Chicago residents will not have an opportunity to vote on the city’s sanctuary status after Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson and the city council decided to block an advisory referendum on Thursday‚ the Chicago Sun-Times reported.For months‚ voters and lawmakers have been locked in a heated debate over the city’s budget‚ particularly regarding migrant services.Anthony Beale‚ alderman of the 9th Ward‚ previously proposed adding a referendum to the March primary ballot that‚ if passed‚ would have allowed residents to weigh in on Chicago’s sanctuary city status‚ Blaze News previously reported.Voters would have been asked‚ “Should the city of Chicago limit its designation as a sanctuary city by placing spending limits on its public funding?”In November‚ hundreds of frustrated residents shut down a city council meeting to discuss the issue. Protesters lamented some lawmakers’ efforts to block the referendum in an attempt to prevent residents from providing feedback.Beale estimated that the city is spending roughly $40 million per month maintaining its sanctuary status‚ providing services to the influx of migrants.During the November meeting‚ 35th Ward Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa‚ Johnson’s former floor leader‚ was accused of physically blocking an alderwoman from entering the chamber. As a result‚ he stepped down from his position as council floor leader and zoning committee chair.Following the meeting‚ Alderman Raymond Lopez noted that he had “never seen such a concerted effort to ignore the will of the people.”Less than an hour into the city council meeting on Thursday‚ Johnson and his allies initiated a parliamentary maneuver to prevent the referendum from being added to the 2024 ballot. Beale’s bid was rejected in a 31-16 vote.“It is a shame that you all are scared. What are you scared of? To let the people have a voice? What are you scared of — the truth?” Beale said‚ blasting his colleagues for blocking the referendum. “Are we afraid that the people are going to tell us that we are spending money frivolously? … Are we afraid that the people are going to tell us that we are headed in the wrong direction?”“I’m all for taking care of people. I am sympathetic as well‚” he continued. “However‚ I’m more sympathetic for the people in my community who have been paying taxes their entire life‚ can’t get a furnace‚ can’t get a roof‚ can’t get a hot water heater‚ can’t get a back porch. And my seniors are still starving for resources.”Beale accused fellow lawmakers who voted against the bid of “turn[ing] your backs on the people who are paying taxes in this city.”Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

A warrant for attempted murder has been issued for a Utah man who allegedly attempted to fatally choke his wife while she lay on her deathbed.In late 2021‚ 47-year-old Arenda McCulla was enduring the final throes of late-stage cancer in La Verkin‚ Utah‚ about 20 miles northeast of St. George. For this reason‚ several members of her family‚ including her husband‚ DeWayne McCulla‚ had gathered by her bedside in hospice.The experience was agonizing for Arenda and her loved ones alike. The cancer‚ which initially manifested in her breast‚ had spread to her brain‚ neck‚ lungs‚ and liver‚ and radiation treatments left her with chemical burns that made swallowing nearly impossible.On December 20‚ 2021‚ DeWayne McCulla‚ who had married Arenda less than two years earlier‚ allegedly decided to end her suffering himself. According to an officer with the La Verkin Police Department‚ DeWayne leaned over Arenda and placed "his hand over [her] neck in an attempt to ease her suffering."Arenda's horrified family members quickly intervened and pulled DeWayne off of her as Arenda gasped desperately for air‚ six witnesses claimed‚ according to the New York Post. Arenda passed away naturally the following day. After she died‚ DeWayne McCulla remained unrepentant about his alleged actions while she was alive‚ telling officers "he would do this again because he loved his wife‚" police said. Arenda's son‚ Anthony Michael Ryder — who moved with Arenda from New York state to Utah in 2005 and who was by his mother's side during the alleged incident — called McCulla's claims of selfless "benevolence" "ludicrous." Ryder told KSL that just before McCulla attempted to suffocate Arenda‚ McCulla had gotten into an argument with Arenda's mother‚ "yelling" and "fighting about ending" Arenda's life‚ Ryder claimed. Ryder also stated that before she died‚ his mother had considered legal assisted suicide in Oregon. "She didn't die with dignity‚" Ryder insisted.On Wednesday‚ nearly two years after Arenda's death‚ DeWayne McCulla‚ 45‚ was charged with first-degree attempted murder. If convicted‚ he faces up to life in prison.It is unclear why the warrant for his arrest was issued so long after the alleged event‚ but KSL indicated that Ryder may have had a hand in bringing it about. "Son's complaint led to charge against Utahn accused of trying to kill terminally ill wife‚" KSL's headline read.The 5th District Court‚ where the charge was filed‚ did not respond to People's request for comment."The loss of my mother and the traumatic event surrounding it left quite an imprint on my psyche as DeWayne was manipulating things behind the scenes‚ using guilt‚" Ryder stated to KSL. To this day‚ Ryder prefers to remember the woman his mother was before she became ill. "She loved deeply‚ and was someone that protected vulnerable people. She spent her time volunteering at troubled youth centers‚ saved a few lives from drowning‚ choking and suicide‚" Ryder said."She tried to see the good in people."Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

How do you slowly but surely turn the political and social tides of an entire nation? The Soviet Union figured out that this was possible via persistent indoctrination at the educational level — or in Joe Rogan’s words: “You infect the kids with Marxism and Leninism in the universities and then you indoctrinate them to these ideas and then they go off and slowly start to seep into the workplace. And over the course of several generations‚ you completely diminish their confidence in democracy and what they think about America.” Well said. “That kind of sounds like what has happened here in America‚” Dave Rubin tells guests Jeffrey Tucker and Ronald Coleman. “We’ve been hearing about this [educational indoctrination] for decades‚ but I was a little bit dismissive of it in the past‚ thinking‚ ‘Well‚ who cares what goes on at Harvard and Yale and Princeton?’” Tucker explains. “I’ve been a little bit taken aback over the last several years just to see the invasion of ... society by people who have been indoctrinated in extremist‚ woke ideology.” “They’ve been denied access to the Western canon‚” he continues‚ “so it’s not so much the presence of woke theory and destructive ideology itself but the complete absence of anything else‚” such as “enlightenment thought” or “serious literature” because “all the great books have been blasted away in the 21st Century.” To hear their full conversation‚ watch the video below. Want more from Dave Rubin?To enjoy more honest conversations‚ free speech‚ and big ideas with Dave Rubin‚ subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America‚ defend the Constitution‚ and live the American dream.

A Florida man is claiming that the mother of his child told him that his daughter died during birth‚ but that was all a lie. The baby is alive and being put up for adoption without his consent. “I was told that my daughter passed away‚” Brandon Marteliz told WFTS. Marteliz alleges that the mother of his child told him that their daughter had died from sudden infant death syndrome shortly after her birth in January 2022.His daughter‚ Amiya‚ actually had survived childbirth. A day after giving birth‚ the mother put Amiya up for adoption‚ WFTS reported‚ citing court documents. The mom allegedly put her daughter up for adoption without telling the baby's father or getting his consent. Marteliz said he begged the mother to allow him to see his newborn daughter. Nearly three weeks after the mother told Marteliz that their baby died‚ the woman allegedly sent him text messages that read: "I have her" and "I got the baby."Marteliz said‚ "I felt like‚ ‘OK‚ well‚ I’m the father‚ I’m her dad‚ I can take a test‚ I can prove I’m her dad‚ my daughter’s alive.'"The distraught father said he was contacted by a Child Protective Services agent‚ who informed him that his newborn was alive and being cared for by an adoption agency. "I found out from a CPS lady that there was a baby that was born‚ a newborn that was alive. And I reached out to someone that worked for her. The adoption agency that she told me about‚" Marteliz said. “I felt like okay‚ well I’m the father‚ I’m her dad‚ I can take a test‚ I can prove I’m her dad‚ my daughter’s alive."The adoption agency claimed that Marteliz couldn’t be granted custody of the child because the mother approved the adoption. The agency also argued that the father had "not paid a fair and reasonable amount of living and medical expenses" related to the pregnancy and birth.The outlet reported‚ "Court documents show the adoption agency said the termination of parental rights was not required because they were not married‚ he wasn't listed on the birth certificate‚ was not on the putative father registry‚ a little-known state registry for fathers to claim paternity."In October‚ a judge ruled that Marteliz had not provided any financial support to the child‚ so the mother does not require his consent to put the child up for adoption. Marteliz pointed out that he purchased baby toys‚ furniture‚ and clothes for his child he never met. “I had books for her‚ a few toys‚ tons of clothes. I’m getting ready to give them away because I know they’re not going to fit her anymore‚" Marteliz said.Marteliz’s attorney‚ David Hurvitz‚ added‚ "It's very difficult to navigate it‚ and it’s hard to fight against it‚ it needs reform."Marteliz declared‚ "There’s a real problem‚ and good fathers are losing rights and losing time."“There’s a lot of fathers out there that are being robbed‚ that are good dads‚ that would — that are great dads. Something needs to be done about this. We need some help. So if anybody can hear us‚ we need some help‚" Marteliz proclaimed. FL dad fights for custody of toddler‚ claims girl’s mom said she died then put her up for adoption www.youtube.com Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

A woman anxious to catch a plane out of Texas allegedly stole an Uber driver's car‚ then allegedly used the driver's credit card to purchase several items once she arrived at the airport.At around 12:30 a.m. last Sunday‚ an Uber driver in a 2016 Chevrolet Cruz picked up 27-year-old Neusha Afkami from a hotel. Afkami needed to get to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to catch a flight back to Orange County‚ California‚ where she lives.Along the way‚ Afkami began arguing with the Uber driver because the drive to the airport seemed to be taking too long. With her phone in her hand‚ the driver eventually pulled onto East Cesar Chavez Street‚ heading toward Airport Boulevard. At that point‚ Afkami allegedly grabbed the phone out of the driver's hand and tossed it out the window.The driver stopped the car to retrieve the phone‚ but as she did so‚ Afkami reportedly snuck into the driver's seat and took off‚ abandoning the driver by the side of East Cesar Chavez‚ which Law&;Crime described as "a major thoroughfare" in Austin.The driver immediately called police‚ who then relayed the allegations against Afkami to airport security. Officers managed to locate Afkami at the airport before she could board her flight.Afkami reportedly explained to police that she had always intended to return the vehicle to the driver — sort of. "I need to get to the airport‚ so I'm going to take your car and drop it off at Southwest Airlines‚" she allegedly yelled to the driver as she left her by the side of the road.Officers did find the car near the terminal.Officers also reportedly found the Uber driver's wallet in Afkami's possession‚ as well as several items such as candy and shot glasses that Afkami allegedly purchased with the driver's credit card. In all‚ the purchases totaled about $120. Woman who hijacked Uber driver's car has 11 previous traffic violations | FOX 7 Austin www.youtube.com Afkami was arrested and charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and credit or debit card abuse. She was released on $10‚000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court again on January 9.She has reportedly retained counsel‚ but her attorney did not respond to Law&;Crime's request for comment.Afkami also appears to have several traffic-related violations on her record in Orange County‚ California. FOX 7 Austin reported that between 2015 and 2021‚ she had been cited 11 times‚ and 10 of those citations resulted in convictions.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

The female manager of a Memphis-area bar and grill and a handful of female workers are accused of beating up a female server — and all the suspects were arrested and jailed.What are the details?Memphis police said officers responded to a Sunday assault call at 1740 Germantown Parkway in Cordova‚ WREG-TV reported. Cordova is about 30 minutes east of the city. The station said police listed the address as belonging to a bar and grill called Mugshots.That's right. Mugshots.What's more‚ it appears as though the alleged assault took place on Mugshots' final day of operation.The victim told police it started with her talking to her manager’s ex-boyfriend‚ WREG said‚ adding that she explained to cops that she got into an argument with the Mugshots manager‚ Shereva Dortch‚ and other coworkers‚ Arlina Fox‚ Nyla Fields‚ and Cailyn Williams.The victim claimed Dortch and 10 other people attacked her from behind before stealing her car and house keys‚ the station said‚ adding that she was reportedly punched in the face numerous times‚ stomped‚ and kicked while on the ground.Police said the victim lost consciousness and suffered two black eyes as well as several bruises and cuts‚ WREG said‚ adding that she was taken to Baptist Hospital in Southaven.It isn't clear whether the alleged assault took place inside or outside Mugshots.The victim later gave police a statement identifying the suspects‚ WHBQ-TV reported‚ citing records.Dortch‚ Fox‚ Fields‚ and Williams were charged with aggravated assault‚ WREG said. Williams'‚ er‚ mugshot was not available on the Shelby County Sheriff's Office jail database Friday afternoon.They each bonded out of jail and were due back in court Friday morning‚ WREG said.How are folks reacting?The incident is getting some attention around the country‚ as Yahoo News picked up the story‚ which has drawn more than 1‚600 comments as of Friday afternoon. A number of commenters couldn't help but notice the expression on each of the suspects' faces:"Why are they smiling?" one commenter asked. "That’s not good when they’re standing before a judge. Immature. They lack common sense and good judgment.""Look at those smiles. So proud of themselves. I hope they show this to a jury‚" another commenter said."Smile now cry later‚" another commenter noted.Of course‚ one commenter wondered‚ "What could go wrong at a bar called Mugshots..."Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

The liberal media is working overtime to cover for the Biden family. In a recent statement Hunter Biden gave publicly in front of the Capitol‚ he told reporters one thing‚ and the New York Times printed another. “For six years‚ MAGA Republicans‚ including members of the House committees who are in a closed-door session right now‚ have impugned my character; invaded my privacy; attacked my wife‚ my children‚ my family‚ and my friends‚” Biden began. “They ridiculed my struggle with addiction‚ they belittled my recovery‚ and they have tried to dehumanize me — all to embarrass and damage my father‚ who has devoted his entire public life to service‚” he continued. “I am here‚” Hunter added. “Let me state as clearly as I can: my father was not financially involved in my business‚” he added. In the NYT piece on his press conference‚ writers omitted the word “financially.” “So‚ the average person reading the paper wouldn’t see ‘financially‚’” Dave Rubin observes. “Now‚ it might be true to some extent — in the most‚ sort of‚ like‚ strict legal sense that Joe Biden was not involved financially. Meaning that he didn’t write the contracts and everything‚” Rubin continues. “But was he involved financially in the meta sense? Like‚ why did Hunter have the job in the first place? Of course he was involved financially. We know that there are also financial records of Hunter Biden paying Joe Biden money and Joe Biden then using some of the money‚” he adds. Want more from Dave Rubin?To enjoy more honest conversations‚ free speech‚ and big ideas with Dave Rubin‚ subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America‚ defend the Constitution‚ and live the American dream.

If you're like a lot of guys I know‚ you've saved the women on your Christmas list for last. Not because you love them any less but because they tend to require forays into the uncharted regions of the cosmetics counter or womenswear section. Adding to your disorientation is the cold‚ hard fact that many brands in this space support destructive‚ fake‚ pro-women causes like "abortion access" or "trans rights." We can't tell you exactly what your wife/mother/sister/daughter wants under the tree‚ but we can point you in a direction you'll both feel good about. Check our list of companies that value morals as much as they do style: Earthly“Our mission is simple: to change the way the world sees health care.”Earthly is a holistic‚ all-natural cosmetic company run by a homesteading‚ homeschooling family. Its products‚ which proudly reject principles of Western medicine‚ are 100% natural and clean‚ meaning you can recognize every ingredient on the list.It offers products in a wide range of categories‚ including body care‚ skin care‚ herbal remedies‚ vitamins and minerals‚ cleaning products‚ and baby products.Emerald Glory Wellness“Spiritually pure‚ naturally organic essential oils &; herbal supplements created for your good &; Yhwh’s glory.”Because essential oils are often associated with pagan practices‚ including witchcraft‚ many are skeptical about using them. Plus‚ now that the industry has boomed‚ it’s difficult to tell the quality of the products you’re getting. Unless‚ of course‚ you’re buying from Emerald Glory Wellness‚ that is.This Christian company promises that all its essential oils are chemically and spiritually unadulterated‚ meaning they’re entirely free of any and all types of funny business. Whether you’re in search of essential oils to use as natural fragrances or remedies or you’re looking for something distinctly spiritual (i.e. anointing)‚ Emerald Glory has everything you need. Emerald GloryToups &; Co“Even more beautiful‚ luxe and efficacious than the synthetic versions we’ve come to believe are the only options."A dry shampoo can be a lifesaver when you're pressed for time — as long as you don't think too much about what exactly you're putting in your hair. Toups and Co.'s dry shampoo‚ on the other hand‚ is made up of natural‚ recognizable ingredients that don't mess with your scalp's natural microbiome. The Alabama-based husband and wife behind Toups &; Co put the same care and attention into each of their products — be it for the skin‚ the lips‚ or the face — striving to use nothing but the finest natural‚ organic‚ and locally-sourced ingredients. Toups &; Co.Hope Beauty“Rather than lower our standards to fit society’s‚ we have raised ours to meet Heaven's.”Hope Harvard created Hope Beauty because she wanted to have fantastic cosmetics without compromising her Christian values. Not only is the company’s number one mission “to glorify God” but it uses all clean‚ ethically sourced ingredients that are cruelty and paraben free. Further‚ its products‚ which range from lipsticks and liners to eyeshadow‚ mascara‚ and highlighters‚ are all named after women in the Bible.Bonus: all Hope Beauty products are made in the United States. Win‚ win. Hope BeautyThese Three“We hope you find something that makes you feel beautiful‚ but more importantly‚ we hope you have a beautiful‚ loving relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.”Founded by a mom and her three daughters (all of whom are proud fashionistas)‚ These Three is a trendy clothing brand that keeps Christian principles at its center. Its extensive clothing line‚ which is unapologetically sparkly and feminine‚ offers all the latest trends in fashion.While These Three is certainly geared toward a younger generation‚ there are great options for any trendy gal in your life. These Three

At least eight ships have been attacked in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in recent weeks.

Ruby Freeman and Wandrea ArShaye ‘Shaye’ Moss‚ her daughter‚ sued Giuliani‚ saying he defamed them with his claims that they carried out a fake ballot processing scheme.