Kabary Salem is a former Olympic boxer who was arraigned Tuesday on murder charges over the strangulation death of his daughter, Ola Salem. Ola Salem, a Muslim women’s rights activist, was found dead in Staten Island on October 24, 2019. According to an acquaintance, Ola Salem was “becoming very Americanized,” and that seems to have been what sent her father over the edge.
‘Gone For Good’: Chinese State Media Chief Threatens Pompeo With Same Fate As Persecuted Uyghurs
Chen Weihua, China Daily’s European Bureau Chief, threatened U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo with the same fate of groups persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party, promising he “surely won’t be spared.”
‘Does Congress Know That This Is How Communism Starts?’: Trump Condemns Big Tech Policing of Free Speech
President Donald Trump on Christmas Eve repeated his concerns over Big Tech censorship a day after he vetoed a defense-spending bill over Congress’s failure to remove liability protections for Silicon Valley’s social media companies.
“Twitter is going wild with their flags, trying hard to suppress even the truth. Just shows how dangerous they are, purposely stifling free speech. Very dangerous for our Country. Does Congress know that this is how Communism starts?” Trump said in a Twitter post on Thursday night.
“Cancel Culture at its worst. End Section 230!” he said.
California approves first driverless delivery service
California has given the go-ahead for a commercial driverless delivery service for the first time.
Robotics start-up Nuro plans to start its driverless delivery operations as early as next year.
It previously tested its R2 vehicles in the state in April, but the permit will let it charge people for its service.
Florida braced for unusually cold Christmas – and falling iguanas
With unexpectedly cold weather forecast and pandemic-related curfews in some places, Florida is about to have a Christmas unlike any other – and it may involve falling iguanas.
The National Weather Service warned that south Florida could experience its coldest Christmas Day in 21 years, with morning lows in the low 30s and 40sF (below OC).
“Brrr! Much colder temps expected for Christmas,“ the NWS in Miami tweeted. “Falling iguanas are possible.“
Police: Explosion in Nashville may have been “intentional”
The Metro Nashville Police Department says authorities believe an explosion that rocked the downtown area early on Christmas Day was a deliberate act. Police spokesman Don Aaron said about three hours after the explosion shook the area that investigators believe it was “an intentional act.” Police earlier said they believe a vehicle was involved in the explosion.
Twitter – nashville explosion
#BreakingNews :
Massive Explosion in #Nashville #Nashvilleexplosion
US after reportedly an RV exploded. Reports of Heavy Damage. pic.twitter.com/VtubMsPPMn— ur'sGirivsk (@girivsk) December 25, 2020
‘Balloon boy hoax’ parents pardoned in Colorado
In 2009 a US couple told the world their son had been carried away by a balloon. Rescue services scrambled to save him, but it was revealed to be a hoax and the pair were convicted.
After 13 years, the couple have now been granted a pardon by the governor of Colorado.
“We are all ready to move past the spectacle from a decade ago,” Governor Jared Polis said.
The pair served jail time and had criminal records.
France: Churches under high security due to Christmas terror threat
“PLACES OF WORSHIP ARE POTENTIAL TARGETS”: FOR CHRISTMAS, INCREASED SECURITY IN CHURCHES
Gérald Darmanin asked the prefects to strengthen the security of the churches on Thursday and Friday. A presence that reassures the parishioners, feeling “safe thanks to them”.
In addition to the health crisis, places of worship are still under vigilance for an attack threat to its maximum. For this Christmas day, like the day before, the security system has been reinforced around the churches. The goal? Reassure the parishioners and impose a “dissuasive” presence.
It’s practically a Christmas tradition in France. Note Google translate used.
Trudeau pleads with Canadians not to travel abroad, people do it anyway
In spite of warnings from the federal and provincial governments, Canadians are still heading down south for the Christmas holidays.
Flights left from multiple Canadian airports for Mexico, Cuba and other sunny destinations Thursday morning.
“Let’s be clear: this is not the time for a vacation abroad,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at a press conference at Rideau Cottage Wednesday afternoon.
NYPD union boss says shooter felt emboldened to open fire on cop
A culture that coddles — and emboldens — criminals led to the Christmas Eve shooting of an NYPD officer in Brooklyn, according to the head of the city’s largest police union.
…“Why does a perp feel bold enough to shoot at a police officer? That’s the question we have to ask and we have to answer. There’s a number of reasons this is happening. Lack of support on the street, defunding the police, bail reform, lack of prosecution. That’s why this is happening,” Lynch said.
Windsor pastor charged for breaking COVID-19 rules, church says it’s ‘discriminatory’
Police have charged a Windsor pastor with breaking COVID-19 rules following a church service last Sunday.
On Thursday, Harvest Bible Church said in a news release that lead pastor Rev. Aaron Rock was charged under the Reopening Ontario Act by Windsor police.
“To our knowledge this is the first time that any Ontario pastor has been charged for fulfilling his God-assigned duties at a church,” the news release reads.
‘Good Riddance’: Leftists Celebrate Rush Limbaugh Going Off The Air
On Wednesday, conservative radio commentator Rush Limbaugh signed off on his last show of 2020 after being diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this year. While supporters were touched with deep emotion, leftists on Twitter were celebrating, hoping that the cancer takes him before he returns in 2021.
“Rush Limbaugh is a demagogue who got rich off of hate speech, division, lies and toxicity. I have compassion for anyone suffering from cancer, but despite his illness, Limbaugh just kept doubling down on his bet against democracy. His legacy is shameful. Good riddance,” tweeted Shannon Watts of Moms Demand Action.
LAWTON: The Liberals take aim at True North
Despite Justin Trudeau’s many proclamations about the importance of press freedom, his actions show it’s not a liberty he cares about in practice.
After True North’s Andrew Lawton did a year-end interview with Conservative leader Erin O’Toole, the Liberals sent out a fundraising email maligning True North as “far-right” and “anti-immigration.”
This isn’t just an attack on True North, but on all those who view and support True North’s content, Lawton says.
Towns Are Banning Sledding Because Parents Sue When Kids Get Hurt
A friend who was noodling around the AccuWeather Inc. website today found this depressing item: “Why Have Midwestern Towns Banned a Beloved Winter Pastime?”
The article, which seems like it might just sit in a slush pile on the site’s news desk and await recycling every snow season, discusses a few horrible sledding injury lawsuits that drained the coffers of Omaha, Nebraska and Sioux City, Iowa.
“According to a study from The Center for Injury Research and Policy (CIRP) at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, more than 20,000 Americans younger than age 19 receive treatment for sledding-related injuries each year,” notes the article.
Police in Quebec plan to be out in full force during holidays to enforce COVID-19 health rules
While Quebec continues to shatter its COVID-19 daily case records, police around the province are warning the public that they will be out in full force making sure people are abiding by the social distancing measures.
“There will be additional staff that will be deployed in the field in order to respond to calls,” said David Pelletier, a spokesperson for the Quebec City Police Service (SPVQ).
Authorities say officers who will see violations will have a “low tolerance” for people’s holiday gatherings, Pelletier added.