theblaze--2020-03-10--Students ordered to remove MAGA hats OK'd for middle school fundraiser. Officials note 'substantial

Students ordered to remove MAGA hats OK'd for middle school fundraiser. Officials note 'substantial disruption,' 'tensions between students.'

Students ordered to remove MAGA hats OK 'd for middle school fundraiser .
Officials note 'substantial disruption , ' 'tensions @ @ @ @ @ President Trump comes into the equation , it just explodes , and people — it @ @ @ @

It's another MAGA meltdown — straight outta Fauquier County, Virginia.
What are the details?
Marshall Middle School in The Plains held a class fundraiser late last month in which students could donate $1 for the right to wear a hat to school, WTTG-TV reported.
Image source: WTTG-TV video screenshot
It seems a handful of students chose to wear Make America Great Again hats and other headgear in support of President Donald Trump.
Image source: WTTG-TV video screenshot
As TheBlaze has reported, some leftists lose their minds at the sight of MAGA hats, which bear the iconic slogan for Trump's 2016 campaign. And while fortunately no one got violent after gazing at the hats, as detractors have in other incidents, not all was happy at the school.
The Trump/MAGA hat-wearing students told WTTG that they were asked to remove them at lunch before ultimately all students were asked to remove their hats. District officials told the station the hats were causing a "substantial disruption" and "tensions between students."
Quite the development in a county where Trump took 60 percent of the 2016 vote, WTTG said.
“I just think that whenever President Trump comes into the equation, it just explodes, and people — it triggers them somehow," Joe Teague — whose son Logan wore a pro-Trump hat — told the station.
Image source: WTTG-TV video screenshot
Claims of bullying
WTTG said a source with knowledge of the incident claimed school officials had no issues with the MAGA hats until some of the students wearing them began bullying Latino classmates. The source also said some students were told "go back to your country" as well as other offensive remarks, the station reported.
But Logan, 14, told WTTG the bullying claim is bogus: "I think it was just excuses made because they wanted to see us get in trouble because we were wearing Trump hats."
Logan Teague Image source: WTTG-TV video screenshot
David Moore, 13, who joined Logan in the MAGA hat-wearing free expression exercise, added to the station that the bullying claim is "not true."
David Moore Image source: WTTG-TV video screenshot
"I'm supporting our president," David also told WTTG. "If that were to be a George Washington hat, I'm supporting that president. She wouldn't tell us to take that off."
Joe Teague didn't believe a word of the bullying claim, either.
"No bullying. My son didn't say one word to anybody," Teague told the station. "He wore his hat in support of the president of the United States. I felt that they were just targeted."
What happened next?
Logan and David chose to go home early that day, WTTG said, which their parents supported.
“I want my son, as well other students, to be able to go to that school and support President Trump, the president of the United States," Teague told the station. "There's no reason they should not be able to do that."
Anything else?
WTTG said school district officials declined to answer most of its questions, but a spokesperson did say no one was disciplined because of the incident and that school administrators handled it appropriately.


theblaze--2020-03-10--Black professor who tweeted 'whiteness is terrorism' doubles down in op-ed: 'Here’s why I’m right.'

Black professor who tweeted 'whiteness is terrorism ' doubles down in op-ed : 'Here ’ s why I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ mental and physical terrorism '

Last summer, Trinity College professor Johnny E. Williams made headlines after tweeting that "whiteness is terrorism." Now in a recent op-ed, he has doubled down on that claim.
What's the background?
TheBlaze previously reported that Williams, a sociology professor at Trinity, tweeted in April 2019 that "whiteness is terrorism" and added that "all self-identified white people (no exceptions) are invested in and collude with systematic white racism/white supremacy."
Though his Twitter account was made private soon after, the Hartford Courant recorded the comments and Campus Reform subsequently reported on them, along with other incendiary remarks about white people and "white kneegrows" such as Candace Owens and Barack and Michelle Obama.
It wasn't the first time that Williams had been in hot water over his racy social media use. He had previously been placed on leave by Trinity College following inflammatory remarks, including a Facebook post following the congressional baseball shooting in 2017 in which he said that white people are "inhuman assholes" and that first responders should have let the white victims "f***ing die."
What's he saying now?
In a recent opinion piece published by the Hartford Courant titled "I tweeted 'whiteness is terrorism' and was condemned for it. Here's why I'm right," Williams argued that in the United States, "people who identify as 'white' preside over an oppressive system" that exploits and terrorizes people of color.
Williams began his argument by asserting that "there is no 'white race'" — rather, "whiteness" is a "system based on beliefs, values, behaviors, habits and attitudes." This "shared conglomeration of fabricated meanings and ideas about biologically insignificant human differences," he claimed, is subsequently mobilized to exploit and terrorize non-whites.
Williams explicitly defended his past claim, asserting that "race and whiteness materialize as systemic white racism terroristic actions and practices with very real, tangible, and lethal effects."
And he reiterated that "whiteness by its very definition and operation as a key element of white supremacy kills."
"It is mental and physical terrorism," he added.
Anything else?
In its original report on Williams' "whiteness is racism" tweet, Campus Reform talked to a student at Trinity College who is a member of the school's College Republicans group. The student provided insight into how Williams is viewed on campus.
"Everyone really questions, even liberals, why is he still here?" the student said. "I think that's kind of a question a lot of people are asking is, he advocated for white genocide, why is he still here?"
"I think if you ask anyone on campus that is not as radical as he is, they will be like 'he needs to go,' which is interesting because at Trinity College, most students are pretty apathetic toward really everything, so to have such a high defensive that an individual needs to go, that really says something," the student added.
Here is more about Williams' perspective on race from a TED Talk he gave in 2018:


theblaze--2020-03-10--Dem strategist threatens 'scorched-earth' crusade against Trump's family over Hunter Biden pressure

'Unlike anything they 've experienced thus far in the media '

A Democratic strategist who served as an adviser to Michael Bloomberg's presidential campaign has promised to go after President Donald Trump's family if Republicans continue pressuring Hunter Biden over his Ukraine business dealings.
Timothy O'Brien said on MSNBC over the weekend that there will be a "scorched-earth" crusade against Trump's children if Republicans "make an issue out of Hunter Biden."
"If the Republicans really want to make an issue out of Hunter Biden, which is very low-hanging fruit that I don't think most Democratic voters care about anyway, there is going to be a scorched-earth response aimed at all of the Trump children that is unlike anything they've experienced thus far in the media," O'Brien said.
O'Brien, who is an executive editor at Bloomberg's news conglomerate, also claimed that the entire Trump family are "grifters," a suggestion that their wealth is illegitimate.
"The Trump family are epic grifters, and this goes back generations," O'Brien said. "Fred Trump made his money by intersecting with both the federal government and state government in New York. Donald came up through New York, intersecting with local government and in Atlantic City."
"Now they are now in the White House, and all of them are dipping their faces into the till," he claimed.
When show host Joe Reid asked if his boss — former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg — would be funding the "scorched-earth" campaign, O'Brien said it is "important" for voters to see how the Trump family has earned its billions.
"I think it's an important moment for the American people to be woke about how rampant the financial conflicts of interest are among Trump's children and the president himself," O'Brien said.
YouTube www.youtube.com
After ending his presidential campaign last month, Bloomberg endorsed Joe Biden for president and has indicated that he will continue to use his vast fortune to ensure Trump loses re-election in November.
(H/T: Raw Story)


theblaze--2020-03-10--DNC has no plans to scrap upcoming Sanders/Biden debate over coronavirus concerns

DNC has no plans to scrap upcoming Sanders/Biden debate over coronavirus concerns 'We are in touch with local officials and @ @ @ @ @

While large public gatherings around the country and the world have been canceled or postponed due to the ongoing outbreak of the new coronavirus — formally known as COVID-19 — the Democratic National Committee says that it doesn't plan to cancel its upcoming 2020 presidential primary debate, at least for now.
According to a statement from DNC spokesperson Xochitl Hinojosa on Monday, Sunday's debate in Phoenix should go ahead as planned, the Arizona Republic reported.
"We are in touch with local officials and will follow their guidance," Hinojosa said. "There are no plans to cancel the debate."
The event will happen as concerns continue to grow about the spread of the coronavirus, which began in China late last year. Sunday's debate will bring together not only two top presidential candidates, but also their staff, the press, and members of the public.
In a statement reported by the Hill, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said that her team understands "the responsibility that comes with hosting an event under these circumstances" and is taking precautions ahead of the debate while reassessing the situation on a daily basis.
"We understand that the fear felt by residents is real, which is why we want to ensure transparency and efficiency in the dissemination of information on this topic," Gallego said. "At this time, we are working with the understanding that the debate is moving forward as planned and taking proper safety precautions in the lead up to Sunday. Based on this information we will reassess daily what possible changes need to be made."
The Grand Canyon State's first case of coronavirus was confirmed in late January. On Monday, the state reported its sixth confirmed case of the disease, as state Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ informed the public that the state had also seen community spread of the virus for the first time.
Before it was plagued with concerns about the potential for coronavirus transmission, Sunday's debate faced criticism over new DNC criteria that favored top primary candidates Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and former Vice President Joe Biden by singularly excluding Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), who would have qualified under previous rules.
"To keep me off the stage, the DNC again arbitrarily changed the debate qualifications," Gabbard tweeted of the DNC's announcement calling on her opponents to speak out against it. "Previously they changed the qualifications in the OPPOSITE direction so Bloomberg could debate. I ask that you stand w/ me against the DNC's transparent effort to exclude me from the debates."


theblaze--2020-03-10--Rashida Tlaib spotted wearing T-shirt that completely erases Israel from the map

Controversial Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D) was recently pictured wearing a T-shirt that completely erases the modern state of Israel from the map. In its place? Palestinian rule.
The image, first posted to Twitter by user Alex VanNess, appears to show Tlaib sporting the shirt while promoting a new book by Linda Sarsour, a fellow surrogate for the presidential campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who is also a vocal critic of Israel.
The shirt shows the borders of modern-day Israel colored in with Arabic letters that spell Palestine, indicating a rejection of a two-state solution and the eradication of a Jewish nation-state.
According to an advertisement for the shirt online, wearers can "stand in solidarity with Palestine" by donning the "beautiful Palestinian tee shirt."
"An outlined map of Palestine is filled with red, white, and green Arabic letters that look stunning from a distance and spell the word Palestine up close. A patterned shemagh wraps around the neck of the Palestinian state like the brave soldiers whose boots stand on the dusty ground," the product description reads.
Tlaib has been outspoken about her anti-Israel sentiments before. Last summer, after Palestinian terrorists murdered a 17-year-old Jewish girl while she was hiking with her family, Tlaib blamed the attack on "Israeli occupation." She also came under fire for retweeting a fake news story erroneously attributing the death of a Palestinian boy to "violent Israeli settlers."
The Michigan congresswoman's criticism against Israel as well as support for the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement has earned her scorn from pro-Israel groups such as the Anti-Defamation League. Tlaib and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) were even blocked from entering Israel last year due to their BDS support.
(H/T: The Washington Free Beacon)


theblaze--2020-03-10--Minnesota city recognizes 'Abortion Providers Appreciation Day' to 'celebrate' abortionists' 'high-q

Minnesota city recognizes 'Abortion Providers Appreciation Day' to 'celebrate' abortionists' 'high-quality care'

'Movements like this are indicative of the moral decline occurring in Minnesota and across our country '

In St. Paul, Minnesota, Tuesday officially marks "Abortion Providers Appreciation Day" in the city after the city council decided to wade into the national debate on the right to life last week.
According a city council resolution that passed Wednesday, "Abortion Providers Appreciation Day" is meant to "honor the memory" of abortionist David Gunn, killed on March 10, 1993, as well as "to combat the stigma that many abortion providers and clinic staff face, and to celebrate the courage, compassion, and high-quality care they provide."
As reasons for officially setting aside Tuesday as a day to celebrate people who end unborn babies' lives, the resolution said that the Supreme Court "now contains a majority of Justices who may not interpret the Constitution to provide protection for the right to end a pregnancy and may overturn or severely limit Roe v. Wade" and claimed that "abortion providers must be accessible in order for people to make real decisions about their bodies, lives, and futures."
The resolution passed unanimously with a vote of 7-0.
The measure also called abortion "one of the safest medical procedures in the United States" — despite the fact that it must result in the willful termination of a human life in order to be successful.
Of course, last week's vote didn't go through without drawing some pro-life pushback.
Minnesota state Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R) criticized the decision on Twitter, calling it "bizarre."
"I believe we should protect human life from conception to natural death," Gazelka wrote. "But why would the St.Paul city council choose to 'celebrate' abortion? Some may think it's a necessary evil, but to celebrate abortion is bizarre."
GOP state Sen. Mark Johnson said that he was "saddened" and "disturbed" by the city council's decision in a prepared statement.
"Movements like this are indicative of the moral decline occurring in Minnesota and across our country," Johnson stated. "As a father of three, I understand the sanctity of life and the joy that children bring to this world. Instead of celebrating abortion providers and their destructive habits, let's take a moment to celebrate life and our local organizations who are on the front lines protecting women's and children's health."
But Tuesday's celebration of abortion providers and the execution of their chosen profession wasn't limited to the city of St. Paul. Multiple pro-abortion organizations also marked the date on social media, with some sharing a graphic that encouraged others to "join the celebration."
Last month, the question of whether or not any abortion advocates actually celebrate abortion briefly became a topic of debate, following then-Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang's comment that "we have to get back to the point where no one is suggesting that we be celebrating an abortion at any point in the pregnancy."
A CNN opinion writer tried to counter that "nobody 'celebrates abortion,'" and his assertion was subsequently met with numerouscounter-examples in rebuttal. Now it would appear that such rebuttals have been given even more evidence to back up their case.


theblaze--2020-03-10--'Satan is the one true lord': Woman harasses pro-life students outside abortion clinic. Students res

'Satan is the one true lord': Woman harasses pro-life students outside abortion clinic. Students respond by saying they'll pray for her.

'Satan is the one true lord ' : Woman harasses pro-life students outside abortion clinic .
Students respond by saying @ @ @ @ @ .

Pro-life students were harassed in a variety of ways while they peacefully prayed Saturday outside the Bellingham, Washington, Planned Parenthood, Students for Life reported.
But perhaps the most pointed reaction to the pro-life students from Whatcom Community College was a woman caught on video driving up to them and declaring allegiance to the devil.
'Satan is the one true lord'
"Satan is the one true lord," she announced, looking at the students through the passenger window of her vehicle. "Satan — the dark lord."
"We'll pray for you," one pro-life student replied before adding that the students were "just out here praying, trying to support the community."
"We don't need your prayers," the woman replied before driving off and announcing in a ta-ta-for-now tone, "Hail Satan!"
Check it out:
youtu.be
But there was more in store
According to Autumn Lindsey, a leader for Whatcom Community College Students for Life, there was much more action at the demonstration. Such as:
Drivers passing by and yelling obscenities and displaying crude gestures.
A group of people yelling threateningly in one student's face, calling him a "c***sucker."
A man riding a bike by students and throwing a glass vial at them, which shattered. Police were called to make sure it wasn't dangerous or harmful, and the fire department tested and cleaned up the fluid.
A woman flashing the students while yelling, "My body, my choice!"
Oh, and a car passenger masturbating toward the students as the vehicle passed them.
"What happened Saturday shows us the worst of the worst of the pro-choice movement; obscenity, Satan worship, and lewdness towards students," Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America said.
Lindsey added, "This kind of intimidation causes some of our volunteers to feel uneasy to sign up to pray for mothers and preborn children during a 40 Days for Life event. We are only 11 days in, and we have already been bullied and threatened to the point where our volunteers are nervous to go alone. But we will not back down because this just demonstrates how evil the abortion industry is. We will stand united together and not let the bullies stop us even though the violence of abortion is celebrated by increasingly violent people."


theblaze--2020-03-10--California Gov. Newsom refutes media narrative, says Trump has said and done 'everything I could hav

California Gov. Newsom refutes media narrative, says Trump has said and done 'everything I could have hoped for' on coronavirus

California Gov .
Newsom refutes media narrative , says Trump has said and done 'everything I could have hoped for @ @ @ @ @ not what we 've been hearing from other Dems

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom gave President Donald Trump and his administration full credit for an effective and satisfactory response to the growing coronavirus problem in his state, according to Newsweek.
As the country deals with the spread of the virus and a continued shortage of available tests, the Trump administration has been criticized heavily by Democratic politicians and the media. Newsom, however, is pleased with how Trump has handled the crisis.
"We had a private conversation, but he said, 'We're gonna do the right thing' and 'You have my support, all of our support, logistically and otherwise,'" Newsom said Monday.
"He said everything that I could have hoped for. And we had a very long conversation, and every single thing he said, they followed through on."
Contrast Newsom's assessment with that of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who blamed Monday's stock market drop on Trump's allegedly poor handling of coronavirus.
"Well it is very sad, but I believe, what we know about the Dow is that they want certainty, they want to have confidence that there is a plan," Pelosi said of the stock market struggles.
"I think that what is happening there is a reflection of lack of confidence, and so we would hope that what is coming out of the White House will be more consistent with what the health advisers are putting forth," Pelosi continued. "We would hope that rather than name-calling, [Trump] would be again joining with his health care professionals who are advising him and the rest of us in a well-coordinated government agenda."
President Trump has accused Democrats and media outlets of blowing the coronavirus outbreak out of proportion in order to hurt him politically leading into the 2020 election.
"The Fake News Media and their partner, the Democrat Party, is doing everything within its semi-considerable power (it used to be greater!) to inflame the CoronaVirus situation, far beyond what the facts would warrant," Trump wrote Monday on Twitter.


theblaze--2020-03-10--Media outlet claims Trump 'storms out' of coronavirus briefing, ignores questions. Video shows other

Media outlet claims Trump 'storms out' of coronavirus briefing, ignores questions. Video shows otherwise.

Media outlet claims Trump 'storms out ' of coronavirus briefing , ignores questions .
Video shows otherwise .
'This is @ @ @ @ @ ALL what happened .
Wow '

Did President Donald Trump storm out of a press conference about coronavirus and refuse to answer questions related to his possible exposure to the rapidly spreading disease? That's what the Daily Mail claimed.
"Trump REFUSES to say if he has been tested for coronavirus and storms out of White House briefing on crisis," a tweet from the news outlet blasted.
But, as it turned out, video from the briefing shows the allegation doesn't hold water.
What actually happened?
The president gave the media an update about the government's ongoing response to the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S., during which he addressed numerous questions from the press corps.
However, one question the president did not address was whether he has been tested for coronavirus. As the Daily Mail noted in its story, the White House did answer that question.
"The President has not received COVID-19 testing because he has neither had prolonged close contact with any known confirmed COVID-19 patients, nor does he have any symptoms," White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said.
In fact, video of the conclusion of Monday's press conference shows that Trump did not refuse to answer the question — nor did he storm out of the briefing room — but rather he thanked the media for their questions and calmly walked away from the lectern as journalists continued to scream questions.
The scene resembled nearly every press gaggle that the president has ever addressed. He in no way stormed out.
In response, the Daily Mail was widely rebuked.
"This is such garbage. Not AT ALL what happened. Wow," one person responded.
"I'll take 'Things that didn't happen' for $500," another person responded.
Trump himself even responded, saying, "Fake News!!"


theblaze--2020-03-10--‘A threat to the public health’: Feds issue warnings to companies hawking 'fraudulent' coronavirus p

‘A threat to the public health’: Feds issue warnings to companies hawking 'fraudulent' coronavirus products like essential oils

‘ A threat to the public health ’ : Feds issue warnings to companies hawking 'fraudulent ' coronavirus products like @ @

The global outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus has people around the world concerned for their safety and well-being, which creates a natural environment for some people to try to exploit those fears for their own financial gain. On Monday, two federal consumer protection bodies announced efforts to combat such fleecing by sending warnings to multiple companies about selling "fraudulent" cures and means of prevention for the virus.
According to a news release issued Monday by the Food and Drug Administration, the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission sent letters to seven different companies "for selling fraudulent COVID-19 products." The release explained that the products in question are "unapproved drugs that pose significant risks to patient health and violate federal law" and that the agencies' letters are the first such warnings to go out amid the recent virus outbreak.
According to the FTC, the warning is for companies that are selling products such as essential oils, teas, and colloidal silver with claims that the products can either prevent or treat the disease. The FDA said that there are still no approved drugs or vaccines to treat or prevent the virus, and while "there are investigational COVID-19 vaccines and treatments under development," the agency added, "these investigational products are in the early stages of product development and have not yet been fully tested for safety or effectiveness."
Furthermore, the FDA added that colloidal silver "is not safe or effective for treating any disease or condition," as explained in a final rule on the substance issued in 1999.
"The FDA considers the sale and promotion of fraudulent COVID-19 products to be a threat to the public health," FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said in the release. "We have an aggressive surveillance program that routinely monitors online sources for health fraud products, especially during a significant public health issue such as this one."
Hahn added that while people's concerns about the ongoing global outbreak of the new coronavirus are understandable, he urged them to "talk to their health care providers, as well as follow advice from other federal agencies about how to prevent the spread of this illness."
The agencies say the joint warning letters went out to companies Vital Silver, Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd., Xephyr LLC doing business as N-Ergetics, GuruNanda LLC, Vivify Holistic Clinic, Herbal Amy LLC, as well as "The Jim Bakker Show" — a televangelism program also known for selling emergency food buckets to help viewers prepare for the end of days.
In a statement, FTC Chairman Joe Simons said that the letters "are just the first step" against companies accused of peddling faux coronavirus remedies. "We're prepared to take enforcement actions against companies that continue to market this type of scam."
"There already is a high level of anxiety over the potential spread of coronavirus," Simons said. "What we don't need in this situation are companies preying on consumers by promoting products with fraudulent prevention and treatment claims."
The letters argue that the coronavirus cure claims could put the warned companies in violation of federal law and that if they continue, the FTC could seek a court injunction and order mandating that they refund money to consumers.


theblaze--2020-03-10--Bernie Sanders claims the USSR wasn't socialist, gets called out for Sweden comparison by Fox News h

Bernie Sanders claims the USSR wasn't socialist, gets called out for Sweden comparison by Fox News host

Bernie Sanders claims the USSR was n't socialist , gets called out for Sweden comparison by Fox News host Do @ @ @ @ @ you

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), a democratic socialist presidential candidate, tried to separate his brand of socialism from that of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics when questioned Monday during a Fox News town hall by woman from Russia, the Daily Caller reported.
What was the question?
A woman named Margaret, who said she was from Russia, asked Sanders to address the concerns of her and others who had suffered under socialism and explain why his so-called democratic socialism would be different.
"As someone from Russia, a country that was greatly impacted by the negative effects of socialism, what assurances can you offer myself and other people impacted by socialism that democratic socialism will not have the same results?"
Bernie's response
"What happened and existed in the Soviet Union was not socialism. It was authoritarian communism," Sanders responded, as the audience began applauding. "And communism, whether in Cuba, whether in the Soviet Union, whether in other countries, was marked by totalitarianism, was marked by throwing millions of people into the gulag — Stalinism was about as bad as it got.
"But right near — you're from Russia; I don't know if you've ever visited Finland. Finland is a neighbor to Russia. They have a very democratic society with strong democratic socialist principles," Sanders continued. "Everybody in Finland has health care as a right. Their educational system is perhaps the best in the world, and college there is free. They take environmental responsibility very, very seriously. They have one of the lowest rates of childhood poverty in the industrialized world. And you know what? Their voting rate — people who participate in their elections — is a lot higher than it is in the United States. So when we talk about democratic socialism, Margaret, I'm talking about Finland, I'm talking about Denmark, I'm talking about Sweden, I'm talking about countries all over the world who have used their government to try to improve life for working families, not just the people on top."
Not so fast, Bernie
Fox News host Martha MacCallum, who was hosting the town hall along with Bret Baier, didn't let Sanders off the hook on his reference to Sweden — she had a response ready pointing to the numerous ways Sweden has moved toward a more free market system over the last few decades.
Sanders' response? "I'm not an expert on the current economy in Sweden."


theblaze--2020-03-10--Man repeatedly punched in face over MAGA hat; attacker then steals hat, cops say. Suspect now faces

Man repeatedly punched in face over MAGA hat; attacker then steals hat, cops say. Suspect now faces four years in prison.

Man repeatedly punched in face over MAGA hat ; attacker then steals hat , cops say .
Suspect now faces @ @ @ @ @

A man was using a restroom in a restaurant in downtown Hermosa Beach, California, last Labor Day — and happened to be wearing a red hat with white Russian writing on it, police said.
Well, the message on the hat caught the attention of another man in the restroom, who asked the hat-wearer what the writing meant, police said.
The hat-wearer said the translation was "Make America Great Again." As TheBlaze has reported, some leftists go berserk at the sight of the hat bearing the iconic slogan for President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign — and sometimes even turn violent.
Trump Derangement Syndrome strikes again
Indeed, the man who questioned the hat-wearer repeatedly punched him in the face, after which the victim to fell to the ground, police said. Apparently unsatisfied with decking the victim, the suspect continued to punch him and then stole the victim's hat and fled, cops added.
But after employing investigative resources and surveillance footage, police said they identified and arrested David Delgado at his Winnetka residence without incident on Oct. 1, after which he was held on $100,000 bail on charges of battery with serious injury and robbery.
Justice
Delgado, 32, pleaded no contest last Wednesday in connection with the incident, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced.
The charge was one felony count of assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, the DA's office said.
Delgado faces four years in state prison as a result of the plea, and sentencing is scheduled for May 28 in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Torrance Branch.
Seemingly on infinite repeat
Again, this incident is not the first of its kind: TheBlaze has noted reports of leftists flipping out at MAGA hat-wearers:
They've also resorted to taking off or knocking the caps off their heads, spitting at the wearers, and actually stealing the hats as video runs:
And believe it or not, a retired New York City police officer — during his birthday celebration, no less — said a woman punched him in the face and left it bloody last month over his hat that merely resembled a MAGA hat:


theblaze--2020-03-12--Asked if Trump's travel ban will reduce coronavirus spread, top health official Fauci says, 'a firm

Asked if Trump's travel ban will reduce coronavirus spread, top health official Fauci says, 'a firm yes'

Asked if Trump 's travel ban will reduce coronavirus spread , top health official Fauci says , ' a firm @ @ @ @ @ 's too late

Speaking before Congress on Thursday, the highly respected director of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Anthony Fauci, threw his support behind President Donald Trump's recently announced ban on travel from Europe to the United States.
When asked point blank by Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) if the travel ban would significantly reduce the spread of community cases, Fauci relied with "a firm yes," according to ABC News.
"Because if you look at the numbers, it's very clear that 70% of new infections in world are coming from that region, from Europe," Fauci continued. "Of the 35 or more states that have infections, 30 of them now, most recently, have gotten them from a travel-related case from that region."
Fauci went on to describe the argument for banning travel from Europe "compelling."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Robert Redfield also backed the travel ban, adding that "Europe is the new China, and that's why the president made those statements."
Fauci and Redfield are two of the most prominent public faces associated with combating the spread of the novel coronavirus in the U.S., and their support for the ban certainly throws weight behind it. But, not all experts on the matter are in agreement.
Another expert says the travel ban is too late
Tom Bossert, who formerly served as homeland security adviser for Trump specializing in pandemic preparedness, is essentially calling the travel ban too little too late.
Bossert had argued in an op-ed for the Washington Post earlier this week that the first phase of response to the pandemic, border containment, had passed, and that the second phase, community mitigation, must begin.
On Thursday, following the president's address to the nation, Bossert reasserted that the prime time for border containment had passed.
"In two weeks, we will regret wasting time and energy on travel restrictions and wish we focused more on hospital preparation and large scale community mitigation," Bossert argued.
He was not totally critical of Trump, however, and did say that the president "made a tremendous and positive step [with the address] to convey the seriousness of this virus."


theblaze--2020-03-12--Ohio governor orders schools closed for ‘an extended spring break of 3 weeks’ because of coronavirus

Ohio governor orders schools closed for ‘ an extended spring break of 3 weeks ’ because of coronavirus 'We have @ @ @ @ @

Schoolchildren in Ohio are in for a long spring vacation starting Monday, as the state's governor has ordered all of the schools closed for three weeks in response to the ongoing global outbreak of the new coronavirus — formally known as COVID-19.
Republican Gov. Mike DeWine made the announcement in a Twitter thread Thursday afternoon, in which he explained that while children were at low risk of dying from the fast-spreading disease if they don't have underlying medical problems, they could potentially carry the virus.
"We have today again consulted with experts, so we are announcing today that children in the state will have an extended spring break of 3 weeks. We will review it afterwards." DeWine tweeted. explaining that the prolonged adjournment would begin on Monday.
"We will continue to consult with educators on this," the governor said in a subsequent tweet. "We have to take this action. We have to do everything we can to slow down the spread of this virus."
The governor also explained in the announcement that the closure will apply to all K-12 institutions in the state, including private and charter schools.
"We know #COVID19 will spread, but by slowing it down it'll allow our healthcare system to work," DeWine explained. "We don't want our healthcare providers to have to make the decision of who lives and who dies."
While Buckeye state students from kindergarteners to high school seniors may find cause to rejoice over the extra time away from the classroom, the extended break is also likely to put a strain on working parents who will now have to figure out child care plans for the next three weeks — a reality that the governor also addressed on Thursday.
"We know this will impact families," DeWine conceded in the announcement. "We understand the sacrifice this will entail, but this is the right thing to do." He later added that his administration "have waited to close schools, but based on advice from health experts, this is the time to do it."
As of Thursday afternoon, there were five confirmed cases of the virus in the state and more than 330 people under "health supervision," according to numbers from the Ohio Department of Health.
DeWine also announced Thursday afternoon that the Department of Health would issue "an order banning mass gatherings" of over 100 people, which he said would include "auditoriums, stadiums, arenas, large conference rooms, meeting halls, cafeterias, or any other confined indoor or outdoor space" but would not include "normal operations" at places like shopping malls or airports, "typical office environments," or religious services.
State officials have also taken steps to protect elderly citizens, who are especially vulnerable to the virus. DeWine's school closure announcement comes just one day after directors for the state's health department and the Ohio Department of Veterans' Services issued a joint order limiting nursing home and assisted living facility residents to receiving one visitor per day. The order also requires that people entering the facilities be screened for signs of illness.


theblaze--2020-03-12--Report: Pelosi attempted to sneak taxpayer-funded abortions into the coronavirus relief bill

Report : Pelosi attempted to sneak taxpayer-funded abortions into the coronavirus relief bill

According to the Daily Caller, senior White House officials say that during negotiations with the Trump administration regarding a coronavirus economic relief package, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) sought to include a loophole that would guarantee federal funding for abortion services.
The officials claimed the California Democrat attempted to lobby for "several" provisions that slowed down a bipartisan working group in her talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin. Among Pelosi's demands, according to the Daily Caller, was $1 billion to reimburse laboratory claims. White House officials told the publication that if approved, this would create a precedent of health spending that circumvents a federal ban on taxpayer-sponsored abortions.
'Slush fund' for abortions
The ban, known as the Hyde Amendment, does not allow clinics or medical centers that perform abortion services to receive federal dollars.
"A new mandatory funding stream that does not have Hyde protections would be unprecedented," a White House told the Daily Caller. "Under the guise of protecting people, Speaker Pelosi is working to make sure taxpayer dollars are spent covering abortion — which is not only backwards, but goes against historical norms."
Pelosi's provision was described as a "slush fund" by another White House official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to the Daily Caller. Another questioned the logic of the House Speaker's condition: "What the Hyde Amendment and abortion have to do with protecting Americans from coronavirus?"
In a tweet Thursday, Planned Parenthood attacked Republicans for wanting the Hyde Amendment included in the coronavirus relief bill: "Using this very real public health emergency to attack abortion coverage shows a despicable lack of concern about the severity of this crisis."
Bill will be voted on
According to Politico, Republican and Democratic leaders eventually "resolved issues" concerning the Hyde Amendment provision and that the matter will be voted on as part of a separate bill.
House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy pushed back against the Democrats' bill Thursday morning, indicating he wanted the legislation re-written within the next 24 to 48 hours. It remains unclear when the coronavirus economic relief package will be brought to the floor of the House for a vote or if the Senate will support it.
President Donald Trump has indicated he would sign any coronavirus relief package that is brought to his desk.


theblaze--2020-03-12--Teenager suspended from school for selling squirts of hand sanitizer to buy Doritos

Hand sanitizer is now the hottest item on the market because of coronavirus. Even in the United States, where the outbreak is relatively new, you might have trouble finding any on the shelves of most major stores.
In the United Kingdom, one teenager decided to try to capitalize on that demand by selling squirts of hand sanitizer to his classmates — and he got suspended for it.
The teenager was sent home after selling hand sanitizer for about $0.64 per squirt, and he made around $11 before his business was shut down. His mother posted about the incident on Facebook.
"Well the little turd has just been expelled from school for the day after been caught charging students 50p a squirt for hand sanitiser to protect themselfs from the bloody corona virus!!" Jenny Tompkins posted. "Very hard to discipline this behaviour when his dad phones him from work to call him a f***ing legend."
Tompkins said her son used the money to buy a multipack of Doritos and was going to buy a kebab later.
The need for sanitizer is so intense that New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced that the state was selling its own, a 75% alcohol product sold for about $6 per gallon and produced by prison inmates.
Some people are choosing to make their own at home — sometimes with disastrous results. In New Jersey, a 7-Eleven owner was charged with endangering children and deceptive business practices for creating and selling a homemade hand sanitizer that allegedly burned four children.
"She wasn't trying to make a lot of money and obviously didn't mean to hurt anybody," a law enforcement official told the Daily Voice. "But she's no chemist."
Don't fret if you can't find any hand sanitizer, and avoid unproven homemade versions. Health officials say the best method of hand cleaning to protect against viruses is old-fashioned soap and water.


theblaze--2020-03-12--Georgia coronavirus patient details scary health struggle, says Pence personally called him with pra

Georgia coronavirus patient details scary health struggle, says Pence personally called him with prayers

Georgia coronavirus patient details scary health struggle , says Pence personally called him with prayers

Clay Bentley of Rome, Georgia, says that Vice President Mike Pence personally called him with prayers for recovery after his coronavirus diagnosis.
What are the details?
According to the Daily Mail, Bentley fell ill and went to an urgent care clinic in Rome, Georgia.
Bentley, who previously suffered through the flu, said that he could barely stand after contracting the illness, which is now a pandemic.
When he arrived at the clinic, his oxygen levels were alarmingly low, and it was later determined that he had double pneumonia caused by coronavirus.
"I was coughing and I was having a fever," he said. "Sweating. Cold chills. I didn't even have enough energy to stand up. ... I've had the flu before, but I ain't never felt this bad."
Bentley, who sings in a Georgia church choir, said that he was referred to a nearby hospital, but they discharged him and did not initially test him for coronavirus because he hadn't recently been out of the country. When he got worse, he phoned the hospital and told them that it seemed like they "sent me home to die."
When he returned to the hospital, he received a coronavirus diagnosis.
What else?
Bentley took to Facebook to reveal that Pence called him to wish him well.
He wrote, "So you know your [sic] living in a great country when the Vice President calls you to tell you that he is personally praying for your recovery."
"Mike Pence, you sir are such a great leader," he continued, "and sharing the Love of Jesus with you was an honor!!!"
Anything else?
The outlet reports that Bentley remains hospitalized and under quarantine. His wife, son, and grandchild are also under quarantine.
A statement from Bentley's church revealed that there were two confirmed cases of coronavirus over the last two weeks.
"We received an official word today from the Northwest Georgia Department of Public Health that there were two confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 that attended the Church at Liberty Square Sunday morning services over the last two weeks," the statement read. The church revealed that it would be cancelling services until Sunday, March 15.
"Our ministry team is being advised to wash their hands, practice good hygiene and stay home if they are sick," the statement cautioned.
What's Bentley's advice?
"It didn't look good for awhile," he said in a video obtained CNN. "It's been a hard road. But I'm here to tell you, that when you've got the word of God to stand on, there ain't no weapon formed against you that can prosper."


theblaze--2020-03-12--Texas man, who is a dead ringer for Will Ferrell, accused of luring his elderly father to the edge o

Texas man, who is a dead ringer for Will Ferrell, accused of luring his elderly father to the edge of a cliff and then pushing him off

Texas man , who is a dead ringer for Will Ferrell , accused of luring his elderly father to the @ @ @ @ @ then pushing him off

A Texas man has been accused of luring his 78-year-old father to the edge of cliff to look at a rattlesnake before pushing him off, police said. The suspect also happens to be a dead ringer for actor and comedian Will Ferrell.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by the Austin American-Statesman, 49-year-old Gerald McCants left the home that he shares with his father at around 8:30 a.m. local time before returning just a few minutes later excitedly telling his father about a rattlesnake he found.
McCants then asked his father to come see the snake, and the two drove to a cliff half a mile from their home. As they approached the edge of the cliff, McCants allegedly pushed his elderly father on the right side causing him to fall off the cliff, roughly 40 feet straight down.
McCants' father said that as he was falling down the bluff he could hear Gerald "laughing," according to the affidavit.
When police and emergency medical services arrived on the scene, they found McCants' father with deep cuts on his forehead and on the back of head and with many minor abrasions all over his body. He was taken to Dell Seton Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.
Gerald McCants was arrested and charged with injury to an elderly person, which is a third-degree felony, according to KXAN-TV. He is being held at Travis County Jail.
No motive has been declared thus far in the case.


theblaze--2020-03-12--Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban intends to provide financial support to hourly workers harmed by s

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban intends to provide financial support to hourly workers harmed by suspension of NBA season

The NBA suspended it's season, and it's unclear when or if it will resume games. The most well-known people associated with the league — star players, owners, executives — will take a financial hit, but they'll be more than OK.
The primary victims of the suspension are the many hourly workers associated with teams and arenas. Workers who, when they are unable to work, do not get paid. This could include ushers, vendors, security, and others.
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban understands this, and right after the league announced it was suspending the season, he announced his intention to ease the pain on those workers who will be most impacted.
"I reached out to the folks at the arena and our folks at the Mavs to find out what it would cost to support, financially support, people who aren't going to be able to come to work," Cuban said, according to ESPN. "They get paid by the hour, and this was their source of income. So, we'll do some things there. We may ask them to go do some volunteer work in exchange, but we've already started the process of having a program in place. I don't have any details to give, but it's certainly something that's important to me."
Congress is working through issues on a bill that would guarantee paid sick leave for workers during a public health emergency. The bill was introduced by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.). The bill was blocked by Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), but Alexander said he's willing to continue working with Murray toward a solution.
"The idea of paid sick leave is a good idea. But if Washington, D.C., thinks it's a good idea, Washington, D.C., should pay for it," Alexander, the chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said, the Hill reported. "It's not a cure for the coronavirus to put a big new expensive federal mandate on employers who are struggling in the middle of this matter."


theblaze--2020-03-12--Rep. Ayanna Pressley says Republican 'racism' is causing Americans to avoid Chinese food

Rep. Ayanna Pressley says Republican 'racism ' is causing Americans to avoid Chinese food She said the GOP leader is @ @ @ @ @

Not to be outdone by New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, fellow leader of "The Squad," Democratic Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (Mass.) blasted Americans who avoid Chinese restaurants and neighborhoods to avoid contracting the coronavirus as perpetrators of "racism and xenophobia."
"Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, we've seen not only the spreading of the virus but also a rapid spreading of racism and xenophobia," Pressley said during a House hearing Thursday.
Says GOP leader's 'painful rhetoric' is hurting Asian businesses
Pressley said the bigotry aimed at Asian-Americans is being directed from "the highest levels" of the Republican Party while taking a direct jab at House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy over a recent tweet.
"Everything you need to know about the Chinese coronavirus can be found on one, regularly updated website," McCarthy tweeted Monday. Pressley said the Republican lawmaker incited anti-Asian discrimination.
"My district is home to nearly 32 percent foreign born residents with more than a quarter immigrating from Asia," she said in her remarks. "This painful rhetoric has consequences. Restaurants across Boston's Chinatown have seen up to an 80 percent drop in business and I believe this has everything to do with the rapid spread of misinformation and paranoia."
"It is critical that we stand against these inciteful messages and assuage fears in our communities and we do that by dispelling untruths and misinformation," Pressley added.
Just like AOC
By accusing Republicans of promoting "racism" that is leading Americans to cut back on Asian food, Pressley is echoing similar comments made by Ocasio-Cortez.
As TheBlaze reported, on Tuesday the freshman congresswoman from New York said that Americans were being "racist" by not eating at Chinese restaurants.
During a live monologue on Instagram, Ocasio-Cortez said:
Honestly, it sounds almost so silly to say, but there's a lot of restaurants that are feeling the pain of racism. Where people are literally not patroning Chinese restaurants, um, they're not patroning Asian restaurants because of just straight-up racism around the coronavirus.
CNN reported on March 2 that concerns over the coronavirus was hurting the Chinese business sector in New York City as fear of the illness was causing people to avoid the city's famous Chinatown neighborhood and its businesses. Local business leaders told the network that tourists and city residents have been steering clear of the area since news first broke of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China, late last year.


theblaze--2020-03-12--McConnell cancels Senate recess as lawmakers work to reach agreement on coronavirus aid bill

The Senate will be in session next week despite a scheduled recess while lawmakers work on legislation to address the ongoing global coronavirus outbreak, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced on Thursday afternoon.
"Notwithstanding the scheduled state work period, the Senate will be in session next week," McConnell wrote in a tweet. "I am glad talks are ongoing between the Administration and Speaker Pelosi. I hope Congress can pass bipartisan legislation to continue combating the coronavirus and keep our economy strong."
McConnell's announcement came after multiple members of his own caucus called on Congress to cancel the next week's break, which had been scheduled for both chambers of Congress, in response to unfinished coronavirus business.
"Nursing home operators in Nebraska are telling me they're worried because they have patients who might have coronavirus, but they don't have enough testing kits to find out," said Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) in a Thursday morning statement. "Instead of going into recess next week, the Senate ought to keep working on the people's business — both addressing the obvious deficiencies in our diagnostic testing pipeline, and debating the President's call last night for economic legislation."
"Due to the need to work on additional efforts to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, the Senate should cancel its recess and remain in session next week," Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) tweeted Thursday.
"Our nation's leaders must cast aside partisan politics and put the health of our country first," tweeted Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). Congress needs to cancel its recess and stay in session so we can work together in a bipartisan fashion to address the coronavirus pandemic."
Sen. Martha McSally (R-Ariz.) said it would be "unacceptable for us to leave Washington, D.C. and recess without further acting to support our constituents."
The decision comes as lawmakers have yet to announce agreement on a large coronavirus economic aid bill being hashed out between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. Pelosi put forward a version of the bill Wednesday night that drew criticisms from Republicans, citing the need for changes in order to make the effort bipartisan.
According to Fox News, the White House took issue with the bill's increases to medicaid spending, as well as a lack of language barring the use of federal funds for abortion. Meanwhile, the story adds that House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy found fault with the proposal's paid sick leave provisions.
"This week brought a further opportunity to help communities and families face the economic effects of the virus spread," McConnell said on the Senate floor Thursday morning. "But unfortunately, it appears at this hour that the speaker and House Democrats instead chose to produce an ideological wish list that was not tailored closely to the circumstances."
At her weekly press briefing on Thursday morning on Thursday, Pelosi said that she was still working to Republicans' concerns, but dismissed the idea of staying in town longer than planned if a deal hadn't been struck by the end of the week.
"I'm not sticking around because they don't want to agree to language," the speaker told reporters. She later added that "everybody could have a complaint about this or that; save it for another day."


theblaze--2020-03-12--GOP lawmaker trying to ban Drag Queen Story Hours in public libraries says death threats have been d

GOP lawmaker trying to ban Drag Queen Story Hours in public libraries says death threats have been directed at him, family

GOP lawmaker trying to ban Drag Queen Story Hours in public libraries says death threats have been directed at him @ @

Missouri state Rep. Ben Baker, a Republican, told the Daily Caller that he and his family have received death threats after introducing a bill that would ban Drag Queen Story Hours in public libraries.
Baker added to the outlet he's received "thousands of emails" over his bill and that "the pushback from media and from even the American Library Association ... was astounding."
"I've taken on some controversial issues in my time in public office, but this one has by far been the worst when it comes to the vitriol and the hate that we have received for doing this," he noted to the Daily Caller.
Examples?
Baker provided the outlet with several photos of hateful messages sent to him on social media — and in one of them a Facebook user commented on a Baker family photo, saying the individuals in it are a "bunch of repulsive swines."
"F***ing diseased pig, and his disgusting inbred little piglets," the user also wrote — with the F-word spelled out — the Daily Caller said. "Hope you all die a slow and painful death."
He also got a card signed "all librarians in St. Louis City and County" which read, "Please just STOP it with your imbecile proclivities."
The Daily Caller said the St. Louis County Public Library didn't respond to its request for comment.
What does else does Baker's bill say?
Baker's bill proposes instituting parental review boards to oversee event approval and potentially penalizing librarians with fines and even jail time if they violate the guidelines, the Washington Examiner said. The bill would also strip government funding from libraries that allow minors to view "age-inappropriate sexual materials," the paper added.
"They've had these drag queen story hours, and that's something that I take objection to and I think a lot of parents do," Baker said when the bill was introduced, the Examiner said. "That's where in a public space, our kids could be exposed to something that's age-inappropriate. That's what I'm trying to tackle."
More pushback
In addition to the hate mail and death threats, Baker has been getting opposition from the American Library Association, LGBTQ proponents, and even Drag Queen Story Hour itself, the Daily Caller said, adding that more than 100 people gathered Saturday at the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City for a protest rally organized by drag queens.
"We are deeply concerned by Missouri House Bill 2044, 'Parental Oversight of Public Libraries Act,'" Every Library wrote in a statement after Baker introduced the bill, the outlet noted. "It sets up quasi-governmental tribunals that circumvent the normal way libraries review materials challenges and imposes fines or jail time on librarians who violate the act. It's a bad bill and needs to be stopped."
But Baker is resolute, telling the Daily Caller that he's "a big advocate for children. I have four daughters. I'm a conservative. I've taught at a Bible school for eight years ... I have a very conservative background and even a background in ministry."
He added to the outlet that Drag Queen Story Hours shouldn't be a concern limited to religious people.
"It's an issue of protecting our kids from what I believe is a concentrated effort to push the LGBTQ agenda onto our children," Baker told the Daily Caller. "Even worse than that, subjecting them to unwanted advances by people that I believe have nefarious intentions for children. And that's my concern."
The outlet said Drag Queen Story Hour and the American Library Association didn't respond to its requests for comment.


theblaze--2020-03-12--Nearly all major sports in the US have shut down over fear of coronavirus spread

Nearly all major sports in the US have shut down over fear of coronavirus spread The visitors ' locker room @ @ @ @ @ Red Wings-Washington Capitals game was postponed due to the coronavirus at Capital One Arena on @ @ @ @ @ .
The NHL announced it has suspended its season due to the uncertainty of the @ @ @ @ @ hopes of returning .
( Patrick Smith/Getty Images )

Coronavirus has spread in the United States to such an extent that the major sports leagues have decided it's no longer worth the risk to fans, players, and staff to continue competition.
The leagues were already discussing barring fans from events in order to prevent large gatherings with high potential for spread of the virus, but a couple of positive coronavirus tests on an NBA team have spurred leagues to pause indefinitely before things get too bad.
National Basketball Association: The NBA has suspended its season until further notice. Two players on the Utah Jazz, Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, tested positive for coronavirus this week.
National Collegiate Athletic Association: All five of the major NCAA conferences have canceled their tournaments: the SEC, Big 12, Big 10, ACC, and PAC-12. Other conferences that have canceled include the Ivy League, A-10, AAC, Conference USA, MAC, and WAC. The Big East has opted to continue its tournament.
The NCAA has not yet canceled the NCAA basketball tournament that is scheduled for later this month, although it has limited attendance to players, staff, and some family members.
Powerhouse programs Duke and Kansas announced Thursday afternoon that they are shutting down all athletic travel indefinitely.
National Hockey League: The NHL announced Thursday that it is "pausing" its season indefinitely.
Major League Baseball: The MLB, currently in spring training, is expected to suspend all baseball operations indefinitely sometime Thursday, ESPN's Jeff Passan reported.
Major League Soccer: The MLS has suspended its season for at least 30 days.
President Donald Trump announced severe restrictions on people traveling from the European Union, a measure that will take effect Friday and go for at least 30 days. There are more than 1,200 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the U.S., although that number is almost certainly below the actual number due to a continued lack of access to accurate coronavirus tests.
The World Health Organization declared coronavirus a pandemic Wednesday.


theblaze--2020-03-12--AOC demands massive federal gov't expansion, including 'Medicare for All,' to combat coronavirus

AOC demands massive federal gov't expansion , including 'Medicare for All , ' to combat coronavirus AOC also wants to @ @ @ @ @ food stamps

Letting no crisis go to waste, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) has seized upon the global outbreak of the coronavirus as an opportunity to call for a massive expansion of the U.S. federal government, including moving to a "Medicare for All" health care system.
In a tweet, the freshman congresswoman said, "Right about now would be a great time to weigh emergency measures like ... Extending Medicare/Medicaid coverage to all." In addition, Ocasio-Cortez called for "[e]liminating work requirements for SNAP [also known as food stamps] &other assistance." She also demanded "UBI programs" with no strings attached.
Ocasio-Cortez has been a longtime supporter of the United States adopting a single-payer, government-run health insurance system.
Increased unemployment insurance 'not nearly enough'
In a subsequent tweet, the controversial House representative noted that while some of her supporters were mentioning unemployment insurance benefits as a solution to help Americans who become displaced or unable to work as a result of the pandemic, she believes such a measure is "not nearly enough."
She added, "There are enormous sectors of our economy (tipped workers, freelance, shift workers) who may not be 'unemployed' but whose lives are still dramatically disrupted to the point of eviction, etc."
Details of the House Democrats' relief package
The freshman representative's demands seem to have fallen upon deaf ears among her colleagues in Washington. The legislation unveiled by House Democrats on Wednesday calls for paid leave, free COVID-19 testing, and additional funding to help states address economic hardships, but makes no mention of Medicare for All.
Fox News reported the 124-page bill will be debated in the House at some point on Thursday, as leaders from both parties work to finalize the details of the legislative package. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Thursday afternoon the Senate will delay its recess that was originally scheduled for next week until Congress passes a coronavirus relief bill.


theblaze--2020-03-12--After college cancels classes over coronavirus, 1,000 students gather in street, jump on cars, throw

After college cancels classes over coronavirus, 1,000 students gather in street, jump on cars, throw objects at cops — in apparent celebration

After college cancels classes over coronavirus , 1,000 students gather in street , jump on cars , throw objects at @ @ @ @ @

Dayton (Ohio) Police and University of Dayton Police were called to a student neighborhood late Tuesday night in response to a large, disorderly crowd of about 1,000 that had gathered in the street, WDTN-TV reported.
What went down?
The university police chief told the station in a statement that crowd members blocked the street, which prevented emergency medical access, and also damaged property, jumped on cars, and threw objects in the road, at officers, and at others in the crowd, which resulted in at least one injury.
But students told WDTN they were celebrating the cancellation of classes due to the coronavirus outbreak.
When members of the crowd failed to obey commands to disperse, police shot pepper balls into the crowd, the chief said, adding that the projectiles "deliver a non-toxic, irritant powder that disperses quickly. The active ingredient is similar to what is found in hot sauce." The station added that police wore riot gear.
The chief added in his statement to WDTN that tear gas, rubber bullets, paintballs, and gas canisters never were used.
University officials told the station that the crowd dispersed after 2 a.m. Wednesday and that it's unclear how many arrests were made.
Rumors circulating on social media claimed the crowd was protesting steps the school had taken in response to the coronavirus, WDTN said, adding that university officials said those claims aren't true: "Indications are that the students wanted one last large gathering before spring break and the size and behavior of the crowd required police to take action.“
(H/T: Campus Reform)


theblaze--2020-03-12--Megachurch Pastor Joel Osteen cancels services at Lakewood Church due to coronavirus outbreak

Joel Osteen 's Houston megachurch has canceled Sunday 's services over the COVID-19 outbreak .
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner declared a public health emergency on Wednesday , to last a period of seven days .
What are the details ?
Lakewood Church in Houston will not have public services this weekend .
According to a Wednesday night post , Osteen 's church will stream its service via several platforms .
Lakewood Church shared an update about the weekend 's closure on Facebook .
The post said , `` In consideration of today 's public health emergency declaration on COVID-19 by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the fact that Lakewood draws such large numbers of international visitors each week , Lakewood 's leadership has decided not to hold public services this weekend . ''
`` Instead , '' the post continued , `` Lakewood will broadcast its services exclusively online .
While there will be no services held at the church building located at 3700 Southwest Freeway this weekend , we will continue to monitor the situation week by week and hope to resume the assembly in the very near future . ''
According to the post , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , YouTube , Roku , AppleTV , JoelOsteen.com , LakewoodChurch.com , and Sirius XM .
The post concluded , `` [ W ] e feel that this move is necessary to ensure the well being of all of the citizens of this great city , especially the most vulnerable among us . ''
KHOU-TV reported that the city 's emergency declaration began on Wednesday and will run for a minimum of seven days .
The city council is set to meet on the seventh day to determine further steps .

Joel Osteen's Houston megachurch has canceled Sunday's services over the COVID-19 outbreak.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner declared a public health emergency on Wednesday, to last a period of seven days.
What are the details?
Lakewood Church in Houston will not have public services this weekend. According to a Wednesday night post, Osteen's church will stream its service via several platforms. Lakewood Church shared an update about the weekend's closure on Facebook.
The post said, "In consideration of today's public health emergency declaration on COVID-19 by Houston Mayor, Sylvester Turner, along with the fact that Lakewood draws such large numbers of international visitors each week, Lakewood's leadership has decided not to hold public services this weekend."
"Instead," the post continued, "Lakewood will broadcast its services exclusively online. While there will be no services held at the church building located at 3700 Southwest Freeway this weekend, we will continue to monitor the situation week by week and hope to resume the assembly in the very near future."
According to the post, services will be broadcast on Facebook Live, YouTube, Roku, AppleTV, JoelOsteen.com, LakewoodChurch.com, and Sirius XM.
The post concluded, "[W]e feel that this move is necessary to ensure the well being of all of the citizens of this great city, especially the most vulnerable among us."
KHOU-TV reported that the city's emergency declaration began on Wednesday and will run for a minimum of seven days. The city council is set to meet on the seventh day to determine further steps.
(H/T: Fox News)


theblaze--2020-03-12--Canadian PM Justin Trudeau announces self-quarantine after wife shows ‘flu-like symptoms’

He 's waiting for his wife 's test results to come back

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has opted to go into self-quarantine and work from home while waiting for coronavirus test results for his wife.
A statement from Trudeau's office issued Thursday says that the 48-year-old prime minister made the decision after his wife, Sophie, started showing "flu-like symptoms including a low fever" Wednesday night after returning from a speaking engagement in the United Kingdom and was subsequently tested for the virus — formally known as COVID-19.
Despite a doctor's advice to keep up his daily activities while monitoring himself for symptoms, the statement continued, Trudeau made the call to self-isolate "out of an abundance of caution."
In the meantime, Sophie is "self-isolating at home awaiting test results, and her symptoms have since subsided," the statement added.
As a result of the decision, the Canadian leader will "spend the day in briefings, phone calls, and virtual meetings from home," his office said. Trudeau will also postpone a planned in-person meeting with provincial and territorial leaders, opting instead to meet with them over the phone to discuss their responses.
"Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, we have urged Canadians to take all necessary precautions and follow medical advice in order to stay safe," the statement concluded. "This is what the Prime Minister and his family are doing."
A day before Trudeau's self-quarantine announcement, his office announced a "whole-of-government response" to the viral outbreak, which came in the form of a "COVID-19 Response Fund" to pay for things such as public health education, research and development, and extra employment insurance for people who have to miss work because of the disease.
As of Wednesday, the Canadian government was reporting that the country had a total of 103 confirmed coronavirus cases since January. Canadian officials also announced the country's first coronavirus death earlier this week, saying that the disease had taken the life of an elderly man at a long-term care facility in British Columbia.
And the country's case numbers are likely to increase. Canada's Health Minister Patty Hadju told the House of Commons on Wednesday that between 30% and 70% of the country's population could contract the virus, but that most would ultimately recover from it, according to the Globe and Mail.


theblaze--2020-03-12--Putin positions himself to be president for life, cites FDR

Putin positions himself to be president for life , cites FDR 'There are precedents for elections for more than two @ @ @ @ @ United States '

Russian lawmakers rubber-stamped broad changes to the nation's constitution Wednesday that would allow President Vladimir Putin to run twice more for the presidency after his current term ends in in 2024, if he so chooses.
If the 67-year-old were to run and win both terms — which is almost a foregone conclusion at this point — it would extend his tenure as ruler of Russia to 36 years and make him the longest-serving leader in modern Russian history. To put things in perspective, Josef Stalin served 29 years.
What are the details?
Here's more on the measure from the Associated Press:
The measure must still be approved by the country's Constitutional Court and by a nationwide vote next month before they come into force. Putin's critics called for protests, condemning the move as a way to keep him in office after he hits his term limit in 2024.
The Kremlin-controlled lower house, the State Duma, endorsed a set of amendments to the Russian Constitution and a provision that resets the term count for Putin once the revisions come into force. It passed the chamber by a 383-0 vote with 43 abstentions, and several hours later sailed through the upper house, the Federation Council, by a vote of 160-1 with three abstentions.
The measure was introduced on Tuesday by Valentina Tereshkova, a former cosmonaut who became the first woman in space in 1963, and essentially resets Putin's term limit clock to zero.
The move was supposedly intended to free Putin up from the restraints he would encounter in a lame-duck presidency, but detractors aren't buying it.
According to the New York Times, not all Russians are excited over the prospects of an eternal Putin, or a "quasi-monarchy," as one Russian business magnate put it.
A 24-year-old clothing factory worker noted in conversation with the Times that she would be 40 years old when Putin's renewed two presidential term limit expires in 2036 "and Putin will still be there."
"It drives me a bit crazy," she added.
"Do you want an eternal Putin?" one Kremlin critic said in a YouTube response to the news Wednesday. "Do you want to die under Putin and his whole Kremlin band?"
Putin backed the measure, citing turbulent times and FDR
In a bit of political theater on Thursday, Putin changed his mind and ending up backing the measure that paves the way for his extended rule.
The current president did so because"many countries in the world, especially ours, are engulfed in a highly unstable situation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to the Financial Times.
"In times like these having a stable, secure, orderly government is very important," Peskov continued, before adding that the term limit extension would "be used just once because of the situation."
The comments from Peskov are in line with the president's own remarks before the the State Duma on Tuesday ahead of the choreographed vote.
"There are precedents for elections for more than two terms, including in the United States," Putin argued. "When a country is going through such upheavals and such difficulties — in our case we have not yet overcome all the problems since the USSR, this is also clear — stability may be more important and must be given priority."
Putin's comments about the United States refer to the third and fourth terms sought and won by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II. Following FDR's death, Congress proposed and ratified the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which placed a two-term limit on presidents.
The nationwide vote on the measure in Russia is scheduled for April 22.


theblaze--2020-03-12--Predictable CNN berates Trump's EU travel ban

On Thursday 's episode of `` Pat Gray Unleashed , '' Pat discussed backlash from the mainstream media to President @ @ @ @ @ the spread of coronavirus by placing a travel ban on travel from Europe to the @ @ @ @ @ CNN berated President Trump for his decision and block entry into the United States and @ @ @ @ @ Trump for calling coronavirus , `` a foreign virus . ''
Watch the video below @ @ @ @ @ .
Use code PAT to save $ 10 off one year of BlazeTV .
Want @ @ @ @ @ To enjoy more of Pat 's biting analysis and signature wit as he restores common @ @ @ @ @ , subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America , @ @ @ @ @ the American dream .

On Thursday's episode of "Pat Gray Unleashed," Pat discussed backlash from the mainstream media to President Trump's efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus by placing a travel ban on travel from Europe to the United States.
Predictably, CNN berated President Trump for his decision and block entry into the United States and went as far as criticizing Trump for calling coronavirus, "a foreign virus."
Watch the video below for more on this story.
Use code PAT to save $10 off one year of BlazeTV.
Want more from Pat Gray?
To enjoy more of Pat's biting analysis and signature wit as he restores common sense to a senseless world, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution and live the American dream.


theblaze--2020-03-12--Female state senators from both parties walk out of chamber as Utah Senate passes pro-life ultrasoun

Female state senators from both parties walk out of chamber as Utah Senate passes pro-life ultrasound bill One Republican lawmaker @ @ @ @ @ the bill '

All six of Utah's female state senators walked out of the Senate chamber Tuesday as lawmakers passed a bill that would make getting an ultrasound a requirement before getting an abortion.
According to the Salt Lake Tribune, the women walked out in protest, leaving only the chamber's male members to vote on the bill, which passed 16-7:
Spanish Fork Republican Sen. Deidre Henderson successfully amended the bill to prohibit the use of transvaginal ultrasounds under the bill, a more invasive procedure than transabdominal ultrasounds. But while the bill went too far before the amendment, she said, the amendment resulted in the bill going "a little less too far."
Henderson and the other female senators, which included one other Republican, spoke in favor of the amendment and then exited the chamber as their names were called for a final vote on the bill, HB364.
"The six Republican and Democratic women of the Senate decided to walk out in protest," Henderson later said in a statement, according to KSTU-TV. "It wasn't planned, but a spontaneous decision to put an exclamation mark on our concerns regarding the invasive nature of the bill."
"I am very pro-life, and always vote for pro-life bills. But I'm concerned that we are overstepping with government mandates of medically unnecessary procedures."
Two of the Democratic legislators who walked out also posted about it on social media afterward.
"Love my sisters in the Senate," Sen. Luz Escamilla (D) wrote. "A spontaneous decision not planned of sisterhood against the invasive nature of HB 364."
"Thank you to these incredible women," Sen. Kathleen Reibe (D) tweeted. "Invasive and unnecessary medical procedures are never best practice."
An earlier version of the bill passed the Utah House last week by a vote of 47-20. In response to that passage, Planned Parenthood Action Council of Utah slammed the legislation as "yet another restriction in a long list of laws the Utah legislature has passed to chip away at the right to abortion," and added that it "could add trauma to an already complex and often difficult experience."
Contrary to the complaints about the bill, its proponents argue that the grave nature of abortion makes it necessary for women be properly informed before making the decision to end an unborn child's life.
"If you are going to take the life of a child, if you are willing to terminate that life through an abortion, it seems appropriate that you get the best information about the development — the stage of development, heart beat," Senate sponsor Curtis Bramble (R) told KSL-FM. "We are talking about a human being."


theblaze--2020-03-12--Report: Brazilian communications secretary diagnosed with coronavirus. He met with Trump just days a

Report: Brazilian communications secretary diagnosed with coronavirus. He met with Trump just days ago at Mar-a-Lago.

Report : Brazilian communications secretary diagnosed with coronavirus .
He met with Trump just days ago at Mar-a-Lago .

Update 3/13/2020, 11:36 a.m. ET: Fox News reports that Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been diagnosed with coronavirus and is awaiting a second round of testing for extra confirmation.
Fox News reports, "Bolsonaro's son Eduardo told Fox News that they are doing further testing to confirm the diagnosis, adding that they expect the second set of testing results later Friday."
Bolsonaro's purported diagnosis comes on the heels of a meeting with President Trump in Mar-a-Lago.
Original story continues below ...
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's communications secretary, Fabio Wajngarten, has been diagnosed with coronavirus, or COVID-19, according to a Thursday Reuters report.
Wajngarten met with President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence just days ago in Florida.
What are the details?
The New York Times also reported that Wajngarten appeared at Trump's Florida Mar-a-Lago resort on Saturday as part of a Brazilian government delegation. The delegation also reportedly dined with the president on Saturday.
Luiz Henrique Mandetta, Brazil's health minister, told Reuters that Wajngarten is undergoing a second test to confirm the diagnosis, and that if he tests positive once more, Bolsonaro himself would be monitored for the virus.
According to Brazil newspaper Estadão, Wajngarten is awaiting the results of the second test.
Wajngarten shared a personal photo of the Trump-Pence meeting on his Instagram page. Wajngarten — who stood shoulder to shoulder with the president in the picture — captioned the post, "'Make Brazil Great Again.'"
Anything else?
On Monday, the White House announced that Trump had not been tested at that point for coronavirus, despite being in physical contact with several lawmakers currently under self-quarantine.
Trump on Tuesday said that he didn't believe the exposure was a concern and defended his decision to avoid testing at that point.
"I don't think it's a big deal," the president said. "I would do it. I don't feel for any reason — I feel extremely good. I feel very good but I guess it's not a big deal to get tested and it's something I would do but I spoke to the White House doctor, terrific guy. Talented guy. He said he sees no reason to do it. There's no symptoms, no anything. You know what, If there were, you people would be the first to know it. You would think to even tell me about it."


theblaze--2020-03-12--US Soccer argued in equal pay lawsuit that women's players are not as good as men — now they've apol

US Soccer argued in equal pay lawsuit that women's players are not as good as men — now they've apologized

US Soccer argued in equal pay lawsuit that women 's players are not as good as men — now they @ @ @ @ @ have said that

The United States Soccer Federation, which has been sued by the U.S. women's national team over alleged unequal pay, apologized Wednesday for arguing in court that women players aren't as skilled and athletic as men, according to the Associated Press.
What's this about?
The women's national team, which on the field is much more successful than the men's team, claims it is unfairly paid less than the men. The reality is not so clear, as the different pay structures prevent a perfect comparison of the two sides.
The gender discrimination lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles in 2019, and the women are seeking $66 million in damages under the Equal Pay Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
What did the USSF say?
From the Associated Press:
"A reasonable juror could conclude that the job of MNT player requires materially different skill and more responsibility than plaintiffs' job does, while also taking place under materially different working conditions," USSF lawyers wrote. "The job of MNT player (competing against senior men's national teams) requires a higher level of skill based on speed and strength than does the job of WNT player (competing against senior women's national teams)."
Molly Levinson, a spokesperson for the women's team, criticized that argument as sexist.
"It sounds as if it has been made by a caveman," Levinson said in a statement. "Literally everyone in the world understands that an argument that male players 'have more responsibility' is just plain simple sexism and illustrates the very gender discrimination that caused us to file this lawsuit to begin with."
The apology
USSF president Carlos Cordeiro issued the following statement:
On behalf of U.S. Soccer, I sincerely apologize for the offense and pain caused by language in this week's court filing, which did not reflect the values of our federation or our tremendous admiration of our women's national team. Our WNT players are incredibly talented and work tirelessly, as they have demonstrated time and again from their Olympic gold medals to their World Cup titles. I have made it clear to our legal team that even as we debate facts and figures in the course of this case, we must do so with the utmost respect not only for our women's national team players but for all female athletes around the world.


theblaze--2020-03-12--Pence blasts ‘irresponsible rhetoric’ from people minimizing concerns over COVID-19 pandemic

Vice President Mike Pence has hit out at `` irresponsible rhetoric '' from people downplaying the severity of coronavirus , or COVID-19 , according to NBC News .
What are the details ?
In a Thursday interview with the `` Today '' show 's Savannah Guthrie , Guthrie asked the vice president his thoughts on media hype and the politicizing of coronavirus .
“ Well , obviously , there 's been some irresponsible rhetoric , but the American people should know that President Trump has no higher priority than the health and safety and well-being of the people of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` You can rest assured we 're going to focus on communities where we 've had community spread . ''
She also asked the vice president to discuss some of the pandemic 's key details .
`` The president has said ... 'this will go away , ' '' Guthrie said .
`` Yesterday , Dr. Anthony Fauci said you can expect millions and millions to get it ; the worst is yet to come .
Congress ' own doctor said that a third of the American population could get coronavirus .
Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do your experts tell you the number of infected Americans is likely to be ? ''
Pence did not commit to a detailed number , but instead touted the president 's announcement that he would be banning travel from Europe for the time being in order to cut down on community spread .
`` Let me be clear that from early on , the president has declared a public health emergency , suspended all travel from China , we limited travel and issued advisories for portions of Italy and South Korea and now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we know there will be thousands more cases of coronavirus in this country . ''
He responded , `` I 'll leave to the experts to make the estimates of how many people may be infected .
And it 's important for your viewers to remember , Savannah , that the vast majority of people even that contract the coronavirus will experience flu-like symptoms and they 'll fully recover . ''
`` But it 's because of the vulnerable population — seniors with serious chronic underlying health conditions — that we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we 're communicating so much with health officials and families that have seniors in a vulnerable condition ... we 're combatting community spread , '' he continued .
`` The action the president took yesterday ... suspending travel from Europe for 30 days is all because we know there will be more infections in the days ahead .
We 're trying to hold that number down as much as possible . ''

Vice President Mike Pence has hit out at "irresponsible rhetoric" from people downplaying the severity of coronavirus, or COVID-19, according to NBC News.
What are the details?
In a Thursday interview with the "Today" show's Savannah Guthrie, Guthrie asked the vice president his thoughts on media hype and the politicizing of coronavirus.
“Well, obviously, there's been some irresponsible rhetoric, but the American people should know that President Trump has no higher priority than the health and safety and well-being of the people of this country," Pence told Guthrie.
"You can rest assured we're going to focus on communities where we've had community spread."
What else?
She also asked the vice president to discuss some of the pandemic's key details.
"The president has said ... 'this will go away,'" Guthrie said. "Yesterday, Dr. Anthony Fauci said you can expect millions and millions to get it; the worst is yet to come. Congress' own doctor said that a third of the American population could get coronavirus. Do you agree with that number? What do your experts tell you the number of infected Americans is likely to be?"
Pence did not commit to a detailed number, but instead touted the president's announcement that he would be banning travel from Europe for the time being in order to cut down on community spread.
"Let me be clear that from early on, the president has declared a public health emergency, suspended all travel from China, we limited travel and issued advisories for portions of Italy and South Korea and now ... from Europe precisely for the reason that we know there will be thousands more cases of coronavirus in this country."
"Thousands or millions?" Guthrie interrupted.
He responded, "I'll leave to the experts to make the estimates of how many people may be infected. And it's important for your viewers to remember, Savannah, that the vast majority of people even that contract the coronavirus will experience flu-like symptoms and they'll fully recover."
"But it's because of the vulnerable population — seniors with serious chronic underlying health conditions — that we're focusing so much attention on nursing homes, we're communicating so much with health officials and families that have seniors in a vulnerable condition ... we're combatting community spread," he continued. "The action the president took yesterday ... suspending travel from Europe for 30 days is all because we know there will be more infections in the days ahead. We're trying to hold that number down as much as possible."


theblaze--2020-03-12--Rumor of police shooting unarmed teen in back sparks violent protests, flag burning, property damage

Rumor of police shooting unarmed teen in back sparks violent protests, flag burning, property damage. The rumor proves false.

Rumor of police shooting unarmed teen in back sparks violent protests , flag burning , property damage .
The rumor @ @ @ @ @ marched to North Carolina governor 's mansion and Raleigh police chief 's home

Paul Engram owns a barbershop in Raleigh, North Carolina, near the scene of a police-involved shooting Tuesday evening and told WRAL-TV that "rumors were flying around that it was a child that might have gotten shot" and that "we all need to know the truth."
Cops indeed shot somebody, but the truth is that it wasn't a "child." Rather, it was a 26-year-old man, and police said he was flashing a gun in public.
But, alas, with the rumor fresh in their heads that a cop shot an unarmed 16-year-old in the back, as WRAL's Joe Fisher noted, protesters got proactive and participated in "violence & damage to property."
"Almost every protester I spoke w/ showed up b/c they heard an officer shot an unarmed 16yo in the back," Fisher tweeted. "This misinformation spread on social media, not news media & rumors fueled turnout, violence & damage to property. Let's do better."
Image source: WNCN-TV video screenshot
What did the protesters do?
Just before midnight Tuesday, protesters gathered on Fayetteville Street and chanted "RPD is the KKK!" and "Whose streets? Our streets!" WRAL reported.
Protesters even marched to the mansion of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and took flags off poles and burned them, a Raleigh police officer told the station around 1 a.m. Wednesday.
Image source: WNCN-TV video screenshot
Other protesters approached police vehicles around 2 a.m., after which officers activated their lights and sirens and then moved the protesters to the sidewalks, WRAL said, adding that protesters chanted, "No justice, no peace!"
Jonathan Taylor Canfield, 23, was charged with simple assault during the protest, police told the station, which added that a WTVD-TV photographer was assaulted during the protest but was not seriously injured.
Protesters also marched to the home of Raleigh Police Chief Cassandra Deck-Brown, WNCN-TV reported.
Deck-Brown said in a news conference that she wanted the public to see what really happened during the police-involved shooting and asked for the release of body-camera video to counter misinformation spreading online, WRAL said.
"As a result of the reckless and false information that has been spread on social media, a number of spontaneous protests occurred during the night, which resulted in minor damage to property in and around the downtown area," the chief said to reporters.
Deck-Brown added that the public has the right to protest, but that injuring others and damaging property "is not protected under the First Amendment." She urged citizens to instead protest "without destroying our city."
"What happened last night was wrong on a lot of levels."
She also urged the media to provide "accurate and timely information."
What actually happened?
Police said they responded to call about a man with a gun about 6:40 p.m.
"He's flashing it around," a person who called 911 said, according to WRAL. "Not sure he's using the gun, but he's flashing."
In a later 911 call, a person said a man had threatened the caller at a restaurant by saying, "I know your family. It's done. It's a wrap. You're done," the station added.
Upon arriving at the scene, police noticed "an individual who matched the description given by the 911 caller."
The suspect, Javier Torres, ran from police, and a foot chase ensued. Police said they repeatedly ordered Torres to stop and drop the gun. During the chase, Torres was shot once by an officer. After he fell, Torres can be heard yelling, "I swear I'm unarmed," WRAL said.
A handgun — as described by the 911 caller — was located at the scene of the shooting, police said, adding that no officers were injured during the incident.
Torres was taken to a hospital, where he was reported in stable condition, the station said, adding that he'll face criminal charges, including going armed to the terror of the public.
Here's the bodycam video:
youtu.be
(H/T: Blue Lives Matter)


theblaze--2020-03-12--WATCH: Coronavirus: The Sum of All Fears

WATCH : Coronavirus : The Sum of All Fears

On Wednesday night's show, Glenn took a deeper look into the coronavirus outbreak. Glenn explained the different trials Americans have faced throughout his lifetime and how reactions the coronavirus outbreak have been very different.
What about coronavirus is different from other major events that have impacted the very soul of our nations? Glenn explains, watch the video below.
Want more from Glenn Beck?
To enjoy more of Glenn's masterful storytelling, thought-provoking analysis and uncanny ability to make sense of the chaos, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution and live the American dream.