INDIANAPOLIS (TCN) — A judge sentenced a 28-year-old man to almost 150 years in prison for fatally shooting four people amid a disagreement with his child’s mother about a stimulus check.
Court records show Malik Halfacre was ordered to spend 145 years behind bars after he pleaded guilty in June to two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. He got 57 years for both murder charges and 31 for attempted murder, all of which will be served consecutively.
On March 13, 2021, at 9:45 p.m., Indianapolis Metro Police Department officers were called to a house on Randolph Street for a person shot. When they got to the address, they located a female suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. They received information about additional victims, so they went to a neighboring home and found four people deceased. They were identified as 23-year-old Daquan Moore, 44-year-old Tomeeka Brown, 35-year-old Anthony Johnson, and 7-year-old Eve Moore.
The victim who survived the shooting was the mother of Halfacre’s child, Jeanettrius Moore. All of the deceased victims were Jeanettrius Moore’s relatives, including her daughter.
Following the shooting, Halfacre abducted his and Jeanettrius Moore’s 6-month-old daughter and stole her money. The child was found unharmed at a family member’s house the next day. Halfacre, however, was not there. Investigators tracked him to a home where he engaged in a lengthy standoff with SWAT officers. A SWAT team located him in the attic, and he was taken into custody.
According to the probable cause affidavit cited by the Indianapolis Star, Jeanettrius Moore got a restraining order against Halfacre in 2020 due to previous domestic incidents and other violence. Halfacre reportedly told police he and Moore “were arguing because he wanted some of her stimulus check,” then he opened fire on everyone in the home.
WXIN-TV reports Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said at the sentencing, “We are thankful for the dignity, grace, and patience the family and the survivor have shown throughout such an unimaginably difficult process. The defendant will spend the rest of his life in prison and this resolution provides finality to the criminal matter as our community continues to heal from this horrific tragedy.”
MORE:
State of Indiana v. Malik Halfacre
Indy man who killed 4 over stimulus check gets 145 years in prison – WXIN
7-year-old girl among 4 found dead following Indianapolis infant abduction, 3/15/2021 – TCN
IMPD Homicide Detectives Make Arrest in Homicide Investigation, 3/15/2021 – Indianapolis Metro Police Department
Randolph Street quadruple homicide suspect reportedly shot at victim’s car in May, 3/16/2021 – Indianapolis Star
Did technology giant Samsung Electronics Co. withdraw its sponsorship of the 2024 Paris Olympics? No, but the claim got a lot of traction on Facebook.
“HOT NEWS: Samsung Drops Out of $1 Billion Advertising Campaign with Olympics, “They’ve Gone Woke,” a July 30 Facebook post said. The post featured a photo of Samsung’s Vice Chairman and CEO Jong-Hee Han alongside an image of an Olympics opening ceremony performer.
The Facebook 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, Threads and Instagram.)
We saw similar claims on X.
But we found this claim originated on websites that describe their content as “satire.” The websites Esspots and SpaceXMania, for example, posted stories with this claim on July 28, two days after the opening ceremony. The satire context is frequently dropped as the eye-catching graphics are ripped from those sites and spread across the web.
An International Olympic Committee spokesperson told PolitiFact in a statement that the viral posts were “incorrect.”
Screenshot of Facebook post
“The IOC has an agreement with Worldwide Olympic Partner Samsung through 2028,” the statement said. Los Angeles will host the 2028 Olympic Games.
Samsung declined to comment and directed PolitiFact to a Reuters article debunking the claim.
A portion of the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony drew criticism from some Catholics and other Christians who said they felt it mocked a sacred scene depicted in Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting, “The Last Supper.” Its artistic director said it was not intended to be subversive, but to reference a celebration of the Greek god Dionysus. The Olympics organizing committee has since apologized.
Since the opening ceremony, Samsung has continued to share articles about its involvement in the games on its website and social media.
We rate the claim that Samsung has withdrawn sponsorship for the Olympics False.
Local couple achieves American Dream through LBW’s Adult Education Program
Published 4:30 pm Friday, August 2, 2024
Pictured are, from left, Jerry Armonio, LBWCC Adult Education Instructor Jen Nevins, and Elizabeth Armonio. (LBWCC PHOTO)
In a heartwarming testament to perseverance and dedication, LBWCC Adult Education students Amelito “Jerry” Armonio and his wife, Elizabeth Armonio, have successfully passed the United States Naturalization test, becoming proud American citizens.
The couple began their journey toward citizenship in the fall of 2023, studying English and U.S. Citizenship on the Andalusia campus. Under the guidance of Adult Education Instructor Jennifer Nevins, Jerry, and Elizabeth attended English Language Acquisition classes. Nevins expressed immense pride in their accomplishments.
“The dedication and commitment required to pass this test is commendable and not everyone is up for the challenge,” she said.
Balancing full-time employment at Wayne Farms, LLC, with their studies, the couple demonstrated exceptional resilience.
“It wasn’t easy,” Jerry admitted, “but with the classes and materials provided by LBWCC, it was possible.”
The Armonios utilized a comprehensive Plan of Instruction that included virtual programs, bookwork, videos, and materials from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Their hard work and determination paid off, leading them to achieve their American dream.
For more information on English Language and Citizenship classes, contact adulted@lbwcc.edu or call 334-881-2231.
There are currently a number of good reasons to break into the luxury watch business. The industry is extremely lucrative, and the market is facing a bright future heading into the next few years. While the public has recently been panic selling, luxury watch transactions have opened up, and the market is repairing itself, making now a great time to join the industry. Luxury watches are enjoyed by many financially successful people, from the most popular NBA stars to billionaires such as Grant Carson and Kevin O’Leary, which means getting into the industry may provide opportunities to connect with many different people.
Mike Hermann, also known as RM Plug, is the leader of a multimillion company in the watch industry and has three useful tips for those looking to get involved in the business. His first piece of advice is to have a course of action. “Decide what you want to do,” Mike says. Knowing exactly what in the business you want to be a part of will help you decide what steps to take. Hermann adds that when it comes to getting into watches, don’t just try or dabble. Rather, it’s important to be passionate and intentional about your work. It isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.
Mike’s second tip is to network purposely. “Build up a network that you need in order to sell,” he says. This requires taking on a unique mindset and thinking in ways an average person wouldn’t. When networking in the luxury watch industry, don’t talk to just anyone. It’s important to connect with the target audience, namely, wealthy individuals. In Mike’s words, “Pass business cards to rich people.”
Mike’s third recommendation is to acquire knowledge in the market. Learn about the industry, the pieces, how to hold, and how to sell. Mike Hermann offers to teach people these topics through the course he offers on his education platform Watch Pro Academy. Learning from those with experience is a great way to gain more understanding in the field.
In addition to his tips, Mike Herman has three watch recommendations for anyone trying to enter the game. These watches are preferable because they can be purchased at a reasonable retail price and sold for more. First, Mike recommends the following men’s watch: a 41 mm smooth bezel Rolex with a black dial and Oyster band. Mike bought one himself for $6,500, and its value now is $10k. Mike’s second watch recommendation is an elegant submariner, wielding solid steel, ceramic bezel, and a date window. One can purchase this watch for $13k and still sell it for $15k. The third watch Mike recommends is a Batman watch with a GMT Jubilee Bracelet. Not only does it make for an excellent conversation piece, but those who manage to get one on retail can make $5,000 to $10,000 from it. Mike Hermann has even more knowledge and tips he is willing to share about the watch industry.
If you want to locate a luxury watch or learn how to start a luxury watch business, or if you simply want to keep up with Mike Hermann, follow his Instagram @RMPlug.
If you want to learn how to build a luxury watch business and are interested in Mike Hermann’s course, visit watchproacademy.com.
Trump: Zuckerberg Apologized to Me, Said He Isn’t Going to Support a Democrat
Zuckerberg called Trump after the assassination attempt and apologized for Facebook and Instagram censoring photos of him with his fist raised.
BREITBART
Former President Donald Trump said Friday on Fox Business Network’s “Mornings With Maria Bartiromo” that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg called him after the assassination attempt and apologized for Facebook and Instagram censoring photos of him with his fist raised.
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He added, “To me it was a normal response but I was called by Mark Zuckerberg the day before on the same subject and apologized and said they made a mistake and they are correcting the mistake. Google, nobody called for Google.”
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JOE SOHM/BERTRAND GUAY/AFP/VISIONS OF AMERICA/UNIVERSAL IMAGES GROUP/GETTY IMAGES
The Liberty Beacon Project is now expanding at a near exponential rate, and for this we are grateful and excited! But we must also be practical. For 7 years we have not asked for any donations, and have built this project with our own funds as we grew. We are now experiencing ever increasing growing pains due to the large number of websites and projects we represent. So we have just installed donation buttons on our websites and ask that you consider this when you visit them. Nothing is too small. We thank you for all your support and your considerations … (TLB)
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WHITE PLAINS, Md. (TCN) — A 22-year-old man faces 43 years in prison after recently being convicted of stabbing a driver dozens of times over money.
State’s Attorney for Charles County Tony Covington announced that a jury found Marvin Ernesto Funez-Martinez guilty on July 26 of the second-degree murder of Marco Alexander Pulido-Castro, as well as the wear and carry of a dangerous weapon with the intent to injure. Funez-Martinez is set to be sentenced in October.
According to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, in the early hours of Oct. 29, 2023, patrol officers responded to a report of a person armed with a weapon. While on scene, witnesses led officers to the trunk of a car, where they found Pulido-Castro deceased in the fetal position with multiple stab wounds.
Authorities located Funez-Martinez behind his house and took him into custody. According to the state’s attorney’s office, at the time of his arrest, Funez-Martinez had numerous lacerations on his hand.
Prosecutors said Funez-Martinez hired Pulido-Castro to drive him and two other people to a club in Washington, D.C. Pulido-Castro also reportedly went into the club and then drove the defendant and the other individuals back to their house in White Plains, Maryland.
While on the way home, the victim went to a gas station and asked for more money to fill his tank. Prosecutors said Pulido-Castro’s car began overheating at the station, but he was still able to get everyone home.
At the house, Pulido-Castro’s engine continued overheating, and he stayed outside to check his vehicle while Funez-Martinez went into the home and grabbed a knife from the kitchen. As Pulido-Castro examined the engine, the state’s attorney’s office said Funez-Martinez “began stabbing the victim repeatedly.”
Pulido-Castro reportedly attempted to get away and went across the street. Funez-Martinez followed him and continued to stab him. In total, prosecutors said the defendant stabbed the victim 59 times, and he also knocked out some of his teeth.
Following the stabbing, Funez-Martinez reportedly placed Pulido-Castro’s body into the trunk and fled behind his house.
According to the state’s attorney’s office, during the investigation, Funez-Martinez confessed to killing the driver. Authorities also found the victim’s blood on the defendant’s hands, his sweatshirt, and the knife used in the stabbing.
MORE:
Detectives charge suspect in connection with homicide on Gateway Boulevard in White Plains & Update, 10/30/2023 – Charles County Sheriff’s Office
Man Found Guilty of Second-Degree Murder of Driver – Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office for Charles County
Authorities investigating the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump found a number of “encrypted” applications on the shooter’s phone, sparking some Trump supporters to speculate that more than a lone actor had perpetrated the attack.
During a July 18 Fox News appearance, Rep. Matt Waltz, R-Fla., linked the gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, and reports that U.S. intelligence had detected a plot by Iran to assassinate Trump.
“The shooter had three encrypted accounts overseas at the same time we’re having an Iranian plot.” Waltz said. Pressed on what he meant, Waltz said, “Well, we know that they were based in servers overseas.”
(Internet Archive)
Conservative activist and commentator Laura Loomer in a July 20 X post said something similar: “How does a 20-year-old nerdy kid have 3 encrypted overseas bank accounts? Who was sending him money overseas?”
Trump, too, cited encryption’s link to the shooting. He said July 22 on Fox News that Crooks “had some encrypted phone numbers and to foreign countries.”
Waltz, Loomer and Trump didn’t respond to our requests for information or reports supporting their claims.
As of July 24, FBI Director Christopher Wray said it appeared that Crooks acted alone. And investigators have not said that Crooks had bank accounts overseas.
PolitiFact’s reporting found that these remarks about the presence of “encryption” in Crooks’ activities reveal misconceptions about what encryption is and how commonly it factors in online applications and communications.
Crooks used encrypted platforms linked to foreign countries, according to news reports
News organizations including Politico, Axios and CBS News reported that top Secret Service and FBI officials on July 17 updated members of Congress on the investigation of the July 13 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Citing unnamed sources, the news reports said officials told lawmakers in a private call that they were still working to access three encrypted platforms Crooks had used on his cellphone.
Axios and Politico reported the three encrypted platforms were linked to Germany, New Zealand and Belgium, although this information was also not credited to a named source. CBS News described the platforms only as “three foreign encrypted platforms,” without identifying countries.
Waltz’s comments about Crooks’ “three encrypted accounts overseas” came a day after that briefing.
The news reports did not mention banks or banking and it is unclear what sparked Loomer’s claims about Crooks having foreign bank accounts.
Since that briefing, no new publicly available information from the FBI or any other official source supports the foreign bank account claims.
Ross Delston, an independent attorney and certified anti-money laundering expert, said he had never seen “encrypted overseas bank accounts” used before in any context. He said the use of such terminology made him think the entire overseas bank account allegation was “bogus.”
It’s hard to open an overseas bank account. In any well-regulated jurisdiction, “banks would have a minimum requirement with respect to funds on deposit, and there’d be questions about the customer.”
Delston said Germany, New Zealand and Belgium would all be considered well-regulated jurisdictions.
“Unless there’s a lot of money involved, there would be little interest in opening an account” for a 20-year-old in the U.S. who is not a high-net-worth customer, Delston said.
FBI Director Christopher Wray testifies before a House committee about the July 13 shooting at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa., July 24, 2024, on Capitol Hill. (AP)
FBI director says shooter “had a number of encrypted messaging apps” on his phone
When asked about Crooks’ use of encrypted platforms and accounts, an FBI spokesperson pointed PolitiFact to Wray’s July 24 testimony before the House Judiciary Committee.
Wray said then that FBI investigators had accessed some of Crooks’ accounts, “but some of them we’re still waiting on.”
Crooks “had a number of encrypted messaging apps on” his phone, Wray said, and the FBI was working to gain access to that content. The FBI initiated legal proceedings to try to gain access to several platforms, including gaming accounts and messaging applications, he said.
“Some of them we may never get access to because of the encryption issue that … presents an increasingly vexing barrier for law enforcement,” Wray said. He did not mention bank accounts.
Some of the FBI’s offices overseas are part of the investigation because some of Crooks’ accounts, purchases or communications involved foreign companies, meaning the agency must “get evidence from overseas,” Wray said.
PolitiFact searched Wray’s testimony and found no mention of Germany, New Zealand, Belgium, banks or banking.
At one point, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, the Judiciary Committee’s chair, asked Wray to “tell us what you can about the encrypted platforms we’ve heard about.”
Wray said investigators were digging into Crooks’ devices and social media accounts “in an effort to try to learn more about his state of mind, his motive, his ideology, his contacts — everything else.”
Wray: “One of the things we’ve learned in finally getting into his phone — which was also a significant technical challenge from an encryption perspective. But, in addition, once we got on the phone, it turned out he was using some encrypted messaging application.”
Jordan: “And, again, the same question relative to the bombs, is this — was this a pretty sophisticated or is this — this is the kind of the norm you see with folks like, you know, similar situation? How would you —”
Wray: “On this — on this subject, I would say this is unfortunately, now, become very commonplace and it’s a real challenge for not just the FBI, but state and local law enforcement all over this country.”
Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, asked two encryption-related questions: Which specific encrypted messaging applications the shooter had used and whether Wray could confirm whether Crooks was communicating with foreign nationals through the encrypted messages.
Wray said he could not immediately provide the specific applications and reiterated that the FBI had not “identified any accomplices or co-conspirators, foreign or domestic.” He said the agency hopes to gain access to the encrypted messages, partly because they could show whether Crooks had communicated with foreign contacts.
Encryption is widespread; its use alone does not prove role in criminal conspiracy, experts say
Encryption is a method of scrambling data so that only that data’s intended readers can make sense of it, cybersecurity experts told PolitiFact.
Cybersecurity experts also universally said encryption is used widely.
“Encryption is used daily by anyone using a cell phone, computer or the Internet,” said Thomas Hyslip, a professor of instruction in criminology at the University of South Florida who formerly worked in federal law enforcement investigating cybercrime.
“iMessage uses encryption, so all your messages are encrypted between the sender and receiver,” he said, referring to a system Apple devices use. “If you go to a website that starts with ‘https,’ then your data is encrypted between your computer or phone and the webserver.”
Experts said many communication applications or platforms use encryption in some capacity, including WhatsApp, Signal, Zoom and Telegram. Similarly, everyday banking applications such as Wells Fargo Mobile or Chase Mobile use encryption, as do platforms used to transfer money like Venmo, Apple Pay and PayPal, according to their websites.
“Privacy and security are now things that the consumer market expects and demands,” said John Sammons, an associate director and professor at Marshall University’s Institute for Cyber Security.
Clifford Neuman, a computer science practice professor at the University of Southern California’s Information Sciences Institute, said that in many cases, encryption means data is encrypted as it is sent over a network, decrypted on the servers being used and then reencrypted before it is sent over a network to its destination.
When data appears decrypted on servers, Neuman said law enforcement can often obtain it with a warrant or subpoena, depending on factors such as jurisdiction and the data’s location.
However, “encrypted messaging” typically refers to the use of end-to-end encryption, Neuman said.
End-to-end encryption means data does not get decrypted on the server, making it “much more difficult for authorities or others to intercept,” he said. Many messaging apps provide this encryption by default, so “it is not that rare and many individuals use it for completely legitimate purposes,” Neuman said.
Strong encryption is very difficult, “if not practically impossible,” to break, which poses a huge problem for law enforcement, said John Sammons, an associate director and professor at Marshall University’s Institute for Cyber Security.
Nevertheless, all our experts agreed that the FBI’s statements about Crooks having used encryption do not alone show Crooks was involved in a larger criminal network or plot.
Crooks’ use of some platforms that employ encryption “may suggest a larger criminal conspiracy, but it certainly doesn’t prove one,” because “encryption and encrypted messaging are in wide use today by both consumers and criminals,” Sammons said.
PolitiFact Researcher Caryn Baird contributed to this report.
RELATED:PolitiFact’s coverage of the Donald Trump assassination attempt
The Alabama Department of Transportation has announced that a resurfacing project on US-29 in Andalusia will start Monday, August 5, weather permitting.
The project extends from US-84 to Max Barton Road.
Motorists should expect lane closures and reduced speed limits throughout the project. ALDOT urges drivers to plan accordingly and be mindful around workers and equipment.
The approximately $1 million project was awarded to Wiregrass Construction Company, Inc., out of Dothan, who had the lowest bid that met the project requirements.
The project is expected to be completed in early Fall 2024.
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Looking for the perfect gift for your dad this Father’s Day? Purpose driver PR + communications agency, Publicity For Good has got you covered! Share Your Love For Dad With These Meaningful Gifts From 1 9 of Our Favorite Food Brands Check out these purpose-driven brands we’ve worked with and their special offerings that will make your dad feel appreciated and loved.
WhatIF Foods
WhatIF Foods is a planet-based food and beverage brand that promotes regenerative agriculture and is known for popularizing the Bambara Groundnut, or BAMnut. Their mission is to advocate for regenerative practices and seek a Better Better way of doing business.
OnlyNoods Bundle
Treat your dad to the unique and planet-friendly flavors of WhatIF Foods’ Only Noods. It’s the perfect gift for Father’s Day, allowing your dad to explore new flavors while supporting sustainable and regenerative practices. Use this link to purchase this healthful bundle and use the code “PFG” to receive an exclusive discount!
Love, Liv Bakeshop
Love, Liv Bakeshop is a heartfelt bakeshop that offers delicious and guilt-free sugarless cookies,In celebration of Father’s Day, Love, Liv Bakeshop will be partnering with Caddies for Kids to offer cookie buyers a chance to win an annual membership with Caddies For Kids,
Double Dozen
Indulge your dad with guilt-free cookies from Love, Liv Bakeshop’s Double Dozen pack. This assortment of magical flavors will satisfy his sweet tooth without compromising his health. Each cookie is crafted with love and care, making it a thoughtful and delectable gift for Father’s Day.
Prospector Popcorn
Prospector Popcorn provides employment opportunities for the disabled community. By recognizing the immense talent within the disabled community, Prospector Popcorn uplifts and empowers individuals to discover their passions and grow holistically.
Summer Sparkle Pack
Surprise your popcorn-loving dad with the delectable flavors of Prospector Popcorn’s Summer Sparkle Pack. It’s the perfect gift for Father’s Day, as each purchase not only brings joy to your dad’s taste buds but also supports and empowers individuals in the disabled community.
Karma Nuts
Karma Nuts takes pride in their Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free, kosher, and vegan cashews, ensuring that their products cater to a wide range of dietary preferences. Beyond creating exceptional nuts, Karma Nuts is committed to making a positive impact on communities by giving back and striving to improve lives worldwide.
Toasted Coconut Roasted Cashews
Delight your dad with the tropical taste of Karma Nuts’ Toasted Coconut Roasted Cashews. These guilt-free indulgences are not only a flavorful treat but also a socially responsible choice. The combination of the finest cashews and real toasted coconut creates a unique and satisfying gift for Father’s Day.
CorEats Mixes
CorEats Mixes provides delicious and wholesome food options without compromising on taste or dietary restrictions. Their name, CorEats, reflects their commitment to creating central and foundational food products that are free from hidden preservatives and allergens.
Gift Box
Make Father’s Day special with CorEats’ Gift Box. This curated selection of signature mixes, free from gluten, grain, dairy, refined sugar, and soy, allows your dad to enjoy delicious food while adhering to his dietary needs. It’s a thoughtful and health-conscious gift that shows your dad how much you care.
Mightylicious
Mightylicious is a brand that was born out of its founder’s for delicious cookies and experience with Celiac DisaseFrustrated with the limited options available for her, In response, she decided to create her own recipe that would be both gluten-free and sumptuous.
Best Sellers Gluten-Free Cookies Pack
Show your dad some love with Mightylicious’ Best Sellers Gluten-Free Cookies Pack. These irresistible cookies, made withclean ingredients, offer a guilt-free indulgence for Father’s Day. Each cookie is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and taste, making it a perfect gift for dads who appreciate delicious treats while considering their health.
EatGUUD
EatGUUD creates healthy and delicious ready-to-eat breakfast cereal inspired by the European tradition of “Muesli.” With a focus on nutrition and taste, Eatguud’s founder Ian Szalinski developed unique muesli recipes that quickly gained popularity.
Athlete Fuel
Fuel your dad’s active lifestyle with Eatguud’s Athlete Fuel. This nutrient-dense muesli blend provides plant-based protein, fiber, and sustained energy, making it ideal for athletes or anyone seeking a nutritious start to the day. Packed with organic oats, raisins, almonds, flax seeds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds, Athlete Fuel offers a carefully selected blend of ingredients to support your dad’s well-being. It’s organic, vegan, non-GMO, and kosher. Celebrate your dad’s active lifestyle and promote his overall health with Athlete Fuel.
Kids Cake Boxes
Kids Cake Boxes offers perfectly-sized baking kits designed for children, promoting family happiness and enjoyable baking experiences while managing sugar intake.
Cake Box Kits
Make Father’s Day memorable with Kids Cake Boxes’ guilt-free Cake Box Kits. These engaging baking kits provide quality time and delightful experiences without overwhelming portion sizes or excessive sugar. By gifting a Cake Box Set, you can celebrate Father’s Day, create cherished memories, and support military families.
eat2explore
eat2explore allows children to discover cuisines from around the world through explorer boxes with provides authentic recipes, activities, and collectibles that create a unique cultural education through food exploration.
Gift a Country!
Inspire your dad’s love for food, travel, and education with eat2explore’s Gift a Country kit. This award-winning educational food and culture kit provides a unique culinary adventure at home. By cooking and learning together, you’ll create cherished memories with your dad while deepening your understanding of different cultures.
Tomato Bliss
Tomato Bliss takes pride in growing regeneratively and collaboratively with like-minded farmers. With a focus on permaculture and biodiverse farming, they have transformed degraded fields into a thriving ecosystem. Tomato Bliss offers a new supply chain of regeneratively grown heirloom tomatoes that go beyond organic to heal the soil.
Original Tomato Basil Heirloom Tomato Soup (1.5lb, 2-Pack)
Treat your dad to the rich and flavorful Original Tomato Basil Heirloom Tomato Soup from Tomato Bliss. Made with a blend of heirloom tomatoes and all-natural ingredients, this soup delivers a crisp and comforting flavor. It’s a nourishing and convenient option for a delicious meal, making it an ideal gift for dads who appreciate quality and taste.
The Dirty Cookie
The Dirty Cookie is not your typical baking brand. Founded by an aerospace project manager with a passion for making a meaningful impact, Dirty Cookie aims to change lives through employment opportunities and delicious treats.
Cookie Shot DIY Decorating Kit
Create an unforgettable experience for Dad with The Dirty Cookie’s Cookie Shot DIY Decorating Kit. This interactive kit allows the whole family to decorate their favorite treat and create a special hand-decorated gift. It’s a unique and personalized gift that will make Father’s Day even more special.
Lucky 22 Spice Co.
Lucky 22 Spice Co. is a family-owned brand that celebrates the power of delicious food and the memories it creates. Inspired by the secret recipe of their grandfather, who was renowned for his barbecues, Lucky 22 Spice Co. brings the incredible taste and aroma of those meals to your kitchen.
Secret Blend
Experience the unspoken feeling of adding Lucky 22 Spice Co.’s Secret Blend to your meals. This special seasoning, passed down through generations, brings the flavors and memories of a family legacy into your dad’s home. It’s a thoughtful gift for dads who enjoy cooking and creating memorable culinary experiences.
Aahanas
Aahanas is a local food company in Ashland, MA, creating healthful and convenient globally-inspired lentil bowls. Their bowls are vegan, gluten-free, and made with organic ingredients, offering 15g of plant-based protein.
Indian Lentil Bowls Variety Pack
Treat your dad to the authentic flavors of India with Aahanas’ Indian Lentil Bowls Variety Pack. These globally-inspired bowls provide a convenient and flavorful meal option. It’s a great gift for dads who appreciate delicious and healthful food while exploring different cuisines.
Mother-In-Law’s
Discover the flavors of Korea with Mother-In-Law’s, a brand that embodies the rich tradition of authentic and handcrafted kimchi. Made with the finest natural ingredients, their small-batch kimchi brings the bold and savory tastes of Korea to every meal.
Gochujang Paste and Gochujang Garlic Sauce
Surprise your dad with the Mother-In-Law’s Gochujang Paste and Gochujang Garlic Sauce Duo. This dynamic combination of authentic Korean condiments will elevate your dad’s culinary adventures. It’s a flavorful gift for dads who enjoy exploring different cuisines.
MasPanadas
Margarita and Andy, the founders of MasPanadas, embarked on a mission to provide healthier and tastier meal options for busy families like theirs. They created MasPanadas with a focus on health, creativity, family, grit, and community.
Assorted Empanadas
Treat your dad to a delightful culinary adventure with MasPanadas’ Assorted Empanadas. These hand pies, filled with mouth-watering flavors, make a unique and delicious gift for Father’s Day. It’s a perfect choice for dads who appreciate flavorful and convenient meal options.
Wild Zora
Wild Zora offers the ultimate solution for adventurous dads who love the outdoors. Our backpacking meals are light, portable, and incredibly tasty, making them the perfect choice for any outdoor adventure.
Backpacking Paleo Meals to Go
Fuel your dad’s outdoor adventures with Wild Zora’s convenient and flavorful Backpacking Paleo Meals to Go. These portable meals are made with real ingredients, providing a deliciously nourishing and convenient option for outgoing and adventurous dads.
Jovial Foods
Jovial Foods offers allergen-free options for popular Italian foods. This Italian food brand stands out for being the only one that uses Einkorn, an ancient grain that is both gluten-free and allergen-safe.
Einkorn Cookbook and Baking Goods
Dive into the world of Einkorn with Jovial Foods’ Einkorn Cookbook and Baking Goods. This gift set allows your dad to explore the unique qualities of this ancient grain and create delicious Italian dishes at home. It’s a perfect gift for dads who enjoy cooking and experimenting with new ingredients.
Sarge’s Sauce
Sarge’s Sauce is a North Carolina-based brand created by Chef Julius West, who developed his passion for food. Inspired by his mother’s teachings on the importance of thoughtfully prepared traditional dishes, Chef Julius aims to bring care and respect to every meal.
Low Country Shrimp and Grits Sauce
Experience the flavors of the South with Sarge’s Low Country Shrimp and Grits Sauce. Made with wholesome ingredients and crafted from an age-old recipe, this sauce adds a delightful and savory taste to your dad’s meals. It’s a perfect gift for dads who enjoy the authentic and comforting flavors of Southern cuisine.
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Here are the top five takeaways from this historic deal that most observers might have missed:
1. Germany Was Responsible For Holding Everything Up
Russia conveyed that it won’t agree to any swap without the release of Vadim Krasikov, who was jailed in Germany for assassinating a Chechen terrorist that President Putin told Tucker Carlson had driven his car over the heads of Russian prisoners, among his other crimes. Germany balked for a while though due to the “morality” of releasing a convicted killer that’s serving a life sentence, but the US convinced it to go along with this, especially since Russia and Belarus agreed to release jailed Germans as part of the deal.
2. Poland, Slovenia, and Norway Chipped In But Got Nothing In Return
A total of four Russians who were imprisoned in the aforementioned countries were also released even though their governments didn’t get anything in return. This suggests a concession on the West’s part, albeit one that enabled Russia to make its own such concession that’ll be touched upon in the next point for turning this deal into the largest one in decades. Those three Western countries are presenting this as an “act of solidarity”, but it’s really proof of the US’ hegemonic power over them.
3. A Russian “Government-In-Exile” Will Likely Soon Take Shape
Eight members of Russia’s non-systemic “opposition” were also sent to the West as part of this deal. They’ll predictably soon set up a “government-in-exile”, which might generate lots of media attention but fail to have any influence inside of Russia. Their inclusion in this swap made it appear more “moral” in Germany’s eyes and thus helped convince it to agree. It can also be understood as a reciprocal concession for freeing the four Russians mentioned above from Poland, Slovenia, and Norway.
4. Turkiye’s Role In Facilitating This Swap Positions It To Host The Next Round Of Peace Talks
For as noble as China, India, and Hungary’s efforts are in trying to mediate a resolution to the Ukrainian Conflict, Turkiye has a much better chance of doing so than they do. Its role in facilitating this latest swap builds upon the earlier ones that it facilitated, which show that Russia and the West still regard it as a neutral middleman. This suggests that they’d agree to it hosting the next round peace talks along the lines of spring 2022’s ultimately sabotaged ones once all parties are ready instead of looking elsewhere.
5. Kamala Will Try Politicizing This Swap To Discredit Trump
Trump claimed earlier this spring that only he could secure Gershkovich’s release and that he’d get Putin to agree to this as a favor without receiving anything in return, yet the this week’s historic swap proved him wrong. In response, Trump suggested that the deal was lopsided despite the West getting twice as many people as Russia did, and he also speculated that cash was paid for them too. Kamala will certainly try politicizing this swap to discredit Trump, but it’s unclear whether voters will care all that much.
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Altogether, each side in this swap got what they wanted, and it represents a rare example of successful New Cold War diplomacy. Reflecting on the top five takeaways, the last two are the most significant, but neither can be taken for granted with respect to Turkiye hosting the next round of peace talks (let alone anytime soon) and Kamala’s politicization of this swap having any effect on the presidential race. Even so, they’re what observers should monitor to see whether anything meaningful comes of them.
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(TLB) published this article by Andrew Korybko as written on Substack
Header featured image (edited) credit: Hand Shake/org.Substack file
Emphasis added by (TLB)
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