National Affairs

Biden Administration Targets Smokers As His Presidency Enters Its Final Days
National Affairs

Biden Administration Targets Smokers As His Presidency Enters Its Final Days

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As it enters its final days, Joe Biden’s administration is targeting millions of Americans with a ridiculous regulatory rule.

As per Fox News, the federal government is seeking to implement tough restrictions on smokers by limiting the amount of nicotine in each cigarette. The theory behind the proposal would be that a lower amount of nicotine would lower the addictiveness of smoking for new smokers, but raises questions as to whether smokers would merely light up more often throughout the day to compensate. After all, if the amount of nicotine per cigarette were cut in half, why wouldn’t smokers just smoke twice as much? Which budget constraints wouldn’t allow every smoker to do that, it’s still an obvious unintended consequence.

Of note, nicotine itself is the least harmful part of cigarettes.

“The proposed rule, ‘Tobacco Product Standard for Nicotine Level of Certain Tobacco Products,’ is displaying in the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Reducing Outdoor Contaminants in Indoor Spaces (ROCIS) system as having completed regulatory review on January 3,” a spokesman for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) told Fox News. “As the FDA has previously said, a proposed product standard to establish a maximum nicotine level to reduce the addictiveness of cigarettes and certain other combusted tobacco products, when finalized, is estimated to be among the most impactful population-level actions in the history of U.S. tobacco product regulation.”

Given the administration is set to be dissolved in a matter of days, concerns have been raised that the proposal is rushed, without scientific analysis and a restriction on civil liberties. Such a move could also open up a black market as smokers seek stronger cigarettes for a lower cost.

Some on social media also questioned whether the administration had its priorities right.

It’s not the first time that the Biden administration has targeted smokers. In 2024, the federal government scrapped an attempt to ban menthol cigarettes outright, citing “feedback” as a reason for the policy shift – though other credible sources such as Barron’s reported that it was out of fear that it would reduce his share of the black vote.

Joe Biden Falls Asleep During Prayer Service for Victims of New Orleans Terror Attack
National Affairs

Joe Biden Falls Asleep During Prayer Service for Victims of New Orleans Terror Attack

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President Joe Biden drifted off into slumber during a prayer service for the victims of the New Orleans terror attack on January 1st.

Before the prayer service began, Biden sat with his head down and eyes closed while everyone else looked alert.

A pastor spoke in honour of the 14 people who lost their lives in the horrendous attack.

Biden dropped his down and closed his eyes during the service… and his was not praying.

42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar ploughed through a crowd in New Orleans, killing at least 5 people and 35 injured .

Biden already displayed contempt for the victims after his handlers sent out a tone-deaf ‘Happy New Year’ tweet after the attack occurred.

“Happy New Year, folks,” Biden said just hours after the terrorist ploughed over innocent New Year’s revelers.

The president also checked his watch, saying he wanted to “get this damn thing done” while holding a press conference on the attack.

“The Sugar Bowl is back on. Kick off is going to take off very shortly. If I don’t get this damn thing done we’re gonna be in real trouble,” Biden said as he checked his watch.

Last week, President-elect Donald Trump issued a fiery statement condemning the New Year’s Day terror attack, calling it a “disaster” which was was a result of the Biden-Harris administration opting to go after political opponents.

Trump’s post read: “They are incompetent and corrupt, having spent all of their waking hours unlawfully attacking their political opponent, ME, rather than focusing on protecting Americans from the outside and inside violent SCUM that has infiltrated all aspects of our government, and our Nation itself. Democrats should be ashamed of themselves for allowing this to happen to our Country.”

“The CIA must get involved, NOW, before it is too late. The USA is breaking down – A violent erosion of Safety, National Security, and Democracy is taking place all across our Nation.”

“Only strength and powerful leadership will stop it. See you on January 20th. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

Read More at the Daily Fetched

Presidential Medal of Freedom Award Winner Was Photographed With Would-Be Trump Assassin Months Before Arrest
National Affairs

Presidential Medal of Freedom Award Winner Was Photographed With Would-Be Trump Assassin Months Before Arrest

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President Joe Biden has awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom to a man who appeared in a photo with the would-be assassin of Donald Trump.

José Andrés, who was among 19 people awarded the medal, was photographed with Ryan Wesley Routh – the man arrested on suspicion of attempting to assassinate the Republican on his Florida golf course in Sept. 2024.

The background, which features an array of miniature Ukrainian flags, suggests the photo taken some time after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in Feb. 2022 but likely before Routh’s Sept. 2024 arrest.

It is not known if Routh and Andrés had any connection prior to the photograph. The chef, credited with popularizing the concept of tapas dining, received the award for his humanitarian work with the World Central Kitchen.

Although most likely a coincidence, some questioned the optics of Biden’s decision to award Andrés a medal.

Others believed, given the photo’s widespread circulation following Routh’s arrest, that Biden had intended to send a message.

South Carolina Sees Largest Influx Of New Residents, California Bottom Of The Pile For Fifth Year In Succession
National Affairs

South Carolina Sees Largest Influx Of New Residents, California Bottom Of The Pile For Fifth Year In Succession

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Americans are flocking to Republican states in large numbers while Democrat-controlled jurisdictions are seeing the fewest new arrivals, according to a U-Haul’s annual Growth Index.

South Carolina, which is controlled by the GOP in eight of the state’s nine executive offices, in addition to its governorship, State House, and State, topped the list with arrivals accounting for 51.7% of all one-way U-Haul traffic in and out of the state throughout 2024. Texas, having topped the list for three successive years, fell to second, while North Carolina rounded out the top three.

Liberal states saw the fewest new arrivals. California, for the fifth year in a row, ranked bottom of the 50 states, behind Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

“Migration to the Southeast and Southwest continues as families gauge their cost of living, job opportunities, quality of life and other factors that go into relocating to a new state,” said U-Haul International president John ‘J.T.’ Taylor. “Out-migration remains prevalent for a number of markets across the Northeast, Midwest and West Coast — and particularly California.”

The full list is below:

2024 U-Haul Growth States

1.SOUTH CAROLINA (4)
2.TEXAS (1)
3.NORTH CAROLINA (3)
4.FLORIDA (2)
5.TENNESSEE (5)
6.ARIZONA (8)
7.WASHINGTON (7)
8.INDIANA (27)
9.UTAH (13)
10.IDAHO (6)
11.OKLAHOMA (41)
12.ARKANSAS (17)
13.MAINE (31)
14.OHIO (23)
15.GEORGIA (18)
16.ALABAMA (22)
17.VIRGINIA (10)
18.MINNESOTA (20)
19.SOUTH DAKOTA (19)
20.VERMONT (12)
21.DELAWARE (15)
22.WISCONSIN (26)
23.IOWA (24)
24.MONTANA (21)
25.KENTUCKY (29)
26.HAWAII (25)
27.ALASKA (34)
28.MISSOURI (28)
29.NEBRASKA (35)
30.WEST VIRGINIA (30)
31.NORTH DAKOTA (32)
32.KANSAS (33)
33.NEW HAMPSHIRE (40)
34.OREGON (37)
35.NEVADA (11)
36.WYOMING (14)
37.NEW MEXICO (16)
38.RHODE ISLAND (36)
39.MISSISSIPPI (39)
40.COLORADO (9)
41.CONNECTICUT (42)
42.MARYLAND (44)
43.MICHIGAN (46)
44.LOUISIANA (45)
45.ILLINOIS (48)
46.PENNSYLVANIA (38)
47.NEW YORK (43)
48.NEW JERSEY (47)
49.MASSACHUSETTS (49)
50.CALIFORNIA (50)

Social media users offered their own insight into the data.

Others highlighted how California was once again bottom of the list.

MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell: “Military Vets a Bigger Threat to America than Illegal Immigrants”
National Affairs

MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell: “Military Vets a Bigger Threat to America than Illegal Immigrants”

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MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell has suggested that U.S. military veterans are more likely to be terrorists than those who have crossed the border illegally into the United States.

Unsurprisingly, O’Donnell’s comments were met with massive backlash.

“The simple fact is, this country has suffered more deadly terrorism at the hands of American-born citizens who are veterans of the United States military than people who have crossed into this country at the southern border,” O’Donnell said.

“It is very clear from the evidence that if you want to worry about terrorism in this country, the United States Army is a much bigger problem than the southern border.”

Watch:

O’Donnell’s remarks came on the heels of the recent terror attack in New Orleans that left at least 15 dead and dozens injured.

42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, armed with a Glock and a .308 rifle, reportedly rammed a truck into crowds in the city’s French Quarter on New Year’s Day.

The FBI confirmed the attack as suspected terror event after an ISIS flag was discovered on the truck

O’Donnell used historical examples, including Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber, to argue that American veterans are more dangerous to America than illegal immigrants.

“Timothy McVeigh parked a truck outside that building loaded with explosives in an act of homegrown American terrorism,” O’Donnell said, referencing the 1995 bombing.

“Timothy McVeigh’s hatred of the American government was not tamed in any way by his service in the American military. So, too, with America’s latest terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve.”

O’Donnell also slammed President-elect Donald Trump for his response to the attack.

“When Donald Trump sees the type of terrorist attack that occurred in New Orleans, he doesn’t remember Timothy McVeigh and, instead, he blames the criminals that he imagines are crossing the southern border,” he said.

He continued by asserting:

“No one who has ever crossed the southern border, in the history of the existence of the southern border, has killed more people in this country than Timothy McVeigh, who was born in Lockport, New York, the northwest part of the state, into a White Roman Catholic American family with roots in this country that go back farther than Donald Trump’s roots in this country.”

Read More at the Daily Fetched

Long Island Police Get Green Light to Take Down Drones 
National Affairs

Long Island Police Get Green Light to Take Down Drones 

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Nassau County officials have authorized local law enforcement to shoot down drones deemed a threat to public safety.

The announcement came Thursday during the unveiling of a state-of-the-art drone command center capable of tracking drones from miles away.

However, officials acknowledged that they still require federal approval for more advanced tools to neutralize drones safely.

County Executive Bruce Blakeman emphasized the urgency of taking proactive measures to prevent potential disasters. “We don’t want to wait until we have some kind of disastrous event to then say, ‘Well, we could have done this and we could have done that,’” Blakeman said.

He granted the Nassau County Police Department the authority to take down drones posing a risk during mass gatherings. “If there is a mass gathering anywhere and there is a drone that is a threat to the public at large, they have the authority and the jurisdiction and the right to shoot down that drone,” Blakeman added.

Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder highlighted the department’s preparedness to address the growing drone threat. “As far as my snipers go, I have 30 of the best, world-renowned snipers in the country that can hit a quarter a mile away,” Ryder said.

He also pointed to the county’s new command center, which allows authorities to monitor drone activity within a 20-mile radius.

Despite these advancements, Ryder acknowledged the limitations of local resources. “I can see a drone coming from 20 miles, but I can’t stop it,” he said. Ryder and Blakeman urged Congress to pass legislation enabling local authorities to use drone mitigation technology, such as signal jamming or forced returns to the drone’s home base.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently issued a temporary ban on drone operations over parts of New Jersey and authorized the use of “deadly force” against drones violating restricted airspace.

The ban is in effect until at least January 17, prohibiting unmanned aircraft within a nautical mile of specified areas outlined in an FAA Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).

Increased drone sightings in recent months, particularly over New Jersey, New York, and near 17 U.S. military installations, have raised alarms.

Some of the sightings occurred near properties linked to foreign entities, including China, fueling national security concerns.

Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey suggested a possible link to an Iranian “mothership” over the Atlantic Ocean.

He criticized the federal government’s response, calling it “not just frustrating — it’s dangerous.”

Blakeman called on the federal government to provide local jurisdictions with the tools and authority to address the drone threat effectively. “We would like the power to do a few things,” he said.

“Number one, we would like the technology so we don’t have to shoot it down, because that creates a whole ’nother set of problems with the people who are on the ground.”

Blakeman advocated for drone mitigation technology that could disable drones or send them back to their operators.

He also urged for legislation allowing local authorities to issue federal summonses for violations of drone laws.

The mysterious drone sightings have left residents and officials seeking answers.

The White House has largely downplayed the concerns, but local officials and lawmakers are pressing for action.

Nassau County’s new drone command center represents a significant step forward, but Blakeman and Ryder agree that without federal support, their ability to address the threat remains limited.

As Nassau County takes matters into its own hands, the push for stronger federal collaboration and technology to mitigate drones grows, reflecting the increasing urgency of addressing this evolving security challenge.

Read More at LifeZette

Trump Jokes Once Again About Canada Becoming 51st State… But Could It Happen?
National Affairs

Trump Jokes Once Again About Canada Becoming 51st State… But Could It Happen?

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Donald Trump once again raised the prospect of Canada joining the United States just weeks after he jokingly suggested the idea to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The President-elect has stood firm on America’s neighbors, calling on both Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to address illegal immigration on their respective sides of the border. Earlier in December, he threatened both with a 25% tariff, prompting in swift action by the Mexican Government while Trudeau personally visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago in the immediate aftermath.

In the early hours of Wednesday, Dec. 18, Trump hinted at the idea publicly following a previous private jibe to Trudeau. On Truth Social, Trump wrote: “No one can answer why we subsidize Canada to the tune of over $100,000,000 a year? Makes no sense! Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State. They would save massively on taxes and military protection. I think it is a great idea. 51st State!!!”

Although Trump’s remarks were made in jest, the idea has gained intrigued as to whether Canada joining the United States would be possible. There would, of course, be constitutional matters at hand. Canada would require a significant constitutional amendment, requiring approval from the country’s House of Commons, Senate, and all provincial legislatures. The U.S., meanwhile, would require Congressional approval once Canada had applied for statehood.

Politically, however, the prospect obviously remains unlikely. Trump’s unlikely to admit a territory which overwhelmingly supported Kamala Harris in a hypothetical poll. Plus, who wants to fund their socialized medical system?

Economically, there’s little reason to unify the two nations. Both are members the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement, meaning it’s unnecessary to pursue a further degree of economic cooperation.

Nevertheless, the concept is interesting, and intrigued many on social media.  

Canadians were less than supportive of the idea.

Trump Staffer Slams “Pocahontas” After Chief Warren Complains About Elon Musk’s Role in Transition
National Affairs

Trump Staffer Slams “Pocahontas” After Chief Warren Complains About Elon Musk’s Role in Transition

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Donald Trump’s administration is going to be a humorous one.

Trump transition spokeswoman and future press secretary responded to an Elizabeth Warren letter to the President-elect by calling her “Pocahontas” – Trump’s nickname for the Senator that boasts 1/1024 Cherokee heritage.

The Massachusetts Sen. queried the rules regarding conflicts of interest in a letter to Trump, specifically Elon Musk’s role in the transition team. She called for further transparency, and wrote:

Putting Mr. Musk in a position to influence billions of dollars of government contracts and regulatory enforcement without a stringent conflict of interest agreement in place is an invitation for corruption on a scale not seen in our lifetimes. As your Transition Team Ethics Plan makes clear, the role of government is not to line the pockets of the wealthiest Americans; a strong, enforceable ethics plan for the world’s richest man is a necessary first step for delivering on that promise.

In response, transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt accused the Democrat of playing politics while referring to Warren’s historic claims of Native American heritage. Adding that Trump had “assembled the most impressive and qualified team of innovators, entrepreneurs, and geniuses to advise and staff our government”, Leavitt said:

Pocahontas can play political games and send toothless letters, but the Trump-Vance transition will continue to be held to the highest ethical and legal standards possible – a standard unfamiliar to a career politician whose societal impact is 1/1024th of Elon Musk’s.

Last month, Musk blasted Warren for criticizing his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

The subject of Warren’s suspicious heritage featured across social media in response to the story.

Others loved the remark against Warren.

Trump Tells Trudeau Canada Could Become America’s 51st State
National Affairs

Trump Tells Trudeau Canada Could Become America’s 51st State

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Donald Trump reportedly floated the idea of Canada becoming America’s 51st state in a conversation with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The President-elect spoke with Trudeau after threatening to implement 25% trade tariffs on both Canada and Mexican as part of his administration’s efforts to curb illegal immigration and the flow of illicit drugs. The Canadian Prime Minister subsequently flew to Mar-a-Lago, a meeting which Fox News reported to be “very productive” – echoing a drastic pledge by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to tackle border crossings after she spoke with Trump.

Trump reportedly expressed frustration over the $100 billion trade deficit between Canada and the U.S, threatening to slap the tariff on Canadian goods from day one of his presidency. Trudeau complained to Trump he can’t implement such a tariff because it would kill the Canadian economy completely. To that Trump fired back asking “so your country can’t survive unless it’s ripping off the U.S. to the tune of $100 billion?  – and hilarious floated the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state of the U.S if there economy was to fail, which prompted Trudeau to laugh nervously.

The meeting was reportedly amicable and “very friendly,” but also emphasized a new relationship between the United States and Canada come January 20.

Many on social media recognized the light-heartedness of the proposal.

Others were more intrigued by the idea.

Footage Shows Moment Liberal Refuses To Help Hurricane Helene Victim Over Donald Trump Signs
National Affairs

Footage Shows Moment Liberal Refuses To Help Hurricane Helene Victim Over Donald Trump Signs

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Footage has emerged of a liberal volunteer refusing to assist a Hurricane Helene victim due to Donald Trump signs in her front yard.

The interaction was filmed on the Republican’s Ring doorbell, and shows a volunteer walking up to the house with supplies. A barking dog muffles some of the initial conversation, but the victim can be heard saying, “I’m sorry.”

“That’s alright,” replies the volunteer. “I’m really conflicted. I have a lot more stuff to give, but I am not a fan of Donald Trump, so these signs are a problem for me.”

“So, I’m gonna gave to think about it,” adds the liberal as she leaves the property.

The video was filmed on Nov. 26, 2024 – some three weeks after Trump’s victory in the presidential election.

This came following the revelation that FEMA as an agency had ordered storm crews not to help homes with Trump lawn signs.

Many on social media were outraged at the footage.

Others were appalled that political beliefs were obstructing charitable donations.


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