Like the rest of the liberal media‚ NBC News was a reliable ally over and over and over and over and over again for the pro-lockdown crowd during the coronavirus pandemic (and those links were a small sampling)‚ but as we saw on Monday’s Today‚ the network believes something entirely different when it comes to common sense law enforcement measures during spring break in South Florida to counter what had been years of chaos and violence. As per correspondent Sam Brock‚ it’s meant a lot of “pressure” on and “sacrifice for some businesses” to the point that it’s “devastating.”  Gee‚ where was this when the federal government under the last President and most governors (except for a few‚ such as Florida Republican Ron DeSantis) when they locked down Americans for months on end‚ causing devastating economic and mental ruin? The story on spring break was billed as merely a look into how a surge of law enforcement was panning out. Co-host Savannah Guthrie spoke in one of three teases of “[t]he unprecedented crackdown in Miami Beach” triggering “smaller crowds”. In the third tease‚ Brock raised concerns about the surge of law enforcement to ensure order was both “total transformation in Miami Beach” and “sacrifice for some business”.     The setup to Brock’s report had it right‚ though‚ with co-host Hoda Kotb expressing relief that “the headlines that surround” spring break in Miami “have definitely changed” and Guthrie noting “[w]e’re not hearing about the chaos and violence like recent years”. Brock started off by explaining one of the other changes “has been the barricades” that “were up and down Ocean Drive and the street over from that and the street over from that‚ keeping chaos‚ guys‚ to a minimum”. That said‚ he huffed‚ the law and order has placed “some pressure on businesses too”. Showing snippets of chaos from recent years with “unruly crowds” and “fatal shootings” that “darken[ed] the sun-soaked celebrations” and precipitated a change‚ Brock brought up the “DUI checkpoints and barricades to block parking” before pivoting to a narrative that this move by DeSantis and Florida law enforcement has harmed stores. Then‚ he even called it “devastating” with the lack of chaos merely an “upshot” (click “expand”): BROCK: Police making more than 140 arrests so far‚ utilizing DUI checkpoints and barricades to block parking‚ which you’ll see in front of Tracy Revell’s store‚ The Baked Bear‚ on nearby Washington Avenue. TRACY REVELL: To know that our sales are down from the previous week pre-spring break‚ that’s a huge impact for me. [TO CUSTOMER] This one is a pistachio. BROCK: Revell is grateful for the safety measures‚ but says the restrictions are eating         into her profit business at least 20 percent. [TO REVELL] Can you fault the city for taking these steps? REVELL: It’s kind of hard to fault them because‚ again‚ we want them to be safe. [SCREEN WIPE] But we don’t want Miami to shut down. We want people to want to come to South Beach. BROCK: Right down the street — [TO ARTEAGA] Under normal circumstance how crowded would this restaurant be right now? EDUARDO ARTEAGA: I would have at least half of the tables and maybe some people at the bar. BROCK: [TO ARTEAGA] So it would not be — [CUT TO VOICE OVER] Bolivar restaurant is empty at 6:00 on a Sunday. ARTEAGA: I don’t know. I mean‚ if you’re a customer and you want to — you see look‚ oh‚ Latin American restaurant and you have no place to — to park‚ what can you do? BROCK [TO ARTEAGA]: So‚ this right here is devastating for business? ARTEAGA: Yeah. This is devastation for us. BROCK: The upshot for the city and South Florida is that order is being restored. “In a place that’s traditionally been a spring break haven for rowdy college students‚ now as millions flock here to unwind‚ it’s partying with parameters‚” Brock added. Only in tossing back to the co-hosts did Brock share “a lot of businesses are in support of these measures‚ certainly for the safety components” even though “the enhanced parking restrictions like these barricades are going from Thursday through Sunday chunks for the next couple of weekends and then‚ also‚ we’re looking at a situation where all the parking garages in South Beach are closed for next weekend as well.” “[B]ut the breakup has been successful so far as we have not heard any reports of violence or shootings and‚ of course‚ that is the best news we could be delivering‚” added‚ finally deciding to play Captain Obvious. Guthrie did try to have it both ways‚ fretting how the parking restrictions and added police “kills [people] to lose that business‚ but drastic measures it had gotten to the point of no return.” “It’s why you can’t have nice things‚” Melvin replied. In reaction to blowback from his report on X‚ Brock claimed in a tweet to Florida Voice’s Brendon Leslie these criticisms are unwarranted: To see the relevant NBC transcript from March 11‚ click here.

In a survival situation‚ ensuring you get enough protein will make a big difference. But you can’t always depend on electricity to be there. The post How to Preserve Stock &; Meat ForLong-term Food Storage appeared first on Survivopedia.

The social commentary about the death of diversity‚ equity‚ and inclusion programs across the country is so dramatic and hyperbolic you’d think it was written by Tyler Perry. It also proves that many people are just as vulnerable to racial propaganda as they were four years ago. At that time‚ everyone from politicians to pastors bought the lies that a Marxist‚ anti-God‚ anti-family‚ anti-capitalist‚ pro-abortion organization was fighting for racial uplift.Why?The black progressives having a meltdown about the death of DEI are either misinformed or spreading disinformation.Because progressives seem utterly powerless in the face of slick slogans and three-letter acronyms. The people who were duped by Black Lives Matter are proving they didn’t develop any natural immunity to the type of race-craft that has become the left’s specialty. The newest controversy is centered on the University of Florida’s decision to eliminate all of its DEI programs to comply with state regulations. Emmitt Smith‚ the NFL’s all-time leading rusher‚ released a statement criticizing the move. Smith played for the University of Florida before becoming a star running back with the Dallas Cowboys.I’m not surprised that he thinks the death of DEI is an attack on racial equality. Athletes get their information from the same sources as the average American‚ so anyone who tunes into CNN‚ MSNBC‚ or ESPN is bound to receive and repeat the progressive spin on these issues.The bigger problem is that the social commentators who control the flow of information and shape public opinion are just as clueless as the athletes. Stephen A. Smith talked about the issue and linked DEI to affirmative action‚ Jim Crow laws‚ slavery‚ and voting rights.Roland Martin and social commentator Lawrence Ross suggested that black athletes should leave schools that have eliminated DEI programs. Ross went so far as to say that the University of Florida doesn’t see black athletes as human.I think athletes‚ like all college students‚ should go to schools that serve their needs. No school has a right to a five-star running back or all-state small forward. But young black men shouldn’t be making those decisions because men who are old enough to be their fathers are poorly informed and easily spooked.The truth is that DEI programs are about ideological conformity‚ which is how the left defines “diversity.” But there is nothing “diverse” about people who look different being coerced to believe the same thing. That won’t stop progressives from trying.The associate dean of DEI at Stanford’s law school supported students who heckled and harassed a Trump-appointed judge last summer. That university official‚ Tirien Steinbach‚ didn’t affirm a commitment to hearing diverse points of view when Judge Stuart Kyle Duncan was interrupted. Instead‚ she said his speaking engagement was “tearing the fabric of the community” and that his past rulings “land as absolute disenfranchisement” of her students’ rights‚ all to audible finger-snaps from the audience.Princeton’s diversity office includes several people with “they” pronouns in addition to several positions focused on sexual orientation and gender identity. I doubt that people who believe there are only two sexes feel very welcomed on campus.The former DEI chief at Johns Hopkins Hospital sent out a New Year’s message in January with a list of “privileged” identity groups‚ which included white people‚ heterosexuals‚ “cisgender” people‚ and Christians. Progressives see this type of rhetoric as perfectly normal‚ but I’m not sure how many lives will be saved at a hospital just because doctors believe it’s a privilege to be white.A large part of what DEI administrators do is “protect” students from ideas they don’t want to hear and ensure progressive dogma is always obeyed.One of the other problems with DEI initiatives is how quickly they turn into massive‚ costly bureaucracies. A report released earlier this year found that the University of Michigan employs 241 DEI staff members for a cost of $30 million per year. In addition to cost‚ it’s important to note the decentralized nature of DEI programs‚ evidenced by the fact that even Michigan’s botanical garden and arboretum has a DEI strategic plan.The black progressives having a meltdown about the death of DEI are either misinformed or spreading disinformation — a repeat of their behavior surrounding BLM.In that case‚ an LGBT activist group used the deaths of black men at the hands of the police to market itself as a 21st-century racial justice organization. But the truth is that none of BLM’s 13 guiding principles mention the words “police‚” “violence‚” “brutality‚” or “black man.”This is why‚ in some ways‚ DEI should be understood as a second coming of BLM.What the organization did talk about at length was its sexual politics. This is why the co-founders proudly proclaimed to be “queer-affirming” and “trans-affirming.”The co-founders went even farther when it came to the family. Their “Black Villages'' principle starts with a commitment to dismantling the nuclear family. With all the media appearances BLM’s co-founders made in 2020‚ I don’t remember a single progressive journalist asking them why an organization that claims to be for black people is against the traditional family structure.The organization continued pushing its radical‚ self-destructive ideas until people found out that even Marxists like hosting parties at million-dollar mansions.The manufactured controversy about the death of DEI shows that the people who control the creation‚ collection‚ and dissemination of information have become increasingly partisan and ideological. Their transformation from experts to know-nothings has made them more effective political operatives but far less effective at informing the public.Hard-core leftists are far craftier than the journalists‚ pundits‚ and athletes they use to spread their message. Ideologues know how to string words together and construct phrases in ways that make opposition unthinkable for most people.The death of these programs is not something black students need to fear. The main reason the DEI bubble is bursting is that these programs have next to no value‚ aside from helping companies defend themselves against charges of racism‚ sexism‚ homophobia‚ and transphobia. More people are starting to realize that a large part of what DEI administrators on college campuses do is “protect” students from ideas they don’t want to hear and ensure progressive dogma is always obeyed.Universities have turned into expensive therapy centers for the most well-off young adults in the country. There is no need for black students to add to the anxiety and fear on college campuses. The old men on social media are doing enough of that for everyone.

Just as Texas reached its limit with Biden’s open border policies and proposed Texas Senate Bill 4‚ which would allow the state to arrest illegal immigrants‚ the Supreme Court stepped in and halted progression. Now‚ Texas once again has its hands tied with the invasion at the border — at least until March 13‚ when SCOTUS will make a final ruling. “We can't enforce our laws; we can't keep our border sovereign‚” sighs Sara Gonzales. To make matters worse‚ “We're finding out there was a FOIA lawsuit from the Center of Immigration Studies that revealed that the Biden administration has been coordinating flights for approximately 320‚000 illegal immigrants to 43 different cities across the country.” “You don't even have to walk these days‚” says Sara. “You can just get a free flight‚ free money‚ free debit card‚ free phone — free everything‚ but if you're an American citizen‚ no. If you’re a homeless veteran‚ stay on the streets.” “It's so blatant‚ and you may see the Supreme Court end up taking the position of the Federal Government because I do not think that they want freer states‚” adds Eric July of Rippaverse Comics. How Texas would respond to such an unfavorable ruling poses some serious implications. According to Eric‚ if SCOTUS blocks SB4 and prevents Texas from protecting its borders‚ the state must take the position of “we don’t care” and decide to protect the border anyway‚ regardless of what that means on a national level. Sara agrees — “What are they going to do? You already have Border Patrol who is calling out Joe Biden and saying he is doing a horrible job ... and they have already come out and said we respect the Texas National Guard.” “Maybe violence breaks out‚ but maybe that’s what it has to come to.” Want more from Sara Gonzales?To enjoy more of Sara's no-holds-barred take to news and culture‚ subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America‚ defend the Constitution‚ and live the American dream.

A Chinese crane manufacturing company at the center of a congressional espionage investigation denied posing a threat to United States national security‚ Fox Business reported‚ citing a recent filing.The House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party and the House Homeland Security Committee opened an investigation into Chinese-built ship-to-shore cargo cranes located at U.S. seaports after the Department of Justice warned last year that the equipment could be a Trojan horse‚ the Wall Street Journal reported. The probe found that several seaport cranes‚ made by Shanghai-based manufacturing company ZPMC‚ contained communication devices that were not requested‚ including over a dozen cellular modems. Engineering group ABB manufactured devices that were installed on the cranes‚ Fox Business reported.The Homeland Security Committee noted that the devices do not "contribute to the operation of the (ship-to-shore) cranes or maritime infrastructure and is not part of any existing contract between ZPMC and the receiving U.S. maritime port."One seaport where the devices were found told the committee that the modems were likely installed on the crane when they were built in China in 2017. The devices were later removed in 2023.When the DOJ initially expressed concerns about a potential national security threat‚ China responded by stating the accusations were "paranoia-driven.""The accusation that China uses ship-to-shore cranes to collect data is completely unfounded. The U.S. needs to respect the principles of market economy and fair competition‚ and provide a fair‚ just and non-discriminatory business environment‚" China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.The American Association of Port Authorities claimed the accusations were "sensational."In a recent filing review by Fox Business‚ ZPMC also denied the allegations."ZPMC takes the U.S. concerns seriously and believes that these reports can easily mislead the public without sufficient factual review‚" the company stated. "The cranes provided by ZPMC do not pose a cybersecurity risk to any ports.""Cranes supplied by ZPMC are used in ports around the world‚ including the United States. These cranes are designed‚ manufactured‚ transported‚ installed and commissioned‚ and delivered after acceptance in strict accordance with international standards‚ applicable laws and regulations‚ and technical specifications determined by customers‚" ZPMC announced‚ according to China Daily.The company added that it will continue to comply with laws and regulations.ABB told Fox Business‚ "Since July 2023‚ ABB has engaged with the U.S. House of Representative Committee on Homeland Security and the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party as they research port security issues.""We take the Committees' requests seriously. We disagree with the characterization of ABB's work in the port sector‚" the company added.President Biden signed an executive order last year appropriating $20 billion for the production of seaport cranes to bring manufacturing back to the U.S.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

California Democrats on the state Assembly Judiciary Committee are poised to advance a radical piece of legislation that would use taxpayer funds to help illegal aliens who have been charged or convicted with violent felonies fight deportation. Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D) suggested in a statement last month that the One California Immigration Services Funding program "has failed to match California's commitment to equity‚ as the program prohibits funds from being used to assist certain individuals who had past interactions with the criminal legal system." In hopes of making life easier for criminal noncitizens‚ Jones-Sawyer introduced AB 2031‚ the so-called "Representation‚ Equity‚ and Protections for All Immigrants Act." The bill notes that existing law permits the State Department of Social Services to direct taxpayer funds to nonprofit outfits via contracts "in order to provide persons with certain immigration-related legal services." Presently‚ such grants are aimed at legal services for unaccompanied illegal aliens under the age of 18 who have been transferred to the care and custody of the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement and are present in the state. Under AB 2031‚ recipients of such legal services need no longer be current or former California residents. Now‚ they merely need to have "an intent" to reside in California. Additionally‚ the illegal alien-facing services would be expanded to include "legal representation and related services for removal defense." The most contentious part of the Democratic bill is its proposed removal of the current prohibition on the "use of the grant funds to provide legal services to an individual who has been convicted of‚ or who is currently appealing a conviction for‚ a violent or serious felony." Accordingly‚ California taxpayers would effectively fund legal efforts to help iIlegal aliens like those who allegedly murdered beloved Georgia nursing student Laken Hope Riley‚ 2-year-old Jeremy Poou-Caceres of Maryland‚ and Ruperto Mondragon Salgado of Dallas stay in the country and possibly even eliminate their sentences. "For as long as I have been in state office‚ I have worked towards ensuring people are given a second chance and have championed efforts to prevent people from being treated as second-class individuals‚" said Jones-Sawyer. "The REP for All Immigrants Act ensures racial justice and truly equitable access to crucial immigration services for all – not some." Assemblyman Bilal Essayli (R) noted on X‚ "These are the exact policies that led to the murder of a nursing student in Georgia‚ Laken Riley." Responding to the bill on X‚ South African billionaire Elon Musk wrote‚ "When is enough enough?" Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez (R) said "AB 2031 is completely UNACCEPTABLE. Why do they want to prioritize immigrant rapists &; murderers over everyone else?" — (@) Sanchez noted further that the Assembly Judiciary committee would be holding a hearing on the bill Tuesday and asked her followers to "call your legislators to let them know your opinion on it." Assemblyman Ash Kalra (D) is the chair of the Judiciary Committee. Diane Dixon (R) is its vice chair. The members of the committee are as follows: Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D); Isaac Bryan (D); Damon Connolly (D); Matt Haney (D); Brian Maienschein (D); Tina McKinnor (D); Blanca Pacheco (D); Kate A. Sanchez (R); Eloise Gomez Reyes (D); and Marie Waldron (R). While critics have noted that Jones-Sawyer's bill will help criminal noncitizens at the expense of American citizens‚ Shayna Kessler‚ associate director for advocacy with the New York-based Vera Institute of Justice‚ appeared to figure that to be the point‚ suggesting that the "current criminal exclusion exacerbates systemic racism in the criminal legal and immigration systems." "California must remain a leader in protecting its immigrant communities and pass the California REP4All Act to advance universal legal representation for all people facing deportation‚ regardless of their interaction with the criminal legal system‚" added Kessler. Mashih Fouladi‚ executive director at the California Immigrant Policy Center‚ intimated that having citizens bankroll the legal defense of convicted murderers and rapists is a matter of helping vulnerable families. "The California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC) is proud to support and co-sponsor the REP4All bill that would ensure immigrant families have access to the legal services and resources they need to thrive with safety and stability – regardless of an individual's criminal history‚" said Fouladi. "Publicly funded immigration services protect the most vulnerable families in our state and improve the quality of life of all Californians." Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

UFC fighter Sean Strickland elicited strong responses after posting a video in which he said that United States Navy SEALs would not be able to handle his training regimen.Strickland‚ a recent UFC middleweight champion‚ is no stranger to controversial rants. This includes his recent video post comparing his fitness to that of military special operations training."I don't think there's one f**king Navy SEAL who could survive a week training with me. I'm kind of sick of seeing it 'cause like you guys think you're bada**‚" Strickland said in a video from inside a car."Come train with me for a week‚ I'll show you what's up. I'll f**king break you‚" he added.Strickland's words garnered a response from actual Navy SEALs‚ both good and bad.Former SEAL Jimmy Watson posted a video in direct response to Strickland's‚ mocking the fighter for comparing the training. Watson stated that while Strickland's training could get people hurt‚ a SEAL training exercise could result in death."Sean‚ we get it‚ you're a bada**‚" Watson began. "Your training partners get millions of dollars‚ and they actually live. My swim buddies‚ they die every single year. Do you have any idea what that means? We've already proven that any kind of beatdown will not break us‚ but our training will simply just end your career‚ Sean.""I'm talking about skin grafts on the thigh‚ Sean. You talk about taking people's souls from their body? Well‚ me and my boys we've actually taken a lot of real souls from people‚ you know what I'm saying bro?" Watson continued.The former SEAL added that Strickland's training "doesn't kill dudes every single year‚" ending with "advice" for the UFC fighter: "Stay in the Octagon‚ keep fighting for that next purse and U.S. SEALs‚ we'll keep fighting for freedom‚ brother."Watson's video has been viewed on Instagram approximately 550‚000 times. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jimmy Watson (@mightywarrior2023) Another former Navy SEAL‚ Andy Stumpf‚ had a different response‚ however. He said that he spoke directly with Strickland after the video and exchanged professional words. Stumpf said that Strickland even offered to have the former military member attend his training camp or a fight.Stumpf described that both Strickland and Watson were playing characters."He's playing a character. It's part of who he is and what he does inside of the UFC. If you think that the SEAL — or the guy who was a SEAL — that responds to him is also not playing a character‚ then I don't know what to tell you."Stumpf wasn't pleased with Watson's depiction of his trade either‚ calling it "one of the worst representations of the SEAL Community possible.""That guy ... yeah he needs to shut the f**k up‚" he added. Stumpf told Patrick Bet-David that the overall branding from Watson needed to be dialed down in terms of dramatization‚ and that presenting a Navy SEAL's role in such a manner involved far too much romanticizing."Stop being a clown on Instagram‚" he requested. "The only reason that he is responding in the manner that he is‚ trying to draw more attention from the video that Sean created."Stumpf also pointed toward a 2022 SEC ruling‚ which ordered Watson to pay a "disgorgement of $316‚401.48 and prejudgment interest of $59‚533.38."Watson was involved with the late anti-virus creator John McAfee and was accused of concocting a "scheme to profit from a crypto asset security by secretly accumulating a large position in McAfee's accounts‚ touting that security on Twitter while intending to sell it‚ and then selling McAfee's holdings as the price rose."Watson was therefore barred from "participating‚ directly or indirectly‚ in the issuance‚ purchase‚ offer‚ or sale of any digital asset security‚" except for in regard to his own personal assets.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

A group of parents with children enrolled at the University of California Berkeley recently took safety measures into their own hands by hiring private security guards amid a spike in crime near the campus‚ KPIX-TV reported.A coalition of parents called SafeBears raised $40‚000 last year to launch a three-week pilot program from March 6 to 23‚ 2024. The program hired six "safety ambassadors" to patrol the UC Berkeley campus from 6:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.The safety ambassadors‚ who are unarmed‚ will patrol the campus on foot and by bicycle. According to SafeBears‚ the security guards have received CPR and de-escalation training. SafeBears president Sagar Jethani wrote on Facebook‚ "They are a great group of folks. They're all from the East Bay/SF area‚ so they understand what's happening with crime in Berkeley.""They are looking forward to meeting students and making them feel safe at night‚" Jethani stated.According to the group‚ the security guards "will not enter university property" but "stick to public areas‚ including public streets and sidewalks."Jethani told KABC‚ "They are not carrying any kind of defensive gear. They don't carry pepper spray‚ batons‚ or handcuffs."In comments to KPIX‚ Jethani said that he wants the pilot program to "turn up the heat" on the administration and push it to enact greater safety measures."We want to show that we're not content to just wait forever to have these safety ambassadors deployed‚" he said.SafeBears explained that the security guards' role is to "provide a physical deterrence to any threats against students." "If they encounter a situation they feel is escalating‚ they are equipped with radios and can call for other ambassadors to assist. They also have a contact at Berkeley Police Department in the event the situation turns more serious‚" the group stated.The parental coalition was formed last year amid concerns about student safety. According to the group‚ the University of California Police Department is struggling with reduced staffing and budget cuts."UC Berkeley has cut funding for UCPD every year since 2018‚" SafeBears said. "In that same period‚ nearly every other UC school has increased funding over 2018 levels."The group claimed the department's budget last fall was "14% lower than it was in 2018."Since then‚ the university has hired 10 additional officers; however‚ SafeBears noted that the department is still short-staffed.Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín (D) cut law enforcement's budget by over $9 million in 2020‚ the New York Post reported.Once the private security guard pilot program concludes‚ the parents hope the university will opt to take over and continue the program. Safe Bears: UC Berkeley parents hire private security group to make students safer youtu.be Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce has announced his retirement from the NFL. While Kelce’s emotional departing speech centered around fatherhood‚ Jason Whitlock wonders if there’s more to the story than just hanging up the towel to be more present as a father. “I love what he said‚ and I hope that it’s all authentic‚ but you know‚ he and his brother now have that ‘New Heights’ podcast that Taylor Swift has made a really‚ really big deal‚” Whitlock says. There are rumors that the brothers may get a $100 million deal for the podcast. “I’m just wondering‚ is he able and is he willing to walk away from football because he’s developed this outstanding media career‚ and he doesn’t need to milk another year‚ two‚ or three out of football?” Whitlock asks. Steve Kim doesn’t think it’s that complicated. “He’s already had a long career‚ it’s not like it’s a truncated run here‚” Kim tells Whitlock. “He spent over a decade‚ and plus he’s playing in the trenches‚ right in the belly of the beast at center. He may have just had enough physically.” “I’ve heard from a lot of football players‚” Kim continues‚ “that after a while‚ it’s not about the game. The body is beat down.” Kim believes that Kelce likely falls into that camp. “I do think he’s sincere‚” Kim says. “If I take him at face value‚ which I will‚ he wants to now be a full-time father‚ he wants to make the Little League games‚ he wants to coach Pop Warner‚ he wants to go to the PTA meetings and you know‚ thumbs up to him for actually having the correct priorities.” Want more from Jason Whitlock?To enjoy more fearless conversations at the crossroads of culture‚ faith‚ sports‚ and comedy with Jason Whitlock‚ subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America‚ defend the Constitution‚ and live the American dream.

Uber and Lyft are threatening to shut down operations in Minneapolis‚ Minnesota‚ on May 1 if a proposed driver raise ordinance becomes law‚ Fox Business reported.The Minneapolis City Council approved the rideshare ordinance on Thursday by a 9-4 vote. Minneapolis Democratic Mayor Jacob Frey vetoed the measure on Friday over concerns that Uber and Lyft would leave the city.Frey has been pushing city council members to hold off on approving the ordinance until a state study from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry is completed or to lower the driver raises to rates acceptable to the rideshare companies."I've been telling the council for six months now to wait for the data to come out‚" Frey stated‚ according to the Star Tribune. The state's study‚ ordered by Democratic Governor Tim Walz‚ found that rideshare drivers earn an average of 48.7 cents per minute and 89 cents per mile in the Twin Cities metro area. Drivers operating in the Greater Minnesota region earn 42.7 cents per minute and $1.116 per mile.Uber called the report "deeply flawed" but noted that "it clearly recognizes that drivers are independent contractors‚" KARE reported."With the State and‚ most importantly‚ drivers agreeing that flexibility is critical‚ any compromise must prioritize independent contractor status‚" an Uber spokesperson said.The spokesperson claimed the "Minneapolis minimum wage proposal is off by a whopping 60%."Lyft called the state's report "nonsensical.""The only part of this report that is grounded in reasonable data is its conclusion that Minnesota rideshare drivers earn more than $52 per hour of giving rides‚" a Lyft spokesperson remarked. "This study is dishonest‚ counterproductive‚ and a disservice to the goal of meaningful policymaking."If the ordinance is passed into law‚ rideshare drivers would make at least $5 per ride and receive 80% of canceled rides.Lyft claims that the pay hike would nearly double rates for passengers. The company urged customers to sign a petition opposing the ordinance. The city council currently has the votes to override the mayor's veto and pass the measure into law. If Frey can convince one council member to switch his or her vote‚ his veto could not be repealed. Council member Jason Chavez‚ who voted to secure driver raises‚ stated‚ "Small businesses are required to pay minimum wage before tips‚ and it's clear that multibillion-dollar out-of-state tech companies should be too.""No company should be above the law. Relying on low-income riders to subsidize Uber and Lyft paying drivers' wages is an economic and racial injustice‚" Chavez added.A recent statement from Uber read‚ "Uber supports comprehensive statewide legislation that guarantees drivers $35/hr minimum earnings while working and protects their flexibility and independence. If this ordinance is enacted‚ we look forward to working with drivers‚ riders and the legislature to bring rideshare back.""The [City Council] hijacked a state process that proposed real solutions and is in the process of analyzing data to inform a workable earnings standard‚" Uber continued. "The state's task force made a series of recommendations that should be legislated and collected real data to come up with an appropriate minimum earnings standard."Lyft noted that it is "committed to working with any stakeholders on a more sustainable and thoughtful policy solution‚ but if this particular proposal becomes law‚ it will force Lyft to cease operations in the City on May 1.""We support a minimum earnings standard for drivers‚ but it must be done in a way that allows the service to sustainably and affordably operate for riders. For the second time in less than a year‚ the bill sponsors have willfully chosen to ignore offers to collaborate‚ instead choosing to rush through the most extreme figures possible‚" Lyft added. "We implore Mayor Frey to veto this legislation and instead join our efforts to pass a statewide minimum earnings standard that can balance the needs of all."Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!