theblaze--2020-07-10--Dr. Anthony Fauci says he hasn't briefed President Donald Trump in at least 2 months, warns COVID-19

Dr. Anthony Fauci says he hasn't briefed President Donald Trump in at least 2 months, warns COVID-19 really is 'the big one'

Dr. Anthony Fauci says he has n't briefed President Donald Trump in at least 2 months , warns COVID-19 really @ @ @ @ @

Top adviser on the White House's coronavirus task force Dr. Anthony Fauci says he hasn't briefed President Donald Trump in at least two months, according to reports.
What are the details?
On Friday, the Financial Times reported that Fauci, infectious disease expert and director at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has not sat with the president and briefed him on the COVID-19 pandemic in two months.
Fauci, who had virtual lunch with the Financial Times, said that he hasn't even seen the president in person since June 2.
Fauci spoke to the outlet about the resurgence in COVID-19 cases across the country.
"I don't think it's an exaggeration to say we have a serious ongoing problem, right now, as we speak," he said. "What worries me is the slope of the curve. It still looks like it's exponential."
The 79-year-old health expert explained that many states simply opened too soon and that many people refused to heed professional advice on the health emergency.
"I think we have to realize that some states jumped ahead of themselves. Other states did it correctly," he explained. "But the citizenry didn't listen to the guidelines and they decided they were going to stay in bars and go to congregations of crowds and celebrations."
The Times reports, "At times, Trump has seemed to have lost patience with Fauci. In early May, the White House stopped him testifying in front of Congress — although he has presented himself to answer questions more recently. Now, it is reported that the White House is preventing him from appearing on TV."
Fauci explained, "I have a reputation, as you probably have figured out, of speaking the truth at all times and not sugar-coating things. And that may be one of the reasons why I haven't been on television very much lately."
Fauci concludes by warning that the COVID-19 pandemic really is "the big one."
"You have a random virus jump species from an animal to a human that is spectacularly efficient in spreading from human to human, and has a high degree, relatively speaking, of morbidity and mortality," he warned. "We are living in the perfect storm right now."


theblaze--2020-07-10--AOC doubts cancel culture actually exists, says it comes from a place of 'entitlement'

AOC doubts cancel culture actually exists , says it comes from a place of 'entitlement' 'People who are actually `` @ @ @ @ @ their thoughts published and amplified in major outlets '

The topic of cancel culture has re-emerged as a front-and-center issue following President Donald Trump's Fourth of July speech at Mount Rushmore, where he declared that "cancel culture" is a "political weapon" used in the "left-wing cultural revolution."
Earlier this week, 150 writers, academics, and activists signed an open letter condemning cancel culture that was published in Vanity Fair. J.K. Rowling, Salman Rushdie, Margaret Atwood, Noam Chomsky, Gloria Steinem, Garry Kasparov, and Malcolm Gladwell signed the letter denouncing "a vogue for public shaming and ostracism" that leads to "disproportionate punishments."
Democratic socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) has inserted herself into the conversation by insinuating that cancel culture does not exist.
"People who are actually 'cancelled' don't get their thoughts published and amplified in major outlets," AOC tweeted on Thursday night. "The term 'cancel culture' comes from entitlement – as though the person complaining has the right to a large, captive audience,& one is a victim if people choose to tune them out. Odds are you're not actually cancelled, you're just being challenged, held accountable, or unliked."
"I have an entire TV network dedicated to stoking hatred of me," Ocasio-Cortez continued with a possible reference to Fox News and Tucker Carlson. "A white supremacist w/ a popular network show regularly distorts me in dangerous ways, & it's a normal part of my existence to get death threats from their audience. You don't see me complaining abt 'cancel culture.'"
"Many of the people actually 'cancelled' are those long denied a fair hearing of their ideas to begin w/: Palestinian human rights advocates Abolitionists Anticapitalists Anti-imperialists," the rookie New York congresswoman concluded. "Not spicy 'contrarians' who want to play devils advocate w/ your basic rights in the NYT."
Within the last month, there have been several people who lost jobs because of their actions that some have deemed as fireable offenses.
A Hispanic man was fired from his job with San Diego Gas and Electric after he was seen driving with his hands in the "OK" position. The man claimed that he was cracking his knuckles.
Boeing's top communications executive resigned after a coworker resurfaced an article about women in combat roles that the man had written 33 years ago in a military newspaper.
A best-selling children's author was let go by her publishers after showing support for J.K. Rowling by tweeting "#iStandWithJKRowling."
Also on Thursday, AOC hinted that she would boycott Hispanic-owned food-maker Goya, after the company's CEO appeared at the White House Rose Garden for a meeting with Hispanic business leaders.
Goya CEO Robert Unanue praised the president, "We're all truly blessed at the same time to have a leader like President Trump, who is a builder. We have an incredible builder. And we pray. We pray for our leadership, our president, and we pray for our country — that we will continue to prosper and grow."
Ocasio-Cortez wrote on Twitter: "Oh look, it's the sound of me Googling 'how to make your own Adobo."


theblaze--2020-07-10--Police arrest the convicted felon who allegedly sucker-punched a 12-year-old boy. The assault was ca

Police arrest the convicted felon who allegedly sucker-punched a 12-year-old boy. The assault was caught on video.

Police arrest the convicted felon who allegedly sucker-punched a 12-year-old boy .
The assault was caught on video .
Has @ @ @ @ @

Police in Missouri have arrested and charged the man accused of sucker-punching a 12-year-old boy who was out street dancing last Friday.
Cedric Charles Moore, 27, turned himself in to law enforcement on Wednesday and has been charged with second-degree felony assault and first-degree felony child endangerment, according to the Cape Girardeau Police Department.
Police were able to quickly identify Moore and issue a warrant for his arrest due to video footage of the assault captured on Facebook Live, which now has nearly 1 million views, according to CNN.
The footage clearly shows a man, whom police identified to be Moore, exiting a vehicle from the passenger side before jogging up to the boy unprovoked and sucker-punching him in the face, causing him to bleed. Moore then re-entered the vehicle as it speedily drove away.
The boy fell to the ground as a result of the attack and moments later seemed dazed and confused as he kneeled in apparent pain.
He had been street dancing in downtown Cape Girardeau with his coach, Micheal Curry, and a fellow student when the incident occurred. Curry, who is a dance instructor and owner of Fingerprint Urban Dance Studio, told CNN that he has been taking students to street dance downtown for the last four or five years without any problems.
According to KSDK-TV, the boy suffered a bloody nose and a concussion from the attack, but is recovering.
Warning: Video may be disturbing for some viewers.
Missouri assault MAN SUCKER PUNCHES 12 YEAR OLD BOY in Cape Girardeau, MO... charges filed. youtu.be
The local news outlet added, "Moore has previously pleaded guilty to first-degree endangering the welfare of a child and driving while under the influence. He was sentenced to probation for domestic assault in April 2019, and the mother of his child was granted an order of protection against him, also in 2019."
In a statement to CNN, Sgt. Joey Hann said: "The Cape Girardeau Police Department hopes that this arrest offers a sense of peace and security to the young victim and his family. Our department would also like to thank the large volume of information we received from the public on Cedric Moore. Your concern for decency and your tips on his whereabouts left this violent suspect with nowhere else to hide and helped to lead to his peaceful surrender."


theblaze--2020-07-10--Black Lives Matter mural painted over to read 'All Lives Matter' — and activists are not happy

Black Lives Matter mural painted over to read 'All Lives Matter ' — and activists are not happy 'If you @ @ @ @ @ out here and cover this up , you should be brave enough to come be @ @ @ @ @ us what you did '

A Black Lives Matter mural in suburban Chicago street was painted over earlier this week to read "All Lives Matter," WLS-TV reported.
And activists were not pleased.
"If they cannot understand that all lives don't matter until black lives matter, they did this out of hatred," activist and mural organizer Cortlyn Kelly told the station.
Crews were working to clean the mural in the village of Oak Park Wednesday morning, WLS noted, and police are investigating.
Image source: WLS-TV video screenshot
What's the background?
The mural was created over two days in June by about 20 volunteers, the station said, adding that the intent was to make it more colorful than other BLM murals around the country since June is Pride month.
Oak Park resident Cullen Benson approached the Oak Park Area Arts Council with the idea in the wake of George Floyd protests, WLS noted, adding that Benson said the mural "is a piece of history to influence generations to come."
What else was said?
Camille Wilson White, Arts Council executive director, told the station that seeing the mural "vandalized, defaced this way, it's shameful."
"The village is a place of inclusion and to have someone come and destroy someone else's work is disrespectful and disgusting," resident Yolanda Taylor told WLS.
But fellow resident Greg Mayor noted to the station that "if all lives matter, then black lives matter — and why would that upset you other than if you have a different agenda ... than all lives matter?"
Mural restored and activists rally
By Wednesday night the mural was restored and activists added chalk phrases and drawings to underscore the message, WLS said.
The Revolutionary Oak Park Youth Action League also organized a demonstration that attracted about 100 people and continued its call to defund and pull police from schools, the station said.
Image source: WLS-TV video screenshot
Ray Longstreet added to those who painted over the mural that "if you were brave enough to come out here and cover this up, you should be brave enough to come be a man and just tell us what you did."
Image source: WLS-TV video screenshot
"If you hear Black Lives Matter and immediately your response is to say 'All Lives Matter,' [that] says a lot about how you perceive race," Makayla Pye said, according to WLS.


theblaze--2020-07-11--Three armed men attempt home invasion on a gun collector, but the homeowner is ready

Three armed men attempt home invasion on a gun collector , but the homeowner is ready Police said they had @ @ @ @ @

According to police, three armed men attempted a home invasion on a self-described gun enthusiast, and only one of the three made it out alive.
Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco related what the police believed happened in a video statement on Friday. The incident occurred at a home in Wesley Chapel, Florida, that morning.
Nocco said that a homeowner was playing video games by himself when he heard someone break the glass toward the back of his house.
The homeowner grabbed a firearm and accosted the three intruders in a narrow hallway of his home. He told police that the first intruder was wearing a black mask and dark clothing, and pointing a gun in his direction.
According to Nocco, the homeowner then shot the first intruder, who fell to the ground. He then saw a second intruder wearing a mask, also with a gun. The homeowner shot the second suspect, who also fell to the ground.
One of the suspects did manage to get a round fired off, but did not hit the homeowner.
The homeowner then saw a third intruder, fired at him, and saw him fall on top of the other bodies. According to the homeowner, his gun jammed, allowing the third intruder to run away while the homeowner went to get another gun.
The third suspect was captured by a neighbor of the homeowner, who called him and said that he was holding the suspect at gunpoint.
The third suspect was identified by police as Jeremiah Tramel. Nocco said that Tramel will be charged two counts of second degree homicide of his accomplices, and also with home invasion robbery.
"He is accountable for the deaths because it was during the commission of a felony that he was involved in that those two people died," Nocco explained.
Here's a local news report about the incident:
Pasco homeowner kills two during home invasion, third suspect held at gunpoint for deputies www.youtube.com
The homeowner said that he might have been targeted because he posted photographs of his gun collection on social media.
"This victim exercised their Second Amendment right. The Second Amendment allows you to protect yourself by carrying and bearing arms. In his home he protected himself," Nocco added.
He also said that the two dead suspects had extensive "extremely violent" criminal histories.
Here's the video of the media briefing about the incident:


theblaze--2020-07-11--Gov. Abbott warns that a lockdown is coming if coronavirus surge in Texas doesn't slow down

Gov .
Abbott warns that a lockdown is coming if coronavirus surge in Texas does n't slow down 'The worst @ @ @ @ @

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott warned that if the rise of coronavirus cases in his state doesn't slow down that he would have to impose a lockdown order to stop the spread of the pandemic.
"Things will get worse, and let me explain why," he told KLBK-TV on Friday.
"The deaths that we're seeing announced today and yesterday — which are now over 100 — those are people who likely contracted COVID-19 in late May," he explained.
"Actually, the worst is yet to come as we work our way through that massive increase in people testing positive," Abbott added.
He pleaded with Texans to follow the social distancing guidelines in order to help stop the spread of the coronavirus and avoid another lockdown.
"The public needs to understand this was a very tough decision for me to make," Abbott said.
"I made clear that I made this tough decision for one reason: It was our last best effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. If we do not slow the spread of COVID-19, with that rise of hospitalizations that you're seeing in Lubbock, with the increased death rate we're seeing in the state of Texas, the next step would have to be a lockdown," he added.
"The last thing I want to do, the last thing anybody in Texas wants to do, is to see another lockdown," Abbot concluded. "Hence, the best thing everybody can do is do this thing that is inconvenient of wearing a face covering, knowing that it will keep your jobs open, your economy open, and your businesses open."
There are more than 10,000 coronavirus patients hospitalized in Texas, with nearly 10,000 new cases reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Here's the video of Abbott's warning:


theblaze--2020-07-11--Trump says he will sign an executive order to give 'Dreamers' a pathway to citizenship

Trump says he will sign an executive order to give 'Dreamers ' a pathway to citizenship 'We are going to @ @ @ @ @ . '

President Donald Trump said on Friday that he would sign an executive order to give "Dreamers" a pathway to citizenship, although an administration official quickly issued a statement that seemed to walk that back.
The president made the announcement Friday while speaking with the Telemundo network.
"And I'm going to be over the next few weeks, signing an immigration bill, a lot of people don't know about it, you have breaking news, but I am signing a big immigration bill," said Trump.
"This is an executive order?" asked anchor Jose Diaz-Balart.
"Do a big executive order, I have the power to do it as president, and I'm gonna make DACA a part of it, but we put it, and then we're probably gonna be taking it out," he added.
DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, stands for the Obama-era executive order that was meant to provide a quasi-legal status to those who were brought into the country illegally as children.
"One of the aspects of the bill is going to be DACA. We are going to have a road to citizenship," Trump said.
The president went on to say that he, and a lot of Republicans, will be happy to give a road to citizenship to DACA recipients.
According to writer Ryan James Girdusky who spoke to Trump administration sources, the order would rescind DACA and replace it with a merit-based immigration program.
"The [executive order] does not include a path to immigration for DACA recipients... because it's entirely illegal. The Trump Administration is still working on rescinding DACA," tweeted Girdusky.
"This [executive order] is going to be all merit based immigration prioritizing based on skill," he added.
Presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has released an immigration plan that would provide citizenship for up to 11 million illegal aliens.
Here's the video of his comments:


theblaze--2020-07-12--Shocking video shows 'heinous and unprovoked' stabbing attack on New York City subway

Shocking video shows 'heinous and unprovoked ' stabbing attack on New York City subway

Violent crime is surging in New York City, where shootings have skyrocketed over 200% in recent weeks. The rise in violence follows last month's decision by the NYPD to eliminate its controversial plainclothes units, impacting about 600 officers. Last week, there was yet another barbaric act of violence when a man went on a stabbing spree in an NYC subway.
Graphic and bloody cellphone footage shows a gruesome knife attack. The emboldened stabber knifes at least two men in a subway car in Queens. The frightening onslaught is captured on video that went viral on Sunday.
The two men are knocked to the floor as they helplessly attempt to protect themselves from the knife attack. The men suffered grisly knife wounds while they were on No. 7 train traveling to the 52nd St.-Lincoln Ave. Station in Sunnyside, according to the New York Daily News.
Chief Edward Delatorre, the NYPD Chief of Transit, called the knife attack "heinous and unprovoked."
"The suspect was arrested moments later, charged with multiple counts of felony assault, menacing, and criminal possession of a weapon, and is currently awaiting prosecution," Delatorre wrote on Twitter.
The attacker is reportedly Bronx-native Patrick Chambers, 46, who was arrested shortly after the attack on July 5.
Late last month, there was another stabbing attack in New York City caught on video. Surveillance video captured the moment a man walked into a deli in Brooklyn and repeatedly stabbed a patron, who he accused of staring at him.
(Content Warning: Extremely graphic images):


theblaze--2020-07-11--Protests erupt over Detroit police shooting — then police chief destroys narrative with video footag

Protests erupt over Detroit police shooting — then police chief destroys narrative with video footage ' ... he was aiming @ @ @ @ @ officer '

Protests erupted in Detroit on Friday after police shot and killed 20-year-old Hakeem Littleton earlier in the day. Within hours of the fatal shooting, rumors quickly circulated that Littleton was another victim of police brutality.
"We hear one thing from the police, and another thing from the community. The community told us that the police pulled up, told (him) to get on the ground. He put his hands up, and these mother f****** shot him in the back of the head," Asar Amen-Ra, a man who described himself as Littleton's uncle, told the Detroit Free Press.
However, Detroit Police Chief James Craig worked to quickly flip the narrative on its head, releasing officer dash camera and body camera footage within hours of the fatal shooting to dispel the rumors.
At a press conference, Craig explained that officers were attempting to arrest an unrelated man when Littleton told officers, "you are not going to take my man, in other words, take him into custody," before pulling out a handgun and opening fire on officers.
Littleton fired two shots before officers returned fire. Craig said that Littleton managed to fire two more shots as he fell to the ground. In total, three officers fired just four shots, Craig said.
The police chief explained that video showed Littleton aimed for one officer's head — but fortunately missed.
"He was using a .25 caliber blue steel automatic pistol. This comes from body cameras as well as an in dash camera from one of our scouts," Craig said, Fox News reported. "There were eight shots fired in five seconds. Four fired by three officers, one officer fired two shots, and then four shots fired by the suspect.”
"As Littleton raised the gun in his left hand he was aiming at the head of the officer," he explained.
No officers were injured in the shooting. However, the involved officers have been placed on administrative leave pending a complete investigation.
According to the Washington Post, Littleton was on probation for an unarmed robbery and a weapons charge.


theblaze--2020-07-11--Feds deny Gov. Walz's request for aid to rebuild after Minnesota faces $500 million in riot damages

Feds deny Gov .
Walz 's request for aid to rebuild after Minnesota faces $ 500 million in riot damages

The federal government has denied a request from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) for funds to rebuild North Star State following the George Floyd riots that inflicted wide-scale destruction in the Twin Cities.
Walz's spokesman Teddy Tschann confirmed that the request for federal aid was denied, as reported in The Minneapolis Star Tribune.
"As we navigate one of the most difficult periods in our state's history, we look for support from our federal government to help us through," Tschann said in a statement.
"The Governor is disappointed that the federal government declined his request for financial support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help Minnesota rebuild after civil unrest damaged public infrastructure and caused extensive fire damage in the wake of George Floyd's death," Tschann said.
Walz had petitioned President Donald Trump on July 2 to declare parts of Minnesota as a "major disaster" due to the extensive damage to public infrastructure caused by rioting.
Walz's office claims that nearly 1,500 businesses in the Twin Cities were damaged from looting, fires, and vandalism. Walz's administration estimates that there was $15 million in damages from fires, and the total damage losses exceed $500 million. The destruction arrived in the weeks of riots in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd, who died while in the custody of Minneapolis police.
During the George Floyd riots in late May, vandals torched blocks of retail locations in Minneapolis. Rioters were able to take over the third precinct police station after Minneapolis police fled the scene. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) openly admitted that city leaders allowed rioters to capture the Minneapolis Police Department's third precinct building and instructed the police force to retreat.
In June, the Minneapolis City Council voted to disband its police department and replace it with a "community safety" model.


theblaze--2020-07-11--Liberal law professor fires back at Mitt Romney for condemning 'unprecedented' Roger Stone commutati

Liberal law professor fires back at Mitt Romney for condemning 'unprecedented' Roger Stone commutation

'The sordid history of White House pardons makes this commutation look positively chaste in comparison '

Jonathan Turley, a professor at George Washington University Law School and self-described "liberal," responded to Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) and others who are using extreme political rhetoric to characterize President Donald Trump's decision to commute Roger Stone's sentence.
Romney called Trump's decision "unprecedented, historic corruption." The Republican senator was echoing language from CNN legal analyst Jeff Toobin, who called the commutation, "the most corrupt and cronyistic act in perhaps all of recent history."
Alex Wong/Getty Images
However, according to Turley, Romney and other detractors are wrong.
Turley made it clear that, although he disagrees with Trump's decision, it is by no means "unprecedented."
In fact, according to Turley, Romney champions a former Republican president who also made a series of highly controversial commutations.
"The sordid history of White House pardons makes this commutation look positively chaste in comparison," Turley said.
"Romney has long heralded his respect and support of President George H.W. Bush despite Bush's executive clemency actions for six former senior government officials implicated in the Iran-Contra scandal, including former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger," he explained.
"Bush himself was implicated in that scandal and some alleged was protected by their silence," Turley added.
Read Turley's complete remarks:


theblaze--2020-07-11--Passenger punches, spits at Lyft driver after he asks her to wear a face mask

Passenger punches , spits at Lyft driver after he asks her to wear a face mask People are out of @ @ @

A California Lyft rider became irate after her driver requested that she wear a face mask. The anger intensified during the ride-sharing drive and the testy situation escalated to the point the rider attacked the Lyft driver and even spat at him.
Lyft driver Pedro Cubias picked up a passenger earlier this month in Los Angeles. Tensions rose once the driver asked the passenger to wear a face mask. Since June 10, the ride-sharing company's official policy has required riders and drivers to wear face coverings.
"He said he took her to the destination that it said on the app," Stephanie Cubias, the driver's wife, told KCAL-TV. "She was already mad because of the mask, so she got more mad because apparently the location he took her wasn't the one that she had requested, but when he looked at the app, that was the location."
Once the rider became belligerent because she was asked to wear a mask, Cubias turned on a camera inside the car to record the passenger's actions. The passenger, who was picked up in Torrance, was beyond mad once she was brought to the alleged wrong location.
She physically attacked the driver multiple times. Video shows the woman punch Cubias in his face twice and smack him when he retrieved a charger from the back seat.
When Cubias asks the woman to vacate his vehicle, she spits in his direction.
"Hopefully she wasn't positive and he doesn't come out positive as well as other health conditions," his wife said of the possibility of the woman having COVID-19.
Stephanie Cubias said her husband is "having problems with his eye" and has headaches after being punched by the passenger.
On Thursday, Lyft issued a statement on the violent incident:
Safety is fundamental to Lyft. The behavior shown in the video is unacceptable and has no place on the Lyft platform. Upon learning of the incident, we removed the rider from the Lyft community. We have been in touch with the driver to offer support and are in contact with law enforcement to assist with their investigation.
The Torrance Police Department is investigating the incident.


theblaze--2020-07-11--FLASHBACK: Steven Crowder confronts a convicted Antifa thug

Remember the time Steven Crowder confronted an Antifa member whose rap sheet includes throwing tomatoes at Trump and assaulting cops.
@ @ @ @ @ to be set on fire and milkshaked , so Steven felt a visit was in @ @ @ @ @ to save $ 10 on one year of BlazeTV .
Want more from Steven Crowder @ @ @ @ @ Steven 's uncensored late-night comedy that 's actually funny , join Mug Club — the @ @ @ @ @ Crowder uncensored and on demand .

Remember the time Steven Crowder confronted an Antifa member whose rap sheet includes throwing tomatoes at Trump and assaulting cops.? He called for Steven to be set on fire and milkshaked, so Steven felt a visit was in order!
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--2020-07-11--Five Guys employees who refused to serve police have been fired, suspended

Five Guys employees who refused to serve police have been fired , suspended Several employees turned their backs to the @ @ @ @ @ serve them

A Five Guys restaurant in Alabama has fired or suspended employees who refused to serve police officers.
Three officers of the Daphne Police Department went to a Five Guys restaurant on Tuesday. The cops entered the burger joint and realized there was a mandatory mask policy at the restaurant, so they reportedly went back to their vehicles to retrieve face masks, according to AL.com.
However, once they went to place their order, several employees turned their backs to the police officers and refused to serve them.
The Five Guys restaurant in Daphne, Alabama, has since fired or suspended the employees who denied service to the police officers.
"Five Guys and the Daphne, AL franchise want to thank the Daphne Police Department for their support in working together toward a resolution," the restaurant said on Facebook. "The actions the Daphne, AL franchise have taken include termination and suspension of the employees involved."
"The store has temporarily closed for further education and customer service training with a representative from the Daphne Police Department," the post continued. "As we uphold our commitment to fair, respectful, and equal treatment for all customers, please know that the actions and sentiments of a few employees in Daphne, AL do not represent Five Guys or the local franchisee."
The Five Guys corporate office released a statement:
Five Guys and the franchisee are actively investigating the situation and are committed to getting to the bottom of it. However, no matter what the details are, we do not want these police officers, or any customer, to feel disrespected or slighted in anyway. We apologize to those officers and also want to make it clear that Five Guys and its franchisees are committed to fair, respectful, and equal treatment for all customers. We will continue to investigate the matter.
The Daphne Police Department released a statement Wednesday:
The Daphne Police Department appreciates the outpouring of support from our community and from supporters of Law Enforcement across the country. We also want to thank Five Guys on a corporate and local level. We have been working through this situation and there has been total cooperation. The Daphne Police Department does not think that the actions of a few employees represents Five Guys as a whole.


theblaze--2020-07-11--The woke 'circus': Charles Barkley torches sports leagues for caving to social justice mob

The woke 'circus ' : Charles Barkley torches sports leagues for caving to social justice mob 'It 's going to @ @ @ @ @ how the public react '

Basketball legend Charles Barkley is speaking out about the sports world's decision to go woke.
As TheBlaze reported, for example, the NBA will allow players to display social justice messages on their jerseys once the season resumes later this month. Additionally, the phrase "Black Lives Matter" will be plastered on NBA courts.
Meanwhile, the NFL has said it was "wrong" to oppose national anthem protests.
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
But according to Barkley, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, sports leagues are turning their games into a woke "circus."
"My concern is turning this into a circus instead of trying to do some good stuff," Barkley told CNBC's "Power Lunch."
Barkley explained that players should focus their energy on making real, lasting change — not on social justice messages and who is kneeling during the national anthem.
"We need police reform, we need prison reform," Barkley said.
In fact, the former basketball MVP said sports leagues may face backlash from fans who look to sports for a reprieve from the stress of life — not to be lectured about politics.
"The last thing they want to do is turn on the television and hear arguments all the time. It's going to be very interesting to see how the public react," Barkley said.
Barkley's comments are sure to incite backlash — which would not be new for the 11-time NBA all-star.
In 2017, Barkley was heavily criticized for refusing to outright condemn Confederate statues, instead urging activists to focus on reforming the black community.


theblaze--2020-07-11--Valentina Sampaio is Sports Illustrated's first transgender model

Valentina Sampaio is one of eight Sports Illustrated Rookies in this year 's swimsuit edition

Valentina Sampaio has become the first transgender model to be featured in Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue.
Sampaio, who was born in a "humble fishing village in northern Brazil," is one of eight Sports Illustrated Rookies in this year's swimsuit edition. Sampaio's photoshoot was done on Scrub Island in the British Virgin Islands.
"I was so surprised," Sampaio told "Good Morning America." "It means a lot, not just for myself but for all the LGBTQ+ community."
"What unites us as humans is that we all share the common desire to be accepted and loved for who we are," the 23-year-old Sampaio said. "Thank you SI for seeing and respecting me as I truly am. For understanding that more than anything, I am human. Thank you for supporting me in continuing to spread a message of love, compassion and unity for ALL."
"To come from a space of fear and marginalization, to now being included in one of the most iconic magazines that truly embraces and celebrates diversity — it is life changing," Sampaio toldPeople magazine. "I honor the challenges of those who have paved the way for me directly or indirectly. They have made where I am today possible. I am committed to keep growing and push boundaries, so that I can in some way, pave the path for others. We are here, we always have been here and we always will be."
"We are deeply moved that Valentina was willing to put her trust in us and we didn't think twice about wanting to amplify her voice, her message and give her a platform to advocate from on behalf of her personal aspirations and the trans community," MJ Day, editor of the SI Swim Issue, said.
"Valentina has been on our radar for some time now and when we finally met face to face it became apparent that besides her obvious beauty, she is an impassioned activist, a true pioneer for the LGBT+ community and just simply embodies the well-rounded woman we are proud to have represent SI Swimsuit across our platforms," Day added.
In 2017, Sampaio became the first transgender model to appear on the cover of a Vogue edition in 2017. Sampaio was also Victoria's Secret's first transgender model in 2019.
Last year, model Halima Aden became the first woman to appear in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue wearing a burkini and traditional hijab.
Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue goes on sale July 21, 2020.


theblaze--2020-07-11--California to release 8,000 inmates in attempt to combat COVID-19 spike in prisons

California to release 8,000 inmates in attempt to combat COVID-19 spike in prisons More than a third of the inmates @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for coronavirus

California plans to release as many as 8,000 prisoners this summer in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus. On Friday, the state's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announced it would release thousands of inmates to create more space in prisons. The new plans are in addition to the approximately 10,000 California inmates who were released since mid-March.
The corrections department is reviewing potential early releasees who have fewer than 180 days left on their prison sentences. In order to be freed, inmates must not be incarcerated for domestic violence or violent crimes. Anyone who is a sex offender is not eligible for early release.
Approximately 4,800 inmates could be eligible for early release by the end of July, and as many as 8,000 prisoners could be freed by the end of August. There are over 110,000 inmates in California's prison system.
Inmates who are freed will need to be tested for coronavirus within seven days of release, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
"These actions are taken to provide for the health and safety of the incarcerated population and staff," California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Secretary Ralph Diaz said. "We aim to implement these decompression measures in a way that aligns both public health and public safety."
The plan comes on the heels of reports that more than a third of the inmates at San Quentin State Prison tested positive for coronavirus. There are also about 20 inmates who tested positive for COVID-19 at the San Quentin State Prison and have gone on a hunger strike in recent weeks. They are protesting "dismal" living conditions during quarantine, sources inside the prison told NBC Bay Area.
California's state prison system currently reports 5,841 coronavirus cases among prisoners, which includes a spike of over 860 cases in the last two weeks. There are 52.4 coronavirus cases per 1,000 prisoners in California, compared to 6.9 per 1,000 for the rest of the state. There have been seven COVID-19 deaths in California's prisons. There have also been 1,222 prison system employees who have tested positive for the virus.
Starting in late May, there were 194 inmates from California Institution for Men in Chino transferred to other California prisons, including San Quentin. The plan, which was supposed to relocate 700 inmates in total, was halted in June after it was learned that 16 of the prisoners transferred tested positive for COVID-19.
During a press conference on Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) said those prisoners "should not have been transferred" to the San Quentin State Prison.
"It has been incredibly frustrating," Newsom said. "That decision created the chain of events that we are now addressing and dealing with. I'm not here to sugarcoat that, I'm not here to scapegoat that. All of us our now accountable to address this issue and doing so in a forthright manner."
In the past two weeks, California has experienced a spike in coronavirus cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. On July 2, California had 9,439 new coronavirus cases, its highest daily COVID-19 case total since the pandemic began. The state has had over 6,000 new cases every day since.
The Golden State also reached a new high for daily COVID-19 deaths twice this week — 150 on June 8 and 137 the following day. On Friday, California's number of coronavirus hospitalizations set a new high, spiking 40% in two weeks with 6,171 patients. The number of people in ICUs increased by 28% in the past two weeks.
California has reported a total of over 312,000 cases and nearly 7,000 COVID-19 deaths.


theblaze--2020-07-11--'Historic corruption': Mitt Romney unloads on President Trump for commuting Roger Stone's sentence

Romney is the first Republican senator to speak out against President Trump 's decision

Sen. Mitt Romney trashed President Donald Trump early Saturday for commuting Roger Stone's prison sentence.
According to the Utah Republican, the president engaged in "unprecedented, historic corruption" by helping out his longtime friend and political adviser.
"Unprecedented, historic corruption: an American president commutes the sentence of a person convicted by a jury of lying to shield that very president," Romney said.
Romney is the first Republican senator to speak out against Trump's decision.
The controversial move came just days before Stone was due to report to prison. Stone was convicted of seven criminal charges last year, which included lying to Congress, obstructing a congressional investigation, and witness tampering.
Earlier this year, a judge sentenced Stone to serve more than three years in federal prison.
However, Trump stepped in late Friday, signing an Executive Grant of Clemency to commute what the White House characterized as an "unjust sentence."
The White House statement continued:
Roger Stone is a victim of the Russia Hoax that the Left and its allies in the media perpetuated for years in an attempt to undermine the Trump Presidency. There was never any collusion between the Trump Campaign, or the Trump Administration, with Russia. Such collusion was never anything other than a fantasy of partisans unable to accept the result of the 2016 election. The collusion delusion spawned endless and farcical investigations, conducted at great taxpayer expense, looking for evidence that did not exist.
...
Roger Stone has already suffered greatly. He was treated very unfairly, as were many others in this case. Roger Stone is now a free man!
As expected, Democrats slammed Trump's decision.
"The American ideal of equal justice under the law is once again being undermined by a lawless president who regards the Justice Department as his personal plaything," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Congress should modify the presidential power to pardon and commute criminal sentences.
"Congress will take action to prevent this type of brazen wrongdoing," she said in a statement. "Legislation is needed to ensure that no President can pardon or commute the sentence of an individual who is engaged in a cover-up campaign to shield that President from criminal prosecution."


theblaze--2020-07-11--Police arrest suspect who brutally beat Macy's manager in 'unprovoked attack'

If convicted of felony assault , the man faces up to 10 years in prison

An 18-year-old man, who was charged in an "unprovoked attack" on a Macy's manager in Michigan, was arrested Thursday night.
Damire Canell Palmer was charged with felony assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder on June 26. The charges stemmed from the vicious June 15 attack on a Macy's employee at the Genesee Valley Center shopping mall in Flint Township.
The physical assault was captured on video and went viral last month. Cellphone video shows the aggressor landing several punches on the 50-year-old Macy's manager, and knocking him to the ground.
Surveillance video from Macy's reportedly shows Palmer walking around the department store before he approaches the manager in the men's clothing section and then punching him in the head.
There were allegations that the manager, who is white, said a racial slur toward the suspect, who is black. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said investigators did not find any evidence of the Macy's employee making racial comments or doing anything to provoke the attack.
"This was an unprovoked attack on a Macy's employee," Leyton said on June 26. "This behavior, as seen on the video, is unacceptable, it is criminal and it cannot be allowed."
"We don't believe any racial slur was made by the store manager, and even if there had been, it does not condone nor justify the assault by Mr. Palmer," Leyton added.
"Violence in the workplace of any kind is unacceptable," Andrea Schwartz, senior director of media relations for Macy's, said in a statement last month. "All the materials from the evening have been reviewed and it is clear that the attack was unprovoked. We are working closely with local authorities on this investigation and will defer any further comments about the case to them per policy."
President Donald Trump retweeted the video of the attack on June 22.
"Looks what's going on here," he tweeted. "Where are the protesters? Was this man arrested?"
Palmer, who is from Mount Morris, was also was charged with misdemeanor retail fraud. Felony assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.
Palmer's brother, who filmed the video, will likely not be charged since he did not commit any crimes, according to the New York Post.


theblaze--2020-07-11--Warrant served on St. Louis couple who protected property from mob, police confiscate firearms

Warrant served on St. Louis couple who protected property from mob , police confiscate firearms But no charges have been @ @ @

St. Louis police served a warrant on lawyers Mark and Patricia McCloskey late Friday, the couple who went viral last month for defending their property from an encroaching mob of protesters.
Police confiscated both firearms — an AR-15 rifle and a handgun — that the McCloskeys were seen holding in photos and videos, according to KSDK-TV.
However, no charges have been filed against the couple. Law enforcement sources told KSDK the warrant was issued to seize the firearms only.
Image via Twitter @xshularx screenshot
The basis for the warrant and firearm seizure is not clear.
Missouri's castle doctrine permits residents to protect property with lethal force, according to Anders Walker, a constitutional law professor at the St. Louis University School of Law.
"At any point that you enter the property, they can then, in Missouri, use deadly force to get you off the lawn," Walker told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "There's no right to protest on those streets. The protesters thought they had a right to protest, but as a technical matter, they were not allowed to be there. ... It's essentially a private estate. If anyone was violating the law, it was the protesters."
In fact, police later confirmed an investigation into the protesters — not the McCloskeys — for fourth-degree assault by intimidation, as well as trespassing.
Still, St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner, a Democrat, has claimed the McCloskeys committed a "violent assault," and she vowed to "use the full power of Missouri law to hold [the McCloskeys] accountable."
The attorney representing the McCloskeys, Joel Schwartz, told KSDK that he is seeking to meet with Gardner as soon as possible about the warrant.


theblaze--2020-07-12--Thomas Sowell says systemic racism 'has no meaning;' warns 2020 election could be 'point of no retur

Thomas Sowell says systemic racism 'has no meaning;' warns 2020 election could be 'point of no return'

Thomas Sowell says systemic racism 'has no meaning ; ' warns 2020 election could be 'point of no return' '' @ @ @ @ @ do n't have any clear idea what they 're saying , '' Thomas Sowell tells @ @ @

BlazeTV host Mark Levin asked National Humanities Medal-winning scholar Thomas Sowell about systemic racism, and the famed economist said the term has no definitive meaning.
"You hear this phrase, 'systemic racism' [or] 'systemic oppression.' You hear it on our college campuses," Levin told Sowell in Sunday night's episode of Fox News' "Life Liberty & Levin." "You hear it from very wealthy and fabulously famous sports stars. ... What does that mean? And whatever it means, is it true?"
"It really has no meaning that can be specified and tested in the way that one tests hypotheses," Sowell responded. "It does remind me of the propaganda tactics of Joseph Goebbels during the age of the Nazis, in which he's supposed to have said that 'People will believe any lie if it is repeated long enough and loud enough.'"
"It's one of many words that I don't think even the people who use it have any clear idea what they're saying," Sowell explained. "Their purpose is served by having other people cave in."
"They're absolute hypocrites," Levin said of leftists. "They claim they want equality for all. They claim that there'll be the withering away of the state, the police departments, reimagined law enforcement ... and yet every time you look at a Marxist state, it is an authoritarian, top-down, centralized police state."
In an interview from Levin's radio show on June 29, 2020, Sowell also discussed systemic racism.
"I have no idea what they mean, and I'm not sure they have any idea what they mean, in the sense that you can ask them a factual question and get a factual answer," Sowell told Levin last month.
"For example, one of the things I came across in writing a previous book was the poverty rate between blacks and whites," Sowell said. "And, if I remember the numbers correctly, something like 22% of blacks were in poverty, 11% of whites were in poverty. Which, 'Well, that shows the racism.'"
Sowell found that the poverty rate among black married couples was 7.5%.
"In other words, black married couples not only have a lower poverty rate than blacks as a whole, they have a lower poverty rate than whites as a whole," Sowell said.
During Sunday's "Life, Liberty & Levin" interview, Sowell talked about how important the 2020 election is. Levin said that the 2020 election is one of the most important in history, and Sowell acknowledged how crucial it is.
"If the election goes to [Joe] Biden, there's a good chance that the Democrats will then control ... [Congress] and the White House, and considering the kinds of things that they're proposing, that could well be the point of no return for this country," the Rose and Milton Friedman senior fellow stated.
Sowell, who has written 56 books, released his latest book, titled "Charter Schools and Their Enemies," last month.
You can watch more of Mark Levin on BlazeTV.


theblaze--2020-07-12--Daughter of slain Texas cop attacked online for writing #BlueLivesMatter in tribute to fallen father

Daughter of slain Texas cop attacked online for writing # BlueLivesMatter in tribute to fallen father This is extremely heartbreaking @ @ @ @ @ police officer were shot and killed in an ambush .

Officers Edelmiro Garza Jr., 45, and Ismael Chavez, 39, of the McAllen Police Department in Texas were shot and killed on Saturday. The officers were reportedly ambushed while responding to a domestic disturbance call at a residence.
Chavez was a former chemistry teacher and football coach, and the father to Savannah Chavez. The daughter of the slain officer posted several memories and heartfelt tributes to her loving father on Twitter.
One post honoring her late father received much attention.
words cannot describe the pain I'm in, but I'm glad my dad is at peace. you were an amazing man and anyone who ever came across you knew that. I'm going to miss you so much. you died doing what you loved most, you died a hero. i love you daddy, see you soon. #BlueLivesMatter
Chavez has since deleted the tweet because it received insensitive messages from Twitter users because she used the hashtag #BlueLivesMatter.
One Twitter user responded to the tweet by saying: "I am so sorry for your loss but you didn't have to use a racist hashtag," according to Heavy.com.
"Blue lives matter was literally created in response to and to undermine black lives matter," another person wrote. "There's no other connotation unfortunately."
"Well atleast your pops is a good cop now, 6 feet in the dirt where he cant hurt nobody," a user tweeted.
"Rip to your daddy!!! But one cop down many more to go," another person responded.
Dozens of Twitter users responded to the tribute with "ACAB," which means "All Cops Are Bastards."
"These are difficult moments," McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez said at a news conference. "The officers came here to maintain peace. Instead, they were taken down by gunfire."
The suspect, identified as Aldon Caramillo, 23, shot and killed himself shortly after firing on the police officers.
"Two of our finest were killed in the line of duty while working to protect residents in their community," wrote Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. "I've spoken with McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez and offered the full support of the State of Texas. We unite to #BackTheBlue. #RGV."
Fellow police officers paid their final respects to Chavez and Garza in a 50-vehicle procession that accompanied the bodies of the fallen officers in McAllen.


theblaze--2020-07-12--AOC says spike in NYC crime could be caused by people 'who need to shoplift some bread'

AOC says spike in NYC crime could be caused by people 'who need to shoplift some bread' This is quite @ @ @

New York City has experienced a surge in violent crime in recent weeks, including a 200% increase in shootings between June 15 and July 2 of this year, compared to the same time in 2019. Over the July 4th holiday weekend, 64 people were shot, and 11 died from their gunshot wounds. In the last four weeks, New York City has seen an increase in shootings compared to last year.
There was one especially heartbreaking shooting caught on video of a father gunned down in broad daylight while walking hand-in-hand with his 6-year-old daughter in the Bronx.
But it isn't just gun violence troubling the Big Apple. In the past two weeks, there was a grisly knife attack in the subway and a stabbing in Brooklyn.
Following the George Floyd protests against police brutality, the New York Police Department disbanded its plainclothes unit, which has been involved in a disproportionate number of fatal officer-involved shootings.
Last week, an NYPD cop shared a video mocking the new and overly cautious policing tactics being implemented in New York City following the nationwide protests against police brutality.
In early June, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio announced he is moving "resources from the NYPD to youth and social services as part of our City's budget."
Mayor de Blasio proposed cutting nearly $1 billion from the NYPD. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) scoffed at the proposal, calling it a "disingenuous illusion." She said, "Defunding police means defunding police."
On Thursday during a virtual town hall, Ocasio-Cortez talked about the "uptick in crime" in New York City. She pointed out that the cuts to the NYPD hasn't happened yet, and there is still an increase in crime.
AOC proposed some theories for the crime wave, and asked: "Do we think this has to do with the fact that there's record unemployment in the United States right now?"
Ocasio-Cortez continued, "The fact that people are at a level of economic desperation that we have not seen since the Great Recession."
The democratic socialist hypothesized that the increase in NYC violence could stem from rent demands and people shoplifting bread.
"Maybe this has to do with the fact that people aren't paying their rent and are scared to pay their rent," Ocasio-Cortez said. "And so they go out and they need to feed their child and they don't have money so you... maybe have to... they're put in a position... they feel like they either need to shoplift some bread or go hungry that night."
According to the NYPD crime data, petit larceny, stealing of personal property that has a value less than $1,000, was down 7.5% compared to last year. However, murder was up 27.1% and shooting incidents were up 53.5%.
Ocasio-Cortez also speculated that the skyrocketing crime could be caused because "unemployment provisions have not been given to everyone." She also suggested that the crime may have increased because "some people still have not been given their stimulus check yet."


theblaze--2020-07-12--VIDEO: Man shopping in store has perfect response to women who accost him for not wearing mask

VIDEO : Man shopping in store has perfect response to women who accost him for not wearing mask 'Why do @ @ @ @ @ lady ?
Going around , taking pictures of people ?
I feel so sorry for @ @

A video of a man shopping in what appears to be a Walmart store went viral last week after he defended himself from two women who accosted him for not wearing a mask despite minding his own business.
"Take a picture of me, does that make you feel better?" the man tells the woman. "Why don't you get a life lady? Going around, taking pictures of people? I feel so sorry for you."
According to the woman behind the camera, the man's crimes were not wearing a mask and not following the direction arrows on the aisle. After 30 seconds into the interaction, the woman tells her mother — who also filmed the interaction — to call 911.
"You people are like monkeys falling out of a tree!" the man exclaimed, before flipping his middle fingers toward both women.
The man then mockingly tells the second woman to go "burn something down" or "tear a monument down," to which the first woman replied, "Are you burning crosses?"
"You people are f***ing idiots," the man responds.
Shockingly, the first woman then tells the man, "Good luck with the virus. Good luck with the virus. Your whole family tree is getting cut off at its roots."
All the while, the man continues to look for the item that he sought to purchase.


theblaze--2020-07-12--Cuban immigrant has dire warning for America, reveals connection between far-left and 'communists'

Cuban immigrant has dire warning for America , reveals connection between far-left and 'communists '

Maximo Alvarez, a Cuban immigrant turned American businessman, has a dire warning about the direction of America.
Alvarez, who escaped communist Cuba nearly 60 years ago, sat on a business roundtable last week that included top business leaders, politicians, and even President Donald Trump.
Scott McIntyre/Bloomberg via Getty Images
During the event, Alvarez explained that "communists" are now trying to force Americans to swallow the same "pill" that Fidel Castro tricked Cuba into swallowing during the Cuban Revolution.
"What is happening in our backyard today, I experienced as an 11-year-old. I remember vividly all the promises that a guy named Castro gave, and how 99% of the people swallowed the pill," Alvarez said.
According to Alvarez, Castro was selling the same bill of free goods to Cubans that far-left politicians are attempting to sell Americans today.
"I remember all the promises that we hear today about free education and free health care and free land," Alvarez said.
"My God, no freedom," he continued. "But he never said that until after he was in power, got rid of all the police, got rid of all the military — been there for the last 60 years and counting. And he destroyed each and every one who helped him."
Later in his speech, Alvarez pleaded with young Americans to not become the same "useful idiots" that Castro turned the Cuban people into, before sharing sage advice from his father.
"He saw me graduate from college, and that was the biggest prize he ever had. And he said, 'Don't lose this place because you're never going to be as lucky as me. Because if you lose this place, you have no place to go,'" Alvarez explained.
Alvarez is founder and president of Sunshine Gasoline Distributors, which operates in South Florida.
Watch the full speech below:


theblaze--2020-07-12--Florida man crashes van into church, sets building on fire with parishioners inside, police say

Florida man crashes van into church , sets building on fire with parishioners inside , police say The suspect has @ @ @ @ @ attempted second-degree murder

A Florida man allegedly crashed his van into a church on Saturday and then set it on fire with parishioners inside the building. Steven Shields, 24, was arrested by Marion County Sheriff's Office deputies for an apparent attack on the Queen of Peace Catholic Sanctuary in Ocala.
Shields allegedly plowed the vehicle through the front doors of the church. He then allegedly got out of the car and poured gasoline in the foyer area of the house of worship and lit it on fire. During the church attack, parishioners were in the building preparing for Saturday mass.
Police said Shields then got back into his white van and fled the scene. Police chased Shields down Highway 441, and the vehicle was disabled when MCSO Deputy Josue Gonzales performed a Precision Immobilization Technique to stop the car.
Shields was taken into custody and charged with attempted second-degree murder, three felony counts of evidencing prejudice, arson to a structure, burglary of an occupied structure, and felony fleeing or attempting to elude. Shields is being held in the Marion County Jail with no bond.
According to the police report, Shields told deputies he targeted the church because of a "mission." WJXT-TV reported that Shields told investigators that he had been diagnosed with Schizophrenia, but had not been taking his medication.
Thankfully, all of the parishioners were able to escape the church without injuries. Marion County Fire Rescue extinguished the flames relatively quickly, but the damage to the church is described as "extensive."
"Our freedom of worship granted in the Constitution is a freedom that we all hold dear," MCSO Sheriff Billy Woods said. "My deputies and I are sworn to protect that right and will always ensure our citizens can worship in peace. I'm proud of my deputies for capturing this man so quickly and we appreciate the assistance from all of the state and federal agencies that worked alongside us during this investigation."


theblaze--2020-07-12--USA Today claims Trump campaign shirt has 'Nazi symbol' — then they issue major 'clarification'

USA Today claims Trump campaign shirt has 'Nazi symbol ' — then they issue major 'clarification' 'You are n't a @ @ @ @ @ propaganda '

USA Today was forced to issue a major clarification on Sunday after claiming a Trump campaign t-shirt contained a "Nazi symbol."
The newspaper's fact checking team declared that viral social media posts claiming a Trump campaign t-shirt contained a notorious Nazi symbol — the imperial eagle — was true.
"The claim: Trump campaign shirts feature imperial eagle, a Nazi symbol Our ruling: True," USA Today said on Twitter.
On its website, the USA Today fact check presented more nuance:
The claims that a Trump campaign T-shirt has come under criticism for using a symbol similar to a Nazi eagle is TRUE, based on our research. But it is worth noting that the eagle is a common symbol in American politics, and is included in the presidential seal of the U.S., as well as many federal departments.
In fact, USA Today explained that the eagle has a rich history in American symbolism and that the image used by the Trump campaign is notably different than the one used by Nazi Germany.
In response, USA Today was rebuked on social media — and many noted the eagle is still a prominent symbol in American government, even used by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
"Whoa, you mean Democrat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has a Nazi symbol on her official government website?" Daily Wire reporter Ryan Saavedra said.
"This is moronic. In Democrats' America, Mount Rushmore glorifies white supremacy and the bald eagle with an American flag is a Nazi symbol. They have lost their minds. Better tell the USMC too," another person responded.
"This is moronic. You aren't a news organization. This is propaganda," another person said.
"This is legitimate derangement. These people are not well," another person reacted.
"ps: the American eagle is also a symbol of the United States," another person mocked.
The swift condemnation forced USA Today to issue a "clarification."
"Clarification: The claim that Trump 2020 has put out a T-shirt with a symbol similar to a Nazi eagle and is being criticized for it is true. Worth noting, the eagle is a longtime US symbol, too," the news outlet said.


theblaze--2020-07-12--Ohio county establishes hotline for people to snitch on anyone not wearing a face mask

Ohio county establishes hotline for people to snitch on anyone not wearing a face mask People who do n't wear @ @ @ @ @ 90 days in jail and a $ 750 fine

A county in Ohio is encouraging the public to snitch on anyone who is not wearing a face mask by calling a hotline. Cuyahoga County, which includes the city of Cleveland, launched a hotline and a website for Ohioans to report their fellow citizens for not wearing face masks on Friday.
"There's not enough people in law enforcement throughout the county to track down people, chase them around and figure out who we can go after for not wearing a mask," Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish said on Friday.
Many are fearful that the hotline will be weaponized by Karens to report anyone seen not wearing a face covering.
"This is not intended to be going out and finding people not wearing masks," Budish said of the hotline. "We want people to wear their masks… We want people to do it voluntarily."
Once a mask violation complaint is made to the hotline, county officials will contact the person or business to let them know that a complaint has been filed. The complaints will also be forwarded to the Board of Health, and the relevant city or town.
"If the Board of Health determines certain places are continuously ignoring the mask order, the board may reach out to local authorities to address the problem," Health Commissioner Terry Allan said, according to Cleveland.com.
Anyone who has multiple complaints or is found guilty of "serious non-compliance" could be investigated by the Sheriff's Department.
Gov. Mike DeWine (R) issued an order making masks mandatory last week, but the mandate only applies to Ohio's seven counties with the most COVID-19 cases. Violating the mask mandate is a second-degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 90 days in jail, as well as a $750 fine. The mask mandate will be reassessed every week and does not apply to children under the age of 10.
In April, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio established a hotline for people to rat on each other for not abiding by social distancing guidelines.
Mayor de Blasio boasted it is "easier than ever" to call the authorities on each other for not social distancing.
"When you see a crowd, when you see a line that's not distanced, when you see a supermarket that's too crowded — anything — you can report it right away so we can get help there to fix the problem," de Blasio said.
However, within days of the snitch hotline being established, people inundated the hotline with prank messages.


theblaze--2020-07-12--Missouri AG calls out St. Louis prosecutor, reveals history of politically motivated decisions

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt suggested Friday that St. Louis attorneys Mark and Patricia McCloskey , the couple who went viral for defending their property from an encroaching mob , are being politically targeted .
On Friday , law enforcement executed a warrant against the McCloskeys and confiscated their firearms .
Speaking on Fox News , Schmitt alleged that St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner , the prosecutor handling the case , has a history of making politically motivated decisions .
`` Under Missouri law , under the Castle Doctrine , an individual has really expansive authority to protect their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their property .
I think the story here to watch here is the local prosecutor , Kim Gardner , '' Schmitt said .
`` Kim Gardner has an abysmal record in prosecuting violent crime , has recently released and been complicit in the release of dozens and dozens of inmates who have been charged with violent crimes , and has a record of making politically motivated decisions not based on the law , '' he explained .
`` So , this is certainly something to watch . ''
After the incident with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement claiming the McCloskeys had committed a `` violent assault , '' and she vowed to hold them accountable .
However , according to Schmitt , the McCloskeys did not act unlawfully .
`` It 's hard to get into the mind of Kim Gardner .
As I said , she has a sketchy track record of making politically-based decisions , '' Schmitt went on to say .
Despite the warrant , criminal charges have not been filed against the McCloskeys , nor was the basis of the warrant made clear .

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt suggested Friday that St. Louis attorneys Mark and Patricia McCloskey, the couple who went viral for defending their property from an encroaching mob, are being politically targeted.
On Friday, law enforcement executed a warrant against the McCloskeys and confiscated their firearms.
Image via Twitter @xshularx screenshot
Speaking on Fox News, Schmitt alleged that St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, the prosecutor handling the case, has a history of making politically motivated decisions.
"Under Missouri law, under the Castle Doctrine, an individual has really expansive authority to protect their own lives, their home, and their property. I think the story here to watch here is the local prosecutor, Kim Gardner," Schmitt said.
"Kim Gardner has an abysmal record in prosecuting violent crime, has recently released and been complicit in the release of dozens and dozens of inmates who have been charged with violent crimes, and has a record of making politically motivated decisions not based on the law," he explained. "So, this is certainly something to watch."
After the incident with the McCloskeys generated national attention, Gardner released a statement claiming the McCloskeys had committed a "violent assault," and she vowed to hold them accountable.
However, according to Schmitt, the McCloskeys did not act unlawfully.
One important factor here is this was a private street. This was not a public street. These individuals were on their way to the mayor's house, actually, which has been vandalized several times. This was on a private street, and if you listen to the McCloskeys, they felt threatened, that they were going to be attacked, and that it was made known to them. They made known to the protesters and the people who came by that this was a private street, and they said they were going to murder them and come into their house, and so, as I said, the Castle Doctrine in Missouri is pretty expansive; it allows you to defend your life, obviously your family's life, your home, but also your property, and this was on private property.
"It's hard to get into the mind of Kim Gardner. As I said, she has a sketchy track record of making politically-based decisions," Schmitt went on to say.
Despite the warrant, criminal charges have not been filed against the McCloskeys, nor was the basis of the warrant made clear.


theblaze--2020-07-12--Conservatives rally to 'buy Goya' after CEO's pro-Trump comments trigger boycotts from the left

Conservatives rally to 'buy Goya ' after CEO 's pro-Trump comments trigger boycotts from the left Ted Cruz , Mark @ @ @ @ @ others pledge to # BuyGoya in response to boycott threats

With one appearance at the White House and one sentence of praise towards President Donald Trump, Goya Foods co-owner and CEO Bob Unanue ignited a cultural rift over his hugely successful food company.
"We're all truly blessed at the same time to have a leader like President Trump, who is a builder," Unanue, who is of Latin descent, said. Unanue made the comment on Thursday at a White House roundtable event to promote the Hispanic Prosperity Initiative, an executive order signed by Trump designed to improve educational and economic opportunities for Hispanic-Americans.
Speaking positively of the president immediately triggered a boycott movement of Goya products by left-leaning individuals such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Joaquin Castro, and Chrissy Teigen.
Jon Cooper, a Democratic fundraiser and chairman of the Democratic Coalition Against Trump, tweeted a photo of him throwing away Goya products in the trash despite food banks around the country facing "unprecedented" demand. The hashtags #BoycottGoya and #Goyaway were trending on Twitter over the weekend.
However, there was a pushback to the boycotts as conservatives fiercely declared their support for Goya, the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States. The hashtag #BuyGoya was also a top trend on Twitter this weekend.
Sen. Ted Cruz wrote on Twitter: "Goya is a staple of Cuban food. My grandparents ate Goya black beans twice a day for nearly 90 years. And now the Left is trying to cancel Hispanic culture and silence free speech. #BuyGoya."
BlazeTV host Mark Levin wrote: "Go out today and buy your Goya foods."
"It seems weird & callous to boycott a company who supplies food to the masses and employs 4,000 people during a pandemic," said "The View" co-host Megan McCain. "No matter what your politics, who wants more people out of work? Almost every CEO, boss, & person I interact with and consume products from disagrees with me."
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee was stoked that the grocery store he went to was nearly sold out of Goya products.
Fox News host Laura Ingraham announced that she would buy "every can of Goya food" she could find this weekend. She implored her Twitter followers to "FIGHT THE CANCEL CULTURE!"
Fellow Fox News host Tammy Bruce admitted that she had never tried Goya foods before, but "it will now be the first brand I go to."
Popular mixed martial arts fighter Jorge "Gamebred" Masvidal took time out of preparing for his UFC 251 bout against Kamaru Usman on Saturday night to voice his support of Goya.
"Actions of @GoyaFoods speak louder than the #woke mob," Masvidal tweeted on Saturday. "My people don't get influenced by those that don't know. They've been helping our people when we needed it most."
Goya announced on Friday that they donated two million pounds of food to U.S. food banks that have been decimated by the economic ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2018, Goya donated a million pounds of food to Puerto Rico following the devastation by Hurricane Maria.
On Friday, Unanue doubled down on his support of Trump.
"I'm not apologizing for saying — and especially when you're called by the president of the United States, you're gonna say, 'No, I'm sorry, I'm busy. No, thank you,'" Unanue said during an appearance of "Fox & Friends." "I didn't say that to the Obamas and I didn't say that to President Trump."
Unanue worked with former first lady Michelle Obama on her "My Plate" healthy eating initiative when Barack Obama was in office.
"You're allowed to talk good or to praise one president, but you're not allowed — when I was called to be part of this commission to aid in economic and educational prosperity and you make positive comment, all of the sudden that's not acceptable," Unanue explained.
On Friday, Trump inflamed the culture war over the massively popular company known for their canned beans, sofrito, adobo, and empanadas by tweeting out: "I LOVE @GoyaFoods!"
BlazeTV host Lauren Chen discusses cancel culture and the Goya Foods boycott.


theblaze--2020-07-12--Robert Mueller breaks silence in rare statement, defends 'rightly' convicted 'felon' Roger Stone

'We made every decision in Stone 's case , as in all our cases , based solely on the facts @

Roger Stone claims he was set up by investigators working on the infamous Russia investigation — but Robert Mueller says that is not the case.
The former special counsel broke his silence in a Washington Post op-ed late Saturday, where he defended both Stone's prosecution and his team's investigatory findings. The rare statement came just one day after President Donald Trump commuted Stone's prison sentence.
"Stone was prosecuted and convicted because he committed federal crimes. He remains a convicted felon, and rightly so," Mueller wrote.
Roger Stone exits a federal courthouse in 2019. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
In his op-ed, Mueller rebutted Stone's claim that he was a "victim," or that he was somehow set up by investigators.
"We made every decision in Stone's case, as in all our cases, based solely on the facts and the law and in accordance with the rule of law," Mueller declared. "The women and men who conducted these investigations and prosecutions acted with the highest integrity. Claims to the contrary are false."
Not only did Stone claim he was a victim, but so did the White House.
In a statement released following Stone's commutation, the White House suggested Stone was prosecuted because the Russia investigation could not corroborate allegations of collusion between Trump's campaign and Russia.
The statement said:
Mr. Stone was charged by the same prosecutors from the Mueller Investigation tasked with finding evidence of collusion with Russia. Because no such evidence exists, however, they could not charge him for any collusion-related crime. Instead, they charged him for his conduct during their investigation. The simple fact is that if the Special Counsel had not been pursuing an absolutely baseless investigation, Mr. Stone would not be facing time in prison.
Last year, a jury found Stone guilty of lying to Congress, obstructing a congressional investigation, and witness tampering. He was sentenced to more than three years in federal prison for the crimes.
Stone had run out of legal maneuvers to delay his prison sentence, and was due to report to prison on Tuesday.
However, Trump's commutation means that Stone will no longer be sent to prison, although his conviction stands and, as Mueller said, Stone remains a convicted felon.


theblaze--2020-07-13--Report: Washington Redskins plan to officially announce name change today

According to a report from Sports Business Daily , the Washington Redskins are expected to announce on Monday morning that they are officially changing their name , although the announcement of their new name will be delayed while the team irons out trademark issues .
As recently as last year , team owner Dan Snyder had vowed that he would never change the team 's name in spite of protests from some that the term `` redskin '' is inherently racist .
The team had also been involved in a long-running legal battle over its use of the term after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempted to revoke the team 's trademark on its logo and nickname on the basis that the term was racially disparaging .
But the legal fight effectively ended in 2017 when the Supreme Court ruled in an unrelated case that the portion of the Lanham Act that permitted the USPTO to reject racially disparaging trademark applications represented an unconstitutional infringement on freedom of speech .
Since that time , the Redskins have faced increasing social pressure to change their name and their logo — which was designed by a Native American in 1971 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fueled by the death of George Floyd in police custody , a number of the team 's largest investors and minority shareholders sent a letter to the team 's major sponsors ( including PepsiCo , FedEx , and Nike ) asking them to stop doing business until the team 's name was changed .
The letter and accompanying social pressure seem to have prevailed upon Snyder , as the team announced on July 3 that it would review the team 's name with an eye toward a possible name change .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its current burgundy and gold color scheme .
Current team coach Ron Rivera has also hinted that the team 's nickname will in some way honor or refer to the military .

Update: After the publication of this article, the team announced the change from its official Twitter account. This article has been updated accordingly.
Confirming a report from Sports Business Daily, the Washington Redskins announced on Monday morning that they are officially changing their name, although the announcement of their new name will be delayed while the team irons out trademark issues.
As recently as last year, team owner Dan Snyder had vowed that he would never change the team's name in spite of protests from some that the term "redskin" is inherently racist.
The team had also been involved in a long-running legal battle over its use of the term after the United States Patent and Trademark Office attempted to revoke the team's trademark on its logo and nickname on the basis that the term was racially disparaging. But the legal fight effectively ended in 2017 when the Supreme Court ruled in an unrelated case that the portion of the Lanham Act that permitted the USPTO to reject racially disparaging trademark applications represented an unconstitutional infringement on freedom of speech.
Since that time, the Redskins have faced increasing social pressure to change their name and their logo — which was designed by a Native American in 1971. In the wake of the protests fueled by the death of George Floyd in police custody, a number of the team's largest investors and minority shareholders sent a letter to the team's major sponsors (including PepsiCo, FedEx, and Nike) asking them to stop doing business until the team's name was changed. The letter and accompanying social pressure seem to have prevailed upon Snyder, as the team announced on July 3 that it would review the team's name with an eye toward a possible name change.
According to ESPN, the team plans to keep its current burgundy and gold color scheme. Current team coach Ron Rivera has also hinted that the team's nickname will in some way honor or refer to the military.


theblaze--2020-07-13--Commentary: The divinity of Jesus — a liar, lunatic, or Don Lemon

Commentary : The divinity of Jesus — a liar , lunatic , or Don Lemon If Jesus was not sinless @ @ @ @ @ God

The divinity of Jesus came under fire recently, as CNN's Don Lemon demonstrated his obtuse position on the subject in an interview with colleague Chris Cuomo.
"Jesus Christ, if that's who you believe in, Jesus Christ, admittedly was not perfect when he was here on this earth," Lemon said.
The statement immediately faced backlash from pastors, theologians, and historians alike — and rightfully so. As one can imagine, Lemon's remarks are beyond irreconcilable with Christian doctrine, but the greater challenge for Lemon is that they are also irreconcilable with historical evidence.
To be clear, I don't have any malice toward Lemon for his remarks — in fact, I'm praying for his salvation. He's welcome to his opinions, as misguided and unfounded as they are. But we must understand that such a position, above all, is dismissive — like someone who dismisses all science and logic to argue that the earth is flat. In regard to the question of Jesus' divinity, the burden of proof lies not with the Christian, as history, reason, and personal testimony stand as an immovable mountain of support for the faith, but rather it is with the skeptic, who must consciously decide if they will ignore thousands of years of attempts to discredit the Son of Man that have all come up empty.
Whereas the New Testament is often thought of as a single book, it is actually made up of 27 different books from at least eight unique authors. This is important, because to discount the teachings of the Bible, such as the sinlessness of Jesus, is not just to consider one historical author or text unreliable, but demands that we disregard nearly 10 distinct eye-witnesses that all hold to the same testimony — that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, and demonstrated Himself to be the Son of God.
The Roman prefect, Pontius Pilate, who presided over the trial of Jesus, unable to find any wrongdoing in Christ, asked of the crowd calling for Jesus' death, "Why? What crime has he committed?" Likewise, it's recorded in original source manuscripts that Pilate's own wife sent a message to Pilate, warning him, "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man," which caused Pilate to "wash his hands" of the death of Jesus, symbolically placing all responsibility for His execution back onto the Jewish leaders.
Paul, a contemporary of Jesus who violently persecuted the early Christians until he had a miraculous encounter with Jesus himself, pleaded with his followers, "Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." Paul's first-hand account claiming Jesus' sinlessness and perfection, especially considering his former religious stance against Christianity, is more than historically significant, it's virtually indisputable.
But perhaps even more convincing, are references to Jesus' divinity and perfection found outside of scripture. Flavius Josephus, a first century Jewish historian, records of the man known as Jesus of Nazareth, "He was the Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those who loved him at first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day."
Born only a couple years after Jesus' death, the first century Christian leader, Clement of Rome, referring to the innocence of Jesus wrote, "Our Lord gave His blood for us by the will of God, His body for our bodies, and His soul for our souls." Another first century believer, Ignatius of Antioch, offering a defense of the divine innocence of Jesus said, "Observe those who hold erroneous opinions … because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the Flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, which suffered for our sins, and which the Father in His loving-kindness raised from the dead." Ignatius, who shortly after penning these words was killed in a Roman amphitheater for his faith in Christ, added, "Either believe in the [innocent] Blood of Christ, or else face damnation."
Early church leader and theologian, Athanasius of Alexandria, confirming the divinity of Christ, wrote sometime before 319 A.D., "You must understand why it is that the Word of the Father, so great and high, has been made manifest in bodily form. … He has been manifested in a human body for this reason only, out of the love and goodness of His Father, for the salvation of us men."
Such convincing historical proof is what led the great 20th century theologian C.S. Lewis to offer the infamous defense of Jesus' divinity in "Mere Christianity":
I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronising nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to. … Now it seems to me obvious that He was neither a lunatic nor a fiend: and consequently, however strange or terrifying or unlikely it may seem, I have to accept the view that He was and is God.
According to Lewis, one can call Jesus a liar, one can call him a lunatic, or one can call him Lord, but we don't have the liberty of choosing some blend of the three. It's not only maligns history, for Lewis, it was flat out illogical. More than just a point of theology, Christianity hinges on the sinlessness of Jesus, that is "God in the flesh." If Jesus was not sinless, then he wasn't God. And if he wasn't God, then his sacrifice on the cross fails to provide for the forgiveness of sins and the salvation of those who believe. But if the scriptures are accurate, and the vast and diverse first hand accounts are true, then all people must consider what to make of the carpenter's son.


theblaze--2020-07-12--Thomas Sowell says systemic racism 'has no meaning'; warns 2020 election could be 'point of no retur

Thomas Sowell says systemic racism 'has no meaning'; warns 2020 election could be 'point of no return'

Thomas Sowell says systemic racism 'has no meaning ' ; warns 2020 election could be 'point of no return' '' @ @ @ @ @ do n't have any clear idea what they 're saying , '' Thomas Sowell tells @ @ @


theblaze--2020-07-14--Jewish groups call out TV host Nick Cannon for defending Louis Farrakhan and spreading anti-Semitic

Jewish groups call out TV host Nick Cannon for defending Louis Farrakhan and spreading anti-Semitic conspiracies

Jewish groups called out megastar host Nick Cannon over a resurfaced YouTube video where he ranted about anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and defended Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.
Audio of the bizarre claims from Cannon were posted to social media from critics who called for Cannon to be dropped from his current entertainment projects. The video comes from his YouTube show named "Cannon's Class" in an episode from 2019.
"When we speak of, because this is where it truly is, and we talk about the six corporations, when we go as deep as the Rothschilds, centralized banking, the thirteen families, the bloodlines that control everything even outside of America, when we talk about the people who if we were truly the children of Israel, and we're defining who the Jewish people are, because I feel like if we actually can understand that construct then we can see that there really is no hate involved," Cannon explained.
"When we talk about the lies, the deceit, how the fake dollar controls all of this, then maybe we can get to the reason why they wanted to silence you and why they wanted to silence Mister Farrakhan and they want to throw that, we are having hate speech when it's never hate speech," he added.
"You can't be anti-Semitic when the Semitic, when we are the Semitic people, when we are the same people that you, who they want to be, that's our birthright," Cannon said.
"That's our birthright!" agreed rap artist Richard "Professor Griff" Griffin.
"So if that's truly our birthright, there is no hate involved. How did this message get so misconstrued?" Cannon asks.
Jewish groups respond
Numerous Jewish groups condemned Cannon for the conspiracy-laden rant and called for the Fox network to take action over the comments.
"Truly disturbing that @NickCannon would use his platform to perpetuate false antisemitic conspiracy theories and lift up the vehemently antisemitic Louis Farrakhan. He should apologize immediately and educate himself on why his comments are so harmful," responded Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League.
The American Jewish Committee called the comments "abhorrent and unacceptable" in a tweet.
"His message of hate has no place in our society and should be condemned by all people of good conscience," the committee added.
Dov Hikind of Americans Against Antisemitism called on Fox to condemn and apologize for Cannon's comments.
Cannon denied that he had used hate speech in a lengthy statement on Twitter.
"Anyone who knows me knows that I have no hate in my heart nor malice intentions. I do not condone hate speech nor the spread of hateful rhetoric. We are living in a time when it is more important than ever to promote unity and understanding," he said in part.
"The Black and Jewish communities have both faced enormous hatred, oppression persecution and prejudice for thousands of years and in many ways have and will continue to work together to overcome these obstacles," he added.


theblaze--2020-07-13--Navajo Nation suggests new name for Washington Redskins that 'honors and respects the First American

Navajo Nation suggests new name for Washington Redskins that 'honors and respects the First Americans' The NFL franchise has not @ @ @ @ @ nickname

The Washington Redskins announced Monday that they would be retiring their team nickname and logo, but had not yet decided on their new moniker. In short order, the Navajo Nation offered a new name they believe would be a fitting replacement for the NFL franchise.
What are the details?
The Redskins issued a statement saying:
On July 3rd, we announced the commencement of a thorough review of the team's name. That review has begun in earnest. As part of this process, we want to keep our sponsors, fans and community apprised of our thinking as we go forward.
Today, we are announcing we will be retiring the Redskins name and logo upon completion of this review.
Dan Snyder and Coach Rivera are working closely to develop a new name and design approach that will enhance the standing or our proud, tradition rich franchise and inspire our sponsors, fans and community for the next 100 years.
Two hours later, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez released a statement celebrating the Washington, D.C., area team's move, while noting that the franchise made its decision due to "mounting pressure and advocacy of Indigenous peoples...and many other warriors who fought long and hard for this change."
The Navajo Nation went on to condemn the use of the "redskins" name used by the team since 1933 before adding:
We strongly encourage the NFL Washington organization to rename their team in such a way that truly honors and respects the First Americans of this country. Renaming the team 'Code Talkers' to honor the Navajo Code Talkers, and other tribal nations who used their sacred language to help win World War II, would set the team on a path to restoring its reputation and correcting the historical misrepresentation of Indigenous peoples.
Anything else?
The Redskins have faced criticism for years over their team name, but a cultural movement following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and action from corporations ratcheted up pressure on the franchise in recent weeks with threats to the team revenue.
FedEx recently threatened to pull its sponsorship of the team's stadium, and Fox News pointed out that "big-name retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target, as well as Nike and Dick's Sporting Goods, all removed Redskins merchandise from their websites this week."


theblaze--2020-07-13--Family has medical emergency, is forced to land in foreign country, gets stranded. Spirit Airlines s

Family has medical emergency, is forced to land in foreign country, gets stranded. Spirit Airlines steps in and saves the day.

Family has medical emergency , is forced to land in foreign country , gets stranded .
Spirit Airlines steps in @ @ @ @ @

Spirit Airlines recently spirited away a stranded family from Turks and Caicos and took them home.
What are the details?
A Puerto Rican family found themselves stranded in Turks and Caicos over the Independence Day holiday.
Spirit Airlines, however, jumped at the chance to help out the family, and sent an emergency plane to bring them home.
Santiago Rodriguez and his family were en route from San Juan to Philadelphia when the family's 4-year-old daughter suffered a medical emergency shortly after taking off.
The flight had to make an emergency landing in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, in order for the child to receive the medical attention she needed. She was able to recover, but the family found themselves stuck because the family didn't have passports, which are not required to fly between the U.S. as well as its territories, such as Puerto Rico.
Worse yet, Turks and Caicos — a British territory — was also experiencing a shortage of available commercial flights, since the country hasn't officially opened to international travelers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spirit Airlines jumped at the chance to help the family, and found them a place to stay while they were diverted to the country. Further, it sent one of its empty planes to Providenciales in order to fly the family home to Puerto Rico.
What happened next?
The family landed in San Juan's Luis Muñoz Marín Airport on Wednesday, where they expressed their gratitude to the airline for stepping in when they needed it most.
"I have no words to describe how thankful I am to the airline and the people of the island who were so good to us," Ana Desiree Rodriguez Sanchez said. "We left all of our luggage on a flight to Philadelphia and didn't have anything on us to spend the night, so they quickly helped us find a place to stay, clothes and food for us. The airline was so great to us, and we are so thankful."
In a statement, Andrea Baigorria, the airline's external communication manager, said the company was "very happy to have been able to help the Santiago Rodriguez family return home and offer them a sense of peace after a moment of anguish."
Baigorria continued, "We worked in collaboration with the family, our Spirit Airlines members and the local governments in each city to help quickly facilitate their return flight back home. We also want to thank the American Red Cross in Providenciales for helping the family during their time here."


theblaze--2020-07-13--Outrage erupts over video of NYPD cop tasing Black Lives Matter protester. Police say the video does

Outrage erupts over video of NYPD cop tasing Black Lives Matter protester. Police say the video doesn't tell the full story.

Outrage erupts over video of NYPD cop tasing Black Lives Matter protester .
Police say the video does n't tell @ @ @ @ @ can be edited to deceive

A viral video showing a New York City police officer tasing a Black Lives Matter protester inspired outrage online against police, but they say it doesn't show the entire story of the incident.
The altercation occurred in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn, where pro-police protesters clashed with Black Lives Matter protesters.
The viral video shows an officer get into an altercation with a black man at the protest. The man appeared to refuse the order from an officer to back up out of the street and got tackled by another officer.
That officer tased the man, who fell to the ground and was arrested.
Videos of the incident were circulated widely among critics of the police on social media.
Many of those outraged were angered that the man arrested appeared to be tased because he was yelling at police.
However, according to the New York Daily News, police said that 15 seconds before the video recording, the man had allegedly flung a helmet at an officer.
The Washington Post reported that the incident is under investigation, according to the New York City mayor's office.
Here's a news report about the incident: