The Daily Populous

Jury Clears Afroman of Defamation for Mocking Cops Who Raided His House

An Ohio jury on Wednesday found the rapper Afroman not liable for defaming the sheriff's deputies who raided his house nearly four years ago.

The verdict is a free speech victory for Joseph Foreman, a.k.a. Afroman, best known for his 2000 hit "Because I Got High."

Afroman released several music videos about the incident using surveillance footage of the raid.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Ohio, which filed an amicus brief in support of Afroman, applauded the verdict.

The deputies were searching for evidence of outlandish claims from a confidential informant that the house contained a basement dungeon.

Part of the problem may have been that, as Afroman's record label told Vice, the house did not have a basement.

It's worth remembering, as Afroman repeatedly pointed out on the stand, that the state initiated violence against him first, and he responded with artistic speech. »

Sharks in the Bahamas Are Full of Cocaine, Caffeine, and Painkillers

Authored by vice.com

A new study published in Environmental Pollution found that sharks off the coast of the Bahamas are carrying trace amounts of various drugs.

Nearly a third tested positive for substances including caffeine, anti-inflammatory drugs like acetaminophen and diclofenac, and in one case, cocaine.

Species affected included nurse sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, and a juvenile lemon shark. »

ESRB won't follow PEGI's age rating changes in US

Authored by eurogamer.net

US age ratings body ESRB has said it won't follow PEGI's example in Europe and begin factoring in elements like paid random items when determining the age rating for a game.

Speaking to The Game Business, ESRB said that following PEGI's lead could be "confusing" for parents.

As such, there are currently no plans for ESRB to allow any factors outside of the content and context of a game to influence the age rating assignment.". »

Trump administration making heavy preparations for potential use of ground troops in Iran

Authored by cbsnews.com

Washington — Pentagon officials have made detailed preparations for deploying U.S. ground forces into Iran, multiple sources briefed on the discussions told CBS News.

Mr. Trump has been deliberating whether to position ground forces in the region, sources said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

It was unclear under what circumstances he would authorize the use of troops on the ground. »

Legendary Hollywood star and martial arts master Chuck Norris dies aged 86

Authored by lbc.co.uk

The legendary American Hollywood star and martial arts master Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86, his family have confirmed.

Norris was a six time undefeated world karate champion before becoming a film and TV star.

In a post on Instagram, they said: "It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning. »