Hurricane Michael Death Toll Rises

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By Daily Wire. At least 18 people have died, and more than 1,500 are informally missing as a result of Hurricane Michael, which made landfall in the Florida panhandle on Wednesday as a Category 4 storm, carrying sustained winds of 155 mph.

The deaths aren’t contained to Florida. Individuals in Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia have been killed in Hurricane-related incidents as well.

According to Reuters, “teams consisting mostly of off-duty police officers and firefighters have found more than 520 of the 2,100 people reported missing” since the hurricane hit. Fortunately, according to Matthew Marchetti of CrowdSource Rescue, the number of found individuals should rise in the coming days due in part to larger search and rescue teams made up of volunteers and professionals.

(Read more from “Hurricane Michael Death Toll Rises” HERE)

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Hurricane Michael Flattened Towns Where Survivors Remain in Disbelief

By NBC News. What Anderson lived through in Lynn Haven echoes the destruction seen by those throughout the area. The death toll from Hurricane Michael rose to 19 Sunday as searchers continued to make their way through the devastated parts of the Florida Panhandle. Residents have been left in disbelief, unsure of what’s next.

Four miles south of Lynn Haven is Panama City, Florida. Along the main road through town, every business has either some damage or is completely destroyed. . .

Meanwhile, Mexico Beach, just 24 miles away from Panama City, is considered ground zero for hurricane damage — every home there was leveled by the wind and rain. Search and rescue teams from Tennessee, Indiana and Florida are on the ground searching for 250 people who chose to stay behind and are currently unaccounted for. . .

Those without any insurance are in dire straits. Kelly Mitchell said her grandparent’s beach house is beyond repair. It was a place where generations of family members came together to enjoy the peacefulness of a small town coastal community of just about 1,000 people. (Read more from “Hurricane Michael Flattened Towns Where Survivors Remain in Disbelief” HERE11112)

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High School Band Who Depicted Shooting Cops During Half-Time Performance Faces a Massive Penalty

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By Townhall. Last week the Forest Hills High School band’s half-time performance depicted police officers being shot. The school faced fierce backlash because two local police officers had just been killed in the line of duty.

Now, the band is being penalized by the the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) and could face up to a year-long performance ban, the Clarion Ledger reported. The school district will be allowed to appeal the decision, MHSAA president Todd Kelly said. . .

Ward 6 Councilman Aaron Banks, whose territory includes the high school, is defending the band.

“Let’s be clear, the band students of Forest Hill should not be punished due to a bad decision made by a teacher,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

A group of parents and community leaders held a press conference on Friday, saying the decision penalizes the kids, which they feel is unfair. (Read more from “High School Band Who Depicted Shooting Cops During Half-Time Performance Faces a Massive Penalty” HERE)

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High School Band’s Halftime Show Depicts Cops Being Shot – and That’s Not Even the Worst Part

By Townhall. A high school band in Brookhaven, Mississippi is facing fierce backlash after a half-time performance depicting police officers being shot. The Forest Hills High School band performed the skit at a neighboring high school less than a week after two police officers were killed nearby.

Pictures and videos of the band’s performance went viral on social media. Students were dressed as medical personnel holding SWAT team members at gunpoint.

According to Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Errick L. Greene, the performance was based loosely on the movie “John Q.”

(Read more from “High School Band’s Halftime Show Depicts Cops Being Shot – and That’s Not Even the Worst Part” HERE)

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President Trump Reveals Something About Mattis’ Political Views

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President Donald J. Trump recently sat down for a rare 60 Minutes interview set to air tonight. In previews, host Lesley Stahl attempted to grill the commander-in-chief over what some say is a chaotic presidency replete with staff turnover but President Trump describes this as “fake news.” Stahl then asked specifically about Secretary of Defense James Mattis at which point President Trump says that the General is “sort of a Democrat and that he may leave, but that would not necessarily indicate any problems in their relationship.

Stahl pressed the president if he was concerned with how many personnel changes his presidency has had its first two years in office. In response, President Trump slammed speculation of trouble was “so false.” He also added, “I’m changing things around, and I’m entitled to. I have people now on standby that will be phenomenal. They’ll come into the administration. They’ll be phenomenal.”

When asked about Gen. Mattis, the president dismissed any concerns as well. “I think he’s sort of a Democrat if you want to know the truth,” Trump said. (Read more from “President Trump Reveals Something About Mattis’ Political Views” HERE)

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Outrage Erupts Over Trump Praising Civil War – but Here’s the Whole Story

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By The Blaze. Trump told a story from the Civil War of President Abraham Lincoln dealing with the victories of confederate general Robert E. Lee.

“So Robert E. Lee was a great general,” Trump told the audience. “And Abraham Lincoln developed a phobia.” . . .

Much of the media didn’t report the conclusion of the story Trump was telling the audience.

“And one day it was looking really bad and Lincoln just said you hardly knew his name,” he said, “and they said don’t take him he’s got a drinking people.”

“And Lincoln said I don’t care what problem he has, you guys aren’t winning,” Trump continued. “And his name was Grant, General Grant. And he went in and he knocked the hell out of everyone.”

(Read more from “Outrage Erupts Over Trump Praising Civil War – but Here’s the Whole Story” HERE)

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Trump Gives Civil War History at Ohio Rally, Describing Lee, Grant as ‘Great’ Generals

By USA Today. At President Donald Trump’s campaign rallies, history usually begins at the 2016 election.

But the president embarked on a lesson of the Civil War while speaking to an audience in Ohio on Friday, praising generals on both sides and telling the story of President Lincoln’s relationship with Ulysses S. Grant in characteristically populist terms.

“So Robert E. Lee was a great general and Abraham Lincoln developed a phobia,” Trump began, referencing the Confederate general who won many of the early battles against Lincoln’s Union army. “He couldn’t beat Robert E. Lee.”

Phobia is not a word historians associate with Lincoln’s feelings on Lee, but it is true the president was often frustrated by the slow pace of union progress.

Trump then turned to the point of the story: Grant. The Ohio native, born about 50 miles from where Trump was speaking on Friday, wasn’t supported by the military leaders, Trump said. Rumors of Grant’s struggles with alcohol during the Mexican-American War widely circulated in the War Department. (Read more from “Trump Gives Civil War History at Ohio Rally, Describing Lee, Grant as ‘Great’ Generals” HERE)

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Security Clearances for Hillary Clinton and Staffers Are Now Revoked – but for an Odd Reason

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Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) released a letter Friday that revealed Hillary Clinton had her security clearance revoked along with 5 of her staffers – but for a very odd reason.

According to the letter from Grassley, Clinton herself asked that the security clearances be revoked.

“At her request, former Secretary Clinton’s security clearance was administratively withdrawn on August 30, 2018,” read the letter.

“As we previously informed the committee, the individuals had been granted access to classified information through a request made by Secretary Clinton designating them as researches,” the letter to Grassley explained.

Critics of the former secretary of state have demanded that her security clearance be revoked on the basis that she defied official rules and regulations on security when she kept her own private email server. (Read more from “Security Clearances for Hillary Clinton and Staffers Are Now Revoked – but for an Odd Reason” HERE)

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Turkey Releases U.S. Pastor After 2 Years in Prison

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By NPR. Roughly two years after Turkish authorities detained Andrew Brunson on suspicion of espionage, the U.S. pastor is a free man once more. Turkey ordered his release Friday, ending a case that heightened tensions between Turkey and the U.S.

A court in the western city of Izmir actually sentenced Brunson to a little more than three years in prison, according to Turkey’s state news agency Anadolu. However, as NPR’s Peter Kenyon in Istanbul explains, the court says he will serve no more time, considering his health issues.

“The court also lifted judicial controls on Brunson — that means restrictions on his movements have been lifted and he is now free to leave the country,” Kenyon reports. The prosecutor had asked for a 10-year sentence.

The evangelical pastor wept in court upon hearing the news of his release, Reuters reported. Prior to the ruling, he said, “I am an innocent man. I love Jesus, I love Turkey.” After he listened to an alleged witness, he said, “I do not understand how this is related to me.” (Read more from “Turkey Releases U.S. Pastor After 2 Years in Prison” HERE)

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U.S. Pastor Andrew Brunson Leaves Turkey After Being Detained for 2 Years

By Fox News. President Trump drew loud cheers at a rally on Friday evening when he announced that Pastor Andrew Brunson — newly released from Turkey and heading home — is expected to visit him in the Oval Office on Saturday.

“We bring a lot of people back,” the president told the crowd in Lebanon, Ohio, near Cincinnati. It was an apparent reference not only to the release of Brunson, but to the negotiated return of three American hostages from North Korea in May. President Trump also won the release of three UCLA basketball players who were detained in China last November.

Earlier in the day, Trump spoke with reporters about Brunson, after it was confirmed that the 50-year-old North Carolina pastor was beginning his journey home after being detained for two years.

“He’s, I think, in good shape,” the president said. “He’ll be stopping most likely in Germany for a full check-up and then he’s going to be coming to the Oval Office, most likely on Saturday.

“But we’re very honored to have him back with us,” Trump continued. “He suffered greatly, but we’re very appreciative to a lot of people.” (Read more from “U.S. Pastor Andrew Brunson Leaves Turkey After Being Detained for 2 Years” HERE)

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U.S. City Now Recognizes ‘X’ as Gender on Birth Certificates

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By Fox News. A bill signed into law this week gives New York City residents the opportunity to change the gender on their birth certificate to a third, gender-neutral option.

The bill allows residents who don’t identify as either male or female to change the gender on their birth certificate to “X,” and also allows parents of newborns to choose the “X” option for their child.

In addition, the bill removes the requirement that residents need an affidavit from a doctor or mental health professional to change the gender on their birth certificates.

De Blasio said the third option is a way for residents who don’t identify as male or female to tell the government who they are — “not the other way around.”

The bill, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, comes after the city proposed the change in June. (Read more from “U.S. City Now Recognizes ‘X’ as Gender on Birth Certificates” HERE)

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NYC Passes Law Allowing Gender-Neutral Birth Certificates

By US News. It’s now law in New York City that residents who don’t identify as male or female can change their birth certificates to “X.”

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the bill Tuesday. It goes into effect Jan. 1.

The bill removes the requirement that residents need an affidavit from a doctor or mental health professional to change the gender on their birth certificates. (Read more from “NYC Passes Law Allowing Gender-Neutral Birth Certificates” HERE)

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Antifa Vandals Hit GOP Headquarters: ‘Attack Is Merely a Beginning’

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The Metropolitan Republican Club on Manhattan’s Upper East Side was vandalized Thursday night with broken windows, spray-painted anarchy signs, and a threatening message that the “attack is merely a beginning.” . . .

The attack happened just weeks after vandals spray-painted an Illinois Republican Party office in Winnebago County with the words “rape” and “shame” on the building, Fox News reported. . .

“Last night the Metropolitan Republican Club was vandalized by the leftist hate group Antifa, who also left a note promising ‘this is just the beginning’ and threatening more violence,” the Met Club said in a statement on Twitter. “Republicans are a minority party in NYC by a wide margin, and while most city residents are respectful of our activities, our grassroots actions are often met with hostility. Last night’s shameful attack by Antifa cowards represents a tragic new low.”

“Sadly this is only the most recent example of leftist violence and aggression against the Conservative Movement,” the statement continued. “But rest assured that we will not be intimidated by violence, threats, or hate speech. We will continue to fight for freedom of speech and liberty here in New York City and all across this great nation.”

New York Republican Chairman Ed Cox and Manhattan GOP Chairwoman A.J. Catsimatidis were expected to condemn the vandalism, call on Democrats to stop inciting these attacks, and urge civility at a press conference Friday at 2 p.m. in front of the Metropolitan Republican Club in Manhattan. (Read more from “Antifa Vandals Hit GOP Headquarters: ‘Attack Is Merely a Beginning’” HERE)

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Teacher Who Talked About Trump Adviser ‘Eating Glue’ Under Investigation

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By Daily Caller. A teacher who said President Donald Trump’s senior adviser Stephen Miller ate glue as a child is under review by the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District in California for disclosing information of the former student.

Nikki Fiske, 72, revealed accounts of having Miller, 33, in her class when he was 8-years-old to The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday.

The school placed her on “home assignment,” which means Fiske is not at work but retains employment status, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) spokeswoman Gail Pinsker told The Daily Caller News Foundation. Pinsker emphasized that Fiske “is not suspended.”

“He [Miller] was a strange dude,” Fiske said to The Hollywood Reporter. “I remember he would take a bottle of glue — we didn’t have glue sticks in those days — and he would pour the glue on his arm, let it dry, peel it off and then eat it. . .

“The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District is looking into this matter and has placed Nikki Fiske on home assignment pending the completion of the review,” Pinsker told TheDCNF over the email. (Read more from “Teacher Who Talked About Trump Adviser ‘Eating Glue’ Under Investigation” HERE)

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Teacher Who Recounted Trump Aide Eating Glue as a Child Is Placed on Paid Leave

By LA Times. A teacher who recounted how a senior aide to President Trump ate glue as a third-grader is in trouble with her employers.

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District has placed veteran teacher Nikki Fiske on “home assignment” while it decides what to do, if anything, about disclosures she made about a young Stephen Miller.

Miller, 33, has grown up to be a senior advisor to Trump. But his prospects did not appear so promising to Fiske when Miller was a student in her classroom at Franklin Elementary School.

“Do you remember that character in Peanuts, the one called Pig Pen, with the dust cloud and crumbs flying all around him? That was Stephen Miller at 8,” Fiske recounted in an article posted Wednesday by the Hollywood Reporter. “I was always trying to get him to clean up his desk — he always had stuff mashed up in there.” (Read more from “Teacher Who Recounted Trump Aide Eating Glue as a Child Is Placed on Paid Leave” HERE)

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California Teacher Accused of Molesting Children Dead in Apparent Suicide

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By The Daily Caller. A California teacher who was on trial for allegedly molesting five students was found dead Wednesday from an apparent suicide.

David Michael Bruce, 68, was found dead in his home near Los Angeles, The Orange County Registrar reported. Officials believe Bruce took his life pending an autopsy to determine the official cause of the death, according to Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Carrie Braun. . .

Bruce taught at Sycamore Junior High School in Anaheim, California, and retired in 2010, according to The AP. . .

Bruce allegedly admitted to performing lewd acts with male students during a phone call police arranged with a victim, The Registrar reported. Police also found erotic photos of young boys in Bruce’s home. . .

Bruce faced a possible life sentence if convicted, but the case was dismissed after his death. The retired drama teacher was arrested in 2015 and charged eight felony counts of lewd acts upon a child under 14 and two felony counts of lewd acts on a child age 14 or 15 after the sister of one of the alleged victims came forward. (Read more from “California Teacher Teacher Accused of Molesting Children Dead in Apparent Suicide” HERE)

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Ex-California Teacher, Former Mt. Pleasant Teacher, Dead on Last Day of Trial

By Morning Sun. A former Mt. Pleasant teacher and graduate, retired after a long career in California, apparently killed himself Wednesday while facing trial for molesting five students, the Associated Press reported.

Closing arguments were scheduled that day but David Michael Bruce, 68, did not show up in court.

He was found dead in his home in an unincorporated area of Anaheim south of Los Angeles.

“He was discovered by a friend or another individual, and they called law enforcement,” Orange County sheriff’s spokeswoman Carrie Braun said.

Bruce was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School who taught art at Rosebush Elementary and Mt Pleasant High School from 1972 to 1979. (Read more from “Ex-California Teacher, Former Mt. Pleasant Teacher, Dead on Last Day of Trial” HERE)

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