U.S.
Magic Mushrooms, Mental Health, & The 2020 Elections: Why States May Vote on Psilocybin Soon…
Published
3 months agoon
By
Alex MyersMagic mushrooms have been criminalized for years. Due to the war on drugs, they are considered a schedule one substance by the FDA, which means it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medicinal use.
More technically known as psilocybin, scientists have conducted many studies on it and found that it can help treat PTSD, OCD, depression, anxiety, and addiction. Companies have now been given permission to conduct research to turn psilocybin into a medical treatment for depression that is otherwise treatment-resistant.
Denver and Oakland have already decriminalized psilocybin and there are initiatives in California and Oregon to change state laws around the substance. In this video, we’ll show you what science fully understands about psilocybin and why it will be a hot topic in the 2020 elections.

U.S.
Florida Shootout Involving Hijacked UPS Truck Ends With 4 Dead
Published
1 hour agoon
December 6, 2019By
Katie Calo
- Two armed robbers hijacked a UPS truck and held the driver hostage in an attempt to escape police on Thursday.
- The police chase ended with a shootout that left both suspects, the UPS driver, and another civilian dead.
- Many are condemning the police officers for their actions and blaming them for the death of the innocent victims.
Armed Robbery Leads to Shootout
Two suspects and two civilians were killed in gunfire on Thursday after an armed robbery attempt led to a violent shootout.
The suspects, identified as Lamar Alexander and Ronnie Jerome Hill, held up a jewelry store in Coral Gables, Florida yesterday afternoon. Gunfire was exchanged between the thieves and a store employee, and police arrived shortly after.
One female store employee was injured and taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital, NBC Miami reported.
The suspects escaped in a van but ditched their getaway vehicle about a mile away from the jewelry store. They then hijacked a UPS truck, holding the driver hostage at gunpoint, local authorities said at a press conference Thursday night.
Police chased the robbers across two counties. Approximately an hour after the UPS driver was abducted, the pursuit ended with a shootout at a crowded intersection in Miramar. A total of 19 officers from five different agencies were firing at the UPS truck.
Videos from the deadly exchange have been posted on Twitter, showing police officers crouching behind civilian vehicles in standstill traffic as they shot at the truck. The gunfire is thundering and consistent.
This is dumbest, two innocent people died in the middle of shootout: UPS young driver & bystander motorist! police officers using civilian's cars as shields! and shooting in da middle of 5pm traffic & walking people!! Cops endangering civilians that way have to be accountable! pic.twitter.com/ztyXuuvkAl
— Xavier Plasencia (@xplas) December 6, 2019
This clip, shared with our affiliates shows the moments when shots were fired along interstate 75 in Miramar. The robbers hijacked a UPS truck and took 1 person hostage. Police say 4 people died in the shootout including that UPS driver pic.twitter.com/LSCzuBMdsR
— Lexi Nahl (@LexiNahlTV) December 6, 2019
The two suspects were fatally shot in the crossfire. The UPS driver was also killed, as well as another innocent bystander sitting in her car.
When George Piro, the special agent who heads the FBI’s Miami Field Office, was asked if it’s possible that the civilians were killed by bullets fired by police officers, he remained vague.
“As I mentioned earlier, it is very very early on in the investigation and it would be completely inappropriate to discuss that,” Piro said. “We have just began to process the crime scene. As you can imagine this is going to be a very complicated crime scene.”
Innocent Victims
The UPS driver has been identified by his family as Frank Ordoñez, a 27-year-old father of two young girls. According to his sister, Sara Ordoñez, he had just been promoted at work for the holiday season.
“He was excited because he was saving up to buy an apartment, a home,” Sara Ordoñez told the New York Times. “We didn’t have it so easy, so he wanted to give the best for his daughters. Everything he would do was for his daughters.”
A GoFundMe has been created for Ordoñez’s family.
UPS released a statement on their official Twitter page addressing the loss of their employee.
“We are deeply saddened to learn a UPS service provider was a victim of this senseless act of violence,” it said.
The second slain civilian has not yet been publicly identified.
Criticism of Police Action
An interview with Joe Merino, Frank Ordoñez’s stepfather, revealed that he blames the death of his son on the police’s “negligence” and “disregard for life for a victim.”
“We’ve all seen hostage situations where local police surround the house, SWAT comes in, there’s a negotiator… and everyone walks away alive,” Merino said. “They didn’t give Frank that opportunity.”
Many others condemned the decisions made by law enforcement, calling for the officers to be held responsible for the civilian deaths.
When tf did GTA become real life? Cops in Miami shooting into traffic, killing innocent ppl, taking cover over other ppls cars. All cops involved and the higher ups that approved the shootout need to be investigated. No one is safe when police are allowed to do as they see fit!
— Goliath PAW 🇨🇦🎤 (@GoliathPAW) December 6, 2019
Unbelievably bad police work, shooting into traffic…an innocent UPS driver and a bystander in a car were killed.
— Alex Currie (@alexbcurrie) December 6, 2019
This is day 1 stuff.
KNOW YOUR TARGET AND WHAT'S BEHIND IT. https://t.co/fpJxAXLlRr
That UPS chase has to be the dumbest shit I’ve ever seen police do, first off the jewelry is insured, second off the UPS truck has gps and not too mention that they started shooting in the middle of 5pm traffic hiding behind civilian cars
— rula (@King_OT) December 6, 2019
See what others are saying: (CBS) (NPR) (Washington Post)
U.S.
Nearly 700,000 People to Lose Food Stamp Aid Under New Policy
Published
1 day agoon
December 5, 2019By
Katie Calo
- A new rule was finalized on Wednesday that tightens work restrictions for the federal food stamp program.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 688,000 people will be cut from the program when the rule takes effect next year.
- Those in favor of the change argue that it will push unemployed individuals to find jobs, while critics say it will hurt them more than it will help them.
New Rule
Trump administration finalized a new rule that could remove almost 700,000 people from the federal food stamp program. The rule, announced in a press release on Wednesday, creates stricter work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
“The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) final rule promotes work for able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 49 without dependents,” the press release said.
Under current regulations, this demographic can receive three months of SNAP benefits throughout a three year period, unless they work or undergo professional training for at least 20 hours a week.
States have had the ability to waive this time limit to account for economic turbulence, and counties with unemployment rates as low as 2.5% were eligible for these remissions. The new rule will make 6% the minimum unemployment rate to qualify for these waivers, according to the Washington Post.
It will take effect on April 1, 2020.
Impact on Americans
While the USDA originally estimated that up to 750,000 people would be cut from SNAP with this change, now they have adjusted that number to 688,000.
The finalized regulation is the first of three proposed measures to limit access to the federal food stamp program. A new study by the Urban Institute found that if the other two rules are approved, nearly 4 million people would lose access to food benefits.
After the new rule was proposed in February, there was an abundance of public comments imploring the administration not to go through with it.
But the USDA was not swayed and held strong in their argument that SNAP should be a form of temporary assistance instead of a long-term lifestyle.
“Government can be a powerful force for good, but government dependency has never been the American dream,” said Sonny Perdue, Secretary of Agriculture. “We need to encourage people by giving them a helping hand but not allowing it to become an indefinitely giving hand.”
Those who support the rule are optimistic that it will push unemployed individuals to find jobs.
“The changes reflect the belief that more Americans can enter and reenter the workforce,” Brandon Lipps, the USDA’s Deputy Under Secretary, told the Washington Post. “So they can know the dignity of work.”
Critics of the change were extremely disappointed upon the news of the rule’s finalization, deeming it a step in the wrong direction.
“The Trump administration is driving the vulnerable into hunger just as the Christmas season approaches,” Senator Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader, said on the floor Wednesday. “It is heartless. It is cruel. It exposes a deep and shameful cruelness and hypocrisy in this administration.”
Rep. Marcia L. Fudge, chairwoman of the House Agriculture Committee’s subcommittee on nutrition, released a press statement on Wednesday after hearing the news.
“The Administration refuses to take an honest look at the people they are targeting with this rule and what challenges they face that contribute to their hunger…” she said. “…Instead of considering hungry individuals and their unique struggles and needs, the Department has chosen to paint them with the broadest brush, demonizing them as lazy and undeserving.”
See what others are saying: (New York Times) (NPR) (NBC)
U.S.
Melania Trump Blasts Law Professor for Dropping Son’s Name in Impeachment Testimony Joke
Published
1 day agoon
December 5, 2019By
Katie Calo
- Stanford law professor Pamela Karlan made a joke referencing President Donald Trump’s son in her impeachment hearing testimony on Wednesday.
- Melania Trump criticized Karlan on Twitter for bringing her child into a political matter.
- Some condemned Karlan while others thought her wordplay was harmless.
- Many Twitter users called the FLOTUS hypocritical for defending her child but staying silent on her husband’s treatment of other minors, including teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg and migrant children experiencing inhumane treatment at the border.
Karlan’s Joke
Pamela Karlan, a Stanford law professor, dropped a controversial joke while testifying in the ongoing impeachment hearing against President Donald Trump on Wednesday.
While explaining the difference between the POTUS and a king, she used a play on words with the name of his teenage son, Barron.
“The constitution says there can be no titles of nobility,” Karlan said. “So while the president can name his son Barron, he can’t make him a baron.”
Karlan’s joke received a scattering of laughter around the room, including a chuckle from Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who posed the question of how the president compares to royalty.
Melania Trump took to Twitter to defend her son, condemning Karlan’s name-dropping comment.
“A minor child deserves privacy and should be kept out of politics,” the first lady wrote. “Pamela Karlan, you should be ashamed of your very angry and obviously biased public pandering, and using a child to do it.”
A minor child deserves privacy and should be kept out of politics. Pamela Karlan, you should be ashamed of your very angry and obviously biased public pandering, and using a child to do it.
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) December 4, 2019
Further Backlash
Karlan was put on blast by other prominent figures for her mention of the president’s son. Vice President Mike Pence called her joke a “new low.”
Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida who strongly supports the president, chastised her directly on the floor Wednesday.
“Let me also suggest that when you invoke the President’s son’s name here, when you try to make a little joke out of referencing Barron Trump, that does not lend credibility to your argument,” he said. “It makes you look mean.”
The Trump campaign released an official statement on the topic.
“Only in the mind of crazed liberals is it funny to drag a 13-year-old into the impeachment nonsense,” National Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said.
“Only in the minds of crazed liberals is it funny to drag a 13-year-old child into the impeachment nonsense.” – National Press Secretary @kayleighmcenany
— Team Trump (@TeamTrump) December 4, 2019
Our full statement on Pamela Karlan below. pic.twitter.com/XI6eY2oSIH
Karlan’s Apology
Later in the day, Prof. Karlan apologized for her remarks, but not without mentioning that she wishes Donald Trump would also admit to his faults.
“I want to apologize for what I said earlier about the president’s son. It was wrong of me to do that,” she said during her testimony. “I wish the president would apologize obviously for the things that he’s done that’s wrong, but I do regret having said that.”
Defense of the Professor
While some were outraged by Karlan’s play on words, others spoke up to defend her, deeming the joke harmless.
Pamela Karlan didn't attack, mock or smear Barron Trump
— Edward Hardy (@EdwardTHardy) December 5, 2019
Melania Trump and Republicans are getting angry about something that didn't happen https://t.co/zqhPy7GUzb
It was NOT the minor child she was referencing.
— Linda Kemp (@LindaLarsonKemp) December 5, 2019
It was INSTEAD the father’s delusions of royal grandeur in his naming of the child—the monarchical mindset & legacy the Framers were establishing specific guardrails against.
Barron you’re not the issue. Your dad’s the issue.
What Karlen said was not harsh in any way. Melania's horse's ass tweet was ridiculous. The statement was totally neutral. The Trumps blowing it insanely out of proportion is typical of them, and honestly Trump spouts daily slander about his perceived enemies #BeBestMyAss
— Notorious d.e.b. (@debihope) December 5, 2019
Some Twitter users criticized the FLOTUS for being quick to defend her own son but staying silent on her husband’s treatment of other minors, including teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg and migrant children experience inhumane treatment at the border.
Your husband attacked a 16 year old climate activist for her views on climate change. Your husband separates children from their parents at the border and locks them in cages. #BeBestMyAss #shutupmelania
— PitStainPeter (@PitStainPeter) December 5, 2019
Hey @FLOTUS nothing negative was said about your son, I watched every minute. If you are so concerned with minor children then why haven’t you done anything about #KidsInCages! This rule applies to all kids everywhere not just your son!
— FloridaDem (@MarilouGeorge) December 5, 2019
See what others are saying: (CNN) (NBC) (Newsweek)

Florida Shootout Involving Hijacked UPS Truck Ends With 4 Dead

Bill Nye’s $28M Lawsuit Against Disney Headed to Trial

The DISTURBING Onision Problem, YouTube Rewind 2019 Reaction, PewDiePie, BTS, & French Protests

The Onision Controversy Explained

Pinkwashing: The Dark Side of the Breast Cancer Awareness Industry Explained…

Thousands Paralyze France in Pension Reform Protests

Nearly 700,000 People to Lose Food Stamp Aid Under New Policy

Pinterest, The Knot, and Brides Will No Longer Promote Plantation Weddings

Pelosi Announces House Will Draft Articles of Impeachment Against Trump

Melania Trump Blasts Law Professor for Dropping Son’s Name in Impeachment Testimony Joke

WOW! George Zimmerman’s $100M Lawsuit, CallMeCarson, Trudeau Caught On Video, & China

Cosplay Instagram Star Belle Delphine Trolls Followers With PornHub Account

Billie Eilish Fans Call Out Twitter User for Sexualizing the Underage Singer

Man Kills 17-Year-Old Bianca Devins and Posts Photos Online

Deepfake App Pulled After Many Expressed Concerns

YouTuber ProJared Accused of Soliciting Explicit Photos From Underage Fans

Instagram Users Tell Skai Jackson to Stop Posting About Cameron Boyce

School Bus Driver Gets No Prison Time After Raping 14-Year Old Girl

Why Twitter Tried to Cancel Lil Nas X

James Charles Threatens to Sue Over Fake Racist Image

Bella Thorne Posts Her Own Topless Photos After Threats From Hacker

DeepNude App Banned on GitHub After Spreading to Multiple Platforms

The DISTURBING Onision Problem, YouTube Rewind 2019 Reaction, PewDiePie, BTS, & French Protests

Pinkwashing: The Dark Side of the Breast Cancer Awareness Industry Explained…

WOW! George Zimmerman’s $100M Lawsuit, CallMeCarson, Trudeau Caught On Video, & China

Why People Are CRINGING & BASHING Peloton, Weird Child Ban Controversy, Kamala OUT, Macron VS Trump

Johnny Cash, Toby Keith & Kacey Musgraves: What Is ‘Real’ Country Music?

WHY People Are Freaking Out On Jussie Smollett AGAIN, Brenda Song “Asian Enough” DENIAL, & Israel

Simply Nailogical, BTS CONTROVERSY, Epstein Update, & Sondland’s “Quid Pro Quo” Confusion EXPLAINED

Chick-fil-A’s “Betrayal” BACKLASH, Taylor Swift’s Messy Win, Disney+ Hacks, & Iran’s Unusual Protests

Why People Are FREAKING OUT About Kylie Jenner, Prince Andrew’s Epstein Interview, Hong Kong, & More

DISGUSTING! Woman EXPOSED Throwing Dog On Twitch, Northwestern’s Journalist Backlash, & Venice Flood

The Rise of At-Home Rape Kits: Helpful or Harmful for Survivors of Assault?

YouTube Family Vlogger Petitions FTC Ahead of 2020 COPPA Enforcement

Apple Card Faces Investigation After Accusations of Gender Discrimination

Thousands of Disney+ Accounts Are Being Resold Illegally, but Disney Says Its Servers Weren’t Hacked

Chris Evans, Elijah Wood, and Others Speak Out Against James Dean CGI Casting

The Onision Controversy Explained

Pet Shop Employee Fired After Streamer Catches Disturbing Dog Throwing on Video

Peloton Bike Ad Ridiculed and Accused of Being Sexist

Japanese Women Fight for the Right to Wear Glasses at Work

Journalists Say Northwestern School Paper Should Not Have Apologized for Protest Coverage

As Two Australian States Declare Emergencies, Scientists Warn that Climate Change is Making the Country’s Fire Season Worse

Syracuse Chancellor Agrees to Student Demands After Racist Incidents

Florida Shootout Involving Hijacked UPS Truck Ends With 4 Dead

Bill Nye’s $28M Lawsuit Against Disney Headed to Trial

The DISTURBING Onision Problem, YouTube Rewind 2019 Reaction, PewDiePie, BTS, & French Protests

The Onision Controversy Explained

Pinkwashing: The Dark Side of the Breast Cancer Awareness Industry Explained…

Thousands Paralyze France in Pension Reform Protests

Nearly 700,000 People to Lose Food Stamp Aid Under New Policy

Pinterest, The Knot, and Brides Will No Longer Promote Plantation Weddings

Pelosi Announces House Will Draft Articles of Impeachment Against Trump

Melania Trump Blasts Law Professor for Dropping Son’s Name in Impeachment Testimony Joke

WOW! George Zimmerman’s $100M Lawsuit, CallMeCarson, Trudeau Caught On Video, & China

The DISTURBING Onision Problem, YouTube Rewind 2019 Reaction, PewDiePie, BTS, & French Protests

Pinkwashing: The Dark Side of the Breast Cancer Awareness Industry Explained…

WOW! George Zimmerman’s $100M Lawsuit, CallMeCarson, Trudeau Caught On Video, & China

Why People Are CRINGING & BASHING Peloton, Weird Child Ban Controversy, Kamala OUT, Macron VS Trump

Johnny Cash, Toby Keith & Kacey Musgraves: What Is ‘Real’ Country Music?

WHY People Are Freaking Out On Jussie Smollett AGAIN, Brenda Song “Asian Enough” DENIAL, & Israel

Simply Nailogical, BTS CONTROVERSY, Epstein Update, & Sondland’s “Quid Pro Quo” Confusion EXPLAINED

Chick-fil-A’s “Betrayal” BACKLASH, Taylor Swift’s Messy Win, Disney+ Hacks, & Iran’s Unusual Protests

Why People Are FREAKING OUT About Kylie Jenner, Prince Andrew’s Epstein Interview, Hong Kong, & More

DISGUSTING! Woman EXPOSED Throwing Dog On Twitch, Northwestern’s Journalist Backlash, & Venice Flood
