theblaze--2020-10-01--Biden's Boys: Chad Prather's analysis of 'DICEY' moment from Trump-Biden presidential debate

As the dust settled on the Trump-Biden presidential debate in Cleveland , Chad reflected on a `` dicey '' moment when the discussion shifted to Joe Biden 's sons .
During the debate , Biden attached his late son Beau 's memory to an allegation that Trump called fallen soldiers `` losers '' and `` suckers '' in 2018 .
Trump hit back , pointing out that he did not know Beau , but he was familiar with Hunter , Biden 's youngest son .
Trump shifted the conversation toward Hunter 's positive drug test that led to his Navy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burisma Holdings , a Ukrainian-based energy company under Senate investigation for `` suspicious activity . ''
According to Chad , by associating comments to his late son Beau , Biden opened the door for Trump to attack his youngest son , Hunter , for past and current misconduct .
Watch the clip for more details .
Use promo code CHAD to save $ 10 on one year of BlazeTV .
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To enjoy more of Chad 's comedy , craziness and common sense , subscribe to BlazeTV — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love America , defend the Constitution and live the American dream .

As the dust settled on the Trump-Biden presidential debate in Cleveland, Chad reflected on a "dicey" moment when the discussion shifted to Joe Biden's sons.
During the debate, Biden attached his late son Beau's memory to an allegation that Trump called fallen soldiers "losers" and "suckers" in 2018. Trump hit back, pointing out that he did not know Beau, but he was familiar with Hunter, Biden's youngest son.
Trump shifted the conversation toward Hunter's positive drug test that led to his Navy's administrative discharge and his involvement with Burisma Holdings, a Ukrainian-based energy company under Senate investigation for "suspicious activity."
According to Chad, by associating comments to his late son Beau, Biden opened the door for Trump to attack his youngest son, Hunter, for past and current misconduct.
Watch the clip for more details.
Use promo code CHAD to save $10 on one year of BlazeTV.
Want more from Chad Prather?
To enjoy more of Chad's comedy, craziness and common sense, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution and live the American dream.


theblaze--2020-10-02--President Trump tweets that he and the first lady have tested positive for coronavirus

President Trump tweets that he and the first lady have tested positive for coronavirus They will begin the quarantine process @

President Donald Trump tweeted on his official social media account that he and first lady Melania Trump had tested positive for the coronavirus early Friday morning.
"Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19," the president tweeted.
"We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!" he added.
The news came after the president confirmed earlier on Thursday that his longtime aide Hope Hicks had tested positive for the virus.
"Hope Hicks, who has been working so hard without even taking a small break, has just tested positive for Covid 19. Terrible!" he tweeted.
The president and the first lady indicated that they will go into quarantine.
Sean Conley, the president's physician, released a memorandum about the first family.
"This evening I received confirmation that both President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus," read the statement.
"The President and the First Lady are both well at this time, and they plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence," he continued.
"The White House medical team and I will maintain a vigilant watch, and I appreciate the support provided by some of our country's greatest medical professionals and institutions," Conley concluded. "Rest assured I expect the President to continue carrying out his duties without disruption while recovering, and I will keep you updated on any future developments."
According to USA Today, the White House released an updated public schedule for the president early Friday in which his public events had been cancelled, including a planned rally in Florida.
The first lady also tweeted about her diagnosis.
"We are feeling good & I have postponed all upcoming engagements. Please be sure you are staying safe & we will all get through this together," she tweeted.
Here's more about the startling development:
Trump and Melania test positive for coronavirus www.youtube.com
[Editor's Note: This story has been updated with additional information.]


theblaze--2020-10-02--Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot dresses up as 'Rona Destroyer' to lay out Halloween guidelines

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot dresses up as 'Rona Destroyer ' to lay out Halloween guidelines Trick-or-treating is allowed , but @ @ @ @

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (D) donned a superhero costume during a Halloween-themed news conference on Thursday, dressing up as the "Rona Destroyer" to roll out the city's COVID-19 restrictions for the popular holiday.
What are the details?
Before speaking, Lightfoot stood before the lectern with fellow coronavirus-fighting fictional superhero Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady, and the two flexed their muscles to pose before the cameras while carrying pails full of candy. The mayor wore a cape that read "Rona Destroyer" as she handed out goodies to members of the press pool.
The mayor announced that trick-or-treating would be allowed but that people "are asked to stay on the move in groups of six people or fewer, avoid sticking their hand into candy bowls and wait until they get home and wash their hands to eat candy," the Chicago Tribune reported.
Participants are also required to wear masks, and folks handing out candy are encouraged to provide hand sanitizer and practice social distancing rules. House parties of any size and haunted houses are prohibited.
A few weeks ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidance to the American public that trick-or-treating is deemed a "high risk" activity, warning against the practice for 2020. But Lightfoot argued that asking kids to stay home on Halloween is not realistic.
"This year more than ever it is important to celebrate Halloween safely and responsibly," she said.
Anything else?
Lightfoot was hit with some jabs on social media for her costume, with one Twitter user calling the pre-briefing escapades "literally the cringiest thing I've ever seen," and a local radio show's account tweeted the message, "These are not serious people. This is embarrassing. They are clueless. Enough already."
Chicago columnist John Kass hit out at Lightfoot's priorities, writing in reaction to the display, "Chicago murders up 50 percent this month. Who on her staff told @chicagosmayor that this was a good idea?"


theblaze--2020-10-02--Liberals pounce on leaked audio of Melania Trump talking about children at the border and her Christ

Liberals pounce on leaked audio of Melania Trump talking about children at the border and her Christmas decorations

Liberals and other critics of the president pounced on a leaked audio of first lady Melania Trump talking to her former friend about reaction to her Christmas decorations and controversy around children detained at the border.
In the audio, which aired on CNN Thursday, the first lady can be heard angrily criticizing the reaction to her Christmas decorations, and complaining that the media wasn't reporting on her efforts to help children detained at the border.
"They say I'm complicit. I'm the same like him. I support him. I don't say enough. I don't do enough," the first lady said on the recording.
"Where I am, I put, I'm working like a, my ass off at, Christmas stuff that you know, who gives a f*** about Christmas stuff and decoration? But I need to do it, right?" she continued.
"OK, and then I do it, and I say that I'm working on Christmas planning for the Christmas. And they said, 'oh what about the children that were separated.' Give me a f***ing break. Where were they saying anything when Obama did that?" she said.
The first lady went on to complain that she tried to reunite a child with their mother but that the media refused to cover the story.
"I was trying to get the kids reunited with the mom. I didn't have a chance. Needs to go through the process and through the law," she said.
"They would not do the story because, they are not, they would not do the story, because they are against us, because they are liberal media. Yeah, if I go to Fox, they will do the story. I don't want to go to Fox."
Liberals pounce
While the first lady was clearly upset at the reaction from her critics, some like Muslim commentator Dean Obeidallah misrepresented her comments into something more sinister.
"After listening to the #MelaniaTapes where she says about the children separated at border 'Give me a f***ing break' it's clear that Melania's jacket she wore to visit the kids was a comment on how she viewed the children: 'I really don't care,'" said Obeidallah.
"OMG!!!!!! @CNN is airing the #MelaniaTapes and they are horrific. Melania says kids love being in cages," claimed LGBT activist Rob Gill.
"Oh. My. God," reacted actress Alyssa Milano.
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) took the opportunity to demand that the president and the first lady stop "disrespecting" Christians.
The Twitter hashtag "Melania Tapes" was trending nationally as a result of all the reactions Thursday evening.


theblaze--2020-10-02--President Trump's close aide Hope Hicks tests positive for coronavirus

She was seen with the president on Wednesday

Hope Hicks, one of President Donald Trump's closest aides, tested positive for the coronavirus, according to sources that spoke to Bloomberg News.
In an interview with Sean Hannity on his Fox News show on Thursday, the president said that he wasn't sure if they would go into quarantine.
"But it's very very hard when you are with people from the military or from law enforcement and they come over to you, and they want to hug you and they want to kiss you, because we really have done a good job for them, and you get close, and things happened, I was very surprised to hear with Hope, but she's a very warm person with them," he said. "She knows there's a risk."
A White House spokesperson released a statement but didn't disclose any details about the report.
"The President takes the health and safety of himself and everyone who works in support of him and the American people very seriously," said spokesman Judd Deere.
"White House Operations collaborates with the Physician to the President and the White House Military Office to ensure all plans and procedures incorporate current CDC guidance and best practices for limiting COVID-19 exposure to the greatest extent possible both on complex and when the President is traveling," he added.
Hicks reportedly travelled with the president recently numerous times, including when she was spotted going aboard Air Force One to go to the first presidential debate.
She also traveled on the presidential helicopter on Wednesday for a campaign rally in Minnesota.
Hicks, 31, has been a personal aide to Trump since before he became president.
Coronavirus at the White House
Hicks would not be the only Trump administration member to have contracted the coronavirus, but she would be one of the closest to the president. In March, the press secretary for Vice President Mike Pence tested positive for the virus. Neither the president nor the vice president contracted the virus from the staffer.
In July, Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) said that he had tested positive for the virus when he took a routine test at the White House to visit the president. He said that he might have contracted it because of his mask, and his bad habit of grabbing and adjusting it.
Here's a news video about the development:


theblaze--2020-10-02--House Dems pass 'largely symbolic' COVID-19 relief bill after talks with White House break down

House Dems pass 'largely symbolic ' COVID-19 relief bill after talks with White House break down Not one Republican voted @ @ @ @ @ package

The Democratic-held House of Representatives passed a $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief package on Thursday, which has been described as "largely symbolic" considering not a single Republican voted for the bill following failed talks with the White House on a bipartisan plan.
What are the details?
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnunchin have restarted negotiations in recent days to reach a plan that the two sides have been battling over since early August, Bloomberg reported.
After failing to reach an agreement following talks this week, Democrats passed their own version of a stimulus plan that Roll Call referred to as "a largely symbolic expression of frustration."
According to The Washington Examiner, the legislation was pushed through ahead of Democrats "hitting the campaign trail" before the Nov. 3 election.
The outlet noted:
The $2.2 trillion measure stands little chance of ever becoming law. Senate Republicans have already indicated they won't consider the bill, and it is far more costly than a White House offer of roughly $1.6 trillion.
The House measure passed 214-207, with no Republicans voting for the package and 18 Democrats bucking their party and rejecting it.
But top Democrats promised that discussions for a bipartisan deal would continue regardless of the passage of their version of the relief package.
"I thought it was really important to formally put forth the work of our chairs, which is excellent and which meets the needs," Pelosi reasoned. "It sets an example."
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) insisted, "Negotiations are ongoing right now, and I hope we will reach a bipartisan agreement. We also want to let the American people know where we stand. We believe this bill is a reasonable compromise."
Earlier in the day on Thursday, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) called the legislation a "liberal wish list."
He also tweeted out a video of his speech on the floor of the lower chamber in opposition of bill, saying, "Pay attention to who votes for this bill tonight—It would hand out taxpayer-funded checks to illegal immigrants while removing $600 million in funding for law enforcement."
McCarthy added, "Speaker Pelosi and the Democrats aren't serious about helping Americans."


theblaze--2020-10-03--No link between schools reopening and COVID-19 spread, global study finds

No link between schools reopening and COVID-19 spread , global study finds 'Children , initially thought to be major potential @ @ @ @ @ do not appear to be playing that role '

There is no clear link between the reopening of schools and a country's coronavirus infection rates, according to a recent global analysis, which suggests that children are not the conduits for spreading the virus as some researchers first thought.
What are the details?
Insights for Education, an independent foundation based in Switzerland, studied 191 countries over a six-month period and reported that "while opinion remains divided on when it is safe to reopen schools," their "analysis shows no correlation between school reopening and a rise in COVID-19 infection rates."
"It's been assumed that reopening schools will drive infections, and that closing schools will reduce transmission," Insights for Education CEO Dr. Randa Gro-Zakhary said in a statement. "But the reality is much more complex."
Reuters reported:
IfE found that 52 countries that sent students back to school in August and September – including France and Spain – saw infection rates rise during the vacation compared to when they were closed.
In Britain and Hungary, however, infection levels dropped after initial school closures, remained low during the holidays, and began rising after reopening.
Full analysis of these 52 countries found no firm correlation between school status and infections - pointing to a need to consider other factors
"The analysis back up what scientists increasingly believe," according to The Telegraph, "that children, initially thought to be major potential spreaders of coronavirus infection, do not appear to be playing that role. However, at the same time, there is a growing body of work showing the detrimental effects of keeping kids out of school across the globe."
IfE warned that it is "vital to address 'pandemic learning debt'" for some 711 million kids worldwide who remain out of the classroom, along with the children who have already returned to school but could face "further potential closures."
Grob-Zakhary added, "It is fair to ask at this point, are the risks of staying out of education exceeding those of going back in?"


theblaze--2020-10-03--Ilhan Omar uses statement about Trump catching coronavirus to relentlessly attack the president

Ilhan Omar uses statement about Trump catching coronavirus to relentlessly attack the president She offered zero sympathy or well wishes

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) used her statement about President Donald Trump testing positive for the coronavirus to relentlessly attack the president and offered no sympathy.
"As someone who lost my own father to this virus and seen the pain it causes, I do not wish it on anyone," Omar said in a statement posted on Friday.
"Over 200,000 people have now died while this Administration actively ignores public health guidance and suppresses science. For months, we have been hoping for a simple acknowledgment from the President—to hear the words, 'We will get through this together.' And now we only hear those words when it is about him—not the hundreds of thousands of people who have lost their lives, and the millions whose families have been touched by it because of his malfeasance," she continued.
"Their cruelty is a direct threat to my constituents. This week, the President held a rally and fundraiser in Minnesota, flouting the guidance of his own health agencies by failing to wear a mask. In doing so, he exposed hundreds in a state that is already suffering from an uptick in cases," Omar said.
"Republican members of our Congressional delegation travelled with him on Air Force One and have not quarantined. In fact, they came to the Capitol today, risking the lives of additional elected leaders and staff," she continued.
"The President of the United States and Republicans in Minnesota are actively spreading a deadly virus," Omar concluded. "They are a risk to the public health of my constituents and our country."
Other Democratic leaders were not as negative as Omar. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said that the country should pray for the well-being of the president and the first lady.
The president revealed to the public in a tweet on Thursday that he had tested positive for coronavirus just hours after it was reported that his close aide Hope Hicks had tested positive earlier in the day.
Trump offered a short video to thank his supporters and inform them that he would be going to Walter Reed Medical Center on Friday out of an abundance of caution.
Since his diagnosis, other Republican leaders have also tested positive, including Ronna McDaniel, the chair of the Republican National Committee, and Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah).
Here's more about the reaction to the president's diagnosis:


theblaze--2020-10-03--Senate Dems seek delay in Amy Coney Barrett hearings citing coronavirus risk

'We do not know the full extent of potential exposure stemming from the president 's infection '

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Judiciary Committee ranking member Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) issued a joint statement Friday calling on Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) to hold off on moving forward with hearings on U.S. Supreme Court justice nominee Amy Coney Barrett, citing risks of spreading COVID-19 in light of President Donald Trump and Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) testing positive for the virus.
What are the details?
Schumer and Feinstein — who have both been adamantly opposed to President Trump nominating a replacement for the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ahead of the Nov. 3 election — wrote that it is "premature" for Graham "to commit to a hearing schedule when we do not know the full extent of potential exposure stemming from the president's infection and before the White House puts in place a contact tracing plan to prevent further spread of the disease."
The Democrats also stated that the "infection" of Lee, who also sits on the Judiciary Committee, "makes even more clear that health and safety must guide the schedule for all Senate activities, including hearings."
According to Schumer and Feinstein, virtual hearings on Barrett's nomination would not be "an acceptable substitute" given the magnitude of deciding "a lifetime appointment to the federal bench."
They argued that moving forward would turn "this already illegitimate process" into "a dangerous one."
A Republican aide called the Democrats' latest effort to stall Barrett's nomination hearings "a nakedly partisan ploy," telling Fox News, "Everyone is concerned about health right now and that comes first, but the business of the Senate and this Supreme Court confirmation process doesn't stop. That's why we've been at work."
The outlet reported that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) argued that Senate hearings have already been conducted remotely since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and suggested virtual proceedings would be the appropriate way to handle the process for Barrett.
McConnell told the "Hugh Hewitt Show" on Friday, "They've been careful already. Members, some of them, have done their interview in previous hearing remotely. This sort of underscores, I think, the need to do that. And I think every precaution needs to be taken because we don't anticipate any Democratic support at all, either in committee or in the full Senate, and therefore everybody needs to be in an all-hands-on-deck mindset."
However, the majority leader also signaled that Barrett's confirmation could come after Election Day, telling Fox News' Bret Baier, "This Republican Senate was elected for a term that ends in January of next year. The president was elected for a four-year term that ends Jan. 20 of next year."


theblaze--2020-10-02--Twitter says they will suspend users wishing death on Trump, but Facebook will allow it as long as h

Twitter says they will suspend users wishing death on Trump, but Facebook will allow it as long as he isn't tagged in the comment

Twitter says they will suspend users wishing death on Trump , but Facebook will allow it as long as he @ @ @ @ @ comment Facebook said it wants to allow for criticism of public figures

Two major social media platforms had decidedly different responses to numerous death wishes being made against President Donald Trump after he said that he tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday.
When asked by Vice News about its policy related to death wishes against the president, Twitter said it would apply the same standard it has had with other death threats.
"Content that wishes, hopes or expresses a desire for death, serious bodily harm or fatal disease against an individual is against our rules," Twitter said in a statement on Friday.
Vice News noted that Facebook makes a distinction between threats against public figures and those against private individuals.
Facebook has explained that the platform "distinguish[es] between public figures and private individuals because we want to allow discussion, which often includes critical commentary of people who are featured in the news or who have a large public audience."
To that end, the social media outlet said it will take down posts that link the president in the comment containing a death wish, but not necessarily any other kind.
"For public figures, we remove attacks that are severe as well as certain attacks where the public figure is directly tagged in the post or comment," Facebook said.
Twitter still allowed for the possibility of selective enforcement on the issue.
Twitter added that it "won't take enforcement action on every Tweet," and instead will prioritize "the removal of content when it has a clear call to action that could potentially cause real-world harm."
Some less civil critics of the president have already taken to social media to wish harm on him and the first lady, while others have used the moment to crack jokes and quips at their expense.
The White House says the president and the first lady are experiencing mild symptoms from the coronavirus. Trump was sent to Walter Reed Medical Center out of an "abundance of caution," and his live campaign events were canceled, or changed to virtual events.
Here's more about the reaction to Trump catching coronavirus:


theblaze--2020-10-02--Vice presidential debate still on for next week, commission says

Vice presidential debate still on for next week , commission says The announcement comes amid questions over campaign changes after @ @ @ @ @

The debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris is still a go for Wednesday of next week according to the governing body coordinating the event, as questions swirl over how the final stretch of campaigning might be impacted after President Donald Trump was diagnosed with COVID-19.
What are the details?
The Commission on Presidential Debates confirmed to The Hill that the debate, which will be hosted by the University of Utah, will still take place. However, the university has put rules in place aimed at minimizing the risk of the coronavirus being spread at the event.
Every attendee will be required to wear a mask in the venue "at all times" during the debate with the exception of the candidates and the moderator, and "every single person must receive a negative COVID test" administered at the university's hospital before entering the debate venue, according to a spokesperson for the school.
Reuters noted that Pence and Harris issued separate announcements Friday saying they had tested negative for the coronavirus. Several other public officials were also tested for COVID-19 hours after President Donald Trump tweeted that he and first lady Melania Trump were both diagnosed with the virus. Among others, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) tested positive, which may potentially throw a wrench in the Senate calendar, as all other senators who have been with Lee recently would be ordinarily required to quarantine pending the results of their own tests.
The White House said Friday the president and the first lady are experiencing mild symptoms from the coronavirus. Trump was sent to Walter Reed Medical Center out of an "abundance of caution,"
On Friday, Trump 2020 campaign manager Bill Stepien issued a statement announcing that all campaign events involving the president or any other member of the Trump family would either be postponed or held virtually.
"Vice President Mike Pence, who has tested negative for COVID-19, plans on resuming his scheduled campaign events," the campaign chief wrote.
Pence to stay on campaign trail
Pence was also given the all-clear from his doctor to stay on the campaign trail. The vice president's physician, Jesse Schonau, M.D., issued a memo saying, "Under the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control, the Vice President is not considered a close contact with any individuals who have tested positive for COVID, including President Donald J. Trump. Vice President Mike Pence does not need to quarantine."
Meanwhile, the vice president stepped in Friday morning and hosted a call with the governors in place of President Trump, who was taken to Walter Reed Medical Center later in the day out of "an abundance of caution," according to the White House.
Prior to President Trump boarding Marine One to go to the hospital, NBC News' Andrea Mitchell reported: "White House says @realDonaldTrump has not transferred power temporarily to @VP under 25th amendment which has happened 3 times for procedures involving anesthesia an amendment for emergencies voted as result of Kennedy assassination."
This story has been updated.


theblaze--2020-10-02--VIDEO: New migrant caravan of thousands, bound for the US, illegally floods into Guatemala

VIDEO : New migrant caravan of thousands , bound for the US , illegally floods into Guatemala Guatemala is concerned @ @ @ @ @

A massive migrant caravan charged into Guatemala, the first since the coronavirus pandemic hit Central America in March. Videos show thousands of Honduran migrants pour across the Guatemala border as they march toward their final destination of the United States.
More than 3,000 migrants illegally crossed from Honduras and into Guatemala by midday on Thursday, The Guardian reported. New York Times correspondent Brent McDonald said, "Guatemala border officials expect another 3,000 migrants to enter from Honduras" on Friday. "That makes 6,000 so far en route to Mexico and the U.S. Just in time for the U.S. election."
Guatemalan authorities had planned to register the migrants and offer assistance to anyone willing to turn around and go back to Honduras. However, the caravan stampeded through the border and past the massively outnumbered armed guards in the Guatemalan city of El Corinto.
One Honduran man died during the chaotic scene.
"The Guatemalan Institute of Migration said the man, who was not identified, was traveling aboard a tractor-trailer in the border town of Entre Ríos when he fell to the ground and was subsequently run over by the truck," the Daily Mail reported.
"The migrants who arrived at the Guatemala border on Thursday had set out walking the previous night from San Pedro Sula, and many wore masks," according to The Guardian. "They appeared to be mostly young men, though there were the occasional small children being pushed in strollers."
"They're leaving in groups and what they're looking for are life alternatives outside Honduras because Honduras has nothing to offer," Scalabrinian Sister Nyzelle Juliana Donde, director of the Honduran bishops' migrant ministry, told the Catholic News Service. "What most migrants do is leave for basic needs. The pandemic exacerbated hunger, poverty, lack of opportunity. 'Maras' and gangs have also worked very hard during this time."
Guatemalan officials have concerns about a massive caravan traveling through the country.
"We're talking about a caravan in the middle of a pandemic," said Guatemala's migration director Guillermo Díaz. "The situation is complicated because they broke the health protocols and we don't know who has entered (the country)."
Guatemala has had over 3,200 COVID-19 deaths, and Honduras has had nearly 2,400 coronavirus deaths, according to Worldometers. Guatemala only opened its borders last week after being closed for six months to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The Guatemalan government promised to detain and deport anyone caught illegally crossing its border.
In October 2018, President Donald Trump said he would be ending or "substantially reducing" foreign aid to Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador if they didn't do something about the caravans flowing into the United States.
In June 2019, Mexico and the U.S. reached a deal to curb migrants flooding across the border.
"Given the dramatic increase in migrants moving from Central America through Mexico to the United States, both countries recognize the vital importance of rapidly resolving the humanitarian emergency and security situation," the joint agreement states. "The Governments of the United States and Mexico will work together to immediately implement a durable solution."
On Friday, journalist Todd Bensman posted a video of Mexican federal troops at the Guatemalan border preparing to stop the migrant caravan from entering Mexico.


theblaze--2020-10-02--NBC News actually reports Sweden never implemented a COVID-19 lockdown but is faring better than oth

NBC News actually reports Sweden never implemented a COVID-19 lockdown but is faring better than other nations, asks if it could be the 'pandemic roadmap' for the US

NBC News actually reports Sweden never implemented a COVID-19 lockdown but is faring better than other nations , asks if @ @ @ @ @ roadmap ' for the US 'It looks like the world we lost '

NBC News did something this week that a lot of mainstream media outlets have not: Reported on Sweden's controversial response to the coronavirus pandemic while simultaneously noting that the country lately has been faring better than many of its European neighbors.
The outlet even went so far as to ask if there are lessons the United States can take from Sweden's experience.
What NBC News say about Sweden?
The Nordic country has been under fire from much of the world for its refusal to lock down during the global pandemic. But life there appears to be back to normal, Bill Neely reported on Thursday for NBC's "Today."
Image source: YouTube/Today screenshot
"It looks like the world we lost," Neely said. "Cafes and restaurants full. People relaxed. No face masks. No panic."
The Swedes had very few rules and restrictions on their daily lives, keeping most schools and businesses open while asking people to socially distance. It did, however, ban large gatherings — though that's one of the very few restorations it imposed.
Image source: YouTube/Today screenshot
And the people there — including some Americans — seem to be good with it. In fact, NBC News wondered if there was a lesson in it for the United States.
Indeed, as the show's chyron posed the question, "Pandemic roadmap for U.S.?" Neely spoke to Americans currently living in Sweden and gathered some positive takes on how the country is faring compared to the U.S.
Elizabeth Dacey, an American living in Sweden, told NBC she feels safer there than back home.
"I have to say, honestly, I'm glad I'm here in comparison to what I'm watching my family go through in the U.S.," Dacey said.
Jim Ferulla of New York runs a deli in Sweden and told NBC that he also feels safer in Sweden than if he were back in the U.S.
"I would say they're pretty much hands-off here in Sweden, as opposed to hands-on," he said to Neely.
He added that he "definitely" feels safer in Sweden than he would in the U.S., and added, "I'm kind of proud about the way we handled it."
And what about face masks? Those appear to be few and far between — including in close quarters on public transportation.
Standing aboard a train, Neely noted, "Not a face mask in sight. The government doesn't recommend them."
Image source: YouTube/Today screenshot
"Why aren't they listening to the experts?" some observers might ask.
According to NBC, Swedes do listen to the experts — and their experts are on the same page.
Amina Manzoor, a Swedish pandemic expert, told NBC that in Sweden the government and the experts have been "unified in their message — you haven't had that in the U.S."
It seems to be working out for the Swedes now, following the spate of deaths the country saw last spring.
"When the world locked down, Sweden stayed open," Neely said. "Now some of the countries who had the toughest lockdowns, like Spain, are having a deadly second wave."
"Sweden is not," he added.
He went on to point out that the ICU in the nation's largest hospital, which was overwhelmed in the spring, is now "deserted."
Image source: YouTube/Today screenshot
And beginning Thursday, nursing homes were opening for visitors for the first time in months.
According to Neely, Sweden's number of COVID-19 cases is "creeping up," but the people are not worried.
"Most Swedes are confident their way works," Neely said.


theblaze--2020-10-02--Jim Acosta — like many in the media — apparently forgot President Trump already has condemned white

Jim Acosta — like many in the media — apparently forgot President Trump already has condemned white supremacy

There's certainly plenty of derision to go around among media members, but CNN's Jim Acosta will do just fine as an example of a frighteningly short memory among journalism's elite when it comes to President Donald Trump and the condemnation of white supremacy.
The big story after Tuesday night's debate with Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden was that Trump seemingly failed to take up moderator Chris Wallace's offer to condemn white supremacy as he stood at the podium — which itself was a questionable accusation.
What's clearer, at least to those of us paying attention throughout his presidency, is that Trump has repeatedly done so — and the fact that Wallace asked him again, as it were for the first time, came off as rather dishonest.
At any rate, Trump made it easy on himself and on Thursday said he condemned white supremacy, the Ku Klux Klan, the Proud Boys — and there was much rejoicing.
And Acosta made sure everyone knew that Trump did so "finally":
Problem is, as we noted, Trump had already done so numerous times — and Acosta himself tweeted about that, too, back in 2017:
Image source: Twitter
Journalist Kassy Dillon noticed this and filled us in:
"Guys, leave him alone," Dillon tweeted Friday. "He simply forgot to include this in his diary."
Anything else?
The frequency of his white supremacy condemnations wasn't lost on Trump, either, who emphasized to Fox News' Sean Hannity that "I've said it many times, and let me be clear again. I condemn the KKK. I condemn all white supremacists. I condemn the Proud Boys."
But the president also ripped Biden for not condemning Antifa.
"Antifa's a horrible group of people," Trump said. "They kill people. ... They're causing insurrection, they're causing riots. [Biden] doesn't wanna do that. But the press doesn't go after him, and that's a really bad group of people. But I condemn them — and if I say it 100 times, it won't be enough because of fake news."


theblaze--2020-10-02--SHOCK POLL: 62% of Americans believe US is ‘on verge of civil war,’ 52% 'stockpiling' in preparation

SHOCK POLL : 62 % of Americans believe US is ‘ on verge of civil war , ’ 52 % @ @ @ @ @ is the single most frightening poll result I 've ever been associated with '

Are you preparing for potential coming unrest? If so, you're not alone.
A shocking new poll reveals that 62% of respondents are concerned that America could be "on the verge of another civil war," and 52% are stockpiling food and other essentials in "anticipation of social unrest."
The survey, conducted by Engagious, the Sports and Leisure Research Group, and ROKK Solutions as part of their "2020 Back to Normal Barometer" study, found that even moderates believe major unrest is coming, too.
"This is the single most frightening poll result I've ever been associated with," said Rich Thau, president of Engagious.
On the radio program Friday, Glenn Beck reviews these truly frightening findings.
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--2020-10-02--Liberal students vandalize, steal signs from pro-life memorial at Texas university

'It was a horrible thing to see '

A group of students vandalized a pro-life memorial at the University of North Texas on Wednesday, ripping flags and signs from the ground that were placed on the school's lawn to memorialize babies killed by abortion procedures.
Earlier that evening, members of the school's chapter of Young Conservatives of Texas had gathered to place 1,000 flags on the school's property, according to a statement released by the organization. Each flag reportedly represented 60,000 babies killed by abortions since the Supreme Court's 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade. The memorial display was approved by the school.
But only a few short hours after the display was constructed, student vandals descended on it to take it down. The vandals had apparently organized and planned their actions earlier in the day as some of them tweeted about their intentions.
"Can't wait to spend a Wednesday night ripping out a [sic] 1000 flags," one Twitter user said, while several others allegedly shared her sentiments.
"Looks like I'll be tearing them up," threatened another, according to a report by The Tower.
One individual reportedly even sent a direct message to Young Conservatives President Kelly Neidert encouraging her to kill herself.
Image Source: Twitter screenshot
"I was shocked to see my peers so openly desecrating our abortion memorial," Neidert said in a statement. "The memorial was intended to give a visual representation of lives lost from abortion in a meaningful way. The students had planned this beforehand and had 'capture the flag' teams ready to take the flags down. We called campus police but by the time they showed up, everything had been taken or damaged. Overall it was a horrible thing to see."
Videos posted on social media show the vandals stealing the flags as well as signs that reportedly read "abortion is murder," "unborn lives matter," and "overturn Roe v. Wade."
University of North Texas Student Activists Destroy Pro-Life Memorial youtu.be
One vandal shouted, "it's a woman's choice!" and "we should let women choose!" as he walked away from the display with flags in hand.
Content Warning: rough language
Ultimately, "more than 350 flags were stolen and multiple signs were taken from the display," the conservative group noted in its news release. "Chairwoman Kelly Niedert was informed by campus police that an individual had been apprehended and cited for theft of the flags."


theblaze--2020-10-02--(UPDATED) President Trump taken to Walter Reed out of 'an abundance of caution'

( UPDATED ) President Trump taken to Walter Reed out of 'an abundance of caution' 'The President remains fatigued but @ @ @ @

Multiple outlets are reporting that President Donald Trump has been taken to Walter Reed Medical Center, but White House officials stress that the move is simply a precaution that is being taken "out of an abundance of caution" and that the president's symptoms remain "mild."
According to a statement released by White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, "President Trump remains in good spirits, has mild symptoms, and has been working throughout the day. Out of an abundance of caution, and at the recommendation of his physician and medical experts, the President will be working from the presidential offices at Walter Reed for the next few days."
The president tweeted a short video to his followers from his social media account to update them personally.
"I want to thank everybody for the tremendous support," said the president in the video.
"I'm going to Walter Reed Hospital," he continued. "I think I'm doing very well but we're going to make sure that things work out. The first lady is doing very well. So thank you very much, I appreciate it, I will never forget it, thank you."
Before the news broke that the president would be taken to Walter Reed, the president's physician released a statement updating the public on the state of President Trump and first lady Melania Trump, including details on what treatment he's receiving for the coronavirus.
Dr. Sean Conley released the statement through the White House press secretary's office on Friday afternoon. The president revealed on Twitter early Friday morning that he had tested positive for the virus.
"As of this afternoon, the President remains fatigued but in good spirits," Conley said in the statement.
"He's being evaluated by a team of experts, and together we'll be making recommendations to the President and First Lady in regards to next best steps," he added.
Conley detailed the treatment that the president was receiving for the coronavirus.
"Following PCR-confirmation of the president's diagnosis, as a precautionary measure he received a single 8 gram dose of Regenerons's polyclonal antibody cocktail. He completed the infusion without incident," wrote Conley.
"In addition to the polyclonal antibodies, the President has been taking zinc, Vitamin D, famotidine, melatonin and a daily aspirin," Conley added.
He also said that Melania Trump was experiencing "only a mild cough and headache," but remained well. The rest of the Trump family, including son Barron, tested negative for the coronavirus.
Earlier in the day, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows told reporters in a media briefing that the president was experiencing "mild symptoms" from the coronavirus.
The president made the stunning announcement about his positive test after it was revealed that his close aide Hope Hicks had also tested positive. Since then, a number of other Republican political figures have admitted to testing positive, including the Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, and Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah.
Here's more about the development:


theblaze--2020-10-02--Video: Police officer launches himself headfirst down courthouse stairs in attempt to catch fleeing

Video: Police officer launches himself headfirst down courthouse stairs in attempt to catch fleeing suspect

Video : Police officer launches himself headfirst down courthouse stairs in attempt to catch fleeing suspect Leaping above and beyond @ @ @ @

An Ohio sheriff's deputy was injured after leaping above and beyond the call of duty. Literally.
Highland County Sheriff's Deputy Ben Reno vaulted headfirst over a stairway banister in an attempt to stop a suspect fleeing sentencing for drug possession.
The suspect, 33-year-old Nicholas Garrison, was being sentenced Sept. 22 on a fifth-degree felony charge of aggravated possession of methamphetamine at the Highland County Courthouse. The judge ordered him to serve six months in jail with an additional 530 days because he committed the offense while under community control for a prior drug conviction, The Times-Gazette of Hillsboro reported.
After his sentencing, he broke away from a deputy and bailiff and ran out of the courthouse, WLWT-TV reported.
His escape was caught on camera.
The dramatic video follows Garrison as he made his flight. Just as he was about to be handcuffed by a bailiff, Garrison broke away. He rushed through the courtroom and out a door with three officers in pursuit.
The door led to a hallway with a set of stairs. Garrison quickly ran around and charged down the stairs to escape the building.
Reno, in hot pursuit, dove headfirst over the stairway banister, attempting to grab Garrison as he fled. Unfortunately, Reno crashed into the wall, smacked his head on the stairway railing, and slid down the stairs as the suspect got away.
Garrison successfully escaped from the courthouse.
Watch:
Suspect escapes courthouse during sentencing; officer injured www.youtube.com
Deputy Reno did not have a soft landing.
Highland County Sheriff Donnie Barrera said Reno broke four ribs and suffered a minor concussion from the fall when he landed on the stairs.
"The deputy bailiff went above and beyond to try and cut him off at the shortest path and unfortunately for the deputy bailiff he got injured," Sheriff Barrera stated.
Reno was hospitalized due to his injuries.
"The deputy, unfortunately, went down the stairs headfirst in an attempt to try and catch him," said Barrera. "I went out to the hospital and visited him when he was getting treated at Highland District Hospital. He was in good spirits at that time."
Reno has since been released from the hospital and is recovering at home.
Garrison fled to a motel in Clinton County. He was on the run for more than three days before police caught him on Sept. 25. The police say they received a tip leading them to his location. He now faces additional charges.


theblaze--2020-10-02--Man ingests vast amount of crack during traffic stop. Video emerges of him overdosing while in polic

Man ingests vast amount of crack during traffic stop. Video emerges of him overdosing while in police custody, and now the family is suing.

Man ingests vast amount of crack during traffic stop .
Video emerges of him overdosing while in police custody , @ @ @ @ @ suing .
'You think I want to die ? '

A 41-year-old suspect who ingested a large amount of cocaine during a detainment overdosed after police took him into custody.
According to CNN, the suspect, Harold Easter, "was alone and crying out for help before collapsing."
What are the details?
Authorities conducted a traffic stop on Easter on Jan. 23, allegedly believing that the suspect was engaging in a drug deal.
During the stop, Easter reportedly ingested a large amount of crack cocaine, and authorities said he was in possession of both cocaine and marijuana.
Bodycam footage shows an officer pulling up behind Easter's vehicle with his gun drawn, demanding Easter stop eating the drugs.
"Don't eat it!" the officer shouts. "He's eating it. Hands up!"
Easter can be seen exiting the vehicle, and an officer handcuffs him without incident.
Following his arrest, authorities transported him to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, where he reportedly sat inside an interview room for about 45 minutes.
The outlet reports that Easter "was left alone several times."
At one point, Easter demanded water, and minutes later, a person walked in with the water for Easter.
Approximately 20 minutes later, Easter began seizing, and eventually collapsed on the floor of the room.
In one video, Easter — who is visibly shaking before he collapses — screams, "You think I want to die?"
'I don't believe these officers had malicious intent'
On Thursday, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department released at least 17 videos — including bodycam and surveillance footage — to provide context of Easter's arrest and subsequent overdose.
The same day, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief Johnny Jennings said that officers violated department protocol by not checking in on Easter every 15 minutes.
"I don't believe these officers had malicious intent," Jennings said. "But they did make a bad decision, and they didn't follow policy. So those bad decisions have consequences. Especially when those decisions have contributed to the loss of a life, a life that we had the responsibility to protect."
He added that at least five officers who were reportedly involved in the incident resigned after an internal investigation into the incident.
The officers, according to Mecklenburg County's District Attorney Spencer Merriweather, will not face criminal charges.
In a letter to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Merriweather said that he was unable to "prove that Mr. Easter, after having voluntarily eaten a large amount of crack cocaine, would have lived had he received immediate medical attention."
"In fact, none of the medical experts consulted about the evidence in this matter would be able to testify to a degree of medical certainty that Mr. Easter would have lived after having ingested that amount of cocaine, even if officers had called for medical attention at the time of the initial traffic stop," Merriweather's letter added.
According to the outlet, a toxicology report for Easter showed cocaine, opioids, levamisole, and lidocaine in his body at the time of his death.
The state's chief medical examiner determined that Easter's death — ruled accidental — was due to suspected ingestion of a "toxic agent."
'Family meant everything'
Alex Heroy, a lawyer for Easter's family, told the outlet that Easter's mother "cried out the whole time for her son" while watching the video.
Heroy described the late Easter as a dedicated father to which "family meant everything."
"He's unbelievable," Heroy said. "He took his kids to daycare and preschool and school every day, oftentimes staying the day with them and helping out at the school. Family meant everything."
The family is now suing the city for wrongful death.


theblaze--2020-10-02--'Don't Tread on Me' image considered 'racial harassment'? Catholic school allegedly orders conservat

'Don't Tread on Me' image considered 'racial harassment'? Catholic school allegedly orders conservative students to nix Gadsden flag

'Do n't Tread on Me ' image considered 'racial harassment ' ?
Catholic school allegedly orders conservative students to nix @ @ @ @ @ the freedom to express their beliefs and values '

Conservative students at a Catholic high school in California said the administration ordered them to remove the image of the Gadsden flag from a promotional video as the flag could be considered "racial harassment," Young America's Foundation reported.
What are the details?
The organization said it obtained an email from Chris Walter — Loyola High School's director of student activities — to a conservative student that said "you will have to remove the Don't Tread on Me image" and cited an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission case.
YAF said Walter claimed the EEOC ruled that displaying the Gadsden flag in the workplace "could be considered racial harassment, depending on the circumstances" — and the organization said such a claim is "blatantly false."
More from Young America's Foundation:
The EEOC case he is citing clearly states that "it would have been premature and inappropriate for EEOC to determine, one way or the other, the merits of the U.S. Postal Service's argument that the Gadsden Flag and its slogan do not have any racial connotations whatsoever," and that "EEOC's decision simply ordered the agency – the U.S. Postal Service – to investigate the allegations. EEOC's decision made no factual or legal determination on whether discrimination actually occurred."
YAF said it reached out to Loyola High School but did not receive a response in time for publication.
History teachers there ought to know that the symbol on the flag was created by Christopher Gadsden — a general in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War — and gained favor among colonists who wanted independence from Great Britain.
What did the student in question have to say?
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the student who reported the alleged incident to YAF's Campus Bias Tip Line told the organization that the "Don't Tread on Me" crackdown is frustrating.
"This is just a small example of the different struggles conservative students go through while in school," the student told YAF. "Students should have the freedom to express their beliefs and values in a school environment without having to fear the repercussion that can arise."
YAF went further and characterized the mandate to the conservative students as "bullying" in an effort to "silence speech" that isn't in line with what the school says is acceptable.


theblaze--2020-10-02--Google Trends show more people are searching 'how to vote Republican' than 'how to vote Democrat' —

Google Trends show more people are searching 'how to vote Republican' than 'how to vote Democrat' — and have been for most of the year

Google Trends show more people are searching 'how to vote Republican ' than 'how to vote Democrat ' — and @ @ @ @ @ the year

Google Trends, which tracks what people around the world search on the internet, appears to be showing some encouraging news for Republicans.
Americans have been significantly more likely to search for "how to vote Republican" than "how to vote Democrat." And that trend has continued for pretty much for an entire year.
What's this now?
According to Google Trends, since early October 2019, Americans, on average, have been about two-thirds more likely to search "how to vote Republican" than "how to vote Democrat."
The most recent data show that just last week, the search favored Republicans by about 18%.
The data project that for this week the popularity of the search for "how to vote Republican" will far more than double that of the search for "how to vote Democrat."
Google Trends also breaks down the data by state.
Here are the 10 states where "how to vote Republican" has had the biggest lead over "how to vote "Democrat" as a percentage of searches:
No. 1: Idaho
● How to vote Republican: 100%
● How to vote Democrat: 0%
No. 2: New Mexico
● How to vote Republican: 100%
● How to vote Democrat: 0%
No. 3: Mississippi
● How to vote Republican: 100%
● How to vote Democrat: 0%
No. 4: Alabama
● How to vote Republican: 72%
● How to vote Democrat: 28%
No. 5: Minnesota
● How to vote Republican: 70%
● How to vote Democrat: 30%
No. 6: Louisiana
● How to vote Republican: 69%
● How to vote Democrat: 31%
No. 7: Kentucky
● How to vote Republican: 65%
● How to vote Democrat: 35%
No. 8: Washington
● How to vote Republican: 62%
● How to vote Democrat: 38%
No. 9: Kansas
● How to vote Republican: 60%
● How to vote Democrat: 40%
No. 10: Nebraska
● How to vote Republican: 60%
● How to vote Democrat: 40%
Another positive note for the GOP from the data: Since mid-July, searching for "how to register Republican" has been 50% more popular than "how to register Democrat" among Americans.


theblaze--2020-10-02--Democrats cry foul after Texas governor limits mail-in ballot drop boxes to one per county

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) issued a proclamation Thursday directing counties in the state to designate just one location for mail-in ballot drop-offs.
According to the Austin American-Stateman, the order modified a previous order issued by Abbott, which added six days of early voting and waived a state law limiting mail-in ballot drop-off to Election Day only.
The governor argued the measure would "strengthen ballot security protocols throughout the state" as concerns over voter fraud have increased amid the coronavirus pandemic. The measure also allows for parties to install poll watchers at voting sites to observe ballot deliveries.
"These enhanced security protocols will ensure greater transparency and will help stop attempts at illegal voting," Abbott argued.
Democrats are incensed
Democrats couldn't disagree more and are blasting the measure as a voter suppression tactic, according to the Texas Tribune.
"Republicans are on the verge of losing, so Gov. Abbott is trying to adjust the rules last minute," said Gilberto Hinojosa, chairman of the Texas Democratic Party.
In Harris County, the most populous county in the state and one of its few Democratic strongholds, officials had designated a dozen drop-off locations and had already begun collecting ballots.
Lina Hidalgo, a Democratic judge in the county, said, "This isn't security, it's suppression."
"This is a deliberate attempt to manipulate the election," Travis County Clerk Dana DeBeauvoir said in a news conference.
Texas Democratic House candidate Joaquin Castro wrote in a tweet: "The only thing [Abbott] has been quick to close in this pandemic is your polling location."
Former Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke has wasted no time formulating action against the measure.
"We either accept Greg Abbott's latest attempt to suppress voting in Texas or we take action to overcome it," he wrote on Twitter Friday. "Tomorrow I will be calling eligible unregistered Texans to get them on the rolls ahead of the most important election of our lives."
O'Rourke also blasted the measure in a video message since posted to Twitter.
Famed novelist Stephen King even jumped in on the action.
A lawsuit has been filed
DallasNews.com reported that voting rights groups and two voters have already filed a lawsuit against the governor over his order.
In the lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Austin, plaintiffs argue that Abbott's measure is "unreasonable, unfair, and unconstitutional."
"To limit ballot drop off locations this close to the election, and as voting has already begun, is voter suppression, plain and simple," said Grace Chimene, president of the League of Women Voters of Texas, one of the plaintiffs in the case. "Instead of protecting our most vulnerable voters — those with disabilities and those 65 and over — and ensuring their safe access to the ballot, our state has erected higher barriers for voters. It's shameful."
Abbott spokesman John Wittman has responded saying the governor's order does not limit access to voting, but expands it.
"Before the Governor's executive order, Texans who wanted to vote by mail could either mail their ballot or submit it in person on Election Day only," he said. "Because of COVID-19, the governor's executive order increased the time period during which voters can submit their mail-in ballot in person to include anytime leading up to Election Day."
Early voting begins in Texas on Oct. 13.


theblaze--2020-10-02--Federal judge denies New York Times, Rolling Stone, ABC, and CBS motion to dismiss Nick Sandmann's d

Federal judge denies New York Times, Rolling Stone, ABC, and CBS motion to dismiss Nick Sandmann's defamation lawsuit

The former Covington Catholic High School student eyes another payday Federal judge denies New York Times , Rolling Stone , @ @ @ @ @ to dismiss Nick Sandmann 's defamation lawsuit Photo Courtesy of the Committee on Arrangements for @ @ @ @ @ via Getty Images

Four major media companies asked the court to dismiss defamation lawsuits filed by Nicholas Sandmann. On Thursday, a federal judge in Kentucky denied the dismissal motions by the New York Times, Rolling Stone, ABC, and CBS.
The media companies argued that their stories written about the former Covington Catholic High School student didn't amount to defamation. The district court judge rejected those arguments, greenlighting Sandmann's defamation suits to continue.
The basis of Sandmann's lawsuit against theTimes is that the paper published a news article that stated Sandmann "blocked" activist Nathan Phillips at the Lincoln Memorial on Jan. 18, 2019. The Times claimed that Sandmann "prevented Phillips' retreat while Nicholas and a mass of other young white boys surrounded, taunted, jeered and physically intimidated Phillips."
Sandmann's legal team contend that Phillips' statements were false and defamatory. Sandmann's attorneys argue that the media companies "failed to engage in 'basic journalistic due diligence,' which would have revealed Phillips' lack of credibility." Attorneys for Sandmann also point out that the media outlets ignored all the available footage from the incident, which showed the full context of the confrontation and disproved Phillips' claims.
In the motion to dismiss, the Times argued that its article was "a standard piece of investigative journalism" and therefore not libelous.
CBS argued that the "statements at issue cannot be libelous because the publications in full included statements more favorable to Sandmann's view of the events."
Senior Judge William O. Bertelsman of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky rejected the dismissal motions, saying that the media outlets should have vetted for accuracy before publishing the articles.
"Under Kentucky law, a writing is defamatory 'if it tends to (1) bring a person into public hatred, contempt or ridicule; (2) cause him to be shunned or avoided; or (3) injure him in his business or occupation.' The allegations of the Complaint fit this definition precisely," Bertelsman wrote. "Defendant published a statement by Phillips that was made after Sandmann had departed for home, a statement to which Sandmann had no opportunity to reply in real time. While Sandmann had such an opportunity later, and such evidence might be admissible to show lack of malice, it is not a defense to the defamatory meaning of Phillips' original statement itself."
Sandmann stated that the "news media caused him to be harassed by the public, causing him great emotional distress." His legal team alleges that the Times article "is now forever a part of the historical Internet record and will haunt and taint Nicholas for the remainder of his natural life and impugn his reputation for generations to come."
On Thursday, Sandmann's attorney Lin Wood wrote on Twitter: "CNN & Washington Post previously settled defamation cases filed against them by @N1ckSandmann. 2 down, 6 to go."
"In light of media propaganda we have been experiencing on an increasing basis since January of 2019, DISCOVERY in the remaining cases should be extremely revealing," Wood tweeted. "Motions to Dismiss @N1ckSandmann defamation lawsuits filed in KY federal court against NY Times, Rolling Stone, ABC, & CBS were just DENIED. NBC motion has previously been DENIED. Gannett motion was briefed on different time schedule & a DENIAL is expected in next few weeks."
Sandmann agreed to settlements for undisclosed amounts with CNN in January, and with the Washington Post in July, which were originally filed in February 2019 and were seeking $250 million.
Sandmann, who is now a college freshman, recently began working for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's (R-Ky.) re-election campaign. In August, Sandmann delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention.


theblaze--2020-10-02--Days after computer theft from Philly elections warehouse, reporter strolls inside, walks by rows of

Days after computer theft from Philly elections warehouse, reporter strolls inside, walks by rows of voting machines — with no one else around

Days after computer theft from Philly elections warehouse , reporter strolls inside , walks by rows of voting machines — @ @ @ @ @ The reporter said he roamed the warehouse unattended for several minutes before being asked to @

After a report in a major newspaper of stolen computer equipment from a major U.S. city's elections warehouse, one may be inclined to conclude that the premises would be buttoned up a bit afterward.
But apparently that wasn't the case at Philadelphia's elections warehouse — at least not on Thursday when WHYY-TV reporter Max Marin said he was able to enter the facility with no problem, walk past rows of voting machines, and just hang out all by his lonesome for several minutes while recording the breach on his cellphone:
Marin wrote that he "strolled past hundreds of voting machines, various boxes, and other unidentified equipment without seeing other people."
"Eventually" he "stumbled upon a staffer in an office, who said press was not allowed in the building and escorted the reporter to the door, locking it behind him. The staffer declined to answer questions about security, or answer why it was so easy to enter. No security cameras were immediately visible, either inside or outside the building," Marin added.
He also noted in his report that upon leaving the warehouse, a guard was visible at the other side of the building and more staffers arrived at the facility later, with one taking up a station outside the door.
What's the background?
The Philadelphia Inquirer noted earlier this week that the items stolen were a laptop belonging to an on-site employee for the company that supplies the voting machines and several memory sticks used to program the machines. The paper said the theft sparked a "scramble to investigate and to ensure the machines had not been compromised."
City officials privately expressed concern that President Donald Trump and his allies might use news of the theft to cast doubt on the integrity of the city's elections "in light of false claims and conspiracy theories he cited during Tuesday's presidential debate," the Inquirer reported.
The paper added that officials "initially refused to confirm the theft or that an investigation had been opened. They only did so after The Inquirer informed them it would be reporting the incident based on sources who were not authorized to publicly discuss it."
Far-left Mayor Jim Kenney weighed in, telling the paper in a statement: "I have immediately committed to making necessary police resources available to investigate this incident and find the perpetrators. I have also committed to the city commissioners additional resources to provide enhanced security at the warehouse going forward. This matter should not deter Philadelphians from voting, nor from having confidence in the security of this election."
Yet the WHYY reporter still got inside
In the wake of Marin's report of lax security at the warehouse, he said Deputy Commissioner Nick Custodio told him a security guard should have been stationed outside the door he walked through — but didn't know if the guard was supposed to be there 24 hours or only during operating hours.
Custodio works for the Office of City Commissioners, which oversees elections in Philadelphia, and told WHYY he would address the situation.
In response to the theft and Marin's breach of the warehouse, city spokesperson Mike Dunn told the station new safeguards would include:


theblaze--2020-10-02--Piers Morgan shreds leftists celebrating President Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis after former Obama, Cl

Piers Morgan shreds leftists celebrating President Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis after former Obama, Clinton staffer says she hopes Trump dies

Piers Morgan shreds leftists celebrating President Trump 's COVID-19 diagnosis after former Obama , Clinton staffer says she hopes Trump @ @ @ @ @ feeling glee over diagnosis

Piers Morgan, former CNN host, castigated leftists — including a former Obama and Clinton staffer — on Friday for celebrating President Donald Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis.
Leftists prolific and otherwise collectively went wild on social media following the president's concerning announcement.
In the early hours Friday, Trump announced that he and his wife, first lady Melania Trump, contracted the coronavirus.
What are the details?
In a tweet, Morgan wrote, "Interesting to see those who've spent the last few years screaming that Trump's an uncaring, heartless empathy-devoid b**stard now spewing their gleeful joy that he & his wife have a deadly virus. They're no better the man they loathe."
Morgan also pointed out that Zara Rahim —a former Obama White House staffer as well as 2016 national spokesperson for former Secretary of State and failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton — shared a highly disturbing statement about the president's health and quickly deleted the tweet.
Rahim wrote, "It's been against my moral identity to tweet this for the past four years but I hope he dies."
According to a Friday report from the Washington Times, Rahim also shared a tweet saying she felt "free" following the president's diagnosis, as well as a photo of herself flashing a peace sign captioned "This f***ing rules."
Rahim's Twitter feed is protected and restricted at the time of this reporting.
Anything else?
Even MSNBC's Rachel Maddow championed empathy and healing for the president.
Following the news, Maddow took to Twitter and wrote, "God bless the president and the first lady. If you pray, please pray for their speedy and complete recovery — and for everyone infected, everywhere. This virus is horrific and merciless — no one would wish its wrath on anyone. We must get its spread under control. Enough."


theblaze--2020-10-02--Kentucky AG Daniel Cameron responds to racially charged criticism over Breonna Taylor case: 'It is r

Kentucky AG Daniel Cameron responds to racially charged criticism over Breonna Taylor case: 'It is repugnant'

Kentucky AG Daniel Cameron responds to racially charged criticism over Breonna Taylor case : 'It is repugnant '

Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron responded to racially charged criticism launched at him for his handling of the Breonna Taylor investigation, saying the names he's been called are "repugnant."
"It is so unfortunate that because I have a different political philosophy and because in my role as the attorney general and as the special prosecutor in the Breonna Taylor investigation, because I led with the facts and the truth, and had that lead to the conclusion, somehow I betrayed my race," Cameron told Fox News host Tucker Carlson in an interview Thursday.
After Cameron announced that the officers involved in Taylor's death would not be charged with murder, outraged commentators called him names like "sellout negro," "Uncle Tom," and said he was "skinfolk" but not "kinfolk." The only charge was issued against one officer for wanton endangerment.
"It is repugnant. It is so disappointing, but it's par for the course," Cameron said in response to his critics. "Anytime someone stands for the truth, and when that truth is different from a narrative that has been pushed by others, this is how they respond."
Kentucky AG responds to harsh criticism he faced on Breonna Taylor decision www.youtube.com
"I'm here tonight to say that enough is enough," he added. "Black Republicans, folks that believe in the truth ... we are going to stand up.
"That's what I did in presenting all of the information to the grand jury in the Breonna Taylor investigation, and that is what I'm charged to do. That is my responsibility as the attorney general of the Commonwealth of Kentucky," he continued.
On Sept. 23, Cameron held a news conference to announce the results of the state attorney general's investigation into Taylor's shooting death.
TheBlaze covered the news conference and the facts of the night Taylor died as recounted by Cameron:
When the three officers charged into Taylor's apartment around 1 a.m. March 13, Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, fired one shot at them. The officers were not in uniform, and Walker said he thought it was a home invasion. Walker shot Mattingly in the leg. The three officers returned fire with more than 20 shots. Taylor was shot five times.
Attorney General Daniel Cameron said that despite reports that it was a no-knock raid, the officers did knock and announce themselves before entering the apartment.
Cameron said that because the police were fired upon first, the returned fire was justified and Kentucky state law prevented him from charging the police with Taylor's killing. Two of the officers Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly and Detective Myles Cosgrove, did not face any charges. The third officer, former LMPD Sgt. Brett Hankison, was charged with three counts of wanton endangerment for allegedly firing his gun recklessly.
Asked by Carlson to dispel the biggest "myth" surrounding the facts of the shooting, Cameron criticized the claim that the police officer who was allegedly shot by Kenneth Walker actually shot himself.
"Well, the biggest myth that is being promoted right now is the idea that Sgt. Mattingly, one of the office officers who was administering the search warrant in the morning hours at Breonna Taylor's apartment, was shot by friendly fire, meaning shot by another officer," Cameron said. "Look, I've taken to calling this a conspiracy theory. In order to believe this narrative that's being promoted by the defense attorney in Louisville, Kentucky, you have to believe, (1) to defy physics and disregard the trajectory analysis, but you have to believe that the officer that was standing outside the apartment shooting into the apartment, that he had a magic bullet, and that that bullet went through the apartment unit and then made a sharp turn left without any obstruction or any impediment to match it up with the entry point of the wound that Sergeant Mattingly suffered.
"It is a silly notion; it's one of the biggest myths that has been promoted here in the last few weeks," Cameron continued. "Before three weeks ago and before this defense attorney uttered this statement, it was a foregone conclusion that what happened that evening was that Kenny Walker, Breonna Taylor's boyfriend, fired a shot at the officers. The officers responded and returned fire, justified in doing so because they had been fired upon. And the tragedy, and again, I've said this from the very beginning, the tragedy here is that Breonna Taylor was in that hallway as well and was hit.
"But the tragedy doesn't allow for me to not present the facts and the truth, and that's what we've done here," he said.
Cameron blamed celebrity and media commentators for driving false narratives about the shooting, leading to confusion about what happened.
"Well, again, there were a lot of people inside and outside, a lot of celebrities, a lot of folks that were either misrepresenting the facts because it was to their advantage, or didn't know all the information," Cameron said. "They made conclusions first and then want to cherry-pick the facts to meet those conclusions. I don't have that luxury as the attorney general here in the commonwealth. My responsibility is to the truth and to the information, and then that is ultimately what leads to the conclusion. We presented all the information to the grand jury. Ultimately, we presented to them as well the fact that the officers, Mattingly and Cosgrove, were fired upon and they were justified in returning their fire.
"We obviously have a prosecution into a third officer that was there that night," he continued. "I can't get into the specifics because that is an ongoing prosecution, but again, a lot of folks had already made up their mind and weren't interested in what the truth is, and now are still trying to cherry-pick so that they can fashion a narrative that meets their agenda and advances their own interests."
Since Cameron delivered his news conference in September, several new facts have come to light that raise questions about the findings the Kentucky attorney general's office presented.
Bodycam footage made public days after the investigation's findings were released appear to show Louisville Metro Police Department officers and SWAT team members breaking department policy regarding officer-involved shooting incidents.
As Leon Wolf wrote for TheBlaze:
Notably, for obvious reasons, officers who are involved in a shooting are prohibited per LMPD policy from being involved in the investigation of those shootings and are furthermore explicitly required to be promptly separated from the scene and paired with a "peer support" escort who can both comfort shaken officers and also vouch for the fact that the officers did not fabricate evidence or otherwise adulterate the crime scene.
Videos taken of the shooting aftermath show that this policy was flagrantly disregarded, particularly by the now-terminated Hankison and Cosgrove, and that the SWAT and Public Integrity Unit officers who were there complained aloud about the officers they were investigating still being "in the mix" and even actually in the active crime scene. One of the other officers involved in the raid was also observed to have left the scene and been canvassing witnesses.
Also, a ballistics report released recently contradicted Cameron's claim that Walker shot first and struck Mattingly and that friendly fire was ruled out.
From the New York Post:
Kentucky State Police said that "due to limited markings of comparative value," the bullet that hit Mattingly was neither "identified nor eliminated" as coming from a 9mm pistol fired by Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, the outlet said.
The ballistics report also contradicted Cameron's claim that the cops only carried .40-caliber handguns, when the shot that hit Mattingly was a 9mm.
The report said Police Officer Brett Hankison had also been issued a 9mm handgun.
A separate FBI ballistics report has been received by Cameron's office but has not yet been released.


theblaze--2020-10-02--Editor-in-chief of Chinese state-run newspaper mocks President Trump's COVID diagnosis

An editor at one of China 's state-run news outlets mocked President Donald Trump for contracting the coronavirus , according to a Friday report from the Daily Mail .
Trump announced in the early morning hours that he and his wife , first lady Melania Trump , tested positive for the virus , writing , `` Tonight , @ FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19 .
We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately .
We will get through this TOGETHER ! ''
What are the details ?
Hu Xijin , editor-in-chief of state-run paper the Global Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diagnosis with `` jeers , '' the Daily Mail reported Friday .
The editor of the Global Times — which , as the Daily Mail pointed out , is a `` mouthpiece for the Communist party '' — reported that Trump and the first lady `` have paid the price '' for downplaying the pandemic .
In the early days of the pandemic , China — where the deadly virus originated — reportedly concealed the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak .
Hu , in the now-viral tweet , alleged that Trump 's diagnosis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the United States and said it is likely to sabotage the president 's re-election bid .
In a Friday tweet , Hu wrote , `` President Trump and the first lady have paid the price for his gamble to play down the COVID-19 . ''
He added , `` The news shows the severity of the US ' pandemic situation .
It will impose a negative impact on the image of Trump and the US and may also negatively affect his reelection . ''
It would appear that Hu has since deleted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Hu retweeted well-wishes for the president and first lady , which said , `` Saddened to learn # President and the # FirstLady of the # US tested positive .
Hope they both have a speedy recovery and will be . ''
The tweet in question emerged from Hua Chunying , foreign ministry spokesperson .
According to Business Insider , Hu has been a decidedly outspoken critic of the the president and his administration .
The outlet also describes the Global Times as a `` purveyor of state-sponsored disinformation '' which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ languages .
In June , the U.S. Department of State designated the Global Times as a foreign mission that is `` controlled by the government . ''

An editor at one of China's state-run news outlets mocked President Donald Trump for contracting the coronavirus, according to a Friday report from the Daily Mail.
Trump announced in the early morning hours that he and his wife, first lady Melania Trump, tested positive for the virus, writing, "Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!"
What are the details?
Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of state-run paper the Global Times, reported the U.S. president's coronavirus diagnosis with "jeers," the Daily Mail reported Friday.
The editor of the Global Times — which, as the Daily Mail pointed out, is a "mouthpiece for the Communist party" — reported that Trump and the first lady "have paid the price" for downplaying the pandemic.
In the early days of the pandemic, China — where the deadly virus originated — reportedly concealed the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Hu, in the now-viral tweet, alleged that Trump's diagnosis highlights the severity of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States and said it is likely to sabotage the president's re-election bid.
In a Friday tweet, Hu wrote, "President Trump and the first lady have paid the price for his gamble to play down the COVID-19."
He added, "The news shows the severity of the US' pandemic situation. It will impose a negative impact on the image of Trump and the US and may also negatively affect his reelection."
It would appear that Hu has since deleted the tweet in question.
Image source: Wayback Machine screenshot
Later Friday, Hu retweeted well-wishes for the president and first lady, which said, "Saddened to learn #President and the #FirstLady of the #US tested positive. Hope they both have a speedy recovery and will be."
The tweet in question emerged from Hua Chunying, foreign ministry spokesperson.
'Controlled by the government'
According to Business Insider, Hu has been a decidedly outspoken critic of the the president and his administration. The outlet also describes the Global Times as a "purveyor of state-sponsored disinformation" which is published in both the Chinese and English languages.
In June, the U.S. Department of State designated the Global Times as a foreign mission that is "controlled by the government."


theblaze--2020-10-02--Graphic bodycam footage shows Chicago police fatally shooting knife-wielding stabbing suspect — who

Graphic bodycam footage shows Chicago police fatally shooting knife-wielding stabbing suspect — who also stabbed a police officer

Chicago 's Civilian Office of Police Accountability on Thursday released bodycam footage of a police shooting involving a knife-wielding suspect .
The incident took place in September .
What are the details of the incident ?
According to the Chicago Sun-Times , authorities responded to a call about a man armed with a large knife near Vittum Park .
When they arrived at the scene they discovered 34-year-old Shaon Jermy Ochea Warner armed with a large butcher 's knife .
On the video , an officer can be heard shouting , `` Put your godd**n hands up .
Do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refuses and can be seen walking toward a female officer with the knife clutched in his hand .
The female officer can be seen deploying her Taser at the suspect , which temporarily slows him down .
It appears that Warner is able to rip out the Taser 's prongs , and once free , rushes the female officer and stabs her in the protective vest .
`` Drop the godd**n knife ! ''
an officer can be heard shouting on the tape .
Earlier in September , Chicago police spokesman Tom Ahern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knife from the scene of the crime .
After Warner stabs the female officer , police unload on Warner , firing off about 15 shots , and the suspect falls to the ground .
The female officer can be heard telling her fellow officers that she is not injured .
First responders pronounced Warner dead at the scene .
In a statement , COPA said that its `` investigation into the officer 's actions , including use of deadly force , is in its early stages and will determine if the actions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department policy and training . ''
CWBChicago shared the video on Twitter , captioning it , `` Incredible video released by @ ChicagoCOPA tonight .
Police confront man wanted for stabbing a citizen nearby .
Man clearly has large knife , overcomes effect of Tazer [ sic ] and charges sergeant with knife . ''
You can watch the video here , but be warned , the content is graphic .

Chicago's Civilian Office of Police Accountability on Thursday released bodycam footage of a police shooting involving a knife-wielding suspect.
The incident took place in September.
What are the details of the incident?
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, authorities responded to a call about a man armed with a large knife near Vittum Park.
When they arrived at the scene they discovered 34-year-old Shaon Jermy Ochea Warner armed with a large butcher's knife.
On the video, an officer can be heard shouting, "Put your godd**n hands up. Don't be reaching for nothing."
Warner refuses and can be seen walking toward a female officer with the knife clutched in his hand. The female officer can be seen deploying her Taser at the suspect, which temporarily slows him down. It appears that Warner is able to rip out the Taser's prongs, and once free, rushes the female officer and stabs her in the protective vest.
"Drop the godd**n knife!" an officer can be heard shouting on the tape.
Earlier in September, Chicago police spokesman Tom Ahern tweeted a photo of the suspect's knife from the scene of the crime.
After Warner stabs the female officer, police unload on Warner, firing off about 15 shots, and the suspect falls to the ground.
The female officer can be heard telling her fellow officers that she is not injured.
First responders pronounced Warner dead at the scene.
In a statement, COPA said that its "investigation into the officer's actions, including use of deadly force, is in its early stages and will determine if the actions of the officers are in accordance with the Department policy and training."
CWBChicago shared the video on Twitter, captioning it, "Incredible video released by @ChicagoCOPA tonight. Police confront man wanted for stabbing a citizen nearby. Man clearly has large knife, overcomes effect of Tazer [sic] and charges sergeant with knife."
You can watch the video here, but be warned, the content is graphic.


theblaze--2020-10-02--Comedy legend Rick Moranis hospitalized after random attack in NYC. His fans are out for blood.

Comedy legend Rick Moranis hospitalized after random attack in NYC .
His fans are out for blood .
Moranis was @ @ @ @ @ a reward for information leading to the suspect 's arrest .

Comedy legend Rick Moranis was the victim of a random violent assault by a stranger Thursday and was hospitalized, police say.
Moranis, 67, was sucker-punched in broad daylight just before 7:30 a.m. on Central Park West near 70th street, WLNY-TV reported.
The assault, which took place just outside Moranis' apartment building, was captured on camera. The New York Post reported that Moranis was taken to the hospital for evaluation, suffering injuries to his head, back, and right hip.
The suspect remains wanted by police. NYPD Crime Stoppers shared video of the suspect and announced a reward up to $2,500 for information leading to his arrest.
In the video, the assailant punches the actor, then just walks away.
Moranis is well known for his comedic roles in classic films such as "Ghostbusters" (1984), "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" (1989), and "Spaceballs" (1987).
Moranis retired from acting in the 1990s to focus on raising his two children as a single father after his wife died of cancer at age 35. Since then, many in Hollywood have tried to get him to return to acting, but until this year he's turned all the offers down.
"I pulled out of making movies in about '96 or '97," he told USA Today in 2005. "I'm a single parent, and I just found that it was too difficult to manage raising my kids and doing the traveling involved in making movies. So I took a little bit of a break. And the little bit of a break turned into a longer break, and then I found that I really didn't miss it."
Moranis has a large fan following who made themselves vocal Friday about how his assailant ought to be found and punished.
Moranis finally returned to the small screen this year for a Mint Mobile commercial alongside Ryan Reynolds, who introduces him as an actor "we've all gone far too long without."
Ryan & Rick Moranis www.youtube.com
Reynolds said he "wept" when Moranis agreed to come out of retirement to do the commercial.
In February, Deadline reported Moranis will return to the big screen, reprising his role as "Wayne Szalinski" for Disney's planned sequel to "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids." The movie will be titled "Shrunk" and will star Josh Gad playing Szalinski's son who aspires to be a scientist like his dad and accidentally shrinks his kids.


theblaze--2020-10-02--NBA Finals Game 1 ratings plunge to the lowest viewership in history

NBA Finals Game 1 ratings plunge to the lowest viewership in history 'The Masked Singer ' was n't far behind @ @ @ @ @ ratings

Game 1 of the NBA Finals experienced its lowest ratings since records were kept. Ratings for the first game of the NBA Finals plunged nearly 50% since last year.
The 2020 NBA Finals features the illustrious Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most beloved and hated franchises in the association, with a star-studded roster boasting LeBron James and Anthony Davis going head-to-head against the Cinderella story Miami Heat.
Despite the intriguing matchup, many sports fans were not interested in watching Game 1 of the Finals on Wednesday. Game 2 is at 9 p.m. ET Friday night.
Game 1 averaged a lowly 4.1 rating and 7.41 million viewers on ABC, "comfortably the lowest rated and least-watched NBA Finals game on record (dates back to 1988)," according to Sports Media Watch. For comparison, Fox's reality TV singing competition "The Masked Singer" pulled in 6.932 million viewers on Wednesday night.
The previous all-time low came in Game 2 of the 2003 NBA Finals between the New Jersey Nets and the San Antonio Spurs with a 5.2 rating and 8.06 million viewers.
Game 1 of the 2020 NBA Finals plummeted 48% in the ratings from last year's Game 1 between the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors, and down an abysmal 59% from 2018's Finals opener featuring the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors.
The NBA Western Conference Finals between the Lakers and Denver Nuggets plummeted 41% from a "comparable outing between the Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers in 2019."
Last week's Eastern Conference Finals between the Heat and Boston Celtics averaged 4.48 million viewers, down 15% from a "comparable game between the Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors in 2019, and 44%from a Cleveland Cavaliers and Celtics showdown from 2018."
During the first week of the 2020 NBA playoffs, ESPN, ABC, and TNT averaged 1.875 million TV viewers per game, down 20% compared to 2019.
"From 2012 to 2020, broadcast NBA ratings are down 45%," according to Outkick.
The disappointing playoff ratings come at a time when the NBA has become more vocal about social justice and activism. Following the coronavirus shutdown, the NBA has enacted a policy of allowing players to select from 29 league-approved social activism messages on their jerseys such as "Black Lives Matter," "I Can't Breathe," and "Anti-Racist."
The NBA painted "Black Lives Matter" on its bubble basketball court in Orlando.
On Wednesday, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert publicly condemned China for allegedly operating concentration camps. Gobert made the comments despite facing possible backlash from the league and fellow players, much like Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey experienced after posting one tweet in October 2019 showing support for pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.
Americans' opinion of the sports industry has declined sharply in the past year, according to a Gallup poll. People who had a very or somewhat positive view of the sports industry fell 15 points in 2020.


theblaze--2020-10-02--Joe Biden, wife Jill test negative for COVID-19 following President Trump's diagnosis

Democratic presidential nominee former Vice President Joe Biden announced Friday that he and his wife , Jill , tested negative for coronavirus .
Biden and his family attended Tuesday 's presidential debate alongside President Donald Trump and his family .
On Friday morning , Trump announced that he and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for the virus .
What are the details ?
In a tweet , Biden wrote , `` I 'm happy to report that Jill and I have tested negative for COVID .
Thank you to everyone for your messages of concern .
I hope this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask , keep social distance , and wash your hands . ''
According to a Friday report from the Associated Press , Biden 's primary care physician , Dr. Kevin O'Connor , released the negative test results in a statement issued by the Biden 2020 presidential election campaign .
`` Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden underwent PCR testing for COVID-19 today and COVID-19 was not detected .
I am reporting this out in my capacity as both Vice President Biden and Dr. Biden 's primary care physician , '' O'Connor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday , Biden shared his wishes for a swift recovery following Trump 's announcement that he and the First Lady were positive for the deadly virus .
`` Jill and I send our thoughts to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for a swift recovery .
We will continue to pray for the health and safety of the president and his family , '' he shared on Twitter .
According to the New York Times , Biden 's campaign manager , Jennifer O'Malley Dillon , requested the campaign team to `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media unless otherwise directed by your manager . ''
In Dillon 's message , she also vowed that `` the health and safety of the entire team has been , and will remain , our number one priority . ''

Democratic presidential nominee former Vice President Joe Biden announced Friday that he and his wife, Jill, tested negative for coronavirus.
Biden and his family attended Tuesday's presidential debate alongside President Donald Trump and his family.
On Friday morning, Trump announced that he and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for the virus.
What are the details?
In a tweet, Biden wrote, "I'm happy to report that Jill and I have tested negative for COVID. Thank you to everyone for your messages of concern. I hope this serves as a reminder: wear a mask, keep social distance, and wash your hands."
According to a Friday report from the Associated Press, Biden's primary care physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, released the negative test results in a statement issued by the Biden 2020 presidential election campaign.
"Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden underwent PCR testing for COVID-19 today and COVID-19 was not detected. I am reporting this out in my capacity as both Vice President Biden and Dr. Biden's primary care physician," O'Connor said, according to CNBC.
Earlier on Friday, Biden shared his wishes for a swift recovery following Trump's announcement that he and the First Lady were positive for the deadly virus.
"Jill and I send our thoughts to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for a swift recovery. We will continue to pray for the health and safety of the president and his family," he shared on Twitter.
According to the New York Times, Biden's campaign manager, Jennifer O'Malley Dillon, requested the campaign team to "refrain from posting about the situation on social media unless otherwise directed by your manager." In Dillon's message, she also vowed that "the health and safety of the entire team has been, and will remain, our number one priority."