves, rather than disrupts, agency operations." The administration has asked the 4th Circuit to overturn Maddox's ruling. In a filing, the Justice Department told the 4th Circuit that the judge's reinstatement order "works a grave harm to the separation of powers and undermines the president's ability to exercise his authority under the Constitution." Under the Constitution, there are three branches of the U.S. government - the executive, legislative and judicial - with the intent of creating a system of checks and balances. Wednesday's filing marks the latest instance of Trump's administration coming to the Supreme Court to challenge a judicial ruling that blocked one of his actions. The court last Friday curbed the ability of federal judges to impede Trump's policies with injunctions in force nationwide, changing the power balance between the U.S. judiciary and presidents.
9 hours ago
- Politics
LGBTQ book opt-out ruling triggers national response from parents, educators, advocates
After the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on Friday that parents in Montgomery County, Maryland, must be allowed to opt their children out of LGBTQ-themed elementary school lessons, reactions were swift and sharply divided. The case, Mahmoud v. Taylor, stemmed from Montgomery County's 2022 decision to incorporate LGBTQ-inclusive books into elementary classrooms. Titles included "Uncle Bobby's Wedding," which features a same-sex couple, and "Born Ready," which tells the story of a transgender child. The school district initially allowed parents to opt out their children from exposure to the books but later reversed that policy, citing administrative burdens and in an effort to foster inclusion. In a press briefing shortly after the decision, U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche praised the ruling. "Restoring the right of parents to make decisions about their children's education might seem like common sense," Blanche said, "but it took the Supreme Court to set the record straight." For some, however, the ruling felt like a step backward. "I think the ruling is a huge setback," Beth Hoffman, a Maryland-based mom of two, whose children attend public school in Frederick County, told "GMA." "Public schools should be an inclusive space. I hope that this isn't an end-all be-all. We need to celebrate our differences and educate our youth to accept people for who they are." The Frederick County Public School District, like Montgomery County, allows parents to opt children out of its Family Life Education curriculum, part of its "Comprehensive Health Education for students in grades 5-12," according to a spokesperson. Bill Horn, a gay father of two based in Los Angeles, whose kids will be attending public school in the fall, said his initial reaction was sadness. "I feel sorry for any young person whose family takes them out of an LGBTQ+ inclusive lesson, because ultimately that lesson might save their lives," he told "GMA" in an email. Debate intensifies over parental rights and LGBTQ inclusion in public schools Mahmoud v. Taylor was brought by brought by a group of Christian, Muslim and Jewish parents who argued the district's curriculum opt-out change violated their religious freedom. The Supreme Court's conservative majority agreed and upheld a preliminary injunction that requires schools to notify parents and permit opt-outs when such content is used. Liberal Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented, saying exposure to diverse ideas does not amount to government indoctrination but is instead the purpose of public education. While the decision applies directly to Montgomery County, it sets a precedent for similar lawsuits and policies nationwide. In a statement following the ruling, Montgomery County Public Schools reaffirmed its commitment to diversity and inclusion, while expressing disappointment in the outcome. "Although not surprised, we are disappointed in today's ruling. This decision complicates our work creating a welcoming, inclusive and equitable school system. It also sends a chilling message to many valued members of our diverse community," the district said. "Montgomery County Public Schools remains a welcoming and inclusive school system that embraces and celebrates each and every one of our students," the statement continued. "We will maintain an environment where all students feel valued and supported. Equity is one of our core values and is foundational to who we are as a system that serves one of the most diverse communities in the United States of America." MCPS added that it is reviewing the Supreme Court's decision and developing a plan for implementation that honors both the legal directive and the district's mission. "We will continue to analyze the Supreme Court decision and develop next steps in alignment with today's decision and, as importantly, our values. Schools and families will receive further guidance prior to the start of the upcoming school year," the statement read. "MCPS will continue to have inclusive books, which reflect the rich diversity of the students and families that we serve in Montgomery County." Supporters have hailed the court's decision as a long-overdue affirmation of family values. "The Supreme Court sent a powerful message today: parents do not take a back seat to anyone when it comes to raising their kids," Grace Morrison, a board member for Kids First, a parental rights advocacy group, said in an official statement. "I am deeply grateful to have been part of this historic triumph for parental rights nationwide." Critics, however, warn that the decision could mean further marginalization of LGBTQ students and could undermine efforts to build more inclusive classrooms moving forward. Sari Beth Rosenberg, a U.S. history and AP U.S. history teacher in New York City, said the ruling could make it significantly harder to create welcoming spaces for all students. "It sends a message to LGBTQ students and families that their identities are controversial or unwelcome, which completely undermines my efforts to build a respectful, supportive learning environment," Rosenberg said. "Our schools are supposed to prepare students to participate in a diverse democracy, and we can't do that if we're forced to erase entire communities from the curriculum." Differing views on liberty and inclusion Eric Baxter, vice president and senior counsel at Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, which represented the plaintiffs in the case, called the ruling "a historic victory for parental rights" in an official statement. "Today, the Court restored common sense and made clear that parents -- not government -- have the final say in how their children are raised," he added. But LGBTQ advocates say the ruling allows families to exempt their children from learning about diverse identities, sending harmful messages to students whose families reflect those very realities. "Every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they read and to be celebrated in their classrooms for who they truly are," said Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign. "This ruling not only tells LGBTQ+ students that they don't belong, but that their experiences and existence are less worthy of respect. It's wrong, it's dangerous, and it's cruel, plain and simple." Ruling on online access raises censorship concerns In a separate 6-3 decision Friday, the court upheld a Texas law requiring websites with significant sexual content to implement strict age-verification systems. The law mandates that adult sites where more than one-third of content is deemed "harmful to minors" must verify users' age using secure identification before granting access. The court's decision only affects the Texas law and not similar laws instituted in other states. Titania Jordan, chief parent officer at Bark Technologies, a parental controls company that helps parents protect their children online, said enforcing such a requirement at scale poses major technological and financial challenges, particularly for smaller platforms. "Sites would need to integrate reliable identity providers or build their own verification systems, which can be expensive and technically complex," Jordan told "GMA." "Implementing biometric checks or secure document scans requires strict anti-fraud measures." Still, she said she supports the overall goal of the law. "Let's not lose focus of what's important here: keeping kids safer online," she said. "To protect both children and digital freedoms, any legislation should be narrowly tailored and paired with rigorous oversight to maximize data privacy." Legal experts say the ruling raises new questions about internet censorship, particularly if definitions of "sexual" content expand. Austin-based criminal defense attorney Sam Bassett noted that while the court backed Texas, it rejected the Fifth Circuit's earlier rationale. "The Fifth Circuit applied the rational basis test -- the least rigorous standard used to evaluate constitutional challenges -- agreeing with Texas that the ID requirement didn't implicate a fundamental right, since it only applied to minors," he told "GMA." "The Supreme Court decision did not agree with the Fifth Circuit's 'rational basis' application of First Amendment protections, yet it also rejected the higher 'strict scrutiny' standard of analysis," he continued. "The basis for their decision seems to be largely based upon an analysis that the Texas age-verification statute was targeted at limiting access only to those under the age of 18, and we have many laws which prohibit access to minors." Still, Bassett warned that if the law were applied more broadly to restrict access to non-explicit but sensitive material, such as information about gender identity or sexual orientation, it could raise serious constitutional issues. "A prohibition of access to those types of websites, in my view, would likely face a 'strict scrutiny' analysis under the First Amendment, as there is no recognized precedent to bar minors from information regarding those topics," he said. Together, the two rulings reflect a growing legal and political divide over who gets to decide what young people can see, learn and access, whether in a classroom or on the internet. Although the LGBTQ+ book ruling currently applies only to Montgomery County, legal analysts say it could shape broader education policy and religious liberty claims across the country in the years to come.
Technical.ly
2 days ago
- Business
- Technical.ly
This Week in Jobs: Halfway there — start your Q3 with these 23 tech career opportunities
Today isn't just another Tuesday — July 1 is the official start of Q3, the midpoint of the year. In the words of the great Bon Jovi, 'We're halfway there, living on a prayer.' Whether you crushed your goals in the first half or fell off somewhere around February, now's the time to reset for the second half. In business, Q3 is where the pressure picks up. Budgets tighten, performance reviews loom, and big bets start to pay off. For jobseekers, it's a good time to pause and take stock. This week, when you apply for a coveted job, give yourself a halftime pep talk. The first half of the year may not have worked out the way you hoped, but there's still plenty of time for success. Then into the holiday weekend ready to relax and forget about the job search for a few days. We'll be here next week to get you back in gear. The News Philly's startup scene is surging — here are 16 rising companies to keep an eye on. Amazon plans to spend $20 billion to build two data centers in Pennsylvania — but many key details are still unknown, like the centers' full impact on electricity supply and prices and the amount of tax revenue the state will forfeit to Amazon. Pittsburgh's Sensible Photonics has $1 million in Department of Energy Funding for its tech that can shorten blackouts. With the end of a three-year contract between the Philadelphia Robotics Coalition (PRC) and the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) last summer, the Philly youth robotics community is struggling to find funds to keep competing. This Maryland-based entrepreneur is a real doll: Meet Summer, American Girl's Doll of the Year. New Jersey's Transportation Needs Index is helping communities and decision-makers see more clearly where investments and partnerships might make the biggest impact — a model that could be replicated in other states and regions. Partner Spotlight 'Technology at Susquehanna moves at the dynamic pace of the market, adapting to our environment and changing our patterns based on whether we're working on tactical or larger system development,' says trading systems manager Jay. 'Quants, traders and technologists work consistently in partnership with each other. Technologists work side-by-side with quants and traders to understand the problems we're tackling so we can build reliable platforms and innovative strategies that allow us to capture trading opportunities.' The Jobs Greater Philly Databricks is seeking a Lead Specialist Solutions Architect. Universal Music Group is looking for a Philly-based Senior Full-Stack Engineer. CubeSmart is hiring a Database Engineer and a Technical SEO Analyst. Vanguard has an open listing for a Public Relations Consultant, Senior Specialist. Capital One in Wilmington needs a Senior Software Engineer (Full Stack). DC + Baltimore Adobe is looking for a Technology Consultant. Freddie Mac in McLean is seeking a Senior Tech Lead. Kite Pharma in Frederick has a listing for a Senior IT Engineering Specialist. in McLean needs an IT Support Lead. Warner Bros. Discovery in Silver Spring is seeking a Project Engineer. Pittsburgh The End Not where you thought you'd be by now? That's okay. Every great story has a plot twist in the middle.
New York Post
4 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
Drone City: 'We're using them all over the place'
The NYPD plans to cast a wide net when it comes to protecting the Big Apple against nefarious drone operators. The city is in talks with Maryland-based American Robotics to buy technology that can detect, track and intercept 'hostile drones,' Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Kaz Daughtry told The Post. The company has developed a portable station that can launch two or three 8-pound drones capable of intercepting a suspect drone in midair — then fire a lightweight mesh net at the invasive drone, entangling its rotors and preventing it from flying. A parachute then activates to bring the enemy drone down safely to the ground. Advertisement 11 The Iron Drone Raider System holds smaller racer drones that can be deployed to hunt hostile drones. American Robotics 11 The system's drones, which are deployed from boxes, can shoot nets that ensnare other drones. American Robotics The drone launchers can be used along parade routes or other large events, he said. Advertisement 'They have a counter-drone detection system where it will detect a hostile drone,' said Daughtry, a former NYPD detective. 'The net will go around the drone and it will safely land.' Daughtry, who directs the city's fleet of 150 drones, has been in talks with the company about using its Iron Drone Raider System and hopes to have a deal soon, he said. 11 Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Kaz Daughtry is considered the city's drone czar and oversees its fleet of 150 drones. Leonardo Munoz 'We could station it anywhere throughout the city,' Daughtry said. Advertisement The system, which uses eight-pound racer drones, costs less than $200,000, American Robotics CEO Eric Brock said. 'Ground radar would detect something that's unidentified,' Brock said, explaining that the person in charge of the drone would then press a button to activate it. 'Once we locate the drone we track it and hunt it.' 11 Detective Mike Mallery, of the NYPD's Technical Assistance and Response Unit, operates a drone during a demonstration in lower Manhattan. Leonardo Munoz His company shows off the tech in a dramatic video on YouTube. Advertisement Brock said he couldn't identify the company's current clients because of security issues, but said they have been working with the UAE in the Middle East. Similar tech — minus the parachute — has been used by the Ukrainians to take down Russian drones. 11 Deputy Mayor Kaz Daughtry has been a strong proponent of using drone technology to help the NYPD. Leonardo Munoz Before the raider drones could be deployed in NYC, the federal government would have to lift restrictions that ban local jurisdictions from taking down flying vehicles. Right now, only feds have that authorization. Daughtry, who worries most about potential drone attacks from a 'lone wolf,' has been lobbying the Trump administration with Chief of Department John Chell to change that. 'I'm hearing that the [Trump] administration is open to it,' he said. 11 The net used by the Iron Drone Raider System uses a parachute to try to bring down nefarious drones safely. American Robotics Daughtry has been on the leading edge of drone use as an NYPD official under Mayor Adams. Advertisement Daughtry has been talking to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch about assigning drones to members of the NYPD's Community Response Teams. The drones would be launched from wherever cops are patrolling, and piloted remotely from One Police Plaza in Lower Manhattan, he said. The drones would then provide video feed of suspects trying to flee and help cops find them, he said. Officers would no longer have to wait for the Aviation Unit to send helicopters from Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn. 11 The system tracks the drones with radar and then hunts them before it fires the net. American Robotics 'When they have a barricaded suspect or a suspect who's hiding in the woods, they can just open their trunk, put the drone up, turn it on and they can run,' he said. 'They can just leave and the drone will launch itself.' Advertisement The move to put drones in cars was the final phase of a program that started last year with placing drones on precinct station house roofs in crime-prone areas and using them as first responders on 911 calls. Earlier this month the NYPD had Skydio X10 drones out in droves to monitor anti-Trump protests and was able to use them to track crowd movement and deploy its officers to hotspots. 11 A NYPD member holds a drone that was used to track protesters at the No KIngs Day protest earlier this month. REUTERS 11 Tens of thousands of protestors participated in the No Kings rally on June 14 in New York City. Michael Nigro Advertisement 'There were drones all over the place,' Daughtry said. Those drones can go as high as 800 feet but the city keeps them at 400 so they don't collide with airplanes, he said. The drones give NYPD brass eyes in the sky, but can also be crime deterrents. 'When people are committing acts like vandalism or they're about to do something we can bring the drone down real close so they know that we're watching them,' he said. Advertisement 11 NYPD TARU Detective Tom Elliot inside a van where he and other officers can control drones in other boroughs remotely from a computer screen. Leonardo Munoz 11 FDNY members holding rafts that drones drop into the water to help struggling swimmers. Leonardo Munoz The FDNY has drones that can monitor its beaches for struggling swimmers and the Office of Emergency Management has drones for use in mapping out disasters. When Daughtry first began championing drones back in 2022, he got pushback from some other cops, he said. 'They told me that we would never be able to have drones in the city,' he said. 'Guess what? Now we're using them all over the place.'
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Fort Erie chef-actor Matty Matheson adds vocalist to growing resume
Fort Erie's Matty Matheson — already known as a celebrity chef, New York Times bestselling author, actor, producer, internet personality and restaurateur — can now add vocalist to his ever-growing resume. Matheson has teamed up with Alexisonfire's Wade MacNeil , Welland natives Daniel and Ian Romano , and Tommy Major to form Pig Pen , a hardcore band that made its debut in Toronto in April. Pig Pen, in partnership with Baltimore, Maryland-based Flatspot Records , has just released its debut LP, 'Mental Madness.' The band will perform the album live on July 3 at Welland's Royal Canadian Legion Branch 4, with Buffalo, N.Y.-based acts Exhibition, Big Dog and Corrosives opening. Daniel Romano, a solo artist, and MacNeil play guitar, with the latter also providing vocals, while Ian Romano plays drums and Major plays bass. The Romano brothers were members of Welland's Attack in Black. Daniel is a member of MacNeil's solo project, Dooms Children, and Ian is a member of Corrosives. Emmy-winning and critically-acclaimed 'The Bear,' for which Matheson plays handyman Neil Fak, has started its fourth season on Hulu and Hulu on Disney Plus. In addition to his entertainment career, Matheson owns several restaurants, including Rizzo's House of Parm in Crystal Beach , and is a partner in Blue Goose Farms in Ridgeway . He also runs Matheson Food Co. and Matheson Cookware and has a clothing line. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show at the legion hall at 383 Morningstar Ave. are sold out, but there is a waiting list at
