Buffalo firefighters rescue family stranded in their car during historic blizzard — then surprise their kids with Christmas gifts



Buffalo firefighters saved Christmas for a family after they were rescued from their car, which was stuck during the historic snowstorm that devastated western New York.

The Buffalo Airport Fire Department said in a release that the family lost electricity at their home in Williamsville and got into their car to drive to a nearby hotel. They had four children with them.

Like many other Buffalo residents, they got stuck in the snow.

“I’ve never seen anything like it. It was like looking at a white piece of construction paper," said Danielle to CNN. "Even cars, with their bright lights on, you just couldn’t see anything.”

When firefighters got the call about stranded motorists, the family's vehicle was one of the first they approached.

“Please don’t leave us,” said Demetrice, the father of the family.

“Don’t worry, man,” said the firefighter. “I promise we won’t leave you.”

The family was rescued and brought to the aircraft rescue and firefighting facility. That family was among 42 people saved, but they were the only family with children, so they stayed at the facility as the storm continued.

On Christmas, the firefighters came through again with presents for the children.

“It was an amazing experience for our firefighters, and it definitely made us better people,” read a statement from Joel Eberth, assistant chief of the Buffalo Airport Fire Department.

“With them being here, Christmas became a big concern because Aayden was so excited that Santa would know he was here and he would get to celebrate at a real firehouse," Eberth added. "We didn’t want to disappoint, so we were able to find several items in the firehouse to wrap for the family. With the amazing help from the field office delivering some items from the terminal, we were able to make sure Santa paid a visit.”

A short video on social media showed the moment the daughter in the family opened her Christmas presents.

\u201c"Merry Christmas my love" \ud83e\udd79\n\nBuffalo firefighters rescue family in frozen car near their station and surprise young girl with a holiday to remember - complete with a tree and presents - on Christmas Day.\n\n\ud83c\udfa5 submitted to #HopeRises by Salina Paris\u201d
— Kate Glaser (@Kate Glaser) 1672184930

Ayden also got to wear a firefighter's uniform and department T-shirt.

“Those guys were amazing at the firehouse," said Demetrice. "They treated us with nothing but love.”

The snowstorm has been absolutely devastating for the region. Law enforcement authorities say at least 30 people have died as a result of the storm which has been described as the worst in the city's history.

Here's more about the historic Buffalo snowstorm:

'Blizzard of the century' leaves Buffalo digging out of several feet of snow |ABCNLwww.youtube.com

'I hope you f***ing die!' Penn State rioters resort to violence, even spitting to intimidate right-wing speakers, prompting school to cancel comedy event



Right-leaning comedians Alex Stein, a BlazeTV contributor, and Gavin McInnes, the founder of the Proud Boys, were recently invited to Penn State University to speak at an event billed as a "provocative comedy night" on campus. However, the event was canceled before it ever really began when hundreds of angry protesters quickly resorted to violence to prevent Stein and McInnes from speaking.

On Monday, Stein and McInnes arrived in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania, to appear at the event arranged by a PSU student group and sponsored by Uncensored America, a "non-partisan organization dedicated to fighting for freedom of speech," according to its website.

However, a mob of angry protesters awaited their appearance and immediately began hurling invectives, insults, and, in one case, even projectile saliva to prevent the event from proceeding.

Ever the provocateur, Stein entered the heated fray and began mocking and insulting protesters to their faces, a move that prompted even more hostility.

\u201cHow to Troll Back Better @alexstein99\u201d
— Kate (@Kate) 1666655547

When Stein zeroed in on one particular female protester, she lashed out harshly.

"I f***ing hate you!" the unnamed woman repeated as she gave him the middle finger. "I hope you f***ing die!"

When Stein then filmed himself with her and insisted he "loved" her because she was "a very nice woman," she responded by spitting substantively on his suit jacket.

New York Post video

Stein himself tweeted another video of the incident. The spitting moment occurs at about the 1:40 mark:

\u201cAbsolute Mayhem & Chaos at Penn State University with the most Mentally Insane College Students in America!\u201d
— Alex Stein #99 (@Alex Stein #99) 1666664256

Police on horseback attempted to quell the unrest but were ultimately unsuccessful. People began using pepper spray on one another and at police, prompting the school to cancel the event.

\u201cPolice on horseback push back leftist protesters at Penn State in response to right-wing comedian Alex Stein appearing on campus.\n\nCredit: oldrowswig (Telegram)\u201d
— The Post Millennial (@The Post Millennial) 1666666283

Both the school and the university president issued statements that condemned Stein and McInnes for "hateful" and "abhorrent" opinions, but that also lamented that student protests had devolved into violence.

"From the start, Penn State’s administration firmly denounced the two speakers," university president Neeli Bendapudi reminded students in her statement.

However, Bendapudi continued, PSU administrators also "support the fundamental constitutional right of free speech and free expression of all members of our community."

She then blamed both sides — Stein and McInnes for contributing "to the very violence that compromised their ability to speak," the rioters for restricting "speech by escalating protest to violence" — and then expressed gratitude that no one had been seriously hurt.

In its statement to cancel the event, the school reiterated many of Bendapudi's sentiments.

"The University has been clear that the views and speech of the two speakers at tonight’s student-organization-hosted event are abhorrent and do not align with the values of Penn State. We have encouraged peaceful protest, and, while protest is an acceptable means of expression, it becomes unacceptable when it obstructs the basic exchange of ideas. Such obstruction is a form of censorship, no matter who initiates it or for what reasons. The University expects that people engaging in expressive activity will demonstrate civility, concern for the safety of persons and property, respect for University activities and for those who may disagree with their message, and will comply with University rules.

"The climate in our nation has been polarized for quite some time. On campuses across the country, violence is proliferating and individuals are being intimidated and even harmed. This must stop."

The event was scheduled to begin by 8 p.m., but had been formally canceled by 7:15. It is unclear whether there had been any arrests or whether any of the students will face repercussions from the school for participating in the disturbance.

Joe Rogan has two words for anyone angry about disastrous COVID response — and the Dems won't like it



During a recent episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience" with Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, podcast host Joe Rogan had two words of advice for all the people who lost businesses and were otherwise negatively affected by lockdowns and draconian mandates in response to COVID-19: "Vote Republican."

"I hope there's lessons learned in this, because this is a new thing. We had never had this before. No one who is alive today had ever experienced a true pandemic," Rogan said. "And I’m hoping that, now that this is over, people are going to, you know, recognize that some serious errors were made and not repeat those. That’s the best you can get out of it."

"So what do you tell those people?" Rodgers asked.

"Vote Republican," Rogan answered without hesitation.

\u201c\ud83d\udd25 Joe Rogan\u2019s advice to people:\n\u201cVote Republican\u201d \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\u201d
— Kate (@Kate) 1661717728

"That's what a lot of them are going to do anyway," Rogan added. "I mean, more than a million people transferred over to the Republican Party, I think, in 2021 alone [...].

"You look at guys like Ron DeSantis, who kept Florida open and had some pretty reasonable policies about what to do about COVID. And, you know, he mapped it out on television. He was, you know, widely criticized for this, where he was saying we need to protect our elders. We need to, you know, make sure medical care is available for those people, and everyone else, you should be able to do whatever you want to do and protect your freedom."

On "Fearless with Jason Whitlock," BlazeTV host Jason Whitlock discussed Aaron Rodgers' headline-making interview with Rogan, calling the Green Bay quarterback and reigning NFL MVP "the most dangerous and important man in professional sports."

"In his discussion with Rogan, Rodgers began the process of unpacking the COVID duplicity the NFL unleashed on its players and employees at the behest of Big Pharma," Jason said.


\u201cThat's my quarterback! @AaronRodgers12\u201d
— Jason Whitlock (@Jason Whitlock) 1661698650

"That's my quarterback," he added. "I freaking love Aaron Rodgers. I have not always loved Aaron Rodgers, but I'm sorry, I am team Aaron Rodgers 1000%. This guy has a pair. He is very, very dangerous for the NFL and corporate media. They don't like him. I love him."

Watch the full episodes of "Fearless with Jason Whitlock" below. Can't watch? Download the podcast here.


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To enjoy more fearless conversations at the crossroads of culture, faith, sports, and comedy with Jason Whitlock and Uncle Jimmy, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.

Chaos erupts at Los Angeles City Council as lawmakers vote to ban homeless encampments near schools



Chaos erupted at a Los Angeles City Council meeting on Tuesday when protesters broke through a security barricade and accosted lawmakers, who voted to ban homeless encampments near schools.

Three police officers were injured and more than 100 people were ordered to disperse from the city council chambers during a skirmish between activists and police, the Los Angeles Police Department said. One person was arrested for taking a person from lawful custody of a police officer and resisting arrest.

Councilman Paul Krekorian described the protest as an "attack" that included verbal threats against lawmakers, Fox News reported.

"In yet another attack on constitutional democracy, for the second time in a week, a small mob of extremists today again shut down a public meeting of the City Council," Krekorian said. "In the process, they breached a security barrier, physically threatened the Council, and attacked police officers. One of them was arrested two feet from my desk."

The incident occurred when dozens of demonstrators showed up for public comments ahead of a city council vote to ban homeless encampments within 500 feet of school and day-care centers. Council members voted 11-3 to approve the ordinance, expanding a law that also prohibits homeless encampments near libraries, freeway overpasses, and other locations.

Supporters of the ordinance say it is necessary for the safety of children, especially those who walk to school and have to pass encampments where drug use, sexual activity, and mental illness are rampant.

"Our students are already traumatized with social-economic issues," Councilman Joe Buscaino said. "They should not be exposed to sex acts. They should not be exposed to open drug use. They should not be exposed to psychotic behavior."

Protesters and homelessness activists have decried the law as an attack on the "unhoused." They argue that nearly 20% of the city would be sectioned off by banning encampments near schools and that lawmakers should instead provide more permanent housing to decrease encampments, according to KCBS-TV.

Demonstrators had previously disrupted a city council meeting on Aug. 2 where lawmakers held an initial vote on the ordinance.

"Enforcement of anti-camping ordinances, then, only displaces people and makes it harder for trained outreach staff to establish trust again. Residents of cleared encampments, unless connected to stable permanent housing through a trauma-informed case management process, often return to unsheltered homelessness," the nonprofit group People Assisting the Homeless said in a statement.

The Los Angeles Times reports Tuesday's meeting was contentious from the start. Members of the public shouted expletives at council members as they entered the room. When council President Nury Martinez told the audience to "grow up," they jeered back at him. And people booed when Councilman Curren Price attempted to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Police were involved when an audience member, described as a black female, climbed over a bench and approached the city council dais, hurling expletives at lawmakers. The suspect "charged" toward Martinez and was detained by officers, police said.

While officers were attempting to detain the suspect, another individual from the crowd "intervened" to assist her. Several members of the audience then surrounded the police officers attempting to detain the first suspect, who managed to flee the location. The intervening audience member was identified as Ricci Sergienko and was arrested, police said.

Video shared by Spectrum News 1 reporter Kate Cagle shows protesters shouting "let her go" as officers detain the first suspect, who appeared to be resisting arrest. Someone repeatedly calls the officers "cockroaches."

A white woman wearing a face mask can be seen pulling the detained woman away from the police, causing a scuffle.

\u201cBREAKING: Los Angeles City Council has been disrupted again and two people detained ahead of the final vote to expand 41.18 no camping zones to all schools and daycares.\u201d
— Kate Cagle (@Kate Cagle) 1660068309

"Let her go you f***ing pig!" someone shouts at the officers. Others shout "shame on you" and other expletives.

An unlawful assembly was declared after the altercation, and the city council went into recess. LAPD officers wearing riot gear reportedly cleared the chamber.

\u201cCrowd is staying and chanting. All of City Council left except for Councilmembers Raman, Harris-Dawson, and Bonin (who have previously voted against the expansion of 41.18). LAPD also lining the side of City Council chambers\u201d
— Jon peltz (@Jon peltz) 1660067363

Lawmakers returned once the chamber was cleared and passed the ordinance. The new restrictions will prevent people from sitting, sleeping, lying on, or storing property within 500 feet of every public and private school.

"There can never be any excuse or rationalization for this kind of anarchic lawlessness," Krekorian said. "The people of our nation cannot tolerate raging extremists entering public buildings and threatening public officials with the intent to shut down the government, no matter what their viewpoints may be."

"Every Angeleno should be outraged by what happened today in their City Hall. Anyone who seeks to be a leader in this city must actively denounce this kind of nonsense in clear and unambiguous terms," he added.

Amber Heard DRAGGED for 'playing the victim' in Savannah Guthrie interview



Amber Heard may be regretting her decision to "speak out" after a video clip from her interview with NBC's Savannah Guthrie was shared on social media Tuesday.

Heard sat down with Guthrie in her first interview since her defamation trial against ex-husband Johnny Depp. The interview is scheduled to air on the "TODAY" show in two parts this week and in its entirety on "Dateline" this Friday.

A preview clip from the interview posted on Twitter has garnered more than 2 million views and thousands of comments — but the "Aquaman" actress isn't going to be pleased with her latest notoriety.

“Even somebody who is sure I am deserving of all this hate and vitriol — even if you think that I’m lying, you still couldn’t look me in the eye and tell me that you think on social media there’s been a fair representation. You cannot tell me that you think this has been fair,” Heard says in the clip.

\u201c.@savannahguthrie sat down for an exclusive conversation with #AmberHeard. "You cannot tell me that you think that this has been fair,\u201d Heard shared, in reference to social media representation.\u201d
— TODAY (@TODAY) 1655120298
\u201cThe jurors didn\u2019t read any of the social media stuff, they listened to the evidence & concluded she was lying. I suggest it\u2019s time for Ms Heard to stop playing the victim.\u201d
— Piers Morgan (@Piers Morgan) 1655121250
\u201cAmber Heard pre-verdict: \u201cI just want to move on. And for Johnny to move on.\u201d\n\nAmber Heard on National TV this week: \u201cYou Cannot Look Me in the Eye & Tell Me My Trial Was Fair.\u201d\n\nThe narcissist craves attention.\nThe victimology tour continues.\u201d
— Greg Ellis \ud83c\udff4\u200d\u2620\ufe0f (@Greg Ellis \ud83c\udff4\u200d\u2620\ufe0f) 1655123698
\u201c@9inelivez @TODAYshow @SavannahGuthrie @NBCNews @DatelineNBC I wasn't a fan and if she'd have been telling the truth I'd be calling him out. She's a lying, manipulative abuser who still needs to use his name and victims for attention. She represents the worst kind of women!https://t.co/a9ZEjvoJyS\u201d
— TODAY (@TODAY) 1655120298
\u201c@TODAYshow @SavannahGuthrie @NBCNews @DatelineNBC What she doesn't get or doesn't want to admit is that social media opinion was created based on what ppl saw in court: evidence presented, her behavior, her testimony, etc. It wasn't based on some hearsay. Same evidence the jury saw and based its verdict on. Don't blame it on ppl\u201d
— TODAY (@TODAY) 1655120298
\u201c@DonnaBa32121840 @ABrandNewName_ @TODAYshow @SavannahGuthrie @NBCNews @DatelineNBC This was exactly me. I don\u2019t keep up with the lifestyles of the Rich and famous. Trust me I don\u2019t envy them whatsoever lol. I didn\u2019t know either one of them had never watched either one of them play in movies. Of course I\u2019ve heard of Johnny Depp who hasn\u2019t. Drugs, alcohol, etc.\u201d
— TODAY (@TODAY) 1655120298
\u201c@DiosaBEL7 I thought she said she wanted to be left alone and in peace. Why the heck is she out there doing interviews for ?She very much wants to be in the limelight and continue to stay relevant. One more proof that this was for attention and out of spite.\u201d
— King Kokina (@King Kokina) 1655223559
\u201c@hottmessNHGQ @TODAYshow @SavannahGuthrie @NBCNews @DatelineNBC Insulting the intelligence of the jury. Really? That won't get her an appeal. They found she acted with MALICE.\u201d
— TODAY (@TODAY) 1655120298
\u201c@TODAYshow @SavannahGuthrie AH has not proven that social media played any role in the trial. The trial is not the TV coverage, duh. It is a legal thing. She must show the jury knew or a witness or judge was affected. Nada. Fix this bias.\u201d
— TODAY (@TODAY) 1655120298
\u201c@simpi_lovemyway @TODAYshow @SavannahGuthrie @NBCNews @DatelineNBC Unreal! I can\u2019t believe this woman would go on TV in an attempt to tell everyone that watched the trial that we were influenced by social media. We were influenced by the lies told by Amber herself!\u201d
— TODAY (@TODAY) 1655120298

A second video clip from the Guthrie interview has also been making the rounds on Twitter, with similar results for Heard's (lack of) public appeal.

\u201c@KateHydeNY Today I learned that Amber Heard was only faking being able to breathe water in "Aquaman". https://t.co/9EhTiMg0JS\u201d
— Kate Hyde (@Kate Hyde) 1655225864
\u201cAmber Heard is a liar. Change my mind.\u201d
— Steven Crowder (@Steven Crowder) 1655294828

On a recent episode of "Relatable," BlazeTV host Allie Beth Stuckey and POPlitics' Alex Clark discussed whether Amber Heard really got a fair trial in the age of social media.


Want more from Allie Beth Stuckey?

To enjoy more of Allie’s upbeat and in-depth coverage of culture and politics from a Christian, millennial perspective, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.

Guess That Spoon! You Can't Guess What Movies These Spoons Are From !? | Louder With Crowder

Guess That Spoon! You Can't Guess What Movies These Spoons Are From !? | Louder With Crowder

Western nations isolate Russia's economy by kicking them out of SWIFT



In a drastic move to sanction Russia for invading Ukraine, the leadership of several Western nations agreed to exclude Russian banks from the SWIFT communication network.

NOW - EU to ban certain Russian banks from #SWIFT, paralyze assets of the Russian central bank, and further freeze assets of oligarchs.pic.twitter.com/VncRssucwO
— Disclose.tv (@Disclose.tv) 1645914130
NEWS: Joint statement from European Commission, France, Germany, Italy, UK, Canada, US\n\n\u201cWe commit to ensuring that selected Russian banks are removed from the SWIFT messaging system. This will ensure that these banks are disconnected from the international financial system \u2026\u201d
— Kate Davidson (@Kate Davidson) 1645913694

In a joint statement, the European Commission, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States committed to removing specific Russian banks from the SWIFT network.

“We stand with the Ukrainian government and the Ukrainian people in their heroic efforts to resist Russia’s invasion,” the statement proclaimed, “Russia’s war represents an assault on fundamental international rules and norms that have prevailed since the Second World War, which we are committed to defending. We will hold Russia to account and collectively ensure that this war is a strategic failure for Putin.”

“As Russian forces unleash their assault on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities,” the statement continued, “We are resolved to continue imposing costs on Russia that will further isolate Russia from the international financial system and our economies. We will implement these measures within the coming days.”

The Western leaders committed to:

  • “Ensuring that selected Russian banks are removed from the SWIFT messaging system.”
  • “Imposing restrictive measures that will prevent the Russian Central Bank from deploying its international reserves in ways that undermine the impact of our sanctions.”
  • “Acting against the people and entities who facilitate the war in Ukraine” and to “limit the sale of citizenship … that let wealthy Russians connected to the government become citizens of our countries and gain access to our financial systems.”
  • “Launching this coming week a transatlantic task force that will ensure the effective implementation of our financial sanctions by identifying and freezing the assets of sanctioned individuals and companies that exist within our jurisdictions.”

The Western leaders made clear that it would work with governments across the globe to “detect and disrupt the movement of ill-gotten gains” and would “deny” prominent Russian figures the ability to launder their wealth abroad.

By preventing Russia from utilizing the SWIFT communication network, Western leaders will effectively isolate them and inhibit them from conducting trade with many of its largest trade partners. This move will also interfere with Russia’s ability to export natural gas and oil, which makes up more than half of the country’s GDP.

The statement ended with a declaration of solidarity with the Ukrainian people “in this dark hour” and affirmed that the West is prepared to launch stricter sanctions against Russia should it become necessary to do so.