Minneapolis City Council Will Disband Police Department ... Have Veto-Proof Majority

Published | Updated

Members of the Minneapolis City Council say they're overruling Mayor Jacob Frey and WILL commit to dismantling their police department -- meaning, get rid of it completely.

The stunning announcement was made Sunday, with nine out of thirteen members coming out in support of the idea, which gives them a majority that can't be vetoed by Mayor Frey.

So, what does it mean exactly? Welp, the council members admit it won't be an immediate change -- but make no mistake, they say when the dust settles, Minneapolis will not have a traditional police department.

The alternative, according to them, is community-based safety ... a term they've yet to fully explain.

The announcement comes the day after Mayor Frey was publicly shamed for refusing to, as he put it, "fully abolish" the police department.

That's what he said when put on the spot by a rally organizer ... and that response got him booed off the street, as he walked through a sea of middle fingers in his face.

Minneapolis Police 5/25/20
EXCESSIVE FORCE

This new development -- less than 2 weeks after George Floyd was killed -- is potentially monumental if Minneapolis actually does it and makes it work.

It could spark similar movements in cities around the country. Fact is, some protesters have been calling for, at the very least, a reduction in funding to police departments in many cities ... including L.A. and NYC.

Phoenix 'Karen' Slapped Across the Face ... After Racist Rant

Published | Updated
Karen Slapped 6/6/20
SLAP SOME SENSE INTO YA

We have a new "Karen" -- this one is in Arizona -- and this time she didn't walk away clean ... instead, she got handled with a slap to the face.

This went down Saturday at a Phoenix gas station, where a middle-aged white woman stormed inside demanding to be helped after her pump outside was apparently not working. An argument ensued between her and a younger woman who was being helped at the counter.

While you don't hear it initially, the guy recording says he just heard "Karen" tell the other woman she needs to go back to her country. She also tells the clerk -- on camera -- not to serve the woman.

Eventually, both women got in each other's faces, and after "Karen" got handsy, the other woman slapped her square on the jaw. "Karen" stormed out in a huff.

The overreacting, racist behavior we've seen plenty of lately -- but this outcome was much different. Maybe even ... refreshing? Sure, let's go with that.

BTW, we've reached out to the owners of this convenience store and they tell us this white woman -- who initially ID'd herself as a manager -- is not employed by them, and is no longer welcome at any of their locations nationwide.

Beyonce My Advice, 2020 Grads ... Make World See You & Fight for 'Others'

Published

Beyonce has a message for the class of 2020 -- bet on yourself ... and pave your own path, especially if you're in the minority.

The singer gave a commencement speech Sunday for YouTube's virtual "Dear Class of 2020" ceremony, and it was chock full of good advice for young people heading out into the world after finishing college -- or for folks who are heading into college right out of high school.

First off, she thanked Barack and Michelle Obama for introducing her, then got right into it by addressing the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor.

She told the grads they're navigating a volatile and crucial time in history ... and congratulated them for all they'd accomplished in the last 2 weeks -- referencing the nationwide marches and protests.

Bey said black lives matter, queer lives matter ... and anyone else who falls into an "other" category also matters. She then went on to explain how grads could amplify their own lives and voices in the workforce -- by investing in themselves and believing in their dreams.

Bey also told people to be about what they talk about and what they claim to stand for -- urging them to DO instead of just speak or criticize others for not doing.

White NC Cops & Civilians Wash Black Protesters', Faith Leaders' Feet ... Ask for Forgiveness

Published | Updated

Here's an example of true healing playing out in a very biblical sense -- a group of white police officers and other community members came together to wash their black brother's and sister's feet ... and asked for forgiveness.

Check out this moving scene that was captured Saturday in Cary, North Carolina ... where, during BLM demonstrations, a handful of white folks came together to clean the feet of black religious leaders, while offering a prayer repenting for the sins inflicted on black people at large.

There's one man with a megaphone leading the prayer, and he acknowledges there's one race of people ... going on to ask for forgiveness for their white ancestors enslaving, mistreating and oppressing African-Americans.

It was a surprising, yet moving sight to see -- and also very Christ-like. In a week filled with all kinds of images of police run-ins with protesters -- both good and bad -- this one might say the most about the nation's desire for change.

Milwaukee Area Woman Blocks Off BLM Protesters Spits on Black Man

Published | Updated

A Milwaukee-area woman hocked a loogie at a young black man who was part of a BLM protest ... which she allegedly tried blocking off with her car.

The whole thing was captured on video this weekend out in Shorewood, WI -- just outside of Milwaukee -- and you can see this older lady was surrounded by younger folks who were there for the protest. Supposedly, she'd blocked their path with her vehicle.

Waiting for your permission to load the Facebook Video.

In the clip, you hear a lot of people telling her to go back to her car and to get out of their way, but she refuses ... defiantly standing her ground and arguing back with the group.

Then, the truly nasty moment ... as one of the youngins approached to shout her down, the woman launched a wad of saliva at the dude. It clearly caught him by surprise and, rightfully, people were pissed.

Somehow, cooler heads prevailed ... as a handful of people stepped in to block her off from getting tackled, or worse. The protesters showed incredible restraint, especially the young black man who got spit on.

Spitting Lady Arrest
HAULED AWAY

BTW, things did not end here -- apparently, the woman called the cops on herself because she was afraid for her safety, and later on they came to her house to figure out what happened.

According to Shorewood PD, this woman was arrested, in fact, and booked -- although, for now, it's not entirely clear for what exactly. We're waiting to hear back on that. Anyway, there were protesters outside her home documenting her being taken away -- it's clear they were pleased with the end result.

Black Business Owner Evicted by White Landlord ... For Going to Protest

Published | Updated
Evicted Store Owner
NO PROTESTORS ALLOWED

A black business owner says he's getting the shaft just because his white landlord saw video of him at a peaceful protest, and assumed he was looting.

The business owner, Jeremiah Johnson, got video of his confrontation with the landlord near Des Moines, Iowa. Jeremiah runs a fashion/retail biz called Stylent Brands, and rents office space ... or at least he did.

Apparently, his landlord saw Jeremiah and some of his partners in a recent protest while he was watching the news, and decided he didn't want Jeremiah conducting biz on his property anymore.

In the clip, you see Jeremiah trying to get a reason for why he was being evicted -- but after a lengthy conversation, the only thing the landlord has to say is ... being around "illegal activity" is just as bad as partaking in it. That's pretty much his whole rationale.

Jeremiah explained he was NOT participating in any of the looting or rioting that had occurred in Des Moines, but that wasn't good enough for the landlord. He tells Jeremiah that if he was in his shoes, he'd be nowhere near that scene -- implying that Jeremiah and co. should've known better.

It gets even crazier though ... Jeremiah says the landlord sent his attorney an email, allegedly saying they were out there protesting for rights they hadn't yet earned or deserved!!!

So, where do things stand now? Jeremiah says he's taking the dude to court, and is waiting to get before a judge to plead his case. Obviously, he's alleging racial discrimination, but also violation of first amendment rights and violating the lease he signed.

He also tells us his business is hurting right now with no office space to work on shipping his product, or to store his inventory.

Elmer Fudd No More Guns for Wabbit Season ... HBO Max Opts for a Scythe

Published

Elmer Fudd is losing one of his signature items for the rebooted 'Looney Tunes' on HBO Max -- the guy's going gun-less moving forward ... but has other lethal weapons at his disposal.

The news was confirmed this weekend as people noticed the new animated series doesn't feature any firearms -- with one of the EPs telling the NYT, "We're not doing guns." Obviously, Elmer Fudd -- a hunter -- uses a rifle/shotgun in the OG cartoon show. Ditto for  Yosemite Sam -- he uses pistols -- who will also be without his usual weaponry from now on.

Funny enough, Elmer and Sam still get to use incredibly dangerous artillery in their never-ending pursuit of Bugs Bunny ... Elmer gets a scythe, and Sam is reportedly going with a grass hook. Of course, they still have access to dynamite and other ACME-certified products.

Lo and behold, a lot of people are "outraged" over this, accusing WB and HBO of going soft to appease to this generation's PC sensibilities ... especially as it pertains to gun violence.

It does seem a bit hypocritical to ban guns, but not other explosives that are depicted with as much verve and explicit violence as Elmer's rifle and Sam's pistols used to be in the old days.

Then again, it's a cartoon ... so who cares?

Tekashi 6ix9ine Links Up with Akon ... For 'Locked Up' Part 2!!!

Published | Updated

Tekashi 6ix9ine found himself his first musical ally outside of prison -- and it's already proving to be fruitful ... with a remix on the horizon that'll get your 2000s taste buds tingling.

The rapper just posted a video of himself with none other than Akon, and it looks like the 2 of them laid down a new track that's actually an oldie, only refreshed with T69's own verse. Yes, we're talking Akon's iconic tune, "Locked Up," which now features Tekashi.

You can hear a bit of Tekashi's bars -- he raps about feeling regret and trying to strike the best deal possible for himself via his lawyers ... and also wanting to see his daughter again. Here's the thing though ... 6ix9ine is still stuck on his trolling ways (sorta) 'cause while he teased the track, he only promised to fully release it if he racked up 100k comments.

He writes, "100,000 comments if you want this 🧡❤️💚💛💜💙🖤🤍LOCKED UP PART 2 IM ON ALBUM MODE 💿💿💿 THIS ALBUM GOING CRAZYYYYYYY 🔥🔥🔥 @akon." Something tells us he'll get those comments. The post already has 2 million-plus views, and it went up less than an hour ago.

It's interesting ... Akon seems to be the first rapper to hop on the train and get in the studio with the rainbow-haired MC -- which is REALLY colorful right now. We'd heard from several different artists over the past year or so on whether anyone would work with him again.

Looks like some are more willing than previously thought 🤷🏽‍♂️

Seattle Protests Violence Erupts As Cops Push Back ... Protesters Hurl Objects

Published | Updated

Cops tossing explosives, charging at protesters and protesters hurling bottles and rocks -- that was the ugly scene in Seattle after a violent clash.

What had been a peaceful protest looked more like a war zone Saturday evening right around sunset. Seattle PD says it warned demonstrators to stop pushing barricades, and then some people in the crowd started throwing all sorts of objects at cops.

This video, shot by someone right in the thick of the skirmish, is alarming. Cops, mostly on bicycles, fired off pepper spray and multiple flash-bang explosives in an attempt to advance their line and push back the crowd.

Seattle PD says 2 of its officers had to get treatment for wounds. It's unclear how many protesters were injured.

Protest organizers say there were just a few "bad apples" who agitated cops and turned their effective rally into a battleground.

Trayvon Martin's Dad Attends BLM Rally with Rick Ross ... Here to 'Wake Up America'

Published | Updated
Tracy Martin
SPEAKIN' TRUTH TO POWER

A BLM protest in Florida this weekend became 10 times more impactful with the presence of one man who also lost a son to racial violence ... one Tracy Martin, Trayvon's dad.

Tracy attended a demonstration Saturday in Miramar, FL where a bunch of people -- including Rick Ross, had gathered to protest the killing of George Floyd.

Of course, Renzel is used to commanding a crowd, but at this event, it was a little different.

Everyone was laser-focused on Tracy ... who reminded the crowd how long it's been since his own son was needlessly and unjustly killed by George Zimmerman. It's been more than 8 years, and Tracy has it down to the day.

He also talked about something that applied in Trayvon's case and still does today -- the fact black people need a "manuscript" to follow if they want to leave their homes and survive police brutality.

Powerful, effective and, sadly, very true words.

Missouri Cop Rams Man with Unmarked Car ... Caught on Doorbell Cam

Published | Updated
060720_unmarked_car_hitting_man_kal_v2
QUESTIONABLE METHODS

This horrifying video has a Missouri cop under investigation -- he rammed a suspect with his car, then pounced on the injured man ... and it did all in plain view of a doorbell cam.

The incredibly violent scene played out in Florissant, MO -- just outside St. Louis -- when the officer, in an apparently unmarked car, pursued the suspect who was on foot. The Tuesday night chase came to an end though when the cop just drove right over the suspect.

The video, first posted by RealSTLMedia, shows the suspect somehow managing to get up and stumble for a few feet before the cop jumped on his back and appeared to be trying to put cuffs on him. The suspect was screaming out in pain and telling the cop he didn't have anything on him.

The 20-year-old suspect was reportedly wanted for pending charges and ended up needing hospital treatment ... but only for an ankle injury. Pretty miraculous.

Meanwhile, the Florissant PD officer's been suspended while he's investigated. The police chief, Timothy Fagan, said he'd seen the video for the first time on Saturday, and a special prosecutor's been assigned to the case.

The still-unnamed cop is reportedly a 9-year veteran. The incident has also been kicked up to St. Louis County PD and the FBI for further investigation.

UK BLM Protesters Slave Trader Statue Ripped Down ... Tossed into Harbor!!!

Published | Updated

This is how much the killing of George Floyd has disgusted not just America, but the world ... Black Lives Matter protesters in England destroyed a more than 100-year-old statue honoring a slave trader.

The UK's had a weekend filled with demonstrations, but this one's gotta be the most symbolic. The crowd dismantled a bronze statue of Edward Colston in the shipping town of Bristol ... and taking it down wasn't enough for them.

After using ropes to pull the monument off its base, the protesters dragged it over to the River Avon and tossed into the water ... watching it quickly sink.

The statue had stood in Bristol since 1895 in tribute to Colston, who traded an estimated 84,000 African men, women and children to the Caribbean and North America.

Several petitions have failed to get the statue removed, but the BLM crowd would not be denied and massive cheers went up -- from white people too -- as it sunk to the bottom of the river.

Enjoy your middle passage, Colston.

Michael B. Jordan & Kendrick Sampson F*** Trump, Police & Hollywood ... Vocal Leaders at BLM March

Published | Updated

Michael B. Jordan and Kendrick Sampson are demanding huge changes in policing, in Presidential politics and also in Hollywood ... and they're shouting it for everyone to hear.

The actors and activists led a long BLM march Saturday through parts of L.A. and also Bev Hills. "Insecure" star Kendrick was the most vocal, leading chants like "F**k Donald Trump" and "Black lives they matter here" as they went.

Kendrick Sampson
POWER TO THE PEOPLE

They led the crowd right to the doorstep of Bev Hills PD, and that's when Kendrick made a fiery speech that centered on two things: defunding police departments and getting President Trump out of office ... even before the election.

Michael also addressed the protesters but was much less political ... instead, he shouted down the Hollywood establishment. MBJ demanded studios and agents give black culture more of a voice and more power.

This wasn't their first time on the frontlines of the movement and, in fact, Kendrick was still scarred from an L.A. protest last weekend.

He says he was hit several times by rubber bullets and there's video of a cop beating him back with a baton.

Kendrick said on Saturday, "I have skin still hanging from my leg" -- and insisted police brutality issues aren't about a few bad apples, it's about the whole system.

Ex-NFL WR Reche Caldwell Shot and Killed In Tampa

Published | Updated
UPDATE

9:53 AM PT -- Cops now say it appears Caldwell was targeted -- it was not a random act.

UPDATE

"Upon arrival, officers located an adult male victim of a gunshot wound in the front yard of a residence. Officers immediately began providing life-saving measures," cops say.

UPDATE

"Tampa Fire Rescue arrived and transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced deceased."

UPDATE

"This does not appear to be a random act. However, it is very early in the investigation and detectives are working to develop leads in the case. Updates will be provided as they become available."

UPDATE

Investigators are gathering information and asking the public for help -- saying anyone with info should contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS.

Reche Caldwell -- a former NFL wide receiver who played with Tom Brady -- was shot and killed in Tampa on Saturday, his mother confirms to TMZ Sports.

He was only 41.

Caldwell's mother tells us ... Reche -- real name Donald Caldwell -- was getting ready to take his girlfriend out on a date when he went back inside his home to grab a jacket.

Reche's GF says the former player was "ambushed" by a "couple of people" who jumped out of bushes trying to rob him.

We're told Reche was shot in the leg and chest -- and someone called 911.

Unfortunately, the injuries were so severe, Caldwell's mother tells us Reche died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.

"He was a good person who smiled all of the time," Deborah Caldwell tells us.

"He tried to help everyone he could. He was the type of guy who would take his shirt off his back and give it to you."

Caldwell was a 2nd round pick in the 2002 NFL Draft after a stellar career at the University of Florida.

He played 6 years in the NFL for the Chargers, Patriots and Redskins -- and was a part of the New England team that lost to the Colts in the 2006 AFC Championship.

We've reached out to authorities to find out of any arrests have been made. So far, no word back.

The New England Patriots have issued a statement saying, "We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of former Patriot Reche Caldwell."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."

Originally published -- 7:07 AM PT

Minneapolis Mayor Frey Long Walk of Shame from Protest ... Booted Over Fight to Defund Police

Published | Updated

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey had to make a "Game of Thrones"-style walk of shame when protesters turned on him for refusing to defund the police department.

Mayor Frey was right in the thick of a Saturday demonstration when a protest organizer demanded a "yes or no" answer to this question: "Will you commit to defunding Minneapolis Police Dept.?"

He responded, "I do not support the full abolition of the police," and that's when it got ugly. The organizer said, "Get the f**k outta here" ... and chants of "Go home Jacob" went up from the crowd, and that he did.

Taking a long, loud walk through a sea of protesters.

It's a stunning turn for Mayor Frey who almost immediately called for the firing and prosecution of the 4 officers involved in killing George Floyd.

He was also kneeling and weeping next to George's casket during Thursday's emotional funeral service.

Defunding police departments has now become a flashpoint during many protests across the country, and nowhere is that more evident than in this video.

While Mayor Frey's been a loud advocate for getting justice for George Floyd, his refusal to disband his city's police department was enough for protesters to run him off the streets.

Conor McGregor Runs Back That Ole Tune ... I'm Retired from Fighting, Seriously

Published
UPDATE

9:50 AM PT -- Conor's really laying it on thick now. He posted a shot of brownie, and it's all about the icing on it -- "Happy retirement, Daddy."

UPDATE

If Conor McGregor were a rapper this would be his biggest hit song, "I'm retired" -- a track he's already dropped twice, but is now releasing for a 3rd time.

Conor tweeted his alleged retirement late Saturday, saying ... “Hey guys I’ve decided to retire from fighting,” and added, "Thank you all for the amazing memories! What a ride it’s been!”

This retirement announcement -- his 3rd in just 4 years -- came with a pic of Conor and his mom, and a note about buying her a house ... despite the fact he already pimped out his mother's crib in 2017.

Nice emotional touches that make ya think, maybe he means it this time???

Well, consider the fact he tweeted right after UFC 250 had wrapped Saturday night in Vegas -- a time when Conor, no doubt, knew people were talking about when he'd get back in the Octagon. UFC Prez Dana White had already said Conor would get the winner of Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje's summer fight.

Remember, Conor previously retired in 2016 and 2019, but always came back for bigger and bigger paydays -- but this time he told ESPN he really REALLY means it because, "The game just does not excite me."

No one actually believes Conor. Especially with the maniacal way he's talked about a rematch with Khabib ever since he lost back in 2018. He also recently threatened to kill Justin Gaethje when they finally clash.

Still, Dana's heard the retirement talk all before and totally took it in stride after UFC 250, saying ... “If Conor McGregor feels he wants to retire, you know my feelings about retirement. You should absolutely do it. And I love Conor. There’s a handful of people that have made this really fun for me, and he’s one of them.”

Soooo ... see ya in September, Conor?

Originally published -- 7:22 AM PT