Kamala Harris is predicted to vastly underperform in the 2024 presidential election amongst male and black voters compared to previous Democratic candidates. In an attempt to appeal to black men, the Harris campaign published an “opportunity agenda” Monday evening. “Black men deserve a president who cares about making their lives better,” Harris wrote. The agenda included: Provide 1 million loans that are fully forgivable up to $20k for Black entrepreneurs and others to start a business Support education training, and mentorship programs that lead to good-paying jobs for Black men, including pathways to become teachers Protect cryptocurrency investments so Black men who make them know their money is safe Launch a national health initiative focused on the illnesses that disproportionately impact Black men Legalize recreational marijuana and create opportunities for Black Americans to succeed in this new industry Black men deserve a president who cares about making their lives better. pic.twitter.com/cUCdsvvYZ6 — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 15, 2024 A closer look: Harris was accused of racism for the “opportunity agenda.” “Kamala Harris announced she wants segregated policies for men based off their skin color. She thinks black men need different policies than white men. Weird. Seems racist,” Laura Loomer wrote. Kamala Harris announced she wants segregated policies for men based off their skin color. She thinks black men need different policies than white men. Weird. Seems racist. https://t.co/Onu0J8b2i8 — Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) October 15, 2024 “Attaching marijuana to black people as a campaign promise is so next level racist it’s astounding,” Alan Roberts commented. Attaching marijuana to black people as a campaign promise is so next level racist it’s astounding. https://t.co/HmaGzoiPhV — Alan Roberts (@TheMFingCOO) October 15, 2024 Some accused Harris of attempting to buy black votes. “I think this is racist and unfair. All entrepreneurs should be offered help and this is Kamala buying black votes She will not get my vote,” Terrence Williams said. Kamala Harris Proposes Forgivable Loans for Black Entrepreneurs Imagine if Trump said he was forgiving loans for White Entrepreneurs As a black entrepreneur and the owner of small American business https://t.co/5tyhifN5nm I think this is racist and unfair. All… pic.twitter.com/XNqa8tuigH — Terrence K. Williams (@w_terrence) October 15, 2024 “Kamala Harris is trying to buy black votes How is this not racist? Not only is it racist but it seems like Kamala is betting on black entrepreneurs not ever being successful enough to pay a loan back,” Kylie Jane Kremer commented. Kamala Harris is trying to buy black votes How is this not racist? Not only is it racist but it seems like Kamala is betting on black entrepreneurs not ever being successful enough to pay a loan back pic.twitter.com/iiWVwboNkH — Kylie Jane Kremer (@KylieJaneKremer) October 14, 2024 More reactions below: How is this real? — ZUBY: (@ZubyMusic) October 15, 2024 This is what America has come to. Politicians using our tax money to pay groups of people to vote for them. This is so sad. — MAZE (@mazemoore) October 15, 2024 This is racism. Democrats are the party of racism. The party that supports modern-day segregation. Modern-day slavery. Human trafficking. Child genital mutilation. If you vote for Kamala, you are an idiot. And you support all of the above. — Viva Frei (@thevivafrei) October 15, 2024 Didn’t think you could go any lower, but you proved me wrong. This is beyond embarrassing for you, or whoever posted this. Dangling the black community like a carrot. It’s disgusting. You are everything that is wrong with this country. — suzy (@Suzy_1776) October 15, 2024 Kamala thinks black men can't succeed without a handout — Adam Crigler (@AdamCrigler) October 15, 2024 Per CNBC: Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled an “Opportunity Agenda” proposal for Black men Monday, which includes plans to provide 1 million forgivable loans to Black entrepreneurs and new pathways to help Black Americans succeed in the legalized marijuana industry. “This agenda is a further realization of Vice President Harris’ Opportunity Economy,” said former Rep. Cedric Richmond, a Harris campaign co-chair, in a statement. “An economy where people don’t just get by, but get ahead. Where Black men are equipped with the tools to thrive: to buy a home, provide for our families, start a business and build wealth.” Harris’ announcement is aimed at increasing her support among Black male voters, and comes in the final weeks of an extremely close race between the Democratic vice president and Republican former President Donald Trump. The plan outlined Monday would provide 1 million fully forgivable loans of up to $20,000 to Black entrepreneurs and others to start a business. The loans would be financed through partnerships between “mission-driven lenders,” community oriented banks and the Small Business Administration, the campaign said. The agenda also includes training and mentorship programs to help Black men get jobs in high-demand industries, and greater investments in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to recruit and retain Black male teachers. Breaking News: Kamala Harris tries to buy the black male vote unconstitutionally by treating them like they're stupid. First she plans on giving "black men only" $20,000 then she plans on making weed legal and finally she's going to hire white men who can have babies to mentor… pic.twitter.com/Cu6sXJaqyU — Wendy Patterson (@wendyp4545) October 15, 2024 “Kamala Harris is proposing $20,000 forgivable loans to black entrepreneurs. Is this just a desperation move to try to lure black men into voting for her? There is no way this type of program would be legal or it would ever pass Congress. It is basically just an attempt at a $20,000 bribe for votes,” Wall Street Silver wrote. Kamala Harris is proposing $20,000 forgivable loans to black entrepreneurs. Is this just a desperation move to try to lure black men into voting for her? There is no way this type of program would be legal or it would ever pass Congress. It is basically just an attempt at a… pic.twitter.com/T8HH3EWKtb — Wall Street Silver (@WallStreetSilv) October 14, 2024 “I rarely get offended, but I am OFFENDED by Kamala Harris’s agenda for black men. Not only is it degrading, it goes against everything the founding fathers and civil rights leaders fought for. It’s also an attempt to BRIBE black people into voting for her,” George Behizy said. WATCH: I rarely get offended, but I am OFFENDED by Kamala Harris's agenda for black men Not only is it degrading, it goes against everything the founding fathers and civil rights leaders fought for. It's also an attempt to BRIBE black people into voting for her. pic.twitter.com/XqxcyPm23X — George (@BehizyTweets) October 15, 2024 USA TODAY reports: The proposals – unveiled just three weeks before Election Day – come as polling shows former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, has made inroads with Black men that could swing what’s expected to be a razor-thin election. Democrats also worry about signs of lagging turnout among Black voters even as the country could elect the first Black woman president in U.S. history. The Harris campaign said, if elected, the vice president will “break down unjust legal barriers that hold Black men and other Americans back by legalizing marijuana nationally, working with Congress to ensure that the safe cultivation, distribution, and possession of recreational marijuana is the law of the land.” Harris will “fight to ensure as the national cannabis industry takes shape, Black men – who have, for years, been over policed for marijuana use – are able to access wealth and jobs in this new market,” the campaign said in a statement. The campaign called the policy a “stark contrast with Donald Trump” and the Justice Department’s approach with marijuana during his presidency. President Joe Biden’s administration took steps this year to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I – its designation for decades – to a less dangerous Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act.

In 2014, metal star, movie director and bona fide horror hound Rob Zombie tore into the worst horror movie in history

AJ Griffin gives up his high-paying career with the NBA to follow God. Achieving fame and fortune is the ultimate dream for most people. Unfortunately, many will go to great lengths-legal or otherwise-and sacrifice nearly everything in their lives for an opportunity to become wealthy and famous. That's why when someone achieves this dream and this goal and turns their back on money and fame, it can leave many confused and confounded. The Young Man Steps Away From The NBA And A Life Of Fame And Fortune So, when AJ, a 21-year-old professional basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks, decided to retire unexpectedly, many were probably immediately confused and taken aback. Did he suffer a career-ending injury? That was more than likely what most people believed caused the young man to give up a lucrative basketball career. RELATED: Single Dad Gave up Everything for His Son, Then God Spoke to Him in His Greatest Time of Need But that was not the case at all. In a video posted on YouTube, the young man explains his reasoning for stepping away from basketball. Instead, and not because of an injury, AJ gave up basketball to serve his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to go into ministry full-time. "To bring it all down, in a short summary: I gave up basketball to follow Jesus," AJ said. "And I know that in a lot of people's eyes that seems like, that seems like a loss in the world's eyes. But I just want to let you guys know that I'm super excited because I truly get to serve God, you know, with my full yes." Later in the clip, AJ states retiring from the NBA was what he needed to do to serve the Lord "with all my heart, with all my time, too." RELATED: Not a Day Went by That She Didn’t Think about Baby She Gave Up 33 Years Ago, Then They Met Basketball Took A Back Seat In AJ’s Life After Accepting Christ In 2020 In the video, after explaining why he gave up basketball, AJ shows how this decision was not something that happened overnight. He then explains the steps as to how he made to make this change in life. In 2020, AJ gave his life to Jesus Christ, calling it "the best decision of my life." "He found me," AJ said. "I know we say, ‘We found God,' but He finds us." From that point forward, Christ started to work in AJ's heart and life. He says that his heart and values began to change. Basketball, a big part of his life, took a back seat and was no longer his top priority. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Nice Guy Chris Pratt Accidentally Gave Away A Trip On TV According to The EPOCH Times, AJ played one season for Duke University, leading them to the final four, before entering the NBA. In the 2022 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets took him 16th overall. AJ Is Excited For The Future Christ Has In Store For Him In the description of the YouTube video in which AJ explains his reasoning for stepping away from basketball, he writes about his excitement for the future. "I'm looking forward to the plans God has for me up ahead, to share his good news of Salvation and a closer relationship with Jesus," he writes. "And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." – Romans 12:2 WATCH: AJ Griffin Explains Why He Stepped From The NBA To Serve Jesus Christ LISTEN: Dennis Quaid and Jonathan Roumie in Hilarious ‘Reagan Meets Jesus’ Viral Video h/t: YouTube.com/AJ Griffin & The Epoch Times Featured Image Credit: YouTube.com/AJ Griffin RECOMMENDED FOR YOU Jeff Bridges For for His Life So He Could Walk His Daughter Down the Aisle Police Officer Dad Pulled His Daughter Over For The Funniest Reason Dad Sends His Daughter A 21st Birthday Card From The Grave Man Writes Letter To Dad To Propose To His Daughter The post AJ Griffin Gives Up High-Paying Career with NBA to Follow God appeared first on GodUpdates.

Walgreens announced Tuesday that it plans to close 1,200 stores over the next three years as it looks to downsize. 

The much-hyped sequel “Joker: Folie à Deux” is projected to lose anywhere from $150 million to $200 million after a poor showing at the box office and lackluster reviews from critics and audiences. The sequel to “Joker” (2019) was expected to perform much better, especially considering that the original raked in just over $1 billion. But the Joaquin Phoenix-led film, which also stars Lady Gaga, only earned $51.5 million domestically and $165 million globally after two weeks of release, per Variety. Comparatively, the original “Joker” made $96.2 million domestically and $248.4 million globally in its first three days. It also won two Oscars, including a Best Actor award for Phoenix. “Folie à Deux” cost $200 million to produce and about $100 million to market and distribute, the outlet noted. That makes its break-even amount around $450 million, which it likely will never reach. Anonymous “insiders” cited by Variety project the film will lose hundreds of millions of dollars. Warner Bros. disagrees with these predictions, however. “Any estimates suggested by anonymous ‘insiders’ or ‘rival executives’ are grossly wrong and continues a trend where rumor is reported as fact,” a Warner Bros. spokesperson said in a statement. “The film continues to play in theatrical release, included with this week’s opening in China, and will continue to earn revenue throughout its home viewing and ancillary run.” MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ COMING TO DAILYWIRE+ OCT. 28 The studio is also hoping to recoup some of the money when “Joker 2” is released on streaming at the end of the month. “Folie à Deux” is very different from the first “Joker” film, which was a dark, gritty antihero tale. The sequel is a musical with a love story intertwined, which didn’t resonate with audiences. The movie has a 33% rating from critics and a 32% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. “The falloff in quality from ‘Joker,’ a genuinely searing innovation in comic-book movies, to this one is so steep that it’s comparable to the dropoff between ‘The Hangover’ and ‘The Hangover Part II,’” the Wall Street Journal critic wrote.  The reviewer from The Atlantic wrote, “The musical performances are underpowered, lacking much movement, personality, or surprise. In fact, the film’s problems are so glaring that one can’t help but wonder about what happened behind the scenes.” Fans were not impressed either, with many complaining about the film being a musical and having such a different feel compared to the original. “I did not want to go see a musical. I went to go see a joker movie,” one moviegoer wrote, echoing the sentiments of so many others.

A widely-cited study that claims black babies were more likely to die under white doctors’ care had a serious methodological problem — one that appears to explain the study’s troubling conclusion, according to a new report from the Manhattan Institute. Manhattan Institute scholars George Borjas and Robert VerBruggen found that the authors of the influential 2020 study did not consider that white doctors were more likely to care for black babies with low birth weight, which dramatically increases the chance a baby will die. When controlling for low birth weight, the scholars found no significant difference in outcomes for newborns based on a doctor’s race. Their findings call into question the legitimacy of the study, which has been cited to demonstrate supposed inherent racism among white doctors. “This fact that Black newborns do so much better under the care of Black physicians warrants greater investigation by researchers and medical practitioners into drivers of differences between higher- and lower-performing physicians, and why Black physicians systemically outperform their colleagues when caring for Black newborns,” study co-author Aaron Sojourner claimed in 2020.  Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson cited the study in her dissent from the Supreme Court’s decision striking down affirmative action in higher education. “For high-risk black newborns, having a black physician more than doubles the likelihood that the baby will live, and not die,” Jackson wrote.  When controlling for birth weight, the data doesn’t actually show that white doctors were performing poorly when working with black patients. “Controlling for very low birth weight — i.e., comparing newborns within the same weight class — eliminates the racial concordance result in the most detailed statistical models. This happens because black doctors disproportionately care for black newborns with healthy birth weights,” Borjas and VerBruggen wrote. “Conversely, white doctors care for a disproportionately large share of the black babies most at risk, those who have a very low birth weight.” Borjas and VerBruggen argue that the difference can be explained by controlling for babies treated with healthy birth weights and those born at a dangerously low weight. They argued that controlling for birth weight rendered the seeming disparity in treatment meaningless.  To analyze the original study, Borjas and VerBruggen obtained the same data set used by the George Mason researchers and attempted to replicate their findings. The data was pulled from births in Florida between 1992 to 2015.  MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ COMING TO DAILYWIRE+ OCT. 28 The scholars said that the outcome for black newborns could be improved by focusing on ensuring healthy pregnancies.  “In short, our analysis suggests that the potential for improving neonatal outcomes for black infants lies more in reducing the incidence of newborns born with very low birth weights (and in improving care for those infants) than in the color of their doctors’ skin,” the scholars wrote. “Fortunately, care for premature infants has improved rapidly in recent years—though not all hospitals routinely do, or are equipped to do, everything that is possible.” Brad Greenwood, the lead author of the 2020 study, told The Daily Wire that he welcomed academic discussion on the issue. “I am glad that there is a continued and robust dialogue in the scholarly community about the means by which the racial mortality gap in birthing outcomes can be ameliorated,” he said. “It is important work that needs to be continued.” Borjas and VerBruggen first published their study on the report last month in an article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.