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NEWS

Attorney General Pam Bondi ended federal lawsuits that the Biden administration had filed against local police and fire departments over their merit-based hiring policies. Under the Biden administration, the DOJ’s Office of Civil Rights sued local first responders for prioritizing merit in hiring rather than making race-based decisions. “Despite no evidence of intentional discrimination—only statistical disparities—the prior administration branded the aptitude tests at issue in these cases as discriminatory to advance a DEI agenda,” the DOJ said in a news release. “And it sought to coerce cities into conducting DEI-based hiring in response and spending millions of dollars in taxpayer funds for payouts to previous applicants who had scored lower on the tests, regardless of qualifications,” the news release added. President Donald Trump signed executive orders ending Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies within the federal government. Bondi’s decision this week marks the latest development in the ongoing effort to roll back DEI initiatives under the new administration. Bondi’s office stated that DEI policies pose a threat to public safety and indicated that dismissing the cases represents an “early step toward eradicating illegal DEI preferences across the government and in the private sector.” “American communities deserve firefighters and police officers to be chosen for their skill and dedication to public safety – not to meet DEI quotas,” Bondi said. The proposed consent decrees typically acknowledged that the departments used neutral selection criteria, such as credit checks, written exams, and physical fitness tests, to evaluate candidates for open positions. However, White men tended to achieve higher scores or perform better on these assessments. For instance, a lawsuit filed in October against the City of Durham, North Carolina, alleged “unintentional” discrimination against Black applicants, citing that they failed to meet the required 70% passing score on the written exam at a lower rate than White candidates, resulting in fewer Black hires. As a remedy, the complaint proposed eliminating the neutral written test and providing “back pay and/or preferential hiring” for Black candidates who were not selected due to their exam performance. The estimated cost of these measures was approximately $980,000 in monetary relief. In a separate case filed against the Maryland State Police in October 2024, it was proposed that the agency discontinue its current selection methods, which included a written test requiring a score of 70% or higher and a physical assessment consisting of push-ups, sit-ups, a flexibility reach, a trigger pull, and a 1.5-mile run, Fox added. The proposed changes called for eliminating the previous selection criteria and allocating $2.75 million in monetary relief to Black candidates who were not hired due to written test results and women who were not hired due to physical test performance. The DOJ stated that similar lawsuits had also been filed against the cities of South Bend, Indiana, and Cobb County, Georgia, Fox noted further. Bondi has been busy this month. The Justice Department charged a man in connection with the vandalism of a Tesla dealership and the arson of the New Mexico Republican Party headquarters, according to court records unsealed Monday. Jamison R. Wagner, 40, faces federal arson-related charges tied to last month’s fire at GOP headquarters and a February incident at a Tesla dealership in Bernalillo. Authorities say two Tesla Model Y vehicles were set on fire, with swastikas painted on their windshields and graffiti messages including “Die Elon” and “Die Tesla Nazi.” Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who is spearheading the Trump administration’s contentious attempts to reduce federal agencies through the Department of Government Efficiency and the federal government’s workforce, has been the target of protests at Tesla showrooms. The arrest is part of a broader federal crackdown on what Attorney General Pam Bondi has correctly described as a surge in domestic terrorism targeting property associated with Musk’s electric vehicle company. Bondi previewed the arrest during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, highlighting recent efforts by federal law enforcement to pursue vandals who have been attacking Tesla-related sites in recent weeks. Wagner is also facing charges related to a fire last month at the headquarters of the New Mexico Republican Party in Albuquerque. Authorities said the blaze severely damaged the building’s entrance and caused extensive smoke damage throughout the office. In addition, Republican officials discovered graffiti sprayed on the side of the building roughly 50 feet from the entrance, reading “ICE = KKK,” according to state GOP Chair Amy Barela. The Justice Department has filed charges in four additional cases involving individuals accused of using Molotov cocktails to target Tesla vehicles and fire stations. In response to the growing number of incidents, the FBI established a task force last month to coordinate investigative efforts with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF). Bondi indicated there will be no plea deals for those charged in the Tesla-related attacks, telling President Trump during a White House meeting Thursday, “There will be no negotiations, at your directive.”

- by Matsoni123

Attorney General Pam Bondi ended federal lawsuits that the Biden administration had filed against local police and fire departments over their merit-based hiring policies. Under the Biden administration, the DOJ’s …

Attorney General Pam Bondi ended federal lawsuits that the Biden administration had filed against local police and fire departments over their merit-based hiring policies. Under the Biden administration, the DOJ’s Office of Civil Rights sued local first responders for prioritizing merit in hiring rather than making race-based decisions. “Despite no evidence of intentional discrimination—only statistical disparities—the prior administration branded the aptitude tests at issue in these cases as discriminatory to advance a DEI agenda,” the DOJ said in a news release. “And it sought to coerce cities into conducting DEI-based hiring in response and spending millions of dollars in taxpayer funds for payouts to previous applicants who had scored lower on the tests, regardless of qualifications,” the news release added. President Donald Trump signed executive orders ending Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies within the federal government. Bondi’s decision this week marks the latest development in the ongoing effort to roll back DEI initiatives under the new administration. Bondi’s office stated that DEI policies pose a threat to public safety and indicated that dismissing the cases represents an “early step toward eradicating illegal DEI preferences across the government and in the private sector.” “American communities deserve firefighters and police officers to be chosen for their skill and dedication to public safety – not to meet DEI quotas,” Bondi said. The proposed consent decrees typically acknowledged that the departments used neutral selection criteria, such as credit checks, written exams, and physical fitness tests, to evaluate candidates for open positions. However, White men tended to achieve higher scores or perform better on these assessments. For instance, a lawsuit filed in October against the City of Durham, North Carolina, alleged “unintentional” discrimination against Black applicants, citing that they failed to meet the required 70% passing score on the written exam at a lower rate than White candidates, resulting in fewer Black hires. As a remedy, the complaint proposed eliminating the neutral written test and providing “back pay and/or preferential hiring” for Black candidates who were not selected due to their exam performance. The estimated cost of these measures was approximately $980,000 in monetary relief. In a separate case filed against the Maryland State Police in October 2024, it was proposed that the agency discontinue its current selection methods, which included a written test requiring a score of 70% or higher and a physical assessment consisting of push-ups, sit-ups, a flexibility reach, a trigger pull, and a 1.5-mile run, Fox added. The proposed changes called for eliminating the previous selection criteria and allocating $2.75 million in monetary relief to Black candidates who were not hired due to written test results and women who were not hired due to physical test performance. The DOJ stated that similar lawsuits had also been filed against the cities of South Bend, Indiana, and Cobb County, Georgia, Fox noted further. Bondi has been busy this month. The Justice Department charged a man in connection with the vandalism of a Tesla dealership and the arson of the New Mexico Republican Party headquarters, according to court records unsealed Monday. Jamison R. Wagner, 40, faces federal arson-related charges tied to last month’s fire at GOP headquarters and a February incident at a Tesla dealership in Bernalillo. Authorities say two Tesla Model Y vehicles were set on fire, with swastikas painted on their windshields and graffiti messages including “Die Elon” and “Die Tesla Nazi.” Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who is spearheading the Trump administration’s contentious attempts to reduce federal agencies through the Department of Government Efficiency and the federal government’s workforce, has been the target of protests at Tesla showrooms. The arrest is part of a broader federal crackdown on what Attorney General Pam Bondi has correctly described as a surge in domestic terrorism targeting property associated with Musk’s electric vehicle company. Bondi previewed the arrest during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, highlighting recent efforts by federal law enforcement to pursue vandals who have been attacking Tesla-related sites in recent weeks. Wagner is also facing charges related to a fire last month at the headquarters of the New Mexico Republican Party in Albuquerque. Authorities said the blaze severely damaged the building’s entrance and caused extensive smoke damage throughout the office. In addition, Republican officials discovered graffiti sprayed on the side of the building roughly 50 feet from the entrance, reading “ICE = KKK,” according to state GOP Chair Amy Barela. The Justice Department has filed charges in four additional cases involving individuals accused of using Molotov cocktails to target Tesla vehicles and fire stations. In response to the growing number of incidents, the FBI established a task force last month to coordinate investigative efforts with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF). Bondi indicated there will be no plea deals for those charged in the Tesla-related attacks, telling President Trump during a White House meeting Thursday, “There will be no negotiations, at your directive.” Read More
NEWS

Three Members of Donald Trump’s Family Were Allegedly Stricken by a Serious Disease — A Look at the President’s Family Health History

- by Matsoni123

The Trump family’s history over the decades reveals a tapestry of resilience, health struggles, and unexpected tragedies. From life-threatening emergencies to cognitive decline and untimely deaths, several of Donald Trump’s …

Three Members of Donald Trump’s Family Were Allegedly Stricken by a Serious Disease — A Look at the President’s Family Health History Read More
NEWS

LIVE TV SHOCKER: Karoline Leavitt Leaves Taylor Swift SPEECHLESS with HILARIOUS Takedown—Fans Are Stunned! What Did Karoline Say That Left the Superstar Singer Struggling for Words? This Explosive Moment Has Gone VIRAL and the Details Will Blow Your Mind! Don’t Miss the Full Story Behind This Unbelievable TV Showdown!

- by Matsoni123

Karoline Leavitt vs. Taylor Swift: The Great American Debate That Left Everyone Talking In a showdown that captured the attention of millions across America, Karoline Leavitt, the 27-year-old White House …

LIVE TV SHOCKER: Karoline Leavitt Leaves Taylor Swift SPEECHLESS with HILARIOUS Takedown—Fans Are Stunned! What Did Karoline Say That Left the Superstar Singer Struggling for Words? This Explosive Moment Has Gone VIRAL and the Details Will Blow Your Mind! Don’t Miss the Full Story Behind This Unbelievable TV Showdown! Read More
NEWS

Single mother fired after Barron Trump complimented her—48 hours later, Barron Trump paid it all back to her in the most unbelievable way, under the surprised eyes of the restaurant owner.

- by Matsoni123

She Was Fired for Showing a Picture of Her Daughter—48 Hours Later, Barron Trump Took Down the Entire Restaurant It started with a smile. And ended with a woman regaining …

Single mother fired after Barron Trump complimented her—48 hours later, Barron Trump paid it all back to her in the most unbelievable way, under the surprised eyes of the restaurant owner. Read More
NEWS

A patron walks along with their 2025 Masters gnome (Image credit: Getty Images) Jonny Leighfield’s avatar By Jonny Leighfield published 16 April 2025 For so many of the lucky patrons who attend Augusta National each year, the must-have item from The Masters shop has been – since its release in 2016 – the Masters gnome. Standing at just 18 inches tall and baring an uncanny resemblance to Santa Claus with an outfit design that changes every year, the increasingly-iconic piece of merchandise retails for $49.50. But patrons have to be quick as it’s only available to purchase through official channels for eight days during Masters week. This year called ‘Peaches’, the Masters gnome has various foods made famous by Augusta National adorned on a mint-green polo shirt, such as the Georgia peach ice cream sandwich and the world-famous pimento cheese. The outfit is completed by light grey slacks plus white and green golf shoes with a Masters green belt and a Masters cap. Peaches is also holding a sandwich in his left hand and carrying a Masters bag over his right shoulder. As well as the full-size original version, there is a nine-inch Caddie gnome which cost $29.50 in the Masters shop, a mini caddie ornament, plus salt and pepper shakers if Peaches isn’t to your taste. What can I say……..💚💚💚 #TheMasters #MastersGnome 🌼🌺🌸 pic.twitter.com/OdT7FbZTBsApril 12, 2025 Patrons who show enough desire to queue up while the sun is still brushing its teeth and the patience to stand in line for over an hour while the pros begin tackling the course are rewarded with the opportunity to buy just one Peaches per customer. The primary reason for a required early start is due to the fact that Augusta National limits the (unknown) quantity it sells each day, with the rare batch disappearing off the shelves in the blink of an eye – usually before 8:30am or so. Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts. Your Email Address Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. As a result of the incredibly short supply, the kinds of numbers Peaches has been listed for on sites like ebay has been nothing short of mind-blowing. During the tournament itself, an unopened 2025 Masters gnome was fetching in the region of $500 – roughly 10 times higher than its recommended retail price. That figure only continued to rise once the Masters shop had closed its doors for good, with a search three days after Rory McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam producing several options to buy one for upwards of $1,000 each. The most expensive listed price on ebay as of Wednesday, April 16 was $2,000 – a 3,900% increase on the gnome’s original cost. A screenshot of a 2025 Masters gnome being listed on ebay for $2,000 (Image credit: ebay screenshot) Elliott Heath – Golf Monthly’s news editor who was in attendance at The Masters this year – revealed the gnomes were the talk of the fairways at Augusta National but believes officials will look into methods of ensuring the prized items does not fetch such an astronomical price online in the future. He said: “I was at Augusta National all week and you simply can’t get away from the gnomes. Everywhere you turn you see a patron holding on to their prized item with a slightly smug look on their face…as the now-iconic garden statue is without doubt the most in-demand item in the Augusta National Golf Shop. “There were a number of gnomes on my flight home, too, being taken onto the plane as hand luggage and safely stowed in the overhead bins. They’re far too prized to be wrapped up and put away into hold baggage. A patron carries his Masters gnome at the 2025 tournament A patron carries their Masters gnome at the 2025 tournament (Image credit: Getty Images) “While walking the course, I regularly heard those without gnomes asking the lucky gnome possessors: “Hey, how did you manage to get that gnome?” The answer, according to one of the shop attendants, was to get in line as soon as you arrive on-site as the gnomes, both large and mini, sell out by 8:30am each morning. “Their rarity has turned into a slight problem for The Masters, as seen by these ludicrous prices on the resale market. Augusta certainly isn’t inviting patrons to The Masters for them to profit off of rare items from inside the shop, and this will surely be addressed at some point. “How they do it is difficult, though. Perhaps simply upping manufacturing by a large amount to ensure every single patron who wants a gnome can purchase one will help next year, as the items will become less and less rare. The Masters gnome is certainly a phenomenon.”

- by Matsoni123

A patron walks along with their 2025 Masters gnome (Image credit: Getty Images) Jonny Leighfield’s avatar By Jonny Leighfield published 16 April 2025 For so many of the lucky patrons …

A patron walks along with their 2025 Masters gnome (Image credit: Getty Images) Jonny Leighfield’s avatar By Jonny Leighfield published 16 April 2025 For so many of the lucky patrons who attend Augusta National each year, the must-have item from The Masters shop has been – since its release in 2016 – the Masters gnome. Standing at just 18 inches tall and baring an uncanny resemblance to Santa Claus with an outfit design that changes every year, the increasingly-iconic piece of merchandise retails for $49.50. But patrons have to be quick as it’s only available to purchase through official channels for eight days during Masters week. This year called ‘Peaches’, the Masters gnome has various foods made famous by Augusta National adorned on a mint-green polo shirt, such as the Georgia peach ice cream sandwich and the world-famous pimento cheese. The outfit is completed by light grey slacks plus white and green golf shoes with a Masters green belt and a Masters cap. Peaches is also holding a sandwich in his left hand and carrying a Masters bag over his right shoulder. As well as the full-size original version, there is a nine-inch Caddie gnome which cost $29.50 in the Masters shop, a mini caddie ornament, plus salt and pepper shakers if Peaches isn’t to your taste. What can I say……..💚💚💚 #TheMasters #MastersGnome 🌼🌺🌸 pic.twitter.com/OdT7FbZTBsApril 12, 2025 Patrons who show enough desire to queue up while the sun is still brushing its teeth and the patience to stand in line for over an hour while the pros begin tackling the course are rewarded with the opportunity to buy just one Peaches per customer. The primary reason for a required early start is due to the fact that Augusta National limits the (unknown) quantity it sells each day, with the rare batch disappearing off the shelves in the blink of an eye – usually before 8:30am or so. Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts. Your Email Address Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. As a result of the incredibly short supply, the kinds of numbers Peaches has been listed for on sites like ebay has been nothing short of mind-blowing. During the tournament itself, an unopened 2025 Masters gnome was fetching in the region of $500 – roughly 10 times higher than its recommended retail price. That figure only continued to rise once the Masters shop had closed its doors for good, with a search three days after Rory McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam producing several options to buy one for upwards of $1,000 each. The most expensive listed price on ebay as of Wednesday, April 16 was $2,000 – a 3,900% increase on the gnome’s original cost. A screenshot of a 2025 Masters gnome being listed on ebay for $2,000 (Image credit: ebay screenshot) Elliott Heath – Golf Monthly’s news editor who was in attendance at The Masters this year – revealed the gnomes were the talk of the fairways at Augusta National but believes officials will look into methods of ensuring the prized items does not fetch such an astronomical price online in the future. He said: “I was at Augusta National all week and you simply can’t get away from the gnomes. Everywhere you turn you see a patron holding on to their prized item with a slightly smug look on their face…as the now-iconic garden statue is without doubt the most in-demand item in the Augusta National Golf Shop. “There were a number of gnomes on my flight home, too, being taken onto the plane as hand luggage and safely stowed in the overhead bins. They’re far too prized to be wrapped up and put away into hold baggage. A patron carries his Masters gnome at the 2025 tournament A patron carries their Masters gnome at the 2025 tournament (Image credit: Getty Images) “While walking the course, I regularly heard those without gnomes asking the lucky gnome possessors: “Hey, how did you manage to get that gnome?” The answer, according to one of the shop attendants, was to get in line as soon as you arrive on-site as the gnomes, both large and mini, sell out by 8:30am each morning. “Their rarity has turned into a slight problem for The Masters, as seen by these ludicrous prices on the resale market. Augusta certainly isn’t inviting patrons to The Masters for them to profit off of rare items from inside the shop, and this will surely be addressed at some point. “How they do it is difficult, though. Perhaps simply upping manufacturing by a large amount to ensure every single patron who wants a gnome can purchase one will help next year, as the items will become less and less rare. The Masters gnome is certainly a phenomenon.” Read More