President Joe Biden reportedly told a group of Democratic governors on Wednesday that he saw a medical doctor after last week’s debate against former President Donald Trump, contradicting a statement made by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the same day. Three people with knowledge of Biden’s private meeting with more than 20 Democratic governors said Biden informed them that he was examined by a doctor after the debate, adding that the doctor gave him the all-clear, POLITICO reported. The president’s meeting with the governors took place as some Democrats and political commentators expressed concern about the president’s fitness and ability to continue his re-election campaign following his detrimental debate performance. During a White House press briefing on Wednesday, Jean-Pierre told CNN Senior White House Correspondent MJ Lee that Biden has not undergone “any kind of medical exam” since his annual physical in February. “We were able to talk to his doctor about that, and that is a no,” the press secretary said. “He hasn’t had any kind of medical exam?” Lee asked again. Jean-Pierre simply replied, “No.” Lee wrote on X Thursday morning that another White House spokesman, Andrew Bates, confirmed that “Biden was examined by his doctor in the days following last week’s debate ‘to check on his cold and was recovering well.” White House spox Andrew Bates confirms Biden was examined by his doctor in the days following last week’s debate “to check on his cold and was recovering well.” I asked WH press secretary yesterday if Biden had gotten any medical exam after his February physical and she said no: https://t.co/qhNHlElUTf pic.twitter.com/GOUUiXhIoR — MJ Lee (@mj_lee) July 4, 2024 “A White House official adds when Biden was seen by his doctor after the debate, it was a ‘brief check,’ not a physical. My question yesterday was not whether he had gotten another physical,” Lee added. In an interview that aired Wednesday on a Wisconsin radio station, the president acknowledged that he “screwed up” his debate performance, but urged voters to focus on what he has done during his time in the White House. “I had a bad night, I had a bad night. And the fact of the matter is … I screwed up, I made a mistake,” Biden said, according to NBC News. “I didn’t have a good debate. That’s 90 minutes on stage. Look at what I’ve done in 3.5 years. I led the economy back from the brink of collapse,” Biden continued. Trump took some shots at Biden following the debate, saying, “[T]here is a BIG GAP for Crooked Joe to make up, and with his mind and memory completely shot, and marbles in his mouth, it’s not going to happen!” In a leaked video that went viral on Wednesday night, Trump called Biden a “broken down pile of crap,” adding that he thinks Biden is “quitting the race.”

Is there anything quite as precious as a newborn with their mom? In a viral video, one woman shows off the absolutely adorable new addition to her farm: a baby donkey! The video is simple, but it’s so sweet. As the farmer explains on her social media page, one of her donkeys recently gave birth to her little one. Not long after, the two of them could be found together, with Mom protectively standing over her newborn. All animals are adorable but, honestly, I feel like donkeys don’t get nearly as much love as they should. Just look at their adorable faces in the video below! How could you not want to give those two all of the pets and cuddles!? Based on all of the positive feedback in the comments, it’s clear that many people feel this way — see why for yourself! @kdawgyuh Our newest foal is heeeeere #fyp #minidonkey #donkeysoftiktok #farmanimals #farm #farmtok ♬ original sound – kdawg After watching this video, lots of people want to pet the donkeys, of course. But just as many are left with a lingering question: How on earth is that baby donkey almost as big as her mom!? Luckily, this kind farmer was happy to give more details on these two. Adorable Baby Donkey Steals Hearts Over Sweet Moment Shared With Mom @kdawgyuh Replying to @DivineSophia65 moms are champs that’s all I gotta say! #fyp #donkeys #donkeytok #minidonkey #farm #farmtok #farmanimals #maui #hawaii ♬ original sound – kdawg So, turns out, babies have a lot of time to grow when the gestation period is 12 months. That being said, this baby donkey is particularly large, still making it baffling that she was able to fit inside mom not long ago. But, if you’ve ever been pregnant yourself, or know someone who has been, you’re probably not as surprised. Pregnancy truly is a wonderous miracle! Plus, all that matters is that both Mom and baby are happy and healthy — which is certainly the case with these two! You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post Farmer Shares Precious Footage Of Newborn Donkey With Mom & We’re Squealing appeared first on InspireMore.

'At this moment, the nation needs something I cannot provide'

The post How Long Do Russian Blue Cats Live? Vet-Reviewed Lifespan & Care Tips by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Click to Skip Ahead Average Lifespan Care Guide Life Stages How to Tell Your Russian Blue’s Age You love your feline friends, but you’re aware they won’t be around for your entire life. However, some cats live longer than others, so certain breeds will be in your life for far longer than other breeds. Knowing how long a cat will live can be an important factor in deciding what kind of kitty to adopt. If you’ve been thinking about adopting a Russian Blue, you’ll be happy to hear that this feline breed has quite a lifespan. Most Russian Blues will live 15 to 20 years! Of course, many factors can affect how long a cat lives, such as genetics, health, and more. Here’s a closer look at what could affect the lifespan of a Russian Blue. Russian Blue Average Lifespan As previously stated, Russian Blue cats live, on average, between 15 and 20 years. Many feline breeds have similar lifespans, but whether your kitty will live that long or not depends on several factors. However, you can help ensure that your cat is around for as long as possible by giving them the proper care needed. How to Care for Your Russian Blue for a Long Lifespan How do you care for a Russian Blue to ensure they have as long a lifespan as possible? Here’s how! Feeding & Diet Felines are obligate carnivores, meaning they require meat in their diets to stay healthy. So, ensure you’re feeding your Russian Blue high-quality cat food containing meat as the first ingredient. Cat food should also have all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your pet needs for good health. When it comes to how much your cat should be eating each day, check with your vet, as the suggested serving size on the food bag isn’t always ideal for every cat. Aim to maintain a healthy body condition score, as obesity makes your cat prone to health issues like urinary tract disease, joint problems, and diabetes. Image Credit: slawomir.gawryluk, Shutterstock Environment It might not seem like the environment around your pet would have much of an effect on them (at least, not as long as the environment is clean and safe), but it can. Unfortunately, cats that live outdoors have a shorter than average lifespan because they are exposed to infectious diseases, toxins, predators, and traffic, all of which can lead to an untimely death. Providing for all their needs will help to keep cats happy and healthy. Russian Blues are incredibly loving felines who adore their families. So, these felines need human companionship, especially from their chosen person. That doesn’t mean they’ll love everyone in a household, though; this breed prefers older children to younger ones, so if you have little ones, it could make the cat anxious or irritable. Cats also need plenty of physical and mental stimulation, including toys, cat trees, and scratching posts. Plus, felines will need a litter box that is clean and emptied often. Without these things, a Russian Blue could develop behavioral and stress-related issues, which could affect how long they end up living. Care When it comes to caring properly for a Russian Blue to ensure they have a long, healthy life, you’ll need to give them a diet of nutritious, high-quality food, clean out their litter box, and do some occasional grooming. These kitties have short coats and don’t shed much, so you only need to brush them once a week or so. Their nails should also be trimmed regularly. Other than that, make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and invest in good parasite prevention. Image Credit: Nailia Schwarz, Shutterstock Breeding Genetics are also a key factor in how long a cat will live. If you get your Russian Blue from a shelter or rescue, you probably won’t know anything about their family history. However, if you adopt from a reputable breeder, you can (and should) ask questions about the cat’s family history and what kind of genetic testing has been done. This can help you determine whether health issues may show up later down the line. Healthcare Russian Blues are generally healthy cats (which is part of why they live for a long time). However, every cat breed has a few health issues they’re prone to getting, and the Russian Blue is no exception. When it comes to these felines, some of the more common health problems that arise are obesity, bladder stones, polycystic kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and progressive retinal atrophy. Image Credit: sirtravelalot, Shutterstock The Life Stages of a Russian Blue Cat Like all felines, the Russian Blue has four life stages. Kitten: 0–12 months This stage is one of the most crucial ones for your Russian Blue as this is the period when your cat will learn how to socialize with other animals and people and learn what is appropriate play and what isn’t. You can help keep your cat healthy during this life stage by getting them all their needed checkups, vaccines, and starting them on parasite control. Young Adult: 1–6 years The age of one is when your Russian Blue officially becomes an adult! Once kitty hits adulthood, you should switch them from their kitten food to an adult food, as adult cats and kittens need different amounts of nutrients to stay healthy. You should also make sure to take your cat to all routine vet check-ups during this period and ensure they are getting enough exercise daily. Image Credit: Camel Case, Shutterstock Mature Adult: 7–10 years There isn’t a lot of difference between the young adult stage and the mature adult stage. However, by this age, your Russian Blue might have developed a health problem or two. So, be sure to continue taking your pet in for routine check-ups so they stay as healthy as possible. Senior: 10+ years Your Russian Blue won’t necessarily slow down during their senior years. Healthy kitties are more than capable of staying active throughout this time. That said, you should keep a closer eye on your pet’s health as they age to catch any health issues as soon as possible. How to Tell Your Russian Blue’s Age If you don’t know how old your Russian Blue is, the best way to tell is a microchip or paperwork if this is available. If your Russian Blue is clearly a kitten, their teeth can give you a rough idea of their age as their baby and adult teeth will start to appear at various times. They will have a full set of adult teeth around 7 months of age. If your cat is an adult, it can be very subjective and misleading to estimate their age. While clues like the presence of dental disease, arthritis, and cloudy eyes could lead you to think your cat is an older adult, the cat’s genetics and environment could affect these traits more than age. Image Credit: milivigerova, Pixabay Conclusion Russian Blue cats live between 15 and 20 years, but the length of their lifespan can depend greatly on you. To ensure your pet has the longest life possible, you should be sure you’re caring for them properly. This includes taking them to the vet regularly, feeding them a healthy diet, and ensuring all their needs are met. Sources PetMD Animal Emergency and Referral Center of Minnesota Catster VCA  Cat Vets   Featured Image Credit: Review News, Shutterstock The post How Long Do Russian Blue Cats Live? Vet-Reviewed Lifespan & Care Tips by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post Why Do Cats Gag? 10 Vet-Verified Reasons & When to Worry by Ashley Bates appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Click to Skip Ahead Potential Reasons for Gagging in Cats When to Take Your Cat to the Vet Our cats are always nosing about, getting into all sorts of things. They see something peculiar, and what better thing to do than give it a good sniff? If your cat gags a lot, you might wonder what gives. Some cats might be more sensitive to smells, textures, and stimuli than others. It just depends on the kitty and how they are. Here are 10 reasons your cat might be gagging. Gagging in Cats: 10 Potential Reasons We want to explain first that your cat might be sensitive to changes in their environment relating to air fresheners, cooking certain items, burning candles, using cleaners, and a variety of other stimuli. Before you take your cat to the vet, determine if there are any changes you can think of that could have triggered the gagging. It might just be a process of elimination. But here are some alternative reasons. 1. Hairballs If your cat is an avid groomer, chances are they will have hairball issues a time or two in their life. It is especially common among medium to long-haired cats. If your cat is gagging, it might absolutely be a hairball to blame. In fact, it may be one of the most common and understandable reasons a cat is gagging. When cats groom themselves, the hairs get caught on papillae (small projections on the tongue) and can get stuck in and irritate the throat. If the hair makes it to the stomach, it can aggregate into a hairball or trichobezoar. Cats might regurgitate the hairball or it could pass through the intestines, sometimes leading to constipation or blockages. Hairballs are a normal part of a cat’s life, and they are usually unremarkable and highly expected. However, sometimes they can signal a problem. On average, your cat should cough up a hairball around once a month—maybe slightly more for long-haired cats. If your cat has frequent problems with hairballs, it might mean they have slightly sluggish digestion. There are diets on the market specially formulated to combat hairballs and improve the overall function of the gastrointestinal tract. Typically, an overproduction of hairballs can signal other issues like food allergies, environmental allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease. Image Credit: Joon Rungtipa, Shutterstock 2. Nausea Your cat might be feeling a little sicky-icky. Nausea isn’t an underlying cause, but rather just a sign of another manifestation. Nausea can be as simple as motion sickness or as serious as an organ issue or cancer. Because nausea is such a broad-spectrum issue, it can be hard to determine the underlying cause. You should absolutely get your cat to the vet if they seem nauseous over a long period of time. Nausea has its remedies, sure. But the reality is, ongoing nausea is your cat’s body’s way of telling you something is wrong—so please, listen. 3. Food Intolerance Food intolerances can be easily overlooked until signs become ultra-visible. Some cats show the signs very quickly, while others come on gradually or change over time. When cats have food intolerances, there are usually other signs you might miss at first. These can include: Vomiting Diarrhea Flatulence Frequent scratching Hair loss Poor growth Coughing Sneezing Wheezing If you suspect food allergies, you should promptly visit your vet. It might take some time to determine the trigger, but it will be necessary to keep them healthy and problem-free. To combat food intolerances, diet changes are an obvious need. Sensitivity or hypoallergenic diets are often used. Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock 4. Foreign Object Ingestion We all know our cats are curious creatures, and most aren’t shy about putting things in their mouth. For some of us, it would be no surprise if our cats ingested something they really shouldn’t have. While cats are typically less problematic than dogs in this category, they can still chew up and accidentally swallow lots of things. Cats are known for linear foreign bodies like string or yarn that get caught under the tongue. Other objects can lodge in the esophagus or intestines creating an obstruction. Signs of foreign object ingestion include: Gagging Vomiting Regurgitation Anorexia Dehydration Lethargy Abdominal pain Hiding Constipation 5. Asthma If your cat has asthma, they might gag. Severe coughing can stimulate the gag reflex and some cats will even bring up stomach contents after a coughing fit. You may also notice coughing, hacking, or open-mouthed breathing, which looks like gagging. Watch the video below of our vet explaining the difference between vomiting, coughing, and regurgitation in cats. Asthma is a bit of an enigma to researchers, but most agree that it is an allergic reaction to an allergen in the atmosphere. Once it enters the cat’s lungs, the immune system responds accordingly. Your cat could have mild to severe asthma and treatment will be different depending on the individual feline. Either way, feline asthma is a chronic and incurable respiratory disease, but good management is usually possible. If you believe your cat has asthma, it is imperative that you get treatment for your cat’s safety and comfort. Signs usually include: Difficulty breathing Rapid breathing Open-mouthed breathing Labored breathing Persistent coughing Coughing up mucus Typically, feline asthma responds to corticosteroids which can be delivered through injection, inhaler, or oral medication. Image Credit: Suzanne Tucker, Shutterstock 6. Respiratory Infections Other respiratory issues could cause your cat to gag. Luckily, some respiratory issues are preventable by vaccines. Some of these include feline herpesvirus type-1, feline calicivirus, and Bordetella. If you haven’t vaccinated your cat against certain diseases and they are gagging a lot, it might be a good idea to take them to a vet and explain the situation. The vet might run tests to see if any of these diseases are active in your cat’s system. Some signs of respiratory distress in cats include: Nasal and eye discharge Sneezing Runny nose Coughing Fever Lethargy Decreased appetite Drooling Labored breathing If your cat gets a clean bill of health, your vet might administer the vaccines to get them up-to-date, preventing any issues from developing in the future. 7. Tumors In rare cases, gagging might signal there is a tumor somewhere in the body—specifically in the throat and neck. Here are a few different kinds of tumors that can cause gagging: Squamous Cell Carcinoma Squamous cell carcinoma (CCC) is the most common type of oral tumor in cats. Especially if a tumor arises from the base of the tongue, back of the throat, or tonsils, it can stimulate the gag reflex quite frequently. Lymphoma Lymphoma is another type of oral tumor in cats. Aside from gagging, you may notice your cat drooling, struggling to swallow, losing weight, and having bad breath if they have an oral tumor like lymphoma. Melanoma Melanoma is another type of reasonably common oral tumor in cats. If your cat has an oral tumor they will need surgery to remove or biopsy the mass. Unfortunately, many tumors are not noted until they are too large to surgically remove. Thyroid Carcinoma The thyroid is a gland that sits in the neck. Like oral tumors, tumors that arise here can cause gagging as they put pressure on the throat and esophagus. It can also interfere with breathing. Cats with thyroid carcinoma will also have signs related to excessive thyroid hormone production or hyperthyroidism. Image Credit: Berto Ordieres, Shutterstock 8. Liver Disease The liver is responsible for collecting and expelling toxins in the body and aiding in digestion. It alone makes the bile that we use to break down our food. When your cat’s liver is in trouble, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and gagging. Liver disease can stem from several sources. Here are a few common scenarios. Hepatic Lipidosis This is also known as fatty liver syndrome and occurs when triglyceride builds up in liver cells. Usually, cats lose their appetite and reject food. This issue can be fatal if untreated and generally affects overweight cats. Infections Bacterial infections can hurt the liver. Toxins Ingesting a toxin usually directly impacts the liver because it is your cat’s (and your) filtration system. Metabolic Disorders If your cat suffers from a metabolic disorder, it can directly impact their liver. Some examples include diabetes and thyroid conditions. If you’re concerned that your cat might have an issue with their liver, you must get them to the vet immediately. 9. Kidney Disease The kidneys are crucial for survival. They provide a built-in filtration system for the body to remove waste products, filter blood, maintain electrolyte balance, and regulate blood pressure. If your cat develops kidney disease, it can cause a myriad of signs, including gagging. Signs of kidney disease in cats include: Weight loss Vomiting Increased thirst Poor quality coat Bad breath Mouth ulcers Lethargy Kidneys are a non-negotiable part of your cat’s body. They absolutely need their kidneys, so it is imperative that you treat any issues that arise quickly. Your vet will come up with a treatment plan if your cat is diagnosed with kidney disease. Image Credit: Kginger, Shutterstock 10. Heart Disease Heart disease can be scary and is a common issue in aging felines. Heart disease can cause fluid in the lungs. If this is the case your cat can cough up watery or pink-tinged fluid. This process may look a lot like gagging. Heart disease can occur at any age and be congenital (present at birth) or develop over time. It depends on the underlying reason and genetic factors. Certain breeds carry genes that cause heart disease. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is one of the most common causes of heart disease in cats. Signs can include: Exercise intolerance Lethargy Collapse Hind-leg paralysis Coughing Respiratory distress If your cat has severe signs of heart disease, it is intensely important to get them medical care immediately. It can be the difference between life and death. When to Take Your Cat to the Vet If you notice any changes in your cat, it is best to take them to the vet. While some issues might not be too concerning, others will require further testing and treatment. Image Credit: Prostock studio, Shutterstock Conclusion If your cat is gagging, it is important to get to the bottom of it. Has it been going on for a while? Is it impacting your cat’s daily life? Are they showing additional signs that might raise concern? If so, it is time to get them to your vet. It might be something as simple as allergies, or as complicated as cancer. That is why it is so vital to address it and not procrastinate vet care. Best of luck to you and your gaggy gal or guy. Sources Cornell.edu VCA Hospitals VCA Hospitals Cornell.edu Cornell.edu Merck Vet Manual PetMD Featured Image Credit: JackieLou DL, Pixabay The post Why Do Cats Gag? 10 Vet-Verified Reasons & When to Worry by Ashley Bates appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

New AP Spin: Biden's Sharp as a Tack! Occasionally!

The mystery of how the bluespotted ribbontail ray got its blue spots has been solved by a team of scientists, yielding what they described as a “surprising and fun solution to the stingray colour puzzle.” Their investigations revealed that the electric blue comes not from pigment, but extremely small structures that influence the way light behaves.Blue is rare in nature, and in the case of the ribbontail ray, it’s even more interesting as the color doesn’t change depending on the angle you look at them from. The ray species, known to science as Taeniura lymma, therefore landed itself a spot alongside the blue shark (Prionace glauca) as a candidate for studying the rare occurrence of brilliant blues out in the wild.The team used microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to take a close look at the architecture of the ribbontail ray’s skin. Surprisingly, what they saw reminded them of *checks notes* bubble tea…“We discovered that the blue colour is produced by unique skin cells, with a stable 3D arrangement of nanoscale spheres containing reflecting nanocrystals (like pearls suspended in a bubble tea),” said visiting academic at Trinity College Dublin, Amar Surapaneni, in a statement. “Because the size of the nanostructures and their spacing are a useful multiple of the wavelength of blue light, they tend to reflect blue wavelengths specifically.”That the blue doesn't change depending on angle may help ribbontail rays camouflage in the sea.Image credit: Morgan Bennet SmithAs for how their bubble tea skin was pulling off that Mona Lisa trick, it seems the unique “quasi-ordered” arrangement of the nanoscale spheres Surapaneni mentioned were the key.“And to clean up any extraneous colours, a thick layer of melanin underneath the colour-producing cells absorbs all other colours, resulting in extremely bright blue skin,” added Mason Dean, Associate Professor of Comparative Anatomy at City University of Hong Kong. “In the end, the two cell types are a great collaboration: the structural colour cells hone in on the blue colour, while the melanin pigment cells suppress other wavelengths, resulting in extremely bright blue skin.”Such electric blue coloration might seem a little showy for an animal that's pretty much designed to blend into the sand, but the blue dots probably are actually an effective camouflage in a marine environment. Blue penetrates deeper than any other color in the ocean, and since the ray’s blue spots don’t change depending on the angle, there’d be no reason for any onlooking predators to suspect a meal is passing them by. Using nanostructures to create such vivid colors is a neat magic trick, and one seen across many species, from tarantulas to peacocks.Next up: the blue shark.Image credit: Viktoriia Kamska“If you see blue in nature, you can almost be sure that it’s made by tissue nanostructures, not pigment,” said Dean. “Understanding animal structural colour is not just about optical physics but also the materials involved, how they’re finely organized in the tissue, and how the colour looks in the animal’s environment. To draw all those pieces together, we assembled a great team of disciplines from multiple countries, ending up with a surprising and fun solution to the stingray colour puzzle.”Solving the puzzle may also inform the creation of novel biomaterials. In fact, the team have already taken inspiration from the stingray’s soft skin to begin creating a flexible biomimetic structurally-coloured system that could one day be applied to flexible displays, screens, and sensors.Thanks for the head start, ribbontail ray.The study is published in Advanced Optical Materials.

An Oklahoma judge already facing criminal prosecution in connection with two shootings has now been accused of sexual and professional misconduct on the job.If the allegations against him are any indication, Brian Lovell, a 59-year-old associate judge in Garfield County, Oklahoma, is one unsavory character. Lovell has also been accused of favoring certain attorneys and issuing rulings, including bond assessments, accordingly; illicitly collaborating with attorneys through 'ex parte communications'; and even attempting to persuade an attorney to commit perjury.In the past five months, Lovell has been indicted in connection with two separate shootings that occurred in 2023: one at his brother-in-law's ranch and one at a busy intersection in Austin, Texas, as Blaze News previously reported. Thankfully, no one was injured in either incident.He also faces a misdemeanor reckless driving charge in connection with the incident in Austin.Now, a petition from the Oklahoma Council on Judicial Complaints has accused Lovell of various forms of misconduct related to his work on the bench, resulting in a temporary judicial suspension. The allegations in the petition include gross neglect of duty, corruption in office, and gross partiality in office.According to the petition, Lovell has had a sexual relationship with two different female bailiffs over the span of 12 years. In 2011, he allegedly had an eight-month relationship with one bailiff. She later disclosed the relationship and resigned, though district judges voted to allow Lovell to stay on the bench.Then in 2023, Lovell allegedly began a relationship with the female bailiff who replaced Lovell's former lover. This time, he and his new lover exchanged "sexually graphic messages and images" and even engaged in "sexual intercourse ... inside the courthouse during courthouse hours," the petition said.Lovell denied any sexual relationship but did admit they had engaged in "flirtatious texting," according to the petition. However, the woman testified to the sexual nature of their relationship, the Daily Caller reported, and their text messages allegedly corroborate her story.In addition to the accusations of sexual misconduct, Lovell has also been accused of favoring certain attorneys and issuing rulings, including bond assessments, accordingly; illicitly collaborating with attorneys through "ex parte communications"; and even attempting to persuade an attorney to commit perjury during a hearing for the Council on Judicial Complaints.Stephen Jones, who is representing Lovell in connection with the judicial council's accusations as well as at least one of the criminal cases against him, indicated that the system is out to get his client.Jones likened the allegations to an "ambush" and a "blind sided attack ... designed to humiliate and embarrass Judge Lovell and his family," Jones continued."The actions of the Council on Judicial Complaints should be a warning to every judge in this State that their tenure and professionalism can be attacked by unfair procedures and investigation techniques," Jones added."The Council on Judicial Complaints likes to compare itself to a grand jury. The comparison fails. In its actions, the Council’s conduct resembles the star chambers of British history."The council's petition was filed June 27, and Lovell has 20 days after that to respond. He also has until July 8 to respond in writing to his temporary suspension. A motion hearing at the Oklahoma Supreme Court is scheduled for July 30, with other pretrial hearings to follow.Lovell was scheduled to have at least one hearing last month about the shooting in Austin, but whether that hearing occurred as scheduled is unclear. He faces a hearing about the shooting at his brother-in-law's ranch in August.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Democratic operative Van Jones alleged Wednesday that Democrats are not being honest about what is happening behind the scenes in their party. In the days after President Joe Biden's abysmal debate performance, Democrats have used the mainstream media to defend Biden from calls for him to step aside as their party's presidential nominee. 'There is a big conversation happening right now about how this happens — not whether.' But according to Jones, a much different conversation is happening privately in the party. While the conversation happening on TV focuses on whether Biden steps aside, Jones revealed the true conversation in the party is about how to transition from Biden to a successor. "I'm just going to be honest: Everybody comes on the air and says all this great stuff. But behind the scenes, it's a full-scale panic," Jones said on CNN. "People are passing around legal memos. PDFs are flying back and forth on WhatsApp trying to figure out what are the options, how can you replace Biden, how do you get him to do it in a way where he feels respected as he should be respected, who should Kamala Harris' vice president be," he explained. "The conversation on air and the conversation off air are completely different." Jones added that Democrats want to "protect" and "defend" Biden while giving him "dignity" to make his own decision, but that hasn't stopped party leaders from privately planning his exit. "There is a big conversation happening right now about how this happens — not whether," Jones said. It's not clear why more Democrats are not speaking openly like Jones. But it's obvious why they're panicked: Polls for Biden were bad before the debate, but after the debate, they're exponentially worse. Not only has Trump significantly widened his lead over Biden in an average of national polls, according to FiveThirtyEight, but Democrats' own internal polling shows that Biden is down bad — even in states that Democrats historically win in a presidential election. With Biden's reluctance to bow out, some prominent Democrats — like campaign-winning strategist James Carville — are suggesting ways the party can force out the president. On a call with party donors this week, Carville suggested donors freeze their spending to down-ballot Democrats to motivate them to get Biden off the ticket. Carville also reframed Biden's debate performance as a positive because it allows Democrats to act. Had it occurred just a month before Election Day, he said it would have left the party "more than bruised, screwed, and tattooed." Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!