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‘THE SAD TRUTH’- Senator Cruz says President Biden 'certainly' isn't running the WH as budget proposal shows priorities. Continue reading …

‘FAMILY AROUND HIM’ - Legendary movie and TV star dead at the age of 89 after 'long-term heart issues.' Continue reading …

‘FUNCTION OF THE RACISM’ - White drivers spread pollution in neighborhoods occupied by 'people of color,' says writer. Continue reading …

‘I WILL BE A GIGI’ - GOP Rep. Lauren Boebert announces she will become a grandmother at age 36. Continue reading …

‘IT IS NOT FAIR’- Christian university's students' careers take a hit after district 'punished' them over beliefs. Continue reading …

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‘TRYING TO SUPPRESS’ - Marianne Williamson blasts Democrats for ‘mocking' her run against Biden. Continue reading …

‘OVERWHELMINGLY’ - Jeffries questions report of Biden reversing border detainment policy, says Dems against it. Continue reading …

HEALTH SCARE - McConnell being treated for concussion after fall. Continue reading …

‘OBVIOUSLY ABSURD’ - Biden's budget takes aim at fossil fuel industry with tax hikes. Continue reading …

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‘I’M A JOURNALIST' - 'Twitter Files' hearing erupts as Matt Taibbi refuses to reveal sources in heated exchange. Continue reading …

‘WRONG TARGET’ - 'The View' hosts clash over Newsom's call to cut ties with Walgreens over abortion. Continue reading …

FOR HONOR - Benjamin Hall recounts missile attack in Ukraine, how hearing daughter's voice saved his life. Continue reading …

HYPOCRISY 101 - NYT says Trump critics dismissed COVID lab leak as 'conspiracy theory,' but so did the paper. Continue reading …

SEAN HANNITY - Democrats are waging war on journalism. Continue reading …

TUCKER CARLSON - Women's awards are now going to men. Continue reading …

LAURA INGRAHAM - The economic future of America is very grim. Continue reading …

JESSE WATTERS - Democrats win when Americans are silenced. Continue reading …

‘VERY INSIDIOUS’ - Lawmaker slams bill that would create 'thoughtcrime' database of alleged bias incidents. Continue reading …

LEAVING A MARK-LE - Meghan 'hated being a second-rate princess' before making her royal exit, palace staffer claims. Continue reading …

‘WAR ZONE’ - Mexico kidnapping, killing put cartel threat in stark relief and this needs to happen. Continue reading …

WATCH - WRONG WAY: See a skier being blown backwards on slope during high winds. See video …

VIDEOS

WATCH: Daughter's viral TikTok video turns no-name author into bestseller. See video …

WATCH: DC residents rally for self-governance as Senate overturns city’s crime law. See video …

What’s it looking like in your neighborhood? Continue reading…

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Lawmakers in North Carolina approved more severe punishments for rioters for the second time in three years on Thursday – a measure created in response to destructive demonstrations in 2020 following the death of George Floyd.

House Bill 40 now awaits the signature of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who vetoed a similar bill approved by the GOP-controlled General Assembly in 2021. Republicans gained enough seats in November to override a Cooper veto as long as one House Democrat joins them and the GOP majorities remain united.

The bill aims to protect the First Amendment rights of peaceful protestors while keeping them, law enforcement and property owners safe from violence during any riot.

Six House Democrats, including a chief sponsor of the bill, voted in support of the measure last month. In the Senate on Thursday, lawmakers passed the bill with a 27-16 vote – first-term Sen. Mary Wills Bode was the lone Democrat to vote in favor.

ACLU AND ACTIVISTS SAY NORTH CAROLINA ANTI-RIOT, LOOTING BILL IS 'RACIST' AND 'ANTI-BLM'

House Speaker Tim Moore advocated for the bill both times it was proposed, noting current laws did not deter rioting and looting in downtown Raleigh in June 2020. On Thursday, he urged the governor to sign the "commonsense bill into law without delay."

According to The Associated Press, social justice and civil rights advocates have consistently pushed back on the measures, claiming they target Black Lives Matter demonstrators and marginalized groups by trying to frighten them from taking to the streets peacefully.

Republican Sen. Danny Britt, of Robeson County, said on the Senate floor Thursday that the bill only targets "violent actors" causing mayhem, and not those peacefully demonstrating.

Other opponents say the language is too broad and laws addressing rioting are already in place.

Sen. Natalie Murdock, a Durham County Democrat, said the bill "doubles down on the punitive system that created the scars of mass incarceration that we’re still dealing with today." She also said it will only "stifle free speech, criminalize protest and erode our First Amendment freedoms."

DESANTIS SIGNS FLORIDA'S 'ANTI-RIOT' BILL INTO LAW

Jordan Monaghan, a spokesperson for the governor, said Cooper "has worked to increase public safety and protect constitutional rights, and he will review this legislation." When he vetoed the bill in 2021, he deemed it "unnecessary" and said it is "intended to intimidate and deter people from exercising their constitutional rights to peacefully protest."

The AP said the new bill would increase punishments already in place for the crimes of those willfully participating in a riot or inciting one to cover more severe circumstances like brandishing a weapon or causing serious bodily injury – possible resulting in longer prison sentences.

New crimes would be created for a rioter who caused a death or someone who incites rioting that contributes to a death. Assaults on emergency personnel would also result in higher felony penalties.

PROTESTS, RIOTS THAT GRIPPED THE US IN POST-GEORGE FLOYD ERA

The bill would also allow property owners who experience damage during protests to seek compensation against a perpetrator equal to three times the monetary damages. Supporters said this would help small business owners whose property insurance might not cover public disturbances.

Lastly, defendants accused of rioting or looting would have to wait for 24 hours before their bond and pretrial release rules are set, which could lead to a "cooling-off period" for those accused, according to supporters.

Nine states have passed similar laws since the nationwide riots in 2020, according to the International Center for Not-For-Profit Law, and the Tar Heel state is one of several currently considering new penalties for rioters.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.