Image via Alistair Berg Cesar Sayoc Arrested In Florida For Suspicious Package Bombs Welp, that didn’t take long. Cable news outlet MSNBC is reporting that police in Plantation, Florida have arrested a 56-year-old white male named Cesar Sayoc and will be charging him with the construction and distribution of the dozen pipe bombs that were sent to Donald Trump detractors. According to the Sun-Sentinel , FBI agents surrounded a white van covered in pro-Trump stickers that was sitting in a commercial parking lot. “Our bomb squad and K-9 Unit are currently providing assistance to our federal partners at the Opa-locka mail facility as part of the ongoing investigation into suspicious packages located in other jurisdictions,” Colome said in a statement. “This assistance is as a precautionary measure. We cannot provide additional information at this time due to the active nature of this federal investigation.” There is a press conference scheduled at 2:30PM (EST) by the U.S. Department of Justice to address the nation and reveal more information about the person arrested and other pertinent details. I will be speaking at the Young Black Leadership Summit in 15 minutes where I will address the investigation into the bomb packages. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 26, 2018 Donald Trump will be addressing the situation in a matter of minutes. We can’t even imagine what type of f***ery he’s gonna say to these Black conservatives much less what he’ll say about the arrest. BOSSIP will keep you abreast of all breaking news.
T allahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum ’s masterful debate performance on Sunday was no fluke. Gillum continued to dominate his GOP rival for Florida governor Ron DeSantis in their second debate Wednesday night at Broward College in Davie, Florida. SEE ALSO: Andrew Gillum Called For An End To Black Voter Apathy, And Got It One of the big questions before the rematch was how Gillum would respond to an onslaught from DeSantis over an FBI probe into possible Tallahassee government corruption, in which the mayor is reportedly not the target of the investigation. On Tuesday, text messages were made public about the source of tickets Gillum received to the Broadway musical Hamilton that appears to contradict his statements at the first debate on the issue. Here are five things we’ve learned about Gillum and DeSantis as they stood under the spotlight on the debate stage for the second time. 1. Gillum can handle the pressure The Tallahassee mayor was clearly prepared to address the pink elephant in the room. DeSantis raised the FBI investigation issue about 40 minutes into the debate, prompted by Gillum accusing him of lying in TV attack ads. Gillum turned the tables by demanding that DeSantis release records of his $145,000 in taxpayer-funded travel as a Congressman. DeSantis resigned his congressional post to focus on this gubernatorial campaign. The former lawmaker has declined to reveal how he paid for several trips, including travel to New York City to appear on Fox News to increase his public profile for his Florida governor campaign. Ron DeSantis spent $145,000 in tax-payer money to travel to New York for Fox News interviews. #RonDeLiar https://t.co/31zAtr8tQt — Florida Democrats (@FlaDems) October 24, 2018 2. Gillum knows how to connect DeSantis always looked uncomfortable on stage and defensive when discussing his record. By contrast, Gillum was masterful at weaving his compelling personal story into responses—touching on key themes that most people can relate to. The mayor talked about the sacrifices of his working-class parents who were determined to make sure he received a proper education. Gillum also frequently dropped in pearls of wisdom that he learned from his grandmother. As my grandmother used to say, a hit dog will holler. And boy oh boy, @RonDeSantisFL … #FLGovDebate — Andrew Gillum (@AndrewGillum) October 24, 2018 3. DeSantis doesn’t have an answer on healthcare Healthcare is one of the policy issues that’s important to Floridians. It was clear that DeSantis has no answers to their concerns. Gillum pointed out that his opponent was one of Trump’s strongest supporters in the failed Republican attempt to repeal Obamacare without a viable replacement. I believe healthcare is a right. @RonDeSantisFL doesn’t. Facts matter. pic.twitter.com/NbXlTBJZlt — Andrew Gillum (@AndrewGillum) October 24, 2018 4. Yeah, DeSantis is racist The moderator indirectly asked DeSantis if he’s a racist. He pointed to the former congressman warning Florida voters not to “ monkey this up ” by voting for Gillum, who would become the state’s first African-American governor. He also highlighted some of DeSantis’ long history of associating with white nationalists. DeSantis unconvincingly denied that he’s a racist, raising his voice as if that would convince viewers. The mayor had a golden response. “I’m not calling him a racist,” Gillum said. “But the racists believe he’s a racist.” FL Governors Debate just got *intense*: @AndrewGillum says of his GOP opponent @RonDeSantisFL “I'm not calling him a racist. I'm just saying the racists believe he's a racist.” — Alex Wagner (@alexwagner) October 24, 2018 5. Gillum unabashedly progressive Gillum showed that he was unwilling to yield on key issues that are important to his base when DeSantis pressed him. He stood firm on increasing the minimum wage and taxing the state’s wealthiest companies to increase teacher salaries and to pay for early childhood education, even though DeSantis tried to create fear that those fiscal policies would drive companies out Florida. SEE ALSO: Game Over? Megyn Kelly’s Advertisers Targeted After Her Disgraceful Blackface Rant Thailand Tells Black People Don’t Come Here [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3833255″ overlay=”true”]
E xpect the Republican nominee for Florida governor Ron DeSantis to come out swinging against Democratic nominee Andrew Gillum in their second debate scheduled for Wednesday night. See Also: 5 Takeaways From Andrew Gillum’s Masterful Debate Dismantling Of Ron DeSantis Broward College will host the debate, which starts at 7 p.m. EST. It will be live streamed on WPBF’s website and rebroadcast on C-SPAN for those outside the local viewing area, according to the Sun-Sentinel . My opponent is trying to do everything he can to distract & use smear tactics—but the second debate is tonight & here’s what I’ll be ready to talk about: issues that Floridians care about. I’m running for governor to represent all of them & no distractions can change that. — Andrew Gillum (@AndrewGillum) October 24, 2018 Gillum, who could become the state’s first African-American governor if elected, decidedly out-dueled DeSantis in the first debate on Sunday night. But the Trump-backed candidate has new ammunition to fire at the Tallahassee mayor. Text messages made public on Tuesday about tickets to the Broadway musical Hamilton appear to contradict statements Gillum made during the first debate, the Sun-Sentinel reported . Questions surrounding the source of the tickets are part of an FBI probe into possible Tallahassee government corruption, in which Gillum is reportedly not the target of the investigation. Still, DeSantis used the FBI investigation to attack Gillum at Sunday’s debate. A poll released on Tuesday found that Gillum has a four-point lead over DeSantis, which could help to explain why DeSantis hasn’t hesitated to use race instead of ideas to defeat Gillum. Less than 24 hours after winning the GOP nomination in August, DeSantis blew a racist dog whistle when he warned Florida voters not to “monkey this up” by voting for Gillum. Not long after, white supremacists answered the whistle by sending out racist robocalls. Another series of robocalls attacking Gillum went out during Sunday’s debate. DeSantis has a long history of associating with white nationalists. Ahead of their first debate, Gillum called on DeSantis to stick to the issues. He’s made that request again. The Tallahassee mayor was head and shoulders above DeSantis on policy questions Sunday. For example, Gillum displayed his masterful knowledge on taxes and Medicaid , which are hot button issues for Floridians. SEE ALSO: 5 Takeaways From Stacey Abrams’ Superb Georgia Governor Debate Against Brian Kemp White Supremacists Release Anti-Andrew Gillum Robocall Featuring Monkey Sounds [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3832182″ overlay=”true”]
THE NBA, WHERE AMAZING HAPPENS. pic.twitter.com/Nez2nUWAlg — Aaron Wan-Bisscammer (@Nigerianscamsss) October 21, 2018 Chris Paul & Rajon Rondo Get Punchy At Lakers Opener King Bron’s long-awaited home opener as a Laker ended with a deliciously messy 4th quarter brawl sprinkled with spicy fisticuffs between Chris Paul and Rajon Rondo in a thrilling NBA moment that sent Twitter into a hilariously PETTY tizzy. This is the happiness I hope to have one day. pic.twitter.com/JE1wySDshl — Melissa (@melissalorin_) October 21, 2018 Peep the funniest (and PETTIEST) reactions to Chris Paul & Rajon Rondo’s spicy fisticuffs on the flip.
Darrin Klimek/Getty Images Charges Filed Against Fort Valley State Officials Over Alleged Prostitution Ring Official charges have been filed against two Fort Valley State University administrators in connection with an alleged prostitution ring. As previously reported, Alecia Johnson, a graduate member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a former executive assistant to the University’s President, was under investigation for allegedly pimping women to “pay” for pledging. She’s now been charged alongside one other former Fort Valley State University official and five others. The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that Johnson and six others are facing charges related to prostitution and sodomy dating to 2017. Johnson’s been charged with numerous crimes, including six counts of pimping and six counts of prostitution. They add that she was also charged with conspiring to steal a student’s book-scholarship money, awarded in October 2015. The other official named is Charles Jones, Fort Valley’s former chief legal counsel, who was charged with pandering and solicitation of sodomy. Fort Valley State has released a statement confirming that they’re cooperating with the investigation. “FVSU has promised its students that their safety and security is our first priority, and we fully support the application of the judicial process,” the statement says. “We have consistently and aggressively worked with the University System of Georgia and law enforcement to ensure that anyone who allegedly puts our students at risk is investigated thoroughly and expeditiously, and have advocated for the most appropriate standards to be applied.” Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the nation’s first black sorority founded 110 years ago, previously released a statement confirming that their own investigation was underway and condemned Johnson’s alleged actions. “These allegations are in no way representative of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s 110-year service-based mission or its nearly 300,000 members. We condemn these allegations in the strongest possible terms,” the statement said. SMFH, this is deplorable. We hope officials find out what really went down at this school.
Source: Mayweather vs McGregor Pre-Event VIP Party Red Carpet at T-Mobile Arena Featuring: Chance The Rapper Where: Las Vegas, Nevada, United States When: 26 Aug 2017 Credit: Judy Eddy/WENN.com Imagine if you get picked up by Lyft and the driver is Chance The Rapper . Such was the case when the Chicago MC got behind the wheel as “John” and spoke to riders about his love of music, taking chances and charity. Some passengers picked up who they were riding with right away, but most, not at all. The deception was for the worthiest of causes. If you use Round Up in the Lyft app the donated proceeds go to Chance’s the New Chance Fund which in turn supports Chicago Public Schools. And it’s legit, having recently announced they were blessing schools with even more money specifically for mental health services. Watch the blessings below.
M any activists paying attention to the treatment of Laquan McDonald ‘s shooting know that this case is still ongoing. A guilty verdict has come against Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke but other city department officers involved in the shooting were expected to soon face their judgment days. RELATED: ‘ Laquan McDonald Deserved Protection:’ National Black Police Association Reacts To Jason Van Dyke Conviction However, what will happen after Van Dyke’s moment of truth is rather clear: the 40-year-old man who jurors found guilty of second-degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery with a firearm after killing the 17-year-old teenager nearly four years ago will face countless years in prison. The former cop, who was being held in solitary lock up at Rock Island County Jail in Illinois, could be sentenced in excess of 96 years. He might be hit with consecutive six-year minimum sentences on each of 16 counts of aggravated battery and an additional consecutive prison term for whatever sentence Judge Vincent Gaughan hands down for his second-degree murder count, according to the Chicago Sun-Times . Van Dyke’s sentencing was scheduled for later this year, with much of the nation watching for the number of years of the prison term. While that was clear-cut, when the Chicago officers charged with conspiracy and covering-up facts in McDonald’s shooting will join him in prison was not yet clear. The next trial connected to Laquan McDonald's death will test the so-called “code of silence” in the Chicago Police Department https://t.co/ZNlZOFeirO — NYT National News (@NYTNational) October 10, 2018 The upcoming trial of three Chicago officer — former Detective David March , ex-Officer Joseph Walsh and Officer Thomas Gaffney — will put a magnifying glass on the hours and day after McDonald’s fatal shooting. Prosecutors will pick apart the officers’ stories during the proceeding, beginning on Nov. 26, in an effort to examine how fiction was sold as fact. March and Walsh, both now retired, played lead detective in the investigation and partner to Van Dyke, respectively. They, along with Gaffney, one of the first responding officers on that night Oct. 20, 2014, were charged with trying to shield Van Dyke from prosecution, blame and wrongdoing, which was shown via graphic dashcam video. Their defense couldn’t stop the wheels of justice in Van Dyke’s trial, which ended with him being held accountable for the unjustified killing. Activists have asked for March, Walsh and Gaffney to also be held accountable, as well as all other parties involved in the shooting. They want the blue wall of silence to come down. Aside from Van Dyke’s sentencing and the other officers’ trial, the Chicago Police Department will have to decide whether it will change how it interacts with Black communities. Trump’s Department of Justice may be vehemently opposing police reform but the demand and need for change won’t die down. The verdict in the Laquan McDonald case affirms the time is now for police to change how it interacts with Black communities. Cities across the US must implement strategies that change the way that police departments interact with Black communities. https://t.co/MrDZsBrFsT pic.twitter.com/MWTNyL6OSE — Shriver Center (@shrivercenter) October 14, 2018 SEE ALSO: Stacey Dash Reportedly Married Another Trump Worshiper Just 10 Days After They Met GOP Contender Seeking Al Franken’s Senate Seat Called Michelle Obama A ‘Chimp ‘ [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3831747″ overlay=”true”]
Amy Schumer did a lot more than just talk the talk in Washington, D.C. on Thursday. Or yell the yell, as the case may have been. The comedian, along with a handful of others, got detained and seemingly arrested while protesting the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh for one of nine seats on the U.S. Supreme Court. In a video that is making its way around the Internet, the 37-year-old is being led by a police officer toward a large group of protestors that were also being held while at the Hart Senate Office Building on Thursday. “You want to be arrested?” a cops asks Schumer and another woman as he points in the direction of a bigger group that is chanting with officers surrounding them. “Yes,” she replied. As you can see below, Schumer was wearing a green button-down shirt that read “This Today then #ERA” while attending the political event. Emily Ratajkowski was also arrested on Thursday, although we actually are not certain why just yet. Probably for disturbing the peace or trespassing. The mass protests in the nation’s capital this week were in reaction to the FBI concluding its investigation, which was launched after Dr. Christine Blasey Ford testified last week about her sexual misconduct allegation against Kavanaugh. Many familiar with the investigation believe it was severely limited in scope, as neither Kavanaugh nor Ford were interviewed by authorities. Neither were many witnesses who tried to contact the FBI in order to support Kavanaugh’s version of events. (She alleges that Kavanaugh held her down on a bed and tried to rape her during a small gathering in high school.) Tweeted Ratajkowski shortly her arrest: “Men who hurt women can no longer be placed in positions of power.” It’s seeming more and more likely, however, that such a statement will not hold true in the case of Kavanaugh, who is expected to be confirmed to the highest court in the land this weekend. Schumer also carried a sign that read throughout her protest that read “We Believe Anita Hill,” a reference to the woman who accused now-Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment in 1991. In a Twitter video shared by Young People For, Schumer can be seen giving a speech to those gathered in support of Kavanaugh and sexual assault victims everywhere. “Let’s stay together, let’s fight. Let’s keep showing up!” the star said to people cheering. Three women have come out and alleged that Kavanaugh acted in a very inappropriate manner with them, from Ford’s accusation of assault … to another woman claiming he pulled out his penis directly in front of her face… to another woman saying Kavanaugh was present while she was gang raped . As mentioned above, the protests took place as senators are preparing to submit their votes on Kavanaugh’s confirmation to Supreme Court justice. An initial vote of the Senate is scheduled for Friday, and a final vote will come over the weekend, according to USA Today and other reliable outlets.
E agerly anticipated sexual misconduct testimony against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh has overshadowed a similar hearing against a Black former lawmaker that is scheduled for the same day. See Also: HBCUs May Face Changes If Kavanaugh Is Confirmed To The Supreme Court The House Financial Services Committee will hear testimony Thursday (September 27) from a Federal Housing Finance Agency employee who accused her boss Mel Watt of making unwanted sexual advances, Politico reported. Simone Grimes said the former North Carolina congressman made advances during a conversation about her job and salary. This hearing comes as a third woman has accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct, the Guardian reported on Wednesday. Fannie-Freddie regulator Mel Watt and Simone Grimes, who has accused him of sexual harassment, plan to testify at the House Financial Services Committee on Thursday https://t.co/B5V4nvy1zt — Joe Light (@joelight) September 26, 2018 President Barack Obama appointed Watt in 2014 to oversee the independent agency that regulates Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the nation’s dominant mortgage-financing companies. Politico was first to report the sexual harassment allegations in July after obtaining documents and partial transcripts of tapes. In one instance, during a 2016 meeting about her job, Watt reportedly wanted to talk about his feelings for Grimes. And in a separate incident, he asked her, “If I kissed that one would it lead to more?” referring to a tattoo on her ankle. The former congressman denied wrongdoing. “I am confident that the investigation currently in progress will confirm that I have not done anything contrary to law. I will have no further comment while the investigation is in progress,” he stated in July when information about the alleged harassment was leaked. All eyes Thursday, however, will be on Christine Blasey Ford , the first woman to step forward and accuse Kavanaugh of sexual assault when they were in high school. A second woman, Deborah Ramirez , a Yale classmate of Kavanaugh’s, has also accused the nominee. The third woman, Julie Swetnick , alleged that she witnessed Kavanaugh at parties in high school drinking heavily and physically abusing girls, including attempting to remove or shift clothing to expose their body parts, according to the Guardian. Grimes already filed an Equal Employment Opportunity complaint. It’s unclear exactly when she filed it, but the federal government has 180 days to investigate allegations before she can file a lawsuit. SEE ALSO: Bill Cosby Spokesperson Defends Kavanaugh In Misguided ‘Sex War’ Speech Bill Cosby Doesn’t Deserve Your Sadness [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3828589″ overlay=”true”]
(Photo by: PYMCA/UIG via Getty Images) Strip Club Shut Down After Undercover Cops Found Drugs And Lap Dances Being Traded For Food Stamps The Ohio Liquor Control Commission revoked the liquor permit of a strip club called Sharkey’s Bar, after undercover investigators used food stamps in exchange for lap dances. According to the Dayton Daily News , Agent Michelle Thourot explained how agents began investigating Sharkey’s over a year ago were able to purchase drugs and lap dances using food stamp benefits during the investigation. For 5 months agents reportedly traded $2,404.87 in food stamps heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, cocaine, methamphetamines and lap dances from various dancers. Charges were filed against employees and club-goers for offenses such as drug trafficking, food stamp trafficking, aggravated shipment and distribution of heroin, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, and illegal sexual activity including an additional 44 charges of drug possession, drug sales, engaging in sexual activity, food stamp trafficking and solicitation.