Jennifer Wolfthal, the author of “A Real Friend,” and her husband, Joseph Wolfthal, an engineer for Lockheed Martin, pleaded guilty on Jan. 13 to aggravated child abuse and neglect of a child with great bodily harm, according to plea agreements obtained by Fox News Digital.

Jennifer Wolfthal will be sentenced to 12 years in prison, while her husband will be sentenced to 10 years behind bars, according to the plea agreement.

“This plea and sentencing agreement ensures that the Wolfthals will spend significant time in prison while it protects the already-traumatized victims from the stress of having to testify,” a spokesperson for the State Attorney’s Office in Florida’s 18th judicial circuit said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “The State Attorney’s office made sure law enforcement and the children’s new guardian supported this sentence before it agreed to it.”

The investigation into the couple was launched in 2021 after their then 8-year-old adopted daughter was brought to the hospital with organ failure, unconscious and covered in injuries. […]

— Read More: nypost.com

The controversy came to light just weeks before devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles County, raising questions about the city’s leadership and emergency preparedness. Williams, who was appointed by Bass in February 2023, has significant responsibilities, including oversight of the Los Angeles Police Department, Fire Department, and emergency management.

The FBI’s search of Williams’ Pasadena residence in mid-December was part of an investigation into a bomb threat he allegedly made earlier in the year. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) initially investigated but handed the case to the FBI due to Williams’ close ties with local law enforcement.

Despite the severity of the allegations, Williams has not been arrested or charged. His attorney, Dmitry Gorin, has publicly stated that Williams “strongly maintains his innocence and intends to vigorously fight the allegations.”

Mayor Bass’s office issued a brief statement at the time of the raid, indicating that they take the matter seriously and that Williams was immediately placed on leave. However, since then, there has been no further comment from the mayor’s office regarding Williams’ status or the ongoing investigation.

This silence comes at a time when Los Angeles is grappling with the aftermath of recent wildfires, which have been among the most destructive in the city’s history, claiming lives and destroying thousands of structures. The absence of Williams from his role has sparked discussions about accountability, especially given his responsibility for public safety.

Critics have pointed to Bass’s decision to place Williams on leave, questioning her judgment, particularly in light of her absence from the city during the onset of the fires. Bass was in Africa at the time, a decision that has drawn significant criticism regarding her commitment to the city during a crisis.

The investigation into the alleged bomb threat and the mayor’s office’s response have intensified scrutiny on Bass’s administration, with many calling for transparency and accountability in how the city manages its public safety officials.

As the investigation continues, the exact impact on the city’s fire and emergency response capabilities remains a subject of speculation, with no clear updates from the mayor’s office on how they are addressing the void left by Williams’ absence.

Article generated from corporate media reports.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes, known for his role in several cases against Bolsonaro, upheld his previous decision not to restore Bolsonaro’s travel document. This ruling came despite Bolsonaro’s claims of being invited to the event by the Trump Vance Inaugural Committee.

The court’s decision was based on multiple factors:

• Insufficient Evidence: Bolsonaro failed to provide sufficient proof of his invitation to the inauguration.
• Flight Risk: Concerns were raised about Bolsonaro potentially fleeing Brazil to avoid prosecution.
• Public Interest: The Attorney General recommended against allowing Bolsonaro to travel, highlighting that public interest in keeping him in Brazil outweighed his personal interest in attending the inauguration.

Bolsonaro, barred from running for office until 2030 and facing criminal charges, has labeled this judicial decision as political persecution. He compared his situation to Trump’s legal battles in the U.S., suggesting a pattern of judicial overreach to sideline political figures.

Despite the court’s decision, Bolsonaro’s son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, publicly criticized the ruling, accusing the judiciary of engaging in political vendettas against his father. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro’s legal team has announced plans to appeal further, citing past precedents where individuals were granted travel rights despite legal challenges.

In response to the ban, Bolsonaro’s wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, will represent him at the inauguration. The former president himself intends to continue his legal battle to clear his name from the accusations, maintaining his innocence in the face of the ongoing investigations.

This judicial outcome has sparked debates on social media and among political analysts, with some viewing it as a necessary measure to ensure legal accountability, while others see it as an example of judicial overreach aimed at silencing opposition voices.

Article generated from legacy media reports.

Scientists have issued a stark warning: Blueberries could face extinction due to a rapidly spreading fungal disease.

The culprit, a powdery mildew caused by the fungus Erysiphe vaccinii, has been wreaking havoc on blueberry crops worldwide, threatening both yields and the livelihoods of farmers. This mildew has been spreading worldwide for at least the past 12 years.

The disease manifests as a white, powdery coating on blueberry plants, sapping their nutrients and stunting their growth. This not only reduces crop yields but also forces farmers to rely heavily on fungicides, driving up costs and raising concerns about environmental and health impacts.

The fungus has already infiltrated major blueberry-producing regions, including China, the world’s largest producer, as well as Mexico, California, Morocco, Peru and Portugal. (Related: The mighty BLUEBERRY, a superfruit with anticancer properties.)

Researchers at North Carolina State University have traced the origins of this global outbreak to the eastern United States. The fungus has since spread through two distinct strains, each finding its way to different continents. […]

— Read More: www.naturalnews.com

Trump acknowledged that he hasn’t made a final decision but highlighted the complexity of the situation, suggesting that an extension might be “appropriate.” He mentioned that any decision on this matter would probably be announced on his first day in office.

This comes after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a law set to ban TikTok if its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, does not sell its U.S. operations to an approved buyer by Sunday. The law, passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden, gives the sitting president the authority to grant a 90-day extension if there is significant progress towards a sale.

Despite Trump’s earlier administration’s efforts to ban TikTok over national security concerns, his stance has shifted. This change might be influenced by his recent engagement with TikTok for political campaigning, gaining significant traction among younger voters.

The Biden administration has stated it would not enforce the ban in its final days, leaving the decision to Trump. Meanwhile, TikTok has warned of potential service disruption if there isn’t a clear assurance from the government, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

This move has been met with mixed reactions online, with some seeing it as a softening stance towards China, while others view it as an opportunity for TikTok to sort out its ownership issues.

The exact terms of any extension or the conditions TikTok might need to meet are not yet public, but the focus remains on finding a legal and acceptable solution for TikTok’s operations in the U.S.

Article generated from legacy media reports.

A Devastating Loss in the California Fires

Mel Gibson, known for his countless films, recently experienced a life-altering event during the catastrophic Los Angeles wildfires. The fires claimed thousands of properties, and Gibson’s home was among those destroyed.

During a guest appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Gibson revealed the uncertainty and helplessness he felt as the flames approached his property. While recording in Austin, Texas, Gibson’s son, Milo, who participated in firefighting efforts, shared updates from the ground.

“I would be surprised if my home is still there,” Gibson admitted during the podcast. His son later shared videos of their neighborhood engulfed in flames, describing the situation simply as, “Not good, Pops.”

When Gibson returned home, his fears were confirmed—his property was gone. Demonstrating resilience, he tried to maintain a sense of humor about the loss. “At least I don’t have any of those pesky plumbing problems anymore,” he quipped in an interview.

The Trump Appointment That Shocked Everyone

Amid this challenging time, Gibson received some unexpected news from former President Donald Trump. In a surprising move, Trump announced Gibson’s appointment, alongside John Voight and Sylvester Stallone, as special ambassadors to Hollywood.

These appointments aim to revitalize Hollywood, a sector Trump claims has lost significant business to international competitors in recent years. Trump’s statement outlined the intent to rebuild the movie capital’s stature and economic strength.

“They’ll be my eyes and ears,” Trump declared, further emphasizing their role as advisors and advocates to restore what he called the “Golden Age of Hollywood.”

Gibson’s Response: Humor Meets Duty

Gibson, taken aback by the announcement, issued a statement filled with his trademark wit. Speaking to CBS, he said, “I heed the call. My duty as a citizen is to give any help and insight I can.”

Displaying his humor, he cheekily added, “Any chance the position comes with an ambassador’s residence?” showing he hasn’t lost his ability to make light of serious moments.

This appointment represents a sharp pivot for Gibson, adding a new layer to the career of the multi-talented actor and director. It’s also a move that underscores the intersection of entertainment and politics in ways many didn’t anticipate.

What’s Next for Gibson?

With his new role, Mel Gibson is entering uncharted territory. As fires continue to wreak havoc statewide, his personal challenges highlight the resilience required to adapt to rapid changes. Meanwhile, his Hollywood appointment is expected to spark debates about the industry’s future.

The mix of personal tragedy and professional intrigue frames Gibson’s next chapter. Whether he will succeed as a special envoy remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—Mel Gibson isn’t stepping away from the spotlight anytime soon.

With the AfD polling in second place ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections on February 23, 2025, the establishment appears desperate to curb its momentum by any means necessary. The Christian Democratic CDU may lead in the polls, but the AfD’s rise reflects growing dissatisfaction with Germany’s current direction under its left-wing government. Instead of addressing the root causes of this shift, the government is deploying institutions, including law enforcement, to suppress dissent.

Leaked Memo: A Threat to Civil Liberties?

An internal police memo leaked to Junge Freiheit explicitly singles out the AfD, stating that police officers associated with the party might face “disciplinary consequences, including dismissal.” The memo further asserts that officers supporting parties classified as “right-wing extremists” pose potential loyalty issues. This targeted language reveals a clear agenda to marginalize and intimidate anyone aligned with the AfD.

The memo refers to a decree issued in August 2024 by Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser, which explicitly threatens disciplinary proceedings against civil servants, including dismissal, if they are members of the AfD or stand for election on the party’s platform. This decree was particularly directed at state elections in Thuringia and Saxony, where the AfD has been classified as “certainly right-wing extremist” by the respective state constitutional protection agencies.

In February 2024, RAIR exposed a video of Nancy Faeser openly declaring her intent to ‘take away their income, weapons, and smash their networks,’ revealing the government’s unrelenting pursuit of conservative opposition under the guise of combating extremism. This rhetoric aligns with her August 2024 decree, illustrating a coordinated effort to stifle political dissent. […]

— Read More: rairfoundation.com

Charlamagne had previously questioned whether Democrats truly believed Trump was a “fascist” after President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris optimistically addressed the election outcome without labeling the president-elect as an authoritarian, despite making it a prominent issue in their 2024 campaigns. On his podcast “The Brilliant Idiots,” Charlamagne said that while he has in the past believed Trump to be a “fascist” because of his rhetoric, Democrats’ actions post-election have made him question if that belief still holds.

LISTEN:

“I never called Donald Trump a fascist based off anything I heard from Democrats. I said that because of things I heard come out of Donald Trump’s mouth, right? But guess what? I don’t even know if I believe it anymore,” he said. “But only because of how they’re acting. I’m like, well goddamn, maybe it ain’t that much of a threat.”

“Exactly. They lied to you,” co-host Andrew Schulz responded.

Charlamagne clarified that while he is now uncertain about whether Trump is a “fascist,” his vote for Harris in the presidential election remains unchanged, noting he views her as his “friend.”

“That don’t change my vote,” he said. “I still would’ve voted for the vice president.”

Charlamagne also recently criticized former President Barack Obama for “laughing and giggling with Trump” during a conversation at former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, arguing that Obama’s behavior revealed the performative nature of politics, especially after Democrats portrayed Trump as a danger to democracy for several years.

“After you went so hard calling somebody a threat to democracy and calling somebody a fascist and now you just chummy chummy with the man? You told us he was a threat to democracy,” the radio host said. “To me, that’s just terrible political optics … after you’ve used such crazy-ass rhetoric against him.”

Obama referred to Trump as “a wannabe king” and “wannabe dictator” who would seek revenge on his political rivals during an October 2024 campaign rally for Harris.

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Massachusetts has spent approximately $1.1 billion this fiscal year to accommodate migrants, often utilizing hotels as makeshift shelters. This situation, Fetherston argues, has left some local citizens without access to these facilities.

Established in 1983, Massachusetts’ right-to-shelter law mandates housing for displaced families and pregnant women. Despite reaching capacity in 2023, these shelters continue to serve a growing number of illegal immigrant families. Fetherston has reported instances of violence within these facilities and criticized the lack of repercussions for offenders.

He expressed particular concern following the arrest of one Leonardo Andujar Sanchez, who allegedly possessed drugs and a firearm while residing in a state-subsidized room. The state’s Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities claims to conduct security checks regularly, though Fetherston says he did not witness this during his tenure.

“I worked in that shelter for a very limited time,” Fetherston said in a recent interview. He continued: “You can’t hide an AR-15 in that room. You cannot hide drugs in that room. The rooms are not big… the case manager there should have been standing up… there should have been red flags… to say ‘Hey, listen, this guy’s not attending those meetings. This guy is blowing off housekeeping.’” […]

— Read More: thenationalpulse.com

Dubbed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, the Kremlin is hailing it as bringing relations with the Islamic Republic to a new level, enshrining the two countries’ status as strategic partners. Putin hailed the “real breakthrough, creating conditions for the stable and sustainable development of Russia, Iran and the entire region.”

The presidents of Russia and Iran sign 20-year pact at the Kremlin three days before Trump’s inauguration pic.twitter.com/4nLITw72gF

— Lucas Tomlinson (@LucasFoxNews) January 17, 2025

Russian media has described it covers all spheres, including defense, counter-terrorism, energy, finance, transport, industry, agriculture, culture, science and engineering.

The allies are also working on linking their national payment systems: “According to the Russian leader, in 2024, the share of transactions in Russian rubles and Iranian rials exceeded 95% of all bilateral trade operations,” TASS noted.

Putin further said in a press conference with Pezeshkian, “Our countries firmly uphold the principles of the supremacy of international law, the sovereignty of states, non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.” As for Pezeshkian, he said the following:

“We witness a new chapter of strategic relations,” the Iranian president said, adding that the countries were set to expand trade ties and also boost the “level of security cooperation.” […]

— Read More: www.zerohedge.com