A massive explosion was reported at a hotel in downtown Fort Worth on Monday afternoon and videos from social media showed the aftermath. Some injured people could be seen among the debris outside of the Sandman Signature hotel on Houston Street. Emergency responders were also processing the area‚ including firefighters. WFAA-TV reported that the explosion was confined to the lower level of the hotel and said there were at least 11 people reported injured‚ but so far no fatalities. Fort Worth city councilman Carlos Flores posted on his Facebook account that people should avoid the area and offered a possible explanation for the explosion. "Public safety announcement‚" he wrote. "Several minutes ago‚ there was a gas leak and explosion in Downtown on W 7th Street and Houston; several streets closed."WFAA said one witness told them they felt the walls shake four blocks away from the explosion. The hotel had opened less than a year ago at the 100-year-old historic landmark building. The hotel included 245 rooms in about 20 stories. This is a developing story and more information will be added as it becomes available. Here's more about the hotel explosion: Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

A trans-identifying teen who had reportedly been active on a school shooting chatroom brought to the FBI's attention last year shot up a high school in Perry‚ Iowa‚ on Thursday‚ murdering a child and grievously injuring several others. Officials have identified the 11-year-old boy killed in the rampage as Ahmir Jolliff. As the child's family prepares for his funeral Thursday‚ various publications continue to recycle the Associated Press' early framing of the shooter as a victim of bullying despite his clear appetite for attacking unarmed innocents. The shooter and the FBI A 17-year-old student at Perry High School showed up for the new semester last week armed with a pump-action shotgun‚ a homemade bomb‚ and a small-caliber handgun‚ according to authorities. Blaze News previously noted that prior to the shooting‚ the suspect posted a selfie taken inside the school's bathroom to his TikTok account along with the lyrics "now we wait" from the song "Stray Bullet" from the German band KMFDM. The same song was featured on the personal website of one of the shooters behind the 1999 Columbine High School massacre. NBC News reported that before the shooting‚ the suspect also wrote in a Discord message‚ "I'm f****** nervous‚ I'm the bathroom gearing up." The shooter's Reddit and TikTok accounts‚ both deactivated shortly after the shooting‚ revealed that the shooter featured an LGBT activist flag in his bio and indicated he used "he/they" pronouns. Beside engaging online with other LGBT activists about transgenderism‚ the shooter also used the hashtag "genderfluid" and posted‚ "[L]ove your trans kids." The shooter‚ son of the Perry airport's director and a small business owner‚ admitted in one Reddit post that a fear of looking ugly prevented him from beginning the sex-change process. While keen to proudly display an LGBT activist flag in his social media bio‚ the shooter was evidently not big on intersectionality‚ having also noted in his Discord correspondence‚ "There's a n***** in the bathroom‚ I need him to leave so I can assemble my guns." A Discord user who saw the shooter in a chatroom dedicated to discussing school shootings called "School Massacres Discussion" told NBC News they reported the chatroom to the FBI in November. The user's report concerning the chatroom did not directly reference the shooter's handle‚ "took2much." Nevertheless‚ they shared screenshots with an FBI agent who allegedly never got back in touch. Nevertheless‚ the chatroom was shut down before the Perry shooting. The FBI did not respond to NBC News' request for comment. The shooting After first lurking in the bathroom and circulating more of his depraved thoughts online‚ the shooter who may have been known to the FBI opened fire on staff and children around 7:47 a.m.‚ before the start of classes. Police were quick to respond‚ rushing into the school "within minutes" of the initial report of an active shooter‚ according Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Assistant Director Mitch Mortvedt. Before being able to use his improvised explosive device‚ which Mortvedt suggested was "pretty rudimentary‚" the shooter offed himself with a well-placed gunshot to the head. Of the seven victims who received wounds or injuries‚ four were students and three were staff members. Two students remain in hospital‚ one of whom was reportedly shot multiple times. The other two were treated and released. The Iowa Department of Public Safety indicated that as of Friday‚ Perry High School principal Dan Marburger was still in critical condition‚ having suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators indicated Marburger "acted selflessly and placed himself in harm's way in an apparent effort to protect his students." A young life cut short Ahmir Jolliff‚ known to family and friends as "Smiley" on account of his exuberant disposition‚ suffered three gunshot wounds‚ according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety. The boy‚ a Chicago-born student at Perry Middle School — which is attached to the high school — was in the cafeteria when the trans shooter opened fire. Jolliff's obituary in the Des Moines Register noted that Jolliff's "love for life was reflected in his diverse array of hobbies‚ including participating in the choir and band‚ playing soccer‚ and immersing himself in the world of video games." The obituary further indicated that "Ahmir was not just a bright light; he was a steadfast defender of justice. He stood up against bullies‚ championing those who needed a voice and ensuring that kindness prevailed." The boy's mother told the Associated Press‚ which has cast her son's killer as a victim of bullying‚ "He was so well-loved and he loved everyone." "He's such an outgoing person‚" added Erica Jolliff. A funeral service will take place at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Perry at 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 11. Overflow seating will reportedly be available across the street at First Cristian Church (Disciples of Christ). Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Elon Musk has been making his position on DEI crystal clear through X (formerly known as Twitter). In a quote tweet‚ Musk wrote‚ “DEI is just another word for racism.” In another tweet‚ he wrote‚ “Discrimination on the basis of race‚ which DEI does‚ is literally the definition of racism.” Dave Rubin is in agreement with Musk‚ saying‚ “Of course that is true. There is no such thing as reverse racism. If you don’t like white people or you won’t hire white people in the name of DEI‚ you are a racist.” However‚ it seems that Rubin and Musk’s brand of common sense is not all that common. Billionaire Mark Cuban‚ who owns the Dallas Mavericks‚ tweeted back at Elon with a condescending essay. “Let me help you out and give you my thoughts on DEI‚” Cuban began‚ adding‚ “I take it as a given that there are people of various races‚ ethnicities‚ orientation‚ etc that are regularly excluded from hiring consideration.” Cuban explained that by opening his search to people who are “excluded‚” he “can find people that are more qualified.” He also told Musk that “having a workforce that is diverse” is “good for business.” Cuban’s tweet was broken up into five paragraphs‚ each explaining why DEI is good for business. “That’s the liberal college girl response‚” Rubin says‚ noting that while Elon wrote two succinct sentences on the subject‚ Cuban wrote a never-ending‚ uninteresting tale that lacked any real meaning. “Nobody else is using DEI the way he’s pretending to define it‚” Rubin says‚ adding that Musk “nailed” his response to Cuban. “Cool‚ so when should we expect to see a short white/Asian woman on the Mavs?” Musk wrote. 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.

The convicted felon who last week jumped over a Las Vegas courtroom bench and physically attacked a judge — a shocking moment that cut the hearing short — stood again Monday in front of the same judge he attacked‚ Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus‚ in a continuation of last week's proceeding.This time‚ Holthus handed down her sentence to Deobra Delone Redden: up to four years in prison‚ the Associated Press said.What's the background?Amid sentencing last week‚ Redden was heard on video cursing at Holthus — and then a camera caught him carrying out his attack. Content warning: Language: — (@) Last week's hearing was in connection with a baseball bat attack on a person last year‚ the AP said. A prosecutor said during last week's hearing that Redden has a history of violent crime and asked for a prison term‚ KSNV-TV reported‚ adding that past charges against Redden include home invasion‚ domestic violence‚ and battery on a protected person.Redden's attorney last week argued for a suspended sentence‚ KSNV said‚ but Judge Holthus wasn't having it."I appreciate that‚ but I think it's time that he get a taste of something else‚" Holthus said‚ according to KSNV. "Because I just can't with that history."That's when Redden was caught on video attacking Holthus.One courtroom marshal was hospitalized for treatment of a bleeding gash on his forehead and a dislocated shoulder‚ the AP said‚ adding that Holthus suffered some injuries but was back to work the next day.During Monday's continuation hearing‚ Redden stood in court in shackles with a mask on his face and orange mitts on his hands with jail officers next to him‚ the AP said. Redden's attorney‚ Caesar Almase‚ declined to comment outside the courtroom‚ the AP added.Redden also is set to appear in court Tuesday on 13 new charges in connection with his attack on Holthus‚ including coercion with force‚ intimidation of a public officer‚ extortion‚ and multiple counts of battery on a protected person‚ USA Today reported‚ citing Clark County records. Man who attacked Las Vegas judge faces her again for sentencing 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!

Hollywood movie star Jodi Foster criticized the young members of Gen Z for being sloppy in writing emails and showing up to work late. Foster made the comments in an interview with the Guardian published on Saturday. "They’re really annoying‚ especially in the workplace. They’re like‚ ‘Nah‚ I’m not feeling it today‚ I’m gonna come in at 10:30 a.m.‚' " she said. Gen Z is generally defined as referring to people born between the years of 1997 and 2012‚ and they're also called "zoomers." The 61-year-old actress went on to register her complaints against the younger generation. "Or‚ like‚ in emails‚ I’ll tell them‚ 'This is all grammatically incorrect — did you not check your spelling?' And they’re like‚ ‘Why would I do that‚ isn’t that kind of limiting?'" she said. “They need to learn how to relax‚ how to not think about it so much‚ how to come up with something that’s theirs‚" Foster continued. "I can help them find that‚ which is so much more fun than being‚ with all the pressure behind it‚ the protagonist of the story.”Zoomers responding to a Reddit thread about working with older people documented their generational grievances. “For younger people‚ the thumbs-up emoji is used to be really passive-aggressive‚” read a response from a 24-year-old. “It’s super rude if someone just sends you a thumbs up. So I also had a weird time adjusting because my workplace is the same‚" they added. A poll in 2023 found that 29% of Gen Z people said the government should install cameras in every home in order to avoid crime and abuse‚ while only 20% of respondents of an older generation agreed with the massive surveillance program. Foster is best known for portraying FBI agent Clarise Starling in the blockbuster movie "The Silence of the Lambs" from 1991. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

In the wake of the recent revelations regarding Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin's hospitalization and the lack of transparency surrounding it‚ former President Donald Trump has called for Austin's firing while other Republicans have called for the cabinet official to resign."Failed Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin should be fired immediately for improper professional conduct and dereliction of duty‚" Trump declared in a January 7 post on Truth Social. "He has been missing for one week‚ and nobody‚ including his boss‚ Crooked Joe Biden‚ had a clue as to where he was‚ or might be. He has performed poorly‚ and should have been dismissed long ago‚ along with 'General' Mark Milley‚ for many reasons‚ but in particular the catastrophic surrender in Afghanistan‚ perhaps the most embarrassing moment in the history of our Country!" Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder announced in a January 5 statement that on January 1‚ Austin had been "admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for complications following a recent elective medical procedure."The White House was reportedly notified about Austin's hospitalization later in the week.In a January 7 statement‚ Ryder noted that Austin was still at Walter Reed. "Since resuming his duties on Friday evening‚ the Secretary has received operational updates and has provided necessary guidance to his team‚" Ryder noted.In a January 6 statement‚ Austin said‚ "I take full responsibility for my decisions about disclosure." Reps. Chip Roy of Texas and Elise Stefanik of New York have been among the Republicans calling for Austin to resign."I write to request your immediate resignation as Secretary of the Department of Defense (DoD). Your failure to inform the White House‚ the National Security Council‚ and Congress of your hospitalization and subsequent inability to fulfill your national security responsibilties as Secretary in a timely manner is indefensible and unacceptable‚" Roy declared in a letter to Austin."It is shocking and absolutely unacceptable that the Department of Defense waited multiple days to notify the President‚ the National Security Council‚ and the American people that Defense Secretary Austin was hospitalized and unable to perform his duties‚" Stefanik‚ who is the House Republican Conference chair‚ said in a statement. NSC coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby has batted away the notion an Austin ouster‚ indicating that there is no plan other than for the defense secretary to remain in his role. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

The co-headlining tour‚ "Hell‚ Fire &; Chaos - The Best of British Rock &; Metal‚" takes place in the spring The post Saxon and Uriah Heep Set 2024 U.S. Tour appeared first on Best Classic Bands.

If I had to name gaming peripheral brands off the top of my head‚ Alienware would be quite far down the list. While its PCs‚ laptops‚ and gaming monitors are hard to ignore‚ the attention given to peripherals has been an issue. With the introduction of the Alienware Pro Wireless mouse and keyboard‚ this could be about to change. In truth‚ Alienware hasn't been anywhere near the discussion when it comes to the best gaming keyboard or best gaming mouse for some time‚ and I'm very keen to see how this changes with the Pro Wireless peripherals. Continue reading New Alienware Pro Wireless gear runs for up to 75 days MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best graphics card‚ Best gaming PC‚ Best SSD for gaming

Alienware continues to innovate in the gaming monitor space and is bringing a world's first to the market with its CES 2024 announcements. The AW2725GF is the first 360Hz QD-OLED monitor to hit the market and it brings a super speedy 0.03ms GtG response time to back it up. Given its recent fine form‚ Alienware already sits within our picks for the best gaming monitors you can buy right now‚ but following its CES reveal‚ two more contenders have entered the fray. Continue reading Alienware drops world’s first 360Hz QD-OLED gaming monitor MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best graphics card‚ Best gaming PC‚ Best SSD for gaming

During its CES 2024 showcase‚ MSI officially revealed the Claw‚ its first handheld gaming PC. Powered by Intel Core Ultra‚ the MSI Claw looks to take a slightly different approach to performance compared to its rivals‚ and it has a battery bigger than anything Valve‚ Lenovo‚ or Asus can provide. The MSI Claw‚ on paper‚ stacks up well when compared to the Leigon Go and ROG Ally‚ but a basic HD screen sees it fall short of the Steam Deck OLED‚ which has proven incredibly popular since its surprise launch last year. We certainly see the MSI Claw as a potential contender for the best handheld gaming PC‚ but what makes it stand out from its competitors? Continue reading The MSI Claw is real‚ and it’s the first Core Ultra gaming handheld MORE FROM PCGAMESN: MSI Z370 Gaming Pro Carbon AC review‚ MSI GTX 1080 Ti Gaming X Trio review‚ Best gaming motherboard