theblaze--2020-07-30--Seattle police found van full of improvised explosives, spike strips and stun guns at riot

Seattle police found van full of improvised explosives , spike strips and stun guns at riot Mayor Durkan said in @ @ @ @ @ were mostly peaceful

Seattle police said they impounded a van full of explosives, stun guns, and improvised spike strips after witnessing protesters passing out items during the violent protests on Saturday.
Police Chief Carmen Best spoke to reporters about the discovery at a media briefing on Wednesday.
"Over the past several weeks we have seen many demonstrations throughout the city. Many demonstrators have been peaceful, however, many have not," said Best.
"Since July 19th, we have seen three protests where individuals have embedded themselves and they were particularly destructive and violent inside the peaceful group. Last Saturday a group of protesters went to the Youth Service Center where people within the group threw incendiary devices, molotov cocktails, into a construction site which resulted in several trailers being destroyed by fire," she explained.
"The group went from the construction cite to the East Precinct. A van that was closely following the group arrived at the precinct with the group. People were seen removing items and distributing them to people within the group. These items were described as baseball bats, pyrotechnic explosives, APR respirators, improvised shields, and face masks," Best added.
A detective explains improvised spike strips found in Seattle van Image Source: YouTube screenshot
"Moments later an explosion blew an eight-inch hole into the wall of the East Precinct," Best continued.
"Because of the manner in which the vehicle was parked and abandoned, there was a real fear that it would contain explosive devices that could detonate. The vehicle was impounded, detectives applied for a search warrant, yesterday a judge granted that request," said Best.
"The search yielded, one, pyrotechnic explosives, smoke bombs bundled together and unlit, but able to cause large amounts of smoke that are caustic to humans, bear spray, using it on anything but bears is a federal offense, pepper spray, stun guns, improvised spike strips," she explained.
Improvised pyrotechnic explosions Image Source: YouTube screenshot
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, who has expressed support for the Black Lives Matter movement, condemned the violence from the rioting.
"Peaceful protests are good for our city and good for our country," said Durkan, "but in our city it is also a truth that arson, destruction, and violence have occurred and they undermine the push and need and voice for systemic change."
She went on to admit that some journalists were harassed and intimidated by protesters. Durkan also said that any charges of police misconduct would be thoroughly investigated.
Best said that 59 officers were injured and 47 people were arrested at Saturday's riot.
Here's the video of the press briefing from KING 5:


theblaze--2020-07-30--'I’m more black than you on the INSIDE': White BLM protester berates Black pro-hydroxychloroquine do

'I’m more black than you on the INSIDE': White BLM protester berates Black pro-hydroxychloroquine doctor

' I ’ m more black than you on the INSIDE ' : White BLM protester berates Black pro-hydroxychloroquine doctor

A video featuring a group of medical professionals called America's Frontline Doctors speaking in Washington, D.C., about the use of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 was removed by Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and other sites after going viral on Monday.
The controversial video came from a news conference held outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington during what was called the "White Coat Summit." Those in the video, including Houston pediatrician and religious minister, Dr. Stella Immanuel, claimed that hydroxychloroquine is "a cure for COVID" and called studies that say otherwise "fake science."
NOTE: BlazeTV is making the removed video available to subscribers here. While Blaze Media does not specifically endorse the claims in the video, we do believe in the right to view information and judge for yourself.
BlazeTV reporter Elijah Schaffer caught up with Dr. Immanuel as she was lambasted by an unhinged Black Lives Matter protester who accused her of not being black enough for the cause.
"You're betraying Black Lives Matter. You're not black on the inside. I'm more black than you on the inside" the white protester screamed at Immanuel, a first generation African American immigrant.
Asked his profession, the protester continued to shout, "I'm Jesus Christ, you fool! My profession is to save the world from God-d**ned a**holes like yourself!"
Watch the video below to see how the scene played out:
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theblaze--2020-07-30--Georgia inmates praised for rushing to help guard who suffered heart attack

Georgia inmates praised for rushing to help guard who suffered heart attack The men rallied their entire cell block and @ @ @ @ @ medical aid for the unconscious deputy

Three Georgia inmates are being hailed for their swift actions in helping save the life of a deputy who suffered a heart attack and fell unconscious while standing guard over their unit.
What are the details?
Terry Lovelace, Walter Whitehead, and Mitchell Smalls noticed from their cells in the Gwinnett County Jail earlier this week that the guard on duty, Deputy Warren Hobbs, did not appear to feel well when he was making his rounds.
The inmates then began keeping their own watch on Hobbs, and noticed when he returned to his desk that he fell to the ground, splitting his head open.
The men began banging on their cell doors while calling for Deputy Hobbs to wake up and rallied the rest of the 60 men in the unit to join them in doing so, leading Hobbs to briefly regain consciousness, according to a Facebook post from the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office.
WAGA-TV reported Hobbs later recalled that the noise and hearing his named being shouted "over and over" led him to believe an inmate might need help, so he gathered the strength to reach the control panel and open the cell doors before falling unconscious again.
During that time, Lovelace, Whitehead, and Smalls ran to Hobbs' aid, with one of them using his desk phone and another grabbing his radio to call for medical help.
Whitehead told WAGA, "It scared me. I don't care if it's a police officer or whoever it was. I will do whatever I can to save a man. I don't want anyone to die."
The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office said of the ordeal:
We're happy to report that our deputy survived the harrowing incident and is recovering at home until he can return to duty.
These inmates came to his aid because our deputy, like most law enforcement officers, treats people with the dignity they deserve. These inmates had no obligation whatsoever to render aid to a bleeding, vulnerable deputy, but they didn't hesitate. Many people have strong opinions about law enforcement officers and criminals, but this incident clearly illustrates the potential goodness found in both.
We're proud of our deputy, whose strong desire to serve gave him the strength to active the door release when he believed an inmate needed his help. In doing so, he released his rescuers. We're proud of them, too.
Anything else?
The Daily Mail reported that records show all three inmates were jailed because of drug charges, and Smalls is also being held on a battery charge.


theblaze--2020-07-29--Democratic Party headquarters in Phoenix was allegedly destroyed by arson — days later police arrest

Democratic Party headquarters in Phoenix was allegedly destroyed by arson — days later police arrest a former volunteer

The headquarters of the Democratic Party in Phoenix was allegedly destroyed by arson on Thursday and days later police arrested a former volunteer they believe is responsible.
Arizona Democratic Party Chair Felecia Rotellini implied in a statement after the fire that political opponents might be to blame, but instead the police arrested a former volunteer that had been banned from the building where the headquarters is located.
"We're grateful for the response of the Phoenix Fire and Police Departments who are both still on the scene as we sort out what happened. We are relieved that no one was injured," said Rotellini.
"The fire is devastating but we refuse to let this be a distraction. We feel more empowered than ever to turn Arizona blue," she added. "Our eyes remain on the prize of electing Democrats who will put Arizonans first. Thank you to all who have sent their love and support and have reached out to help."
On Wednesday, police arrested Matthew Egler, 29, after he made several claims on social media related to the fire at the headquarters.
"Why are they coming after me so hard? Um, I took out a building," said Egler in a video posted to his Twitter account.
"Because I wasn't getting any responses from the Senate," he added, "uh, I got thrown out of the Supreme Court illegally, they shut down the Senate and House buildings when I tried to go inside."
He also made other threats on the video and encouraged his viewers to commit violence on his behalf.
"I'm your elected official, if I get arrested, go bomb the police, or go find those people, go kill 'em. Just go kill them," he said. "I'm saying declaration of war. So I'm sorry. Whoever is responsible, kill 'em."
Egler explained a bizarre conspiracy theory claiming that he secretly married the president's daughter Ivanka Trump.
Police say that he also claimed responsibility for the fire in a tweet from his account.
Police say that surveillance video also points to his involvement with the fire. In the video they released a man can be seen tossing something into the building before it is engulfed by flames.
Police added that he had been a volunteer for the Democratic Party from 2016 until 2017, but that he had been banned from the building. They did not specify why he had been banned.
Here's a local news report about the arrest:


theblaze--2020-07-29--DEADLY LIES: How media attacks on Trump put our KIDS in danger

DEADLY LIES : How media attacks on Trump put our KIDS in danger

According to the mainstream media's COVID-19 narrative, the president is "ignoring" the crisis.
On tonight's "Glenn TV" special, Glenn Beck exposes the media's last four months of political theater that has helped shape America's confusion and fear over the coronavirus. And now, with a new school year looming on the horizon, the ongoing hysteria has enormous ramifications for our children, but the media is working overtime to paint the Trump administration as anti-science Neanderthals who want to send children and teachers off to die by reopening schools.
Glenn fights back with the facts and interviews the medical doctor Big Tech fears the most. Dr. Simone Gold, founder of America's Frontline Doctors, stands up to the media's smear campaign and explains why she could no longer stay silent in her fight against the coronavirus fear.
Watch a preview below:
In order to watch tonight's episode, you must be a BlazeTV subscriber. Join today to get a 30-day free trial, and get $20 off a one-year subscription with code UNMASKED.
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theblaze--2020-07-29--U.S. to pull 12,000 troops out of Germany

U.S. to pull 12,000 troops out of Germany President Trump says he might reconsider if the NATO ally starts 'paying @ @ @

The United States announced plans Wednesday to withdraw 12,000 American troops from Germany, as President Donald Trump continues pressing the NATO ally to contribute more in common defense spending.
What are the details?
The Associated Press reported that "the U.S. will bring about 6,400 forces home and shift about 5,600 to other countries in Europe" as part of "a Pentagon plan that will cost billions of dollars and take years to complete."
"We're moving forces out of central Europe, Germany, where they've been since the Cold War," Defense Secretary Mark Esper explained," saying that forces will be shifted closer to Russia, "where our newest allies are."
Esper added that some troops may be temporarily deployed to the Baltics.
The move comes after President Trump vowed last month to cut the number of U.S. troops in Germany by one third due to the ally's failure "to meet NATO's defense spending target," according to The Sydney Morning Herald. There are currently around 36,000 American military personnel in the country.
"We don't want to be the suckers anymore," President Trump told reporters outside the White House on Wednesday, regarding the decision. "We're reducing the force because they're not paying their bills. It's very simple. They're delinquent."
He added that he might reconsider the decision to withdraw troops from Germany "if they start paying their bills."
ArmyTimes noted that the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps all base their European command headquarters in Germany. But part of Germany's position as a central hub in the region will also be revoked as part of the Pentagon's plan.
CBS News reported:
The headquarters for the European Command and the European Special Operations Command, currently located in Stuttgart, Germany, will be relocated to NATO headquarters in Belgium. Esper said this would begin within weeks and cost several billion dollars.
Anything else?
Republican Sen. Mitt Romney (Utah), a frequent critic of the president, blasted the decision, saying in a statement, "The plan outlined by the Administration today to remove thousands of U.S. troops from Germany is a grave error. It is a slap in the face at a friend and ally."
But NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said allies were already aware of U.S. plans, which were welcomed by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda who said in a statement: "I value very favourably the news that the US mentioned possibility of moving some troops to the Baltic countries."


theblaze--2020-07-29--Suspect steals little boy's bike just ahead of his birthday. Local police step up with a party — and

Suspect steals little boy's bike just ahead of his birthday. Local police step up with a party — and a gift — he will never forget.

Suspect steals little boy 's bike just ahead of his birthday .
Local police step up with a party — @ @ @ @ @ will never forget .

A 7-year-old Arkansas boy was all smiles after his local police department banded together to gift him a brand-new bike for his recent birthday — along with a birthday parade.
The department made the heartwarming gesture after somebody stole the one he received as a Christmas gift.
What are the details?
Members of the Conway Police Department showed up at Bryan Jeffery's home on Saturday with a brand-new bike.
According to the Log Cabin Democrat, Bryan cried tears of joy at the surprise.
"I wasn't expecting this," he said. "I was very surprised."
The gift is especially meaningful for the 7-year-old, after somebody stole the child's bike earlier in July when they were inside a local store.
The Jeffery family filed a police report on the stolen bike, but the little boy was crushed, as it had gone missing just days before his birthday.
Although the theft suspect returned the boy's bike to the place from where it was taken, Detective Tim Gray — who was assigned to the case of the missing bike — worked with the local community to give Bryan a surprise he'd never forget.
“It really wasn't on me," Gray said on Saturday afternoon ahead of Bryan's parade. "That's awful for a 6-year-old to lose his bicycle right before his birthday."
"It was a whole lot of people coming together for Bryan," he recalled. "I'm not going to say right a wrong, but to correct a wrong the best that we can," Gray said. "It's just good that the whole community of central Arkansas came together for this."
A bike, a birthday party, a bounce house, and a Batman cake
The bike and the parade weren't even the only things in store for Bryan — the department and Bryan's family worked together to plan a surprise party with a bounce house and a donated Batman cake.
Gray said he worked with members of the community to replace the bike, and was also able to obtain a helmet and a bicycle lock for Bryan's new bike.
Carmen Jeffery, Bryan's mother, was moved by the outpouring of love and support.
“I am definitely in awe with law enforcement and the police department, especially Detective Gray," she said. “I appreciate everyone for their concern about my son, and I appreciate everyone for making his seventh birthday so special."
Several members of the department were in attendance for the child's special day.
“When he was in pre-K, they asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up," Carmen told the outlet. "He dressed up as a police officer, and he still wants to either be a police officer or a firefighter. He just wants to help people."
The case of the missing bike may have started with heartache and sadness, but it ended on a high note for all involved.
"Before the bash ended, the detective took off his shoes and jumped in the bounce house with Bryan," the outlet reported. "The two held hands and smiled as they slid down the bounce house slide together."


theblaze--2020-07-29--Unhinged, mask-wearing woman screams in small children's faces: 'I hope you all die!'

Unhinged , mask-wearing woman screams in small children 's faces : ' I hope you all die ! '
What @ @ @ @ @ to us ?

An unidentified woman is going viral for her abhorrent behavior toward a mother and her two young children at what appears to be a grocery store.
What are the details?
In a video making its rounds on social media Wednesday, an elderly, masked woman can be seen approaching what appears to be a young mother and her two small children.
The video picks up as the mother can be heard defending her children from the woman.
"They're not supposed to wear them," the mother can be heard saying in apparent defense of her children not wearing masks.
The elderly woman fires back, "That's not true," shaking her head.
The young mother insists that the children aren't required to wear masks, but the elderly woman is not phased by her protestations.
The elderly woman can then be seen looking down at one of the children, who is staring at the woman with apparent concern, and says, "I hope you all die!"
The mother responds, "You're being ridiculous. You take care of yourself. 'Bye."
The elderly woman isn't done yet.
As she walks away with her hands clasped behind her back, she says it again.
"I hope you all die because you're going to kill me and my husband," she shouts.
Mask Karen Tells Unmasked Mother And Two Young Daughters, 'I Hope You All Die' www.youtube.com
What else?
According to WGCL-TV, the incident took place in a Walmart store in Gainesville, Georgia, earlier this month.
The station identified the young woman as Desiree Alis Vansickle, a young mother of three.
"Whenever it all ended I just walked off and was shaking on the inside, and I started crying because I was so upset," she told the station. "[The elderly woman] was attacking the people that were coming in without masks and everybody was just kind of ignoring her and walking on and going on about their business, but I just didn't feel that it was right that she was wishing death upon people for not wearing a mask."
Vansickle said she arrived at the store with her children and didn't realize she was without a mask.
"There was a man at the door who said 'If you have a mask can you please put your mask on?' and we didn't have any with us, but he didn't say that we couldn't come in," she recalled.
"I just prayed that she just went home and she thought about her actions, and what she said, and what she did affected a lot of people," Vansickle concluded.


theblaze--2020-07-29--Bill Gates sides with President Trump on reopening schools this fall: 'The benefits outweigh the cos

Bill Gates sides with President Trump on reopening schools this fall: 'The benefits outweigh the costs' for young children

Bill Gates sides with President Trump on reopening schools this fall : 'The benefits outweigh the costs ' for young @

President Donald Trump has been a leading advocate for getting America's schoolchildren back to their classrooms — even going so far as threatening to pull federal funding from schools that refuse to open this fall.
Last week, the president softened his demand that all schools open immediately, noting that some schools might need to delay reopening, but he's not letting up on his overall push to get kids back to in-person learning.
Many local leaders, teachers, parents, politicians, and activists have been fighting Trump on his plan and accusing him of putting the health and welfare of teachers, students, and students' families at risk for his political agenda.
But the president this week found that he had a well-known, influential ally in the push to reopen schools — and he's not some conservative or Republican toady.
Microsoft founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates told CNBC Tuesday that he believes the benefits for young kids returning to school outweigh the costs.
What did Gates say?
In an interview that aired on "Squawk Box" Tuesday, Gates was asked if he would send his own kids to school at this time. Gates responded that in-person classroom instruction is vital for young students, particularly elementary age, and that he supports reopening, despite the ongoing pandemic.
"I'm a big believer that for young children, the benefits in almost every location — particularly if you can protect the teachers well — the benefits outweigh the costs," Gates said.
Though he believes face-to-face learning is important for middle and high schoolers, he did acknowledge that with older students, the effort to get them back in the classroom gets trickier.
He noted that when dealing with teenage students, parents and local policymakers should focus on their community's desires and capabilities.
If the "locale" is not in, he said, "then you have to put massive effort into trying to get there to be continued learning online."
Gates said his charity, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has spent millions promoting education, has "revamped" its efforts in reaction to the coronavirus outbreak and is focusing more on providing online instruction for students whose schools choose to remain closed.
"Our foundation has revamped our education work to really jump in and help out," he said, "get those online capabilities up, make sure that minority students and low-income students aren't suffering the most throughout all of this."


theblaze--2020-07-29--California school district will be online-only to fight COVID-19 — but it will offer extended day ca

California school district will be online-only to fight COVID-19 — but it will offer extended day care program where up to 12 students can be in a classroom

California school district will be online-only to fight COVID-19 — but it will offer extended day care program where up @ @ @ @ @ in a classroom That kind of defeats the purpose , does n't it ?

A California school district that has elected to operate in a 100% virtual capacity because of COVID-19 concerns has adopted a seemingly counterintuitive approach to schooling this fall by also announcing a day care program where students can attend online classes and complete schoolwork in a physical classroom.
What are the details?
The South Pasadena Unified School District in Los Angeles County announced earlier this month that, in accordance with Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom's orders, it would implement a distance-learning model to begin the year and continue that model indefinitely.
In subsequent communication on its website, the school district reiterated that "schools will be physically closed at the start of the 2020-2021 school year, and all students will participate in 100% distance learning."
Yet soon after, in an effort to assist working families in need of child care, the school district also announced the implementation of an extended day care program for students up to eighth grade.
According to a document detailing the program, the district said that families will be able to drop their children off at schools between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and that while there students will be supervised and provided with time to complete their schoolwork.
Up to 12 students will be allowed in individual classrooms.
The document adds that the district will be "requiring all students and staff to wear masks, ensuring social distancing, frequent sanitation of rooms, and all other County guidelines and protocols to help keep staff and students safe."
TheBlaze reached out to the South Pasadena Unified School District for clarification on the school's reopening plans and extended day care program, but did not receive a response in time for publication.
It begs the question
The seemingly counterintuitive move begs the question: If the school district can safely operate a day care program with up to 12 students in individual classrooms, why can't they conduct in-person classes?
In a tweet about the news, former New York Times reporter Alex Berenson wrote: "So, look, on the one hand the district deserves credit for trying to help working parents ... but could there be more obvious proof that closing the schools is nothing more than a cave to [Randi Weingarten] and the gang? It is impossible to be too cynical."
Weingarten is the president of the American Federation of Teachers, one of the nation's largest teachers unions, which in recent weeks has fought against the physical opening of schools. On Tuesday, Weingarten authorized AFT members to strike if their schools go forward with reopening plans that don't meet AFT's exhaustive criteria for safety.
An an updated guidance on schools reopening issued last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that while faculty and staff may be at some risk, "the best available evidence indicates if children become infected, they are far less likely to suffer severe symptoms."
The guidance also said that "the harms attributed to closed schools on the social, emotional, and behavioral health, economic well-being, and academic achievement of children, in both the short- and long-term, are well-known and significant."


theblaze--2020-07-29--Dr. Fauci suggests people wear goggles or eye shields 'if you really want to be complete' against CO

Dr. Fauci suggests people wear goggles or eye shields 'if you really want to be complete' against COVID-19

Dr. Fauci suggests people wear goggles or eye shields 'if you really want to be complete ' against COVID-19

Just as much of the country is getting used to wearing face masks in public in an attempt to slow the transmission of COVID-19, Dr. Anthony Fauci suggested an even higher level of protection: goggles.
During in interview on ABC News with Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton, Fauci said that while it's not a widely-recommended practice, the safest thing for people to do is also to cover their eyes.
"If you really want perfect protection of your mucosal surfaces…you have mucosa in the mouth, mucosa in the nose, but you also have mucosa in the eye," Fauci said. "And that's one of the things, theoretically, you should protect all the mucosal surfaces. So if you have goggles or an eye shield, you should use it.
"It's not universally recommended, but if you really want to be complete, you should probably use it if you can," Fauci said.
The recommendation to wear eye protection is the latest step in a dramatic evolution by Fauci on this issue, which started months ago when he assured the American public that there was no reason to walk around wearing a face mask.
Now, states led by both Republicans and Democrats have mandated mask use in public, as have numerous localities and businesses. Even President Donald Trump has worn a mask publicly, calling it "patriotic" to do so.
Still, the science on whether masks, particularly cloth masks, slow or stop the spread of COVID-19 is conflicting, at best, and as a result mask usage is still a divisive issue. Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp went so far as to ban cities and counties from mandating masks, and sued the mayor of Atlanta when she refused to back off the city's mask mandate.
Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday. He has been opposed to wearing masks, but has worn them occasionally recently. He said he suspected it was actually the use of the mask, rather than all the times he wasn't wearing one, that caused him to get infected.
"I can't help but wonder if by keeping a mask on and keeping it in place, I might have put some germs — some virus — onto the mask and breathed it in," Gohmert told KETK-TV.
A Harvard CAPS/Harris poll released Monday found that 79% of people would support a national mask mandate, and 70% of people support local enforcement of mask mandates with fines.


theblaze--2020-07-29--Poll: Most Americans now view national anthem kneeling as acceptable form of protest

Poll : Most Americans now view national anthem kneeling as acceptable form of protest

A new CBS News poll reports that the majority of Americans polled said they believed kneeling during the national anthem is an acceptable form of protest.
What are the details?
More Americans than ever now find kneeling to be an acceptable form of protest, but the outlet points out that "there are divisions along political, racial, and generational lines."
Overall, 58% of Americans polled said kneeling protests are understandable, while 42% disagree.
The poll found that the majority of black and Hispanic Americans surveyed said such protests were acceptable. Just 48% of white people agree.
CBS News reported that 85% of white Democrats believe kneeling is OK, while "a similar percentage" of their Republican counterparts believe kneeling is entirely unacceptable as a form of protest.
"Overall, we see many of the partisan splits we've seen on other matters concerning protests and race," the outlet reported. "Most Republicans say professional athletes kneeling during the national anthem as a form of protest is unacceptable. Most Democrats and a smaller majority of independents view it as acceptable."
Also, a generational divide is apparent. Americans ages 18 to 29 are the group most likely to consider the kneeling protests acceptable, but kneeling becomes less acceptable as Americans age.
What about older Americans?
The majority of Americans polled over the age of 65 say that such protesting is inappropriate and unacceptable.
"There is a relationship between views of the aims of the Black Lives Matter movement and opinions of protest during the anthem," the outlet reported. "Most of those who agree with the ideas of Black Lives Matter see kneeling during the national anthem as an acceptable form of protest, while those who disagree find it unacceptable."
CBS News surveyed 2,008 U.S. adult residents in this poll.


theblaze--2020-07-29--MELTDOWN: Chaos erupts during Attorney General Barr hearing

On Wednesday 's episode of `` Pat Gray Unleashed , '' Pat discussed the chaos that unfolded during a House @ @ @ @ @ that featured Attorney General Bill Barr .
In this clip , Chairman Jerrold Nadler ( @ @ @ @ @ the hearing when a committee member accused Barr of murder .
`` It 's just @ @ @ @ @ '' Pat said .
Watch the video to see the meltdown .
Use promo code @ @ @ @ @ on one year of BlazeTV .
Want more from Pat Gray ?
To enjoy more @ @ @ @ @ and signature wit as he restores common sense to a senseless world , subscribe to @ @ @ @ @ network of voices who love America , defend the Constitution and live the American dream @

On Wednesday's episode of "Pat Gray Unleashed," Pat discussed the chaos that unfolded during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday that featured Attorney General Bill Barr. In this clip, Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) lost control of the hearing when a committee member accused Barr of murder.
"It's just a cluster 'thing'," Pat said. Watch the video to see the meltdown.
Use promo code PAT to save $10 on one year of BlazeTV.
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To enjoy more of Pat's biting analysis and signature wit as he restores common sense to a senseless world, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution and live the American dream.


theblaze--2020-07-29--Nevada sheriff tells library: Want to back Black Lives Matter? Go ahead — just don't call us for hel

Nevada sheriff tells library: Want to back Black Lives Matter? Go ahead — just don't call us for help.

Nevada sheriff tells library : Want to back Black Lives Matter ?
Go ahead — just do n't call us @ @ @

The Douglas County Public Library in Nevada wanted to step up and support the local Black Lives Matter movement — but the county sheriff responded by saying officers would not respond to 911 calls to the facility in the event of dangerous protests and rioting.
What are the details?
According to the Washington Post, Douglas County Sheriff Daniel Coverley threatened to stop responding to any 911 calls to the library after the facility drafted a public statement in support of the local Black Lives Matter movement.
In a newly released diversity statement, the library said, "We support #BlackLivesMatter."
Another portion of the statement added, "We resolutely assert and believe that all forms of racism, hatred, inequality, and injustice don't belong in our society."
In response, Coverley issued a statement of his own.
He wrote, "Due to your support of Black Lives Matter and the obvious lack of support or trust with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, please do not feel the need to call 911 for help. I wish you good luck with disturbances and lewd behavior."
Coverley also argued that Black Lives Matter-related protests have only caused "violence, property damage, and the closing of local businesses."
'Meant to state our inclusivity'
Douglas County Public Library Director Amy Dodson said that the message was intended to convey a message of inclusivity.
"It simply was meant to state our inclusivity at the library, that we are open and welcoming to everyone and we treat everyone equally," Dodson insisted.
A spokesperson later told the Reno Gazette Journal that despite the sheriff's bold statement, the department would, indeed continue to respond to emergency calls from the library.
In a later statement, Coverley said his action was in response to the high-stress environment under which police across the country are forced to operate.
"This has been a difficult time to be a law enforcement professional and can be disheartening when we perceive that our office may be under attack," he said Tuesday. "My response was rooted in my belief that these issues need to be openly discussed in a way that values diversity and law enforcement."
A joint statement of unity
According to the Post, Dodson and Coverley met, discussed the situation, and released a joint statement.
"Sheriff Coverley and I had a very candid conversation," Dodson said in a statement approved by the sheriff. "We agreed that we both support the people of Douglas County and this may have been an unfortunate circumstance of misunderstanding.
"The library respects and supports the work of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and appreciates everything they do to keep our community safe," the statement concluded.


theblaze--2020-07-29--Smithsonian responds to Sen. Hawley about its 'whiteness' chart — and basically walks it back

Smithsonian responds to Sen. Hawley about its 'whiteness ' chart — and basically walks it back It was meant to @ @ @ @ @ ' that 's all

The Smithsonian Institution finally responded to Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) after the lawmaker demanded answers in a letter last week about the taxpayer-funded museum's publication of a controversial teaching curriculum on the topic of "whiteness."
Within days of its release, the "Talking About Race" curriculum came under fire over a chart in it that broadcast seemingly racist assumptions, including the notion that ideals such as hard work, objectivity, politeness, the nuclear family, and Christianity are normalized characteristics of "white dominant culture."
Soon after, the chart was yanked.
What are the details?
But last week, Hawley, not entirely satisfied, sent a letter to the institution requesting information about the initiative and specifically questioning what he viewed to be its assertion that "these attributes are actually emblems of 'structural racism' in American life [and are] to be rejected rather than embraced."
Nearly a week after Hawley's requested deadline, Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch got back to the Missouri senator in a letter obtained by the Federalist.
In the letter, Bunch mostly dodges Hawley's pointed questions, giving non-answers, and walks back the chart's assertions.
Hawley asked: "Why did the Smithsonian suggest that self-reliance, the nuclear family, objective and rational thinking, hard work, planning, quantitative emphasis, concern about intent, and politeness are distinctly 'white' qualities?"
Bunch responded: "That content was not meant to suggest that certain qualities listed on the chart exclusively defined one particular race."
Hawley asked: "Does the Smithsonian believe the nuclear family to be a construct of white supremacy that should be deemphasized?"
Bunch responded: "No. That content was not meant to suggest that the nuclear family should be deemphasized."
In yet another place, Hawley asked: "Why did the Smithsonian suggest that white people believe 'wealth is worth' and 'bland is best,' that white people are uniquely capable of 'decision-making,' and that white people are characterized by a drive to 'master and control nature?'
Bunch responded: "That content was meant to begin and prompt discussion to engage participants in exploring various perceptions and experiences."
What else?
In his response, Bunch mostly stuck to the line that the chart didn't intend to make any specific assertions about race, but instead was intended to "foster meaningful dialogues" and "raise issues for discussion."
Bunch did acknowledge, however, that the chart "presented de-contextualized information that did not contribute to productive, informed conversations" and that "we erred in including the chart, and therefore we eliminated it from our portal."
"Additionally, we are conducting a comprehensive review of the site to ensure that it remains a helpful tool in fostering meaningful dialogues and shared understanding about race and its historical and contemporary impacts," he added.


theblaze--2020-07-29--Portland fining feds $500 every 15 minutes for fence around part of courthouse under attack by riote

Portland fining feds $500 every 15 minutes for fence around part of courthouse under attack by rioters — because it blocks a bike lane

Portland fining feds $ 500 every 15 minutes for fence around part of courthouse under attack by rioters — because @ @ @ @ @ City commissioner said bill is $ 192,000 'and counting ' and 'we intend to collect @

Portland is fining the federal government $500 every 15 minutes that a fence stays up around part of the federal courthouse under attack by rioters — because the fence blocks a bike lane, the Oregonian reported.
What are the details?
The fence has been a nightly focal point as rioters have been knocking it down, cutting through it, and climbing over it in order to get to the courthouse entrance.
Image source: YouTube screenshot
Image source: YouTube screenshot
Federal officers have been guarding the courthouse for weeks and pushing back against rioters' use of explosives, firecrackers, lasers, and other weapons.
Image source: YouTube screenshot
Portland Commissioner Chloe Eudaly made the announcement Tuesday about the fine — which is the maximum charge allowed, the outlet said.
Eudaly, who oversees the transportation bureau, told the Oregonian that the federal government hasn't responded to her demand to remove the fence and that the bill is now $192,000 "and counting."
"We intend to collect," Eudaly, who is running for reelection, said in a tweeted statement, the outlet said. Eudaly also referred to the forces at the courthouse as "federal occupiers," the Oregonian added.
According to the bureau's rules, a $500 fee for obstructing the public right of way without a permit can be levied every 15 minutes, hourly, daily, weekly or monthly, the outlet said, adding that Eudaly said she opted for the maximum fine and also is investigating "other legal remedies."
Eudaly told the Oregonian that transportation crews normally would "remove such an obstruction" but that she won't "send workers into harm's way" to get it done.
"Yes, I am afraid to direct workers to do their job and enforce our laws against the federal government — I hope that gives everyone reading this pause," she added to the outlet.
Here's a look at what the bicyclists are missing. (Content warning: Language):
59th night of rioting in Portland; courthouse fence pulled down youtu.be
Anything else?
On Wednesday, Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf confirmed that his department has struck a deal with Democratic Oregon Gov. Kate Brown to withdraw federal officers from Portland if the state steps up efforts to tamp down riots in the city.
Brown also confirmed the news Wednesday, announcing that additional Oregon State Police will be ordered to protect the Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse from violent rioters in the city.
The New York Times reported that federal officers will begin leaving the city Thursday, but Wolf said no federal officers now stationed in the city will be withdrawn until his department is assured that the state has taken adequate steps to quell the violence.


theblaze--2020-07-29--POLL: Will Joe Biden still be the Democratic Party's presidential candidate when we get to November?

POLL : Will Joe Biden still be the Democratic Party 's presidential candidate when we get to November ?
Cast @ @ @ @ @ forget to share !

POLL: Will Joe Biden still be the Democratic Party's presidential candidate when we get to November?
Cast your vote and don't forget to share!


theblaze--2020-07-29--Horowitz: Sweden riding high and the triumph of the rational herd immunity approach

Horowitz : Sweden riding high and the triumph of the rational herd immunity approach

After avoiding the man-made plague of lockdown and national emotional abuse, Sweden most certainly is languishing from the original plague of the virus itself, right? Well, on Tuesday, there were ZERO deaths in the country that eschewed arbitrary and heavy-handed restrictions on liberty and declined to compel mask-wearing. As a bonus, it turns out the Swedish economy is humming and its companies are reporting good earnings. Trusting in God, trusting in your people, and following rational thinking and science go a long way.
On Tuesday, Sweden reported 0 deaths and just 77 cases. Over the past week, deaths have been no higher than two per day. What is so remarkable is that while there are other countries that have had near-zero deaths for even longer, Sweden has achieved this through herd immunity; prevented the lockdown deaths, emotional abuse, drug deaths, suicides, and financial ruin plaguing other countries; and – most importantly – is more fortified against a resurgence than these other countries that delayed herd immunity.
We are now seeing a resurgence in many countries that were thought to have skated through this with minimal exposure, such as Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Germany, Australia, and Israel. The hallmark of all these countries is that they have had strict mask-wearing regimens for months.
Lothar Wieler, head of Germany's Robert Koch Institute (RKI), said on Monday that he is "very concerned" that Germany is "in the middle of a rapidly developing pandemic." He asserted that people have become "negligent" and urged people to wear masks among the rest of the litany of magic social behavior.
The big problem with his assertion? Germany already has a high level of compliance.
The much-vaunted Imperial College of London conducted a survey from June 22 to June 28 of selected countries on public mask compliance. The results are startling:
Countries in Asia that have really high levels of compliance are experiencing sharp spikes in cases. Mexico is still going through its peak with near universal mask-wearing. As you can see, Germany has even more compliance than the U.S. and has a much smaller group of virulent opponents who "never" wear masks. The only countries with high compliance that have not yet seen a resurgence are those that have already gotten hit hard and may already have achieved herd immunity, such as Italy.
Except there is another country that is not seeing a resurgence because it likely also achieved herd immunity. Sweden! 86% say they "never" wear masks. The difference is that Sweden achieved that immunity with far fewer deaths than Italy and without all of the unfathomable collateral damage of lockdowns.
America is no different from many of these other countries. As this New York Times map shows, there is a high degree of mask compliance in all the hot-spot areas.
Los Angeles has been masking up for months.
Here is south Florida's mask compliance rate:
Now here is the American southwest:
Notice a pattern?
Now take a look at Wisconsin's rate of compliance. Wisconsin's supreme court tossed out the entire emergency order over two months ago.
The result is that Wisconsin has had a flat curve for months.
This is not to say that every place without the mandates will do just as well and every place with them will have poor results. But what this demonstrates over and over again is that these voodoo superstitious rituals do not help stop a virus that is bound to spread. Instead, they forestall herd immunity, and they cause an enormous amount of collateral damage and gross violations of civil rights.
Back in Europe, it looks like Sweden is going to get the last laugh by avoiding a second wave after experiencing only a very mild first wave outside nursing homes.
Sweden's chief epidemiologist now believes his country has achieved herd immunity, and it has done so with relatively few excess deaths, as compared to other years. But where they really come out ahead of every other country, on net, is the fact that their lives and economy are intact. Every day for the past two weeks, Swedish companies have been beating expectations for earnings in the second quarter of this year. Contrast that to the U.S., where more than half the 132,500 business closures are now marked as permanent.
This is not just about money. Best estimates from U.S. government economic impact calculators project one life lost from suicide, alcohol or drug abuse, or stress-induced illnesses per $17 million lost. One study has estimated that 65,000 lives are lost per month of lockdown in the U.S. – corresponding to an estimated $1.1 trillion in lost economic activity. Sweden, on the other hand, avoided this calamity.
After all this, we have nothing to show for the tyranny but endless business closures, permanent loss of liberty, and a generation of traumatized children. As my friend and talk show host John Ziegler pointed out, this is like a scene out of "The Crown" on Netflix: "Masks are bloody useless; they're just for show to make it look like the government's doing something."


theblaze--2020-07-29--NBA player under fire for saying COVID-19 is 'overblown' and being used for a 'bigger agenda'

NBA player under fire for saying COVID-19 is 'overblown ' and being used for a 'bigger agenda' 'The whole world @ @ @ @

Denver Nuggets player Michael Porter Jr. is being criticized for saying COVID-19 is "overblown" and being used as part of a bigger agenda to control people, USA Today reported.
Porter, 22, acknowledged the seriousness of the virus, but said he believed there is more to the pandemic than just public health concerns. Here's what Porter said during a social media Q&A session with fans:
Personally, I think the coronavirus is being used obviously for a bigger agenda. It's being used for population control just in terms of being able to control the masses of people. Because this virus, the whole world is being controlled. You're required to wear masks and who knows what will happen when this vaccine comes out. You might have to have the vaccine in order to travel, that'd be crazy. I've never been vaccinated in my life, I've never had any shots or anything like that. It could get crazy, but it's definitely an agenda behind everything that's going on right now, and all you can do is sit back and watch what's going on and not get too emotionally involved. But it is a serious thing, it's a real thing, but yeah, this is being overblown.
USA Today noted that the University of Missouri, where Porter attended school and played basketball for one year, requires vaccinations for measles, mumps, and rubella.
The comments sparked criticism from some members of the NBA media for downplaying COVID-19. Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns' mother died due to complications from the virus earlier this year.
The NBA announced Wednesday that none of the 344 players tested since July 20 tested positive for COVID-19. The entire league is living and playing in Orlando at the Disney World campus to avoid risking outside exposure to the virus.
Porter has been criticized for his social media behavior in the past. After George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis Police Department officers in May, Porter expressed his sorrow for Floyd's death, but also called for people to pray for the police officers instead of hating them.


theblaze--2020-07-29--Arizona schools demand parents fill out COVID-19 waiver to avoid lawsuits, prompting warnings and an

Arizona schools demand parents fill out COVID-19 waiver to avoid lawsuits, prompting warnings and anger

Arizona schools demand parents fill out COVID-19 waiver to avoid lawsuits , prompting warnings and anger

Arizona schools are issuing coronavirus waivers to district parents in order to avoid potential COVID-19-related lawsuits, according to Newsweek.
What are the details?
The Arizona School Risk Retention Trust provided districts across the state with the coronavirus liability waivers in order to absolve schools from any blame in infection.
As pointed out by the outlet, the waiver appeared on the Queen Creek Unified School District website on Monday.
A portion of the document states, "Although Queen Creek Unified School District is taking many steps to protect your child from the spread of COVID-19 as outlined on our website and communications provided to you, it is impossible to reduce the risk to zero."
"By signing the waiver," the document continues, "you're agreeing not to make a legal claim against the district if your child gets sick. It's another way of acknowledging that no matter how hard we try, we cannot control every environmental variable."
The waiver also tells parents that they are not to send children to school if they have any applicable symptoms related to the deadly virus.
The letter adds, "Our hope is that, if everyone does their part, we can avoid unnecessary risks at school."
In the unique environment of the pandemic, Queen Creek Unified School District parents can opt their children out of face-to-face schooling and can, instead, utilize the district's virtual learning portal for credit.
A caution to take the waiver seriously
Mark Linder, a former school board member, told KNXV-TV that he's not sure all parents are seeing the waiver for what it really is.
"It releases the district of any and all liability if your child gets sick in school," he explained. "I think a lot of parents are just clicking through and approving it, without actually reading what it is."
The station also reported that 249 of the 256 traditional school districts across the state were "provided a standard waiver by Arizona School Risk Retention Trust."
One district parent and teacher — who wished to remain anonymous — told KNXV that they were "enraged" that the district did not let the parents or employees know such a move was coming.
"When I logged into ParentVUE [portal] and saw the waiver, my first gut reaction was I was enraged," the parent and teacher said. "It wasn't communicated. It was just, 'Hey here's two waivers you need to sign.'"
The Trust told the station on Tuesday that it also developed a "coverage option" that would make the "optional waiver" obsolete.
The board is set to vote on the matter during the Aug. 4 meeting.


theblaze--2020-07-29--‘RIP Favorite Teacher’: DC teachers line up ‘body bags’ and signs to protest potential return to sch

‘RIP Favorite Teacher’: DC teachers line up ‘body bags’ and signs to protest potential return to school

‘ RIP Favorite Teacher ’ : DC teachers line up ‘ body bags ’ and signs to protest potential return @ @ @ @ @ expected to announce the reopening plan this week

Public school teachers in Washington, D.C., lined up fake "body bags" and displayed signs in front of the school system's offices recently to protest a partial return to the classroom.
Evidently, the teachers wanted to make their feelings known ahead of Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser's announcement regarding D.C.'s plan for reopening schools this fall. Bowser is expected to make the announcement this Friday.
Debbie Truong, an education reporter for WAMU-FM, Washington's NPR station, posted a photo of the bags to Twitter on Monday.
In the photo, you can see filled garbage bags tied with duct tape lined up outside the offices along with several signs that read, "RIP Favorite Teacher," "RIP, Killed in the Line of Duty," and "[D.C. Public Schools], how many will you let die?"
Another sign read "Distance Only" in reference to the virtual classroom learning that many districts around the country shifted to last spring amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Now, officials in D.C., as in many communities, are finalizing decisions on how to reopen schools as the virus lingers, considering a full physical return, an all-virtual return, or a hybrid model.
Last week, parents in D.C. were asked to fill out a "technology survey" to help inform DCPS administrators about the resources available to students should virtual learning be continued. The survey asked parents to provide feedback on whether or not their children had access to a laptop, tablet, DCPS-issued device, or none of above.
President Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos have pushed for public schools to fully reopen and earlier this month threatened to cut federal funding to schools that refuse.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released an updated guidance on schools reopening last week, in which the agency noted that "the best available evidence indicates if children become infected, they are far less likely to suffer severe symptoms," though that the risk is heightened for faculty and staff.
The guidance added that "the harms attributed to closed schools on the social, emotional, and behavioral health, economic well-being, and academic achievement of children, in both the short- and long-term, are well-known and significant."
In an accompanying statement, CDC Director Robert Redfield argued that it is "critically important for our public health" that schools reopen.
(H/T: The Washington Examiner)


theblaze--2020-07-29--Leftist women accused of beating up 60-year-old 'gay progressive' state senator during riots are arr

Leftist women accused of beating up 60-year-old 'gay progressive' state senator during riots are arrested

Leftist women accused of beating up 60-year-old 'gay progressive ' state senator during riots are arrested Democrat Tim Carpenter of @ @ @ @ @ I 'm on their side '

Two women accused of beating up a Wisconsin state senator as he took video of a crowd that had torn down statues during violent protests last month were arrested Monday, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.
Image source: Twitter video screenshot
Kerida E. O'Reilly, 33, and Samantha R. Hamer, 26, turned themselves in and were charged with substantial battery – party to a crime and robbery with use of force – party to a crime, Madison police said, adding that the pair were identified with the assistance of members of the public.
What's the background?
Protesters outside the Wisconsin Capitol in Madison smashed windows at the statehouse and tore down statues — and also beat up Democratic state Sen. Tim Carpenter who was observing them after midnight June 24, the Journal Sentinel reported in a previous story.
Carpenter, 60, told the Washington Post the violence "has got to stop before someone gets killed. Sad thing I'm on their side for peaceful demonstrations — am a Gay Progressive Dem Senator served 36 years in the legislature."
Tim Carpenter (Image source: Wisconsin State Senate website)
Carpenter also posted video on Twitter showing protesters charging at him — and WKOW-TV staffer Lance Vesser tweeted that Carpenter said he was assaulted and then collapsed:
Carpenter said video he was recording "got me assaulted & beat up. Punched/kicked in the head, neck, ribs. Maybe concussion, socked in left eye is little blurry, sore neck & ribs. 8-10 people attacked me. Innocent people are going to get killed. Capitol locked - stuck in office. Stop violence now Plz!"
Here are two images showing what appear to be the individuals seen charging at Carpenter in his video:
Image source: Madison police
Here's a photo of Carpenter reportedly about the time he was punched in the face:
The Journal Sentinel's Lawrence Andrea reported, however, that "protesters said [Carpenter] provoked them."
Paramedics treated Carpenter, but he declined to go to the hospital that night, the paper said, adding that a week later he indicated he had surgery for injuries stemming from the attack.
Anything else?
Not to be outdone by clobbering one of their allies, leftist protesters that night also tore down a statue of an abolitionist who died trying to end slavery during the Civil War, the Journal Sentinel said.
The paper said the nearly century-old statue of Col. Hans Christian Heg — an anti-slavery activist who fought and died for the Union — was decapitated and dragged from its spot guarding the statehouse and thrown into a lake by protesters.
And the statue of Wisconsin's motto "Forward" — "an allegory of devotion and progress," according to the Wisconsin Historical Society — also was torn down, the paper said.


theblaze--2020-07-29--NFL players can be fined for church attendance under league's COVID-19 policy

NFL players can be fined for church attendance under league 's COVID-19 policy The San Francisco 49ers pray together in @ @ @ @ @ game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on @ @ @ @ @ Florida .
( Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images )

NFL players could be fined, docked game checks, and lose contract guarantees for attending indoor church services that are too crowded, Pro Football Talk reported.
The rule is among restrictions agreed to between the NFL and the players union as they prepare for the 2020 season in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio writes:
Per multiple sources, the deal specifically prohibits players from engaging in certain behaviors this season. Players cannot attend indoor night clubs, indoor bars (except to pickup food), indoor house parties (with 15 or more people), indoor concerts, professional sporting events, or indoor church services that allow attendance above 25 percent of capacity.
Players can be fined for violating these rules. Moreover, if they test positive after engaging in prohibited activities, they will not be paid for the games they miss. Also, future guarantees in their contracts would be voided.
The NFL is looking to avoid the kind of disruption that Major League Baseball is currently dealing with because half the players and several coaches on the Miami Marlins tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, two of MLB's teams have been temporarily isolated, and the league is scrambling to rearrange its schedule.
NFL teams are much larger than professional basketball teams, making a plan like the NBA's Orlando bubble unfeasible for the NFL. Therefore, the NFL's plan relies heavily on personal responsibility and accountability by players.
Even in the NBA's restrictive bubble, where all NBA players, coaches, team staff, and selected members of the media are living and playing within the Disney World campus, players haven't always stayed in line. The NBA season begins Thursday.
Lou Williams of the Los Angeles Clippers will miss a couple of games after getting caught violating league rules by going to a strip club, allegedly to pick up food. He will have to quarantine for 10 days.
The NFL rules will allow players to go to bars to pick up food if they choose.
It's worth noting that when college football workouts began in June, teams saw numerous positive COVID-19 tests. Those positive results caused some teams to pause workouts, but they did not result in serious illness or the derailing of plans to go forward with the season—although there is some consideration being given to playing it in the spring.


theblaze--2020-07-29--UPDATE: White House, Oregon make deal: Federal officers will withdraw but only as Oregon steps up ef

UPDATE: White House, Oregon make deal: Federal officers will withdraw but only as Oregon steps up efforts in Portland

UPDATE : White House , Oregon make deal : Federal officers will withdraw but only as Oregon steps up efforts @ @ @ @ @ continued in Portland for 62 days

Updated at 12:33 p.m. ET:
On a conference call with reporters Wednesday, Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf confirmed that his department has struck a deal with Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) to withdraw federal officers from Portland if the state steps up efforts to quash riots in the city.
Brown also confirmed the news Wednesday, announcing that additional Oregon State Police will be ordered to protect the Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse from violent rioters in the city.
The New York Times reported that federal officers will begin leaving the city on Thursday, but Wolf stated plainly that no federal officers currently stationed in the city will be withdrawn until his department is assured that the state has taken adequate steps to quell the violence.
When asked what the threshold would be for pulling the officers during the conference call, Wolf essentially said that would be at his department's discretion but added that the state police presence must be "robust."
Vice President Mike Pence was reportedly one of the White House officials involved in securing the agreement.
In the announcement, Brown remained harshly critical of the federal officers, saying they have "acted as an occupying force, refused accountability, and brought violence and strife to our community."
Original story continues below
A senior White House official reportedly told the Associated Press on Tuesday that the Trump administration has started talks with Oregon Democratic Gov. Kate Brown's office about removing federal officers from Portland — but only if the state steps up its own enforcement efforts.
According to the AP, the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, stressed that talks with the governor are in the early stages and no agreement currently exists.
Neither Brown nor Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler (D) have confirmed the news publicly.
What's the background?
The Trump administration deployed federal officers to Portland earlier this month in response to violent riots in the city that have now raged on for 62 consecutive days. That violence continued Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning as federal officers again used tear gas to disperse protesters.
Much of the violence has been centered on the Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse in the city, where federal officers and rioters have faced off for weeks with rioters using mortars, lasers, rocks, bottles, and more to attack law enforcement. Reports surfaced last week that at least three federal officers may have been permanently blinded after being attacked with high intensity lasers.
In recent days, rioters have also been tossing Molotov cocktails at federal officers guarding the courthouse. A readout from the Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday stated: "Rioters continue to throw hard projectiles, commercial-grade, mortar-style fireworks, and Molotov cocktails over the fence in their unabated efforts to harm federal officers and destroy federal property."
Anything else?
News of the alleged talks comes shortly after the U.S. Marshals Service and Department of Homeland Security had decided to send an additional 100 officers to Portland, according to internal emails obtained by the Washington Post.
Administration officials are also reportedly considering deployment of an additional 50 Customs and Border Protection officers to the city.
Democratic leaders have condemned the move to send federal officers to the city, arguing that their addition has only stoked more anger and chaos from protesters. Meanwhile, the Democratic leaders have also continued to refuse to acknowledge that two months of criminal violence is a problem.


theblaze--2020-07-29--National teachers union authorizes its 1.7M members to strike if they don't like school reopen plans

Getting down to the wire National teachers union authorizes its 1.7M members to strike if they do n't like school @ @ @ @ @ members and supporters join a car caravan outside Chicago Public Schools headquarters while a Chicago @ @ @ @ @ place inside in Chicago on July 22 .
( Photo by Max Herman/NurPhoto via Getty @ @

One of the nation's largest teachers unions has authorized local chapters to go on strike if their school systems try to reopen without a plan that the meets union standards for safety, Politico reported.
The American Federation of Teachers will provide legal, financial, and staffing support to local chapters that go on strike, as the school year approaches amid significant disagreement between teachers and some state and local governments about whether to start the school year in-person or only online.
"Let's be clear: Just as we have done with our health care workers, we will fight on all fronts for the safety of students and their educators," Union President Randi Weingarten said Tuesday. "But if the authorities don't protect the safety and health of those we represent and those we serve, as our executive council voted last week, nothing is off the table — not advocacy or protests, negotiations, grievances or lawsuits, or, if necessary and authorized by a local union, as a last resort, safety strikes."
The AFT released a resolution that detailed its demands before it would agree to the opening of schools for in-person instruction.
The union will support full reopening only if the average daily community infection rate is below 5% and the transmission rate is below 1%; high risk staff are given access to special accommodations; schools can be closed if cases spike; and if precautions are taken such as social distancing, masks for students and staff, and upgrades to school building ventilation systems.
Weingarten said in a statement that most teachers supported reopening in June, but recent spikes in cases and aggressive pushes by the federal government have caused many teachers to change their minds.
"Before the virus' resurgence, and before Trump's and [Education Secretary Betsy] DeVos' reckless 'open or else' threats, 76 percent of AFT members said they were comfortable returning to school buildings if the proper safeguards were in place," Weingarten said. "Now they're afraid and angry. Many are quitting, retiring or writing their wills. Parents are afraid and angry, too."
The Trump administration has repeatedly pointed to data showing that children are at low risk of serious illness from COVID-19, and that keeping the schools closed could be more harmful to their well-being than having them in school.
"In areas where there are hot spots, remote and distance learning might need to be adopted for a certain amount of time," Deputy Education Secretary Mitchell Zais said during a CDC press briefing. "But the research and science continue to suggest that it is safer, healthier and better for students to be in school full time."


theblaze--2020-07-29--Democratic candidate says she laughed repeatedly at video of officer hit in face by projectile — and

Democratic candidate says she laughed repeatedly at video of officer hit in face by projectile — and withdraws from race amid outcry

Democratic candidate says she laughed repeatedly at video of officer hit in face by projectile — and withdraws from race @ @

A Democratic candidate for an Illinois county board has withdrawn from the race after backlash over her tweet saying she laughed repeatedly at a video showing a law enforcement officer hit in the face by a projectile, the Chicago Tribune reported.
What are the details?
Hadiya Afzal, 20 — who won the March primary for the DuPage County board's District 4 seat — wrote on Twitter, "I've been watching this on repeat for fifteen minutes and laughing every single time," the paper said.
The video in question shows what appears to be an officer at a protest throwing an object off-screen while behind a barricade wall and then recoiling after getting hit in the face by a projectile, the Tribune said.
Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas called Afzal's tweet "hateful & sick."
Cruz reacted to a tweet from conservative journalist Andy Ngo who said the video was from the Portland riots, the paper reported. The leftist rioters have been at it nightly for about two months and have been attacking a federal courthouse as well as federal officers using explosive devices and lasers that have left some agents blinded.
What happened next?
The Tribune said that after extensive online criticism, Afzal on Sunday night tweeted: "My post was in poor taste and doesn't reflect the values I was raised with and hold dear. I do not support or condone violence in any form. I appreciate and support the role that law enforcement plays in keeping our communities safe. I sincerely apologize for the irresponsible tweet."
But on her Facebook page, Afzal said the attention her tweet generated included "a wave of coordinated racist, sexist, and Islamaphobic harassment against me," the paper noted.
"I do not condone violence in any form, and indeed have been one of many voices calling for policy changes to our policing problems today," she wrote, according to the Tribune. "The specific related video showed a federal officer throwing a water bottle at unarmed protesters, unprovoked, and having it returned seconds later. I regret the comment and apologize to any individuals hurt by the remark. I do believe, however, that we must continue to push back against extrajudicial encroachment in municipal matters by the federal government and as a candidate for county board, I only want the safest possible life for every resident in District 4."
Afzal — who said she is Muslim and wears a hijab — told the paper in a Monday interview that she's been threatened numerous times, critics have posted the address of relatives, and she was afraid for her safety.
She said she dropped out of the race after a recommendation by the local Democratic Party and didn't want to be a "distraction" from the November election, the Tribune said, adding that Afzal won a primary and lost the general election for a county board seat in 2018.
What did the local Democratic Party have to say?
Democratic Party of DuPage Chair Cynthia Borbas said in a statement that the party "strongly condemns" Afzal's original tweet but added in an interview that some criticisms of Afzal "crossed the line" and were Islamaphobic and unacceptable, the paper said.
Democratic precinct committee members will vote in mid-August for a replacement on the ballot, Borbas told the Tribune.
What did the Republican she was to face in the election have to say?
Afzal would have been running against incumbent Republican Tim Elliott for the board seat, the paper said. And while Elliott — a civil litigation attorney — condemned Afzal's original tweet, he also took issue with many of the comments attacking her, the Tribune noted.
"On all sides, we need to stop this," Elliott told the paper. "Does everyone want to be judged by the worst or dumbest email they send? It's destructive, it results in extremism and kills legitimate conversation. It hurts our ability to compromise."
Here's an Afzal campaign video when she ran for the board in 2018:


theblaze--2020-07-29--Chicago deputy police chief dead in apparent suicide — less than 2 weeks after big promotion

Chicago Police Deputy Chief Dion Boyd, a 30-year veteran of the force, received a lucrative promotion in July.
Less than two weeks later, Boyd was found dead in an apparent suicide.
What are the details?
Co-workers discovered Boyd, a father of two sons, dead in his office on Tuesday morning.
It was apparent that Boyd, 57, had committed suicide.
Boyd was promoted July 15 to the rank of deputy chief of the Chicago Police Department's criminal networks group.
In a statement, Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown said, "I am extremely saddened to share with you today the loss of a respected member of our command staff to suicide. We are shocked, saddened at the loss, and it's deeply felt by me and the many colleagues and friends with whom Deputy Chief Dion Boyd worked and mentored throughout his career."
Brown added, "Dion left people he loved here, and colleagues who loved him as well. Please, officers, please, stay humble, stay human, stay safe, stay well.
"There's really no way to convey or express the magnitude of this loss," Brown said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. "We are shocked and saddened at the loss that is deeply felt by me and the many colleagues and friends with whom Deputy Chief Boyd worked and mentored throughout his career."
Brown also pleaded with officers to "always remember to take care of ourselves and each other."
"There is no shame in reaching out for help," he insisted.
Mayor Lightfoot issues condolences
Democratic Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot also shared her sadness about Boyd's untimely passing in a statement of her own.
"Deputy Chief Boyd called the Chicago Police Department his home for more than 30 years, proudly serving the South Side as Commander of Area 1 and the 2nd District, along with numerous other roles," she wrote in a Tuesday tweet.
"This devastating loss will not only be felt at every level of this Department, but in the countless communities and homes Deputy Chief Boyd touched during his decades-long service to our city," she added.
Lightfoot also urged officers to speak up if they feel they are suffering and feel they are running out of options.
A recurring theme in embattled Chicago
In 2017, the U.S. Justice Department reported that the city's suicide rate among its police officers was at least 60% higher when compared to the average of 18.1 officers per 100,000 across the nation.
The report recommended expansions as well as improvements in mental health services available to officers, specifically in the Chicago area.


theblaze--2020-07-29--Commentary: Big Tech is engaged in a hostile takeover of our country

Commentary : Big Tech is engaged in a hostile takeover of our country

I got an epiphany for my birthday, after a conversation I had with our management at TheBlaze this week about the future of our industry.
I believe the No. 1 issue in the country is Big Tech censorship. It is the issue that will determine the future, because this is how information gets distributed in our culture.
Martin Luther was perhaps the most important man in the last millennium and changed the world to this day, but only because Gutenberg invented the printing press that provided him the means to do so. Without that, Luther is just another martyred would-be reformer lost to history. Without that platform, Luther's 95 Theses don't survive the week, let alone 500 years and counting.
Imagine living in Bible times, and your views weren't permitted at the City Gate where community business/information was done and made. Imagine being denied access to the world the telephone opened up because of your views. You are essentially relegated to cultural serfdom.
In our time, Big Tech is those things. Except they not only are distributing the information we see, but deciding the information we see as well — and doing so while selling our personal information for profit and collecting it for their own use. This is perhaps the most sweeping and dangerous monopoly in the history of market-based economies.
It's the equivalent of Ma Bell a century ago deciding who gets a telephone based on whether you align with their corporate views, and then deciding what you get to hear when you answer the phone.
If Big Tech censorship is permitted to go on unchallenged, you're looking at a new Dark Ages when it comes to the information age. You can have all the conservative, religious, traditional, or even radical views you want, but if you're cut off from the world with them it doesn't matter. You have no means to bring them to light. You are not an influencer. You basically don't even exist. You're off the grid.
In this scenario, the American church becomes like the church in China. People are still getting saved underground, because God's Word does not return void, but above ground its cultural influence/impact are null and void.
And don't think for a second that isn't the end game here, and we're in that end game now.
And no, it's not as simple as "go build your own Facebook then." You cannot. All the means by which you would bring such a product to market is all controlled by the same Big Tech giants trying to control us now. Go ask the CEO of Parler what it took to get the alternative to Twitter listed in the app stores, for example — I have. And those restrictions will only grow harder to navigate as these Big Tech companies become increasingly politically aggressive.
See, the same Big Tech that owns a monopoly on the distribution of information is approaching monopoly status on the means of information production, too. And once they reach critical mass on that front, it is game over.
Big Tech as a private industry has grown beyond our traditional small government creeds we lost on every front already anyway, when you look at the size and scope of government even if Big Tech never existed. Denying the reality of what's happening here on small government grounds is like denying you're pregnant in the delivery room. Since we already lost every small government argument anyway, we set the stage for a behemoth like Big Tech to arise.
No, it's not about small government. It's about alternative government, because that's what Big Tech is forming. Or, at the very least, an alternative ecosystem that will determine who gets to serve in the government we have.
What we're witnessing here is a hostile takeover of a country. Albeit one that looks different from how it historically has. There will be no tanks down main street. There will be no book burnings and mass cancellations. There will be no riots spilling over into outright insurrection. Nor will there be jack-booted thugs knocking on our doors.
Because when all these things happen, Big Tech won't permit you to see it.


theblaze--2020-07-31--Candace Owens and Dinesh D'Souza dissect how the left used George Floyd's death to further racial di

Candace Owens and Dinesh D'Souza dissect how the left used George Floyd's death to further racial division

Candace Owens and Dinesh D'Souza dissect how the left used George Floyd 's death to further racial division

On Sunday's episode of "The Candace Owens Show," Candace sat down with author Dinesh D'Souza. They discussed how the left hijacked the education system and exploited George Floyd's death to further racial division.
In this clip, Candace began the conversation with a heartfelt explanation for why she believes the education system in America is a contributor to America's demise. Candace described the apparent shift in curriculum, from learning about western civilization as it were to being told men are bad and white people are guilty of racism for being white.
"What we have done is replace a solid education system with psychological conditioning," Candace said.
She expressed a deep concern for brainwashed American youth who are taught to hate America, especially the 15-year-old Antifa thug who knows nothing about western civilization.
Dinesh D'Souza added, "Academia is the theory, and Antifa is the practice."
Dinesh explained how progressives took the hatred for America taught in schools today narrative and attached it to the George Floyd killing.
"The basic move," he said, "if you deny the narrative, you don't care about George Floyd."
Watch the clip to hear more hard-hitting commentary from Candace and Dinesh.
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theblaze--2020-07-31--Trader Joe's sets the record straight after being accused of 'racist' branding

Trader Joe 's sets the record straight after being accused of 'racist ' branding 'Glad they wo n't be bending @ @ @ @ @ over ... guacamole . '

Trader Joe's made headlines last week after The Washington Post, CNN, and others reported that the grocer would be pulling several in-house brand names from their shelves in reaction to an online petition accusing the chain of "racist packaging" for its marketing of certain products.
But Trader Joe's says the media got it wrong, and has issued a statement to clear up any misunderstanding.
What are the details?
In a post to their website, Trader Joe's wrote:
A few weeks ago, an online petition was launched calling on us to 'remove racist packaging from [our] products.' Following were inaccurate reports that the petition prompted us to take action. We want to be clear: we disagree that any of these labels are racist. We do not make decisions based on petitions.
The retailer explained that the names targeted by the petition—"like Trader Giotto's, Trader José's, Trader Ming's, etc."—"have been really popular" with customers, and many will remain on their shelves for that reason.
Trader Joe's also argued that their "fun" product names were intended to "show appreciation for other cultures," and that they "have heard from many customers reaffirming that these name variations are largely viewed in exactly the way they were intended."
Conservative co-host of "The View," Meghan McCain, praised the grocer's announcement, tweeting, "Pitch perfect response from Trader Joes to one of the dumbest twitter mob non-controversies ever. Glad they won't be bending the knee to the mob over...gucamole (sic)."
What was the original statement?
After the online petition started by a high school senior garnered 2,800 signatures calling for Trader Joe's to rename their "offensive" brands, a company spokesperson issued a statement saying:
While this approach to product naming may have been rooted in a lighthearted attempt at inclusiveness, we recognize that it may now have the opposite effect—one that is contrary to the welcoming, rewarding customer experience that we strive to create every day.
The Post went on to report that "the grocer said that it already has changed the packaging on a number of products and that it expects to complete the process 'very soon.'"


theblaze--2020-07-31--Ted Cruz warns: Big Tech is out to DEFEAT Trump in November election

Ted Cruz warns : Big Tech is out to DEFEAT Trump in November election They can sway MILLIONS of votes @ @ @

In this episode of "The Rubin Report," BlazeTV host Dave Rubin sat down with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) to talk about Big Tech's election meddling, the dangers of democratic socialism, and whether the woke outrage mobs will spare the virtue signalling liberal elites of Silicon Valley and Hollywood.
Cruz detailed evidence he's seen of shadow-bans and search result manipulation that was used in the 2016 election and discussed the alarming number of votes Big Tech could swing in the November election. He also weighed in on President Donald Trump's threats to repeal section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and shared why he worries about rigged elections under Silicon Valley's near-monopoly level of power and influence.
Watch the full interview below:
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theblaze--2020-07-31--President Trump offers to personally pay for funeral of murdered soldier Vanessa Guillen

President Trump offers to personally pay for funeral of murdered soldier Vanessa Guillen The slain Army specialist 's family met @ @ @ @ @ Oval Office

President Donald Trump hosted the family of murdered Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen in the Oval Office on Thursday, where he offered to personally pay for the slain soldier's funeral.
The president also said it would not be the first time he has covered such expenses following the death of a service member.
What are the details?
Guillen, 20, went missing from Fort Hood in Texas in April, and her body was found more than two months later in a shallow grave. A fellow soldier suspected of killing her committed suicide as investigators closed in to arrest him, and the victim's family says she was sexually harassed prior to her murder but did not report it out of fear of retaliation.
Fox News reported that the president invited the Guillen family to the White House to share their story, and said during the meeting that he did not want what happened to Guillen to be "swept under the rug."
According to the New York Post, President Trump offered to pay for Vanessa's funeral, adding, "I don't even know if you need help, maybe you don't need help from a financial standpoint. I have no idea. I just think it's a horrific thing that happened and if you did need help, I'll be there to help you."
A reporter asked the president if he has offered to pay for the funerals of other soldiers in the past, and he replied, "I have, I have. I have to do it personally, I can't do it through government. I have because some families need help. They need help."
Ever since Vanessa's disappearance, her family has accused the Army of withholding information from them and asked for a congressional investigation into what happened. Following outrage over the specialist's death, the Army launched an independent panel to "review the command climate and culture at Fort Hood," ABC News reported.
During a speech on the National Mall on Thursday, Vanessa's mother, Gloria Guillen, told the crowd in Spanish (as translated by Fox News), "My daughter is already history. If the president of the nation wants to make history together with my daughter, he'll make sure that devil base is closed and all the damn corruption that exists in the Army is cleaned out."
The Guillen family is pushing for legislation, called the #IAmVanessaGuillen bill, that would allow active duty service members to file harassment claims through a third party rather than up the military chain of command. President Trump told them Thursday that the legislation has his support, and that "we're working on it already."


theblaze--2020-07-31--Charles Barkley defends sports players who refuse to kneel, and social media is melting down

Charles Barkley defends sports players who refuse to kneel , and social media is melting down '' He speaks for @ @ @ @ @

Basketball icon Charles Barkley weighed into the debate over sports players kneeling for the Black Lives Matter movement and he's earning a lot of angry responses online over it.
Barkley made the comments on "The Inside Guys" on TNT on Thursday after Shaquille O'Neal applauded players and coaches for kneeling before the first NBA game of the season.
"When you have you platform, I think it is very important that you speak up, it's very important that you speak your mind but when you talk about change, you also have to talk about protocol," said O'Neal.
"So we use our voice to bring awareness," he continued. "Now we have to go vote, we have to vote our mayors in, our mayors are to appoint new chiefs of police. We have to vote senators and politicians. It doesn't just stop with sending our a tweet or yelling all the time."
"The thing is, listen, that's gonna mean different things to different people," responded Barkley.
"I'm glad these guys are all unified, but if people don't kneel, they're not a bad person," he added.
"I want to make that perfectly clear, I'm glad they had unity," Barkley concluded, "but if we have a guy who doesn't want to kneel because the anthem means something to him, he should not be vilified."
He went on to criticize players for only speaking out on social justice and said that they should go into black communities and help create businesses and be active in creating change.
Social media responds
Barkley's comments were quickly picked up on social media and circulated by those supporting him and those criticizing him.
"Charles Barkley, we are worried about the people who ARE kneeling being vilified," responded one sports account on Twitter.
"Charles Barkley does not speak for black people - he speaks for his white golf buddies who he doesn't want to disappoint. He's more worried about white men view him than how black women do. He spent years tap dancing on TV and now he's a black leader - says who?" said another Twitter user.
"If Charles Barkley were in the wrong time at the wrong place, he would be a victim of police brutality and he's out here supporting it," said another commenter.
"Charles Barkley need to shut the f*** up... honestly," said another simply.
Others, like former NBA player and ESPN host Jay Williams agreed with Barkley's response.
"I firmly stand by what Charles Barkley just said," tweeted Williams.
"If you choose not to kneel for the national anthem, you are NOT a bad person and you should NOT get vilified," he added.
Barkley most recently made headlines when he called out black entertainers and sports figures by name for making anti-Semitic comments while advocating for black empowerment.
"Man, what the hell are y'all doing?" he asked emphatically.
Here's more of the discussion about NBA social justice:


theblaze--2020-07-30--Dem Tennessee state senator charged with embezzling $600k in federal grant funds

Katrina Robinson allegedly used taxpayer money for her wedding , honeymoon , and later divorce

A Democratic Tennessee state lawmaker has been charged with embezzlement and wire fraud for allegedly using $600,000 in federal taxpayer dollars to fund personal expenses including her wedding, honeymoon, and subsequent divorce.
What are the details?
According to a criminal complaint from the FBI, Sen. Katrina Robinson pulled funds from the $2.2 million in grant money one of her businesses received from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services over a period of four years from July of 2015 to June of 2019.
The complaint includes a spreadsheet of transactions Robinson allegedly made using the federal funds, including more than $169,000 in salary bonuses to herself "beyond what was approved," $54,000 to her personal retirement account, home improvements including a $5,500 wrought iron door, and "expenses related to Robinson's wedding and honeymoon, and later, legal fees for her divorce."
Robinson is also accused of using the money for her state Senate campaign, to pay off personal debts, to buy her daughter a car, and to make several thousand dollars of purchases to support her children's snow cone business.
The New York Times reported that "in addition to serving as a state senator, Mrs. Robinson...is director of the Healthcare Institute, a for-profit college that provides training programs for certified nursing assistant, phlebotomist and licensed practical nursing."
The grant money was intended to be used for training programs at the Healthcare Institute, which Robinson, a registered nurse by trade, founded in 2015 — the same year her business was awarded the federal funds.
The feds were tipped off months ago by an anonymous claim that Robinson had used the grant money to buy a luxury handbag valued at more than $500, leading to an FBI raid on her home and the Healthcare Institute in February. Witnesses told WMC-TV at the time that they saw agents rolling file cabinets out of the vocational school.
Anything else?
Sen. Robinson held a press conference Thursday insisting that she would be vindicated, and claimed she was being targeted by the authorities.
"It is believed that if I were not in the position that I'm in, if I did not champion the voices, the views and the faces that I represent that I would not be in this moment I'm in today," Robinson said.
She added, "I'm committed to continuing to serve with the same integrity, the same passion, that I have demonstrated since you elected me to this office."
Robinson was elected in 2018.