If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. A US- and EU-funded initiative is offering significant financial incentives to media professionals across Central Asia, with the stated aim of combating so-called “disinformation” and “hate speech.” Operating under the banner of CARAVAN (Cultivating Audience Resilience through Amplification of Vibrant and Authentic Narratives), the program is spearheaded by Internews, an organization with deep ties to US government funding and has previously been funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The new grant program invites collaborative teams from at least two Central Asian countries to submit content proposals, which, if selected, could receive up to €10,000 in support each. This cross-border framework appears to be a strategic move to reinforce regional narratives under the guidance of external influence while claiming to encourage regional integration and unity. Participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan are eligible for direct project funding, while in Uzbekistan, funding will be disbursed as fellowships for individual applicants. Projects are to be carried out over 8 to 11 months, depending on the country. Framed as a push for media innovation, the competition is open to a range of entities; from NGOs and media outlets to freelancers and bloggers. The catch: applicants must be legally registered in their home countries, and willing to partake in training sessions that align with Internews’ standards of what qualifies as ethical journalism. The topics encouraged under the program include regional economic ties, environmental and climate issues, and geopolitical developments. At the same time, content is expected to serve the broader objective of fostering “peace, tolerance, and shared values;” buzzwords frequently employed in campaigns that aim to narrow the spectrum of acceptable discourse. While Internews positions this initiative as a means to improve access to reliable information and empower communities, its goals of “countering false information” and reducing “hate speech” signal a deeper ambition: regulating the flow of content under the pretext of safeguarding the public. Applicants must already have at least one year of experience and possess the technical skills to realize their proposals. Their work must also be published through established media platforms or social media. The program’s emphasis on “originality” and “social impact” appears designed to mask a more subtle intent: reshaping media ecosystems through gatekeeping, all while touting pluralism. USAID has previously had its fingerprints all over the media landscape and has been a major funder of Internews. And while USAID has been suspended by the current Trump administration, the funding of Intrnews appears to be continuing. If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The post US and EU Funnel Cash to Combat “Disinformation” and “Hate Speech” appeared first on Reclaim The Net.

University Professors Explain the Problems with the Woke, Elitist Democratic Party

Star Wars actor and Jimmy Kimmel Live! guest host Diego Luna ditched the jokes on Monday’s ABC show in favor of a solemn monologue that attacked President Trump for deporting illegal immigrants, seemed to conflate illegal and legal immigration, denigrated native-born Americans, and spread some fake news. Towards the end of his talk, Luna admitted, “I have never been able to fully understand how it is that someone like Donald Trump is able to acquire this level of power. I always struggle to understand how his hate speech can take root in a country whose nature has always been a welcoming one.” Perhaps that is because he cannot tell the difference between entering the country illegally versus legally, “Today, many people are feeling persecuted. Far too many people live in fear, fear of taking their kids to school or going to the places where they earn an honest living.”     Luna also claimed, “These people—they're your neighbors, your friends. Immigrants. This is very unfair. Let me tell you why. The multiple times that this country has had to rebuild itself, immigrants were always there to pick up the slack. Earlier this year when LA burned, immigrant workers risked their lives to stop the flames.” When Luna was talking about the wildfires, he put up an image of these supposed immigrants, but there was just one problem: the picture was of Mexican Army firefighters sent on a humanitarian mission promoting good neighborliness. The Mexican flag patch on their right shoulders should’ve made that clear. Nevertheless, Luna rolled right along, “They are the ones who build this country. They feed it. They nurture and teach its children. They care for the elderly, they work in construction, hospitality, they run kitchens. They're technicians, merchants, athletes, drivers, farmers. They pay a lot of taxes, a lot of them with their jobs, papers or no papers. In 2022, undocumented immigrants contributed around $96.7 billion worth of taxes.” Are immigrants technicians, merchants, athletes, drivers, and farmers? Yes, but so are native-born Americans, and if Luna doesn’t want to breed resentment towards immigrants, putting them on a higher pedestal is a terrible way to do that. Still, Luna continued to talk as if immigration and illegal immigration are the same thing, “But that is something that the Trump administration doesn't want you to know. There are a lot of lies flying around about immigrants, but I'm sure you have more than one story that can attest to the contrary. Talk about it, share it. That helps. Today they need to know they're not alone. These have been a dark few weeks.” All of this led Luna to the conclusion that the problem is that illegal immigrants have not been granted legal status, “It is not acceptable nor is it normal to separate families. Violence and terror are not okay. Immigrants need to know that their struggle is yours as well. Politicians have been dozing on this problem because it's easier than acknowledging it, because this country benefits from the work of immigrants but refuses to recognize their importance. That is what needs to change. It's about acknowledging the work of millions, and how unfair it is that they have to live in hiding. The only solution is as clear now and it's been for decades, give them a path to legal certainty.” On the contrary, teasing that possibility is what encourages people to come illegally in the first place. The United States is a welcoming country, but people’s generosity has been taken advantage of by criminals and people looking to cheat the system. Here is a transcript for the June 23 show: ABC Jimmy Kimmel Live! 6/23/2025 11:42 PM ET DIEGO LUNA: I have never been able to fully understand how it is that someone like Donald Trump is able to acquire this level of power. I always struggle to understand how his hate speech can take root in a country whose nature has always been a welcoming one. Today, many people are feeling persecuted. Far too many people live in fear, fear of taking their kids to school or going to the places where they earn an honest living.  These people— they're your neighbors, your friends. Immigrants. This is very unfair. Let me tell you why. The multiple times that this country has had to rebuild itself, immigrants were always there to pick up the slack. Earlier this year when LA burned, immigrant workers risked their lives to stop the flames.  They are the ones who build this country. They feed it. They nurture and teach its children. They care for the elderly, they work in construction, hospitality, they run kitchens. They're technicians, merchants, athletes, drivers, farmers. They pay a lot of taxes, a lot of them with their jobs, papers or no papers. In 2022, undocumented immigrants contributed around $96.7 billion worth of taxes.  But that is something that the Trump administration doesn't want you to know. There are a lot of lies flying around about immigrants, but I'm sure you have more than one story that can attest to the contrary. Talk about it, share it. That helps. Today they need to know they're not alone. These have been a dark few weeks. It is not acceptable nor is it normal to separate families. Violence and terror are not okay. Immigrants need to know that their struggle is yours as well. Politicians have been dozing on this problem because it's easier than acknowledging it, because this country benefits from the work of immigrants but refuses to recognize their importance. That is what needs to change. It's about acknowledging the work of millions, and how unfair it is that they have to live in hiding. The only solution is as clear now and it's been for decades, give them a path to legal certainty.

Jay Trombley — a member of CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan — told WXYZ-TV he initially thought the noise he heard during Sunday's service was something "mechanical."Trombley recalled to the station that he "turned to see people running" and "asked them through a door what had happened."'The one thing that always has been in the back of my mind — the question: "If I hear that noise, will I run to it, or will I run from it?" And I answered that question yesterday.'A young woman told him "AR-15" and pointed to where the noise was coming from, and Trombley told WXYZ that he "headed in that direction."As a volunteer member of the church's security team, Trombley and the team's other members immediately went to work.Police said 31-year-old Brian Anthony Browning of Romulus, Michigan, was wearing camouflage clothing and a tactical vest, was armed with an AR-15-style rifle, and had more than a dozen fully loaded magazines as well as a semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.Browning also was firing at the church, police said.Police said a church member driving a pickup truck hit Browning. Senior Pastor Bobby Kelly Jr. told the Detroit News that the church member actually drove over the suspect: "He was run over by one of our members who saw this happening when he was coming into church."RELATED: Blaze News original: 15 examples of good guys — and gals — with guns taking care of business in life-or-death situations Police told Blaze News that this photo shows the vehicle a church member used to hit the shooting suspect. Photo by Emily Elconin/Getty ImagesWhat's more, the gunman shot at the vehicle repeatedly, Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong told the Detroit Free Press at a news conference Sunday evening.Police said the church security team locked the church's front doors and exchanged gunfire with the suspect outside. Police said a member of the security team shot and killed the suspect. First responders pronounced the suspect dead after performing lifesaving measures, police said.One member of the church's security team was shot in the leg and taken to a hospital, where he was last listed in stable condition after a successful surgery, police said. The wounded security team member did not fire a weapon at the gunman, Deputy Chief Finley Carter III told Blaze News, adding that he was one of three security team members involved.Kelly told the Detroit News that the attacker didn't enter the church building, but several shots were fired into the church. Carter added to Blaze News that police haven't yet determined how many rounds the gunman fired. No other church members were hurt, the Detroit News added.WXYZ said Browning attended a few services at the church where his mother was baptized, but the station added that it's unclear why he chose to carry out a mass attack there.Trombley knows one thing: The suspect's act was "evil.""We found out that evil came to our door, but God's hand of protection was right over us," Trombley told WXYZ. "So many things happened that can only be God-driven: The parishioner shows up late to engage him with this pickup truck to slow him down; a double-pane window stopped five rounds. ... God's hand was protecting me."The station added that Trombley is "coming to terms with the reality that the cost of saving lives Sunday was taking one.""I realize what happened yesterday, what my actions did," Trombley told WXYZ before a lengthy, thoughtful pause. "You know, I will reconcile with the Lord on a time for that, you know. I was protecting his people.""The one thing that always has been in the back of my mind — the question: 'If I hear that noise, will I run to it, or will I run from it?' And I answered that question yesterday," he added to the station.WXYZ said Trombley doesn't view himself as a hero, but rather a guardian protecting his family — and the members of CrossPointe Community Church are his family. Check out his interview with the station titled "Church security guard speaks out after shooting and killing armed man" below.RELATED: 15-year-old girl named as shooter who killed at least 2 at Christian school, police say CrossPointe issued the following statement about the shooting on its website:On Sunday, June 22nd at approximately 11:15am, an armed gunman attempted to bring about maximum casualties during our worship service. But instead of having to report massive losses, we are grateful to God that there was only one member of our security team who suffered a leg injury caused by the gunfire. As details emerge, we are seeing God’s hand of protection more clearly in how what could have been, simply wasn’t. There are many heroes, both men and women who acted bravely and selflessly to prevent an all out catastrophe. Among these were the members of our security team who engaged the suspect and subdued the threat. There is also the church member who was divinely positioned to see the assailant approaching the church in full tactical gear, including an assault rifle, and acted swiftly to hit him with his truck, injuring him. This action kept the gunman from ever entering the building and gave our security team extra needed seconds to respond. Glory to God! To the Wayne Police, EMS, and Fire, along with the other localities that arrived on scene, thank you for your very swift response to secure the scene and offer support and comfort as we tried to catch our breath from this attack.Lastly, we are extremely encouraged by the response from several local churches, grief counseling agencies, and community programs who have reached out to assist. We will be taking advantage of as much as we can to help us move forward. But most importantly, thank you all for your many prayers. They are much needed at this time. Please pray for our healing, the strengthening of our faith, and the continued bond of unity brought about through this shared traumatic experience, and for the family of Brian Browning. They are hurting too.Through all of this, know that we will continue to declare the gospel of Jesus Christ with boldness and clarity so that people, including the Brian Brownings of the world, can learn that we can all be forgiven if we repent from our sins and place our faith in Jesus Christ, who is forever praised, amen.A Wayne resident recalled to Blaze News the sounds of the shooting, noting that what actually was happening wasn't immediately apparent to him."I heard everything," the man recounted to Blaze News on the condition of anonymity, adding, "I was in my backyard and heard loud noises coming from the church."The resident — who was just a few hundred feet from the church — added to Blaze News he "thought it was construction" and "then I go to my job and see police cars." He added that he later learned the details of the shooting and that it was "really sad.""I know people who go to the church," the man told Blaze News, adding that they're dealing with some trauma but are managing it.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

President Donald Trump can't help but make fun of the latest impeachment efforts launched by Democratic lawmakers. Democrats are once again in disarray amid Trump's ongoing involvement in the Middle East, with several lawmakers, like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Rep. Al Green of Texas, calling for impeachment. In true Trump fashion, the president poked fun at Democrats for their latest meltdown. 'Stupid AOC, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, one of the "dumbest' people in Congress, is now calling for my Impeachment.'RELATED: Republican senator makes a stunning admission: 'I can't be somebody that I'm not' — (@) "The President’s disastrous decision to bomb Iran without authorization is a grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers," Ocasio-Cortez said in a Saturday post on X. "He has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations. It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment.""I believe that the president of the United States has committed an impeachable act," Green said in a floor speech Tuesday. "Later today, I bring articles of impeachment to the floor, and I will call for a vote."Trump's attack against Iran prompted outrage from other high-profile Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. RELATED: DOD reveals stunning new details following Trump's attack on Iran Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images"President Trump misled the country about his intentions, failed to seek congressional authorization for the use of military force and risks American entanglement in a potentially disastrous war in the Middle East," Jeffries said in a statement Saturday. "The law requires the Trump administration to consult with Congress," Schumer said in an X post Monday. "The Constitution demands it. And the American people—especially the families of those in harm’s way—deserve nothing less."Notably, all congressional leadership was briefed on the Iran strikes that took place over the weekend, despite claims from Democrats that they were left in the dark. RELATED: Praise, prayers, and impeachment: Reactions pour in following US attack on Iran Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images Trump took to Truth Social to troll Democrats, taunting them for bringing forth another impeachment effort. "Stupid AOC, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, one of the 'dumbest' people in Congress, is now calling for my Impeachment, despite the fact that the Crooked and Corrupt Democrats have already done that twice before," Trump wrote on Tuesday. "The reason for her 'rantings' is all of the Victories that the U.S.A. has had under the Trump Administration. The Democrats aren’t used to WINNING, and she can’t stand the concept of our Country being successful again.""Instead of her constant complaining, Alexandria should go back home to Queens, where I was also brought up, and straighten out her filthy, disgusting, crime ridden streets, in the District she 'represents,' and which she never goes to anymore," Trump added. "She better start worrying about her own Primary, before she thinks about beating our Great Palestinian Senator, Cryin’ Chuck Schumer, whose career is definitely on very thin ice!"She and her Democrat friends have just hit the Lowest Poll Numbers in Congressional History, so go ahead and try Impeaching me, again, MAKE MY DAY!" he concluded.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Bill Maher advised Democrats to "do something" about "The View" after co-host Whoopi Goldberg made a controversial remark that compared Iran to the United States of America. Meanwhile, a GOP representative blasted Goldberg for attempting to compare life in the United States with life in Iran. Last week, Goldberg stirred the pot by claiming that living under the brutal Iranian theocratic regime isn't much different from black people living in the United States.'"The View" isn’t a talk show, it’s a weekly tantrum from the far-left padded room.'The eyebrow-raising comment was made during a discussion about the conflict in Iran, when co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin pointed out that the oppressive Iranian regime has regularly violated human rights. “Let’s just remember, too, the Iranians literally throw gay people off of buildings. They don’t adhere to basic human rights,” Griffin declared during the episode that aired last Wednesday. The remark irritated Goldberg, who responded by saying, "Let’s not do that, because if we start with that, we have been known in this country to tie gay folks to the car. I’m sorry, they used to just keep hanging black people."Griffin responded while Whoopi continued to talk over her. "I'm sorry, but where the Iranian regime is today in 2025 is nothing compared to the United States," Griffin replied. "It is not even the same."Goldberg argued, "It is the same." Then Whoopi told Griffin, "That's not what you mean to say." Griffin countered, "The year 2025 in the United States is nothing like if I stepped foot wearing this outfit in Tehran right now."Griffin noted that women cannot wear leg-revealing skirts or have their hair showing in Iran.It is mandatory for women to wear a hijab to cover their hair in public spaces, and failing to do so is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, according to the United Nations. RELATED: Watch: Schwarzenegger shuts down Joy Behar's attempt to ignite anti-ICE sentiment on 'The View,' says immigrants must behave Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival"I think it’s very different to live in the United States in 2025 than it is to live in Iran in 2025," Griffin stated. Goldberg interjected, "Not if you’re black.""The View" co-host Sunny Hostin agreed, saying, "Not for everybody."Griffin advised, "Uh, guys, don’t go to Tehran. Do not. No one at this table can go to Tehran.”Whoopi admitted that the United States is "the greatest country in the world," but contended that black Americans face issues every day. Goldberg said, "But every day, we are worried. Do we have to be worried about our kids? Are their kids going to get shot because they’re running through somebody’s neighborhood?”Co-host Sara Haines added of females in Iran, "And they are not doing well there. They are not doing well in Iran. They are not educated. They can’t own property.” Haines noted, “They can’t go out of their houses.”Griffin conceded that there are "very real problems" in the United States, but there are "much darker" places in the world. "Nobody wants to diminish the very real problems we have in this country," Griffin stated. "That is no one’s intent, but I think it’s important we remember there are places much darker than this country, and people who deserve rights …"Goldberg butted in and said, "Listen, not everybody feels that way. Not everybody feels that way. Listen, I’m sorry, you know, when you think about the fact that we got the vote in 1965 …"Griffin interrupted, "They don’t have free and fair elections in Iran. It’s not even the same universe."Goldberg dropped out of the tense debate by saying, "There's no way I can make you understand." RELATED: People are saying Bill Maher's monologue rebuking pedophilia in Hollywood, gender identity politics might be his best takedown ever Photo by Noam Galai/Getty ImagesMaher ridiculed "The View" for attempting to equate life in the authoritarian Islamic Republic of Iran with being a black American in the United States. During the latest episode of "Real Time with Bill Maher," the liberal talk show host applauded Democrats for taking a step "back to sanity" after the New York Times shifted toward a more "sensible liberal, not crazy woke” position on transgender issues. However, Maher noted that the Democrats have an issue with the progressive talking points spouted on "The View" and that "something" needs to be done about it. Maher said it was a "great first step toward giving Democrats back some sanity." He added, "A second good step would be: We gotta do something about 'The View.' I really believe that." 'Honestly? Don’t cancel "The View." Add more cameras. More microphones. Maybe even a laugh track. Once you realize it’s basically an "SNL" skit of a left-wing meltdown, it becomes the greatest MAGA campaign ad on TV.'Maher asked guest Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas) for his opinion on Goldberg's remarks that black Americans have just as many issues as people in Iran. Hunt reacted with a hearty laugh before stating, "My district in the great state of Texas is actually a white-majority district that President Trump would have won by 25 points.""As I said, I’m a direct descendant of a slave, my great-great-grandfather, who was born on Rosedown Plantation," Hunt continued. "I am literally being judged not by the color of my skin but by the content of my character."Hunt added, "That’s the progress, because, like, a lot of white people had to vote for me — a lot. So I don’t ever want to hear Whoopi Goldberg’s conversation about how it’s worse to be black in America right now. That's a bit far." Hunt explained that his father grew up under Jim Crow but is now the father of a Republican U.S. congressman in a white-majority district. "That is America," Hunt proclaimed. "So let's celebrate that." Fellow guest Paul Begala, a Democratic political consultant and commentator, argued that we have the holiday of Juneteenth to celebrate the freedom of black Americans, but asserted that President Donald Trump “doesn’t want to honor” the occasion.Hunt fired back, “I don’t want it. I don’t want Black History Month. I don’t want all these days to make everybody feel special. I’m an ’80s baby. Everybody’s too sensitive anyway. We’re all Americans anyway.”RELATED: Watch: Bill Maher's awkward exchange with Don Lemon prompts Caitlyn Jenner to blast ex-CNN anchor as privileged, wealthy, entitled Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty ImagesHunt continued to bash "The View" host even after his Friday appearance on "Real Time with Bill Maher." Hunt wrote on the X social media platform on Monday, "Hey Whoopi, if America is so bad, why are you still cashing multi-million dollar checks from a country that made you rich, famous, and free? You claim it’s worse to be Black in America than a woman in Iran? Really?""Try hosting The View in Tehran and see how that goes. Spoiler alert: there won’t be a studio audience — there’ll be a firing squad," the Texas congressman stated. "The truth is, you’ve become a professional victim in a nation that gave you everything. The View isn’t a talk show, it’s a weekly tantrum from the far-left padded room," Hunt declared. "Let her talk. Let her rant. Every time she opens her mouth, she reminds America why we’re winning."Hunt stated that he doesn't want "The View" canceled. In fact, Hunt wants to bring more exposure to the left-wing talk show. "Honestly? Don’t cancel The View. Add more cameras. More microphones. Maybe even a laugh track," Hunt said. "Once you realize it’s basically an SNL skit of a leftwing meltdown, it becomes the greatest MAGA campaign ad on TV."RELATED: Rep. Wesley Hunt refuses to apologize when a black man screams at him for supporting Trump: 'How can a black man do this?'Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

He starred on the TV series Here Come the Brides and earned a series of Gold singles in the late '60s and early '70s. The post Bobby Sherman, Former Teen Heartthrob and Pop Star, Dies at 81 appeared first on Best Classic Bands.

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