Politics

On May 27, 2024, former President Donald Trump posted a controversial message on his Truth Social account on Memorial Day, referring to certain political opponents and critics as "human scum." The post ignited a firestorm of reactions across social media and the political spectrum, overshadowing the day's solemn remembrance of fallen soldiers. In his post, Trump wrote: "As we honor our brave heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation, we must also recognize the threats from within. The human scum who undermine our country and disrespect our military are a disgrace. They do not represent the America we cherish. Today, let's remember those who fought and died for our freedom and stand strong against those who seek to destroy it." The message quickly went viral, drawing sharp reactions. Supporters of Trump praised his forthrightness and echoed his sentiments, agreeing that internal threats to the country needed to be addressed. Many expressed frustration with what they see as disloyalty and disrespect toward the military and American values from certain political factions and media outlets. However, the backlash was immediate and intense. Critics condemned Trump's use of inflammatory language on a day meant for unity and remembrance. Many accused him of using Memorial Day to further divide the nation and attack his political enemies, arguing that such rhetoric was inappropriate and disrespectful to the solemn occasion. Political analysts noted that this post is indicative of Trump's unyielding and combative style, which continues to resonate with a significant portion of the American electorate while alienating others. His use of terms like "human scum" reflects a broader strategy of vilification that has been a hallmark of his political persona. The controversy overshadowed many traditional Memorial Day messages focused on honoring the sacrifices of military personnel. Veterans' groups and military families expressed disappointment that the day's intended purpose was being overshadowed by political rhetoric. Despite the controversy, Trump's post underscored his continued influence and ability to command attention, even after leaving office. It highlighted the ongoing divisions within American society and the challenges of fostering unity in a deeply polarized political environment. As the nation reflected on Memorial Day, Trump's post served as a reminder of the enduring tensions and the complex interplay between honoring past sacrifices and navigating present political conflicts.

In a deeply tragic and disturbing case, a judge has ruled that the family members of a 3-year-old girl who died during a purported exorcism in San Jose, California, can stand trial. This ruling comes after months of investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child's death, which has shocked and horrified the community. The incident occurred in September 2022, when Arely Naomi Proctor was subjected to a ritual intended to expel evil spirits. Her family, deeply entrenched in their religious beliefs, reportedly performed the exorcism at a small Pentecostal church they attended. The ritual involved holding the girl down, depriving her of food and water, and inflicting severe physical stress over several hours. Emergency services were called to the church, but by the time they arrived, Arely was unresponsive. Despite attempts to resuscitate her, she was pronounced dead at the scene. The autopsy revealed that she had died from asphyxia and physical trauma, leading authorities to charge her mother, uncle, and grandfather with child abuse resulting in death. During the preliminary hearings, the defense argued that the family believed they were acting in the best interest of the child, driven by their religious convictions. They claimed that their intent was not to harm but to heal Arely, whom they believed was possessed by evil spirits. However, prosecutors presented a harrowing narrative of neglect and abuse, emphasizing that the family's actions were reckless and directly led to the child's death. Judge Carla Lopez ruled that there was sufficient evidence to proceed to trial, stating that religious beliefs do not justify actions that result in harm or death. She emphasized that the welfare and safety of the child should have been the paramount concern, and the extreme measures taken by the family were neither reasonable nor justifiable. This ruling has sparked widespread debate and discussion about the limits of religious freedom, particularly when it involves the welfare of children. Advocates for child protection have called for stricter regulations and oversight of religious practices that could endanger minors. As the case moves to trial, it highlights the tragic consequences that can arise when fervent beliefs overshadow basic human rights and safety. The trial is expected to delve deeply into the complex intersection of faith, law, and child welfare, with the hope of achieving justice for Arely Naomi Proctor.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - FOX5 caught up with visitors near Primm driving back home to California Monday after spending the Memorial Day weekend in Las Vegas. Many of those drivers said they got an early start on the drive, hoping to beat the traffic back to California. They were...

CALIFORNIA – Millions in Middle Class Tax Refund – inflation relief payments, will go back to the state, June 1, if left unclaimed. The state issued 7.2 million inflation relief direct deposits to residents, beginning in October 2022. For residents who did not receive it, they will need to contact the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) to get their money before it goes back into the state’s general fund.

A preliminary 3.5 magnitude earthquake struck Northern California early Monday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake hit at 7:03 a.m. and was centered about a mile west of Lake Almanor Country Club in Plumas County, according to the USGS. The USGS has not provided additional details at this time.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health says there has been a slight increase in Covid-19 cases. From May 10 to 15, they saw an average of 82 to 92 cases per day, which is more than earlier in the spring when there were 60 to 80 cases per day from March 25 to May 9. These numbers don’t include cases from home tests or people who don’t get tested.

In a concerning development for California's food security, Governor Gavin Newsom's proposed state budget for 2024-2025 includes significant cuts that threaten the livelihoods of CalFresh recipients and the future of numerous farmers markets across the state.