theblaze--2020-05-28--Kayleigh McEnany to Jim Acosta: 'If anyone needs to be fact-checked...it should be the media'

Kayleigh McEnany to Jim Acosta : 'If anyone needs to be fact-checked ... it should be the media' The White @ @ @ @ @ several false reports from mainstream outlets

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany countered CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta's suggestion Thursday that President Donald Trump's statements should be fact-checked by pointing out a number of false stories reported by mainstream outlets before arguing, "if anyone needs to be fact-checked, I think it should be the media."
What are the details?
The confrontation occurred during a press conference held amid an ongoing battle between President Donald Trump and Twitter, after the social media platform attached a fact-checking feature to some of his tweets earlier in the week. The president responded by issuing an executive order aimed at punishing tech giants.
Acosta, sticking to his reputation as a Trump antagonist, asked McEnany, "Shouldn't the president be fact-checked, especially this president who has made so many false and misleading statements, that has put fact-checkers to work across the world?"
The CNN reporter continued, "These 18,000 false or misleading statements, according to the Washington Post, if there's any president out there we should be fact-checking, or political leader that should be fact-checked, isn't it President Trump? Aren't you trying to silence fact-checkers by going after Twitter like this?"
The White House press secretary replied, "Look, if you're going to get into the fact-checking business, there's no one that should be fact-checked more than the mainstream media that has been continually wrong about a number of things."
With that, McEnany began listing off "egregious" examples of incorrect reports from major media outlets — including two from CNN — before reiterating, "So, if anyone needs to be fact-checked, I think it should be the media."


theblaze--2020-05-28--Phil Robertson has a daughter he never met. Go inside the emotional reunion.

Phil Robertson has a daughter he never met .
Go inside the emotional reunion .
`` God is continuing to @ @ @ @

This is a story of redemption, reconciliation, and love. This is how the power of faith helped unite a father and daughter who had previously never seen each other in their entire lives.
Following a DNA test and much genealogy research, a 45-year-old woman came to the conclusion that her birth father is Phil Robertson. The woman didn't want to find her father for financial gain, but rather to finally answer burning questions she had her entire life. "I knew growing up that I was different," the woman said on the "Unashamed with Phil Robertson" podcast.
Two or three years ago, her oldest son was gifted a DNA test. Once he received the results, his family noticed that the DNA test didn't match up with the heritage that they were told over the years. Then Phyllis did her own DNA test, and after a little digging, she narrowed down who her father could be – to Phil Robertson.
Phyllis, who has done mission work around the world, wanted to let her father know that he has a daughter, but didn't want to disrupt his life or bring conflict to his marriage with his wife, Miss Kay Robertson. She decided to deliver a letter to Phil, and he could decide if he wanted to pursue a relationship with her.
She visited the Louisiana church where Phil is an elder. But the meeting almost never happened; Phyllis had second thoughts about finding her father. "At one point I cried; I was like, 'I don't know if I can do this,'" she said.
Phyllis, with her husband encouraging her, mustered up her courage and ventured into the church. That's where she saw her father for the very first time in her life. Phil just happened to be preaching that day.
She didn't confront Phil at the church. Instead, she sought out his son, Jase Robertson. Phyllis didn't reveal her identity; she thanked Jase for the church service and gave him a letter to give to his father.
Although Jase said he would give the letter to his father, that didn't exactly happen. Weeks later, Al Robertson saw a letter for Phil and mentioned it to Jase, and he remembered he received a letter much like it.
The letter from Phyllis let Phil know that she believed that he was her father after the results of a DNA test. Jase pointed out that the Robertson family receive letters about long-lost relatives regularly, but they usually end with someone requesting a $10,000 check from the reality TV stars.
However, this letter was different, seemingly special and genuine to the Robertson brothers. "We both concluded, this isn't one of these frivolous things, it looks like it may have some merit," Jase determined. "She's a Christian, and she's not looking for anything."
"We had to pursue it," Al added.
Phyllis is 45 years old, and her birth occurred at the end of Phil's phase of boorish behavior. "You were born, and he [Phil] was born again in the same year," Jase noted of his father's religious rebirth.
Phil's entire lifestyle changed once he found Jesus. He was no longer a womanizing, hard-partying, drug-abusing man after he devoted his life to Christ.
Phil does not hide the fact that he lived a sinful life many decades ago before he discovered his faith. In his book "The Theft of America's Soul," Robertson wrote:
"For the next several years, I spiraled down into my own desires, into booze and pills and easy women. The hippie movement was on and, though I was no hippie, I enjoyed the fruits of their sexual revolution, all the while leaving Miss Kay at home to tend to the children by herself. By the time Miss Kay left me, I'm sorry to say I was a regular whoremonger. And without Miss Kay to stand in the way of my sexual appetites, I did what I wanted, with whom I wanted, and I did it all in the name of freedom."
Phil is not proud of his former rock-and-roll lifestyle, but he has grown as a person since his partying days.
"I learned a lesson way back when I was getting on my feet, individuals who have, in fact, repented don't mind talking about their past sins," Phil said during the newest episode of "Unashamed." "But a lot of people who have not repented, they keep them tight, they won't be honest with others or themselves. The repentant, they don't mind talking about their past lives because they know it's been taken care of by the blood of Jesus."
Phil's nephew, Zach Dasher, spoke with Phyllis over the phone to see if there was validity to her claim. After speaking to her, Zach told Jase, "She's not after anything" and that her intentions were pure.
Jase came to the same conclusion after talking to Phyllis and said, "There is no ulterior motive."
"There's a 45-year-old woman out there who doesn't know who her dad is, and she's looking; even if it's not dad [Phil], she needs to know," Al said.
Jase understood that this was a "life-changing situation" and that the only way to know the truth would be through a DNA test. Phil agreed to do the DNA test, and the families waited days for the answer that could change the lives of many.
"We're all praying about it. It was weird because when you're praying about something like this, it's a truth that's already there. She was either dad's daughter and our sister or she wasn't," Al said on the "Unashamed with Phil Robertson" podcast. "You could only pray for the truth. Just praying for the truth to be revealed."
The DNA test results came back as a 99.99% match. When Phil learned that the DNA test was a match, he reacted by saying, "Bring her on down."
Phil quoted Romans 8:28 when he found out he has a daughter: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
"God is a God that restores broken people. I was a broken mess, a slave to my desire," Phil told TheBlaze. "God redeemed me 45 years ago, but He didn't stop there. 45 years later, God is continuing to restore me. He has brought me to my long-lost daughter, and I love her."
On the next episode of the "Unashamed with Phil Robertson" podcast, Phyllis makes her debut to explain what made her seek out her biological father and what she plans to do next now that she knows the truth. Plus, the Robertson boys talk about how it feels to have a sister, and Miss Kay reveals that she knew that someone from Phil's turbulent past would find him.


theblaze--2020-05-28--KT McFarland: The Russia hoax was 'ALWAYS about getting Donald Trump'

KT McFarland : The Russia hoax was 'ALWAYS about getting Donald Trump' 'It was a take down .
It was @ @ @ @

Former deputy national security adviser KT McFarland joined BlazeTV host Andrew Wilkow on "Wilkow" to share her firsthand account of how her former boss, former national security adviser and retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, became the target of a concerted effort by Deep State bureaucrats within the Obama administration and the media to derail President Donald Trump.
"Here's how it happened. The intelligence community worked very closely with the media, their preferred Washington elite media, and ... it was a concerted effort. There were leaks coming from the media, from 'anonymous sources,' and they would happen every three days," McFarland explained.
"This was a pattern that repeated itself for several months. It was a takedown. It was a pre-emptive strike against General Flynn. But at the end of the day, it wasn't about General Flynn, or even me, because I had the same treatment from the FBI, the Mueller investigation. We were collateral damage. This was always about getting Donald Trump."
Watch the video below to hear McFarland reveal the real history behind the Russia collusion hoax:
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theblaze--2020-05-28--Minnesota governor activates National Guard after night of rioting and looting

Minnesota governor activates National Guard after night of rioting and looting The rioting followed upon protests over the death of @ @

Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz activated the state's National Guard in order to put down rioting and looting that led to millions of dollars of lost property during the protests against the death of George Floyd.
Walz supported the right of the people to protest for justice while decrying the violence accompanying the demonstrations in his statement on Thursday.
"George Floyd's death should lead to justice and systemic change, not more death and destruction," said Walz in the announcement.
Minneapolis was rocked with violent protests sparked by the outrage over the death of Floyd while he was being arrested by police. Four police officers have been fired over the incident and are being investigated for possible prosecution.
One person was shot and killed, and numerous structures were burned to the ground or looted in the destructive wake of the protests.
"As governor, I will always defend the right to protest," Walz continued. "It is how we express pain, process tragedy, and create change. That is why I am answering our local leaders' request for Minnesota National Guard assistance to protect peaceful demonstrators, neighbors, and small businesses in Minnesota."
Violence also broke out in Los Angeles, California, during a Black Lives Matter protest for the same cause on Wednesday.
Here's more about the protests:


theblaze--2020-05-28--Democratic Rep. Charlie Crist requested a proxy vote over health concerns — then he drove across the

Democratic Rep. Charlie Crist requested a proxy vote over health concerns — then he drove across the state to watch the SpaceX launch

Democratic Rep. Charlie Crist requested a proxy vote over health concerns — then he drove across the state to watch @ @ @

If anyone was looking for a good example of how the House of Representatives' new proxy voting system could be abused, Democratic Rep. Charlie Crist (Fla.) just provided a near perfect one.
What are the details?
Crist, as the new policy dictates, submitted a request for another member to vote on his behalf Wednesday, noting in a letter to the clerk's office that he would be "unable to physically attend proceedings" due to "the ongoing public health emergency."
Then the congressman, who represents Florida's 13th Congressional District based in St. Petersburg on the state's west coast, hopped in his car to drive across the state to the Kennedy Space Center to watch the historic SpaceX launch.
Sadly, the launch ended up being scrubbed for poor weather, meaning Crist wasn't able to watch the launch while bailing on work.
In a tweet Wednesday announcing his planned attendance at the event, Crist made no mention of the fact that his proxy request was made due to the "ongoing health emergency."
In fact, a statement included in the tweet stated: "Given his attendance at the launch, Congressman Crist will be voting by proxy in the House of Representatives this week." (emphasis added)
Republicans warned this would happen
In a statement this week, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) called the new rule "a brazen violation of the Constitution" and "a dereliction of our duty as elected officials."
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) added in a tweet that the rule is "unconstitutional" and said: "Let's face it. You gotta show up for work."
The Daily Wire reported that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) spoke out on the rule during a Senate floor speech last week, blasting Democrats for "playing games with the Constitution so they can continue their never ending spring break well into July."
As of Thursday afternoon, 74 congressional members had submitted requests for proxy voters to the clerk's office.


theblaze--2020-05-28--Little boy throws socially distant prom after high school cancels his babysitter's festivities

Little boy throws socially distant prom after high school cancels his babysitter 's festivities

A 7-year-old threw his babysitter a socially distant prom after her school canceled its annual festivities due to the coronavirus outbreak.
What are the details?
Curtis Rogers threw babysitter Rachel Chapman a prom after learning that her school canceled the prom.
According to Rachel's mother, Becky, Curtis planned a "socially distant" prom, which was "complete with dancing" as well as her "favorite foods."
Becky shared photos of the fete, writing, "My daughter has been a nanny for this amazing kid for over a year. When he realized she wouldn't have a senior prom, he wanted to throw her one. He planned a socially distant prom, complete with dancing & her favorite foods."
In the photos, Rachel and Curtis — who donned formal wear for the event — sat six feet apart at a backyard table, and feasted on Chick-fil-A, apples with peanut butter, and more.
According to reports, this was the first time Rachel saw Curtis in months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rachel said that she had a wonderful time with Curtis at the event.
"I was kind of, like, bummed putting my dress on, because I was sad," she admitted. "I don't get to wear it to my senior prom. After leaving it and having that time with him — because it was the first time I had seen him in two months — it was, like, really fun, and I'm really glad he did that."
Curtis' mother Elissa also said that the two had a wonderful time at the makeshift prom.
"Rachel is one of our favorite people and she also helps around the house a lot," she said. "So Rachel's, like, the best nanny ever."


theblaze--2020-05-28--New video angle shows two other officers on George Floyd's back while third officer kneels on his ne

New video angle shows two other officers on George Floyd's back while third officer kneels on his neck

New video angle shows two other officers on George Floyd 's back while third officer kneels on his neck

A new angle of the death of George Floyd while in police custody shows that while Officer Derek Chauvin fatally pressed his knee into Floyd's neck for seven minutes, two other officers were on Floyd's back restraining him.
Chauvin's restraint tactic has already been widely condemned as excessive and unnecessary, and it becomes even more egregious when it becomes clear that Floyd would've been fully restrained even if Chauvin got off of him completely.
The video also shows a fourth officer standing by watching as Floyd, who was handcuffed and being arrested for a nonviolent crime, begged them to get up because he could not breath. The police were reportedly called over Floyd's alleged use of a counterfeit $20 bill at a deli.
A separate photo also shows multiple officers restraining Floyd. (Content warning: Language):
Other videos of the incident show officers pulling Floyd out of his car. Two officers handcuff him, without much apparent resistance. One officer then walks a cooperative Floyd to the sidewalk, where he sits down for a little while before the two officers walk him off camera.
It's unclear specifically how the situation escalated to where the officers felt that it would take three of them to restrain a handcuffed man, who was laying on his stomach, and why Officer Chauvin was compelled to suffocate the man until he passed out, and then still keep his knee on Floyd's neck.
There is reportedly body camera footage of the incident that has not yet been made public. The four officers have been fired, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has called for Chauvin's arrest.
"Why is the man who killed George Floyd not in jail? If you had done it, or I had done it, we would be behind bars right now. We cannot turn a blind eye," Frey said. "George Floyd deserves justice."
Editor's note: This piece has been updated. The original Instagram post with the video in question was deleted. A new Instagram post with the same video has been inserted.


theblaze--2020-05-28--Cop on leave after video shows his hands around man's neck: 'You wanna get bad with me, and I'm show

Cop on leave after video shows his hands around man's neck: 'You wanna get bad with me, and I'm showin' you!'

Cop on leave after video shows his hands around man 's neck : 'You wan na get bad with me @ @ @ @ @ ' you !
' A woman at the scene tried to release the officer 's @ @ @ @ @ 'ca n't breathe '

A Jackson, Mississippi, police officer is on administrative leave over a video posted Friday that shows him with his hands around a man's neck and pinning him against against a car, the Jackson Free Press reported.
What are the details?
Jackson police told the paper the patrolman's name is Myron Smith.
In the video, the officer holds the man against a car and hollers, "Make me! Make me! I said, make me!" before a woman pleads with the officer to let the man go, saying that "he can't breathe."
The woman actually tried to release the officer's grip, but he hollered at her to "get off of me!"
Image source: Facebook video screenshot
As the camera moved closer to the altercation, it showed the officer with his hands around the man's neck and at one point pinning the back of the man's head to the roof of the car.
Image source: Facebook video screenshot
The woman repeated her request to the officer to let the man go, saying "he's shaking, sir, he can't breathe" — but the officer replied, "Ma'am, you see my hands? I'm not even choking him. Look where my hands are."
The struggle continued, with the officer shouting, "What did I tell you to do, what did I tell you to do? When I told you to leave, what are you out here doing?"
He added, "But no, you wanna get bad with me, and I'm showin' you!" and "my hands are not even around your throat."
What are police saying?
Police told the Free Press that Smith was placed on administrative leave pending an internal affairs investigation.
Police Chief James Davis told the Clarion Ledger the department is piecing together the confrontation and that the man and the officer "were in a struggle, a scuffle."
No arrests were made, the Ledger said, but Davis indicated a report was written up. The Ledger said it submitted a public records request for the report.
Anything else?
The office of Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba released a statement saying his administration is focused on encouraging a positive relationship between police and residents and that "any actions" that stray from such a goal "have no place in the City of Jackson," the Free Press said.
Here's the clip. (Content warning: Language):


theblaze--2020-05-28--George Floyd's family pleads for peace, say riots would 'devastate' him. Meanwhile, Al Sharpton and

George Floyd's family pleads for peace, say riots would 'devastate' him. Meanwhile, Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson head to town.

George Floyd 's family pleads for peace , say riots would 'devastate ' him .
Meanwhile , Al Sharpton and @ @ @ @ @ .

George Floyd's family is calling for peace and calm amid violent protests and looting that erupted in Minneapolis following his tragic death earlier this week.
According to the Star Tribune, Floyd's girlfriend of three years, Courteney Ross, said she is "heartbroken" over the chaos that broke out in the city Tuesday and Wednesday night. Floyd died Monday after a police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes during an arrest.
What are they saying?
"Waking up this morning to see Minneapolis on fire would be something that would devastate Floyd," Ross said. "He loved the city. He came here [from Houston] and stayed here for the people and the opportunities ... Floyd was a gentle giant. He was about love and about peace."
She added that she wanted the protesters to know that while she "understands their frustration," she wants people to "protest in a peaceful way."
The Star Tribune also reported:
Some of Floyd's relatives echoed Ross' sentiments Thursday through their attorney, Benjamin Crump, who for many years has represented families across the country left mourning the death of loved ones during police encounters.
Crump said in a statement issued after speaking with some of Floyd's relatives that they thank the protesters "for joining them in standing for justice, [but] we also cannot sink to the level of our oppressors, and we cannot endanger each other as we respond to the to the necessary urge to raise our voices in unison and outrage."
Crump added in a tweet that the family wants "peace in Minneapolis" and that "looting and violence distract from strength of our collective voice."
Sharpton and Jackson head to town
Hot Air noted in its report: "Thus far, all is quiet today in Minneapolis, but that might be changing. Coming to the city today are those agents of calm and reason, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton."
The two reverends, who are mainstays at civil rights protests, announced that they would be visiting the city this week.
Early in the morning on Thursday, Sharpton tweeted, "Headed to Minneapolis today!" Then Jackson confirmed to KSTP-TV that he would be holding a news conference in the city on Thursday.
The Star Tribune reported that Sharpton spoke to protesters just steps away from the place where Floyd was arrested Monday night. There he said, "The violence was started on this corner when the man was choked to death. There's a difference between peace and quiet. Some people just want quiet. Peace is justice."
Jackson reportedly met with elected officials and faith leaders at the Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church "to stand in solidarity and demand justice in the death of George Floyd."
This story has been updated.


theblaze--2020-05-28--George Floyd reportedly died over a counterfeit $20 at a deli

Authorities reportedly arrested Floyd because he attempted to pay a deli with a $ 20 bill that was allegedly counterfeit .
Newly released details also note that when medics arrived on the scene , Floyd had no pulse — and that the officer involved in the incident reportedly did not release his knee from Floyd 's neck until medics arrived .
Floyd died on Monday after a police officer kneeled on his neck for at least eight minutes during a detainment .
Video of the incident has since gone viral .
Four officers were fired in connection with the incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probe into Floyd 's death on a possible civil rights violation .
Mass rioting and looting erupted across the city beginning on Wednesday .
What are the details ?
Mahmoud Abumayyaleh , co-owner of Cup Foods deli , said that one of his employees phoned authorities after Floyd purportedly tried to hand over a fake $ 20 bill in order to pay for his purchases .
`` My staff called the police , practicting protocol , '' Abumayyaleh explained , `` and when the police arrived , Floyd was still outside , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approached him . ''
Video footage confirms this — authorities did approach Floyd while he was in his vehicle , and forcibly dragged him out .
Floyd did not appear to resist even once .
Abumayyaleh said that he viewed surveillance footage from his own store , which reportedly caught the altercation between the officer and Floyd — including what appeared to be Floyd 's last breaths .
Floyd was reported to have called out for his mother — who died over the last 18 months — in what appear to be his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I viewed [ the footage ] and what I see was devastating , '' Abumayyaleh admitted .
`` It was very heartbreaking , and our condolences go out to the family and friends of George Floyd . ''
According to newly released details , the officer who kneeled on Floyd 's neck refused to let up until medics arrived .
When medics arrived , they found no pulse , despite checking several times .
New video shows Minneapolis police arrest of George Floyd before death On Thursday , Minnesota Mayor Jacob Frey ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be alive following the incident if he were white .
Frey has also called for charges against the officer involved in the incident .
`` I 'm not a prosecutor , '' he said , `` but let me be clear : The arresting officer killed someone . ''
On Wednesday , Frey said , `` I 've wrestled with , more than anything else over the last 36 hours , one fundamental question : Why is the man who killed George Floyd not in jail ? ''
`` I saw no threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw nothing that would signal that this kind of force was unnecessary . ''
Editor 's note : The original version of this article erroneously stated that four officers were in connection with the incident , when , in fact , the four officers were .

Authorities reportedly arrested Floyd because he attempted to pay a deli with a $20 bill that was allegedly counterfeit.
Newly released details also note that when medics arrived on the scene, Floyd had no pulse — and that the officer involved in the incident reportedly did not release his knee from Floyd's neck until medics arrived.
What's a brief background?
Floyd died on Monday after a police officer kneeled on his neck for at least eight minutes during a detainment. Video of the incident has since gone viral.
Four officers were fired in connection with the incident, and the FBI has launched a probe into Floyd's death on a possible civil rights violation.
Mass rioting and looting erupted across the city beginning on Wednesday.
What are the details?
Mahmoud Abumayyaleh, co-owner of Cup Foods deli, said that one of his employees phoned authorities after Floyd purportedly tried to hand over a fake $20 bill in order to pay for his purchases.
"My staff called the police, practicting protocol," Abumayyaleh explained, "and when the police arrived, Floyd was still outside, and that's when [police officers] approached him."
Video footage confirms this — authorities did approach Floyd while he was in his vehicle, and forcibly dragged him out. Floyd did not appear to resist even once.
Abumayyaleh said that he viewed surveillance footage from his own store, which reportedly caught the altercation between the officer and Floyd — including what appeared to be Floyd's last breaths.
Floyd was reported to have called out for his mother — who died over the last 18 months — in what appear to be his final moments before losing consciousness.
"I viewed [the footage] and what I see was devastating," Abumayyaleh admitted. "It was very heartbreaking, and our condolences go out to the family and friends of George Floyd."
According to newly released details, the officer who kneeled on Floyd's neck refused to let up until medics arrived. When medics arrived, they found no pulse, despite checking several times.
A local hospital officially pronounced Floyd dead when he arrived.
New video shows Minneapolis police arrest of George Floyd before death www.youtube.com
What else?
On Thursday, Minnesota Mayor Jacob Frey (D) said that Floyd would still be alive following the incident if he were white.
Frey has also called for charges against the officer involved in the incident.
"I'm not a prosecutor," he said, "but let me be clear: The arresting officer killed someone."
On Wednesday, Frey said, "I've wrestled with, more than anything else over the last 36 hours, one fundamental question: Why is the man who killed George Floyd not in jail?"
"I saw no threat," Frey insisted. "I saw nothing that would signal that this kind of force was unnecessary."
Editor's note: The original version of this article erroneously stated that four officers were arrested in connection with the incident, when, in fact, the four officers were fired.


theblaze--2020-05-28--Texas bar bans customers who wear masks

Texas bar bans customers who wear masks

This Texas bar is pushing back against 'wannabe snitch patrols ' and mask-shaming .

You read the headline correctly. A Texas bar is banning customers who wear masks. Quite the opposite of what other places are doing during the coronavirus pandemic.
No mask, no problem, says the owner of a bar in Elgin, Texas. The Liberty Tree Tavern not only warmly welcomes maskless patrons, but it prohibits customers who wear masks. This is sure to cause a stir on the suddenly polarizing topic of people wearing face masks.
"Due to our concern for our citizens, if they feel the need to wear a mask, then they should probably stay home until it's safe," the notice outside the Liberty Tree Tavern states, according to USA Today. No mask-shaming going on at the Liberty Tree Tavern.
"It is more of a pushback against the wannabe snitch patrols and the contact tracers they're gonna hire," the bar's co-owner Kevin Smith told KXAN.
"This is still rural Texas," Smith told the news outlet. Elgin, which is 25 miles east of Austin, has a population a little over 9,000. The small Texas town has recorded only 52 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Smith acknowledged that the bar was observing Gov. Greg Abbott's coronavirus restrictions by limiting capacity to 25% and asking that parties stay 6 feet apart to meet social distancing guidelines.
Charles Chamberlain, who is a regular at the Liberty Tree Tavern, said he has been to the bar three times since it re-opened on May 22. Chamberlain chooses not to wear a mask despite being considered high-risk for COVID-19 since he is a survivor of Stage 4 cancer and the H1N1 virus.
"I was quarantined in the Med Center for 12 months during my cancer treatments in Houston. When I quit my treatments the doctor asked me if I was ready to die, and I looked at him and said, This ain't even living, it's existing,'" the 58-year-old Texan said. "This quarantine ... that's not living, that's existing."
"I'm a Stage 4 cancer survivor. It's just a choice. He just put that up there to let people know if they aren't feeling good, then they maybe shouldn't come," Chamberlain said. "Everybody is keeping safe distances, they aren't bunching up."
"Going to the bar, going to the lake, going swimming with your friends, barbecuing, fishing — that's living," Chamberlain added. That's living indeed.


theblaze--2020-05-28--First responders said George Floyd appeared to be dead by the time they arrived on the scene

First responders said George Floyd appeared to be dead by the time they arrived on the scene 'When someone is @ @ @ @ @ counts '

First responders who arrived on the scene of George Floyd's death said Floyd showed no signs of life when they got there, according to the Star Tribune.
Still, emergency workers attempted to revive the man, who had no pulse and was unresponsive, for nearly an hour, believing "he still had an outside chance" of survival.
Hennepin Healthcare EMS Chief Marty Scherer said first responders didn't know how bad the situation was when they got there.
"I don't think paramedics knew what was going on," Scherer told the Star Tribune. "They just saw a split second of what was happening. Ultimately, if the police have somebody in custody, we have to get permission from them to work on the patient."
Paramedics, having realized the urgency of Floyd's condition, loaded him on the ambulance and treated him on the way to the hospital because that was quicker than unloading the medical equipment to treat him at the scene.
As the ambulance pulled away, a fire truck arrived. According to the information they had received, it was a Code 2 call to assist EMS at the scene, rather than a Code 3 call for a life-threatening situation, the Star Tribune reported. The incident report says firefighters were only told that Floyd had "trauma to his mouth."
Bystanders told the firefighters that police had killed Floyd, and were upset. An off-duty firefighter at the scene said he witnessed the struggle, which ended when Floyd lost consciousness after several minutes of Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin pressing his knee into the handcuffed Floyd's neck.
Floyd's condition never improved despite electric shocks to his chest and other lifesaving efforts by paramedics and ER staff. He was pronounced dead at the hospital about 90 minutes after his encounter with police began. Four MPD officers arrested him after responding to a forgery call.
His death led to the termination of all four officers involved, and calls for the arrest and prosecution of the officer most responsible for Floyd's death.
(H/T: The Hill)


theblaze--2020-05-28--Minneapolis Council official calls for a 'state of emergency' declaring racism 'a public health issu

Minneapolis Council official calls for a 'state of emergency' declaring racism 'a public health issue' following George Floyd's death

Minneapolis Council official calls for a 'state of emergency ' declaring racism ' a public health issue ' following George @ @ @ @ @ knee on all of our collective necks '

Minneapolis Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins called on the city to declare a state of emergency Thursday labeling racism a public health issue following the death of George Floyd.
Floyd died Monday night as a result of injuries sustained during his arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. A viral video showed Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck for several minutes while Floyd repeatedly stated, "I can't breathe."
The incident, which led to the firing of four officers involved and spawned an investigation by the FBI, sparked violent protests and looting in the city Tuesday and Wednesday night.
In an emotional press conference Thursday, Jenkins said that black Americans across the country feel as if there was "a knee on all of our collective necks ... a knee that says 'black life does not matter.'"
"I'm asking my colleagues, the mayor, and anyone else who is concerned about the state of affairs in our community to declare a state of emergency declaring racism as a public health issue," Jenkins said .
"Until we name this virus, this disease that has infected America for the past 400 years, we will never, ever resolve this issue," she continued. "To those who say bringing up racism is racist in and of itself, I say to you, if you don't call cancer what it is, you can never cure that disease. And so in an effort to try and cure this disease, I am stating exactly what everyone else has witnessed, and that is racism."
It remains to be seen if her request is granted.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) has publicly called for Chauvin to be thrown into jail for his actions.
"Why is the man who killed George Floyd not in jail? If you had done it, or I had done it, we would be behind bars right now," teh mayor asked on Wednesday. "We cannot turn a blind eye. George Floyd deserves justice."


theblaze--2020-05-28--Maxine Waters: Cop who had knee on George Floyd's neck 'enjoyed what he was doing' and was out to ki

Maxine Waters: Cop who had knee on George Floyd's neck 'enjoyed what he was doing' and was out to kill that day

Maxine Waters : Cop who had knee on George Floyd 's neck 'enjoyed what he was doing ' and was @ @ @ @ @ The congresswoman also said President Donald Trump 's 'dog whistling ' emboldens police brutality

Far-left U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters said the Minneapolis police officer whose knee pressed into George Floyd's neck "enjoyed doing what he was doing" and was out to kill that day.
"I believe sometimes some of these officers leave home thinking, 'I'm gonna get me one today.' And I think this is his one," the California congresswoman told TMZ in an interview published Thursday.
What's the background?
Viral video showed an officer kneeling on Floyd's neck while he was handcuffed on the ground over a reported "forgery in progress" Monday. Floyd, a black man, can be heard repeatedly begging officers for help and saying he couldn't breathe after which he appeared to lose consciousness.
Floyd was pronounced dead at hospital soon after, four officers were fired over the incident, and the FBI is investigating Floyd's detainment as a possible civil rights violation. Violent protests and looting erupted in Minneapolis in the wake of the incident, and Democratic Mayor Jacob Frey said the officer "who killed George Floyd" should be in jail.
What else did Waters say?
Waters said Floyd's death reminded her of similar violent incidents involving police and "white supremacists" — and that "if in fact you have subdued a suspect ... and you're not in any danger at all because the handcuffs are on him, there's no reason for the police to do what these police did."
She also placed blame on President Donald Trump, saying that "in a way he's dog whistling" and that his conduct emboldens some to believe "they can get away with this kind of treatment."
Rep. Maxine Waters Says Cop Who Kneeled On George Floyd 'Enjoyed' It | TMZ youtu.be
Anything else?
Some might say Waters did a bit more than dog whistling when she openly encouraged her supporters to harass and maybe even attack members of Trump's administration in June 2018.
"Let's make sure we show up wherever we have to show up and if you see anybody from that Cabinet in a restaurant, in a department store, at a gasoline station, you get out and you create a crowd and you push back on them, and you tell them they're not welcome anymore, anywhere," Waters said in a speech.
Indeed harassment followed, and attacks on conservatives got physical, too. Amid all that, prominent Democrats followed Waters' playbook, with Hillary Clinton saying "you cannot be civil" with Republicans, former Attorney General Eric Holder saying "when they go low, we kick them!" and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker urging activists in Washington, D.C., to "go to the Hill" and "get up in the face of some congresspeople."


theblaze--2020-05-28--Facebook's Zuckerberg says private companies shouldn't be 'arbiters of truth' after Trump clashes wi

Facebook's Zuckerberg says private companies shouldn't be 'arbiters of truth' after Trump clashes with Twitter

Facebook 's Zuckerberg says private companies should n't be 'arbiters of truth ' after Trump clashes with Twitter ' I @ @ @ @ @ should n't be the arbiter of truth of everything that people say online '

President Donald Trump clashed with Twitter over social media bias this week after the platform fact-checked his tweets. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has weighed in on the discussion by saying private companies shouldn't serve as an "arbiter of truth."
Zuckerberg questioned the decision by Twitter's CEO Jack Dorsey to fact-check the President of the United States.
"We have a different policy I think than Twitter on this," Zuckerberg said during an appearance on Fox News' "The Daily Briefing." "I just believe strongly that Facebook shouldn't be the arbiter of truth of everything that people say online. I think in general private companies probably shouldn't be — especially these platform companies — shouldn't be in the position of doing that."
This echoes a sentiment by Facebook's Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg. "I don't think we have to be the publisher and we definitely don't want to be the arbiter of the truth," Sandberg said in a 2017 CNBC interview. "We don't think that's appropriate for us. We think everyone needs to do their part. Newsrooms have to do their part, media companies, classrooms and technology companies."
On Wednesday, Dorsey said that his company fact-checking accounts on their social media platform does not make Twitter an "arbiter of truth."
Fact check: there is someone ultimately accountable for our actions as a company, and that's me. Please leave our employees out of this. We'll continue to point out incorrect or disputed information about elections globally. And we will admit to and own any mistakes we make. This does not make us an "arbiter of truth." Our intention is to connect the dots of conflicting statements and show the information in dispute so people can judge for themselves. More transparency from us is critical so folks can clearly see the why behind our actions.
On Tuesday, President Trump said that Twitter is "now interfering in the 2020 Presidential Election."
On Wednesday, President Trump said social media companies need to "clean up" their act now.
"Republicans feel that Social Media Platforms totally silence conservatives voices," Trump continued. "We will strongly regulate, or close them down, before we can ever allow this to happen. We saw what they attempted to do, and failed, in 2016. We can't let a more sophisticated version of that."
"Twitter has now shown that everything we have been saying about them (and their other compatriots) is correct," Trump tweeted. "Big action to follow!"
"Big Tech is doing everything in their very considerable power to CENSOR in advance of the 2020 Election," Trump wrote. "If that happens, we no longer have our freedom. I will never let it happen! They tried hard in 2016, and lost."
"So ridiculous to see Twitter trying to make the case that Mail-In Ballots are not subject to FRAUD. How stupid, there are examples, & cases, all over the place," Trump tweeted on Thursday. "Our election process will become badly tainted & a laughingstock all over the World. Tell that to your hater @yoyoel."
President Trump is referencing Yoel Roth in the tweet, who is Twitter's "head of site integrity." There have been unearthed tweets from Roth that show he despised Donald Trump as a presidential candidate, and he was heavily in favor of Hillary Clinton.
President Trump is set to sign an executive order aimed at combating any bias from social media companies. Trump hinted that the executive order could arrive on Thursday, after he tweeted, "This will be a Big Day for Social Media and FAIRNESS!"


theblaze--2020-05-28--White House press sec. Kayleigh McEnany believes God put her in the administration 'for a purpose,'

White House press sec. Kayleigh McEnany believes God put her in the administration 'for a purpose,' says conservative Christians drive media crazy

White House press sec .
Kayleigh McEnany believes God put her in the administration 'for a purpose , ' says @ @ @ @ @ She only cares about an audience of 1

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany says that her faith has played an integral part in her career, and she believes God has her right where he wants: the White House.
What are the details?
In a wide-ranging interview with CBN News, McEnany said that she has heavily relied on her faith all throughout her life, but especially now, as the mouthpiece of the Trump administration.
"I believe God put me in this place for a purpose and for a reason like he does with each and every life," McEnany said. "We're all here for a reason."
She added that she felt God's presence immediately before her very first White House press briefing.
"I was in panic mode right before," she admitted. "I was just rattled and extremely nervous and feeling a lot of anxiety. I called my mom and on speakerphone, my family and we all prayed together ... and all of a sudden, I took a deep breath, and after those prayers, moved forward. I felt such strength, went in and talked to the president, and then walked out and did the job that only could be done if God was there helping you along the way."
She also revealed that she recently led Bible studies while working with the Trump campaign.
"We would pray and read the Word," she recalled. "It just gave a little pep in our step because these days are demanding, they're challenging, they're long in politics, whether you're a Democrat or Republican. That's the nature of the job. It was a little rod of lightning, of just energy and joy in our day."
What else?
McEnany, 32, also said that she believes the outpouring of conservative, Christian support that President Donald Trump receives on a daily basis drives much of the media and other naysayers crazy.
"People are attacked for their faith," she said. "Not just me, but Christian men and women across this country. It's unfortunate, but I think we have found a real voice in President Trump, who stood for religious freedom and pro-life, and [has] given us this boldness."
She explained that she first experienced the bias when she was enrolled at Harvard Law School.
"I realized it was that megaphone and that kind of boldness we needed, and that kind of fighter we needed to represent the Christian community," McEnany added.
In conclusion, McEnany pointed out that she still serves God in everything she does.
"My mission in life is that when I pass that He will look at me and say, 'Well done good and faithful servant,'" she said. “If I can end my life that way, it doesn't matter what the people say on the way there."
FULL EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: White House Press Sec. Kayleigh McEnany www.youtube.com
(H/T: Faithwire)


theblaze--2020-05-28--Another 2.1 million people filed for unemployment last week, bringing the 10-week total to more than

Another 2.1 million people filed for unemployment last week, bringing the 10-week total to more than 40 million

Another 2.1 million people filed for unemployment last week , bringing the 10-week total to more than 40 million Roughly @ @ @ @ @ US workforce

Roughly a quarter of the total U.S. workforce has been put out of work since the COVID-19 pandemic caused government officials to shut down most or all businesses deemed non-essential, with another 2.1 million Americans filing jobless claims over the past week, Politico reported.
Another 1.2 million people applied for unemployment benefits under a temporary program for people who are typically ineligible for unemployment, such as self-employed workers. There may be some overlap of people who applied for both. Overall, 40.8 million Americans have filed for unemployment in the past 10 weeks.
Andrew Stettner, a senior fellow at The Century Foundation, told Politico that about half the people who have applied for benefits since the coronavirus shutdowns began have received them, while others are stuck waiting as overwhelmed state agencies with sometimes unreliable websites and processes try to keep up.
A previous COVID-19 relief package boosted unemployment benefits temporarily, and a University of Chicago study showed that more than two-thirds of people receiving unemployment may be getting more in benefits than they would've gotten from their jobs. The relief package added a $600 per week supplement to the standard benefits.
About 20% of jobless people could get unemployment benefits that are double the amount of their lost earnings, the study found. One potential problem with this system is that unemployed workers might get more money than normal for not working, while workers who are considered essential don't get any hazard pay despite potential exposure to COVID-19. From MarketWatch:
For example, a janitor at a still-open business might not get hazard pay, but an unemployed janitor could get 158% of his or her prior wage, the study said. (Researchers looked at U.S. Census data on job salaries and plugged the numbers into an unemployment benefits calculator they built. They said they compared their own estimates on statewide average benefits from likely jobless claimants against average benefits from actual claimants, as reported by the Department of Labor.)
These expanded unemployment benefits will end at the end of July unless Congress passes another relief bill to extend them.
Democrats are interested in extending the boosted benefits, while many Republicans oppose an extension because they fear the benefits are so high that they may discourage people from trying to reenter the workforce as quickly as possible.


theblaze--2020-05-28--Knife-wielding woman in wheelchair gets walloped after she tried to stop looting of Minneapolis Targ

Knife-wielding woman in wheelchair gets walloped after she tried to stop looting of Minneapolis Target Crazy videos show a wheelchair @ @ @ @ @ attacked for trying to stop looters

The protests that arose from the George Floyd death elevated into riots where there were several buildings set on fire. One of the first Minneapolis businesses to be looted during the riots was a Target store. A woman in a wheelchair armed with a knife attempted to stop looters from stealing from the Target. The wheelchair woman was greeted with punches to the head and was sprayed with a fire extinguisher.
During the George Floyd protests that escalated into riots on Wednesday night, looters stole merchandise from a Target, and later set the store on fire. A wild video shows a woman in a motorized wheelchair attempting to block the door of the Target in an effort to prevent people from looting the store.
As looters leave the Target, the woman moves her wheelchair into the exit to block looters from leaving with stolen goods. At one point, it appears she is wielding a small hand knife and tries to attack another woman with the weapon after she was shoved.
A woman in the crowd screamed, "She got a knife! She got a knife!" Onlookers then pelted the wheelchair woman with random objects, and one person sprayed her with a fire extinguisher.
Later, the wheelchair woman was punched in the back of the head.
Wheelchair-Bound Old Woman Gets Attacked by Looters After Blocking The Door at Minneapolis Target www.youtube.com
The woman, who was wearing a shirt that read: "Better Together," said she was "peacefully protesting."
"They attacked me from the front and back," the woman, who is identified as "Jennifer" in one of the videos. "They punched me in the mouth, my head. I got punched in the head several times. I got grabbed from behind. They stole my keys. They stole everything they could off of me. I got maced in the face, I got covered with fire extinguisher stuff."
Wheelchair Jennifer attacked in Target looting www.youtube.com
There are claims that the woman is not disabled. One video allegedly said to be of "Jennifer," appears to show her get out of her wheelchair and walk with no issues. The woman walking around seems to be wearing the same clothing as the wheelchair woman.
Video from inside the ransacked Target show empty shelves after being looted.
There was a death during the Minneapolis riots after a suspected looter was reportedly shot dead by a pawn shop owner.


theblaze--2020-05-28--Soldier uses his car to mow down active shooter on bridge, hailed as hero for likely saving lives

Soldier uses his car to mow down active shooter on bridge , hailed as hero for likely saving lives The @ @ @ @ @ and was 'firing at cars with no particular association '

An active duty soldier at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, used his car to mow down a shooter on a bridge and is being called a hero for likely saving multiple lives, police told WDAF-TV.
What are the details?
Officers were called to the Centennial Bridge at 11 a.m. Wednesday for a report of shots fired that originally was thought to be a case of road rage, Leavenworth Police Chief Patrick Kitchens told the station.
The bridge spans the Missouri River and connects Leavenworth with Platte County, Missouri.
Arriving officers found one man with a gunshot wound and another man trapped under a car, WDAF said, adding that emergency crews took both to a hospital with serious injuries.
But as officers spoke to witnesses, they learned the incident wasn't road rage related but involved a shooter "with multiple weapons on the bridge firing at cars with no particular association," Kitchens told the station.
The shooter — who was firing at passing vehicles — had a handgun and a semi-automatic rifle, KMBC-TV reported.
And the soldier put a stop to it.
"There was an active-duty soldier assigned to Ft. Leavenworth waiting in traffic behind the event, saw the event unfold, determined it was an active shooter, and intervened by striking the shooter with his vehicle, causing him to be critically injured, ending the encounter with the active shooter, and likely saving countless lives," Kitchens added to WDAF.
Anything else?
At least seven bullets penetrated the window of a Ford Taurus, and two other cars were hit as well, KMBC said, adding that the wounded man is a different active duty soldier at Fort Leavenworth and was in one of those vehicles.
The shooter is a Platte County resident, WDAF said.
The station added that a man who lives close to the scene said he heard between 10 and 13 shots.
April Steinke of Nextcare Urgent Care told KMBC she and a patient "heard some sirens, and I was like, 'Wow. That's awful close.'"
Steinke added to the station she was impressed by the soldier's quick thinking: "That's a hero to me."
Investigators told KMBC they aren't sure of the shooter's motive but are looking into his history.
Authorities added to the station that the shooter and the wounded soldier are stable.


theblaze--2020-05-28--AG Barr assigns US Attorney John Bash to review unmasking of Trump associates before and after the

AG Barr assigns US Attorney John Bash to review unmasking of Trump associates before and after the 2016 election: report

AG Barr assigns US Attorney John Bash to review unmasking of Trump associates before and after the 2016 election : @

Attorney General William Barr has asked U.S. Attorney John Bash to review unmasking instances that occurred both before and after President Donald Trump's election in 2016 to see if there was any wrongdoing that took place, Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec confirmed to Fox News Wednesday.
The matter was previously being investigated as a part of U.S. Attorney John Durham's review of the origins of the 2016 Russia probe, but Barr recently determined that the unmasking practices warranted further review, and so he assigned Bash to the job.
Speculation that the Obama administration abused the federal government's surveillance powers to spy on members of Trump's incoming administration intensified after unsealed documents revealed that several top-tier Obama officials submitted unmasking requests for former Trump national security adviser Gen. Michael Flynn.
Among the officials who requested Flynn's identity be revealed were then-Vice President Joe Biden, then-FBI Director James Comey, then-Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, and Obama's chief of staff at the time, Denis McDonough.
"Unmasking inherently isn't wrong, but certainly, the frequency, the motivation and the reasoning behind unmasking can be problematic," Kupec said. "And when you're looking at unmasking as part of a broader investigation — like John Durham's investigation — looking specifically at who was unmasking whom, can add a lot to our understanding about motivation and big picture events."
Unmasking, which is the revelation of an American citizen's identity after he or she is incidentally picked up in the U.S. government's surveillance of foreign officials, is not an unusual process. In fact, Politico reported that there were nearly 8,000 unmasking requests submitted last year.
But, as Kupec pointed out, that doesn't mean the practice can't be abused as a means to service illegal or improper ends. In this case, Republicans have become suspicious that the Obama administration may have been singling out members of the Trump campaign and Trump administration.
During Kupec's interview with Sean Hannity, the Fox News anchor suggested that the number of unmasking requests by the Obama administration in his second term tripled and that perhaps members of Trump's family and the media have been unmasked. Kupec did not confirm the claims specifically but said "that's why the attorney general determined it was appropriate" to have Bash look into unmasking.
Earlier this month, Senate Republicans demanded that former Obama officials — including Biden — testify under oath regarding their participation in the Flynn unmasking.


theblaze--2020-05-28--YouTuber adopted autistic son, made money documenting the journey. Now she has 'rehomed' him with a

YouTuber adopted autistic son, made money documenting the journey. Now she has 'rehomed' him with a new family.

YouTuber adopted autistic son , made money documenting the journey .
Now she has 'rehomed ' him with a new @ @

YouTuber and blogger Myka Stauffer, who famously documented her arduous adoption process, has adopted her autistic son out to another family — or "rehomed" him, as she says, a term typically reserved for the adoption of dogs and cats.
Stauffer's many YouTube videos — a plethora of them featuring the toddler — are monetized.
What are the details?
Stauffer, an Ohio mom blogger and YouTuber, revealed that she and her husband James decided to give up their adopted son.
Stauffer chronicled the 2017 adoption of her son — Huxley, a Chinese special needs toddler with autism — telling her audience of at least 700,000 subscribers that she and her husband "rehomed" the child to his "forever family."
"After multiple assessments, after multiple evaluations, numerous medical professionals have felt that he needed a different fit in his medical needs," she said. "He needed more. There's not an ounce of our body that doesn't want Huxley with all of our being. There wasn't a minute that I didn't try our hardest."
"Do I feel like a failure as a mom?" she complained. "500%. So when we get insidious, hurtful comments, it really makes the hurt worse."
Throughout the adoption process Stauffer was fully aware of the extent of her former son's needs and said that in 2017 — before adoption — she was made aware that the child was "profoundly developmentally delayed."
Despite the revelation, Stauffer and her husband went through with the adoption.
In very self-satisfied-sounding 2019 article for The Bump, she wrote, "Huxley wasn't the one who needed to change — it was me."
"My son has taught me to love completely and unconditionally, regardless of circumstances and without exceptions," she simpered.


theblaze--2020-05-28--Video of George Floyd emerges, shows him pleading with black youth to stop gun violence, begging ‘cl

Video of George Floyd emerges, shows him pleading with black youth to stop gun violence, begging ‘clearly lost’ to ‘come home’

Video of George Floyd emerges , shows him pleading with black youth to stop gun violence , begging ‘ clearly @ @ @ @ @ home ’ 'Going to be you and God '

A heartbreaking video of the late George Floyd talking about ending violence has gone viral following his death.
What are the details?
In an undated video that's making the rounds across social media, Floyd can be heard imploring black youth to end violence and stop killing one another.
Speaking directly into a camera, Floyd said, "Our young generation is clearly lost, man. Clearly lost, man. I don't even know what to say anymore. You youngsters just going around busting guns in crowds, kids getting killed."
He continued, saying that adults should be responsible in condemning gun violence, rather than condoning it.
"Man, I knew it was crazy then a n**** my age saying it ... and condoning this s**t, bro," he added. "You know what I'm saying? Half them young n****s shooting them guns go home and their knees shaking at night, but they don't show it to nobody because they ain't tough then."
He pleaded, "Come on home man. It's going to be you and God. You're going up or you're going down. That's gonna be it."
"And if any of you don't like this message — especially a n**** my age — man, f*** you right now. My heart hurts," he concluded.
Floyd died Monday following an incident with Minneapolis police officers.
Viral video emerged showing an officer kneeling on Floyd's neck during an incident reported to be a "forgery in progress."
After engaging with Floyd, the Minneapolis officer ended up pinning the man to the ground with his knee.
Floyd can be heard repeatedly begging officers for help and complaining of not being able to breathe as well as being in pain. Floyd appeared to lose consciousness in the video. Authorities pronounced the man dead at a nearby hospital.
Four officers were fired over the incident, and the FBI is investigating Floyd's detainment as a possible civil rights violation.


theblaze--2020-05-28--Fauci changes tune, now says second COVID-19 wave may never happen — and mask-wearing is symbolic

Fauci changes tune , now says second COVID-19 wave may never happen — and mask-wearing is symbolic

Dr. Anthony Fauci now says that a second wave of COVID-19 may not even happen and that wearing a mask is largely symbolic at this point.
What about the second wave?
In a Wednesday interview with CNN's "Newsroom," Fauci — member of the White House's coronavirus task force — said that a second COVID-19 wave is not necessarily inevitable.
"We often talk about the the possibility of a second wave, or of an outbreak when you're reopening," Fauci explained. "We don't have to accept that as an inevitability."
"Particularly," he continued, "when people start thinking about the fall. I want people to really appreciate that, it could happen, but it is not inevitable."
Fauci admitted that he is beginning to feel more and more optimistic as days go by, and insists that the U.S.'s expanded capability for testing is bolstering the COVID-19 response.
He pointed out that a second wave is entirely preventable if the U.S. is able to have the "workforce, the system, and the will to do the kinds of things that are the clear and effective identification, isolation, and contact tracing."
In April, however, Fauci insisted that second wave of coronavirus was inevitable.
During an interview with MSNBC, he said, "It's inevitable that the coronavirus will return next season. ... When it does, how we handle it, will determine our fate."
And so what about the masks?
Fauci also said that Americans should wear face masks in public to protect themselves — but also to get into good practices.
"I want to protect myself and protect others [by mask-wearing], and also because I want to make it be a symbol for people to see that that's the kind of thing you should be doing," he added.
During the interview, the infections diseases expert also admitted that wearing a mask is not 100% effective, but says that it is a gesture that shows "respect" for other people.


theblaze--2020-05-28--University of Minnesota cuts ties with Minneapolis PD after killing of George Floyd

They wo n't be security for football games , concerts , or anything else University of Minnesota cuts ties with @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd Protesters demonstrate against the death of George Floyd outside the Minneapolis Police Department @ @ @ @ @ Minneapolis .
( Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images )

The University of Minnesota will no longer contract with the Minneapolis Police Department for security for football games, concerts, and other university events, Yahoo Sports reported.
University President Joan Gabel sent out a statement to students, faculty, and staff Wednesday announcing the severing of ties with the department after an MPD officer reportedly killed George Floyd by keeping his knee on Floyd's neck until he lost consciousness, even though Floyd was already handcuffed and no longer resisting.
'I can't breathe:' Death of unarmed black man George Floyd leads to firing of white police officers youtu.be
"Our hearts are broken after watching the appalling video capturing the actions of Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) officers against George Floyd leading to his tragic death," the statement said. "As a community, we are outraged and grief-stricken. I do not have the words to fully express my pain and anger and I know that many in our community share those feelings, but also fear for their own safety. This will not stand."
"First, I have directed Senior Vice President Brian Burnett to no longer contract with the Minneapolis Police Department for additional law enforcement support needed for large events, such as football games, concerts, and ceremonies," Gabel continued. "Second, I have directed University Police Chief Matt Clark to no longer use the Minneapolis Police Department when specialized services are needed for University events, such as K-9 Explosive detection units."
The statement indicated that the university would still partner with MPD on necessary occasions, such as "joint patrols and investigations that directly enhance the safety of our community or that allow us to investigate and apprehend those who put our students, faculty, and staff at risk."
Protests have broken out across the city after the video of Floyd's death went viral. The protests devolved into looting and setting buildings on fire Wednesday night. The situation was so out of control that the MPD pulled officers from those locations for their own safety as property was stolen and destroyed.


theblaze--2020-05-28--Suspected looter reportedly shot dead by pawn shop owner during Minneapolis riots

A suspect in the shooting has been taken into custody .

The protests in Minneapolis over the death of George Floyd escalated Wednesday night into full-scale riots. There was widespread looting and numerous stores set on fire. The riots turned lethal when a suspected looter was reportedly shot dead outside of a Minneapolis pawn shop.
It was the second night of protests stemming from the death of George Floyd who died while in police custody, and video shows one Minneapolis police officer putting a knee to Floyd's neck for approximately eight minutes. The demonstrations began peacefully, but then grew violent.
Minneapolis police officers responded to an initial report of a stabbing at 9:05 p.m. in the area of the riots, according to Minneapolis Police Department spokesman John Elder. At 9:25 p.m., cops found an adult male in grave condition lying on the sidewalk outside Cadillac Pawn and Jewelry on East Lake Street near Bloomington Avenue.
Officers immediately began to administer first aid, including CPR. The wounded man was taken to the Hennepin County Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The wound was determined to be a gunshot wound.
"At this time, the scene is just finishing being processed by our crime lab and our homicide investigators," Elder told reporters at a midnight press conference. "The facts that led up to the shooting is still being sorted out."
When asked if the deceased man was a looter, Elder responded by saying, "That is one of the theories that we're working into." The spokesperson did not provide details of any other theories the police department has of the shooting death.
"As I said, the body was found outside. And we have a couple of different scenarios as to what may have happened," Elder said. "We want to make sure that we do in fact have all of the facts moving forward. We don't want to cast aspersions on somebody if in fact they weren't doing anything wrong."
Star-Tribune reporter Libor Jany wrote on Twitter that the deceased man was a suspected looter who was shot by the owner of a pawn shop:
Police are investigating a homicide. They say the owner of a nearby pawn shop shot and killed a person suspected of looting his building. It reportedly happened at Cadillac Pawn. Still awaiting details. This, from a source within the department.
One suspect was taken into police custody regarding the shooting death.
"I'm imploring our city, imploring our community, imploring every one of us to keep the peace. Let's honor George Floyd's memory," Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said of the riots.


theblaze--2020-05-28--Former DNC chair Donna Brazile claims 'there’s no First Amendment right to lie.’ Her co-hosts on ‘Th

Former DNC chair Donna Brazile claims 'there’s no First Amendment right to lie.’ Her co-hosts on ‘The Five’ erupt in mockery.

Former DNC chair Donna Brazile claims 'there ’ s no First Amendment right to lie.
’ Her co-hosts on ‘ @ @ @ @ @ mockery . '
I can say I 'm 6 feet tall .
Are you going @ @ @ @ @ '

Panelists on Fox News' "The Five" burst into mockery Wednesday night after former Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Donna Brazile boldly claimed that "there's no First Amendment right to lie."
Brazile, a Fox News contributor, appeared on the show to discuss the developing feud between President Donald Trump and Twitter. The tech giant added a fact-check label to several of the president's tweets Tuesday as part of an ongoing initiative by the platform.
After co-host Jesse Watters went on a lengthy tirade against the initiative even suggesting that Twitter officials could end up "helping the president" by proving that "the whole thing is so cooked up," Brazile mocked him for "whining."
Later during her response, Brazile took the argument a step further, suggesting that she would've "deleted" the president's tweets, specifically referring to his tweets regarding MSNBC host Joe Scarborough and mail-in ballots.
"There's no First Amendment right to lie. Period," she said emphatically.
Caught off guard by the claim, the panel went silent for a few seconds before erupting in mockery.
Watch the exchange towards the end of the video below:
'The Five' slams Twitter for using sources like CNN to fact-check Trump youtu.be
"You can't lie?!" a shocked Greg Gutfeld asked as Dana Perino retorted "well, actually, you can."
Brazile dug her heels in and shouted back: 'There is no First Amendment right to lie. There's no First Amendment right to lie. You just go ahead and lie."
"I can say I'm 6 feet tall. Are you going to have me arrested?" Gutfeld responded. "What would happen to politicians, Donna? If you couldn't lie, you'd have no politics," he added.
As for the Trump-Twitter feud, the president reportedly plans to sign an executive order aimed at social media companies in the coming days.


theblaze--2020-05-28--'Heavily armed rednecks' who support protesters, want 'justice for Floyd' stand in front of tobacco

'Heavily armed rednecks' who support protesters, want 'justice for Floyd' stand in front of tobacco store to prevent looting

'Heavily armed rednecks ' who support protesters , want 'justice for Floyd ' stand in front of tobacco store to @ @ @ @ @ before there were cops , there were just Americans — so here we are '

A group of armed men stood in front of a Minneapolis tobacco store Wednesday to prevent it from being looted as protests heated up over the death of George Floyd and police pulled away from several locations.
What are the details?
Interviewed on video by Max Nesterak of the Minnesota Reformer, the men didn't give their names but said they were "free Americans."
With two other armed men in the background, the pair said they had been moving around at protest points and found out that tobacco store workers were trying to defend the business from looting, so they came to "see if these guys need help" since "cops can't get in here."
Image source: YouTube screenshot
One pointed to men with machetes standing next to the store's front door; the other armed man said they were simply "protecting their own stuff."
Image source: YouTube screenshot
"I figure before there were cops, there were just Americans — so here we are," one of the men said.
Image source: YouTube screenshot
They also emphasized that they agree with the protests but not the looting.
"Bottom line: Justice for Floyd, and I hope they stop looting at some point," one of the men said while the other added, "We definitely don't agree with the looting though we do agree with the cause and the protest."
One of the men also said "cops are a lot less likely to try to tread on people's rights when there's other armed Americans with them" and "it's about damn time [that] heavily armed rednecks stood with fellow citizens."
While Minnesota is an open carry state, it generally prohibits open carrying of rifles and shotguns unless those carrying have permits to carry handguns.
Minneapolis Riots - Armed Citizens Guard Tobacco Store youtu.be
Anything else?
Wednesday marked the second day of protests in Minneapolis over the death of Floyd, a black man, after a white police officer held him down with a knee to his neck for several minutes during detainment.
A man who appeared to be a supporter of President Donald Trump reportedly was beaten by protesters.
Democratic Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly called for charges against the former officer who kneeled on Floyd's neck.
Violent protests also erupted Wednesday in Los Angeles.


theblaze--2020-05-29--Former bar owner says George Floyd and fired officer both worked for her at the same time

Former bar owner says George Floyd and fired officer both worked for her at the same time It is unknown @ @ @ @ @ each other prior to Floyd 's encounter with police on Monday just before his death

A Minneapolis woman who used to own a club on the south side of the city says George Floyd and Derek Chauvin — the officer who kneeled on Floyd's neck during the detainment prior to his death — both worked for her as security guards at the same time and held overlapping shifts.
What are the details?
Maya Santamaria, who owned El Nuevo Rodeo club for nearly two decades before she sold the bar this year, told KSTP-TV on Thursday that Chauvin had been a longtime employee of hers and that Floyd also worked security in the establishment for roughly a year.
But it is unclear whether Floyd and Chauvin ever met during the time they were employed by Santamaria, who says that while the men undoubtedly worked during the same time, one was stationed outdoors while the other was inside.
"Chauvin was our off-duty police officer for almost the entirety of the 17 years that we were open," the business owner explained. "They were working together at the same time, it's just that Chauvin worked outside and the security guards were inside."
On busy nights, Santamaria noted, there were dozens of guards on staff. She says she doesn't know if the men ever spoke during the time they worked for her.
Santamaria described Chauvin as sometimes having "a real short fuse," and says she wishes the two men could have recognized each other during Floyd's detainment on Monday and possibly de-escalated the situation.
Chauvin was fired along with three other Minneapolis police officers after footage went viral showing Chauvin holding down Floyd with his body weight and pressing his knee into Floyd's neck as the the black man was detained. After several minutes of Floyd and onlookers begging Chauvin to stop blocking Floyd's airway, Floyd became unresponsive. He was later pronounced dead.
No arrests have been made in the case, and protests in Minneapolis and across the country have raged for days — often devolving into violence including attacks on police, vandalism, and looting.


theblaze--2020-05-29--Minneapolis rioters breach police station, livestream from inside as building goes up in flames

Minneapolis rioters breach police station , livestream from inside as building goes up in flames Police evacuated from the station @ @ @ @ @

Another night of protests in Minneapolis, Minnesota, culminated on Thursday in an assault on the 3rd precinct police station by protesters who tried to light it on fire after police abandoned the area.
Rioters breached the station at about 10:30 p.m. One of the protesters broadcast a livestream from the station on social media.
Rioters could be seen in the livestream video trying to start fires in the building and stealing equipment. Others shot fireworks at the building from the outside.
"Can't believe what I'm seeing the Minneapolis police has ABANDONED the 3rd precinct's building!! Rioters have stormed in the parking lot and are now damaging the building," tweeted reporter Julio Rosas.
The 3rd precinct building is now on fire. Rioters are celebrating and posing for pictures in front of the flames. pic.twitter.com/j5IrK8ARUd
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) May 29, 2020
Protesters targeted the station because the police officers involved in the controversial death of George Floyd were from the 3rd precinct.
These were taken in the 3rd precinct's parking lot after police abandoned the building. Trying to get video up but my data is terrible in this area. pic.twitter.com/oLiwk09mn6
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) May 29, 2020
Rosas later tweeted video of the police abandoning the station as protesters chased after them and threw objects at them.
This is the moment when Minneapolis police officers abandoned the 3rd precinct building. Rioters chased them as they left and continued to throw objects at the police vehicles. pic.twitter.com/KoxAAYiUIN
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) May 29, 2020
Earlier on Thursday, the governor of Minnesota called on the state's National Guard to help re-establish order in Minneapolis. Also on Thursday, law enforcement officials held a media briefing to update the public on the progress in the investigation against the officers who killed George Floyd.
Here's more about the protest from NBC News:
Watch live: Protests continue in Twin Cities after death of George Floyd www.youtube.com
[Ed. Note: This article has been updated with new information.]


theblaze--2020-05-29--Protests in NYC erupt in violence: More than 70 arrested, several police officers injured

Protests in NYC erupt in violence : More than 70 arrested , several police officers injured Demonstrators were protesting the @ @ @ @ @ Minneapolis

Demonstrations protesting the death of George Floyd — a black man who died after begging for air while being held down by a white police officer in Minneapolis — escalated to violence in New York City on Thursday, leaving several police officers injured and more than 70 people arrested.
What are the details?
The New York Post reported that activists clashed with police, leading "to at least 70 arrests," in protests in New York City, with some demonstrators physically attacking police officers who were on the scene attempting to keep the peace.
The NYPD confirmed to Fox News that "four police officers were injured and transported to nearby hospitals."
One officer was reportedly hit in the head with a trash can, another was punched in the face, and a female NYPD inspector was punched in the chest.
George Floyd Protestors Stand Off Against NYPD in Union Square Park www.youtube.com
Protests have raged in Minneapolis since Floyd's death on Monday, erupting in violence, widespread looting, arson, and vandalism. Demonstrations have also been held in major cities across the country. On Wednesday night, protesters in Los Angeles attacked police cruisers, and several shots were fired Thursday night during a demonstration at the Colorado Capitol building in Denver.
The demonstrations across the U.S. have grown throughout the week after disturbing video footage went viral showing Floyd being held down with a police officer's knee and apparent body weight on his neck for several minutes, pleading for air, as the police officer ignored him. Eventually, the video shows, Floyd becomes unresponsive, and he is carried away in an ambulance.
No arrests have yet been made in the case, despite widespread outcry and claims that Floyd's death was an obvious murder. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman explained during a press conference on Thursday that charges had not yet been filed in the case because, he revealed, "There is other evidence that does not support a criminal charge."


theblaze--2020-05-29--Trump says he would shut down Twitter permanently if he could do it legally

Trump says he would shut down Twitter permanently if he could do it legally He signed an executive order aimed @ @ @ @

President Donald Trump warned on Thursday that he would shut down the popular social media platform Twitter completely if he could do so legally.
The president expressed his frustration with Twitter to reporters after he signed an executive order against bias from social media companies. He cited a report about the platform's "head of site integrity" and his open hostility to Republicans before answering a question about shutting it down.
"I tell you what, I have so much, it seems, influence over Twitter, in the sense of people wanting to go Twitter because of what I have, I have a vast number of platforms that, as you know, we have millions and millions of people," the president said.
"I think this, if Twitter were not honorable, if you're gonna have a guy like this be your judge and jury, I think you shut it down as far as I'm concerned, but I'd have to go through a legal process to do that," Trump added.
"How would you shut down an American company?" the reporter asked.
"I don't know, I'd have to ask the lawyers, I'd have to go through a legal process," Trump responded.
"If it were legal, if it were able to be legally shut down, I would do it," he concluded.
He went on to say that he expected litigation to challenge the executive order. Critics argue that he does not have the constitutional authority to change the laws without a vote from Congress.
The order was in response to Twitter fact-checking the president's tweets for the first time ever with a special label on Tuesday.
While much of the criticism against the president's tweets related to those about a murder conspiracy theory about MSNBC host Joe Scarborough, the social media platform added a fact-check link to his tweets about mail-in voting.
Twitter's stock price dropped by 4.45% on Thursday with many analysts attributing the lower valuation to the president's order.
Here's the video of the president's statement:


theblaze--2020-05-29--After attending a Trump rally, this lifelong Democrat left the LEFT — here's why

After attending a Trump rally , this lifelong Democrat left the LEFT — here 's why

In this episode of "The Rubin Report," psychologist and author Karlyn Borysenko joined BlazeTV host Dave Rubin to reveal why a lifelong liberal decided to attend a Trump rally and then walk away from the Democratic Party based on what she learned about the other side.
Karlyn told Dave that it all started when she witnessed her online knitting community turn toxic after the knitting site instituted a policy that sharply divided users by banning any patterns or speech in support of President Donald Trump. She went on to describe the strange but true story of how online "social justice warrior woke mobs" targeted and destroyed the businesses of certain users because of their political opinions. Her experiences with this kind of cancel culture inspired her to seek out other points of view, so she decided to attend a Trump rally despite her friends' dire warnings.
Karlyn detailed what it was like to attend a Trump event as a lifelong Democrat and how she was treated. She documented her experience in an article on Medium as a warning to the Democratic Party. Though her article caused her to lose clients and friends on the left, she says leaving the left has actually improved her life.
Watch the video below to catch more of the conversation:
Want to see more from Dave Rubin?
Looking for smart and honest conversations about current events, political news and the culture war? On "The Rubin Report," comedian Dave Rubin engages the ideas of some of society's most interesting thought leaders, authors, and politicians. Subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multiplatform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution and live the American dream.


theblaze--2020-05-29--Shots fired near Colorado state Capitol during protest over death of George Floyd

Shots fired near Colorado state Capitol during protest over death of George Floyd Hundreds of people gathered to march at @ @ @ @ @ Thursday evening

Several shots were fired near the Colorado Capitol building Thursday evening where hundreds of people gathered to march in protest against the death of George Floyd, a black man who was killed while in police custody in Minneapolis earlier this week.
No injuries were reported from the incident in Denver, but one reporter on the scene noted that "people are pretty shaken up."
What are the details?
KKTV-TV reporter Spencer Wilson tweeted at 5:54 p.m. Mountain Time, "Bullets just wizzed [sic] by on the state capital, police yelled for us to get down, then took off towards the west lawn. This was maybe 15 minutes after the majority of protestors took off. Maybe 6-7 shots. People are pretty shaken up.'
He added later, "And now protestors have flooded into Lincoln St. to block traffic. There's a ton of honking."
The Denver Post reported, "Denver police spokesman Kurt Barnes said officers have confirmed six or seven shots were fired toward the capitol about 5:35 p.m. There were no known injuries as of 6 p.m."
Barnes added, "We do believe that the shots were towards the capitol, but we do not at this point have any correlation to the protest or the protestors."
The Post further noted that "Denver police officers on the scene wore their regular street uniforms along with face masks to protect them from the [corona]virus. However, they began donning riot gear once the shots were fire[d]."
The demonstration in Denver was one of many across the country held Thursday night, as activists in Los Angeles, New York City, and elsewhere marched in the streets following days of protests that continue in Minneapolis over the death of Floyd, who died after a police officer was caught on video holding him down with a knee to his neck for several minutes while the man was detained.


theblaze--2020-05-28--NEW EPISODE: #BlackLivesMatter BURNS MINNEAPOLIS! Guest: Dinesh D'Souza

Steven has a massive show lined up tonight !
He 'll be talking about the latest Biden gaffe , Hitler @ @ @ @ @ blacklivesmatter riots , Trump 's incoming social media executive order , and much more .
@ @ @ @ @ , tonight at 8 PM ET .
Use code LWC to save $ 10 on @ @ @ @ @ Want more from Steven Crowder ?
To enjoy more of Steven 's uncensored late-night comedy @ @ @ @ @ join Mug Club — the only place for all of Crowder uncensored and on demand @

Steven has a massive show lined up tonight! He'll be talking about the latest Biden gaffe, Hitler's pet alligator, #blacklivesmatter riots, Trump's incoming social media executive order, and much more. Later, Dinesh D'Souza guests, tonight at 8 PM ET.
Use code LWC to save $10 on one year of BlazeTV.
Want more from Steven Crowder?
To enjoy more of Steven's uncensored late-night comedy that's actually funny, join Mug Club — the only place for all of Crowder uncensored and on demand.


theblaze--2020-05-28--Kayleigh McEnany to Jim Acosta: 'If anyone needs to be fact-checked ... it should be the media'

Kayleigh McEnany to Jim Acosta : 'If anyone needs to be fact-checked ... it should be the media' The White @ @ @ @ @ several false reports from mainstream outlets

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany countered CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta's suggestion Thursday that President Donald Trump's statements should be fact-checked by pointing out a number of false stories reported by mainstream outlets before arguing, "if anyone needs to be fact-checked, I think it should be the media."
What are the details?
The confrontation occurred during a press conference held amid an ongoing battle between President Donald Trump and Twitter, after the social media platform attached a fact-checking feature to some of his tweets earlier in the week. The president responded by issuing an executive order aimed at punishing tech giants.
Acosta, sticking to his reputation as a Trump antagonist, asked McEnany, "Shouldn't the president be fact-checked, especially this president who has made so many false and misleading statements, that has put fact-checkers to work across the world?"
The CNN reporter continued, "These 18,000 false or misleading statements, according to the Washington Post, if there's any president out there we should be fact-checking, or political leader that should be fact-checked, isn't it President Trump? Aren't you trying to silence fact-checkers by going after Twitter like this?"
The White House press secretary replied, "Look, if you're going to get into the fact-checking business, there's no one that should be fact-checked more than the mainstream media that has been continually wrong about a number of things."
With that, McEnany began listing off "egregious" examples of incorrect reports from major media outlets — including two from CNN — before reiterating, "So, if anyone needs to be fact-checked, I think it should be the media."


theblaze--2020-05-30--Protestors attack CNN's Atlanta headquarters

A police car was also set on fire in front of the building , and activists chanted ' F**k CNN @ @

Rioters in Atlanta protesting the death of Minneapolis man George Floyd acted out their fury by defacing the building housing CNN's headquarters Friday night, breaking windows and covering the front of the CNN Center in graffiti.
Police were able to briefly redirect the crowd away, but a police cruiser was set ablaze in the process and the demonstrators returned.
What are the details?
Several videos circulated online showing activists spray painting the "CNN" sign in front of the headquarters and throwing objects to shatter glass at the main entrance. According to reports, protestors also tried to enter the building but were unsuccessful in the initial attempt.
#CNN building in #Atlanta, #Georgia is being destroyed by protesters. www.youtube.com
CNN reported that demonstrators waived a Black Lives Matter flag from atop the sign, and an American flag was burned in the street in front of the building.
Atlanta protesters burn American flag in front of CNN Center www.youtube.com
Footage from WSB-TV in Atlanta shows several police vehicles being vandalized in front of the building, and one was completely engulfed in flames. Protestors also threw objects at police officers, and one reporter on the scene told CNN's Anderson Cooper that he thought he smelled tear gas as the police clashed with the angry crowd.
CNN reporter Fernando Alfonso III tweeted that he left the scene "as chants of 'F**k CNN' from protestors grew from across the street from the CNN Center."
Following the first attack on the CNN Center, the crowd returned and tried to again enter the building. CNN's Nick Valencia took footage from inside the headquarters showing police attempted to protect the building from the inside as a smoke bomb was thrown into the entrance by protestors.
Note: This report has been updated.


theblaze--2020-05-29--Minneapolis mayor orders city-wide nighttime curfew through the weekend

The mayor 's decision comes after days of violent rioting over the death of George Floyd

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) has issued an emergency order imposing a city-wide nighttime curfew through the weekend after days of violent riots over the death of George Floyd left several homes and businesses destroyed.
What are the details?
Mayor Frey's regulation mandates that beginning Friday night at 8:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, no one is allowed to "travel on any public street or in any public place" besides the press, first responders, or "individuals traveling directly to and from work, seeking exempt care, fleeing dangerous circumstances, or experiencing homelessness." The order is also extended for the same times on Saturday evening and until Sunday morning.
According to The Kansas City Star, violators could face up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
Mayor Melvin Carter (D) of neighboring St. Paul—also rocked by days of rioting—followed suit, issuing a curfew for the same timeframes.
Minneapolis and St. Paul Officials Impose 8 P.M. to 6 A.M. Curfew in Riot Response www.youtube.com
The StarTribune reported that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) rolled out a parallel order, saying in a press release, "All Minnesotans in Minneapolis and St. Paul are urged to voluntarily comply. Peace officers will enforce the curfew and arrest those who refuse to comply."
Dozens of homes and businesses have been destroyed in the cities during protests over the death George Floyd, who died while in police custody after an officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes as he pleaded for mercy and even after he became unresponsive.
The chaos, looting, and fires that broke out each night in Minneapolis since Floyd's death on Monday led to police withdrawing from locations in the city. The National Guard has been called in to assist with the situation.


theblaze--2020-05-29--Taylor Swift accuses Trump of 'stoking the fires of white supremacy'

Taylor Swift accuses Trump of 'stoking the fires of white supremacy' The pop star promised to help vote Trump out @ @

Superstar singer Taylor Swift lashed out at President Donald Trump in a fiery tweet on Friday accusing him of "stoking the fires of white supremacy" throughout his presidential term.
Swift fired off her angry insult via a tweet from her official social media account.
"After stoking the fires of white supremacy and racism your entire presidency, you have the nerve to feign moral superiority before threatening violence?" she tweeted.
"'When the looting starts the shooting starts'??? We will vote you out in November," she added.
Swift was referring to a tweet the president sent over the destructive rioting and looting in Minneapolis on Thursday evening.
"These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won't let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way," the president tweeted.
....These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won't let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2020
"Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!" he added.
The message was immediately excoriated by many who saw it as an escalation of the already tense hostilities. Twitter very soon after labeled the tweet as "glorifying violence" and added a caution before a user could view the message.
After years of silence about the issue of politics, Swift has become much more vocal about her left-wing beliefs.
Here's more about Swift's anti-Trump missive:


theblaze--2020-05-29--'Greatest reprobate EVER to serve as speaker': Mark Levin shreds Pelosi over proxy voting ploy

'Greatest reprobate EVER to serve as speaker ' : Mark Levin shreds Pelosi over proxy voting ploy 'You know what @ @ @ @ @ is called tyranny '

On "LevinTV," BlazeTV host Mark Levin called House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) the "greatest reprobate ever to serve as speaker of the House," over an unprecedented new proxy voting system, which allows House members to vote on behalf of up to 10 other members.
"Can you imagine if a mere 20 members of the House of Representatives had the power to call a quorum, had the power to meet and represent the other members of the House, had the power to push whatever legislation they wish...? Can you imagine the power those 20 representatives would have, particularly the speaker of the House?" Levin said.
"That's exactly what Nancy Pelosi is pulling, and she's using the excuse of the Wuhan China virus to do it," he added.
Levin argued that the House does not have authority to make rules that violate the Constitution or undermine the entire purpose of the House of Representatives.
"What Nancy Pelosi has done is said that if she can get 20 members, each with ten proxies from ten other members with a blank check to vote as they wish, there's no problem," he said. "You know what this is called? This is called tyranny."
Watch the video below to hear more from "the Great One":
Want more from Mark Levin?
To enjoy more of "the Great One" — Mark Levin as you've never seen him before — subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution and live the American dream.