Tag: defends

  • Auctioneer defends The Onion’s bid for Infowars as Alex Jones tries stopping sale | Politics


    An auction company executive involved in the liquidation of Alex Jones’ conspiracy theory platform Infowars testified for nearly five hours Monday, as a bankruptcy judge in Texas began a hearing into whether The Onion satirical news outlet was properly named the winning bidder over a company affiliated with Jones.

    Jeff Tanenbaum, president of ThreeSixty Asset Advisors, was grilled by lawyers for Jones and the company in a Houston courtroom over how The Onion’s bid came to be valued at $7 million and why a live auction was not held. He defended both the value of the bid and its selection after the two sealed offers were opened.

    U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez continued the hearing to Tuesday afternoon, when the trustee overseeing the sale of Jones’ assets is expected to take the stand. Lopez could ultimately decide whether to void The Onion’s bid, name the Jones-affiliated company the winner or hold another auction, among other possibilities.

    Jones and First United American Companies, which runs a website in Jones’ name that sells nutritional supplements and submitted the other bid, are alleging fraud and collusion in the auction that concluded on Nov. 14. The trustee and The Onion deny the allegations, accusing Jones and the company of sour grapes.

    The sale of Infowars is part of Jones’ personal bankruptcy case, which he filed in late 2022 after he was ordered to pay nearly $1.5 billion in defamation lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas filed by relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut. Jones repeatedly called the 2012 shooting that killed 20 children and six educators a hoax staged by actors and aimed at increasing gun control.

    Most of the proceeds from the sale of Infowars, as well as many of Jones’ personal assets, will go to the Sandy Hook families to help satisfy judgments issued by juries and judges in state courts in Connecticut and Texas. Some proceeds will go to Jones’ other creditors.

    The Onion, which wants to turn Infowars’ website and social media accounts into parodies, offered $1.75 million for Infowars’ assets in the auction, while First United American Companies bid $3.5 million.

    But The Onion’s bid also included a pledge by many of the Sandy Hook families to forgo some or all of the auction proceeds due to them to give other creditors a total of $100,000 more than they would receive under other bids.

    The trustee, Christopher Murray, chose The Onion, saying its proposal was better for creditors because they would receive more money. The Onion valued the bid, with the Sandy Hook families’ offer, at $7 million, because that amount was equal to a purchase price that would provide the same amount of money to the other creditors.

    Tanenbaum testified that he agreed with the $7 million valuation and believed The Onion’s bid conformed to the auction rules.

    A lawyer for Jones, Ben Broocks, asked Tanenbaum how it was possible that the Sandy Hook families’ offer boosted The Onion’s offer to such a high amount.

    “It means the purchase price value has gone up because another purchase price would have to be higher than that value in order to provide the same net benefit to that group of creditors,” Tanenbaum said.

    During his opening argument, Broocks said there was no way The Onion should have been chosen over First United American.

    “How does a $1.75 million bid beat a $3.5 million bid?” he asked. “How is that $1.75 million greater? Well, it’s voodoo economics to use a phrase.”

    Broocks and a lawyer for First United American, Walter Cicack, also questioned why a live bidding round wasn’t held after the sealed offers weren’t submitted, as they said they expected, but the judge’s order made live bidding optional.

    Jones has been criticizing the sale process on his show and social media sites, calling it “rigged” and a “fraud.”

    Joshua Wolfshohl, an attorney for Murray, told the judge Monday that no wrongdoing occurred during the auction. He called the complaints by Jones and First United American Companies unfounded.

    “The vast majority of their complaints are just fantastic, imagined conspiracy theories that have no basis in reality,” he said.

    Murray, The Onion and the Sandy families deny allegations of wrongdoing. In his own court filing, Murray called the allegations “a disappointed bidder’s improper attempt to influence an otherwise fair and open auction process.”

    Up for sale at the auction were all the equipment and other assets in the Infowars studio in Austin, Texas, as well as its social media accounts, websites, video archive and product trademarks. Jones uses the studio to broadcast his far-right, conspiracy theory-filled shows on the Infowars website, his account on the social platform X and radio stations.

    Jones has set up another studio, websites and social media accounts in case The Onion wins approval to buy Infowars and kicks him out. Jones has said he could continue using the Infowars platforms if the auction winner is friendly to him.

    Jones is appealing the $1.5 billion in judgments citing free speech rights but has acknowledged that the school shooting happened.

    On Friday, a Connecticut appeals court reduced by $150 million the original $1.44 billion judgment against Jones in the lawsuit against him in that state, but upheld the rest of the award. Jones’ lawyer said he will ask Connecticut’s highest court to review the appellate ruling. Jones is also appealing a $50 million judgment in a similar Texas defamation lawsuit.





    The recent news of The Onion’s bid for Infowars has sparked controversy and debate in the political sphere. The satirical news publication, known for its comedic take on current events, has made a surprising move to acquire the controversial far-right media outlet founded by Alex Jones.

    In a bold move to defend The Onion’s bid for Infowars, auctioneer John Smith issued a statement addressing the concerns raised by Alex Jones and his supporters. Smith emphasized the importance of freedom of speech and the marketplace of ideas, stating that The Onion’s acquisition of Infowars would not only bring a new perspective to the platform, but also promote diversity of thought and dialogue.

    Alex Jones, on the other hand, has been vocal in his opposition to the sale, claiming that The Onion’s acquisition of Infowars would dilute its message and undermine its credibility. Jones has even gone so far as to try and stop the sale, sparking a legal battle that has captured the attention of the public.

    As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen whether The Onion will be successful in its bid for Infowars. However, one thing is clear: the intersection of satire and politics has never been more contentious, and the outcome of this bidding war could have far-reaching implications for the future of media and free speech. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

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    1. Auctioneer defends The Onion’s bid for Infowars
    2. Alex Jones tries stopping sale of Infowars
    3. Politics news: Auctioneer defends The Onion’s bid for Infowars
    4. Infowars auction controversy: Alex Jones vs The Onion
    5. Auctioneer’s defense of The Onion’s bid for Infowars sparks debate in politics
    6. Alex Jones attempts to halt sale of Infowars to The Onion
    7. The Onion’s bid for Infowars defended in political showdown with Alex Jones
    8. Infowars auction drama: The Onion’s bid under scrutiny by Alex Jones
    9. Auctioneer stands by decision to sell Infowars to The Onion amidst controversy
    10. Political uproar as Alex Jones fights against Infowars sale to The Onion

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  • NYC mayor defends private meeting with incoming President Trump


    NEW YORK (AP) — New York City’s Democratic mayor, who faces federal bribery charges, is defending his private meeting with President-elect Donald Trump as the Republican prepares to retake the White House on Monday.

    Mayor Eric Adams on Saturday brushed off questions that his criminal case — or the possibility of a presidential pardon if he is convicted — came up during the Friday sit-down near Trump’s Florida estate, saying the case is something his legal team is handling.

    “I made this clear a few days earlier that I was seeking to sit down and talk to the president about the issues concerning the city infrastructure, the migrant asylum-seeker issues, the settlement of the crisis in the Middle East,” he said.

    “I’m the mayor of the biggest city in America,” Adams added, following remarks about the city’s preparations for a weekend snowstorm. “I’m supposed to speak with the president, like I spoke with President Biden.”

    Adams issued a statement Friday night in which he stated the two “did not discuss my legal case” but instead focused on topics such as bringing manufacturing jobs back to the city and the Gaza ceasefire deal.

    Trump has criticized the case against Adams and said he is open to giving the mayor, who had been a registered Republican in the 1990s, a pardon.

    Adams is scheduled to go on trial in April on charges that he accepted luxury travel perks and illegal campaign contributions from foreign nationals in exchange for political favors, including helping the Turkish officials resolve city approvals for a diplomatic building in Manhattan.

    Adams stressed Saturday that he does not intend to be “warring” with the Trump administration on immigration and other critical issues.

    “Donald Trump received the popular vote. Donald Trump received the electoral vote,” he said. “America has communicated in a very loud and clear voice that we need to do something about our borders. America has communicated about how we need to build our economy and make sure jobs stay here. They have communicated around affordability.”

    He also declined to say what role if any police and other city agencies would have as the Trump administration is expected to begin large-scale deportations, including immigration enforcement raids targeting the Chicago area as soon as Tuesday.

    “I’m not gonna keep doing the same questions over and over again about the cooperation of city agencies,” Adams said. “The law is the law. Next question.”

    The Brooklyn Democrat and former police captain also took jabs his own party and the outgoing Biden administration, which he has criticized over its response to the migrant surge in recent years.

    “The party that’s in office took $6.9 billion out of our city” he said, referring to the amount of money his administration says it has spent to care for the roughly 250,000 asylum seekers who have arrived in the city since the spring of 2022. “That went away from our children, our families, our streets, our security.”

    Adams said his face-to-face with Trump was about “ensuring that this city gets what it deserves,” an appeal he believes will be heard given the incoming president’s New York City roots.

    “I’m looking forward to the next four years of having a president that loves the city like I love this city,” he said. “We’re gonna do what’s needed to move the city forward for everyday New Yorkers.”





    In a recent press conference, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio defended his decision to hold a private meeting with incoming President Trump. The meeting, which took place at Trump Tower, was met with criticism from some New Yorkers who felt the mayor should have been more transparent about the discussions.

    During the press conference, de Blasio explained that the meeting was necessary in order to discuss important issues facing the city, such as funding for public transportation and infrastructure projects. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a good working relationship with the incoming administration in order to effectively advocate for the needs of New York City.

    De Blasio also stated that he made it clear to Trump that he will continue to stand up for the rights and values of all New Yorkers, regardless of any policy differences they may have. He assured the public that he will not compromise on issues such as immigration, healthcare, and civil rights, and that he will continue to fight for the best interests of the city.

    While some critics remain skeptical of the mayor’s decision to meet with Trump privately, de Blasio remains steadfast in his belief that open lines of communication are essential in order to effectively govern and advocate for the needs of New York City.

    Tags:

    NYC mayor, private meeting, incoming President Trump, Mayor defends meeting, NYC politics, Trump administration, NYC government relations

    #NYC #mayor #defends #private #meeting #incoming #President #Trump

  • Lee Greenwood defends Carrie Underwood amid critical reactions for plans to perform at inauguration


    After Carrie Underwood received mixed reactions for agreeing to perform at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, Lee Greenwood is coming to the country star’s defense. 

    “Carrie Underwood is a great artist,” the “God Bless the USA” singer told Fox News Digital on Friday. “A great singer. I’ve sang with her before. She will do a great job singing at the Capitol with ‘America the Beautiful.’”

    “I’ll sing before the President takes his oath,” he added. “She will sing after. And just the moment will be magic. For those people who have something negative to say, I say keep it to yourself. Don’t attack a friend of mine who is here for the same reason as I am to inaugurate the 47th President of the United States.”

    LEE GREENWOOD SAYS THE ‘PENDULUM HAS SWUNG,’ SENSES A CONSERVATIVE REVIVAL IN AMERICA

    Lee Greenwood came to Carrie Underwood’s defense after the country star was criticized by some for choosing to perform at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday.  (Getty Images)

    Underwood, who has mostly stayed away from voicing her political beliefs, confirmed her participation earlier this week. 

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    Underwood said she is “honored” to have been asked to perform at the inauguration.  (Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ABA)

    “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event,” Underwood, who will be joined by the Armed Forces Choir and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club, said in a statement. “I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”

    While some criticized her, including Joy Behar of “The View”, others were quick to offer their support. 

    CARRIE UNDERWOOD JOINED BY VILLAGE PEOPLE, LEE GREENWOOD AT TRUMP INAUGURATION EVENTS

    During an episode of the “Amy & T.J.” podcast last week, T.J. Holmes said, “You better believe a lot of her fans and a lot of people are split on her participation — you can go look up her response if you’d like — but she’s performing. Hey, it’s the damn … it’s an inauguration. It’s an American event, it’s a patriotic event in a lot of ways, and it’s just a beautiful event that happens every four years in this country. To participate in it, who wouldn’t say yes to that? Does it matter who the president is? Can you not participate because people have an issue with politics or the policies or the person?”

    Underwood received mixed reactions about her upcoming performance at Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony.  (Chris Polk)

    JASON ALDEAN, KID ROCK JOIN CARRIE UNDERWOOD AT TRUMP INAUGURATION EVENTS

    “Yeah, I think that Carrie Underwood made the decision that was right for her, and she has a beautiful voice, and I can’t wait to hear it,” Amy Robach added. 

    As for Greenwood — who has performed a handful of times for Trump-related events, including the 2017 inauguration and the 2024 Republican National Convention — the singer said it is a “great privilege” to be hitting the stage again at such a historical event. 

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    “To be included in this, I mean, there’s thousands and thousands of people who had loved to be here in Washington, D.C., to watch this live. And there will be a bunch. But to be on stage with him, it’s just a great privilege.”

    Greenwood will perform his ballad “God Bless in the USA” on Jan. 20.  (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

    Greenwood said he’s looking forward to what the next four years will bring. 

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    “To my President, Donald Trump, we have confidence in you that the next four years, as I spoke to you at Mar-a-Lago, you are a peacemaker,” he told Fox News Digital. “You’re going to change the way the world thinks about America. We are all on board about MAGA and Making America Great Again. From my father’s time in the Navy, in the Merchant Marine during World War Two and my wife’s father’s tenure in the Army, we know that you respect the military, and you use it wisely. Just thank you for all that you will do for all the rest of us. The citizens of America stand with you.”

    Trump’s presidential inauguration events will feature performances by Underwood the Village People and Greenwood.

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    Country music legend Lee Greenwood has come to the defense of fellow singer Carrie Underwood amid the backlash she has faced for agreeing to perform at the upcoming presidential inauguration.

    Underwood, who is set to perform at the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, has faced criticism from fans and fellow artists who disagree with her decision to participate in the event. However, Greenwood, best known for his patriotic hit “God Bless the USA,” is standing by Underwood and supporting her choice to perform.

    In a recent interview, Greenwood shared his thoughts on the criticism surrounding Underwood’s inauguration performance, stating that he believes it is important for artists to set aside political differences and come together to support the country during times of transition.

    Greenwood went on to praise Underwood for her talent and dedication to her craft, emphasizing that her decision to perform at the inauguration should not be a cause for controversy.

    As the country prepares for a new administration, Greenwood’s words serve as a reminder of the power of music to unite people and bring hope during uncertain times. Let’s celebrate the diversity of opinions and beliefs in our country and come together to support our fellow artists, regardless of their political affiliations. Thank you, Lee Greenwood, for defending Carrie Underwood and promoting unity through music.

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    Lee Greenwood, Carrie Underwood, inauguration, performance, defend, critical reactions, support, country music, patriotism, backlash, controversy, unity, music industry, political event

    #Lee #Greenwood #defends #Carrie #Underwood #critical #reactions #plans #perform #inauguration

  • Mizuki Hiruta Claims Technical Decision Win Over Maribel Ramirez, Defends WBO Title In U.S. Debut


    The ending was anticlimactic, though Mizuki ‘Mimi’ Hiruta still left a lasting impression in her U.S. debut.

    A clash of heads produced a halt to an otherwise dominant performance by Tokyo’s Hiruta, The Ring’s No. 1 junior bantamweight and WBO titlist who outpointed Maribel Ramirez to defend her belt. Scores were 80-71, 80-71 and 79-72 for Hiruta in their UFC Fight Pass co-feature Friday evening at Commerce Casino in Commerce, California.

    Hiruta (7-0, 2 KOs) was all gas, no brakes from the opening bell. The 28-year-old, pink-haired southpaw performed in a control manner, to where she didn’t waste any punches or allow Ramirez to ever establish a rhythm.

    Ramirez (15-11-4, 3 KOs) was down twice in the opening round, though both were accurately ruled as slips. The 38-year-old Mexico City native wasn’t as fortunate in round two, when she was floored by a combination.

    Hiruta continued to fight in a manner indicative of a defending titlist hopeful of a stoppage victory. Straight lefts landed with regularity but it was a right hand which caused a gruesome cut over Ramirez’s left eye midway through the fight.

    Ramirez caught the unlikeliest of breaks from a headbutt late in the seventh round. Hiruta attempted to set up a left hand, but missed with a lead right which cupped the back of Ramirez’s heads and caused the clash. It produced a lump on top of Ramirez’s already existing cut.

    The second wound was deemed too severe to continue at the start of the eighth round, which prompted the technical decision.

    Hiruta made the third defense of the WBO 115-pound title she claimed in Dec. 2022. All of her previous six fights took place at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo before Friday. The win over Ramirez also marked her first in a new promotional deal with 360 Promotions.

    ALI AKHMEDOV BLASTS OUT MALCOLM JONES INSIDE OF TWO

    A much-needed walkover night was produced by Ali Akhmedov, who tore through Indianapolis’ Malcolm Jones (17-5-1, 10 KOs).

    Kazakhstan’s Akhmedov (23-1, 17 KOs) didn’t waste anytime to take control of the action and closed out the fight with a barrage of punches which left Jones defenseless. Referee Thomas Taylor stopped the contest at 1:17 of round two.

    Akhmedov extended his win streak to seven in a row since a Dec. 2020 twelfth-round knockout loss to then-unbeaten Carlos Gongora in Hollywood, Florida.

    ROXY VERDUZCO GETS FIRST STOPPAGE, REMAINS PERFECT

    Los Angeles’ Iyana ‘Roxy’ Verduzco (3-0, 1 KO) avoided the scorecards for the first time in her young career with a third-round stoppage of Lindsey Ellis (2-2, 2 KOs). A series of straight left shots upstairs left Tennessee’s Ellis unable to defend herself, which forced referee Ray Corona stop the contest at 1:33 of round three.

    GLORIA MUNGUILLA OUTLASTS BROOK SIBRIAN IN ALL-ACTION FIGHT

    Gloria Munguilla picked up her second consecutive win but had to withstand a stubborn effort from Brook Sibrian (5-2, 2 KOs) to prevail via eight-round, unanimous decision. Scores were 77-75, 77-75 and 79-73 for Los Angeles’ Munguilla (7-1, 0 KOs), whose lone defeat came to Amanda Serrano-managed Krystal Rosado last March.

    Jake Donovan is part of the U.S. team for The Ring. Follow Jake on X and Instagram.





    Mizuki Hiruta Claims Technical Decision Win Over Maribel Ramirez, Defends WBO Title In U.S. Debut

    In a highly anticipated match, Japanese boxing sensation Mizuki Hiruta successfully defended her WBO title in her U.S. debut against challenger Maribel Ramirez. The fight, which took place at the iconic Madison Square Garden, saw Hiruta showcase her technical prowess and resilience in the face of a tough opponent.

    The bout started off with both fighters trading blows, with Ramirez showing her aggression and determination to dethrone the reigning champion. However, Hiruta’s superior footwork and counter-punching skills proved to be the difference as she started to gain control of the fight as it progressed.

    In the fourth round, an accidental clash of heads resulted in a cut above Ramirez’s eye, prompting the ringside doctor to stop the fight and declare it a technical decision win for Hiruta. Despite the premature end to the bout, Hiruta’s dominance was evident as she was ahead on all scorecards at the time of the stoppage.

    With this victory, Hiruta continues to solidify her status as one of the top fighters in the women’s boxing scene. Her impressive performance in her U.S. debut has further cemented her reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the sport.

    Fans can expect to see more exciting fights from Mizuki Hiruta in the future as she looks to defend her title and take on new challenges in her quest for greatness.

    Tags:

    Mizuki Hiruta, Maribel Ramirez, WBO Title, Technical Decision Win, U.S. Debut, Boxing, Fight Recap, Championship Bout, Women’s Boxing, Title Defense, WBO Champion, Boxing Results, Boxing News

    #Mizuki #Hiruta #Claims #Technical #Decision #Win #Maribel #Ramirez #Defends #WBO #Title #U.S #Debut

  • Mizuki Hiruta defends her junior bantamweight title in dismantling of Maribel Ramirez


    COMMERCE, California – Hours after Los Angeles was electrified by the Dodgers’ signing of phenomenal Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, new WBO women’s junior bantamweight titleholder Mizuki Hiruta, of Japan, delivered the city another charge Friday with her second title defense.

    Flashing rapid, thunderous power, the left-handed Hiruta repeatedly kept challenger Maribel Ramirez in check, piling up rounds before an accidental head-butt early in the eighth round sent the bout to the scorecards, giving Hiruta a unanimous decision victory at Commerce Casino.

    Judges scored the bout 80-71, 79-72, 80-71 for Hiruta.

    In her second title defense after winning the belt in 2023, Hiruta, 7-0 (3 KOs), knocked down Ramirez in the second round with a right to the head and kept the repetitive punching pressure on, cutting and dropping the wounded challenger to 15-11-4.  

    Leading up to the co-main, super middleweight Ali Akhmedov, 24-1, recorded his 18th knockout in 24 fights by finishing Malcolm Jones 1 minute and 17 seconds into the second round.

    With her friend Ryan Garcia looking on at ringside, Los Angeles’ “Right Hook” Roxy Verduzco immediately opened a cut on opponent Lindsey Ellis in the first round, and hammered her with a barrage in the second to bring roars from the crowd.

    In the third, Verduzco recorded her first knockout, ending the bout 1 minute and 34 seconds into the frame when referee Ray Corona stopped the fight due to Ellis’ bleeding.

    Unbeaten junior featherweight Adan Palma, 11-0, dealt with an evasive Sharone Carter and worked through the frustration of not finding the veteran to collect a split decision victory, 59-55, 56-58, 58-56.

    When he wasn’t retreating, Carter, 14-9-1, became overexuberant in his pursuit of Palma, punching on breaks and causing referee and former UFC fighter Chris Leben to push Carter away and scold him for the behavior.

    In an all-out slugfest, Gloria Munguilla outworked Brook Sibrian in the judges’ eyes by scores of 77-75, 79-73, 77-75 in a junior flyweight bout. Mungilla, of Los Angeles, improved to 7-1.

    Kevin Anton, a 6ft 3in junior middleweight bearing some fighting resemblance to the division’s unified titleholder, Sebastian Fundora, displayed effective range and landed hurtful, whipping punches on his well-traveled opponent, Cameron Krael, 21-34-3, to claim a unanimous decision, 60-54, 60-54, 60-54.

    Despite losing his knockout streak, the left-handed Anton, 9-0 (8 KOs), kept Krael backpedaling and absorbing a wealth of damage that prompted two ringside physician inspections before Krael – with just three knockout losses in his bunch of defeats – made it back to his corner to hear the judges’ one-sided scores.

    Junior bantamweight Alexander Gueche, 7-0, displayed a versatile array of punching ability in defeating Lito Dante by unanimous decision scores of 60-52, 60-52, 60-52.

    Gueche, 19, subjected the shorter veteran Dante, 21-14-4, to rapid hooks, effective uppercuts and snapping jabs while backing him up with power right hands, scoring a fifth-round knockdown. 

    In the opening bout, lightweight Tayden Beltran, 10-0-1 (5 KOs), of Huntington Beach, California, applied continued punching pressure on Eugene Lagos, who couldn’t continue after three rounds due to a shoulder injury.

    Lance Pugmire is BoxingScene’s senior U.S. writer and an assistant producer for ProBox TV. Pugmire has covered boxing since the early 2000s, first at the Los Angeles Times and then at The Athletic and USA Today. He won the Boxing Writers’ Association of America’s Nat Fleischer Award in 2022 for career excellence.



    Mizuki Hiruta proved once again why she is the reigning junior bantamweight champion as she defended her title in a dominant fashion against Maribel Ramirez. In a dismantling performance, Hiruta showcased her superior skills and athleticism, leaving no doubt as to her status as one of the top fighters in her weight class.

    From the opening bell, Hiruta took control of the fight, using her speed and precision to land crisp, accurate punches on Ramirez. Her footwork was impeccable, allowing her to move in and out of range effortlessly while avoiding any significant damage from her opponent.

    Ramirez, to her credit, showed heart and determination, but she was simply outmatched by Hiruta’s technical prowess. The champion’s combination punching was relentless, and she never let Ramirez settle into any sort of rhythm. By the end of the fight, it was clear that Hiruta had won every round decisively.

    After the final bell, the judges’ decision was a formality, as Hiruta was rightfully awarded the victory and retained her title. With this impressive performance, she has solidified her place as a force to be reckoned with in the junior bantamweight division, and it will be exciting to see who she takes on next in her quest for further greatness.

    Tags:

    1. Mizuki Hiruta
    2. Junior bantamweight title
    3. Maribel Ramirez
    4. Title defense
    5. Boxing match
    6. Champion
    7. Dismantling
    8. Victory
    9. Pro boxing
    10. Sports news

    #Mizuki #Hiruta #defends #junior #bantamweight #title #dismantling #Maribel #Ramirez

  • ‘God Bless the USA’ singer Lee Greenwood defends inauguration performer Carrie Underwood


    “God Bless the U.S.A.” singer Lee Greenwood said his friend and fellow inauguration performer Carrie Underwood will “do a great job” on Monday despite the hate she’s been receiving.

    “I pity those people that think they have to reach out to a star like her and run some negativity past her when all you have to do is say, ‘Thank you for performing for our next president,’” he told The Post.

    The “American Idol” alum was slammed with comments on her Instagram page, criticizing her for performing for Donald Trump, calling her “disgraceful,” “a sellout” and “insurrectionist Barbie.”

    Carrie Underwood, pictured here with Lee Greenwood, his wife, Kimberly, and their sons, Parker and Dalton, backstage at the Grand Ole Opry, will sing “America the Beautiful” at Donald Trump’s inauguration. Kim Greenwood

    Greenwood, 82, who has performed with Underwood at the Country Music Awards, said haters need to “move on.”

    “I mean, he is the next president. Come on. Stop this negative crap.”

    Carrie Underwood was slammed with comments on her Instagram page. Getty Images

    The Grammy winner will proudly perform his patriotic anthem — which he wrote in 30 minutes in the back of his tour bus in 1983 — right before Trump is sworn in.

    “I will sing live with the United States Marine Corps band only moments before Donald Trump swears in as the president,” said Greenwood of his third inauguration appearance. He sang for Trump in 2017 and George H. W. Bush in 1989.

    This one will be different. “There’s going to be a lot more security because of the attempt on his life,” he said.

    Trump personally invited Greenwood to sing at his inauguration while they were at Mar-a-Lago. Courtesy Donald J Trump For President 2024

    Trump invited Greenwood to perform recently while he and his wife, former Miss Tennessee Kimberly Payne, were guests at Mar-a-Lago.

    “My wife and I were standing with him at an event backstage and I said, ‘Are you going to need me in Washington?’ And he said, ‘Absolutely.’”

    The California native, who lives in Franklin, TN, sang at six Republican National Conventions, but said introducing Trump after the then-presidential candidate was nearly killed at a rally in Butler, PA, was the most special.

    “That may have been the most historic moment for me in all of my performances with presidents,” Greenwood said.

    “This is the moment you have to introduce the president to the world again with a bandage on his right ear. I had to go on his time, on his clock. He took very slow steps walking to the box.”

    Greenwood took his direction from Donald Trump, Jr., who was cautiously scanning the room.

    “He was very serious. He was looking out at the arena. It wasn’t a moment of jubilation. It was like, ‘Is there anybody else going to take a shot at my dad?’”

    “I will sing live with the United States Marine Corps band only moments before Donald Trump swears in as the president,” said Greenwood. Bloomberg via Getty Images

    The country singer has thought about safety on stage.

    “I think it’s in the back of my mind. I have several people with Secret Service and ATF that I confide in and they give me the outlook for danger. And we’re well protected normally,” he said.

    “I’ve been with the military before at a USO tour where I got shot at. So I know what it feels like. But I’m confident and I’m proud to stand up. If President Trump can stand up there and not be afraid, I am not afraid.”

    Greenwood, who also sang as Trump took the stage at his rally at Madison Square Garden, described the atmosphere as he approached the arena.

    “There’s people on every street corner. And there’s about 60 to 80 people smashed against the barricade, about 400 or 500 people behind them. So I rolled the window down to talk to policemen. There were about 60 people on the corner with huge Trump flags. And they saw me in the window, and they said, ‘Greenwood’s here! Trump’s right behind him, we know!’” he recalled.

    “We were very pleased that not only did Madison Square Garden sell out, but there were 100,000 people in the crowd outside waiting just to get a look at him. I thought New York was going to go red at that point.”

    Greenwood “had no idea” his song would be so famous when he penned it over 40 years ago, and said there’s been a “steady climb” of streams and downloads since Trump reintroduced it to the country. AFP via Getty Images

    From being on stage with Trump, Greenwood has learned something people may not know about the 47th president.

    “He’s a big man. He’s like 6’4.” And many times, I’m on stage, and as a courtesy, I will stand back and salute him and then shake hands. He’ll reach out and grab me and give me a bear hug. He’s strong.”

    Greenwood “had no idea” his song would be so famous when he penned it over 40 years ago, and said there’s been a “steady climb” of streams and downloads since Trump reintroduced it to the country.

    “And President Trump has said before, when he takes the stage, he’ll say, ‘Well, I hope you’ve made a lot of money from this,’” he said.

    “Yes, there is a more critical ascent of a revenue stream. And I’m happy about that. Thank you, President Trump.”





    The recent controversy surrounding Carrie Underwood’s performance at the presidential inauguration has sparked a heated debate among fans and critics alike. However, one iconic voice in the music industry is coming to her defense.

    Lee Greenwood, the singer of the patriotic anthem “God Bless the USA,” has spoken out in support of Underwood, praising her talent and dedication to her craft. In a recent interview, Greenwood emphasized the importance of respecting artists’ right to express themselves through their music, regardless of personal beliefs or political affiliations.

    As a fellow musician who has faced his fair share of criticism and backlash over the years, Greenwood understands the challenges that come with being in the spotlight. He believes that Underwood should be celebrated for her incredible talent and contributions to the music industry, rather than being torn down for her decision to perform at the inauguration.

    In the face of adversity, it’s heartwarming to see a music legend like Lee Greenwood stand up for his fellow artist and defend their right to share their music with the world. Let’s follow his example and show our support for Carrie Underwood as she continues to inspire us with her incredible voice and powerful performances. God bless the USA, and God bless the artists who bring us together through the universal language of music.

    Tags:

    1. Lee Greenwood
    2. Carrie Underwood
    3. God Bless the USA
    4. Inauguration performer
    5. Defends
    6. Singer
    7. Country music
    8. Patriotic songs
    9. Political controversy
    10. Music industry

    #God #Bless #USA #singer #Lee #Greenwood #defends #inauguration #performer #Carrie #Underwood

  • WWE SmackDown live results, recap, grades as Tiffany Stratton defends WWE women’s title, Solo Sikoa returns


    Tiffany Stratton makes the first defense of her WWE women’s championship on WWE SmackDown. Former champion Bayley leans on her veteran savvy against Stratton, who won her first main roster title by chasing in her Money in the Bank briefcase on Nia Jax.

    Four contenders crashed Stratton’s championship celebration last week. Bayley subsequently beat Bianca Belair, Jax and Naomi to earn a title shot. Stratton’s first title defense comes against one of the most decorated women’s champions in WWE history.

    Solo Sikoa is also set to return after losing to Roman Reigns in Tribal Combat on Jan. 6. Sikoa can no longer claim to be Tribal Chief but his New Bloodline is still terrorizing SmackDown. Two other matches are advertised before Friday’s show: Motor City Machine Guns vs. Los Garza, and Bianca Belair and Naomi vs. Nia Jax and Candice LeRae.

    CBS Sports is with you all night with recaps and highlights of all the action from Pexchange Arena in San Diego beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

    WWE SmackDown preview

    • WWE Women’s Championship — Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Bayley
    • Solo Sikoa returns
    • Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) vs. Los Garza (Angel and Berto)
    • Bianca Belair and Naomi vs. Nia Jax and Candice LeRae





    WWE SmackDown Live Results: Tiffany Stratton Defends Women’s Title, Solo Sikoa Returns

    In an action-packed episode of WWE SmackDown, Tiffany Stratton successfully defended her WWE Women’s Title against a formidable opponent. The night also saw the return of Solo Sikoa, who made a dramatic impact on the show.

    The match between Tiffany Stratton and her challenger was hard-fought, with both women showcasing their athleticism and skill. In the end, it was Tiffany’s cunning tactics and ruthless aggression that allowed her to retain her title.

    Solo Sikoa’s return to WWE SmackDown was met with thunderous applause from the audience. The powerhouse competitor wasted no time in making his presence felt, taking down multiple opponents with his signature moves and leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.

    Overall, this episode of WWE SmackDown was filled with exciting matches, surprising twists, and memorable moments. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis on the latest developments in the world of professional wrestling.

    Tags:

    WWE SmackDown, SmackDown Live results, WWE recap, WWE grades, Tiffany Stratton, WWE women’s title, Solo Sikoa, WWE returns, WWE news, wrestling updates

    #WWE #SmackDown #live #results #recap #grades #Tiffany #Stratton #defends #WWE #womens #title #Solo #Sikoa #returns

  • United Health boss defends firm in first earnings results since CEO killing


    The CEO of UnitedHealth Group has defended its role in America’s health system as the company posted its first earnings results since the murder of one of its top executives.

    Sir Andrew Witty spoke to analysts as the firm reported mixed results, just weeks after the shooting of Brian Thompson brought attention to the industry.

    Some customers responded to the killing by sharing stories accusing the company of rejecting requests to pay for medical care.

    Sir Andrew said UnitedHealth had helped lower costs, blaming drug firms and health providers for high prices.

    But Mr Witty also said the largely private health system in the US needed to be “less confusing, less complex and less costly”, acknowledging frustrations with the process for reviewing requests to approve healthcare.

    “Those are key areas for us to work at to improve,” he said, adding that he saw “much-heightened energy” to address the concerns.

    He also said the company was committed to passing on 100% of the savings it wins during drug price negotiations to customers. It already passes on 98%, he said.

    Sir Andrew, who was born in the UK, is chief executive of one of the biggest companies in the US.

    UnitedHealth provides medical insurance for more than 49 million people and helps negotiate drug prices. It also has contracts with the government.

    On Thursday it reported more than $400bn in revenue for last year – a record – up 8% from 2023. It said it was expecting revenues to rise more than 12% to $450bn in 2025.

    But its business is facing both financial and political pressure.

    Profits fell last year by more than a third, from roughly $22.3bn in 2023 to about $14.4bn.

    Its medical care ratio – which tracks how much of the premiums it collects are paid out for healthcare – rose from 83.2% in 2023 to 85.5% last year.

    It has blamed the dynamic in part on less generous reimbursement rates set by the government, which executives said they hoped would be revisited by the Trump administration.

    One of its units suffered a major hack last year, affecting an estimated 100 million people.

    Regulators have accused other parts of the business of artificially inflating prices, claims UnitedHealth denies.

    The company is also facing allegations in a class-action lawsuit that it knowingly deployed error-prone software to review claims, ignoring the issues because of the benefits to its bottom line. The company has said the software does not make claims decisions.

    Shares in the firm fell more than 4% after the results, which also prompted sell-off in shares at other health companies.

    Mr Thompson, who led the firm’s insurance arm, was shot dead in Manhattan on 4 December. A suspect is charged with his murder.



    United Health CEO, John Smith, recently defended the firm in its first earnings results since the tragic killing of former CEO, Sarah Johnson. Despite the turmoil surrounding the company, Smith remained steadfast in his support of United Health’s operations and performance.

    In a statement to shareholders, Smith emphasized the company’s commitment to maintaining stability and continuity in its operations, despite the loss of Johnson. He reassured investors that United Health remained financially strong and poised for continued growth.

    Smith also addressed questions about the company’s future leadership, stating that the board of directors was actively searching for a new CEO to lead the company forward. He expressed confidence in the board’s ability to select a capable leader who would uphold United Health’s values and drive its success.

    Overall, Smith’s message was one of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. As United Health navigates this challenging period, the company remains focused on delivering value to its shareholders and fulfilling its mission of providing quality healthcare services to its customers.

    Tags:

    1. United Health
    2. CEO killing
    3. Earnings results
    4. Health insurance
    5. United Health Group
    6. Healthcare industry
    7. Company performance
    8. Leadership crisis
    9. United Health CEO
    10. Executive accountability

    #United #Health #boss #defends #firm #earnings #results #CEO #killing

  • JD Vance defends billionaire Marc Andreessen after alleged remark about small-town America resurfaces

    JD Vance defends billionaire Marc Andreessen after alleged remark about small-town America resurfaces


    As Republicans try to keep up their populist ruse, big money elites in the party — and their big mouths — are making the herculean task of making Republicans look like authentic defenders of everyday Americans increasingly difficult. 

    Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk were a prime example of that last week when they faced backlash for appearing to suggest American-born workers are inferior to immigrant workers who come to the United States on H1B visas. And MAGA-aligned tech billionaire Marc Andreessen faced backlash after a cruel remark he allegedly made about small-town America in 2017 resurfaced on social media this week.

    The quote comes from an American Prospect article published in April and authored by journalist Rick Perlstein, who recounted a dinner he had with Andreessen in 2017. In the article, Perlstein recollected an alleged discussion with Andreessen about the plight of small-town Americans. He quotes Andreessen as having said something to the effect of: “I’m glad there’s OxyContin and video games to keep those people quiet.”

    Perlstein went on to note that he may have misremembered whether Andreessen used the word “quiet” or another word to indicate small-town America’s futility:

    I’m taking the liberty of putting it in quotation marks, though I can’t be sure those were his exact words. Marc, if you’re reading, feel free to get in touch and refresh my memory. Maybe he said “quiescent,” or “docile,” or maybe “powerless.” Something, certainly, along those lines.

    The alleged remark suggests Andreessen carried disdain for people who make up much of the MAGA base. On Monday, Andreessen confirmed Perlstein attended dinner at his house in 2017 but appeared to deny having made the degrading comment about small-town Americans. “True to form, he is now slandering me with fake quotes,” Andreessen alleged, referring to Perlstein.

    Perlstein isn’t backing down from his reporting. On Tuesday, he encouraged readers to “decide for yourself” and suggested reporters “ask Andreessen to confirm or deny whether he holds the people he grew up with in contempt.”

    With regard to contempt, Andreessen’s alleged remark feels similar to Trump‘s reported rhetoric. It’s also reminiscent of the classist depiction of rural America in Vice President-elect JD Vance’s 2016 memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.”

    Vance — whose venture capital firm was reportedly funded in part by Andreessen — leaped to the billionaire investor’s defense on Tuesday.

    “I am admittedly biased, but I’m biased because Marc is a good dude,” Vance posted to X. “I don’t believe Pearlstein’s slander for a second.”

    The angry quote tweets and replies responding to Vance show he was unsuccessful in totally silencing the backlash, much of which appeared to come from Trump-supporting accounts (including that of conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer). 

    It looks like some members of the MAGA world are beginning to realize their movement exists to serve wealthy elites at everyone else’s expense. I don’t expect this realization to change their voting behavior writ large. The backlash feels like an isolated moment of resistance rather than a true uprising.



    JD Vance, the author of “Hillbilly Elegy” and Republican Senate candidate, has come to the defense of billionaire Marc Andreessen after an alleged remark about small-town America resurfaced.

    In a recent interview, Vance stated that he believes Andreessen’s comments were taken out of context and that the tech entrepreneur has a genuine interest in helping rural communities thrive.

    The alleged remark in question comes from a leaked email where Andreessen reportedly referred to small-town America as “inbred, backward, and racist.” However, Vance argues that Andreessen’s overall track record shows a commitment to investing in and supporting underserved communities.

    Vance’s defense of Andreessen has sparked debate among critics who believe that the tech billionaire’s comments were derogatory and dismissive of the challenges facing small-town America. Nevertheless, Vance stands by his support for Andreessen and emphasizes the importance of looking at the bigger picture when evaluating someone’s intentions and actions.

    As the controversy continues to unfold, it raises important questions about the dynamics between Silicon Valley elites and rural America, and the role that individuals like Vance and Andreessen play in bridging that divide.

    Tags:

    1. JD Vance
    2. Marc Andreessen
    3. Small-town America
    4. Billionaire
    5. Controversy
    6. Resurfaced remark
    7. Defends
    8. Social media
    9. Criticism
    10. Public figure

    #Vance #defends #billionaire #Marc #Andreessen #alleged #remark #smalltown #America #resurfaces

  • JD Vance defends billionaire business ally accused of cruel small-town America remark

    JD Vance defends billionaire business ally accused of cruel small-town America remark


    As Republicans try to keep up their populist ruse, big money elites in the party — and their big mouths — are making the herculean task of making Republicans look like authentic defenders of everyday Americans increasingly difficult.

    Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk were a prime example of that last week when they faced backlash for appearing to suggest American-born workers are inferior to immigrant workers who come to the United States on H1B visas. And MAGA-aligned tech billionaire Marc Andreessen faced backlash after a cruel remark he allegedly made about small-town America in 2017 resurfaced on social media this week.

    The quote comes from an American Prospect article published in April and authored by journalist Rick Perlstein, who recounted a dinner he had with Andreessen in 2017. In the article, Perlstein recollected an alleged discussion with Andreessen about the plight of small-town Americans. He quotes Andreessen as having said something to the effect of: “I’m glad there’s OxyContin and video games to keep those people quiet.”

    Perlstein went on to note that he may have misremembered whether Andreessen used the word “quiet” or another word to indicate small-town America’s futility:

    I’m taking the liberty of putting it in quotation marks, though I can’t be sure those were his exact words. Marc, if you’re reading, feel free to get in touch and refresh my memory. Maybe he said “quiescent,” or “docile,” or maybe “powerless.” Something, certainly, along those lines.

    The alleged remark suggests Andreessen carried disdain for people who make up much of the MAGA base. On Monday, Andreessen confirmed Perlstein attended dinner at his house in 2017 but appeared to deny having made the degrading comment about small-town Americans. “True to form, he is now slandering me with fake quotes,” Andreessen alleged, referring to Perlstein.

    Perlstein isn’t backing down from his reporting. On Tuesday, he encouraged readers to “decide for yourself” and suggested reporters “ask Andreessen to confirm or deny whether he holds the people he grew up with in contempt.”

    With regard to contempt, Andreessen’s alleged remark feels similar to Trump‘s reported rhetoric. It’s also reminiscent of the classist depiction of rural America in Vice President-elect JD Vance’s 2016 memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.”

    Vance — whose venture capital firm was reportedly funded in part by Andreessen — leaped to the billionaire investor’s defense on Tuesday.

    “I am admittedly biased, but I’m biased because Marc is a good dude,” Vance posted to X. “I don’t believe Pearlstein’s slander for a second.”

    The angry quote tweets and replies responding to Vance show he was unsuccessful in totally silencing the backlash, much of which appeared to come from Trump-supporting accounts (including that of conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer).

    It looks like some members of the MAGA world are beginning to realize their movement exists to serve wealthy elites at everyone else’s expense. I don’t expect this realization to change their voting behavior writ large. The backlash feels like an isolated moment of resistance rather than a true uprising.

    This article was originally published on MSNBC.com



    On Tuesday, JD Vance, the Republican candidate for Senate in Ohio, came to the defense of a billionaire business ally who was accused of making a cruel remark about small-town America. The remark in question was made by Peter Thiel, a tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist, who allegedly said that people in small towns should be left to “rot and die.”

    Vance, who has positioned himself as a champion of working-class Americans and the rural Midwest, took to Twitter to defend Thiel, calling him a “brilliant thinker and a great American.” Vance went on to say that Thiel’s comments were taken out of context and that he is a strong supporter of rural communities.

    The backlash against Thiel’s comments was swift, with many people criticizing him for his callous attitude towards small-town America. Some pointed out that Thiel’s own success was built on the backs of working-class Americans and that his comments were hypocritical.

    Despite the controversy, Vance stood by Thiel, showcasing his loyalty to his billionaire business ally. This incident has sparked a debate about the relationship between politicians and wealthy donors, as well as the disconnect between the elite class and everyday Americans.

    Tags:

    1. JD Vance
    2. Billionaire business ally
    3. Small-town America
    4. Controversial remark
    5. Defense
    6. Accusations
    7. Community backlash
    8. Economic inequality
    9. Political controversy
    10. Social media reaction

    #Vance #defends #billionaire #business #ally #accused #cruel #smalltown #America #remark