Azaelia Banks says she feels safer in Florida than in California. In a recent interview, she chastized the media for demonizing Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis.
Last week, The Guardian did an interview with Banks. They talked about many different topics, from Kanye West’s antisemitism to her recent move to Florida.
Her move is due to the pandemic. She began to see politics in Los Angeles as just shallow virtue signaling. She saw the city as something that only pretended to care about people. Banks saw the Black Lives Matter movement as something too narrow. Only worrying about black people while Latinos die due to them being considered social workers. She knew that if she was going to stay in LA, then she is going to die either from covid or depression. So she decided to move to Miami.
Why Banks chose Florida
According to Banks, the reason why she chose Miami is because of 3 reasons. People mind their business more in Florida, it is safer than LA, and because she gels with the politics that Desantis proclaims. She likes him because she feels that he has common decency.
DeSantis is a conservative Republican. Most of his actions within the political world have been conservative and applauded by other conservatives. He is currently in the running for the 2024 presidential elections. The big thing that DeSantis did that Banks would base her opinion, based on her comment, is the Individual Freedom Act (also known as the Stop WOKE Act). The act was designed to protect Floridians from discrimination and “woke indoctrinations”.
Azaelia Banks has decided to move to Miami, and it appears that she is happier there than over in California. That is the important thing. A happy artist makes more music, better. That is all fans can wish for.
We live in a world that is filled with frightening people. On Oct. 28, an intruder carrying a hammer broke into the Pelosi home in San Francisco and fractured House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s 82-year-old husband, Paul Pelosi. A broken skull necessitated surgery for Paul.
The 42-year-old intruder, David DePape, sought Nancy when he broke into the home. While sleeping in a pajama top and boxer shorts, Paul was awoken and startled by DePape’s presence. DePape was allegedly standing over him, holding a hammer and several white zip ties.
Even with all that has transpired, this incident raises a more significant issue. How is it possible to break into the house of a member of the political elite so easily and without being noticed?
Public figures must live with care since they are most likely at the forefront of people’s minds.
Furthermore, the Pelosi family was equipped with Ring security cameras. However, their effectiveness was limited to recording footage. As a result, neither DePape nor the authorities were alerted to DePape’s entry into the residence.
Iterate.ai’s Al Technology System
In today’s technological age, security cameras have become more sophisticated than ever before. In the world of Iterate.ai, talented individuals have developed AI technology that can identify items such as weapons, vests, and masks. The camera can also alert authorized personnel if anyone carries such items within the camera’s field of view.
A description of the capabilities and features of the camera. Credit: Threat Awareness | Iterate.ai
What Was DePape Planning To Do To Nancy?
Fortunately, Pelosi managed to call 911 before he was attacked by DePape, which was a great relief. However, the same cannot be said for everyone who has been in similar circumstances. In contrast, if DePape had attacked Nancy Pelosi first or if she had been present at the time of the assault, the outcome of this story may have been quite different.
Therefore, federal prosecutors have charged DePape with two federal crimes. As an example, Nancy Pelosi was attempted to be kidnapped, while a family member of a United States official was assaulted in retaliation.
An individual does not have to agree with the viewpoint of the next person. However, it should not be interpreted to mean that someone should engage in criminal activity as a response.
Moreover, authorities had said DePape was prepared to kidnap and detain Nancy and break her kneecaps when he went to her residence. The speaker was in Washington, D.C., during the break-in. Even though Paul was brutally attacked, Nancy’s life was spared because she was away from her residence.
Unfortunately, people fail to consider the implications of their actions at times. Due to her position as a government official, Nancy may be subject to surveillance and protection at all costs. With this in mind, why would anyone believe that they would be able to abduct her?
CEO Believes That His Company’s Services Will Reduce The Likelihood of Problems Occurring
Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI) technology developed by Iterate.ai should also be used by individuals, particularly civil servants, exposed to a greater risk of targeted violence.
Jon Nordmark, the CEO of Iterate.ai, maintains that no one should be left waiting for the worst-case scenario to unfold.
CEO of Iterate.ai, Jon Nordmark. Credit: Medium
“Today’s technological capabilities can increase the awareness of what’s happening on premises,” said Nordmark. In addition, it can “give people additional, life-saving seconds of time to hide or escape while authorities are immediately notified and better prepared for situations before they walk into them.”
Nancy Faces A Difficult Decision
In a recent CNN interview with Andrew Cooper, Nancy Pelosi stated that the brutal home invasion attack on her husband last month would influence her decision regarding her future position in the Democratic leadership of Congress.
It is unclear whether Speaker Pelosi, who police believe was the target of the man charged in the assault, will step down or remain in her leadership position.
The importance of controlling one’s emotions cannot be overstated. Also, seeking revenge against someone’s family cannot be justified.
Click here to view Iterate.ai’s website for more information about their services.
New Twitter owner Elon Musk posted an unfounded homophobic conspiracy theory Sunday morning. The theory in question comes from a website with a history of publishing false information.
Musk responded to Hillary Clinton when she tweeted a Los Angeles Times story about David DePape, the suspect in the attack on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband Paul. According to the article, DePape believed in and spread far-right conspiracy theories.
The Republican Party and its mouthpieces now regularly spread hate and deranged conspiracy theories. It is shocking, but not surprising, that violence is the result. As citizens, we must hold them accountable for their words and the actions that follow.https://t.co/MQor4NDFeE
Musk tweeted to Clinton at 8:15 a.m. Sunday morning, linking to a conspiracy theory from a website called the Santa Monica Observer. The article questioned the circumstances behind the attack on Paul Pelosi. “There is a possibility there might be more to this story than meets the eye,” Musk wrote. As of Sunday, the website is no longer accessible.
Elon Musk deleted the conspiracy-laden tweet by early Sunday morning. By then, it had around 24,000 retweets and 86,000 likes, and it was gaining more traction. The fact-checking site Media Bias/Fact Check called the Santa Monica Observer a “questionable source.” Their rating was due to “the routine publication of false and misleading information and use of poor sources.”
Musk did not respond to a request for comment. However, San Francisco police shared information with NBC News that contradicts the claims that Musk linked to. Though the Observer claimed that there may have been a third person in the Pelosi home, police said only two people- The Pelosis- were at home at the time of the attack.
Police also characterized the incident as a “violent break-in” and confirmed that Pelosi and the suspect didn’t know each other before the attack. This was also in contrary to claims by the Santa Monica Observer.
Robert Rueca, a public information officer for San Francisco PD, said on Sunday that the incident report will not be released while the investigation is active.
Myanmar military officials executed pro-democracy advocates Phyo Zeya Thaw, Ko Jimmy, Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw. The military sentenced the men, accused of terrorism, to death in January. Thaw and Jimmy appealed their sentences but lost in June. United Nations Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews said his heart goes out to their families. “These depraved acts must be a turning point for the international community,” he continued. Thaw’s mother spoke to the BBC’s Burmese Service and told reporters she talked to her son Friday, and he seemed happy.
That’s why I didn’t think they would kill him. I didn’t believe it.”
Neither Thaw’s wife, nor Jimmy’s family, received notice about the specifics of their loved one’s executions. On top of this, the families don’t have access to the bodies either. Myanmar military, or junta, seized power in February 2021, causing international criticism and widespread protest.
Phyo Zeya Thaw Inspired Social Change
Before his direct involvement in politics, Phyo Zeya Thaw, or Zayar Thaw, was a popular voice in Myanmar’s hip-hop scene. He, along with several others, founded Burma’s first hip-hop group Acid in the 2000s. He used his visibility to further his career in activism. As a result, Thaw spent six years behind bars for forming an illegal organization, Generation Wave. The group used non-violent methods to educate Burmese youth. In 2019, Thaw played a benefit concert in Australia for Myanmar’s “diaspora.” One of the event’s organizers, Sophia Sarkis, heard of the death sentence he received and was appalled. One of the offenses Thaw and co. are accused of includes financing terrorism and plotting to commit acts of terrorism involving explosives. Sarkis said this was an intimidation tactic and that Thaw wouldn’t possess those kinds of weapons. She called for protest, but despite her best efforts, the execution continued.
Ko Jimmy’s Legacy
Outspoken writer Ko Jimmy, birth name Kyaw Min Yu, has a long history of taking political risks. He spent 15 years in prison for participating in the Burma Riots of 1988. His wife, Nilar Thein, did 10 years. He was arrested again in 2008 and then released in 2012 alongside Thein, after protesting the rising costs of fuel during the Saffron Revolution. After the news of his death hit, Khin Zaw Win Director of the Tampaida Institute said, “He [Kyaw Min Yu] fought for the country… I’m sorry for the loss of our comrade. The fascists do things the fascist way. We will continue our fight for democracy.”
Kyaw Min Yu), released from prison, and his wife Nilar Thein, released from Thar Yar Waddi prison, carry their daughter as they arrive in Yangon, Myanmar. Reuters/Soe Zeya Tun.
Myanmar’s military seized power from the pro-democracy leader, and friend of Phyo Zeya Thaw, Aung San Suu Kyi. As of June 2022, she remains in custody. General Min Aung Hlaing leads the junta. According to Amnesty International, there are now 100 detainees set to be executed. The last execution happened in the late 1980s. Acting Director for Asia’s Human Rights Watch Elaine Pearson said the executions were an act of “utter cruelty.” Phyo Zeya Thaw leaves behind fiancé Thazin Nyunt Aung, and Kyaw leaves behind a wife—Nilar Thein—and daughter Nay Kyi Min Yu.
Brittney Griner during a hearing in a Russian court. Image source: Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP via Getty Images.
A lawyer representing WNBA star Brittney Griner revealed a vital detail about her case this week. Is this the smoking gun to save Brittney?
Brittney’s Battle
In February, a simple vial of hash oil had landed Brittney Griner in a Russian prison; she has been staying there ever since. Now, she’s still fighting for her life overseas after months of failed efforts to get her back on American soil. With the current political strife between Joe Biden and Russian president Vladimir Putin, many believe Griner has gotten herself into an impossible jam. However, a recent revelation made by her lawyer may change her fate.
This past Friday (Jul 15), a drug possession trial was held for the Phoenix Mercury player in Russia. During the trial, a U.S. doctor presented a prescription letter suggesting Brittney Griner medical cannabis for fatigue.
Following Griner’s initial arrest in Sheremetyevo Airport, the former Olympian has been through a legal and emotional rollercoaster. The container of cannabis oil found in Griner’s luggage by Airport officials carries a hefty price. She faces up to 10 years in prison if found guilty of transporting drugs.
In addition to the prescription, another revelation made during last week’s trial is Brittney Griner’s intent with the hash oil. According to the 31-year-old, she had absolutely no criminal motives. Instead, she only had the containers due to packing sloppily for her upcoming season with the UMMC Ekaterinburg basketball team. Regardless of this defense, Griner is still pleading guilty. She’ll still have to rely mainly on written testimony testifying her excellent character to avoid conviction.
Culture Shock
The issue, of course, is that medical marijuana isn’t legal in Russia. The Eastern European nation has a notably strict policy concerning the popular drug. It’s worth noting that the Russian government and the public seem to oppose the recreational substance completely. In a 2018 phone survey of 1,600 Russians, 89% don’t approve of the decriminalization of cannabis, while only 8% support it. This philosophy is shared by younger and older generations in the former Soviet state. The same survey discovered only 17% of Russian 18-24-year-olds support cannabis legalization.
Brittney Griner during a hearing in Russian court today, holding a photo of fellow WNBA players wearing her number and name on jerseys during the second half of the All-Star Game.
In a viral photo, Griner sits in a cage while holding a printed picture of her teammates wearing her name in solidarity. Last week’s All-Star Game image symbolizes the WNBA’s avid support for the Phoenix center.
Meanwhile, Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and lawyer Maria Blagovolina are trying desperately to get Britney back home. Blagovolina defended Griner in court this Friday, citing the excuse from her doctor and a recent negative doping test. “The attending physician gave Brittney recommendations for the use of medical cannabis,” she argued. “The permission was issued on behalf of the Arizona Department of Health.”
Britney will have to fight for her freedom again in her next hearing on Jul 26.
Making the Deal for Griner
A clear interest in prisoner swaps recently also appeared on the Russian end of the negotiations. Russian firearm salesman Viktor Bout is being thrown out as a possible candidate for an exchange. The arms trader, also known as “the merchant of death,” is currently in an American prison serving 25 years on conspiracy charges and providing materials to terrorists. Indeed a much less victimless set of convictions than Brittney Griner’s prescription vape pen.
Truly, Griner is in a rough situation. Her arrest comes at an awful time as tensions between the U.S. and the Russian government continue to grow daily. Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict has severely damaged the relationship between both governmental bodies. The word is that this predominantly affects the stall in negotiating Griner’s case. In addition, Russian officials aren’t happy with Griner’s classification as wrongfully detained since it causes more supervision and publicity on her case than usual. The social media storm and the criticism Russia has faced surrounding the situation have also hindered negotiations.
U.S. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov also confirmed this. He addressed the online anti-Russia comments, saying they make it “difficult to engage in the detailed discussion of any possible exchanges.” When prodded about the option of trading Griner for Bout, he gave a more vague answer. “there are no formal or procedural reasons to talk about any further steps.” He said.
Britney Griner’s stint in a Russian jail expanded to Dec 20. With all these factors against her, she needs more support stateside than ever. Although her lawyers have said they foresee the trial closing in early August, this may be just the beginning for Britney.
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the longest-serving person to hold the office, died. Shinzo Abe died following a shooting during a campaign speech. The shooting took place in the city of Nara. A gunman shot Former Prime Minster Abe while delivering a campaign speech. The speech supported Sanshirō Matsuyama. Matsuyama is a candidate for the Liberal Democratic Party, which is the party Abe belonged to. Shinzo Abe later died in a hospital from the wounds.
The Attack
Reports indicate that two bullets struck Abe in the neck. Afterward, security officials tackled and restrained the gunman. Police later arrested Yamagami. The perpetrator of the attack is currently in custody.
The Identity of Abe’s Killer
The attacker’s identity is Tetsuya Yamagami. He admitted to attacking former Prime Minister Abe. Yamagami also provided a motive for his assassination. Yamagami claimed he killed Shinzo Abe for his ties to a “specific organization.” However, it is currently unknown exactly what organization Yamagami meant in his statement. Japanese authorities are investigating the intricacies of Yamagami’s stated reason for the attack.
Authorities confirmed that Yamagami attacked with what they described as a homemade gun. There have also been reports of other similarly described weapons in Yamagami’s residence. Japan’s implementation of strict gun laws is a likely reason for Yamagami’s use of a homemade firearm.
Remembering Shinzo Abe
Shinzo Abe served as Japan’s longest-tenured Prime Minster. First, he served from 2006 until 2007. Following this, he served from 2012 until his retirement in 2020. Following his death, many world leaders remarked on the tragedy. These voices include Boris Johnson, South Korean President Yun Suk-yeol, and the current Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida.
Many Japanese social media users also took to their accounts to denounce the attacker’s violence. Japanese citizens are understandably worried about the effects of this attack. Calls for peace have been standard in the hours after the event. Japan and the world hope their calls for peace affect change.
Texas has made its way further down the naughty list. In light of recent events that happened in the lone star state, Texas State Legislator Representative Bryan Slaton has proposed a new bill that proposes to ban minors from attending drag shows in the state. The proposal comes from a viral video showing kids at a drag show that was deemed family-friendly. Protestors believe that it is a knock-off of a Champagne Drag Brunch. Kids were allowed to dance with the performers on stage, hence the comparison.
Videos of The Drag Shows
Other than dancing with children, another video shows the Drag Queens taking dollar bills from children, dancing with them and walking down the aisle in the center of the room. There was also a sign that read “It’s not gonna lick itself!” Slaton then went on Twitter to express his thoughts on the “horrifying” event. “The events of this past weekend were horrifying and show a disturbing trend in which perverted adults are obsessed with sexualizing young children,” Slaton said. “I will be filing legislation to address this issue in the new #txlege.” See the full tweet below.
Drag shows are no place for a child.
I would never take my children to a drag show and I know Speaker Dade Phelan and my Republican colleagues wouldn’t either.
Productive conversations about the topic are currently happening and will see if the bill would be passed in the near future.
Other Texas Laws
Along with this proposed bill, Texas recently passed its controversial anti-abortion law. The law gave Texas a whole new look, even having artists almost not go through with their scheduled shows. At the Austin City Limits Music Festival last year, headliner Billie Eilish spoke about the law during her set and expressed that she almost didn’t want to perform at the festival after the law was passed. She continued to say that it is not the people within the state, but the court system itself. “But then I remembered it’s you guys who are the fucking victims and you guys deserve everything in the world. And we need to tell them to shut the fuck up! My body, my fucking choice,” said Eilish.
Slaton also requested to ban gender transitioning for minors last year. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services now treats sex-change surgeries for minors as child abuse. This includes chemical procedures, mastectomies and transition counseling.
“Man, I’ve been listening to some of you politicians and some of y’all n-ggas dumb as fuck, like stupid as fuck,” 2 Chainz said in a social media clip. He was responding to some politician’s commentary about the unfortunate murders of roughly 19 children & two adults at a Texas elementary school on Tuesday (May 24). He brings up a good point about how intelligence can be wrongly perceived. Like Chainz, a few other artists are speaking out on politics following the tragedy. Watch the full Instagram story video of 2 Chainz down below:
The politician Ronny Jackson thinks Hip-Hop’s impact on children is absolutely negative. He says, “And I just think that kids are exposed to all kinds of horrible stuff nowadays, too. I look back and I think about the horrible stuff that they hear when they listen to rap music…” While Hip-Hop isn’t a perfect genre, it’s sad to see how it’s unfairly used negatively. News outlets make rap music a target all the time and cover the genre poorly. Do you think there’s any truth in his reasoning? Watch Ronny Jackson’s full interview on Fox:
Do You Agree With 2 Chainz & His Stance On Politicians?
2 Chains disses politicians while bringing up a valid point and argument. There is the perception many people share about suits being equal to smarts. That’s not the case between 2 Chainz pointing it out & a congressman blaming Hip-Hop for the Texas school shooting. Chainz speaks for a large majority of people with the same problems as politicians. Ted Cruz, another politician, thinks the answer is easier than it actually is. “That n-gga Ted, Ted Cruz said God damn lock the back door next time. He said to prevent what happened, have the back door locked,” Chainz directed at Ted Cruz. Read more of FM Hip-Hop’s featured articles today.
Last month, Donald Trump attended a rally in Delaware, Ohio, to support his preferred candidates in the Buckeye State. Among them is J.D. Vance, who won the Republican Party’s nomination to serve in the United States Senate. Trump departed from his prepared remarks on numerous occasions during his speech. In addition, he heaped praise on J.R. Majewski, a local man who painted Trump murals on his lawn.
“He’s been out there, and he’s been farming, and he’s been carving the name Trump … carving the name Trump into his farm and those plains, we pass over that farm,” Trump said. “He’s a great guy, and he’s in there fighting for whatever the hell he’s fighting for. I don’t care. I love him.”
Majewski runs for Congress in the Ohio 9th District, which Trump did not mention. As a result, J.R. triumphed over a field that included several state representatives to win the Republican primary for Ohio’s 9th District on Tuesday night.
Majewski Is A Trump Loyalist
Majewski’s loyalty to Trump goes far beyond his property. Last year, he attended a rally called “Stop the Steal,” which took place before the attack on the Capitol. Additionally, he is a member of QAnon, an Air Force veteran, and a MAGA rapper.
this is jr majewski, who just won the gop nomination for congress in ohio last night, "rapping" his verse of "let's go brandon." i can't. (h/t @daveweigel) pic.twitter.com/NHlls51HQV
“Joe is focused on ice cream while he’s crappin’ his pants,” Majewski raps, among other lines regarding wakingness, and calls for a wall along the border. Even though the rhymes are awful and Majewski is wearing a “Let’s Go Brandon” shirt and loose-fitting cargo shorts, the message is equivalent to that of the Republican Party going into the midterm elections.
Here is a look at the painted surface that received the praise of Trump last month. It is a large lawn, not a “farm and those plains.”
Stopped by that one Ohio neighborhood where the guy painted his whole lawn for Trump pic.twitter.com/TTvB9IVbyf
On Tuesday, Majewski’s primary victory was considered a surprise. However, it probably should not have been a shock. Conservatives in the modern era have become accustomed to outrageous displays of support for Trumpism and the casual repetition of culture-war talking points. In this fashion, J.D. Vance won the party’s endorsement for the Senate (but in more formal clothing, without rapping, and with the help of Tucker Carlson). Also, Majewski has taken a step toward becoming a member of Congress.
Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur has represented Ohio’s 9th district since the early 1980s, but a recent change by Republicans leaves it at risk. According to the New York Times, Trump would have received three percentage points more in the newly drawn 9th district. So there’s a reasonable chance Majewski may ride his tractor to Washington.
Azealia Banks at the photoshoot for Elle Russia. Image source: Reddit.
Azealia Banks says on IG stories, “this is so politically incorrect but.”
And then you lose yourself in the stream of edgy free-thinking. Azealia’s flight of thought is really broad. From “Putin is my favorite villain” to “deport all the white South Africans to Australia.”
Image source: Instagram.
It’s actually funny how most of Vladimir Putin’s supporters worldwide are also into deporting certain groups of people.
Back to Azealia, though, she now seems a war expert.
Azealia’s Analytics
“Ukraine should really just rejoin the USSR,” Banks informs us, while it’s unclear whether she knows that USSR doesn’t exist.
While you can probably guess the overall message Azealia has to share, her rant offers many exciting takes. Apparently, the reason for today’s war and, you know, the Russian army killing Ukrainian kids is the “bullshit scheme a DEAD cracker (Reagan) put together.”
Meanwhile, America should let Vladimir Putin’s state freely commit war crimes and bomb civilian objects in Ukraine. “We don’t even drink real juice here, eat sick animals, and are sex addicts,” Azealia explains.
Image source: Instagram.
“I’m still being punished in adulthood for things I said as a kid and have repeatedly apologized for,” Azealia complained just two months ago. I wonder why.
Mutual Interest?
Azealia Banks is famous for admittedly boiling her dead cat. While the artist claims she did the procedure for taxidermist purposes, there’s also no other proof of what happened.
A fresh investigation from the Russian news outlet Proekt reveals that the Russian president also uses animals for non-orthodox practices. Such include the baths in antler blood.
By the end of the 2000s, the Russian president “was starting to think more about his health, immersed himself in a bathtub containing an odorant extract from blood-filled deer antlers.”
Antlers live in Altai and have really fast-growing horns. Their horns supposedly contain extracts that help your blood pressure and make you look younger. Apart from the fact that it’s a bloodbath, the only issue is that the antlers have to suffer an excruciating procedure to get the extract from the antlers’ horns.
The government officials close to Putin claim that he liked the procedure, regardless of the fact there’s no scientific proof of its help. The president’s concerns about ruling the country for a little longer are more severe than the science. Or animals’ suffering. Or people’s.
