Republican congressman faces wrath of DeSantis campaign with call to ‘correct’ Black history standards
Republican US Rep Byron Donalds has repeatedly echoed other GOP officials in a specious crusade against “critical race theory” and “woke” indoctrination in American schools. But on 26 July, the Florida congressman called on Florida’s Department of Education to “correct” newly approved curriculum guidelines for middle school students to learn how enslaved people “developed skills” that could be “applied for personal benefit”. “The new African-American standards in FL are good, robust, [and] accurate,” he wrote on Twitter, now known as X. “That being said, the attempt to feature the personal benefits of slavery is wrong [and] needs to be adjusted. That obviously wasn’t the goal [and] I have faith that FLDOE will correct this.” In an interview with Florida’s WINK-TV, Mr Donalds, who is Black, suggested the standards need “some adjustments” and that Florida’s Board of Education could “bring refinement” to the curriculum standards for African American history lessons that the board unanimously approved earlier this month. The standards have been widely derided by educators, Democratic officials and the White House; Vice President Kamala Harris traveled to the state last week to condemn “propaganda” and the “extremist, so-called leaders” who support it, a not-so-thinly veiled strike against Governor Ron DeSantis and his 2024 campaign for the Republican nomination for president. After his comments, Mr Donalds felt the wrath of the DeSantis campaign and other state officials. “Did Kamala Harris write this tweet?” replied DeSantis aide Christina Pushaw. Florida’s Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr said that the state standards would not be changed “at the behest of a woke [White House], nor at the behest of a supposedly conservative congressman.” “Supposed conservatives in the federal government are pushing the same false narrative that originated from the [White House],” said DeSantis press secretary Jeremy Redfern. “Florida isn’t going to hide the truth for political convenience,” he added. “Maybe the congressman shouldn’t swing for the liberal media fences like [the vice president].” In March, Mr Donalds joined other prominent Florida Republicans to endorse Donald Trump for president. “The Congressman also calls it like he sees it, and if he thinks something is BS, he’ll tell you. That’s why we like him so much,” said Trump aide Jason Miller, who called attempts to “smear” Mr Donalds “a disgrace”. Mr Donalds responded to the inter-party backlash, stating that “anyone who can’t accurately interpret what I said is disingenuous and is desperately attempting to score political points.” Read More Why Florida’s new curriculum on slavery is becoming a political headache for Ron DeSantis DeSantis will headline barbecue billed as the largest annual gathering of South Carolina Republicans Watch: Diver rescues shark hooked to artificial reef Coast Guard calls off search for man who jumped off Carnival cruise ship
1970-01-01 08:00
Steve Doocy Delighted By Vivek Ramaswamy's Horrible 11-Second Freestyle Rap on 'Fox & Friends'
Vivek Ramaswamy appeared on FOX & Friends on Thursday morning where Steve Doocy asked him about the recent revelation that he was a Eminem and Limbertarian-insp
1970-01-01 08:00
Several injured in stabbing outside Magnolia Bakery in New York’s West Village
A suspect is in custody after several people were injured in a stabbing near The Magnolia Bakery on Bleecker Street in Manhattan’s West Village, according to a report. A 911 call came in reporting an incident at W 11th St & Bleecker St, the Citizen website stated at 9.58am on Thursday morning. First responders arrived at the scene to attend to several stabbing victims with non-life-threatening injuries and officers called a Level 1 Mobilization and request for additional units as the search for the suspect expanded. Officers said that the suspect was a Black man wearing a gold chain and a navy blue shirt who fled the scene in the direction of an E train station, according to the site, which stated at 10.27am that officers reported having detained the suspect. The Independent has reached out to the NYPD for comment. Eli Klein, an art dealer and publisher according to his bio on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, wrote shortly before 10am on Thursday that “Someone was just attacked in what looked like a stabbing a few feet away from me and my baby girl here in Manhattan’s West Village. NYC really needs to take broader steps to get violent criminals off of the streets”. “Looks like he just went on to stab more people, unless this is a different criminal, which wouldn’t surprise me. My description of the attacker I saw is: Black, male, 30s, 5’10, gray outfit,” he added in reference to the Citizen report. More follows...
1970-01-01 08:00
West Village stabbing - live: Multiple people injured in attack near NYC’s Magnolia Bakery
Multiple people have been injured in a stabbing in New York City’s West Village that took place on Thursday morning, reports say. Initial reports suggest that the incident occurred outside the famous Magnolia Bakery on the corner of W11th Street and Bleecker Street in the heart of the wealthy neighbourhood on the west side of Manhattan. It is not clear how many people have been injured in the stabbing, but their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Reports on the Citizen app indicate that police quickly apprehended a suspect shortly after releasing a brief description of him as an African American male in a navy shirt and gold chain. More follows...
1970-01-01 08:00
Sweden's Quran burnings put freedom of expression law to test
The security service says Sweden's image has been harmed abroad and security at home has worsened.
1970-01-01 08:00
Factbox-Moscow takes control over assets of Western companies
President Vladimir Putin has signed decrees to take temporary control of assets belonging to some Western companies in
1970-01-01 08:00
Oatly Falls by Most Ever as Consumers Retreat in Asia
Oatly Group AB cut its sales outlook and announced an improvement plan in Asia as consumers in the
1970-01-01 08:00
Marcus Semien sounds off on Astros, Martin Maldonado after benches-clearing drama
After their bench-clearing incident, Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien revealed what Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado told him to spur it on.MLB rivalries mean that much more when two teams are neck-and-neck for a division lead. That is the case for the Texas Rangers and Houston ...
1970-01-01 08:00
Comcast beats revenue estimates on boost from theme parks, studios
By Helen Coster and Samrhitha A NEW YORK (Reuters) -Comcast Corp beat estimates for quarterly revenue on Thursday, helped by
1970-01-01 08:00
US gas prices climb to an eight-month high
Gas prices have suddenly jolted higher, as excessive heat and production caps have hurt supply.
1970-01-01 08:00
Prada Earnings Jump, Helped by Luxury Demand in Asia, Europe
Prada SpA reported stronger earnings as the Italian fashion group benefited from shoppers in Europe and Asia splurging
1970-01-01 08:00
Adani Lenders Weigh Up to $750 Million Loan for Ambuja Debt
Barclays Plc, Deutsche Bank AG and Standard Chartered Plc are in talks to lend between $600 million and
1970-01-01 08:00
