theblaze--2020-07-14--Ghislaine Maxwell pleads not guilty in Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking, abuse case

UPDATE , 7 p.m .
ET : Manhattan Judge Alison Nathan denied bail for Ghislaine Maxwell , saying the accused sex abuser `` poses substantial actual risk of flight '' after she purposely hid from authorities , according to the New York Post .
Maxwell will remain in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn until her trial next year .
Here is our original story : Ghislaine Maxwell , longtime girlfriend of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein , has pleaded not guilty against allegations that she helped Epstein obtain and traffic young girls for sexual abuse .
Authorities arrested Maxwell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Hampshire , charging her with two counts of conspiracy , enticement of a minor to travel to engage in illegal sex acts , transporting minors for illegal sex acts , and two counts of perjury .
What are the details ?
Maxwell pleaded not guilty during a Tuesday video conference for her arraignment .
Manhattan federal court Judge Alison Nathan asked , `` How do you wish to plead to the charges ? ''
Maxwell 's trial date was set for July 12 , 2021 .
According to CNBC , a prosecutor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trial would take three weeks .
Maxwell faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted , the CNBC story said .
In a Tuesday statement , prosecutors said that the `` investigation remains ongoing , but at this point , we do not currently anticipate seeking a superseding indictment '' with further charges .
According to the New York Post , federal authorities prompted the judge to remand Maxwell , who is considered an `` extreme '' flight risk with vast means , thus enabling her to flee — but her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will issue a ruling on Maxwell 's bail `` later in the proceeding , '' the Post reported .
Audrey Strauss , acting U.S. attorney in the Southern District of New York , previously filed a memo regarding Maxwell 's detainment , outlining the suspect 's `` extreme risk of flight . ''
`` For the reasons set forth herein , the Government respectfully submits that Ghislaine Maxwell , the defendant , poses an extreme risk of flight ; that she will not be able to rebut the statutory presumption that no condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the appearance of the defendant as required … and that the Court should therefore order her detained , '' a portion of the memo read .
Maxwell 's attorneys , Mark Cohen and Jeffrey Pagliuca , issued a court filing last week , which read , `` Ms. Maxwell vigorously denies the charges , intends to fight them , and is entitled to the presumption of innocence . ''

UPDATE, 7 p.m. ET:Manhattan Judge Alison Nathan denied bail for Ghislaine Maxwell, saying the accused sex abuser "poses substantial actual risk of flight" after she purposely hid from authorities, according to the New York Post. Maxwell will remain in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn until her trial next year. Here is our original story:
Ghislaine Maxwell, longtime girlfriend of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, has pleaded not guilty against allegations that she helped Epstein obtain and traffic young girls for sexual abuse.
Authorities arrested Maxwell, 58, on July 2 in New Hampshire, charging her with two counts of conspiracy, enticement of a minor to travel to engage in illegal sex acts, transporting minors for illegal sex acts, and two counts of perjury.
What are the details?
Maxwell pleaded not guilty during a Tuesday video conference for her arraignment.
Manhattan federal court Judge Alison Nathan asked, "How do you wish to plead to the charges?"
Maxwell responded, "Not guilty, your honor."
Maxwell's trial date was set for July 12, 2021. According to CNBC, a prosecutor involved in the case said she expected the trial would take three weeks. Maxwell faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted, the CNBC story said.
In a Tuesday statement, prosecutors said that the "investigation remains ongoing, but at this point, we do not currently anticipate seeking a superseding indictment" with further charges.
According to the New York Post, federal authorities prompted the judge to remand Maxwell, who is considered an "extreme" flight risk with vast means, thus enabling her to flee — but her defense team pushed for bail.
Nathan will issue a ruling on Maxwell's bail "later in the proceeding," the Post reported.
What else?
Audrey Strauss, acting U.S. attorney in the Southern District of New York, previously filed a memo regarding Maxwell's detainment, outlining the suspect's "extreme risk of flight."
"For the reasons set forth herein, the Government respectfully submits that Ghislaine Maxwell, the defendant, poses an extreme risk of flight; that she will not be able to rebut the statutory presumption that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the appearance of the defendant as required … and that the Court should therefore order her detained," a portion of the memo read.
Maxwell's attorneys, Mark Cohen and Jeffrey Pagliuca, issued a court filing last week, which read, "Ms. Maxwell vigorously denies the charges, intends to fight them, and is entitled to the presumption of innocence."


theblaze--2020-07-14--'He's out': Despite presidential aspirations, Kanye West has reportedly missed several ballot access

'He's out': Despite presidential aspirations, Kanye West has reportedly missed several ballot access deadlines

'He 's out ' : Despite presidential aspirations , Kanye West has reportedly missed several ballot access deadlines The short-lived @ @ @ @

Kanye West's short-lived attempt at running for president in 2020 appears to be over as the rapper has missed the deadline to get on the ballot in several states, according to a report by Ben Jacobs at the Intelligencer.
After reportedly amassing a sizable team of operatives aimed at gathering signatures and getting the prospective candidate on ballots, the efforts abruptly ended and now the deadlines have passed or are passing.
What are the details?
"He's out," said Steve Kramer, a get-out-the-vote specialist who was hired by West to get on the Florida and South Carolina ballots, in a July 9 text conversation with Jacobs. Kramer was reportedly part of a large team tasked with gathering signatures in the states over the last week ahead of the Wednesday deadline for independent candidates.
He told Jacobs last week that West's team was "working over weekend [in Florida], formalizing the FEC and other things that they've got to do when you have a lot of corporate lawyers involved."
"They got a lot of people who they've got both on their volunteer side and their contracted side," Kramer said, adding that "we had overwhelming support to get him on the ballot."
But the operation apparently stymied. Kramer seemed to indicate that West had second thoughts about running,
"I have nothing good or bad to say about Kanye," he told Jacobs after the operation ended. "Everyone has their personal decision about why they make decisions. Running for president has to be one of the hardest things for someone to actually contemplate at that level."
Anything else?
West made headlines over Fourth of July weekend when he tweeted out a teaser of his 2020 presidential aspirations. Many believed the tweet to be a joke or a publicity stunt — but then West followed up the tweet with a wild Forbes interview, in which he confirmed his intentions.
Jacobs' report takes the story even further, suggesting that West was not only speaking of his intentions, but was actually building some semblance of a real campaign before things fell apart at the last minute.
Jacobs notes that this fact alone is an indicator that a future run is a very real possibility, perhaps in 2024, as West has mentioned before.
"It may not happen this year, but certainly West could run for president in the future. Donald Trump flirted multiple times with a presidential bid before his now infamous descent down the golden escalator in 2015. West's ambitions to be a presidential candidate should probably be taken more seriously than his ambitions to be Willy Wonka," he wrote.


theblaze--2020-07-14--Store manager yells 'f*** Donald Trump' at man with pro-Trump face mask. Manager now out of a job.

Store manager yells ' f*** Donald Trump ' at man with pro-Trump face mask .
Manager now out of a @ @ @ @ @ not , the manager 's name reportedly is 'Karren '

A Bath & Body Works manager is no longer employed by her Arizona store after yelling "f*** Donald Trump" at a passerby wearing a face mask supporting the president, the Arizona Republic reported.
What are the details?
Jeremiah Cota, director of strategic initiatives for AZ Trump Victory, tweeted Friday that he was "accosted" by the store's manager "simply for wearing a Trump face mask. She yelled at me 'F*** Donald Trump' while I was simply walking by the store. I went to ask if I misheard her and she said no."
In Cota's clip of the short chat with the woman — whose name tag reads "Karren," the paper reported — she acknowledges that she's the manager and that she indeed told Cota "f*** Donald Trump."
Her reason? "Yeah, because that's how I feel," she adds.
Here's the video. ( Content warning: Language):
Cota tagged Bath & Body Works in his tweet, saying the company was guilty of "poor customer service." He added in a subsequent tweet that the incident took place at Scottsdale Fashion Square.
What happened next?
Trump Victory Committee spokesperson Keith Schipper told the Republic that Bath & Body Works in a phone call said "how very sorry they were" for what happened to Cota and that they "respect all beliefs."
Bath & Body Works also confirmed with the paper that it connected with Cota to share its "deepest apologies."
"We absolutely do not condone these actions as all customers should be treated with respect," the statement read, according to the Republic.
Bath & Body Works added to the Republic that the company no longer employed the manager, whose name was not released, but didn't immediately respond to the paper's question regarding if she was fired or quit.
'Intolerance'
Schipper also told the Republic that Cota hasn't been deterred from wearing his Trump mask and that the incident was one of many cases of "intolerance" toward Trump supporters.
"All of our hopes is that there can just be more tolerance so supporters of the president don't have to have their head on a swivel, looking over their shoulder, wondering who's going to accost them," he told the paper.
The virus continues its spread
Trump Derangement Syndrome is still infecting leftists and is showing no signs of dying down. As TheBlaze has previously reported, leftists sometimes turn cranky at pro-Trump objects. For instance, one individual outside a recent Bernie Sanders' rally didn't fare too well when a security guard took issue with his Trump 2020 flag.
Leftists also have been know to flip out at other visual reminders of their president, such as "Make America Great Again" hats:
They've also resorted to taking off or knocking the caps off their heads, spitting at the wearers, and actually stealing the hats as video runs:
And believe it or not, a retired New York City police officer — during his birthday celebration, no less — said a woman punched him in the face and left it bloody recently over his headgear that merely resembled a MAGA hat:


theblaze--2020-07-14--Professor who correctly predicted 5 of past 6 presidential elections makes forecast for Trump 2020

Stony Brook political science professor, Helmut Norpoth, has predicted successfully the outcomes of five of the past six presidential elections since 1996, and he's now predicting that President Donald Trump has a 91% chance of winning the election in November.
Norpoth's proven model, called the "Primary Model," uses data from early primary election results, rather than opinion polls, to predict base excitement. He told Mediaite last week that his model would have accurately predicted the outcome of all but two presidential elections since 1912.
"The Primary Model gives Trump a 91 percent chance of winning in November," Norpoth said. "This model gets it right for 25 of the 27 elections since 1912, when primaries were introduced."
On the "Glenn Beck Radio Program," Glenn and producer Stu Burguiere discussed the plausibility of Norpoth's predictions.
Watch the video below:
Want more from Glenn Beck?
To enjoy more of Glenn's masterful storytelling, thought-provoking analysis and uncanny ability to make sense of the chaos, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution and live the American dream.


theblaze--2020-07-14--Bari Weiss — NY Times Opinion editor who pushed against paper's leftism — blasts colleagues in excor

Bari Weiss — NY Times Opinion editor who pushed against paper's leftism — blasts colleagues in excoriating resignation letter

Bari Weiss — NY Times Opinion editor who pushed against paper 's leftism — blasts colleagues in excoriating resignation letter @ @ @ @ @ bullying ' upon her , even calling Weiss — who is Jewish — ' a @ @ @ @ @

Bari Weiss — the New York Times' Opinion editor and writer who often pushed against the paper's advancing leftism — has resigned from the Times.
What are the details?
The Washington Post's Jeremy Barr tweeted that he was told Weiss resigned Monday. Vice was first to report about her leaving the Times.
Weiss noted in her lengthy resignation letter to publisher A.G. Sulzbergerthat her hiring three years ago came "with the goal of bringing in voices that would not otherwise appear in your pages: first-time writers, centrists, conservatives and others who would not naturally think of The Times as their home. The reason for this effort was clear: The paper's failure to anticipate the outcome of the 2016 election meant that it didn't have a firm grasp of the country it covers."
But Weiss said her stint at the Times was filled with opposition from colleagues hell-bent on advancing and preserving a leftist point of view at the so-called "paper of record":
My own forays into Wrongthink have made me the subject of constant bullying by colleagues who disagree with my views. They have called me a Nazi and a racist; I have learned to brush off comments about how I'm "writing about the Jews again." Several colleagues perceived to be friendly with me were badgered by coworkers. My work and my character are openly demeaned on company-wide Slack channels where masthead editors regularly weigh in. There, some coworkers insist I need to be rooted out if this company is to be a truly "inclusive" one, while others post ax emojis next to my name. Still other New York Times employees publicly smear me as a liar and a bigot on Twitter with no fear that harassing me will be met with appropriate action. They never are.
There are terms for all of this: unlawful discrimination, hostile work environment, and constructive discharge. I'm no legal expert. But I know that this is wrong.
I do not understand how you have allowed this kind of behavior to go on inside your company in full view of the paper's entire staff and the public. And I certainly can't square how you and other Times leaders have stood by while simultaneously praising me in private for my courage. Showing up for work as a centrist at an American newspaper should not require bravery.
Weiss in her letter also criticized the Times for its internal outrage over an op-ed by Arkansas GOP Sen. Tom Cotton, which advocated for President Donald Trump to use military force to stop the rioting that erupted from protests inspired by George Floyd's death. In the wake of the op-ed, editorial page editor James Bennet resigned.
She noted that such a chilling incident "bodes ill, especially for independent-minded young writers and editors paying close attention to what they'll have to do to advance in their careers. Rule One: Speak your mind at your own peril. Rule Two: Never risk commissioning a story that goes against the narrative. Rule Three: Never believe an editor or publisher who urges you to go against the grain. Eventually, the publisher will cave to the mob, the editor will get fired or reassigned, and you'll be hung out to dry."
What did the Times have to say?
A Times spokesperson sent Vice the following statement from Kathleen Kingsbury, acting editorial page editor:
We appreciate the many contributions that Bari made to Times Opinion. I'm personally committed to ensuring that The Times continues to publish voices, experiences and viewpoints from across the political spectrum in the Opinion report. We see every day how impactful and important that approach is, especially through the outsized influence The Times's opinion journalism has on the national conversation.
Here's a clip of Weiss speaking about Trump on "Real Time With Bill Maher":


theblaze--2020-07-14--Dem operative tries to shame Ted Cruz for 'refusing to wear' mask on plane — but new photo tells dif

Dem operative tries to shame Ted Cruz for 'refusing to wear' mask on plane — but new photo tells different story

Dem operative tries to shame Ted Cruz for 'refusing to wear ' mask on plane — but new photo tells @ @ @ @ @ 10:45am — @ TedCruz on a commercial flight , refusing to wear a mask '

American Airlines is "reviewing" an incident with Sen. Ted Cruz after a Democratic operative shamed the Texas Republican for temporarily removing his face mask while aboard a plane.
On Sunday, Democratic operative Hosseh Enad, who works for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, tweeted a photo of Cruz on the plane without his mask.
According to Enad, Cruz was "refusing" to wear his mask.
However, as the picture showed, Cruz was not "refusing" to wear a mask — he was simply enjoying a cup of hot coffee on a Sunday morning, which requires the temporary removal of face coverings in order to consume.
In response, American Airlines said the company is "reviewing" what happened, despite acknowledging its mask policy does not apply when passengers consume food or drink.
According to Fox News, the company said:
For the well-being of our customers and team members, we require face coverings to be worn onboard, and we expect our customers to comply with our policies when they choose to travel with us. As we do in all instances like these, we reviewed the details of the matter, and while our policy does not apply while eating or drinking, we have reached out to Sen. Cruz to affirm the importance of this policy as part of our commitment to protecting the health and safety of the traveling public.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Cruz confirmed the senator only removed his face covering while drinking his coffee.
"To help promote safety, Senator Cruz wears a mask when traveling, and practices social distancing where possible. Consistent with airline policy, he temporarily removes the mask while eating or drinking," the spokesperson said, The Hill reported.
The spokesperson added, "Yesterday during his flight he removed his mask to drink and put it back on afterward. We should all practice common sense measures to slow the spread of the virus."
Indeed, a photo later surfaced showing Cruz wearing his face covering while not consuming coffee.


theblaze--2020-07-14--Federal judge permanently blocks Georgia’s pro-life ‘heartbeat’ law —  Gov. Kemp vows an appeal is

Federal judge permanently blocks Georgia’s pro-life ‘heartbeat’ law —  Gov. Kemp vows an appeal is coming

The judge says it is unconstitutional

A federal judge on Monday permanently blocked Georgia's 2019 pro-life "heartbeat" law, which prohibits abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, ruling that it violates the Constitution.
What are the details?
U.S. District Judge Steven Jones, who also temporarily blocked the law in October of last year, ruled against the state in a lawsuit filed by abortion providers and advocates. The new ruling permanently bars the state from ever enforcing the law.
The legislation passed both chambers and was signed into law by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp last March despite a massive opposition effort by Hollywood liberals. It effectively declared abortion procedures illegal after a "detectable human heartbeat exists," with some exceptions. A heartbeat can be detected as early as six weeks into a pregnancy.
Under current Georgia law, abortions are prohibited after 20 weeks of gestation, or roughly 22 weeks of pregnancy, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
In agreement with Roe v. Wade, Jones ruled that the Georgia law would burden a woman's 14th Amendment "right to privacy" and agreed with the abortion advocates' argument that the law sought solely to ban abortions and not "promote fetal well-being."
"The court rejects the state defendants' argument that the statutory purpose solely concerns 'promoting fetal well-being,'" the judge wrote. "Instead, HB 481's specific references to Roe v. Wade and 'established abortion related precedents' ... lends support to plaintiffs' argument that the purpose of H.B. 481 was to ban or de facto ban abortion."
What else?
Following the ruling, Gov. Kemp immediately vowed to issue an appeal.
"We will appeal the court's decision," the governor wrote on Twitter. "Georgia values life and we will keep fighting for the rights of the unborn."
Lead plaintiff SisterSong, an organization which fights pro-life laws on behalf of women of color, called the ruling a "huge win for bodily autonomy."
"This win is tremendous, and it is also makes a very bold statement," executive director Monica Simpson said in a statement. "No one should have to live in a world where their bodies and reproductive decision making is controlled by the state. And we will continue to work to make sure that is never a reality in Georgia or anywhere else."
Similar laws have also been passed in other states, such as Ohio and Kentucky, only to be struck down at the federal level by judges.
It is unclear whether a Supreme Court appeal will uphold the law, as the nation's high court recently ruled against a Louisiana law that would have restricted abortion access in that state.


theblaze--2020-07-14--Virgin Mary statue burned in apparent act of vandalism, authorities say

Virgin Mary statue burned in apparent act of vandalism , authorities say

Vandals reportedly burned a statue of the Virgin Mary outside a Boston church over the weekend.
What are the details?
Suspects reportedly set fire to the plastic flowers in the statue's clasped hands, which scorched its upper body and face, on Saturday.
Police are investigating the burning of the statue, which stands outside the Saint Peter Parish Church in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston as an act of arson.
In a statement, Father John Curran, pastor of the church, told WCVB-TV, "I was shocked. [There's] disappointment, sadness. The image of Our Lady is so important for us and our faith. It's such a contradiction to her love. Mary would never desecrate anyone, never hurt anyone, only offer them the peace and love of Jesus. I think that's where it really hits us in our hearts."
He told WBTS-TV, "I was shocked. Shocked. This is obviously someone disturbed, someone who has a lot of trouble, a troubled soul. But I know our lady in heaven is looking down on the soul, or whoever it might've been, and saying, 'I love you! If you need help, come get help. We're here for you.'"
The statue was erected in front of the church just after World War II ended.
"Whoever is responsible for the desecration of the Holy Mother's statue is clearly a troubled soul," Terrence C. Donilon, secretary for Communications & Public Affairs for the Archdiocese of Boston, told the Daily Caller in a statement. "Mary represents all that is good and pure in our world. We have confidence in local law enforcement to investigate this matter. We pray for the person or persons responsible."
The Boston Police Department announced it is asking anyone with information to call detectives or submit an anonymous tip with the Crime Stoppers Tip Line.


theblaze--2020-07-14--Antifa tough guy oversteps his bounds with driver in Portland — and gets taught brutal lesson

Antifa tough guy oversteps his bounds with driver in Portland — and gets taught brutal lesson Now , that 's @ @ @ @ @ left-wing mob

Antifa militants more or less have been taking over the streets in Portland, Oregon — and giving law enforcement just about all it can handle.
How bad has it gotten? Well, one guy apparently thought it was a good idea to attack a federal police officer with a hammer a few days ago:
Yet the left-wing mob keeps coming, destroying property and causing general mayhem:
Then there are other forms of lunacy, including one leftist militant — apparently a woman — who stole an elderly man's bike, then punched him square in the face. (Content warning: language):
Elderly Man Sucker Punched Portand Protests #BLM #PDX #Portland #Riots youtu.be
And another woman acted on her bright brainwave to walk a toddler past a line of armed federal officers:
But then Antifa messes with the wrong guy
With all the left-wing brazenness going on in Portland, it's not too surprising that one Antifa bro over the weekend walked up to a parked SUV and opened the door, presumably to mess with the driver.
Why? Well, he's been allowed to do so — and with little consequence thus far.
But this time our hero showed just how tough he isn't.
The driver immediately steps out of his SUV, grabs the brat who opened his door, then puts a nifty move on him, slamming him on his back upon the sidewalk.
"Don't you ever, ever come near my vehicle again!" the man hollers at the kid, hovering over him. "Do you understand me?"
Almost as satisfying as watching the scared youngster fold like cheap suit is the sight of his fearless gang of comrades — about 10 of them — quickly scurrying away from the takedown. Antifa bros usually stick together and gang up on lone targets. But not this time.
After being yelled at to "get up!" the hapless leftist dutifully follows orders, and the man returns to the SUV's driver's seat and shuts the door.
Oh, but there's more
One might think that the Antifa faithful would've cut their losses and kept moving on down the sidewalk at this point. But alas, they had more entertainment up their sleeves.
After one of the militants mustered up the gumption to accuse the driver of "petty s**t" and to order him to "get the f*** out of here" — as the door was closing, mind you — he shines a light into the SUV and excitedly exclaims he's spotted "arrows" in the back of the vehicle.
"Hey! We need a bunch of people down here now!" the excited Antifa fella yells to his crew. "Bow and arrows!" The driver didn't seem to care one bit.
Check it out. Content warning: language:
Anyone else hear angels singing?


theblaze--2020-07-14--NBA shop banned 'free Hong Kong' message on jerseys, but did allow 'KillCops' — until it reversed co

NBA shop banned 'free Hong Kong' message on jerseys, but did allow 'KillCops' — until it reversed course

NBA shop banned 'free Hong Kong ' message on jerseys , but did allow 'KillCops ' — until it reversed @ @ @ @ @ customize this item with the text you have entered .
Please try a different entry @

The NBA incited outrage Monday after online users noticed the league's official website would not let fans purchase customizable jerseys with pro-Hong Kong messages — but did allow anti-police and anti-Semitic messages.
According to the Washington Free Beacon, when a user typed "Free Hong Kong" as the customizable message on a jersey, the NBA's official website returned the following message, "We are unable to customize this item with the text you have entered. Please try a different entry."
However, the website did allow fans to purchase jerseys with the following phrases, among others:
F**k Hong Kong
Abolish cops
Sneaky Jews
Cancel Israel
Pence is gay
Trump has AIDS
One reporter, the Daily Caller's David Hookstead, even called the NBA store's customer service. A sales representative told him that he was not permitted to buy a jersey with the phrase "Free Hong Kong," but could buy one that said, "KillCops."
The NBA infamously kowtowed to China last year after a Houston Rockets executive praised the freedom movement in Hong Kong.
How did the NBA respond?
Update: In a statement provided to TheBlaze, a spokesperson from the NBA stated that the decision was made by the company Fanatics, which manages their store, and that a spokesperson from Fanatics has provided them with the following statement: "The phrase was inadvertently prohibited on all our league online store sites and has now been fixed. Fans who wish to customize it, so long as the text meets the 12-character limit, are able to do so."


theblaze--2020-07-14--'Scooby-Doo' producer, screenwriter confirm that modern Velma got the woke treatment, is lesbian

'Scooby-Doo ' producer , screenwriter confirm that modern Velma got the woke treatment , is lesbian

Velma Dinkley, the brainy square-glasses-wearing fictional character from the American animated franchise "Scooby-Doo" is lesbian, said a producer and former screenwriter for the franchise.
"Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated" producer Tony Cervone confirmed the news in a pride-themed Instagram post last month showcasing Velma and Marcie "Hot Dog Water" Fleach in front of a rainbow backdrop.
In the caption, he made clear that while he doesn't "represent every version of Velma Dinkley," the one that he does represent is indeed lesbian, despite her dating a male character, Shaggy, in the series.
"I've said this before, but Velma in Mystery Incorporated is not bi. She's gay. We always planned on Velma acting a little off and out of character while she was dating Shaggy, because that relationship was wrong for her and she had unspoken difficulty with the why," Cervone added in the comment section, according to BuzzFeed.
"I don't think Marcie and Velma had to act on their feelings during the main timeline, but post reset, they are a couple. You can not like it, but this was our intention," he concluded.
Then, over the weekend, screenwriter James Gunn, famous for writing and directing "Guardians of the Galaxy," claimed that Velma was supposed to be "explicitly gay" in his early 2000s live-action "Scooby-Doo" movie.
"But," he said, "the studio just kept watering it down."
Pink News reported that a kiss was shot between Velma and fellow female character Daphne, but that it didn't make the final cut.
Gunn told the LGBTQ news outlet that the scene and others were cut to make for a PG rating after "like three parents were outraged at a test screening in Sacramento."
"Scooby-Doo" is a long-standing American franchise first created by writers Joe Ruby and Ken Spears in 1969 as a Saturday morning cartoon series, "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!" Following the success of the original series, several spin-offs and follow-up works have been produced, including the productions that Cervone and Gunn were involved in.
While some fans have claimed that Velma was secretly lesbian in the original cartoon series, that has never been confirmed. It appears that modern revisions of the cartoon received the "woke" treatment anyway.


theblaze--2020-07-14--Family of 1-year-old killed by gunmen blast Black Lives Matter mission: 'He was an innocent little b

Family of 1-year-old killed by gunmen blast Black Lives Matter mission: 'He was an innocent little baby and he's gone forever.'

Family of 1-year-old killed by gunmen blast Black Lives Matter mission : 'He was an innocent little baby and he @ @ @ @ @

The family of 1-year-old Davell Gardner Jr. blasted the Black Lives Matter movement after the child's shooting death.
What are the details?
On Sunday, two gunmen opened fire on a barbecue in Brooklyn, New York. Gardner was struck in the stomach and died at nearby hospital shortly after the incident. Three other people were shot, but are expected to make a full recovery, according to a report from the New York Times.
Members of Gardner's family spoke with Fox News' Lawrence Jones, telling him that it's apparent not all black lives matter simply judging by how he cannot get anyone to speak out about those who killed his son.
"For the cowards that did this, you should be ashamed of yourself, because everybody talk about Black Lives Matter — what about baby lives? What about teenager lives?" Samantha Gardner, the child's grandmother, railed. "You took an innocent child from a mother and a father — as well as the grandparents — and I don't think it's fair."
The Times reports that a rise in gun violence has erupted across the city, spiking in June and July.
Davell Gardner Sr., the child's father, said that anyone with information on the killing or the suspects needs to come forward to make things right.
"Anybody who said they are is lying 'cause if you know information, that needs to be said, and no information — it needs to be said," he insisted. "This is my son. He died. You need — whatever information you know, you need to tell me. It needs to be known. I need this information because these guys just took my son's life. For what? He didn't do nothing to nobody!"
The child's grandmother added, when asked what her message is to those who did this, "Go to hell. ... Excuse my expression, but you took something that was precious for me, precious for my son, something precious from his mother, and we will never see him. He cannot come back. He cannot wake back up. He was an innocent little baby and he's gone forever."
Gardner Sr. added that the city is of no help because "the community is getting worse and worse, and nobody's doing nothing about it."
"Nobody's trying to make a change," he insisted, "and it's sad to say that. Every day is just worse. You don't know if you going to live to see the next day."
(H/T: Townhall)


theblaze--2020-07-14--St. Louis attorney who defended property from encroaching mob says he will be 'indicted shortly'

St. Louis attorney who defended property from encroaching mob says he will be 'indicted shortly' Last week , police executed @ @ @ @ @

Mark McCloskey, the St. Louis attorney who went viral last month for defending his property from an encroaching mob, revealed Monday that he and his wife, Patricia, may be "indicted shortly."
"My attorney advised me not to be on the show tonight because the rumor is that we are going to be indicted shortly," McCloskey told Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
Mark McCloskey with Fox News host Tucker Carlson. (Image source: YouTube screenshot)
As TheBlaze reported, local authorities executed a warrant against the McCloskeys last Friday during which police seized the firearms the couple was seen holding in viral photos and videos.
According to McCloskey, the police who served the warrant were "almost apologetic," but had no control over the case, which is being directed by St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, a Democrat.
"[The police], unfortunately, are stuck between a circuit attorney [Kim Gardner] that wants to prosecute us, and their own belief that we did absolutely nothing wrong," McCloskey explained.
He added, "This is the same circuit attorney that released 35 of the protesters that torched and looted downtown St. Louis, but now she wants to indict me. I didn't shoot anybody. I just held my ground, protected my house, and I'm sitting here on television tonight instead of dead or putting out the smoldering embers of my home."
Later, McCloskey said the "only possible solution" to the outrage mob, in the midst of a cultural moment denouncing police, is "for individual citizens to stand up and defend themselves."
Despite the warrant and having their firearms seized, no criminal charges have yet been filed against the McCloskeys.
After the McCloskeys went viral, Gardner vowed to hold the couple "accountable," claiming they had committed a "violent assault." However, Missouri's castle doctrine makes it clear that residents are lawfully permitted to use lethal force to protect their property.


theblaze--2020-07-14--After calling tire mark on rainbow pride crosswalk a 'gesture of hate,' cops change tune after inter

After calling tire mark on rainbow pride crosswalk a 'gesture of hate,' cops change tune after interviewing driver

After calling tire mark on rainbow pride crosswalk a 'gesture of hate , ' cops change tune after interviewing driver

Police in West Vancouver, British Columbia, last week called a tire mark found on a rainbow pride crosswalk a "gesture of hate" — but after interviewing the driver who left the mark and reviewing the evidence, police are changing their tune.
"It does not appear that this incident was motivated by hate," Const. Kevin Goodmurphy said in an emailed statement, CTV News reported Monday.
While two charges were laid under the Motor Vehicle Act, the network said police aren't considering criminal charges.
What's the background?
The rainbow pride crosswalk at the intersection of 16th Street and Esquimalt Avenue was unveiled June 30:
But a week later — around 4 p.m. last Tuesday — staff inside the West Vancouver Police station heard a loud, sustained squealing sound, City News said.
A tire mark was found on the crosswalk — and police had a theory as to who was responsible for leaving it:
Surveillance video shows the same car from the latter tweet at the intersection and taking a right turn:
Two people appeared to be in the vehicle, the outlet reported.
"This is very upsetting," Goodmurphy said in a release, according to City News. "For whatever reason, this person has chosen to leave a gesture of hate on a crosswalk that stands for the exact opposite."
Police tweeted Thursday that they identified the driver they believe is responsible for leaving the tire mark and included a thank you to "those who have come forward with information."


theblaze--2020-07-15--Two days into mandatory mask order in Michigan, one man is killed by police and another is stabbed o

Two days into mandatory mask order in Michigan, one man is killed by police and another is stabbed over a mask dispute

Two days into mandatory mask order in Michigan , one man is killed by police and another is stabbed over @ @ @ @ @ shows the man threatening an officer with a knife

One man is dead and another has been hospitalized with a serious stab wound over a dispute about a mask only two days in Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's social distancing order.
Police say that Sean Ernest Ruis, 43, was confronted by a 77-year-old man for not wearing a mask to stop the spread of the coronavirus at a Quality Dairy store outside of Lansing.
Ruis allegedly stabbed the man and fled the scene.
Michigan State Police released video from a female deputy's bodycam when she later attempted to pull over Ruis and he rushed her with a knife, leading to his shooting death.
"Very unfortunate she had to use her weapon, but she saved her life," said Eaton County Sheriff Tom Reich, according to USA Today.
"I mean, that's the most important thing right here," he added. "She had to use deadly force, and she did it properly, and I'm glad she wasn't harmed in any way."
The 77-year-old victim was hospitalized with a serious injury and is in stable condition.
The deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave as the Michigan State Police investigate the incident. She is a 22-year veteran of the force.
Here's the video of the harrowing incident:


theblaze--2020-07-15--White House trade adviser Peter Navarro pens scathing op-ed blasting colleague Dr. Fauci

'Anthony Fauci has been wrong about everything I have interacted with him on '

Peter Navarro, White House director of the Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy, publicly declared his distrust of fellow Trump administration official Dr. Anthony Fauci on Tuesday, penning a column condemning the infectious disease expert over his guidance amid the coronavirus pandemic.
What are the details?
In a piece published by USA Today, Navarro said of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director: "Anthony Fauci has been wrong about everything I have interacted with him on."
Navarro slammed Fauci for fighting against President Donald Trump's ban on flights from China back in January, for "telling the media not to worry" about the pandemic the same month, for "flip-flopping" on the use of masks by the public, and for insisting "that there was only anecdotal evidence in support of hydroxychloroquine to fight the virus" despite studies indicating otherwise.
The op-ed was posted as an opposing view to the USA Today's editorial board piece arguing that "Donald Trump muzzling Dr. Anthony Fauci amid COVID-19 would be hazardous."
The trade adviser's op-ed blasting Fauci comes the day after Adm. Brett Giroir, assistant secretary for health in the Department of Health and Human Services, said during an interview on NBC News, "I respect Dr. Fauci a lot, but Dr. Fauci is not 100 percent right, and he also doesn't necessarily — and he admits that — have the whole national interest in mind."
Giroir added, "He looks at it from a very narrow public health point of view. But let me say, there is absolutely open discourse" in the administration.
Critics on social media pointed to Navarro's op-ed as a sign of discord in the Trump administration.
What else?
CNBC reporter Christina Wilkie shared a link to the piece on Twitter, writing, "Wow. Navarro just ran his oppo dump against Dr. Fauci as an op-ed. In 10 yrs covering politics, I've never seen a senior WH official publish a broadside like this against a colleague."
She added, "Where's [White House chief of staff Mark] Meadows? This is what WH Chiefs of Staff are hired to prevent."


theblaze--2020-07-15--ViacomCBS terminates relationship with Nick Cannon over anti-Semitic rants on his podcast

ViacomCBS terminates relationship with Nick Cannon over anti-Semitic rants on his podcast The media conglomerate noted he did n't apologize @ @ @ @

After a decadeslong relationship with megastar host Nick Cannon, ViacomCBS terminated their association after public furor over anti-Semitic rants he posted on his podcast show.
The bizarre comments from Cannon resurfaced from a show he published in 2019 and resulted in condemnations from numerous Jewish groups.
"ViacomCBS condemns bigotry of any kind and we categorically denounce all forms of anti-Semitism," the company said in a statement on Tuesday.
"We have spoken with Nick Cannon about an episode of his podcast 'Cannon's Class' on YouTube, which promoted hate speech and spread anti-Semitic conspiracy theories," the company added.
"While we support ongoing education and dialogue in the fight against bigotry, we are deeply troubled that Nick has failed to acknowledge or apologize for perpetuating anti-Semitism, and we are terminating our relationship with him," the statement said.
"We are committed to doing better in our response to incidents of anti-Semitism, racism, and bigotry," the company added. "ViacomCBS will have further announcements on our efforts to combat hate of all kinds."
Cannon developed the "Wild 'N Out" show for Viacom channels MTV and VH1 in 2005, but has worked for the company since the 1990s.
Cannon offered a statement from his Twitter account denying that he had made comments including hate speech but many noted that he didn't really apologize for the accusations he made against the Jewish people.
In an interview with Fast Company, Cannon later said he would not apologize for the comments.
The popular host also heads Fox's "The Masked Singer" show, but the company has not commented on the controversy.
Here's more about the Nick Cannon controversy:


theblaze--2020-07-15--Tommy Tuberville defeats Jeff Sessions in GOP runoff for Alabama Senate seat

Tuberville will take on Democratic Sen. Doug Jones in November

UPDATED, 12:15 AM ET:The story has been updated with 100% of the precincts reporting.
Former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville has beaten former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions for the Republican primary runoff to challenge Alabama Democratic Sen. Doug Jones in the November general election.
What are the details?
Business Insider reported that the race was officially called for Tuberville citing Decision Desk HQ, and RealClearPolitics indicated that the former head coach won with 60.7% of the vote compared to Sessions' 39.3% with 100% of the precincts reporting.
The defeat means Sessions has lost the opportunity to take back the U.S. Senate seat he held for 20 years before giving it up in 2017 to serve as attorney general for President Donald Trump.
Tuberville will face Sen. Jones on Nov. 3, and the Democrat is considered incredibly vulnerable considering President Trump won the state by 27 points in 2016.
President Trump endorsed Tuberville in the race against his former AG, and publicly condemned Sessions several times since he announced his candidacy last year. Sessions fell out of favor with the president after recusing himself from overseeing the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
After the results were announced Tuesday, President Trump tweeted, "Wow, just called! @TTuberville - Tommy Tuberville WON big against Jeff Sessions. Will be a GREAT Senator for the incredible people of Alabama. @DougJones is a terrible Senator who is just a Super Liberal puppet for Schumer & Pelosi. Represents Alabama poorly. On to November 3rd."
GOP strategist Angi Stalnaker explained to ABC News ahead of Tuesday's results, "This race is not about Jeff Sessions versus Tommy Tuberville. It is about Jeff Sessions versus Donald Trump."
Stalnaker added, "This is an election without a candidate — Tommy Tuberville has been largely quiet and unseen for weeks now."
The Hill reported that "the runoff comes months after the state's Republican primary in March, where Sessions received 31.6% of the Republican primary vote and Tuberville garnered 33.4%. Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Ala.) came in third with 25% of the vote."
What's next?
A recent poll conducted by Auburn University at Montgomery showed that Tuberville is favored in the November general election against Jones, 44% to 35%. That same poll showed Republicans favored Tuberville over Sessions in the runoff, 47% to 31%.


theblaze--2020-07-16--US, UK, and Canada accuse Russia of trying to steal coronavirus vaccine research

US , UK , and Canada accuse Russia of trying to steal coronavirus vaccine research The NSA believes the Russian @ @ @ @ @ one that hacked into the Democratic National Committee computer network before the 2016 presidential election @

Hackers linked to Russian intelligence services are attempting to steal coronavirus vaccine research from pharmaceutical companies and other organizations, according to security officials from the U.S., the U.K., and Canada.
The three nations alleged on Thursday that hacking group APT29, also known as "Cozy Bear" and "the Dukes," is trying to steal COVID-19 vaccine research. The U.S. National Security Agency, U.K.'s National Cyber Security Centre, and Canada's Communications Security Establishment all agree that the hacker group is "almost certainly part of the Russian intelligence services."
"Throughout 2020, APT29 has targeted various organizations involved in COVID-19 vaccine development in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, highly likely with the intention of stealing information and intellectual property relating to the development and testing of COVID-19 vaccines," according to the U.K.'s National Cyber Security Centre. "The group uses a variety of tools and techniques to predominantly target governmental, diplomatic, think-tank, healthcare and energy targets for intelligence gain."
APT29, which is associated with the Russian military spy agency GRU, is reportedly using custom malicious software to target organizations around the world. The malware being used is called "WellMess" and "WellMail," according to the 16-page advisory.
Targets include health care agencies, pharmaceutical companies, academia, medical research organizations, and local governments, security officials warned.
"In recent attacks targeting COVID-19 vaccine research and development, the group conducted basic vulnerability scanning against specific external IP addresses owned by the organizations," the joint advisory stated. "The group then deployed public exploits against the vulnerable services identified."
"It is completely unacceptable that the Russian Intelligence Services are targeting those working to combat the coronavirus pandemic,″ said Dominic Raab, Britain's foreign secretary. "While others pursue their selfish interests with reckless behavior, the U.K. and its allies are getting on with the hard work of finding a vaccine and protecting global health."
"APT29 is likely to continue to target organizations involved in COVID-19 vaccine research and development, as they seek to answer additional intelligence questions relating to the pandemic," the advisory concludes.
Russia has denied the allegations.
"We do not have information on who might have hacked into pharmaceutical companies and research centers," Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the TASS news agency. "We can only say one thing: Russia has nothing to do with these attempts. We do not accept these accusations, as well as the usual accusations of interference in the 2019 (sic) election."
U.S. officials have made similar accusations about theft of COVID-19 research against China.
"At this very moment, China is working to compromise American health care organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and academic institutions conducting essential COVID-19 research," FBI Director Chris Wray said last week.
Cozy Bear was identified as one of the Russian-linked groups that hacked into the Democratic National Committee computer network and stole emails and phone calls before the 2016 presidential election.
In early April, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a warning that cyber espionage groups were attempting to exploit the coronavirus pandemic.
"Both [Cybersecurity and Infrastructure and Security Agency] and [National Cyber Security Centre] are seeing a growing use of COVID-19-related themes by malicious cyber actors," the alert stated. "At the same time, the surge in teleworking has increased the use of potentially vulnerable services, such as virtual private networks, amplifying the threat to individuals and organizations."


theblaze--2020-07-16--National Association of Police Organizations endorses Trump after endorsing Obama and Biden in 2008

National Association of Police Organizations endorses Trump after endorsing Obama and Biden in 2008 and 2012

In an open letter thanking the president for his "steadfast and very public support," the National Association of Police Organizations endorsed President Trump's re-election campaign Wednesday.
The coalition, which consists of over 1,000 police associations and 240,000 police officers across the county, had endorsed former President Barack Obama and his running mate Joe Biden in 2008 and 2012. The group did not endorse any candidate during the 2016 election.
NAPO President Michael McHale said that Trump's support has been particularly helpful "during this time of unfair and inaccurate opprobrium being directed at our members by so many."
"We particularly value your directing the Attorney General to aggressively prosecute those who attack our officers," McHale said in the letter.
He also cited several other actions by the Trump administration, including the "signing into law the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act; [the president's] advocacy and signing into law the legislation which permanently authorizes funds to support 9/11 first responders and their families" as well as the administration's "revitalization of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program to help reduce violent crime."
According to Fox News, the coalition met with President Trump in the Oval Office on Monday for a roundtable discussion with people whose lives have been positively impacted by the police.
"Our officers have been under vicious assault. Reckless politicians have defamed our heroes as the enemy," Trump said during the roundtable. "These radical politicians want to defund and abolish the police."
"My administration is pro-safety, pro-police and anti-crime," he added.
Police have come under intense scrutiny in recent months after George Floyd's death under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer sparked nationwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism. Many protesters have called for state and local municipalities to "defund the police" in order to right the perceived wrongs.
Trump's Democratic opponent, former Vice President Joe Biden, who received NAPO's endorsement in 2008 and 2012, has resisted calls for defunding the police, but has suggested that some funding should "absolutely" be redirected away from police departments.
According to a statement on its website, NAPO exists for "the purpose of advancing the interests of America's law enforcement officers through legislative advocacy, political action and education."


theblaze--2020-07-16--Smithsonian publishes graphic saying concepts like 'rational linear thinking,' 'nuclear family,' and

Smithsonian publishes graphic saying concepts like 'rational linear thinking,' 'nuclear family,' and 'hard work' are specific to 'white culture'

Smithsonian publishes graphic saying concepts like 'rational linear thinking , ' 'nuclear family , ' and 'hard work ' are @ @ @ @ @

The Smithsonian Institute published what amounts to rather questionable information through its National Museum of African American History & Culture on the topic of whiteness and "white culture."
What are the details?
On Wednesday, the Federalist pointed out that the museum had been promoting learning materials regarding whiteness and white culture on its website.
The materials are available for people to use in an effort to constructively discuss "race, equity, and inclusion."
A blurb on the museum's website reads, "Issues of race are sometimes blatant and obvious, sometimes subtle and nuanced, and often difficult to confront. However, with commitment and caring, we can all play an important role in dismantling racism to create a more inclusive, just, and safe society. By committing to understanding and talking about race, all our lives will be better."
The museum, through its website, also insists that because white Americans "hold most of the political, institutional, and economic power," they are able to reap the benefits that "non-white groups do not."
Its "Talking About Race" page defines "whiteness" and "white radicalized identity" as "the way that white people, their customs, cultures, and beliefs operate as the standard by which all other groups are compared."
Other topics featured for points of discussion include "white fragility," "white nationalism," and, of course, "white supremacy."
"Whiteness is also at the core of understanding race in America," the site adds. "Whiteness and the normalization of white racial identity throughout America's history have created a culture where non-white persons are seen as inferior or abnormal."
The museum even went as far as to create a graphic for teaching about the problematic notion of whiteness.
The graphic, titled "Aspects & Assumptions of Whiteness & White Culture in the United States," points out that many white people operate under the same idea of what it "means" to be white in America.
What's on the graphic?
Some items on the list include "Family Structure," which is defined as a nuclear family composed of a father — who is the breadwinner, of course — a mother, and 2.3 children who each have their own bedrooms in the family home.
Another notion that white people apparently embrace includes "Protestant Work Ethic," which places high priority on a hard day's work.
"Religion" is another topic, in which white people reportedly predominantly believe that "Christianity is the norm" and that there is "no tolerance for deviation from [a] single god concept."
Beauty, according to the graphic, is based on European ideals such as "blonde, thin, 'Barbie'" women, and men who have high economic standing, intellect, power, and wealth.
The organization also says that white culture emphasizes the importance of respecting authority, being self-reliant, maintaining independence, and things such as future planning and valuing property and ownership.
Byron York of the Washington Examiner shared the graphic on Twitter, writing, "The National Museum of African American History & Culture wants to make you aware of certain signs of whiteness: Individualism, hard work, objectivity, the nuclear family, progress, respect for authority, delayed gratification, more"


theblaze--2020-07-16--Nick Cannon completely flip-flops on anti-Semitic remarks after Fox network steps in

Nick Cannon completely flip-flops on anti-Semitic remarks after Fox network steps in So what 's his real take then ?

TV host and producer Nick Cannon issued a lengthy apology on Wednesday night for anti-Semitic remarks he made, which cost him a job this week and potentially put another job in jeopardy.
He appeared to make the apology after one of his employers — Fox Broadcasting Company — reportedly gave him a stern talking-to over the remarks.
What's the history?
Cannon made decidedly anti-Semitic remarks about Jewish people during a 2019 episode of his podcast, "Cannon's Class." He issued the controversial comments during a conversation with former Public Enemy member Richard "Professor Griff" Griffin.
ViacomCBS — parent company of MTV — fired Cannon, 39, following the remarks, which recently resurfaced on the internet. Up until his firing, ViacomCBS had employed Cannon since the 1990s.
Following his firing from ViacomCBS, Cannon blasted the company for firing him — a move that he said placed the company "on the wrong side of history." He also insisted upon an apology from the company — which he never received. He also said that he was a victim of systemic racism because of the firing.
He wrote, "I am deeply saddened in a moment so close to reconciliation that the powers that be, misused an important moment for us all to grow closer together and learn more about one another. Instead the moment was stolen and highjacked [sic] to make an example of an outspoken black man."
Cannon added, "They wanted to put the young negro in his place. They wanted to show me who is boss, hang me out to dry and make an example of anyone who says something they don't agree with."
He had a busy Wednesday — because after slamming the network for firing him, he told Fast Company that he would not apologize for the remarks.
It seemed apparent that Fox — which employs him as the host of its hit show "The Masked Singer" — got to him afterward, however, and said that immediately after the company learned of Cannon's remarks, it "immediately began a dialogue with Nick" about his remarks. A company spokesman also issued the following statement on the status of his employment:
Nick has sincerely apologized, and quickly taken steps to educate himself and make amends. On that basis and given a belief that this moment calls for dialogue, we will move forward with Nick and help him advance this important conversation, broadly.
What did he say in his apology?
The TV host and producer made the new apology on Facebook, writing, "First and foremost I extend my deepest and most sincere apologies to my Jewish sisters and brothers for the hurtful and divisive words that came out of my mouth during my interview with Richard Griffin."
During the questionable exchange with Griffin, Cannon said that blacks are the "true Hebrews" and that Jewish people have appropriated their identities. He also insisted that light-skinned Jews "have a deficiency" that prevents dark skin, and more.
"[The remarks] reinforced the worst stereotypes of a proud and magnificent people and I feel ashamed of the uninformed and naive place that these words came from," he continued on Wednesday evening. "The video of this interview has since been removed."
Cannon also promised to educate himself in order to strengthen the "bond" between black and Jewish people.
"I want to assure my Jewish friends, new and old, that this is only the beginning of my education — I am committed to deeper connections, more profound learning and strengthening the bond between our two cultures today and every day going forward," he insisted.
He also added that he now realizes that he only perpetuated "hateful propaganda" and pushed "stereotypical rhetoric" with his remarks.
"I just had the blessed opportunity to converse with Rabbi Abraham Cooper director of global social action @SimonWiesenthal My first words to my brother was, I apologize for the hurt I caused the Jewish Community," he wrote in a follow-up Facebook post. "On my podcast I used words and referenced literature I assumed to be factual to uplift my community, but instead turned out to be hateful propaganda and stereotypical rhetoric that pained another community. For this I am deeply sorry, but now together we can write a new chapter of healing."


theblaze--2020-07-16--Virginia state trooper under investigation after video shows him taunting, forcibly removing a black

Virginia state trooper under investigation after video shows him taunting, forcibly removing a black man from his vehicle during a traffic stop

Virginia state trooper under investigation after video shows him taunting , forcibly removing a black man from his vehicle during @ @ @ @ @ you like that , motherf***er ! '

A Virginia state trooper has been placed on administrative leave while the department conducts an investigation into his conduct during a 2019 traffic stop that involved a black driver.
What are the details?
During the traffic stop, Trooper Charles Hewitt is shown repeatedly asking the driver, Derrick Thompson, to exit the vehicle in order for officers to perform a search.
When Thompson declines, Hewitt begins aggressively taunting him before forcibly removing him from the vehicle, saying, "How do you like that, motherf***er!" as he allegedly pins Thompson on the ground.
"The conduct displayed by Trooper Hewitt during the course of the traffic stop is not in agreement with the established standards of conduct required of a Virginia trooper. Nor is it characteristic of the service provided daily across the Commonwealth of Virginia by Virginia State Police personnel," Superintendent Col. Gary T. Settle said in a news release regarding the incident and subsequent investigation.
Video of the incident, recorded on Thompson's cellphone, was posted to social media by his attorney, Joshua Erlich, on Monday.
Warning: The following video contains vulgar language that may be offensive to some viewers.
Virginia State Police, who launched the investigation after the video was posted on social media, said they had not received any complaint about the incident before this week.
What happened during the traffic stop?
Police added in the news release that Thompson was pulled over on April 20, 2019, in Fairfax County after his vehicle was found to have an expired inspection decal.
The trooper who pulled Thompson over — who was not Hewitt — then discovered that Thompson was driving with a suspended driver's license. She also reportedly detected a "strong odor of marijuana" coming from inside the car and initiated a search of the vehicle.
Police said that Thompson refused to exit the vehicle despite repeated requests for him to do so.
Hewitt, who came to assist with the traffic stop, then placed Thompson under arrest over his refusal to cooperate with law enforcement — and that's where the footage appears to start.
"Take a look at me. I'm a f***ing specimen right here, buddy," Hewitt said, noticeably angry. "You're going to get your a** whooped in front of f***ing Lord and all creation."
"Sir, my hands are up. I'm in no threat to the officer," replied Thompson, who was allegedly on his way to work at the time. "They just illegally opened my car and I'm being forcibly removed."
"I'm giving you till the count of three. Don't do this," Hewitt then warns before beginning to count.
Hewitt then looks at the camera and says, "Watch the show, folks," as he puts Thompson in a chokehold and removes him from the vehicle.
The video then turns to black while Thompson can be heard pleading with Hewitt to get off of his neck and Hewitt can be heard saying, "How do you like that, motherf***er!"
Thompson was then transported to Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, where he was charged with obstruction of justice, driving on a suspended license, and for the expired inspection decal. He was also treated for an abrasion to his forehead.
No drugs were found in the vehicle, according to law enforcement.
What's next?
According to state policy, when someone sustains even a minor injury, a use of force investigation is required. At Hewitt's request, an investigation into the matter ensued, along with an additional administrative investigation. But apparently no action was deemed necessary at the time.
Now, with the release of the video, a separate investigation is taking place.
Police said that once the department concludes its findings, the file will be turned over to the Commonwealth of Virginia's attorney for further review and subsequent action.


theblaze--2020-07-16--'Take your white self back to the white neighborhood': City official accused of using racist languag

'Take your white self back to the white neighborhood': City official accused of using racist language toward cop over $10 parking ticket

'Take your white self back to the white neighborhood ' : City official accused of using racist language toward cop @ @ @ @ @ 'You 're probably the kind that would shoot us in the back '

A city official in South Carolina is accused of using racist language toward a police officer over a $10 parking ticket.
What are the details?
According to a Darlington Police Department report obtained by WBTW-TV reported, an officer was enforcing parking laws last month when he reported a vehicle parked on the wrong side of the road. The officer then placed a parking ticket on the windshield of the vehicle, the station said.
The report indicates that Councilwoman Sheila Baccus moments later asked the officer what was going on, and the officer replied that he had just issued a ticket and that he'd previously given a verbal warning for the same violation, WBTW noted.
The report added that another woman emerged that the officer recognized as the individual previously warned about parking on the wrong side of the road, the station said.
'Why are you harassing us?'
The report adds that Baccus then asked the officer, "Why are you harassing us? You don't have anything better to do than write parking tickets?" WBTW reported.
The officer replied that it was his job and to contact Chief Kelvin Washington if she had a problem, the station said.
The report says Baccus then made a phone call and afterward said, "The chief said he will take care of this ticket," WBTW noted.
The she offered her alleged coup de grace, according to the station, citing the report: "Take your white self back to the white neighborhood ... you're probably the kind that would shoot us in the back."
The officer said he did not respond to Baccus' comment and instead returned to his patrol car, WBTW said, according to the report.
What did the police chief have to say about the alleged incident?
Police Chief Kelvin Washington on Friday provided the following statement, according to the station:
"On June 17, 2020, an unattended white SUV was improperly parked on Oak Street. An officer approached the vehicle and placed a parking ticket on the vehicle for being improperly parked. It was later discovered that the vehicle was being operated by Councilwoman Sheila Baccus. The officer handled this interaction with Councilwoman Baccus with the highest level of professionalism, and he has my complete support. He did nothing wrong and said nothing wrong. He was simply just doing his job. Any questions about Councilwoman Baccus' actions or comments that day would be best answered by her. The parking ticket was paid two days after the incident."
The ticket was for $10, WPDE-TV reported.
WBTW said Darlington Mayor Curtis Boyd also referred all questions about the incident to Baccus.
What did the councilwoman have to say?
The station said it reached out to Baccus for comment Thursday night and Friday morning. WBTW added that it reached out twice by phone Friday afternoon and that the station hadn't received a response from her as of Friday night.
(H/T: The Police Tribune)


theblaze--2020-07-16--Bodycam video shows NYPD cop punching, choking, and macing homeless man

The man was arrested and dragged off the subway for reportedly `` occupying more than one seat '' on the @ @ @

Body camera video shows an NYPD officer punching, choking, and macing a homeless man. The man was physically thrown out of a nearly empty New York City subway car for allegedly taking up more than one seat.
Bodycam footage of an aggressive arrest that was recorded in late May was made public on Wednesday by the Legal Aid Society. At approximately 12:30 a.m. on May 25, Joseph Troiano was told to exit a New York City subway car by NYPD officers. Troiano, 30, left the subway car and relocated to the neighboring one.
The NYPD cops followed Troiano into the other car of the No. 6 train heading to Brooklyn. "Step off or I gotta drag you off," Officer Shimul Saha is heard telling Troiano.
According to a criminal complaint, the police approached Troiano because he was "occupying more than one seat." The video, which was edited by the Legal Aid Society, shows that the subway car was nearly empty.
"You can't arrest me for not wanting to get off of the train," Troiano replies to the police officers.
NYPD Officer Adonis Long attempts to physically remove Troiano, and the man bats away the cop's hand. Officer Long attempts to pull Troiano out of the seat, and he resists. Then Long punches Troiano twice in the face.
Troiano is physically thrown out of the subway car and falls to the ground on the subway platform. Troiano is ordered to sit on the floor by police. After he does not comply, Long is seen pepper-spraying Troiano in the face at close proximity.
Troiano is crying and screaming, "Stop!" Police officers attempt to handcuff Troiano, but he resists. While trying to pin Troiano to the ground, Officer Long is seen choking the man.
The officers finally handcuff Troiano. "I'm having a panic attack, please," he tells the cops. The officers tell him to "relax." EMTs arrive at the scene of the arrest and transport him to Mt. Sinai Hospital.
Troiano was charged with misdemeanor resisting arrest and second-degree assault, which is a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison.
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance originally pushed for the felony charge because the criminal complaint stated that Long "sustained swelling and substantial pain to the knuckles of his right hand and was transported to the hospital" after he was allegedly kicked by Troiano.
"He informs me that because of the swelling he is unable to open and close his hand without experiencing pain," Officer Saha wrote in his police report.
The felony charge was dismissed this week after the case made headlines.
"Up until yesterday, the DA's office fully intended to prosecute this case as a felony. It's shameful that it takes a bad headline for Vance and his ADA's to finally do right by our vulnerable clients," said Edda Ness of the Legal Aid Society, who is representing Troiano. "We demand that DA Vance immediately dismiss all charges pending against Joseph."
Troiano's lawyer pointed out that Officer Long's right hand may have been injured from punching the homeless man. "If you look at the video, and see the way he punches Joseph, then perhaps he got the injury that way," Ness said.
The DA's office said that it is investigating possible police misconduct.
"We are reviewing the footage and continuing to investigate all aspects of this interaction," said Caitlyn Fowles, a spokesperson for Vance. "Our office has charged dozens of uniformed officers for official misconduct and violence since 2010, and will continue to do so in any case where such charges are supported by the facts and the law."
Troiano's arrest happened hours before the death of George Floyd and the subsequent worldwide protests against police brutality.
(CAUTION: Graphic video)


theblaze--2020-07-16--Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp prohibits cities and counties from requiring masks

Brian Kemp , governor of Georgia , places a protective mask on his face during a 'Wear A Mask ' @ @ @ @ @ Georgia , U.S. , on Thursday , July 2 , 2020 .
( Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg @ @ @ @

Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp issued an executive order banning cities and counties from implementing face mask requirements, Newsweek reported.
At the same time, Kemp's executive order renewed a limit on gatherings of 50 people or more, strongly encouraged people to wear face masks in public, and emphasized measures to be taken by restaurants and providers of essential services to maintain social distancing.
Kemp does not view mask mandates as legally enforceable and is not allowing local actions on the matter to be more restrictive than state orders. Kemp not only encourages masks, but also wears one himself in public.
The Associated Press reported that at least 15 local governments in Georgia had begun requiring masks to slow the spread of the virus. Now, some of those local leaders are angry with Kemp's order.
"It is officially official. Governor Kemp does not give a damn about us," Mayor Van Johnson of Savannah wrote on Twitter Wednesday. "Every man and woman for himself/herself. Ignore the science and survive the best you can."
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Bottoms had also required masks in the city. The governor's office was openly critical of that move.
"Like all of the local mask mandates, Mayor Bottoms' order is unenforceable," Kemp spokeswoman Candice Broce told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in a statement. "We continue to encourage Georgians to do the right thing and wear a mask voluntarily. If the Mayor wants to flatten the curve in Atlanta, she should start enforcing the current provisions of the Governor's orders."
Kemp's own words and actions clearly indicate that he believes masks help in some way to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. But he has stated in the past that he believes making masks voluntary is more effective than mandates.
"We don't need a mandate for people to do the right thing," Kemp told reporters earlier this month, CNN reported.
Kemp's aggressive action against mask mandates is contrasted with other Republican governors, such as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, who have issued statewide mask mandates as COVID-19 cases and positivity rates rise in some areas of the southern United States.
Ivey agrees that mask mandates are difficult to enforce, but believes they are worth the trouble.
"I still believe this is going to be a difficult order to enforce, and I always prefer personal responsibility over a government mandate," Ivey said at a Wednesday press conference announcing Alabama's mandate. "Yet I also know, with all my heart, that the numbers and data the past few weeks are definitely trending in the wrong direction."


theblaze--2020-07-16--POLL: Who do you trust the least?

POLL: Who do you trust the least?

POLL : Who do you trust the least ?
Cast your vote and do n't forget to share !

POLL: Who do you trust the least?
Cast your vote and don't forget to share!


theblaze--2020-07-16--Women reportedly punch, kick airline workers — and even throw shoes, phones, metal boarding signs, f

Women reportedly punch, kick airline workers — and even throw shoes, phones, metal boarding signs, fast food at them — over delayed flight

Women reportedly punch , kick airline workers — and even throw shoes , phones , metal boarding signs , fast @ @ @ @ @ delayed flight

Spirit Airlines said three women physically attacked employees at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, WPLG-TV reported. And what sparked Tuesday night's free-for-all, captured on video?
Apparently, a delayed flight.
What are the details?
The airline said three employees suffered minor injuries when the would-be passengers "became combative following a delayed flight," the station said.
The three women hit airplane employees "with miscellaneous items, such as phones, shoes, full water bottles, metal boarding signs and fast food," WPLG said, citing Broward County Sheriff's Office arrest reports.
Image source: YouTube screenshot
The melee occurred outside the gate of a flight to Philadelphia in Terminal 4, the station said.
"The victims were also punched and kicked in different sections of their bodies numerous times," the arrest reports said, according to WPLG.
Here's the full video. It shows women throwing various objects at employees behind the airline counter and then charging at them, delivering punches and kicks. Later in the clip one airline employee is seen limping as she escapes through a glass door as the women appear to come back for more:
Airline employees injured in attack by passengers waiting for flight youtu.be
Who was arrested?
The three arrested women all hail from Philadelphia, the station said.
Tymaya Wright, 20, was charged with battery and petit theft for allegedly taking a Spirit employee's phone, WPLG reported, adding that Danaysha Dixon, 22, and Keira Ferguson, 21, were charged with battery.
(L to R) Tymaya Wright, Danaysha Dixon, Keira Ferguson Image source: Broward County Sheriff's Office
The trio was taken to jail and released on bond Wednesday morning, the station said.
WPLG said the women declined to share their side of the story.
Image source: YouTube screenshot
The sheriff's office told the station its investigation is continuing and that the women could face additional charges.
What did Spirit Airlines have to say?
Spirit Airlines released the following statement, according to WPLG:
"We thank our Team Members for their professionalism and quick actions, and we also thank the Broward Sheriff's Office for their assistance at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport yesterday. Three Guests became combative following a delayed flight, and they were arrested for physically assaulting our Team Members. Three of our Team Members sustained minor injuries. This violent behavior is completely unacceptable and has absolutely no place in airports or any other place of business. We will not tolerate abusive behavior of any kind. Further questions about this incident should be referred to law enforcement."


theblaze--2020-07-16--Black Lives Matter statue erected in the UK gets taken down within 24 hours

A statue dedicated to a British Black Lives Matter activist was installed on a plinth in the U.K. that was once occupied by a statue of a wealthy merchant trader who was involved in the slave trade. However, within 24 hours, the Black Lives Matter sculpture was taken down.
During a protest on June 7 in the city of Bristol in southwest England, vandals tore down a statue of Edward Colston. He was a 17th-century member of Parliament, philanthropist, and merchant involved in the transatlantic slave trade. In the wake of the George Floyd protests, rioters toppled the 125-year-old statue of Colston and dumped it into the harbor.
On Wednesday, a new statue was raised on the pedestal where Colston's monument once stood. The new statue was a tribute to Jen Reid, a Bristol-based Black Lives Matter activist. The life-size black resin and steel sculpture of the BLM protester was created by British artist Marc Quinn, who titled the artwork "A Surge of Power (Jen Reid) 2020."
On Thursday, Reid's statue was removed by Bristol City Council contractors within 24 hours of being erected.
Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees explained his decision to remove the statue.
"I prefer to say we're not taking down the statue of a Black Lives Matter protester, we are taking down the work of a London-based artist who erected it without permission and without any conversation with the city," Rees told Sky News.
Rees previously called the Colston statue "an affront," but added that he did not approve of how the statue was torn down.
"As an elected politician, obviously I cannot condone the damage and I am very concerned about the implications of a mass gathering on the possibility of a second COVID wave," Rees said.
"I can't and won't pretend the statue of a slave trader in a city I was born and grew up in wasn't an affront to me and people like me," said Rees, who is black. "People in Bristol who don't want that statue in the middle of the city came together and it is my job to unite, hear those voices and hold those truths together for people for who that statue is a personal affront."
"The future of the plinth and what is installed on it must be decided by the people of Bristol," Rees tweeted.
"This will be critical to building a city that is home to those who are elated at the statue being pulled down, those who sympathize with its removal but are dismayed at how it happened and those who feel that in its removal, they've lost a piece of the Bristol they know and therefore themselves," Rees added. "We need change. In leading that change we have to find a pace that brings people with us."
Rees revealed that a commission of historians would help decide on what the new monument will be, and the replacement will tell "the full story of Bristol so that the city is much more informed and is in a better position to collectively decide who it wants to honor and where."
The Bristol City Council said the statue of Reid "will be held at our museum for the artist to collect or donate to our collection."
Quinn said that if the Black Lives Matter statue is sold, the proceeds will be donated to two charities promoting Black history that were chosen by Reid.
The Colston statue was fished out of the harbor. City officials say it will be exhibited at a museum, along with placards from the Black Lives Matter protest.


theblaze--2020-07-16--Kanye West filed to appear on Oklahoma's presidential ballot despite confusion over whether he's act

Kanye West filed to appear on Oklahoma's presidential ballot despite confusion over whether he's actually running

Kanye West filed to appear on Oklahoma 's presidential ballot despite confusion over whether he 's actually running

One day after reports that Kanye West's presidential bid was not going forward, West completed the official process to get on the ballot in Oklahoma, the Associated Press reported.
Wednesday was the deadline to file for a spot on the ballot in Oklahoma, and a representative for West paid the $35,000 fee and completed the paperwork, indicating that he may be seriously pursuing a White House run for 2020.
Is this a real thing? It's impossible to say for sure right now. West announced that he was running for president on Twitter on July 4.
West also filed a statement of organization with the Federal Election Committee detailing the intention to establish the Kanye 2020 campaign committee.
About a week and a half later, however, West adviser Steve Kramer said the rapper was out. From New York Magazine:
This all seemed real enough, and I reached out to West's publicist for a response. The initial response was to loop in another spokesperson on the email. West's team then went dark. As I waited for a response, I followed up with Kramer who told me, "He's out."
I asked what happened. "I'll let you know what I know once I get all our stuff canceled. We had over 180 people out there today," Kramer said.
TMZ reported that West's family was concerned that he was dealing with a bipolar episode, something that happens somewhat regularly.
West has not publicly commented on the campaign to clarify his intentions. With deadlines for filing approaching or past in many states, West would have to get hundreds of thousands of valid signatures across the country to get on ballots, and the apparent disorganization of his effort doesn't bode well for its success.
What are his political stances? West, who has been supportive of President Donald Trump in the past, has expressed strong pro-life beliefs, most recently during a Forbes interview in which he tied Planned Parenthood to white supremacy.
"Planned Parenthoods have been placed inside cities by white supremacists to do the Devil's work," West said.
West has turned his life to Christ in recent months, producing exclusively Christian music and speaking and performing at churches across the country. In his presidential campaign announcement tweet, he wrote, "We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God."
West has been heavily critical of the Democratic Party and said he would've run as a Republican if it wasn't for President Trump. Still, he has been active in social justice protests in the wake of recent killings of black Americans, donating millions of dollars and participating in a march in Chicago.


theblaze--2020-07-16--Teens beat up young mother, kick toddler in the face in extremely disturbing video

Teens beat up young mother , kick toddler in the face in extremely disturbing video Police say all suspects have @ @ @ @

A disturbing video being widely circulated on the internet shows a group of alleged teens assaulting a young woman and even kicking her toddler in the face outside an apartment complex in Brooklyn, Illinois.
In the video, two girls can be seen punching the mother in the face repeatedly as the toddler clings to the mother's leg crying. A third girl can be seen filming the attack.
Then out of nowhere, a boy comes onto the scene and fly-kicks the toddler in the face, knocking her to the ground. The boy then proceeds to kick the mother in the face several times while the girls drag her across the pavement.
The video ends with the girls fleeing the scene before the boy comes back in to drop-kick the mother in the back once again, knocking her back, causing her to hit her head on the apartment door frame.
The Sun reported that the female victim is pregnant, but that has not been confirmed.
Warning: The following post contains vulgar language and graphic violence that may be disturbing to some viewers.
In a post on its Facebook page, the Brooklyn Police Department confirmed the attack took place outside the Thomas Terrance apartments last Friday.
"On Friday, July 10, the Brooklyn Police Department was dispatched to the Thomas Terrance Apartments for an active disturbance," police said. "Upon arrival of the police, one victim was identified that did suffer from a minor head injury and was able to identify her attackers."
Police said the incident involved both adults and juveniles and said that they had been made aware of the video, which was originally posted to Facebook on Monday, July 13.
In an update post on Wednesday, police announced that all suspects involved in the incident had been taken into custody and are being held at St. Clair County Jail until formal charges are announced.
The names of the suspects have not been released to the public.
According to the Daily Mail, the mother of the boy involved in the beating posted on Facebook defending her son, saying that he kicked the toddler by "accident."
"Watch your mouth that's [my] son...He didn't try 2 kick that baby he tried 2 jump over the baby on to her and made a mistake...as y'all can see the baby ran from under the girl fighting while he was coming down," she reportedly said.
"My kid is not that type 2 kick a baby… Accidents happen," she added.
The Daily Mail did not link to the Facebook post where the comments were made and did not disclose the mother's name, but included what appears to be a screenshot of the comments with the profile name blurred out.


theblaze--2020-07-16--COVID-19 patients' ICU death rates are quickly dropping: Study

ICU patients who are being treated for coronavirus are dying less often than they were when compared to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic .
What are the details ?
New research published in medical journal Anaesthesia reports that a significant decrease in COVID-19 mortality has occurred since the start of the coronavirus pandemic .
Researchers add that the decrease is at least partially due to better hospital care .
The study is based on analysis of 24 studies that involved more than 10,000 patients across Asia , Europe , and North America .
The research , led by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Hospitals Bath , revealed that the overall mortality rate of coronavirus ICU patients fell from approximately 60 percent since the end of March to 42 percent by the end of May .
Cook is also a consultant in anesthesia and intensive care medicine at Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust .
Cook and other study authors said that `` rapid learning that has taken place on a global scale due to the prompt publication of clinical reports early in the pandemic '' has impacted the disease 's mortality rate for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ICU admission criteria have changed over time , for example , with greater pressure on ICUs early in the pandemic surge , '' authors wrote .
The study added , `` There were no significant effects of geographical location , but reported ICU mortality fell over time .
Optimistically , as the pandemic progresses , we may be coping better with COVID-19 . ''
The study also notes that its key findings regarding COVID-19 and ICU stints are likely to indicate that lengthy ICU stays take time to be reflected in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 percent of U.K. ICU admissions have lasted more than 28 days , while 9 percent have gone beyond 42 days .
`` The important message , however , is that as the pandemic has progressed and all these factors combine , survival of patients admitted to ICU with COVID-19 has significantly improved , '' the study added .
Cook , in a statement of his own , said , `` The important message is that as the pandemic has progressed and various factors combine , survival of patients admitted to ICU has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , however , that while mortality rates in ICU patients seem to be decreasing , the disease is still more dangerous and damaging when compared to other viruses that cause pneumonias .
`` The in-ICU mortality from COVID-19 , at around 40 per cent , remains almost twice that seen in ICU admissions with other viral pneumonias , at 22 % , '' the report added .
Dr. Eric Cioe Pena , director of global health at Northwell Health in New Hyde Park , New York , issued a statement on the research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement to Health Day , Pena said , `` Any successful treatment , when not coupled with good public health measures to keep the new case rate below the limit of existing health care resources , will erase any gains made over the last few months by simply overwhelming the ICUs that have just become better at treating COVID-19 . ''
Pena added that the study , on the whole , `` rightly concludes something that we expect : As we learned more about this virus and its effect on the critically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it and its complications . ''

ICU patients who are being treated for coronavirus are dying less often than they were when compared to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What are the details?
New research published in medical journal Anaesthesia reports that a significant decrease in COVID-19 mortality has occurred since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Researchers add that the decrease is at least partially due to better hospital care.
The study is based on analysis of 24 studies that involved more than 10,000 patients across Asia, Europe, and North America.
The research, led by Professor Tim Cook of England's Royal United Hospitals Bath, revealed that the overall mortality rate of coronavirus ICU patients fell from approximately 60 percent since the end of March to 42 percent by the end of May.
Cook is also a consultant in anesthesia and intensive care medicine at Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust.
Cook and other study authors said that "rapid learning that has taken place on a global scale due to the prompt publication of clinical reports early in the pandemic" has impacted the disease's mortality rate for the better.
"It may also be that ICU admission criteria have changed over time, for example, with greater pressure on ICUs early in the pandemic surge," authors wrote.
The study added, "There were no significant effects of geographical location, but reported ICU mortality fell over time. Optimistically, as the pandemic progresses, we may be coping better with COVID-19."
The study also notes that its key findings regarding COVID-19 and ICU stints are likely to indicate that lengthy ICU stays take time to be reflected in the data. The research points out that 20 percent of U.K. ICU admissions have lasted more than 28 days, while 9 percent have gone beyond 42 days.
"The important message, however, is that as the pandemic has progressed and all these factors combine, survival of patients admitted to ICU with COVID-19 has significantly improved," the study added.
Cook, in a statement of his own, said, "The important message is that as the pandemic has progressed and various factors combine, survival of patients admitted to ICU has significantly improved." He also cautioned, however, that while mortality rates in ICU patients seem to be decreasing, the disease is still more dangerous and damaging when compared to other viruses that cause pneumonias.
"The in-ICU mortality from COVID-19, at around 40 per cent, remains almost twice that seen in ICU admissions with other viral pneumonias, at 22%," the report added.
Anything else?
Dr. Eric Cioe Pena, director of global health at Northwell Health in New Hyde Park, New York, issued a statement on the research, warning people against complacency.
In a statement to Health Day, Pena said, "Any successful treatment, when not coupled with good public health measures to keep the new case rate below the limit of existing health care resources, will erase any gains made over the last few months by simply overwhelming the ICUs that have just become better at treating COVID-19."
Pena added that the study, on the whole, "rightly concludes something that we expect: As we learned more about this virus and its effect on the critically ill, we became better at treating it and its complications."
(H/T: Reuters)


theblaze--2020-07-16--Police car torched outside Supreme Court, suspect in custody

A motive for the alleged arson has not yet been released

A man has been taken into custody by police after allegedly setting fire to a U.S. Supreme Court police vehicle outside the high court in Washington, D.C.
What are the details?
Witnesses posted footage on social media of a parked car burning adjacent to the court Wednesday afternoon on Maryland Avenue.
Kathy Arberg, a spokeswoman for the Supreme Court, told Fox News:
An individual poured an accelerant on and set on fire an unmarked Supreme Court police vehicle parked on Maryland Ave. near First Street NE. The car was totally burned and an adjacent vehicle was also damaged. The individual suffered burns in the process. He was taken into custody by Supreme Court Police and was transported by ambulance for treatment of his injuries.
According to The Hill, witnesses said police were seen treating someone at the scene and that "the person was placed in an ambulance and had been covered in silver burn blankets after being stripped of their clothes."
One witness told WUSA-TV, "I heard someone shriek and run away right after the fireball caught my eye. I saw a flash but unfortunately didn't see enough to be able to identify them. They police we gave a statement to did say they had a white man in custody who was burned."
Officials are investigating the incident but have not yet released the suspect's name or any possible motive for the alleged arson, the Washington Examiner reported.


theblaze--2020-07-16--Candace Owens: 'Black America has a problem with wanting to be cool.'

Candace Owens : 'Black America has a problem with wanting to be cool . '

On this episode of "The Candace Owens Show," Candace Owens sat down with Kingface on Sunday and tackled the tough issues black Americans face today. The topics included music, culture, and what it means to be black Americans.
In this clip, Owens brought the heat, calling out celebrities and other influential role models today rap and hip-hop music. Owens explained how today's standard in rap music reinforces a disrespectful message. Music that encourages and rewards a culture of disrespect.
"F the police, call the females b******s? How can our youth flourish when we're teaching, promoting, celebrating, and applauding disrespect?" Owens asked.
She added that recent Black Lives Matter riots ultimately led to burned down neighborhoods in the name of George Floyd, but were unrelated to George Floyd, who died at the hands of Minneapolis police officers in late May.
Guest Kingface noted the typical mentality among young black Americans is the need to "be cool," which leads to bad behavior.
Owens later illustrated how music shapes culture and compared lyrics from a popular 1960s Temptations' song to words from the top rap song of today.
What else?
Kingface is known for bringing a message of truth and hope to black communities across the country.
Watch the video for the full scoop.
Want more from Candace Owens?
Subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution and live the American dream.


theblaze--2020-07-16--Rolling Stone writer says the word 'pro-life' is used in service of racism and should be retired lik

Rolling Stone writer says the word 'pro-life' is used in service of racism and should be retired like Redskins

Rolling Stone writer says the word 'pro-life ' is used in service of racism and should be retired like Redskins

Rolling Stone senior writer Jamil Smith opined that the word "pro-life" has so often been used in service to racism and misogyny that it should be retired like the name "Redskins."
Smith made the comment on Twitter while responding to an incendiary comment from Bishop Talbert Swan against pro-life voters.
"Ironically, the governors most willing to watch their citizens die are the ones who have used 'pro-life' rhetoric to compel people of faith to support the narrow interests of corporate greed & white political power. COVID has revealed how the 'pro-life' movement is killing us," tweeted Swan.
Smith agreed and added that the word should be cancelled.
"This point cannot be emphasized enough, or too often," tweeted Smith.
"The moniker 'pro-life,' so often used in the service of not just misogyny but also racism, should be retired right along with Aunt Jemima and the Redskins' team name," he added.
The NFL team in Washington, D.C., announced that it would be changing its name from the "Redskins" after criticism from the left that the name was disparaging to Native Americans. A similar campaign successfully convinced Quaker Oats to retire the "Aunt Jemima" moniker and logo from its products.
Swan also made headlines when a guest on his show said that Christians who prayed for President Donald Trump were just like those who prayed in church and then later lynched black men, women and children.
Here's Smith calling Trump an enemy of the state: