THREAD: marijuana surpasses alcohol in daily use

UNIFORMS STIFLE Kids’ Exercise: Shocking Study Reveals School Dress Codes Hamper Daily Activity

21 February 2024 — A recent study featured in the Journal of Sport and Health Science has sparked concerns. It suggests that school uniforms might be negatively affecting children’s health. The research, spearheaded by the University of Cambridge, indicates that school uniform rules could prevent kids from achieving their daily exercise recommendations.

The study scrutinized data from over a million youths aged 5 to 17 years old spanning 135 countries. It discovered that in nations where school uniforms are common, fewer children reach the World Health Organization’s (WHO) suggested average of an hour of moderate-intensity activity daily.

In fact, only a mere 16% of students in countries with majority schools enforcing uniforms met this standard. This finding prompts questions about whether our conventional education system and its regulations might unintentionally promote a sedentary lifestyle among our young people.

While parents may deem uniforms handy, it is vital to ponder their broader effects on children’s health and well-being. As we battle escalating rates of childhood obesity worldwide, this research emphasizes the necessity for a balanced approach towards school policies.

ETHICS In QUESTION: Biden Under Scrutiny as Hunter’s Investigations Intensify

15 October 2023 — The ongoing investigations into Hunter Biden have begun to cast a significant shadow over President Joe Biden. The Justice Department, along with Republican members of Congress, are closely examining the president’s son for his alleged involvement in a criminal scheme with then-Vice President Biden. This comes alongside separate gun charges following the collapse of a plea deal on tax charges.

A recent poll indicates that 35% of U.S. adults believe the president has acted illegally, while 33% suspect unethical conduct. The investigation is spearheaded by House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH). Their goal is to establish a connection between Hunter’s business dealings with a Ukrainian oil and gas firm and his father during his vice presidency.

Hunter Biden has been indicted by special counsel David Weiss in relation to a gun purchase in October 2018. He stands accused of violating orders prohibiting drug users from owning guns and has pleaded not guilty to all three counts against him. There are clear differences in perception across party lines: only 8% of Democrats believe the president is guilty of crimes related to his son’s activities, compared with 65% of Republicans.

As these investigations and indictments continue, they fuel growing controversy around the Bidens. This raises serious concerns about ethics at the

ALARMING Surge in ANTISEMITIC Crimes: London Deploys Over 1,000 Officers Ahead of Rally

14 October 2023 — In response to a disturbing increase in antisemitic hate crimes, Scotland Yard has deployed over a thousand officers. This action precedes a pro-Palestinian rally planned for tomorrow. The extent of HAMAS support among London’s Muslim and secular radical populations is yet to be determined.

London’s Muslim community, which makes up about one-sixth of the city’s population, has grown to 1.3 million due to diversity and mass immigration policies by the two main political parties. In contrast, census data shows that the Jewish population has decreased to an estimated 265,000.

Following the deadly HAMAS attack on October 7 that took over 1,000 Jewish lives, numerous protests have erupted. As antisemitic incidents in Britain have escalated since the conflict began, two Jewish schools in London have decided to close until Monday.

Senior Officer Laurence Taylor noted a significant rise in antisemitic crimes compared with last year’s figures during the same period (30 September — 13 October). He mentioned that while Islamophobic incidents have also slightly increased, they are nowhere near as prevalent as the surge in antisemitism.

SHOCKING Upset: House Republicans DITCH McCarthy in Nail-Biting Vote

03 October 2023 — In an unexpected twist, the House has voted to strip McCarthy of his leadership role. The motion barely passed with a slim margin of 216-210. Among those who cast their vote for the removal were notable figures such as Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Ken Buck (R-CO), Tim Burchett (R-TN), Eli Crane (R-AZ), Bob Good (R-VA), Nancy Mace (R-SC), Matt Rosendale (R-MT), and Matt Gaetz.

The push to dethrone McCarthy was sparked by Rep. Tom Cole’s motion, which fell flat in the House despite backing from ten Republican members. Gaetz, outspoken about his choice, lambasted those who “cower and bow down to lobbyists and special interests.” He blamed them for draining Washington’s vitality and piling debt on future generations.

However, not all Republicans were on board with this decision. Cole cautioned that ousting McCarthy would “send us spiraling into chaos.” On the other hand, Rep. Jim Jordan lauded McCarthy’s stewardship as “unshakeable” and asserted he had fulfilled his commitments.

STOLTENBERG’S Pledge: NATO Commits a Whopping $25 Billion in Ammunition to UKraine Amid Russian Tensions

28 September 2023 — NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened on Thursday, amid rising tensions with Russia. Their meeting came on the heels of Russia’s allegations that Ukraine’s Western allies aided in a recent missile strike on the Black Sea Fleet’s base in Crimea.

Zelenskyy shared that Stoltenberg has committed to helping Ukraine secure more air defense systems. These are vital for safeguarding the nation’s power plants and energy infrastructure, which took a heavy hit during Russia’s aggressive attacks last winter.

Stoltenberg unveiled NATO contracts totaling 2.4 billion euros ($2.5 billion) for ammunition supplies destined for Ukraine, including Howitzer shells and anti-tank guided missiles. He stressed, “The stronger Ukraine becomes, the closer we get to halting Russia’s aggression.”

On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova alleged that resources from the U.S., U.K., and NATO facilitated the attack on their Black Sea Fleet headquarters. Yet these claims remain unbacked by concrete evidence.

ASIAN MARKETS in Chaos: Evergrande Crisis and Wall Street Woes Trigger Shockwaves

25 September 2023 — Asian stock markets experienced a significant downturn on Monday, with Tokyo standing as the sole major regional market to register gains. This follows on the heels of Wall Street’s most dismal week in half a year, which subsequently boosted U.S. futures and oil prices.

Investor confidence was shaken due to multiple factors including worries over China’s real estate sector, a potential shutdown of the U.S. government, and an ongoing strike by American auto industry workers. European markets weren’t spared either with Germany’s DAX, Paris’ CAC 40, and Britain’s FTSE 100 all experiencing a 0.6% drop.

China Evergrande Group saw its shares plummet nearly 22% after it disclosed its inability to secure additional debt due to an ongoing investigation into one of its subsidiaries. This revelation threatens the restructuring of its staggering debt that exceeds $300 billion. In response, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped 1.8%, Shanghai Composite index fell by 0.5%, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 managed to climb by 0.9%.

Elsewhere in Asia, Seoul’s Kospi dipped by 0.5%. On a brighter note though, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 managed to claw back some ground ending with a modest

ZELENSKY’S US Visit Ends in Disappointment: Biden Withholds ATACMS Commitment

23 September 2023 — During his recent visit to the United States, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky didn’t receive the public commitment he was hoping for. Despite meeting with key figures from Congress, the military, and the White House, Zelensky left without a promise of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) from President Joe Biden.

Ukraine has been in pursuit of these long-range missiles since last year as a deterrent against Russian aggression. The acquisition of such weapons would empower Ukraine to target command centers and ammunition depots deep within Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory.

Although the Biden administration announced new military aid worth $325 million during Zelensky’s visit, it did not include ATACMS. National security adviser Jake Sullivan mentioned that Biden hasn’t completely dismissed providing ATACMS in the future but made no formal announcements about this during Zelensky’s visit.

Contrary to this statement, unnamed officials later suggested that the U.S. would supply ATACMS to Ukraine. Yet no official confirmation came from the National Security Council. Simultaneously, defense representatives from nearly 50 countries gathered at Germany’s Ramstein Air Base for talks on Ukraine’s most pressing needs.

RUSSELL BRAND’s Career Hangs in the Balance: Sexual Assault Allegations Emerge

18 September 2023 — British comedian Russell Brand is facing serious allegations of sexual assault from multiple women. This has resulted in the postponement of his live performances and a severed relationship with his talent agency and publisher. The U.K. entertainment industry is now wrestling with whether Brand’s celebrity status protected him from accountability.

Brand, now 48, denies the accusations made by four women through a Channel 4 documentary and articles published in The Times and Sunday Times newspapers. Among these accusers is one woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted by Brand at age 16, while another claims he raped her in Los Angeles back in 2012.

The Metropolitan Police force has been notified of an alleged sexual assault that occurred in Soho, central London, back in 2003 — earlier than any assaults reported by media outlets so far. Although they did not directly name Brand as the suspect, police acknowledged the TV and newspaper allegations during their announcement.

In response to these serious allegations, Brand insists all his past relationships were consensual. As more women step forward with accusations against him, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesman Max Blain labeled these claims as “very serious and concerning.” Conservative legislator Caroline Nokes has called on British and U.S. law enforcement to investigate these alarming allegations.

SHOCKING: Buckingham Palace INTRUDER Apprehended in Daring Early Morning Arrest

17 September 2023 — A 25-year-old man was apprehended by London police on Saturday morning. The suspect is accused of trespassing the royal stables at Buckingham Palace, allegedly gaining entry by scaling a wall.

The Metropolitan Police Service arrested the intruder at precisely 1:25 a.m for violating the sanctity of a protected site. Post-arrest, he was escorted to a nearby police station where he remained until later in the morning.

Following an exhaustive search of the area, authorities located the man outside the royal stables. Police reports confirm that at no point did he infiltrate either the palace or its gardens.

At this incident’s occurrence, King Charles III was away in Scotland and does not currently reside in Buckingham Palace due to ongoing renovations.

HEROIC Lyft Driver PREVENTS Horrifying Child Sacrifice in Chicago

15 September 2023 — A child’s life in Chicago may have been spared due to the quick thinking of a Lyft driver. Jeremiah Campbell, aged 29, is now under arrest facing charges of attempted murder and child endangerment. This follows after the driver contacted police about Campbell’s disturbing comments regarding his intentions to sacrifice his own son.

The Lyft driver, who wishes to remain anonymous, immediately dialed 911 upon hearing Campbell discussing conspiracies and plans to offer his two-year-old son as a sacrifice to Jehovah. This alarming conversation took place during their journey towards Campbell’s home on South Shore Drive, located south of downtown Chicago.

Coinciding with the Lyft driver’s emergency call, an unidentified caller reported that a two-year-old boy had tragically drowned in a bathtub. Investigators believe these incidents are linked and are currently conducting further inquiries.

US, UK UNVEIL ‘20 Days in Mariupol’ to the WORLD: A Shocking Expose of Russia’s Invasion

11 September 2023 — The United States and Britain are shining a spotlight on the atrocities of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They’ve organized a U.N. screening of the acclaimed documentary “20 Days in Mariupol”. This film documents the experiences of three Associated Press journalists during Russia’s brutal siege on the Ukrainian port city. UK Ambassador Barbara Woodward stressed that this screening is vital, as it exposes how Russia’s actions challenge the very principles that U.N. upholds — respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Produced by AP and PBS series “Frontline”, “20 Days in Mariupol” presents 30 hours worth footage recorded in Mariupol after Russia launched its invasion on February 24, 2022. The film captures street battles, extreme pressure on residents, and deadly attacks that took innocent lives including pregnant women and children. The siege concluded on May 20, 2022 leaving thousands dead and Mariupol devastated.

U.S ambassador to U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield referred to “20 Days in Mariupol” as a vivid record of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war aggression. She called upon everyone to witness these horrors and recommit themselves towards justice and peace in Ukraine.

The AP’s coverage from Mariupol has drawn ire from Kremlin with its U.N ambassador

Morocco’s DEADLIEST Earthquake in a Century: OVER 2,000 Lives Lost and Rising

09 September 2023 — Morocco has been hit by its most powerful earthquake in 120 years. The devastating 6.8 magnitude quake has resulted in over 2,000 fatalities and severe structural damage. With rescue efforts ongoing, the death toll is feared to increase as remote areas remain inaccessible.

The quake’s destructive force was felt nationwide, causing extensive damage to ancient cities and isolated villages alike. Remote communities such as those in the Ouargane Valley have been cut off from the rest of the world due to power outages and disrupted cell service. Residents are left grieving for their lost neighbors while assessing their own losses.

In Marrakech, residents are fearful of returning indoors due to potential building instability. Notable landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque have sustained damage; however, the full extent is yet to be determined. Videos on social media show significant damage to parts of Marrakech’s iconic red walls that encircle the old city.

The Interior Ministry reports a death toll of at least 2,012 people mainly from Marrakech and nearby provinces close to the epicenter. Additionally, over 2,059 individuals were injured with more than half listed in critical condition.

AMERICAN CAVER Trapped: Unfolding Drama in Turkish Cave as Rescue Operation Faces Challenges

07 September 2023 — Mark Dickey, a seasoned American caver and researcher, is trapped deep within Turkey’s Morca cave. Located in the formidable Taurus Mountains, the cave has become Dickey’s unexpected prison nearly 1,000 meters below its entrance. During an expedition with fellow Americans, Dickey fell ill with severe stomach bleeding.

Despite receiving on-site medical attention from rescuers including a Hungarian doctor, his extraction from the constricted cave could take weeks. The complexity of the situation is due to both his condition and the challenging environment of the cold cave.

In a video message shared by Turkey’s communications directorate, Dickey expressed heartfelt gratitude towards both the caving community and Turkish government for their rapid response. He believes their efforts have been life-saving. While he appears alert in the video footage, he stressed that his internal recovery is still ongoing.

According to his affiliated New Jersey-based rescue group, Dickey has stopped vomiting and has been able to eat for the first time in days. However, what caused this sudden illness remains a mystery. The rescue operation continues under demanding conditions requiring multiple teams and constant medical care.

UNCOVERED: The SHOCKING Truth Behind Scott Johnson’s Mysterious Death in Australia

06 September 2023 — Scott Johnson, a bright and openly gay American mathematician, met an untimely death under a cliff in Sydney, Australia over three decades ago. Investigators initially deemed his death a suicide. However, Steve Johnson, Scott’s brother, doubted this conclusion and embarked on a long journey to seek justice for his brother.

A new four-part documentary series titled “Never Let Him Go” delves into the life and death of Scott. Produced by ABC News Studios in collaboration with Show of Force and Blackfella Films for Hulu, it also sheds light on Steve’s tireless quest to uncover the truth about his brother’s demise amidst Sydney’s notorious era of anti-gay violence.

Upon hearing about Scott’s passing in December 1988, Steve left the U.S. for Canberra, Australia where Scott resided with his partner. He then undertook a three-hour drive to Manly near Sydney where Scott died and met Troy Hardie — the officer who investigated the case.

Hardie insisted that he based his initial suicide verdict on evidence or lack thereof at the scene. He pointed out that authorities found Scott naked at the cliff base with neatly folded clothes and clear identification atop it. Additionally, Hardie mentioned speaking to Scott’s partner who disclosed that Scott had previously considered suicide.

ROYAL FANS and Adorable Corgis Pay Heartfelt Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in Unique Parade

05 September 2023 — In a touching tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, a small group of dedicated royal fans and their corgis gathered on Sunday. The event marked the one-year anniversary of the beloved monarch’s passing. The parade took place outside Buckingham Palace, reflecting Queen Elizabeth’s well-documented affection for this particular breed of dogs.

The unique procession included approximately 20 staunch monarchists and their festively attired corgis. Photos captured from the event portray these short-legged canines sporting various accessories such as crowns and tiaras. All dogs were leashed together near the palace gates, creating a picture-perfect homage to their royal fan.

Agatha Crerer-Gilbert, who orchestrated this unique tribute, expressed her aspiration for it to become an annual tradition. Speaking to Associated Press she said: “I can’t envision a more fitting way to honor her memory than through her beloved corgis...the breed that she cherished throughout her life.”

FLORIDA TEACHER’S Heartbreaking Death in Murder-Suicide Shocks Community

05 September 2023 — Maria Cruz de la Cruz, a beloved 51-year-old elementary school teacher, was tragically killed in a murder-suicide incident that unfolded in the quiet neighborhood of Palmetto Estates, Miami. The dreadful event occurred on Friday afternoon and left another victim injured. Detective Angel Rodriguez from the Miami-Dade Police Department has confirmed these chilling details.

For nearly a decade, Cruz had been an inspiring figure at Doral Academy K-8 Charter School where she passionately taught math. In her memory and to provide support for her bereaved family during this tragic period, a GoFundMe account has been established.

The male suspect involved in the incident remains unidentified. Before turning the gun on himself, he shot another man present at the house. Both victims were immediately transported to Jackson South Medical Center where Cruz succumbed to her fatal injuries while the condition of the second victim is yet to be disclosed by authorities.

Detective Rodriguez classified this horrifying event as a murder-suicide case and stated that “the investigation is ongoing”. Authorities are currently piecing together what led up to this heartbreaking occurrence that has left an indelible mark on their community.

OFF-GRID Tragedy: Colorado Family’s Dream Turns Deadly in Wilderness Survival Attempt

04 September 2023 — A heartbreaking tale has unfolded in Colorado as a family’s quest for off-grid living ended in disaster. Mother Christine Vance, her sister Rebecca Vance, and Rebecca’s teenage son were found lifeless at an isolated campsite. The women had sought solace from societal upheaval, but their wilderness survival skills proved fatally inadequate. Post-mortem examinations indicate that they fell victim to malnutrition and hypothermia.

Their remains were stumbled upon by a hiker in July amidst empty food containers and scattered survival guides. The trio had been subjected to harsh cold and heavy snowfall without sufficient supplies. Officials estimate that they had been dead for a considerable period when discovered.

Trevala Jara, the stepsister of the deceased women, was shattered by the news. She disclosed that the sisters started planning their off-grid adventure in fall 2021 due to dissatisfaction with pandemic politics and societal unrest. Although they weren’t conspiracy theorists, they felt driven to distance themselves from society.

Jara had bestowed her blessed rosary upon them before their ill-fated expedition — a rosary later found alongside the young boy’s lifeless body. Consumed by sorrow and remorse, Jara expressed regret over their decision to ignore her warnings against such dangerous isolation.

Louisiana Woman STABS GRANDFATHER in Hygiene Dispute

31 August 2023 — In a shocking incident, 22-year-old Carrington Harris of Keithville, Louisiana, was arrested for allegedly stabbing her grandfather in the face. The dispute arose over Harris’s hygiene habits, according to the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The argument escalated when Harris was asked to shower, leading to property damage and a power outage. Harris then reportedly retrieved a knife from the kitchen and stabbed her grandfather, before fleeing to the nearby woods.

Harris was later found by authorities and charged with one count of domestic battery abuse and one count of domestic battery abuse with a dangerous weapon. The grandfather, injured in the altercation, was swiftly taken to Willis-Knighton South by Caddo Parish Fire District 6.

Harris is currently held at the Caddo Correctional Center, with no bond set as of Thursday. The circumstances leading to the argument and Harris’s potential prior history with the police remain unclear.

UNC Campus Tragedy: Murder Suspect Tailei Qi Appears in Court

29 August 2023 — Tailei Qi, a Ph.D. student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, was arraigned on Tuesday. He is accused of fatally shooting associate professor Zijie Yan on Monday, which triggered a campus lockdown.

Qi, a 34-year-old Chinese national, is charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm on educational property. The court appearance saw him clad in an orange jumpsuit, with bond denied and a probable cause hearing set for September 18.

The devastating loss of faculty member Yan was lamented by UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz. “This shooting damages the trust and safety that we so often take for granted in our campus community,” he said in a press conference.

Qi’s charges include first-degree murder and possession of a weapon on educational property, as announced by the UNC Police Department. The incident marks a grave start to the new academic year for the UNC community.

California AG Fights ‘Forced Outing Policy’ in School District

29 August 2023 — California’s Attorney General, Rob Bonta, has launched a lawsuit against a school district’s controversial “forced outing policy” for transgender students. The Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education, serving around 26,000 students, recently implemented a policy mandating gender identity disclosure.

This policy obligates schools to inform parents if a student requests to use a different name or pronoun than their official records. It also requires parental notification if a student wishes to access facilities or programs that don’t align with their birth sex.

Bonta criticizes the policy, arguing it jeopardizes the well-being of non-conforming students. He emphasizes the importance of a school environment that promotes safety, privacy, and inclusivity for all students, regardless of their gender identity.