Paradise News

Tag: United States

  • Wash. woman who disappeared almost a year ago is presumed dead

    CLARK COUNTY, Wash. (TCN) — Law enforcement officials confirmed they are presuming a 32-year-old woman deceased after she disappeared almost a year ago.

    Alana Carroll was reported missing to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office in September. She reportedly had substance abuse problems and “had been staying at various residences” in the area prior to her disappearance.

    Investigators have been searching for Carroll since she went missing, but KOIN-TV reports that on Monday, Aug. 5, the sheriff’s office released a statement saying, “We can confirm that we presume Alana Carroll to be deceased and that we continue to actively investigate this case in an effort to locate her remains and discern her cause and manner of disappearance.”

    The sheriff’s office said they are pursuing “several leads” and have arrested a person of interest, who is in custody on unrelated charges. The Columbian identified the person of interest as Luke Grant.

    According to court documents cited by The Columbian, Carroll’s grandmother reached out to some of Carroll’s friends in the hopes of locating her shortly after she disappeared. The friends reportedly took her to a location in Battle Ground, and people there said they saw Grant and Carroll leaving together.

    KOIN, which also cites the court documents, reports Grant allegedly contacted someone and was “freaking out” because he didn’t know “what to do with the body in his trunk.” Officials reportedly believe Carroll died from an overdose between August and October.

    Grant allegedly told the person on the phone, “I think she’s dead. I don’t really know.”

    Grant reportedly sold his car on Sept. 11, 2023, to an auto parts dealer. It was transferred to another location and “shredded” about a month later. Carroll’s remains are still missing.

    Grant has not yet been charged for anything related to Carroll’s presumptive death.

    MORE:

    • Seeking Information, 5/24 – Clark County Sheriff’s Office
    • Court records: Witnesses say man called ‘freaking out’ with missing woman’s body – KOIN
    • Missing Clark County woman now presumed dead, investigators have identified a suspect – The Columbian

    Source

  • Fact Check: Trump’s unproven story about Willie Brown and a harrowing emergency helicopter landing

    Former President Donald Trump’s tale of an emergency helicopter landing unraveled after one of its main characters, former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, told news outlets it never happened.

    “I know Willie Brown very well. In fact, I went down in a helicopter with him,” Trump told reporters at an Aug. 8 press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. “We thought maybe this is the end. We were in a helicopter going to a certain location together and there was an emergency landing. This was not a pleasant landing. And Willie was, he was a little concerned. So, I know him. I know him pretty well.”

    Trump also said that Brown, who is a Democrat, “told me terrible things” about Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s Democratic rival for the White House. Brown and Harris dated decades ago. 

    But Brown told multiple outlets that he never flew with Trump on a helicopter. We searched news databases for archival content and found no articles describing a helicopter ride involving Trump and Brown. Trump did fly on a helicopter with a different Democrat named Brown — former California Gov. Jerry Brown. There were no reports of a crash or emergency landing for that ride.

    The Trump campaign offered no evidence for his claim. Here’s what we know.

    Willie Brown says he’s never flown on a helicopter with Trump

    Brown, who was San Francisco mayor from 1994 to 2006, told multiple news outlets that he had never flown  in a helicopter with Trump, and that he hadn’t criticized Harris to Trump.

    “You would have known if I had gone down on a helicopter with Trump,” Brown told the San Francisco Chronicle. “I’ve never been on a helicopter with Trump.”

    In its own report scrutinizing Trump’s tale, The New York Times described Brown as someone who “loves regaling anybody who will listen with stories.”

    “He was doing what Donald does best, his creative fiction,” Brown told local San Francisco’s  KRON-TV. 

    We contacted the Willie L. Brown, Jr. Institute on Politics & Public Service in San Francisco, where Brown is chairman and CEO, and received no response. 

    It seems Aug. 8 is not the first time Trump has told this story. He included the anecdote in his 2023, picturebook, “Letters to Trump.”

    “I knew Willie Brown a long time ago,” Trump wrote. “He was a hot politician and had a great ‘way.’ We actually had an emergency landing in a helicopter together. It was a little scary for both of us, but thankfully we made it. His time with Kamala in retrospect turned out to be very interesting — but only he can tell that story.”

    The facing page of the book shows a photograph of a short letter Brown wrote to Trump in 2000, but it includes no mention of a helicopter trip.

    Although we found no news articles about a helicopter crash or emergency landing involving Trump and Brown, we discovered a report about one treacherous helicopter trip involving the former mayor. 

    In September 2004, The Associated Press reported that “a helicopter carrying former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown made an emergency landing at an elementary school playground” in Malibu, California, following a warning light signaling a possible technical problem. 

    Willie Brown also flew on a helicopter with former Republican President George H.W. Bush in 1989 after an earthquake hit California, killing 63 people. In the aftermath, Bush traveled to the San Francisco Bay Area. Brown was then speaker of the California Assembly.

    “All I can remember is Willie Brown, who also wanted to be there, saying, ‘Sig, which helicopter is the President riding in?’” Sigmund Rogich, who worked for Bush, told the University of Virginia’s Miller Center of Public Affairs. “I said, ‘That one.’ He said, ‘That’s the one I’m going in’ And that’s the one he went in.”

    Trump rode in a helicopter with California Gov. Jerry Brown

    It’s unclear whether Trump confused Willie Brown with former California Gov. Jerry Brown, with whom, reports show, he did fly in a helicopter. 

    In November 2018, Trump visited California following the deadly Camp Fire. Trump toured the fire area on a helicopter with the then-Gov. Brown and then-Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. 

    News reports about the flight mentioned neither a crash nor an emergency landing.

    Newsom’s office did not respond to PolitiFact’s inquiries. Newsom told The New York Times Aug. 8 that the helicopter did not make an emergency landing. A spokesperson for Jerry Brown told the Times “there was no emergency landing and no discussion of Kamala Harris.”

    “Wow,” Jerry Brown wrote on X in response to a post that showed side-by-side photos of him and Willie Brown. The former mayor is Black; the former governor is white.

    Then-President Donald Trump talks Nov. 17, 2018, with then Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom, left, as California Gov. Jerry Brown listens in Paradise, Calif. (AP)

    Our ruling

    Trump said he “went down in a helicopter” with Willie Brown. … We were in a helicopter going to a certain location together and there was an emergency landing.”

    Trump also included the anecdote in his 2023 book. But advanced news archive site searches show no evidence Trump was on a helicopter that crashed or made an emergency landing with Brown, San Francisco’s former mayor. Brown told multiple news outlets the story never happened.

    News reports described a 2018 helicopter flight involving Trump and California’s then-governor, Jerry Brown. However, news reports of that flight mention neither a crash nor an emergency landing. 

    At PolitiFact, the burden of proof is on the speaker. Having seen no evidence from Trump, we rate his claim Pants on Fire!

    PolitiFact Researcher Caryn Baird and Deputy Editor Rebecca Catalanello contributed to this report.



    Source

  • Covington County Youth Leadership program taking applications for 2024-25

    Covington County Youth Leadership program taking applications for 2024-25

    Published 2:45 pm Friday, August 9, 2024

    The Covington County Youth Leadership program is currently accepting applications for juniors of the 2024-2025 school year.

    The cost to participate is $50 with the deadline to apply on Friday, August 16, at 5 p.m. Participants must pay the fee by the first leadership session on Wednesday, Sept. 18. This year’s application may be accessed at

    “The goal of the Covington County Youth Leadership is to expose students to resources and opportunities available in our community and state. We want them to meet and interact with business and community leaders and local officials. Through our program, these students will experience the difference they can make through volunteer service projects,” CCYL Program Coordinator Dr. Terri Dunn said.

    CCYL had a total of 29 students in the 2021-2022 class, 34 in 2022-2023, and 32 in 2023-2024. Eligibility is limited to juniors from all public, private, and home schools within Covington County who are at least 15 years of age. Applicants must have a “C” average or better, permission from parents/guardians, and approval from their school principal. Applicants are expected to have demonstrated leadership in school or community activities; expressed an interest in addressing the issues that confront their community; and to have a commitment to participation in all program activities.

    Students will meet once per month over the school year on Wednesdays to participate in several leadership sessions. Those sessions include team building, community resources, state and local government, agriculture and industry, healthcare, economic development, community service, etiquette, and communication skills.

    “Over the past three years, our students have had the opportunity to interact with one another, build confidence, and develop skills that will prepare them for their futures. We are excited to start another year with the CCYL program and are looking for juniors across our county who are eager to join this dynamic program. Thanks to the strong support from our community, our previous years have been incredibly successful, and we are confident that this year will be just as impactful,” Dunn said.

    A committee of business and community leaders will select participants. Applications are initially scored using the percentages shown on the application. From the applications, the committee will determine the number of applicants to be interviewed, schedule and perform the interviews, and select students to participate in the program based on a combination of the application and interview scores. The committee will consider the quality of the applicants, as well as the need for balanced representation from throughout Covington County.

    Students selected to participate in the 2024-2025 program will be announced on the Covington County Youth Leadership, Alabama Facebook page on or before Monday, August 30.

    For more information email covingtoncountyyl@gmail.com or call Dunn at 334-804-1572.

    Source

  • Purpose-Driven Brands Mother’s Day Gift Guide – The US Times

    Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect opportunity to show the moms in our lives how much we appreciate them. This year, consider giving a purpose-driven gift that not only shows your love but also supports brands that are making a positive impact in the world. Here are some of our top picks from Publicity For Good’s roster of purpose-driven brands.

    Purpose-Driven Brands Perfect For Mom This Mother’s Day

    Bringing It Home

    Bringing It Home offers a variety of eco-friendly, sustainable, and fair-trade products that are handmade by artisans from around the world. From beautiful handwoven baskets to hand-carved wooden spoons, every item in their shop is thoughtfully crafted and ethically made. For Mother’s Day, consider their handmade, organic cotton Turkish towel set, which includes two soft and absorbent towels that are perfect for the beach, pool, or bath.

    Check out Bringing It Home

    Eossi Beauty

    Eossi Beauty is a clean, vegan, and cruelty-free skincare brand that specializes in CBD-infused products. Their Body Bundle is the perfect gift for any mom who deserves a little self-care. It includes their nourishing CBD body lotion and relaxing CBD bath bomb, both made with all-natural, non-toxic ingredients.

    Check out Eossi Beauty

    Aloha

    Aloha is a health and wellness brand that offers a variety of organic, plant-based protein powders, bars, and snacks. Their products are made with the highest quality ingredients and are free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors. For Mother’s Day, consider their Superfood Chocolate Sampler, which includes three chocolate bars made with organic ingredients like cacao nibs, coconut sugar, and maca root.

    Check out Aloha

    O’Canada Soapworks

    O’Canada Soapworks is a family-owned business that offers handmade, all-natural soaps, lotions, and skincare products. Their products are made with sustainable ingredients and are free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives. For Mother’s Day, consider their Lavender Relaxation Gift Set, which includes a lavender-scented soy candle, lavender essential oil soap, and a lavender lip balm.

    Check out O’Canada Soapworks

    MilkBoy Swiss Chocolates

    Milk Boy Swiss Chocolates offers a variety of high-quality, sustainably sourced chocolates that are perfect for any chocolate-loving mom. Their products are made with cocoa beans from around the world and are free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. For Mother’s Day, consider their Swiss Chocolate Gift Set, which includes a variety of milk and dark chocolate bars, truffles, and pralines.

    Check out Milk Boy Sweet Chocolates

    Arden’s Garden

    Arden’s Garden offers a wide selection of organic, raw, and fresh-pressed juice, smoothies, and cleanses made with locally sourced produce. Their products are free from additives and preservatives and are designed to promote overall health and wellness. For Mother’s Day, consider their 2-Day Detox Cleanse, which includes a variety of cold-pressed fruit and vegetable juices that are designed to detoxify and rejuvenate the body.

    Check out Arden’s Garden

    Show Some Love For Your Purpose-Driven Mama

    These purpose-driven brands are not only offering unique and thoughtful gifts for your mom, but they are also doing good in the world through their sustainable and ethical practices. By choosing to support these brands, you can make a positive impact while showing your love and appreciation for the moms in your life

    Source

  • Harris Struggles to Answer Questions About Stolen Valor Accusations Against Tim Walz | The Liberty Beacon


    Harris Struggles to Answer Questions About Stolen Valor Accusations Against Tim Walz

    BREITBART

    Democrat presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris struggled to give a straight response on Thursday when asked about the stolen valor accusations against her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN).

    While giving one of her first gaggles since running for president, a reporter asked Harris about accusations that Walz misrepresented his military record.

    According to Politico Playbook, those accusations include Walz:

    • Abandoning his men before they deployed overseas.
    • Lying about serving in combat.
    • Claiming he served in Afghanistan.
    • Inflating his rank.

    “I praise anyone who has presented themselves to serve our country, and I think that we all should,” Harris carefully said, looking annoyed at the question:

    Neither Walz nor Harris have addressed the accusations brought Wednesday. Harris has not held a press conference for 19 days since becoming the party’s de facto nominee.

    Harris pledged to schedule an interview “before the end of the month”…

    CONTINUE ORG ARTILE

    Header featured image (edited) credit: Walz/Harris/Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

    Emphasis added by (TLB)

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  • Colo. man accused of putting woman he met on Snapchat in chokehold, killing her

    COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (TCN) — A 26-year-old man is being charged with murder after he allegedly killed a woman he met on Snapchat by putting her in a chokehold.

    According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, on Aug. 1 at 2:30 a.m., the county’s communication center got a call from someone asking deputies to conduct a welfare check on the 13000 block of Halleluiah Trail because there was an unresponsive female. Medics from the Falcon Fire Department went to address, located the victim, and performed lifesaving measures but soon pronounced her deceased.

    Detectives were called in to investigate because of the “suspicious nature of the events surrounding the death.” They interviewed different witnesses and ended up arresting Jorge Meza-Alarcon Jr. on a charge of first-degree murder.

    The arrest affidavit cited by KKTV-TV says Meza-Alarcon and the victim, Annabelle Floren-Wyant, met on Snapchat, and she allegedly planned to “collect money” from Meza-Alarcon at around 12:45 a.m.. One of Floren-Wyant’s friends reportedly told police she asked him to text her regularly because she thought Meza-Alarcon was “weird.” The friend called police at 2:25 a.m. when she stopped responding.

    The Denver Gazette, which also cites the affidavit, reports Meza-Alarcon claimed Floren-Wyant hit him with a cellphone or another object when he tried to pay her. He told police he blacked out, and when he came to, he was about three miles away from the home on Halleluiah Trail. He called police and said he was assaulted. He reportedly had a cracked iPhone 15 with him.

    The Denver Gazette reports Meza-Alarcon had injuries on his face, which are also seen in his mugshot. He allegedly said Floren-Wyant threatened him in the past and he became worried when he noticed her friend’s car outside. Meza-Alarcon reportedly put Floren-Wyant in a leg lock after she purportedly attacked him. Then, he put her in a jiujitsu-style chokehold.

    Her pants were reportedly pulled all the way down and she had blood close to her ear.

    According to KKTV, Meza-Alarcon reportedly admitted he left the home without checking for a pulse. He said he “knows how to do locks” and “likes to train.” The affidavit says Meza-Alarcon “knows when the chokehold is used ‘you only have 2-3 taps in you.’”

    El Paso County Jail records show his bond was set at $1 million.

    MORE:

    • Sheriff’s Office Makes an Arrest in Death Investigation – El Paso County Sheriff’s Office
    • Teen found dead in home northeast of Colorado Springs, reportedly had Snapchat relationship with suspect – KKTV
    • 18-year-old woman identified as victim in suspicious death in rural El Paso County – Denver Gazette
    • El Paso County Jail inmate information

    Source

  • Ashli Babbitt Lawsuit Update!

    Judge Orders Justice Department to Answer Babbitt Wrongful Death Lawsuit
    Judicial Watch Sues for Fauci Records Tied to FOIA/Covid Cover-Up
    Jordanian Illegal Alien Who Tried to Breach Military Base Released

     

    Judge Orders Justice Department to Answer Babbitt Wrongful Death Lawsuit

    Our case on behalf of Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, who was murdered in the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, is going forward.

    Her family is thrilled that the lawsuit for her outrageous killing is moving full speed ahead.

    Following a hearing on August 6, Judge Ana C. Reyes of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ordered the Biden Justice Department to answer the $30 million wrongful death suit filed on behalf of Babbitt’s estate. She was killed by then-Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd.

    The court gave the government 30 days, until September 6, to answer the complaint. The order also states that we can file a reply brief by August 23 in its petition to have the case returned to Babbitt’s home of San Diego where it was originally filed:

    Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Ana C. Reyes: Pre-motion Conference held on 8/6/2024 via Zoom. For the reasons stated on the record, Plaintiff may file a reply brief by 8/23/24. Defendant to file a partial answer as to counts 1,2,6 and 7 by 9/6/2024. Rule 26 to be filed by 9/13/2024. Status Conference set for 9/20/2024 at 03:00 PM in Telephonic/VTC before Judge Ana C. Reyes.

    Babbitt, 35, an Air Force veteran, owned and operated a successful pool business with her husband Aaron. Ashli traveled alone from San Diego to Washington, DC, to attend the Women for America First (aka Save America) rally on January 6, 2021, at the Ellipse.

    We filed the lawsuit on January 5, 2024, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California against the U.S. Government on behalf of Ashli Babbitt’s family. (Estate of Ashli Babbitt and Aaron Babbitt, et al. v. United States of America (No. 3:24-cv-00033)).

    The Justice Department must respond to the lawsuit’s claims for wrongful death, assault and battery, negligence, and a claim for “survival action” under federal law. (As a result of the court’s order, the lawsuit will proceed on these key counts, as the court considers the Biden administration’s request to dismiss certain other claims.)

    Our complaint recounts:

    The shooting occurred at the east entrance to the Speaker’s Lobby. After demonstrators filled the hallway outside the lobby, two individuals in the crowded, tightly packed hallway struck and dislodged the glass panels in the lobby doors and the right door sidelight. Lt. Byrd, who is a United States Capitol Police commander and was the incident commander for the House on January 6, 2021, shot Ashli on sight as she raised herself up into the opening of the right door sidelight. Lt. Byrd later confessed that he shot Ashli before seeing her hands or assessing her intentions or even identifying her as female. Ashli was unarmed. Her hands were up in the air, empty, and in plain view of Lt. Byrd and other officers in the lobby.

    The lawsuit points out that, based on prior incidents involving Lt. Byrd, the Capitol Police, Capitol Police Board, and ultimately Congress, as Lt. Byrd’s employer, “knew or should have known that Lt. Byrd was prone to behave in a dangerous or otherwise incompetent manner.”

    The next hearing is set for September 20.

    In April 2024, records from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in a separate Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit showed that the FBI opened a criminal investigation of Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt after her killing and listed four “potential violations of federal law,” including felony rioting and civil disorder.

    In September 2023, we received records from the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, a component of the Department of Justice, in a FOIA lawsuit that details the extensive apparatus the Biden Justice Department set up to investigate and prosecute January 6 protestors.

    A previous review of records from that lawsuit highlighted the prosecution declination memorandum justifying the decision not to prosecute U.S. Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd for the shooting death of Babbitt.

    In January 2023, documents from the Department of the Air Force, Joint Base Andrews, MD, showed U.S. Capitol Police Lieutenant Michael Byrd was housed at taxpayer expense at Joint Base Andrews after he shot and killed U.S. Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt inside the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

    In November 2021, we released multiple audio, visual and photo records from the DC Metropolitan Police Department about the shooting death of Babbitt on January 6, 2021, in the U.S. Capitol Building. The records included a cell phone video of the shooting and an audio of a brief police interview of the shooter, Byrd.

     

    Judicial Watch Sues for Fauci Records Tied to FOIA/Covid Cover-Up

    The Fauci operation seems to have had contempt for the public’s right to know about what exactly it was up to during Covid.

    We filed a FOIA lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for records of retired NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci, various top officials, grantees, and contractors regarding efforts to subvert FOIA and other information requests about Covid issues (Judicial Watch, Inc. v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (No. 1:24-cv-02185)).

    We sued after the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID – part of the NIH and a component of HHS) failed to respond to a May 23, 2024, FOIA request for records on:

    1. Dr. David Morens, former top Scientific Advisor to retired NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci, and current Senior Advisor at NIH, soliciting help, advice, or assistance in any manner from any employee of the NIAID or NIH’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) office including a) Margeret Moore b) Robin Schofield c) Marianne Manheim to circumvent, avoid (i.e. through use of private email, phone calls, deleting emails, etc.), or otherwise not respond in accordance with FOIA laws and regulations to FOIA requests.

    2. Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired NIAID Director, NIH, soliciting help, advice, or assistance in any manner from any employee of the NIAID or NIH’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) office including a) Margeret Moore b) Robin Schofield c) Marianne Manheim to circumvent, avoid (i.e. through use of private email, phone calls, deleting emails, etc.), or otherwise not respond in accordance with FOIA laws and regulations to FOIA requests.

    3. Communications between NIH and/or NIAD FOIA employees, including a) Marianne Manheim; b) Robin Schofield; c) Karen Lampe; concerning withholding information requested through FOIA regarding EcoHealth Alliance (EHA) and/or the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV).

    4. Communications of Dr. David Morens, including use of private email, or advising anyone (internal or external to NIH) to communicate using private email channels (i.e. gmail) to conduct official government business when discussing the “Daszak Grant”, “COVID”, “EcoHealth Alliance”, “EHA”, “secret”, “kickbacks”, “Trump”, “Tony”, “WIV”, or the “Wuhan Institute of Virology”. This paragraph includes communications with a) Dr. Anthony Fauci, email domains.@nih.gov or @gmail.com b) Dr. Peter Daszak, EcoHealth Alliance email domain @ecohealthalliance.org c) Dr. Gerald Keusch, Boston University email domain @bu.edu d) Rich Roberts, New England Biolabs email domain @neb.come) Jay Peter Hotez, Baylor College of Medicine email domain @bcm.edu e) Tom Monath, Croze Biopharma, email domain @crozebiopharma.com f) James LeDuc, University of Texas Medical Branch, email domain @utmb.edu g) Laura Kramer, NY Health Department, email domain @health.ny.gov h) Nancye Green, Donovan Green Health, email domain@dgtwo.com.

    5. Communications of Dr. David Morens with any employee at EcoHealth Alliance (email domain: @ecohealthalliance.org) regarding how to respond to NIH compliance efforts, requests, or investigations, concerning the NIH grant with EcoHealth Alliance.

    6. Communications of Dr. Anthony Fauci, including using a private email, or advising anyone (internal or external to NIH) to communicate using private email channels (i.e. gmail) to conduct official government business when discussing the “Daszak Grant”, “COVID”, “EcoHealth Alliance”, “EHA”, “secret”, “kickbacks”, “Trump”, “Tony” “WIV”, or the “Wuhan Institute of Virology”. This paragraph includes communications with a) Dr. Anthony Fauci, email domains.@nih.gov or @gmail.com b) Dr. Peter Daszak, EcoHealth Alliance email domain @ecohealthalliance.org c) Dr. Gerald Keusch, Boston University email domain @bu.edu d) Rich Roberts, New England Biolabs email domain @neb.com e) Jay Peter Hotez, Baylor College of Medicine email domain @bcm.edu e) Tom Monath, Croze Biopharma, email domain @crozebiopharma.com f) James LeDuc, University of Texas Medical Branch, email domain @utmb.edu g) Laura Kramer, NY Health Department, email domain @health.ny.gov h) Nancye Green, Donovan Green Health, email domain@dgtwo.com.

    On May 22, 2024, Morens testified before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic at a hearing titled “A Hearing with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Senior Scientific Advisor, Dr. David Morens,” in which it was reported:

    Evidence obtained by the Select Subcommittee shows Dr. Morens unlawfully deleted federal COVID-19 records, shared nonpublic information about National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant processes with his “best-friend” EcoHealth Alliance President Dr. Peter Daszak, and likely lied to Congress multiple times.

    In prepared remarks by House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Chairman Bran Wenstrup, he notes:

    We have evidence that Dr. Morens purposefully evaded public transparency required by the Freedom of Information Act by intentionally using a personal email account for official business.

    We have evidence that Dr. Morens unlawfully deleted government records and may have engaged with the NIH FOIA office to assist this illegal action.

    We have evidence that Dr. Morens routinely acted as an intermediary between Dr. Daszak and Dr. Fauci.

    And we have evidence that Dr. Morens took affirmative steps to assist Dr. Daszak so that EcoHealth could have its grant reinstated after it was suspended under the Trump Administration.

    Margeret Moore, who is cited in the our records requests, seems to be the so-called “FOIA Lady,” who allegedly advised Morens on how to circumvent FOIA and avoid responding to FOIA requests. She was then (now retired) NIAID’s FOIA public liaison whose official responsibilities included: “assisting in reducing delays; increasing transparency and understanding of the status of requests; and resolving disputes between you and the agency.” In two emails from February 24 and 25, 2021, which were subpoenaed by the Pandemic Subcommittee, Morens writes:

    2/24/21 to a redacted recipient at a gmail address: … I learned from our foia lady here how to make emails disappear after I am foia’d but before the search starts, so I think we are all safe. Plus I deleted most of those earlier emails after sending them to gmail. D.

    2/25/21 to Gerald Keusch at a Boston University email address and cc’d to Peter Daszak and another redacted recipient at EcoHealth Alliance: … I learned the tricks last year from an old friend, Marg Moore, who leads our FOIA office and also hates FOIAs.

    Also on May 22, the Select Subcommittee issued a memo titled “Allegations of Wrongdoing and Illegal Activity by Dr. David Morens, Senior Advisor to National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases former Director, Dr. Anthony Fauci,” in which it is noted that Morens initially responded to a request for records with 2,000 responsive pages and after being subpoenaed supplied approximately 30,000 more pages of records:

    Evidence in possession of the Select Subcommittee suggests that Dr. Morens knowingly transmitted official records to Dr. Fauci via his personal e-mail. If true, this raises serious questions of whether Dr. Fauci took part in a conspiracy amongst the highest levels of NIAID to hide official records regarding the origins of COVID-19.

    The following day, the committee issued a “hearing wrap up” regarding Morens’ testimony:

    Evidence obtained by the Select Subcommittee prior to the hearing showed that Dr. Morens … deliberately obstructed the Select Subcommittee’s investigation into the origins of COVID-19 to protect Dr. Fauci, unlawfully deleted federal COVID-19 records, and shared nonpublic information about National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant processes with his “best-friend” EcoHealth Alliance President Dr. Peter Daszak. Dr. Morens’s testimony confirmed these discoveries and proved that he clearly believes the laws of the federal government do not apply to him. Members used Dr. Morens’s own emails as evidence of his misconduct and pressed Dr. Morens to explain why he displayed such contempt for the American people while serving as a senior official at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Our FOIA lawsuits and investigations have uncovered much of what the public knows about many Covid-19 controversies:

    • In June 2024, we sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for records from the Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) regarding after action reports, review of procedures, or studies concerning the preparation for and response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
    • In April 2024, we uncovered FBI records that showed an April 2020 email exchange with several officials in the bureau’s Newark Field Office referring to Dr. Anthony Fauci’s National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) grant to the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) in China as including “gain-of-function research” which “would leave no signature of purposeful human manipulation.”
    • Emails between U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and top Facebook executives in 2021 regarding the censorship of user posts about Covid controversies showed Facebook leadership seeking to “better understand the scope of what the White House expects from us on misinformation going forward.”
    • Records from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) showed that a Pfizer study surveyed 23 people in 2021 to gauge reactions to its Covid vaccine booster before asking the FDA to approve it.
    • Records from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) included the initial grant application and annual reports to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from EcoHealth Alliance, describing the aim of its work with the Wuhan Institute of Virology to create mutant viruses “to better predict the capacity of our CoVs [coronaviruses] to infect people.”
    • HHS records included emails of then-Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Francis Collins showing a British physicians’ group recommended the use of Ivermectin to prevent and treat Covid-19.
    • Heavily redacted HHS records showed that just two days prior to FDA approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine a discussion was held between U.S. and UK health regulators regarding the Covid shot and “anaphylaxis,” with the regulators emphasizing their “mutual confidentiality agreement.”
    • We obtained HHS records regarding data Moderna submitted to the FDA on its mRNA Covid-19 vaccine, which indicated a “statistically significant” number of rats were born with skeletal deformities after their mothers were injected with the vaccine. The documents also revealed Moderna elected not to conduct a number of standard pharmacological studies on the laboratory test animals.
    • Heavily redacted records from the FDA regarding the Covid-19 booster vaccine detailed pressure on Covid booster use and approval.
    • HHS records detailed internal discussions about myocarditis and the Covid vaccine. Other documents detailed adverse “events for which a contributory effect of the vaccine could not be excluded.”
    • We uncovered HHS records detailing the extensive media plans for a Biden administration propaganda campaign to push the Covid-19 vaccine.
    • HHS records revealed previously redacted locations of Covid-19 vaccine testing facilities in Shanghai, China. The FDA had claimed the name and location of the testing facilities were protected by the confidential commercial information exemption of the FOIA.
    • NIH records showed an FBI “inquiry” into the NIH’s controversial bat coronavirus grant tied to the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The records also showed National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) officials were concerned about “gain-of-function” research in China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology in 2016. The Fauci agency was also concerned about EcoHealth Alliance’s lack of compliance with reporting rules and use of gain-of-function research in the NIH-funded research involving bat coronaviruses in Wuhan, China.
    • Texas Public Information Act (PIA) records showed the former director of the Galveston National Laboratory at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), James W. Le Duc, warned Chinese researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology of potential investigations into the Covid issue by Congress.
    • HHS records regarding biodistribution studies and related data for the Covid-19 vaccines showed how a key component of the vaccines developed by Pfizer/BioNTech, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), were found outside the injection site, mainly the liver, adrenal glands, spleen and ovaries of test animals, eight to 48 hours after injection.
    • Records obtained from HHS through a FOIA lawsuit related to hydroxychloroquine and Covid-19 revealed that a grant to EcoHealth Alliance was canceled because of press reports that a portion of the grant was given to the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
    • HHS records revealed that from 2014 to 2019, $826,277 was given to the Wuhan Institute of Virology for bat coronavirus research by the NIAID.
    • NIAID records showed that it gave nine China-related grants to EcoHealth Alliance to research coronavirus emergence in bats and was the NIH’s top issuer of grants to the Wuhan lab itself. The records also included an email from the vice director of the Wuhan Lab asking an NIH official for help finding disinfectants for decontamination of airtight suits and indoor surfaces.
    • HHS records included an “urgent for Dr. Fauci” email chain, citing ties between the Wuhan lab and the taxpayer-funded EcoHealth Alliance. The government emails also reported that the foundation of U.S. billionaire Bill Gates worked closely with the Chinese government to pave the way for Chinese-produced medications to be sold outside China and help “raise China’s voice of governance by placing representatives from China on important international counsels as high level commitment from China.”
    • Our four-part documentary regarding the coordinated effort by the government and Big Tech to censor and suppress information on topics such as Hunter Biden’s laptop, Covid-19, and election debates is available here.

     

    Jordanian Illegal Alien Who Tried to Breach Military Base Released

    Any ordinary citizen would rightly be suspicious of two illegal aliens trying to enter a critical U.S. military base in a truck early in the morning, especially since one was on a terror watch list, not in the Biden era, as our Corruption Chroniclesblog reveals.

    Though the Biden administration has publicly denied it, one of the Jordanian illegal immigrants released from federal custody after being charged for trying to breach a U.S. military base appears on a terror watch list, according to records obtained by Judicial Watch. The men, 32-year-old Hasan Yousef Hamdan and 28-year-old Mohammad Khair Dabous, posted bail in early June and were released by the Washington D.C. Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) division of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the records show. A Department of Justice (DOJ) immigration judge in Annandale, Virginia set Dabous’ bail at $10,000 and Hamdan’s at $15,000 and they were freed after posting bond and agreeing to stay away from military facilities and to appear in court for immigration hearings.

    Judicial Watch has been investigating the matter since the Jordanians tried to infiltrate Marine Corps Base Quantico on May 3, quickly firing off a Freedom of Information Act request to obtain records that could shed light on what occurred that day and uncover any threat that the individuals may represent. The Virginia base is about 35 miles south of Washington D.C. and houses the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Academy and Laboratory as well as a Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) facility and Marine Corps commands that include the unit that flies the president’s Marine One helicopter. Initial reports revealed that in the early morning hours of May 3, Hamdan and Dabous drove a truck to the military installation’s main gate and told guards they were making a delivery to Quantico Town’s post office. They ignored guards’ orders to stop when they could not provide credentials required to gain access to the facility. The illegal immigrants were arrested and charged with misdemeanor trespassing on military property.

    A Serious Incident Report (SIR) filed by Marine Base Quantico to Marine Headquarters confirms that a white box truck driven by Dabous tried to access the installation via a gate on Fuller Road. Guards asked for a license to conduct a visitor check and directed Dabous to move the truck into the inspection area. While the guard transmitted the drivers’ license information for vetting, the truck moved forward from the holding area and final denial barriers were deployed, according to the SIR report obtained by Judicial Watch. The passenger, Hamdan, could only provide a Jordanian passport for identification and both men were taken into custody. “Hamdan illegally entered the United States 20 days ago from Mexico into California where Hamdan was arrested and sent to an immigration camp with a deportation court date in 2026,” the SIR report states. An ICE officer, whose name is redacted in the document, “telephonically confirmed” to the Marine Criminal Investigations Division (CID) that “Hamdan was on a terror watch list,” the report says, further revealing that ICE personnel assumed custody of Hamadan and Dabous for further processing.

    Despite the Marine SIR documenting that Hamdan appears on a terror watch list, the government—specifically ICE—has consistently denied it. A spokesperson for ICE ERO in Washington D.C. told Judicial Watch that neither man posed a threat to national security or the public. The spokesperson, James Covington, assured that the agency is “focused on smart, effective immigration enforcement that protects the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of our communities and the integrity of our immigration laws.” Covington also emphasized that “regardless of nationality, ICE makes custody determinations on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with U.S. law and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy, considering the circumstances of each case” and that ICE officers “apply prosecutorial discretion in a responsible manner, informed by their experience as law enforcement professionals and in a way that best protects the communities we serve.”

    While Hamdan is one of hundreds on the terror watchlist to sneak into the country through the famously porous southern border, Dabous was admitted in the U.S. on September 11, 2022, as an F-1 nonimmigrant student with authorization to remain for the duration of his student status, records obtained by Judicial Watch show. On January 14, 2023, Dabous’ Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record was set to “terminated,” indicating that his permission to be in the country expired, though he never left. Judicial Watch will continue investigating this case and fighting for records that can further uncover the outrageous security lapses associated with the Biden administration’s dangerous open border measures.

     

    Until next week,

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  • Fact Check: Mike Tyson didn’t say he’d box Algerian Imane Khelif

    Misinformation about Algerian boxer and Paris Olympics competitor Imane Khelif’s gender continues to prevail on social media. The latest jab: That American boxer Mike Tyson offered to fight her.  

    “Mike Tyson says he’s willing to box Olympic DUDE with all proceeds to go to a battered women’s charity,” an Aug. 2 Threads post said, sharing side-by-side photos of Tyson Khelif. 

    This post was flagged as part of Meta’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads.)

    A Tyson representative didn’t immediately respond to PolitiFact’s questions about the post. But someone from Tyson’s camp told Lead Stories on Aug. 6 that it’s “absolutely false.”

    We searched for evidence that Tyson made any such remark, such as credible news stories, public statements or Tyson’s social media posts, and found none. We saw no remarks from Tyson about Khelif.

    Khelif was “born female, was registered female, liver her life as a female, boxed as a female, has a female passport,” International Olympic Committee Spokesperson Mark Adams said Aug. 2. 

    Many claims about Khelif lack context. The Russian-led International Boxing Association disqualified Khelif from the 2023 World Championships, saying she failed to meet the eligibility requirements to compete in women’s sports because DNA tests purportedly showed she had XY chromosomes. 

    But the International Olympic Committee no longer recognizes the International Boxing Association. The Boxing Unit, which the International Olympic Committee set up and which handled eligibility for boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, affirmed Khelif could compete.

    We rate this post False.

     



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  • City Council honors state champions; approves vehicle purchases

    City Council honors state champions; approves vehicle purchases

    Published 4:00 pm Friday, August 9, 2024

    The Andalusia City Council recognized members of the 8U state champion softball team during a meeting Tuesday. Members of the team include: Hadley C. McDaniel, Ettalena Pearl Sanders, Khalie Cox, Celyne Adams, Cayleigh Michelle Owens, Enslee Rose Floyd, Willow Castleberry, Charlotte Claire Bumpers, Adalyn Brooks, Olivia Grace Sightler, Stella Dutton, and Olivia Grace Rhea. (PHOTO BY ROBERT BLANKENSHIP)

    The Andalusia City Council celebrated the 8U softball championship team while also handling other business matters, including the purchase of two new vehicles and the leasing of golf carts.

    During a meeting Tuesday, the council agreed to purchase two vehicles, one for the Andalusia Police Department and another for the Planning and Development Department. The APD vehicle will be used for animal control while the other will be utilized by the city’s assistant building inspector.

    The approximate cost for each vehicle is $36,000 and $34,600. Both vehicles are available to purchase from the state bid list.

    The council also approved the purchase of new handguns for the police department at a cost of $17,940.

    The handguns will replace those currently being used and are upgraded to include a green-dot sight, which is said to increase visibility for the user.

    The handguns being replaced will be sold back to the vendor at $275 each.

    The city agreed to renew its lease for golf carts for the Evans Barnes Golf Course. The approved bid was $1,468 per month for 36 months.

    The council approved declaring a Public Works Department compactor as surplus property and placing it for sale.

    An ABC restaurant retail liquor license was approved for Mi Jalisco Andalusia, which will be in the Westgate Village shopping center. Councilman Terry Powell abstained from the vote.

    To open the meeting, the city recognized the 8U Babe Ruth Softball State Champions. The team traveled to the state tournament in Florence, Alabama in July, where they won four of six games to claim the title. Mayor Earl Johnson read a proclamation in their honor and presented each player and coach with a copy. Members of the team include: Hadley C. McDaniel, Ettalena Pearl Sanders, Khalie Cox, Celyne Adams, Cayleigh Michelle Owens, Enslee Rose Floyd, Willow Castleberry, Charlotte Claire Bumpers, Adalyn Brooks, Olivia Grace Sightler, Stella Dutton, and Olivia Grace Rhea. Coaches for the team are Tanner Brooks, Cole Sightler, Will Bumpers and Brad Sanders.

    The next city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 20, with a workshop at 5:30 p.m. and the regular session starting at approximately 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

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  • Purpose-Driven Brands Gift Guide For Moms and Moms-To-Be – The US Times

    As Mother’s Day approaches, we want to take a moment to celebrate the wonderful women in our lives who have nurtured us, cared for us, and made us who we are today. This year, more than ever, it’s important to show appreciation for the moms and moms-to-be in our lives who have had to adapt to unprecedented challenges.

    At Publicity For Good, we believe that the best way to show appreciation for the women in our lives is by supporting purpose-driven brands that align with our values. That’s why we’ve put together a Mother’s Day gift guide featuring some of our favorite brands that not only create amazing products but also give back to their communities and the planet.

    Let’s celebrate our amazing moms with a positive impact

    Milola Artisan Bakery

    If your mom has a sweet tooth, Milola Artisan Bakery is the perfect place to get her some mouth-watering treats. Their bread and pastries are handmade using all-natural ingredients with no added preservatives or artificial flavors. Treat your mom to some delicious sourdough bread, croissants, or their signature cinnamon rolls. With every purchase, you’re also supporting their mission to empower women entrepreneurs in rural Mexico.

    Check out Minola Artisan Baker Here

    Tropic Labs

    For moms who love to soak up the sun, Tropic Labs has got you covered with their reef-friendly sunscreen. Their formulas are made with natural ingredients like zinc oxide and coconut oil, and are free of harsh chemicals that harm the environment. Plus, their packaging is made from recyclable materials, so you can feel good about your purchase.

    Check out Tropic Labs Here

    ChicoBag

    If your mom is environmentally conscious, a reusable bag from ChicoBag is the perfect gift. Their bags are lightweight, compact, and come in a variety of styles and designs. Not only are they convenient for grocery shopping, but they also help reduce waste and promote sustainability.

    Check out ChicoBag Here

    White Leaf Provision

    For moms with little ones, White Leaf Provision offers organic baby food that’s packed with nutrients and made with only the best ingredients. Their products are certified organic and biodynamic, and contain no added sugars or preservatives. Help your mom give her baby a healthy start with these delicious and nutritious baby foods.

    Check out White Leaf Provision Here

    RED Chocolate

    For moms who love chocolate, RED Chocolate offers artisanal chocolate bars made with sustainably sourced cocoa beans. Their bars come in a variety of flavors, from classic milk chocolate to exotic fruit and nut combinations. Plus, a portion of their profits goes towards supporting cocoa farmers in Africa, so you can feel good about indulging in some delicious chocolate.

    Check out RED Chocolate Here

    Appreciate Mom, All While Appreciate Our world As Well

     

    Mother’s Day is an opportunity to show appreciation and gratitude to the mothers and mother figures in our lives. This year, why not take the opportunity to support purpose-driven brands that are not only offering unique and thoughtful gifts, but are also making a positive impact on the environment, society, and the world at large. From sustainable bags and eco-friendly skincare to nutritious snacks and delicious chocolates, there’s something for every mom and mom-to-be on this list. By choosing to support these purpose-driven brands, we can make a conscious decision to contribute towards a more sustainable, just, and equitable world.

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