wnd--2020-09-05--Michigan Dem stands up to Whitmer, fights to repeal little-known law allowing her dictatorshipship

Democratic Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer made headlines earlier this year by seizing almost dictatorial-level power in the face of the coronavirus .
Whitmer has been empowered by the state 's 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act , which allows the governor almost unlimited power in times of emergency .
Michigan residents are now nearly six months into Whitmer 's new regime , and it 's no longer just conservative Republicans who are pushing back .
`` Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel , the top Democrat in Michigan 's third largest county , says he supports repealing the 1945 law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability to declare a state of emergency and keep the declaration in place without input from the GOP-controlled Legislature , '' The Detroit News reported Wednesday .
`` No one person should have endless authority and ability to bypass another branch of government , '' he said .
`` I ca n't believe there is n't more of an outcry . ''
TRENDING : Campaign ad with gun puts Pelosi in 'rage' The Emergency Powers of Governor Act states : `` ( 1 ) During times of great public crisis ... either upon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sheriff of a county , or the commissioner of the Michigan state police or upon his or her own volition , the governor may proclaim a state of emergency and designate the area involved .
After making the proclamation or declaration , the governor may promulgate reasonable orders , rules , and regulations as he or she considers necessary to protect and property or to bring the emergency situation within the affected area under control . ''
It adds : `` ( 2 ) The orders , rules , and regulations promulgated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cease to be in effect upon declaration by the governor that the emergency no longer exists . ''
In other words , Michigan 's governor may , unilaterally and of her own initiative , implement `` orders , rules , and regulations '' as she sees fit , and may keep those `` orders , rules , and regulations '' in effect as long as she so chooses .
That 's crazy .
No one person should have that much power , indefinitely , with no legislative oversight .
There is a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a system of checks , balances and separation of powers .
It 's the same reason every single U.S. state has both a governor and a legislature : No one individual should be able to unilaterally exert that much control over his or her fellow Americans .
Unlock Michigan , a coalition of Michiganders who oppose Whitmer 's power grab , `` is seeking to collect 340,047 valid petition signatures to put its initiated legislative proposal to repeal the Emergency Powers of Governor Act before the Republican-controlled Michigan Legislature , which has challenged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' according to The Detroit News .
`` If Unlock Michigan collects enough valid signatures , the Legislature could enact the repeal without Whitmer being able to veto the proposal , '' the outlet added .
Whitmer -- who has issued over 100 executive decrees since the start of the pandemic , WDIV-TV reported in July -- expressed disdain at the group 's attempts to curb her power .
`` Any attempt to strip away the powers of the governor during this crisis is irresponsible , dangerous and foolish , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unlock Michigan 's efforts but does not sign petitions as a general rule -- believes it 's past time to end the statewide state of emergency .
He wants the governor and the legislature to work together to aid the state 's hardest hit communities .
Michigan , which has a population of almost 10 million , had reported about 115,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 6,791 deaths as of Friday , according to Johns Hopkins data .
`` We 've flattened the curve .
There is no surge in the hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Michigan have begun lifting their own states of emergency .
Nevertheless , just this week , Whitmer extended the statewide emergency declaration through Oct. 1 , the Detroit Free Press reported .
The state of emergency allows Whitmer to continue imposing restrictions -- such as mask mandates and limited restaurant capacity -- on the people and businesses in her state .
It 's terrifying that the Emergency Powers of Governor Act allows Whitmer to continue do anything she wants , for as long as she wants .
Hopefully , Unlock Michigan 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be able to repeal the law .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made headlines earlier this year by seizing almost dictatorial-level power in the face of the coronavirus.
Whitmer has been empowered by the state's 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act, which allows the governor almost unlimited power in times of emergency.
Michigan residents are now nearly six months into Whitmer's new regime, and it's no longer just conservative Republicans who are pushing back.
"Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, the top Democrat in Michigan's third largest county, says he supports repealing the 1945 law that gives Gov. Gretchen Whitmer the ability to declare a state of emergency and keep the declaration in place without input from the GOP-controlled Legislature," The Detroit News reported Wednesday.
"No one person should have endless authority and ability to bypass another branch of government," he said. "I can't believe there isn't more of an outcry."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
The Emergency Powers of Governor Act states: "(1) During times of great public crisis ... either upon application of the mayor of a city, sheriff of a county, or the commissioner of the Michigan state police or upon his or her own volition, the governor may proclaim a state of emergency and designate the area involved. After making the proclamation or declaration, the governor may promulgate reasonable orders, rules, and regulations as he or she considers necessary to protect and property or to bring the emergency situation within the affected area under control."
It adds: "(2) The orders, rules, and regulations promulgated under subsection (1) ... shall cease to be in effect upon declaration by the governor that the emergency no longer exists."
In other words, Michigan's governor may, unilaterally and of her own initiative, implement "orders, rules, and regulations" as she sees fit, and may keep those "orders, rules, and regulations" in effect as long as she so chooses.
That's crazy. No one person should have that much power, indefinitely, with no legislative oversight.
There is a good reason the federal government is based on a system of checks, balances and separation of powers. It's the same reason every single U.S. state has both a governor and a legislature: No one individual should be able to unilaterally exert that much control over his or her fellow Americans.
Unlock Michigan, a coalition of Michiganders who oppose Whitmer's power grab, "is seeking to collect 340,047 valid petition signatures to put its initiated legislative proposal to repeal the Emergency Powers of Governor Act before the Republican-controlled Michigan Legislature, which has challenged the emergency powers of Whitmer in court," according to The Detroit News.
"If Unlock Michigan collects enough valid signatures, the Legislature could enact the repeal without Whitmer being able to veto the proposal," the outlet added.
Whitmer -- who has issued over 100 executive decrees since the start of the pandemic, WDIV-TV reported in July -- expressed disdain at the group's attempts to curb her power.
"Any attempt to strip away the powers of the governor during this crisis is irresponsible, dangerous and foolish," she said.
But Hackel -- who backs Unlock Michigan's efforts but does not sign petitions as a general rule -- believes it's past time to end the statewide state of emergency. He wants the governor and the legislature to work together to aid the state's hardest hit communities.
Michigan, which has a population of almost 10 million, had reported about 115,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 6,791 deaths as of Friday, according to Johns Hopkins data.
"We've flattened the curve. There is no surge in the hospitals," Hackel explained.
Individual counties in Michigan have begun lifting their own states of emergency. Nevertheless, just this week, Whitmer extended the statewide emergency declaration through Oct. 1, the Detroit Free Press reported.
The state of emergency allows Whitmer to continue imposing restrictions -- such as mask mandates and limited restaurant capacity -- on the people and businesses in her state.
It's terrifying that the Emergency Powers of Governor Act allows Whitmer to continue do anything she wants, for as long as she wants.
Hopefully, Unlock Michigan's efforts are successful, and the legislature will be able to repeal the law.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-09-05--Young girl on unicorn float rescued by ferry boat after being swept away by sea currents

Half the fun of being in the water comes from enjoying the inflatable that you brought with you .
The pinnacle of relaxation is floating along in the water , gently bobbing along and letting all your worries slip away .
Until you 're not in a pool and realize you 've drifted too far from shore .
Then the worries come back .
For a family vacationing in Greece , one Sunday last month provided a little more excitement than they bargained for , according to the Greek City Times .
An unnamed family with a young daughter aged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Somehow , the girl managed to sail out to sea perched on her brightly patterned unicorn inflatable .
She seemed to know to stay on board and not panic , but her parents quickly called for help .
TRENDING : Campaign ad with gun puts Pelosi in 'rage' '' Salaminomachos , '' a nearby ferry on the Rio-Antirrio route , responded , plunging along the Gulf of Corinth near the town of Antirrio .
Someone on the ferry filmed as they headed for the young captain and her tiny craft in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white blip against a vast expanse of blue , she drew steadily closer as the ferry closed the gap .
While the crew rushed to grab her , she seemed almost unfazed as they snatched up the colorful floatie and whisked her out of the ocean .
According to the news outlet , she was safely returned to her waiting parents ' arms .
Props to her for keeping her cool , but if she could sail so calmly into the deep blue sea at 4 or 5 , she may seek much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's not alone , though -- plenty of people , even older people who `` know better , '' often find themselves out of their depth .
In fact , not too long ago the very same Greek ferry reportedly pulled off a similar rescue , but of an older man on an inflatable mattress .
In Gwynedd , Wales , a 6-year-old boy was in a similar situation early last month when he sailed out on an inflatable swan , but ended up falling off and losing consciousness .
Thankfully , Samuel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , spotted the boy about 600 feet out when shouts rang out .
Being a strong swimmer , he was able to go out , rescue the boy and bring him back in .
`` He was totally unconscious , I turned him around and patted him on his back and then a lot of water and sick came up , and he started breathing again , '' McKeever told North Wales Live .
In that case , a coastguard said something that families going to the beach would do well to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would leave the inflatables at home as they are designed for swimming pool not for the sea . ''
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Half the fun of being in the water comes from enjoying the inflatable that you brought with you. The pinnacle of relaxation is floating along in the water, gently bobbing along and letting all your worries slip away.
Until you're not in a pool and realize you've drifted too far from shore. Then the worries come back.
For a family vacationing in Greece, one Sunday last month provided a little more excitement than they bargained for, according to the Greek City Times.
An unnamed family with a young daughter aged 4 or 5 was at the beach. Somehow, the girl managed to sail out to sea perched on her brightly patterned unicorn inflatable.
She seemed to know to stay on board and not panic, but her parents quickly called for help.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"Salaminomachos," a nearby ferry on the Rio-Antirrio route, responded, plunging along the Gulf of Corinth near the town of Antirrio.
Someone on the ferry filmed as they headed for the young captain and her tiny craft in the middle of the sea. A small white blip against a vast expanse of blue, she drew steadily closer as the ferry closed the gap.
While the crew rushed to grab her, she seemed almost unfazed as they snatched up the colorful floatie and whisked her out of the ocean.
According to the news outlet, she was safely returned to her waiting parents' arms. Props to her for keeping her cool, but if she could sail so calmly into the deep blue sea at 4 or 5, she may seek much greater adventures in the future.
She's not alone, though -- plenty of people, even older people who "know better," often find themselves out of their depth.
In fact, not too long ago the very same Greek ferry reportedly pulled off a similar rescue, but of an older man on an inflatable mattress.
In Gwynedd, Wales, a 6-year-old boy was in a similar situation early last month when he sailed out on an inflatable swan, but ended up falling off and losing consciousness.
Thankfully, Samuel McKeever, there with his own family, spotted the boy about 600 feet out when shouts rang out. Being a strong swimmer, he was able to go out, rescue the boy and bring him back in.
"He was totally unconscious, I turned him around and patted him on his back and then a lot of water and sick came up, and he started breathing again," McKeever told North Wales Live.
In that case, a coastguard said something that families going to the beach would do well to keep in mind: "I wish people would leave the inflatables at home as they are designed for swimming pool not for the sea."
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-09-05--Police officer gives up own bike to Walmart employee who was victim of theft

Police are meant to protect and serve .
That , done well , is enough on its own -- but some go even beyond the dictates of their job and personally ensure that the people they protect and serve experience justice and they do all they can to bring that about .
Officer Dennis Rowe with the Hapeville Police Department in Georgia got to talking with a local Walmart employee when he learned that a theft had taken place .
`` He was kind of hot and sweaty , '' he told WAGA-TV about the man , Craig Magby .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was explaining to me that he normally rides his bike home from work , and it was recently stolen from him . ''
`` Since the bike was stolen , now he gets himself back and forth to work by walking . ''
`` I came out the store , I had my groceries in hand , I was expecting to go home on my bike , '' Magby explained .
`` I got to the area where I had parked my bike and locked it and my bike was gone . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi in 'rage' Summertime in the south is no time to be taking a stroll .
Magby 's situation really stuck with Rowe , who providentially had the answer to the problem : He 'd purchased a bicycle recently , but it had been sitting around not getting used .
The match was made .
`` When he told me his bike was taken from him I did n't say anything to him , but I immediately knew I was going to bring that bike to him , and give it to him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Rowe said .
`` When I saw something that I had that I was n't using , and there was somebody that desperately could use it every day , I knew that I had to make that happen for him .
It was just part of the way I was raised , the way I was brought up , to give back and to give where I can . ''
Unbeknownst to Rowe , Magby had been praying about the situation , and this gift was a direct answer to his request @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about it , '' Magby explained .
`` He was like , 'Consider it done , ' and he sent Officer Rowe my way .
I 'm grateful , thankful . ''
The Hapeville Police Department shared photos of the generous give and shared Magby and Rowe 's story , to the delight of many readers .
`` When Officer Dennis Rowe learned that one of our citizens had his bike stolen and had to walk to work in the Georgia heat , he knew he had to do something more than take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted on Monday .
`` Police Officers across this country do special things in their communities everyday .
They don ’ t do it for money , recognition , promotions or attention . ''
`` They do it because they have dedicated their lives to serving others .
Today we were lucky to capture Officer Rowe in generous action ! ''
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Police are meant to protect and serve. That, done well, is enough on its own -- but some go even beyond the dictates of their job and personally ensure that the people they protect and serve experience justice and they do all they can to bring that about.
Officer Dennis Rowe with the Hapeville Police Department in Georgia got to talking with a local Walmart employee when he learned that a theft had taken place.
"He was kind of hot and sweaty," he told WAGA-TV about the man, Craig Magby. "We got to talking and he was explaining to me that he normally rides his bike home from work, and it was recently stolen from him."
"Since the bike was stolen, now he gets himself back and forth to work by walking."
"I came out the store, I had my groceries in hand, I was expecting to go home on my bike," Magby explained. "I got to the area where I had parked my bike and locked it and my bike was gone."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Summertime in the south is no time to be taking a stroll. Magby's situation really stuck with Rowe, who providentially had the answer to the problem: He'd purchased a bicycle recently, but it had been sitting around not getting used. The match was made.
"When he told me his bike was taken from him I didn't say anything to him, but I immediately knew I was going to bring that bike to him, and give it to him in hopes he could use it," Rowe said.
"When I saw something that I had that I wasn't using, and there was somebody that desperately could use it every day, I knew that I had to make that happen for him. It was just part of the way I was raised, the way I was brought up, to give back and to give where I can."
Unbeknownst to Rowe, Magby had been praying about the situation, and this gift was a direct answer to his request.
"I had talked to God about it," Magby explained. "He was like, 'Consider it done,' and he sent Officer Rowe my way. I'm grateful, thankful."
The Hapeville Police Department shared photos of the generous give and shared Magby and Rowe's story, to the delight of many readers.
"When Officer Dennis Rowe learned that one of our citizens had his bike stolen and had to walk to work in the Georgia heat, he knew he had to do something more than take a police report," the department posted on Monday.
"Police Officers across this country do special things in their communities everyday. They don’t do it for money, recognition, promotions or attention."
"They do it because they have dedicated their lives to serving others. Today we were lucky to capture Officer Rowe in generous action!"
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-09-06--Ex-college football player busted for pretending to be homeless 14-year-old

Wishing to go back in time and be a high school freshman all over again is one thing ; doing it is another , as a 21-year-old Georgia man found out when he tried to fool authorities into believing he was 14 years old .
Abay Holmes tried to enroll at Baldwin High School as a freshman but ended up in the Baldwin County Law Enforcement Center , facing charges of `` giving a false name , address , and birthdate to a law enforcement officer , and giving false statements or writings to conceal facts or fraudulent documents , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Baldwin County Sheriff ’ s Office Maj. Scott Deason said authorities are still trying to understand why Holmes tried to enroll in high school .
“ They ’ re still looking into all of that at this time , ” said Deason .
“ Apparently , he convinced a homeowner in this community to let him stay with them because he was 14 and had nowhere else to go .
TRENDING : Louisiana Sheriffs ' Association endorses Trump in 1st for the organization '' They got ready to put him out , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started doing some investigating.
” Capt .
Brad King of the Baldwin County Sheriff ’ s Office said Holmes claimed he was a homeless 14-year-old named Awan Thomas , according to WMAZ-TV .
A Milledgeville woman took him in .
He was virtually enrolled in Baldwin County High School and got a laptop from the school to do his work .
On Aug. 25 , the woman reported that Holmes became `` unruly . ''
The sheriff 's office was called when , after being thrown out of the house , he tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after he was detained revealed Holmes ' true identity .
“ Holmes made up the lie and had to live that lie as best he could , ” King said .
Police do not believe that Holmes had any ill intent towards fellow students but are unsure of his true motive .
“ So , he was arrested for giving false statements to us , ” Deason said .
“ As far as what he did at school — that will be a school conversation .
I don ’ t know if he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ student or was enrolled .
That will be something the school will have to answer.
” Holmes was in the system because of an incident that took place at Georgia Military College , where he had gone after a high school football career in the Atlanta area .
Savanna Roughen , an assistant district attorney with the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney ’ s Office , told the Union Recorder that Holmes was arrested with two other students in 2017 in connection with vehicle break-ins on the campus .
He eventually pleaded guilty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking and served a year on probation , she said .
A deputy who was investigating the case called her about Holmes , she said , after he `` knew right away something was off because the guy didn ’ t look 14 to him . ''
Roughen said she believed Holmes left college , ending his football career .
Joe Kinsey at Outkick speculated that the chance to restart that career could have driven Holmes to do what he did .
`` Let ’ s think about this for a minute .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d be a freshman , go to school virtually , build a relationship with the football coach and then come out and play ?
It ’ s very plausible .
He ’ d dominate as a freshman , the recruiting services would take notice and who knows what the plan was after that , '' Kinsey wrote .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Wishing to go back in time and be a high school freshman all over again is one thing; doing it is another, as a 21-year-old Georgia man found out when he tried to fool authorities into believing he was 14 years old.
Abay Holmes tried to enroll at Baldwin High School as a freshman but ended up in the Baldwin County Law Enforcement Center, facing charges of "giving a false name, address, and birthdate to a law enforcement officer, and giving false statements or writings to conceal facts or fraudulent documents," according to The Union-Recorder of Milledgeville.
Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Maj. Scott Deason said authorities are still trying to understand why Holmes tried to enroll in high school.
“They’re still looking into all of that at this time,” said Deason.
“Apparently, he convinced a homeowner in this community to let him stay with them because he was 14 and had nowhere else to go.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"They got ready to put him out, and they called us, and we started doing some investigating.”
Capt. Brad King of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office said Holmes claimed he was a homeless 14-year-old named Awan Thomas, according to WMAZ-TV.
A Milledgeville woman took him in. He was virtually enrolled in Baldwin County High School and got a laptop from the school to do his work.
On Aug. 25, the woman reported that Holmes became "unruly." The sheriff's office was called when, after being thrown out of the house, he tried to take the computer.
Fingerprints taken after he was detained revealed Holmes' true identity.
“Holmes made up the lie and had to live that lie as best he could,” King said.
Police do not believe that Holmes had any ill intent towards fellow students but are unsure of his true motive.
“So, he was arrested for giving false statements to us,” Deason said.
“As far as what he did at school — that will be a school conversation. I don’t know if he is actually a student, was a student or was enrolled. That will be something the school will have to answer.”
Holmes was in the system because of an incident that took place at Georgia Military College, where he had gone after a high school football career in the Atlanta area.
Savanna Roughen, an assistant district attorney with the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, told the Union Recorder that Holmes was arrested with two other students in 2017 in connection with vehicle break-ins on the campus.
He eventually pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of theft by taking and served a year on probation, she said.
A deputy who was investigating the case called her about Holmes, she said, after he "knew right away something was off because the guy didn’t look 14 to him."
Roughen said she believed Holmes left college, ending his football career.
Joe Kinsey at Outkick speculated that the chance to restart that career could have driven Holmes to do what he did.
"Let’s think about this for a minute. Did Holmes hatch a plan where he’d be a freshman, go to school virtually, build a relationship with the football coach and then come out and play? It’s very plausible. He’d dominate as a freshman, the recruiting services would take notice and who knows what the plan was after that," Kinsey wrote.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-09-06--WaPo fact-checks Biden on misleading ad about Trump's plans for Social Security

( TOWNHALL ) The Washington Post called the Biden campaign 's bluff on a new ad that makes some lofty @ @ @ @ @ plans for Social Security .
Trump recently signed an executive order that would suspend the @ @ @ @ @ the end of the year starting on September 1 .
The majority of Social Security @ @ @ @ @ tax .
Of course , taxpayers would still be expected to pay at a later @ @ @ @ @ intended to help Americans who are struggling through the coronavirus pandemic , the White House @ @ @ @ @ that , if re-elected , he would aim to end the payroll tax altogether .
@ @ @ @ @ camp spun it in their new ad , `` Depleted . ''

(TOWNHALL) The Washington Post called the Biden campaign's bluff on a new ad that makes some lofty accusations about President Trump's plans for Social Security.
Trump recently signed an executive order that would suspend the payment of payroll taxes until the end of the year starting on September 1. The majority of Social Security is financed through the payroll tax. Of course, taxpayers would still be expected to pay at a later date. The deferral was intended to help Americans who are struggling through the coronavirus pandemic, the White House explained. Trump also said that, if re-elected, he would aim to end the payroll tax altogether.
Here's how the Biden camp spun it in their new ad, "Depleted."
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-09-06--50+ questions no reporter dares ask Biden and his campaign

( THE FEDERALIST ) Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden doesn ’ t face the same scrutiny the media applies to @ @ @ @ @ is due to gaffes , his inability to complete some sentences , or lack of @ @ @ @ @ Biden has proven that interviews are not for him and the media has covered accordingly @ @ @ @ @ to an interview or offers to take questions , most reporters simply ask leading , @ @ @ @ @ something for Biden to nod in agreement with .
Many times , Biden refuses to @ @ @ @ @ Biden ever decides to take questions from the press again , here ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ ’ t dare ask him and his campaign for fear of risking their esteemed reputations @ @ @ @ @ voices for Democrats .

(THE FEDERALIST) Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden doesn’t face the same scrutiny the media applies to President Trump. Whether it is due to gaffes, his inability to complete some sentences, or lack of knowledge on a subject, Biden has proven that interviews are not for him and the media has covered accordingly.
When Biden actually agrees to an interview or offers to take questions, most reporters simply ask leading, softball questions or merely state something for Biden to nod in agreement with. Many times, Biden refuses to take questions altogether.
If Biden ever decides to take questions from the press again, here’s a list of questions reporters wouldn’t dare ask him and his campaign for fear of risking their esteemed reputations as some of the loudest voices for Democrats.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-09-06--Texas woman burned while lighting candle after using hand sanitizer

( FOX NEWS ) A Texas woman says she was severely burned earlier this week after the hand sanitizer on @ @ @ @ @ and exploded while she was lighting a candle .
`` Everywhere I had hand sanitizer @ @ @ @ @ just lit my hand with fire , ” Kate Wise told KHOU-TV in Houston .
@ @ @ @ @ over my face .
And , in like a matter of five seconds , my @ @ @ @ @ in flames.
” The nearby bottle also exploded when the flames spread , she said @

(FOX NEWS) A Texas woman says she was severely burned earlier this week after the hand sanitizer on her skin reportedly caught fire and exploded while she was lighting a candle.
"Everywhere I had hand sanitizer on my hand, it just lit my hand with fire,” Kate Wise told KHOU-TV in Houston. “It obviously went all over my face. And, in like a matter of five seconds, my whole body was just consumed in flames.”
The nearby bottle also exploded when the flames spread, she said.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-09-06--BLM riots in Rochester, harasses restaurant patrons

( BREITBART ) Black Lives Matter protesters took to the streets of Rochester Friday night , prompting authorities to declare @ @ @ @ @ of violence and destruction in the area .
Protesters gathered in Rochester on Friday night @ @ @ @ @ of the police-involved death of Daniel Prude , a black man who died of asphyxiation @ @ @ @ @ by police in March .
Police union head Michael Mazzeo sparked further outrage after stating @ @ @ @ @ following training protocol .
Demonstrators reportedly attempted to shut down area restaurants and can be @ @ @ @ @ chairs .
“ We ’ re shutting your party down , ” one protester reportedly @ @ @ @ @

(BREITBART) Black Lives Matter protesters took to the streets of Rochester Friday night, prompting authorities to declare a riot following the escalation of violence and destruction in the area.
Protesters gathered in Rochester on Friday night following the recently released footage of the police-involved death of Daniel Prude, a black man who died of asphyxiation after being subdued and hooded by police in March. Police union head Michael Mazzeo sparked further outrage after stating on Friday that officers were following training protocol.
Demonstrators reportedly attempted to shut down area restaurants and can be seen harassing patrons and throwing chairs.
“We’re shutting your party down,” one protester reportedly shouted at a patron.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-09-06--FBI raids Pennsylvania nursing home which saw whopping 447 COVID-19 infections

( ZERO HEDGE ) A nursing home which has seen at least 73 residents die of COVID-19 and more than @ @ @ @ @ has been raided by the FBI late this week after being flagged for rampant health @ @ @ @ @ doses of hydroxychloroquine to about half its 435 residents in an attempt to stave off @ @ @ @ @ having state health authorities or families ' approval to do so .
Brighton Rehabilitation and @ @ @ @ @ of Pittsburgh , drove headlines last spring into the summer for seeing the single biggest @ @ @ @ @ facility in the state .

(ZERO HEDGE) A nursing home which has seen at least 73 residents die of COVID-19 and more than 400 residents and staff infected has been raided by the FBI late this week after being flagged for rampant health violations, including administering experimental doses of hydroxychloroquine to about half its 435 residents in an attempt to stave off the outbreak, despite not having state health authorities or families' approval to do so.
Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, located northeast of Pittsburgh, drove headlines last spring into the summer for seeing the single biggest coronavirus outbreak numbers of any facility in the state.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-09-06--Minn. GOP candidate: 'Crazy' urban liberals are pushing voters away, flipping blue state for Trump

As liberals move farther left , more voters get behind President Donald Trump , according to a Republican Senate candidate .
Minnesota Republican nominee Jason Lewis said that even a state with as liberal a track record as Minnesota is shifting ground .
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton defeated Trump in Minnesota by roughly 44,000 votes in 2016 , but Lewis thinks Trump 's chances of winning the state keep improving .
`` It 's sort of a microcosm of the entire country .
As the urban liberals become a little bit more crazy , it drives everybody else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Lewis said Saturday on the Fox News program `` Fox & Friends Weekend . ''
`` And especially so since Donald Trump has done the most important thing he could for the GOP , and he 's brought the working man and woman back to the party , '' he added .
TRENDING : Louisiana Sheriffs ' Association endorses Trump in 1st for the organization Lewis indicated the law-and-order message Republicans are supporting resonates with voters after a summer of riots .
`` I think we are going to win , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win , '' he said .
At least one commentator said a Trump win in Minnesota is possible .
“ It ’ s realistic that a Republican could win here for the first time in a long time , but Trump is not the favorite in Minnesota by any means and having one or two good polls doesn ’ t make it a toss-up yet , ” Todd Rapp , a Minnesota Democratic operative , told The Hill .
“ Trump will get trounced in the Twin Cities and I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rural parts of the state to make up for it .
But I tell you what , plenty of things could happen in the next two months to make my confidence waver.
” Trump said last month that was planning to focus on the sate .
`` We 're going to focus very hard on Minnesota , '' Trump told KSTP-TV .
`` We 've done so much for Minnesota .
I think we 're going to win . ''
Trump campaign spokesman Hogan Gidley emphasized security as he talked this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect the people of this country , '' he told KSTP .
`` It 's about safety and security and Joe Biden saw this looting , this rioting , the damage , the death and destruction for 90 days and said nothing . ''
Although incumbent Democratic Tina Smith is leading in the polls as she seeks re-election to the Senate , RealClearPolitics has called the race between her and Lewis a `` Toss Up . ''
Minnesota has gone for a Democratic presidential candidate in every election since then-President Richard Nixon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared originally on The Western Journal .

As liberals move farther left, more voters get behind President Donald Trump, according to a Republican Senate candidate.
Minnesota Republican nominee Jason Lewis said that even a state with as liberal a track record as Minnesota is shifting ground.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton defeated Trump in Minnesota by roughly 44,000 votes in 2016, but Lewis thinks Trump's chances of winning the state keep improving.
"It's sort of a microcosm of the entire country. As the urban liberals become a little bit more crazy, it drives everybody else into Trump country and red country," Lewis said Saturday on the Fox News program "Fox & Friends Weekend."
"And especially so since Donald Trump has done the most important thing he could for the GOP, and he's brought the working man and woman back to the party," he added.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Watch the latest video at foxnews.com
Lewis indicated the law-and-order message Republicans are supporting resonates with voters after a summer of riots.
"I think we are going to win, and I think the president is going to win," he said.
At least one commentator said a Trump win in Minnesota is possible.
“It’s realistic that a Republican could win here for the first time in a long time, but Trump is not the favorite in Minnesota by any means and having one or two good polls doesn’t make it a toss-up yet,” Todd Rapp, a Minnesota Democratic operative, told The Hill.
“Trump will get trounced in the Twin Cities and I don’t know that there are enough votes in the rural parts of the state to make up for it. But I tell you what, plenty of things could happen in the next two months to make my confidence waver.”
Trump said last month that was planning to focus on the sate.
"We're going to focus very hard on Minnesota," Trump told KSTP-TV. "We've done so much for Minnesota. I think we're going to win."
Trump campaign spokesman Hogan Gidley emphasized security as he talked this week about the state.
"We want to protect the people of this country," he told KSTP. "It's about safety and security and Joe Biden saw this looting, this rioting, the damage, the death and destruction for 90 days and said nothing."
Although incumbent Democratic Tina Smith is leading in the polls as she seeks re-election to the Senate, RealClearPolitics has called the race between her and Lewis a "Toss Up."
Minnesota has gone for a Democratic presidential candidate in every election since then-President Richard Nixon's re-election in 1972.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-09-05--The dangers facing American youth from 'peer contagion'

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics . ]
Left-wing activists and the liberals who fear them love signs – the de rigueur accoutrement for today ’ s virtuous lawn is a poster ( or two , or three ) declaring that “ In this house we believe science is real , black lives matter , love is love.
” Our inner Mr. Spock finds it hard to see the point given that the vast majority of Americans endorse these banalities .
It ’ s the political equivalent of proclaiming , “ In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water.
” Welcome to the club , pal .
TRENDING : Louisiana Sheriffs ' Association endorses Trump in 1st for the organization And yet these signs are meant to convey the opposite message : I must take these courageous stands because all around me have abandoned basic principles of decency – and if I don ’ t signal this , the activists and bien pensants might target me next .
This effort to co-opt basic values , to claim they belong to just one political group , is false , ugly and divisive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who dissent from the left ’ s aggressive demands .
It silences debate by reframing complexities of COVID-19 and policing , race and American history to moral questions .
You ’ re either good or evil .
This Manichaean strategy has risen to the fore because the ascendant left has sought to transform America , no questions asked .
Just a few years ago , Democrats believed that we were an essentially good country that had made meaningful strides on race and gender .
They agreed that the police were a flawed but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anymore .
With a blinding velocity of grievance they have planted a new sign above our fruited plain that reads : This Property Is Condemned .
The left excels at finding the speck in their brother ’ s eye – at deconstructing the failures and hypocrisies of the current system .
They are far less capable of acknowledging their own contradictions and laying out specific plans for the new society they wish to construct on the ashes of the old one .
Thus they tell us the issue is not about what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work , but about love .
That ’ s our side – are you for us or against us ?
Journalist Abigail Shrier details one dangerous outcome of this strategy in her new book , “ Irreversible Damage : The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters.
” Most Americans had never given much thought to transgenderism until 2016 , when North Carolina Republicans passed a bill restricting single-sex bathrooms to biological boys and girls .
Let me say at the outset that I believe the law was stupid and unnecessary ; no one was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ladies room .
But the left went to war , presenting transgenderism as an all-or-nothing civil rights issue .
The message : Embrace every demand of trans activists without question or be branded a hater .
While acknowledging the need to respect the dignity and equality of trans adults , Shrier ’ s eye-opening book illuminates the devastating impact this cultural change is having on teenage girls .
She reports that transgenderism has long been a rare condition – historically about one in 10,000 people suffer from the medical condition known as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the great British writer Jan ( nee James ) Morris , who eloquently described her struggle and ultimate deliverance in “ Conundrum.
” In the last decade , Shrier reports , this figure has increased 1,000 percent .
“ Two percent of high school students , ” she reports , “ now identify as transgender.
” Shrier notes that transgenderism was so rare among girls that before 2012 “ there was no scientific literature on girls ages eleven to twenty-one ever having developed gender dysphoria at all.
” It is likely they existed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But that can not begin to explain the fact that biological girls now account for “ 70 percent of all gender surgeries.
” Shrier reports similar increases in other Western countries , including Canada , Sweden , Finland and the United Kingdom .
Although one would expect that a condition allegedly rooted in DNA would occur somewhat evenly across all races and classes , Shrier ’ s research found that these girls largely come from white , upper-middle-class families .
She reports that Dr. Lisa Littman of Brown University found that one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might feel she was born in the wrong body is having friends who believe they were , too .
Littman calls this root cause “ peer contagion.
” Shrier notes that contagion is occurring against a broader mental health crisis among America ’ s youth marked by sharp increases in depression and suicidal ideation .
The hardest hit group is young girls who have historically suffered from self-esteem and body image issues far more than boys .
The rise of social media , a hothouse of judgment , is also key .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where strangers influence children through YouTube videos promising that all their problems will be solved once they transition .
Make no mistake , these girls are in pain .
They need help .
But Shrier argues persuasively that the woke culture that casts transgenderism as a civil rights issue limits the care they receive .
The prevailing medical standard for treatment , she writes , is “ affirmative care , ” which replaces professional judgment with self-diagnosis .
“ The therapist must agree , in other words , that a male patient with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really is a woman.
” This can have long-term effects because the hormone blockers and surgeries necessary for transition often lead to infertility and other permanent changes .
“ Irreversible Damage ” tells a frightening story .
Though convincing , it is far from the last word on the topic .
And that ’ s the point .
Transgenderism is a complex issue that came out of the blue just a few years ago .
It demands rigorous research and full-throated debate – not real-time experimentation on youngsters .
Instead , the left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it as a moral question of tolerance .
That ’ s why Amazon refused to carry ads for Shrier ’ s book and people like “ Harry Potter ” author J.K. Rowling have been attacked by Twitter mobs for claiming that biological sex is real .
More broadly , as the left rushes headlong to erase our past and the traditional pillars of our society – all in the fuzzy name of justice and love -- “ Irreversible Damage ” shows the damage that often occurs when we fail to ask : With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is in the details .

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics.]
By J. Peder Zane
Real Clear Politics
Left-wing activists and the liberals who fear them love signs – the de rigueur accoutrement for today’s virtuous lawn is a poster (or two, or three) declaring that “In this house we believe science is real, black lives matter, love is love.”
Our inner Mr. Spock finds it hard to see the point given that the vast majority of Americans endorse these banalities. It’s the political equivalent of proclaiming, “In this home we breathe air and drink water.” Welcome to the club, pal.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
And yet these signs are meant to convey the opposite message: I must take these courageous stands because all around me have abandoned basic principles of decency – and if I don’t signal this, the activists and bien pensants might target me next.
This effort to co-opt basic values, to claim they belong to just one political group, is false, ugly and divisive. It denies the humanity of those who dissent from the left’s aggressive demands. It silences debate by reframing complexities of COVID-19 and policing, race and American history to moral questions. You’re either good or evil.
This Manichaean strategy has risen to the fore because the ascendant left has sought to transform America, no questions asked. Just a few years ago, Democrats believed that we were an essentially good country that had made meaningful strides on race and gender. They agreed that the police were a flawed but necessary tool for maintaining safety.
Not anymore. With a blinding velocity of grievance they have planted a new sign above our fruited plain that reads: This Property Is Condemned. The left excels at finding the speck in their brother’s eye – at deconstructing the failures and hypocrisies of the current system. They are far less capable of acknowledging their own contradictions and laying out specific plans for the new society they wish to construct on the ashes of the old one.
Thus they tell us the issue is not about what they want to do and whether it will work, but about love. That’s our side – are you for us or against us? Journalist Abigail Shrier details one dangerous outcome of this strategy in her new book, “Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters.”
Most Americans had never given much thought to transgenderism until 2016, when North Carolina Republicans passed a bill restricting single-sex bathrooms to biological boys and girls. Let me say at the outset that I believe the law was stupid and unnecessary; no one was complaining about “men” using the ladies room. But the left went to war, presenting transgenderism as an all-or-nothing civil rights issue. The message: Embrace every demand of trans activists without question or be branded a hater. While acknowledging the need to respect the dignity and equality of trans adults, Shrier’s eye-opening book illuminates the devastating impact this cultural change is having on teenage girls.
She reports that transgenderism has long been a rare condition – historically about one in 10,000 people suffer from the medical condition known as “gender dysphoria.” One of those is the great British writer Jan (nee James) Morris, who eloquently described her struggle and ultimate deliverance in “Conundrum.”
In the last decade, Shrier reports, this figure has increased 1,000 percent. “Two percent of high school students,” she reports, “now identify as transgender.” Shrier notes that transgenderism was so rare among girls that before 2012 “there was no scientific literature on girls ages eleven to twenty-one ever having developed gender dysphoria at all.”
It is likely they existed and no one was looking for them. But that cannot begin to explain the fact that biological girls now account for “70 percent of all gender surgeries.” Shrier reports similar increases in other Western countries, including Canada, Sweden, Finland and the United Kingdom.
Although one would expect that a condition allegedly rooted in DNA would occur somewhat evenly across all races and classes, Shrier’s research found that these girls largely come from white, upper-middle-class families. She reports that Dr. Lisa Littman of Brown University found that one of the best predictors that a girl might feel she was born in the wrong body is having friends who believe they were, too. Littman calls this root cause “peer contagion.”
Shrier notes that contagion is occurring against a broader mental health crisis among America’s youth marked by sharp increases in depression and suicidal ideation. The hardest hit group is young girls who have historically suffered from self-esteem and body image issues far more than boys. The rise of social media, a hothouse of judgment, is also key. So, too, is the online culture where strangers influence children through YouTube videos promising that all their problems will be solved once they transition.
Make no mistake, these girls are in pain. They need help. But Shrier argues persuasively that the woke culture that casts transgenderism as a civil rights issue limits the care they receive. The prevailing medical standard for treatment, she writes, is “affirmative care,” which replaces professional judgment with self-diagnosis. “The therapist must agree, in other words, that a male patient with gender dysphoria who identifies as a woman really is a woman.”
This can have long-term effects because the hormone blockers and surgeries necessary for transition often lead to infertility and other permanent changes.
“Irreversible Damage” tells a frightening story. Though convincing, it is far from the last word on the topic. And that’s the point. Transgenderism is a complex issue that came out of the blue just a few years ago. It demands rigorous research and full-throated debate – not real-time experimentation on youngsters. Instead, the left has sought to silence discussion by casting it as a moral question of tolerance. That’s why Amazon refused to carry ads for Shrier’s book and people like “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling have been attacked by Twitter mobs for claiming that biological sex is real.
More broadly, as the left rushes headlong to erase our past and the traditional pillars of our society – all in the fuzzy name of justice and love -- “Irreversible Damage” shows the damage that often occurs when we fail to ask: With what result?
God, after all, is in the details.


wnd--2020-09-05--Small town in Idaho claims manhole cover is 'center of universe' for humorous reason

You may have never heard of Wallace , Idaho , but if you have , you 're certainly familiar with the quirky town and its outrageous claim -- that it is the probable center of the universe .
“ Here ’ s what ’ s funny to me about being at the center of the universe , ” NBC correspondent Harry Smith said when `` Today '' visited the town last year .
“ You would think it would be a little busier , right ?
And -- not so much.
” To understand why and how this claim came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit into the history of the small town in northern Idaho .
Wallace has been known for its tenacity and strong will .
The town was originally a silver mining town , and according to `` Today , '' survived strikes by the miners .
TRENDING : Louisiana Sheriffs ' Association endorses Trump in 1st for the organization A forest fire in the early 1900s could n't destroy it .
The government could n't cow them either -- and it tried several times .
Apparently , plans were made to run an interstate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little town .
But the residents were crafty , and they quickly went about getting their historic little town 's buildings listed with the National Register of Historic Places , thereby protecting their home and forcing the interstate off to the perimeter .
The `` center of the universe '' claim was borne out of a similar tiff with the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Health and Human Services , which discovered `` probable '' lead pollution in the soil in 2002 , according to Roadside America .
Wallace residents claimed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative effects on them , but according to Mental Floss , the government countered that since the people could n't prove the lead was n't dangerous , then it must be dangerous and needed to be removed .
Enter the center of the universe on Sept. 25 , 2004 .
Using the same logic , then-mayor Ron Garitone dubbed a spot on the intersection of Bank and 6th streets `` The Center of the Universe '' -- because if it could n't be disproven , it must be true .
`` If scientists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the center of the universe , then the absence of such proof must compel us to conclude that Wallace must therefore be the center of the universe , '' Garitone explained at the time , according to the Idaho Senior Independent .
The spot is marked by an elaborately designed manhole cover displaying the codes of the region 's four mining companies , a compass rose and the claim itself .
Richard Shaffer has become the town 's prime minister , and every year in the autumn they read a proclamation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sound body and mind , I do hereby solemnly declare and proclaim Wallace to be the center of the universe , '' Shaffer told the Senior Independent earlier this year .
`` We were further able to pinpoint the exact center of the universe , to wit ; a sewer access cover slightly off-center from the intersection of Bank and 6th streets . ''
The spot is well-marked , and tourists make the pilgrimage to the center of the universe every year -- which is a lot closer than some of us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared originally on The Western Journal .

You may have never heard of Wallace, Idaho, but if you have, you're certainly familiar with the quirky town and its outrageous claim -- that it is the probable center of the universe.
“Here’s what’s funny to me about being at the center of the universe,” NBC correspondent Harry Smith said when "Today" visited the town last year. “You would think it would be a little busier, right? And -- not so much.”
To understand why and how this claim came about, you have to dig a bit into the history of the small town in northern Idaho.
Wallace has been known for its tenacity and strong will. The town was originally a silver mining town, and according to "Today," survived strikes by the miners.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
A forest fire in the early 1900s couldn't destroy it.
The government couldn't cow them either -- and it tried several times.
Apparently, plans were made to run an interstate right through the heart of the historic little town.
But the residents were crafty, and they quickly went about getting their historic little town's buildings listed with the National Register of Historic Places, thereby protecting their home and forcing the interstate off to the perimeter.
The "center of the universe" claim was borne out of a similar tiff with the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Health and Human Services, which discovered "probable" lead pollution in the soil in 2002, according to Roadside America.
Wallace residents claimed the lead sulfide levels hadn't had any negative effects on them, but according to Mental Floss, the government countered that since the people couldn't prove the lead wasn't dangerous, then it must be dangerous and needed to be removed.
Enter the center of the universe on Sept. 25, 2004.
Using the same logic, then-mayor Ron Garitone dubbed a spot on the intersection of Bank and 6th streets "The Center of the Universe" -- because if it couldn't be disproven, it must be true.
"If scientists could not provide proof that Wallace is not the center of the universe, then the absence of such proof must compel us to conclude that Wallace must therefore be the center of the universe," Garitone explained at the time, according to the Idaho Senior Independent.
The spot is marked by an elaborately designed manhole cover displaying the codes of the region's four mining companies, a compass rose and the claim itself.
Richard Shaffer has become the town's prime minister, and every year in the autumn they read a proclamation and celebrate their advantageous location.
"Being of sound body and mind, I do hereby solemnly declare and proclaim Wallace to be the center of the universe," Shaffer told the Senior Independent earlier this year.
"We were further able to pinpoint the exact center of the universe, to wit; a sewer access cover slightly off-center from the intersection of Bank and 6th streets."
The spot is well-marked, and tourists make the pilgrimage to the center of the universe every year -- which is a lot closer than some of us might have initially suspected.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-09-05--Poll: Trump approval bounces back to pre-COVID level of 52%

A new poll reveals strong support for the job President Donald Trump is doing as new measures show positive developments in the battle against the coronavirus and the drive to restart America 's economy .
Rasmussen Reports ' Friday tracking poll of likely voters showed that Trump is polling higher than Barack Obama was at the same point in the former president 's administration .
Fifty-two percent of respondents said they approved of Trump 's job performance , compared to 48 percent of respondents who said the same of Obama on Sept. 4 , 2012 .
Trump last achieved a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just before the impact of the coronavirus led to vast lockdowns to slow the spread of the disease .
The survey showed that Trump continues to evoke a strong reaction among his supporters and opponents : 42 percent of those polled strongly approve of Trump , while 42 percent strongly disapprove .
TRENDING : Louisiana Sheriffs ' Association endorses Trump in 1st for the organization The Rasmussen daily survey of approval ratings , which polled 1,500 people , has a margin of error of plus- or minus-2.5 percentage points .
On Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be pleased because the U.S. has battled the coronavirus better than many other nations .
`` [ O ] n the China virus front , the nations of Europe have experienced a 38 percent greater excess mortality than the United States -- 38 percent more greater excess mortality than the United States .
A lot of you do n't want to report that , '' Trump said , according to a White House media pool report .
`` And if we took New York out of the equation , there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've done is incredible .
And we do n't get any credit for it , but we 've done an incredible job . ''
Among Trump 's signature issues in office has been the economy , which on Friday reported an increase of 1.37 million jobs in August as the jobless rate fell to 8.4 percent -- the lowest since lockdowns began to impact the economy in March , according to CNBC .
“ These jobs numbers reflect a big win for American workers , and are a welcome surprise considering the unemployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent weeks .
Unemployment breaking the 10 percent barrier so decisively is a big psychological lift as well , ” Robert Frick , corporate economist at Navy Federal Credit Union , '' told CNBC .
“ We are still moving in the right direction and the pace of the jobs recovery seems to have picked up , but it still looks like it will take a while – and likely a vaccine – before we get back close to where we were at the beginning of this year , ” added Citizens Bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bedikian .
“ We continue to be optimistic that the economy has turned a corner and that we ’ ll continue to see steady progress.
” The numbers showed a stronger economy than the experts had predicted .
“ It ’ s another great day for American jobs and American workers , ” Vice President Mike Pence told CNBC .
The jobs report is “ real evidence that the American comeback is underway , '' he said .
During his Friday news conference , Trump said that could end if the November election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're witnessing the fastest labor market recovery from any economic crisis in history , by far , '' Trump said , later adding that Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden 's support for potentially shutting down the nation could make heard-earned gains evaporate overnight .
`` Joe Biden 's blanket shutdown would collapse our economy .
It would cause countless deaths from suicide , drug , alcohol abuse , heart disease and more .
You know , shutdowns cause a lot of problems -- a lot of very serious problems -- more so than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not a solution ; it 's a virtual surrender , '' he said .
`` And our country is doing so well .
We ’ re starting to do so well .
I think we ’ re going to have a great third quarter .
I mean , you ’ re going to see for yourself because the numbers will be announced sometime prior to the election on Nov. 3 .
`` And as you know , Joe spent his entire career sending American jobs to China and other faraway countries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , people were pillaging our country -- taking our jobs , taking our companies .
And that 's never going to change with that mindset and with that group .
Biden is not going to be standing up to these foreign countries .
He ’ s not going to be standing up -- maybe more importantly -- to the people that run the Democrat Party .
He does n't have the strength to do that . ''
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

A new poll reveals strong support for the job President Donald Trump is doing as new measures show positive developments in the battle against the coronavirus and the drive to restart America's economy.
Rasmussen Reports' Friday tracking poll of likely voters showed that Trump is polling higher than Barack Obama was at the same point in the former president's administration.
Fifty-two percent of respondents said they approved of Trump's job performance, compared to 48 percent of respondents who said the same of Obama on Sept. 4, 2012.
Trump last achieved a 52 percent approval rating in late February, just before the impact of the coronavirus led to vast lockdowns to slow the spread of the disease.
The survey showed that Trump continues to evoke a strong reaction among his supporters and opponents: 42 percent of those polled strongly approve of Trump, while 42 percent strongly disapprove.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
The Rasmussen daily survey of approval ratings, which polled 1,500 people, has a margin of error of plus- or minus-2.5 percentage points.
On Friday, Trump noted that Americans have reason to be pleased because the U.S. has battled the coronavirus better than many other nations.
"[O]n the China virus front, the nations of Europe have experienced a 38 percent greater excess mortality than the United States -- 38 percent more greater excess mortality than the United States. A lot of you don't want to report that," Trump said, according to a White House media pool report. "And if we took New York out of the equation, there’s nobody even close. The job we've done is incredible. And we don't get any credit for it, but we've done an incredible job."
Among Trump's signature issues in office has been the economy, which on Friday reported an increase of 1.37 million jobs in August as the jobless rate fell to 8.4 percent -- the lowest since lockdowns began to impact the economy in March, according to CNBC.
“These jobs numbers reflect a big win for American workers, and are a welcome surprise considering the unemployment insurance claims have barely been budging in recent weeks. Unemployment breaking the 10 percent barrier so decisively is a big psychological lift as well,” Robert Frick, corporate economist at Navy Federal Credit Union," told CNBC.
“We are still moving in the right direction and the pace of the jobs recovery seems to have picked up, but it still looks like it will take a while – and likely a vaccine – before we get back close to where we were at the beginning of this year,” added Citizens Bank's head of global markets, Tony Bedikian.
“We continue to be optimistic that the economy has turned a corner and that we’ll continue to see steady progress.”
The numbers showed a stronger economy than the experts had predicted.
“It’s another great day for American jobs and American workers,” Vice President Mike Pence told CNBC.
The jobs report is “real evidence that the American comeback is underway," he said.
During his Friday news conference, Trump said that could end if the November election goes the wrong way.
"We're witnessing the fastest labor market recovery from any economic crisis in history, by far," Trump said, later adding that Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's support for potentially shutting down the nation could make heard-earned gains evaporate overnight.
"Joe Biden's blanket shutdown would collapse our economy. It would cause countless deaths from suicide, drug, alcohol abuse, heart disease and more. You know, shutdowns cause a lot of problems -- a lot of very serious problems -- more so than the virus itself. Biden's plan is not a solution; it's a virtual surrender," he said.
"And our country is doing so well. We’re starting to do so well. I think we’re going to have a great third quarter. I mean, you’re going to see for yourself because the numbers will be announced sometime prior to the election on Nov. 3.
"And as you know, Joe spent his entire career sending American jobs to China and other faraway countries," Trump added.
"For 47 years, people were pillaging our country -- taking our jobs, taking our companies. And that's never going to change with that mindset and with that group. Biden is not going to be standing up to these foreign countries. He’s not going to be standing up -- maybe more importantly -- to the people that run the Democrat Party. He doesn't have the strength to do that."
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-09-07--Djokovic out of U.S. Open after hitting line judge with ball

( AP ) -- Novak Djokovic was kicked out of the U.S. Open for accidentally hitting a line judge in @ @ @ @ @ ball after dropping a game in his fourth-round match Sunday , a stunning end to @ @ @ @ @ bid for an 18th Grand Slam title .
As he walked to the Arthur Ashe @ @ @ @ @ , trailing Pablo Carreño Busta 6-5 in the first set , Djokovic — who was @ @ @ @ @ 1 and an overwhelming favorite for the championship — angrily smacked a ball behind him @ @ @ @ @ at the line judge , who dropped to her knees at the back of the @ @ @ @ @ neck .
During a discussion of about 10 minutes near the net involving tournament referee @ @ @ @ @ supervisor Andreas Egli and chair umpire Aurelie Tourte , Djokovic pleaded his case .

(AP) -- Novak Djokovic was kicked out of the U.S. Open for accidentally hitting a line judge in the throat with a tennis ball after dropping a game in his fourth-round match Sunday, a stunning end to his 29-match winning streak and bid for an 18th Grand Slam title.
As he walked to the Arthur Ashe Stadium sideline for a changeover, trailing Pablo Carreño Busta 6-5 in the first set, Djokovic — who was seeded and ranked No. 1 and an overwhelming favorite for the championship — angrily smacked a ball behind him. The ball flew right at the line judge, who dropped to her knees at the back of the court and reached for her neck.
During a discussion of about 10 minutes near the net involving tournament referee Soeren Friemel, Grand Slam supervisor Andreas Egli and chair umpire Aurelie Tourte, Djokovic pleaded his case.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-09-07--Police: Antifa shooter appeared to track down, target Patriot Prayer victim

Prior to his death when law enforcement tried to arrest him on a second-degree murder charge , antifa 's Michael Forest Reinoehl attempted to paint the killing of a Patriot Prayer member in Portland , Oregon , as an action that took place in the heat of the moment to protect a fellow demonstrator .
A darker , more sinister narrative is emerging now that Reinoehl 's arrest affidavit has been made public .
Reinoehl was killed Thursday evening in a shootout with federal agents in Lacey , Washington .
Earlier Thursday , an arrest warrant for Reinoehl was issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , The Oregonian reported .
The affidavit said police reviewed video of the events leading up to the death of Patriot Prayer member Aaron Danielson on Aug. 29 , and could see Reinoehl hiding in an alcove of a parking garage before he shot Danielson .
As Danielson and his friend and fellow Patriot Prayer supporter , Chandler Pappas , walked past , Reinoehl reached into what was either a pouch or the waistband on his pants , the affidavit said .
TRENDING : In your face : Woman heckled by BLM at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rico Beniga wrote in the affidavit that Reinoehl “ conceals himself , waits and watches ” as Danielson and Pappas pass him .
After they passed , Reinoehl and another man followed them , Beniga said .
Soon after came the confrontation with Danielson and Pappas .
That 's when shots were fired and Danielson was killed , according to the affidavit .
Beniga said that judging from video of the incident , it looked like Reinoehl held his gun with both hands extended as he fired .
Following the gunshots , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before fleeing the scene , the affidavit said .
A witness told police that prior to the gunshots , he saw three black men in the area .
The witness `` said one of the black males was the primary aggressor and stated : 'We ’ re going to f -- -ing kill you , ' '' according to the affidavit .
Beniga relayed that another witness told police Reinoehl “ peeked out ” of his hiding place before following Danielson and Pappas .
The scenario pieced together by witnesses and police led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot hit a can of `` Bear Attack Deterrent '' that Danielson was holding .
The second shot killed him .
During the investigation into Danielson 's death , police found a text from Reinoehl to his son .
The affidavit said the text read : “ Sell me the gun for a quarter pound of weed and $ 100 i ’ m getting tired of this s -- - I need a piece now.
” Prior to his death , Reinoehl spoke out about the shooting that led to Danielson 's death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You know , lots of lawyers suggest that I should n't even be saying anything , but I feel it 's important that the world at least gets a little bit of what 's really going on , ” Reinoehl said .
“ I had no choice .
I mean , I , I had a choice .
I could have sat there and watched them kill a friend of mine of color .
But I was n't going to do that.
” Reinoehl claimed he was threatened by an anti-antifa protester .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have maced or stabbed me , ” Reinoehl said .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Prior to his death when law enforcement tried to arrest him on a second-degree murder charge, antifa's Michael Forest Reinoehl attempted to paint the killing of a Patriot Prayer member in Portland, Oregon, as an action that took place in the heat of the moment to protect a fellow demonstrator.
A darker, more sinister narrative is emerging now that Reinoehl's arrest affidavit has been made public.
Reinoehl was killed Thursday evening in a shootout with federal agents in Lacey, Washington. Earlier Thursday, an arrest warrant for Reinoehl was issued based on an affidavit from Portland police, The Oregonian reported.
The affidavit said police reviewed video of the events leading up to the death of Patriot Prayer member Aaron Danielson on Aug. 29, and could see Reinoehl hiding in an alcove of a parking garage before he shot Danielson.
As Danielson and his friend and fellow Patriot Prayer supporter, Chandler Pappas, walked past, Reinoehl reached into what was either a pouch or the waistband on his pants, the affidavit said.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Homicide Detective Rico Beniga wrote in the affidavit that Reinoehl “conceals himself, waits and watches” as Danielson and Pappas pass him.
Authorities said Reinoehl looks back toward Danielson. While nobody seems to be bothering him, Danielson appears to already be carrying mace in one hand and an expandable baton in the other. Reinoehl moves into a parking garage and puts his hand around his waistband. pic.twitter.com/6gYQI70fO4 — Mike Baker (@ByMikeBaker) September 4, 2020
After they passed, Reinoehl and another man followed them, Beniga said.
Soon after came the confrontation with Danielson and Pappas. That's when shots were fired and Danielson was killed, according to the affidavit.
Beniga said that judging from video of the incident, it looked like Reinoehl held his gun with both hands extended as he fired.
Following the gunshots, he kept his right arm extended toward Danielson before fleeing the scene, the affidavit said.
A witness told police that prior to the gunshots, he saw three black men in the area. The witness "said one of the black males was the primary aggressor and stated: 'We’re going to f---ing kill you,'" according to the affidavit.
Beniga relayed that another witness told police Reinoehl “peeked out” of his hiding place before following Danielson and Pappas.
The scenario pieced together by witnesses and police led them to conclude that Reinoehl's first shot hit a can of "Bear Attack Deterrent" that Danielson was holding. The second shot killed him.
During the investigation into Danielson's death, police found a text from Reinoehl to his son.
The affidavit said the text read: “Sell me the gun for a quarter pound of weed and $100 i’m getting tired of this s--- I need a piece now.”
Prior to his death, Reinoehl spoke out about the shooting that led to Danielson's death in an interview with Vice.
“You know, lots of lawyers suggest that I shouldn't even be saying anything, but I feel it's important that the world at least gets a little bit of what's really going on,” Reinoehl said.
“I had no choice. I mean, I, I had a choice. I could have sat there and watched them kill a friend of mine of color. But I wasn't going to do that.”
Reinoehl claimed he was threatened by an anti-antifa protester.
“Had I stepped forward, he would have maced or stabbed me,” Reinoehl said.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-09-06--Liberty tells staff to refrain from interacting with Jerry Falwell Jr.

( AP ) -- LYNCHBURG , Va. -- Staff members at Liberty University have been instructed to refrain from interacting @ @ @ @ @ ousted president , Jerry Falwell Jr .
The university ’ s general counsel , David @ @ @ @ @ email to staff Thursday that Falwell had made “ uncomfortable ” calls to some employees @ @ @ @ @ The News & Advance reported Friday .
Corry told employees they can not give Falwell @ @ @ @ @ do any favors for him while on the job because the interactions could create the @ @ @ @ @ manage the school .
“ This impression is not well received by our supporters who @ @ @ @ @ to be running Liberty University behind the scenes , ” Corry wrote .

(AP) -- LYNCHBURG, Va. -- Staff members at Liberty University have been instructed to refrain from interacting with the school’s ousted president, Jerry Falwell Jr.
The university’s general counsel, David Corry, wrote in an email to staff Thursday that Falwell had made “uncomfortable” calls to some employees after resigning last week, The News & Advance reported Friday. Corry told employees they cannot give Falwell information about the school or do any favors for him while on the job because the interactions could create the perception that he is helping manage the school.
“This impression is not well received by our supporters who do not want Mr. Falwell to be running Liberty University behind the scenes,” Corry wrote.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-09-06--'It was 29 seconds late': State bars GOP voter statement

( AP ) -- The Oregon Republican Party ’ s statement for the state voters ’ pamphlet arrived 29 seconds @ @ @ @ @ t appear in the guide mailed to voters for the November election , officials say @ @ @ @ @ spokeswoman for Secretary of State Bev Clarno , said deadlines apply equally to everyone .
@ @ @ @ @ information to the Voters ’ Pamphlet has several weeks to do so and we recommend @ @ @ @ @ minute for this reason , ” she said in a statement .

(AP) -- The Oregon Republican Party’s statement for the state voters’ pamphlet arrived 29 seconds too late and won’t appear in the guide mailed to voters for the November election, officials say.
Laura Fosmire, a spokeswoman for Secretary of State Bev Clarno, said deadlines apply equally to everyone.
“Anyone wishing to submit information to the Voters’ Pamphlet has several weeks to do so and we recommend avoiding waiting until the last minute for this reason,” she said in a statement.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-09-06--Questions 'meant for a child': Trump rips media over softball treatment of Biden

Establishment media bias against President Donald Trump is coming under attack both from within the White House and the ranks of the media itself .
During a White House news briefing Friday , Trump slammed journalists for what he said were the simplistic questions they gently asked Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden .
`` I watched the interview with sleepy Joe Biden , and he didn ’ t ask questions .
You didn ’ t ask questions like that .
Read the questions you asked .
They were , like , meant for a child .
Those questions were meant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Smiles on the faces of reporters -- not like you and you .
There were smiles on the reporters .
What do you think ?
Take a look at those questions that they ask him .
They were not meant for a grown-up ; they were meant for a child . ''
TRENDING : In your face : Woman heckled by BLM at restaurant goes public on incident Some conservative media commentators tweeted their disgust at the fawning nature of the establishment media when dealing with Biden : Neil Cavuto , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his own battles with the White House , said Friday that Biden and Trump should both face scrutiny as they campaign .
`` I did not see that today with Joe Biden when it came to the press , '' Cavuto said .
He summarized the questions asked of Biden .
`` What they 're essentially saying is , 'Can you again confirm for us why you think the president is such a jerk given some of these jerky things that he 's said and argued ? '
That 's not fair and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job , '' Cavuto said .
`` If you are going to have Joe Biden talking about how he would do things economically differently or how , for example , he was on top of [ the coronavirus ] from the very beginning when the facts are he wasn ’ t , call him on it .
Call both on it , but treat both the same way , '' he said .
Cavuto added that is not what he is seeing .
`` If you want to be kind and gentle to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your strategy , [ to be ] kind and gentle to both .
But if you want to be a jerk to one side versus the other side , that ’ s not right .
That ’ s not fair .
That ’ s not balanced , and that shouldn ’ t be . ''
Fox News politics editor Chris Stirewalt shook his head at the conduct of the establishment media .
`` So seldom do reporters get to ask Joe Biden questions , so seldom do reporters -- this is the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that was shamefully embarrassing , '' Stirewalt said Friday .
`` I 'm just sitting here listening thinking , 'Do n't you want to know about his plans ?
Do n't you want to know about the controversy surrounding his plans ?
Do n't you want to know anything ? '
'' `` The closest we got to adversarial questioning was when they were asking him about whether he got his coronavirus test up his nose or whatever , '' Stirewalt said .
`` It was just a real missed opportunity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Establishment media bias against President Donald Trump is coming under attack both from within the White House and the ranks of the media itself.
During a White House news briefing Friday, Trump slammed journalists for what he said were the simplistic questions they gently asked Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.
"I watched the interview with sleepy Joe Biden, and he didn’t ask questions. You didn’t ask questions like that. Read the questions you asked. They were, like, meant for a child. Those questions were meant for a child," Trump said.
"Smiles on the faces of reporters -- not like you and you. There were smiles on the reporters. What do you think? Take a look at those questions that they ask him. They were not meant for a grown-up; they were meant for a child."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Some conservative media commentators tweeted their disgust at the fawning nature of the establishment media when dealing with Biden:
A text from a friend watching the press conference: “Who are asking Biden these questions?? It's like watching someone make sure a 3 year old wins CandyLand.” — Mark Hemingway (@Heminator) September 4, 2020
Watch this question and how it's framed. She essentially gives Biden the answer in her question. She's making a statement and asking Biden to basically just reply to her. https://t.co/FI1LMUy9H1 — Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) September 4, 2020
The media are simply the PR wing for the Biden campaign at this point https://t.co/WfiUb2mWXj — Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) September 4, 2020
Neil Cavuto, a Fox News host who has fought his own battles with the White House, said Friday that Biden and Trump should both face scrutiny as they campaign.
"I did not see that today with Joe Biden when it came to the press," Cavuto said.
He summarized the questions asked of Biden.
"What they're essentially saying is, 'Can you again confirm for us why you think the president is such a jerk given some of these jerky things that he's said and argued?' That's not fair and balanced. That's not doing your job," Cavuto said.
"If you are going to have Joe Biden talking about how he would do things economically differently or how, for example, he was on top of [the coronavirus] from the very beginning when the facts are he wasn’t, call him on it. Call both on it, but treat both the same way," he said.
Cavuto added that is not what he is seeing.
"If you want to be kind and gentle to both [sides], that's your strategy, [to be] kind and gentle to both. But if you want to be a jerk to one side versus the other side, that’s not right. That’s not fair. That’s not balanced, and that shouldn’t be."
Fox News politics editor Chris Stirewalt shook his head at the conduct of the establishment media.
"So seldom do reporters get to ask Joe Biden questions, so seldom do reporters -- this is the second time really in quite a while ... and that was shamefully embarrassing," Stirewalt said Friday.
"I'm just sitting here listening thinking, 'Don't you want to know about his plans? Don't you want to know about the controversy surrounding his plans? Don't you want to know anything?'"
"The closest we got to adversarial questioning was when they were asking him about whether he got his coronavirus test up his nose or whatever," Stirewalt said.
"It was just a real missed opportunity. It was frustrating to see."
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-09-06--Supermarket chain: U.S. flag face masks too 'offensive' for employees to wear

( THE BLAZE ) -- North Carolina-based grocery chain Food Lion will now permit its employees to wear American flag-themed @ @ @ @ @ its stores .
The company went viral earlier this week after one of its employees @ @ @ @ @ told to avoid wearing his American flag-themed mask .
According to a recent report from @ @ @ @ @ to be in response to the employee — as well as his supporters — demanding @ @ @ @ @ initially prohibited them .

(THE BLAZE) -- North Carolina-based grocery chain Food Lion will now permit its employees to wear American flag-themed face masks while working at its stores.
The company went viral earlier this week after one of its employees revealed he quit after being told to avoid wearing his American flag-themed mask.
According to a recent report from WCTI-TV, the move appears to be in response to the employee — as well as his supporters — demanding such masks after the company initially prohibited them.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-09-06--Strzok fine with spying on Trump campaign, has ridiculous excuse for 'inexcusable mistakes'

Former FBI official Peter Strzok defended the bureau ’ s surveillance of former Trump aide Carter Page in an interview aired Sunday , attributing failures found in a government watchdog report to agents being “ overworked.
” “ I don ’ t think at all that it ’ s anything improper .
You get people who are overworked , who make mistakes — and don ’ t get me wrong , inexcusable mistakes , ” Strzok said in an interview with “ CBS Sunday Morning.
” Strzok , the former FBI deputy chief of counterintelligence , was asked about a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that blasted the FBI for a series of errors and omissions in applications for Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act ( FISA ) warrants against Carter Page .
TRENDING : In your face : Woman heckled by BLM at restaurant goes public on incident The IG found 17 “ significant ” errors in the FISA applications , including omissions of exculpatory evidence and failure to investigating information in the infamous Steele dossier .
Strzok oversaw the Trump-Russia investigation , dubbed Crossfire Hurricane , and drafted the paperwork that authorized opening the probe on July 31 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to obtain the initial FISA warrant against Page , which was granted on Oct. 21 , 2016 .
Strzok sent an email on Oct. 14 , 2016 entitled “ Crossfire FISA ” suggesting that then-FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe needed to contact the Justice Department to help authorize the FISA .
“ At a minimum , that keeps the hurry the F up pressure on him , ” Strzok wrote in the email .
The IG faulted the FBI for relying heavily on the unverified Steele dossier in the FISA application .
Former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an investigation led by U.S. Attorney John Durham to altering an email about Carter Page during the Trump-Russia probe .
Clinesmith admitted that he added the phrase “ not a ‘ source ' ” to an email from a CIA analyst regarding Page ’ s longstanding relationship with the spy agent .
Steven Somma , an FBI counterintelligence agent , is also heavily criticized in the IG report as being “ primarily responsible ” for errors in several areas of Crossfire Hurricane , the name of the FBI ’ s investigation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was fired from the FBI in August 2018 , had repeated contacts with both Clinesmith and Somma .
Strzok was also aware of negative information about Steele , but failed to communicate it to the CIA or to the FISA Court , according to the IG report .
Strzok and his boss , Bill Priestap , met in December 2016 with British government officials to assess Steele ’ s reliability , according to the IG report .
The report says that Strzok and Priestap were told that while Steele was an honest broker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The IG report notes that the information about Steele ’ s reliability was not included in the FBI ’ s renewal applications for FISA warrants on Carter Page .
Attorney General William Barr has dismissed the idea that the FBI ’ s errors in Crossfire Hurricane can be chalked up to absent-mindedness on the part of investigators .
“ My own view is that the evidence shows that we are not dealing with just mistakes or sloppiness , there is something far more troubling here , ” he said in a Fox News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deemed two of the four FISAs against Carter Page to be invalid because of the FBI ’ s errors .
This story originally was published by the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact [ email protected ]

By Chuck Ross
Daily Caller News Foundation
Former FBI official Peter Strzok defended the bureau’s surveillance of former Trump aide Carter Page in an interview aired Sunday, attributing failures found in a government watchdog report to agents being “overworked.”
“I don’t think at all that it’s anything improper. You get people who are overworked, who make mistakes — and don’t get me wrong, inexcusable mistakes,” Strzok said in an interview with “CBS Sunday Morning.”
Strzok, the former FBI deputy chief of counterintelligence, was asked about a Justice Department inspector general’s report that blasted the FBI for a series of errors and omissions in applications for Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrants against Carter Page.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
The IG found 17 “significant” errors in the FISA applications, including omissions of exculpatory evidence and failure to investigating information in the infamous Steele dossier.
Strzok oversaw the Trump-Russia investigation, dubbed Crossfire Hurricane, and drafted the paperwork that authorized opening the probe on July 31, 2016.
He also lobbied aggressively to obtain the initial FISA warrant against Page, which was granted on Oct. 21, 2016.
Strzok sent an email on Oct. 14, 2016 entitled “Crossfire FISA” suggesting that then-FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe needed to contact the Justice Department to help authorize the FISA.
Should Peter Strzok be prosecuted for his role in the illegal attempt to oust President Trump? Yes No Completing this poll entitles you to WND news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use You're logged in to Facebook. Click here to log out. 99% (392 Votes) 1% (3 Votes)
“At a minimum, that keeps the hurry the F up pressure on him,” Strzok wrote in the email.
The IG faulted the FBI for relying heavily on the unverified Steele dossier in the FISA application.
WATCH:
Former FBI lawyer Kevin Clinesmith has pleaded guilty in an investigation led by U.S. Attorney John Durham to altering an email about Carter Page during the Trump-Russia probe. Clinesmith admitted that he added the phrase “not a ‘source'” to an email from a CIA analyst regarding Page’s longstanding relationship with the spy agent.
Steven Somma, an FBI counterintelligence agent, is also heavily criticized in the IG report as being “primarily responsible” for errors in several areas of Crossfire Hurricane, the name of the FBI’s investigation of the Trump team.
Strzok, who was fired from the FBI in August 2018, had repeated contacts with both Clinesmith and Somma.
Strzok was also aware of negative information about Steele, but failed to communicate it to the CIA or to the FISA Court, according to the IG report.
Strzok and his boss, Bill Priestap, met in December 2016 with British government officials to assess Steele’s reliability, according to the IG report. The report says that Strzok and Priestap were told that while Steele was an honest broker, he often displayed questionable judgement.
The IG report notes that the information about Steele’s reliability was not included in the FBI’s renewal applications for FISA warrants on Carter Page.
Attorney General William Barr has dismissed the idea that the FBI’s errors in Crossfire Hurricane can be chalked up to absent-mindedness on the part of investigators.
“My own view is that the evidence shows that we are not dealing with just mistakes or sloppiness, there is something far more troubling here,” he said in a Fox News interview in April.
The Justice Department deemed two of the four FISAs against Carter Page to be invalid because of the FBI’s errors.
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This story originally was published by the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].