westernjournal--2020-05-23--After Massive Bidding War, ‘Some Good News’ Sells to ViacomCBS But Krasinski Will No Longer Host

As people started to shelter in place , they turned their sights on hyper-local projects : house updates , landscaping and all those little chores that get put aside thanks to lack of time .
That held true for actors , too , who could no longer be on set because of social distancing .
In March , “ The Office ” star John Krasinski showed up with an adorably low-budget production that started with a simple desire : To bring good news to people .
“ Some Good News ” instantly took off .
Filmed in Krasinski ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his kids , Krasinski shared user-suggested stories of goodness around the world .
“ We would love to hear Some Good News and share it with the world , ” the show ’ s description on YouTube reads .
His show was a much-needed breath of fresh air — the first episode has been viewed over 17 million times and the YouTube channel has 2.57 million subscribers .
TRENDING : Obama Portrait Will Never Hang in Trump 's WH , According to Reports With a total of eight episodes , though , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Good News has always been … about YOU !
” said the caption for the last episode , posted on May 17 , 2020 .
“ SGN wants to thank each and every one of you for being a part of this story.
” “ For sending in your clips , weather reports , and art .
For watching , laughing , crying , dancing , and celebrating with us .
There IS always GOOD in the world !
Now it ’ s time for everyone to continue to spread good news in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking a break for now , but there is more to come !
Stay tuned.
” Some of that news is that the show has been sold .
Whether or not that ’ s good news depends on who you ask .
“ Could not be more excited and proud to be partnering with CBS/Viacom to be able to bring Some Good News to so many more people !
” Krasinski said in a statement , according to The Hollywood Reporter .
“ From the first episode , our goal was to create @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news .
Never did I expect to be joining the ranks of such a historic news organization as CBS.
” “ Comedy Central Productions is excited to partner with John and bring his beloved Some Good News to audiences around the world through ViacomCBS ’ family of brands , ” Chris McCarthy , Entertainment & Youth Group president , said .
While Krasinski will no longer be the host , he will stay on as an executive producer and have “ some sort of on-air presence.
” Apparently , he ’ s had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since he started it , and after a “ massive bidding war , ” it has a new owner in ViacomCBS .
Many viewers are concerned that the very qualities that make SGN a heartwarming show — the low budget , the homey setting and Krasinski ’ s upbeat and silly hosting — will be lost when produced on a larger level .
Krasinski even appeared to be a little misty-eyed in his final sign-off , and posted on Twitter to encourage people with the last episode .
“ Saved the best for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to be my favorite because it celebrates the truth of what this show has always been .
Never mine , always yours !
” he wrote .
“ There IS and ALWAYS WILL BE … good in the world !
Thank you all !
So long but not farewell !
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As people started to shelter in place, they turned their sights on hyper-local projects: house updates, landscaping and all those little chores that get put aside thanks to lack of time.
That held true for actors, too, who could no longer be on set because of social distancing. In March, “The Office” star John Krasinski showed up with an adorably low-budget production that started with a simple desire: To bring good news to people.
“Some Good News” instantly took off. Filmed in Krasinski’s living room with a sign designed by his kids, Krasinski shared user-suggested stories of goodness around the world.
“We would love to hear Some Good News and share it with the world,” the show’s description on YouTube reads.
His show was a much-needed breath of fresh air — the first episode has been viewed over 17 million times and the YouTube channel has 2.57 million subscribers.
With a total of eight episodes, though, the show is changing direction.
“Some Good News has always been … about YOU!” said the caption for the last episode, posted on May 17, 2020. “SGN wants to thank each and every one of you for being a part of this story.”
“For sending in your clips, weather reports, and art. For watching, laughing, crying, dancing, and celebrating with us. There IS always GOOD in the world! Now it’s time for everyone to continue to spread good news in their own ways. We’re taking a break for now, but there is more to come! Stay tuned.”
Some of that news is that the show has been sold. Whether or not that’s good news depends on who you ask.
“Could not be more excited and proud to be partnering with CBS/Viacom to be able to bring Some Good News to so many more people!” Krasinski said in a statement, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “From the first episode, our goal was to create a news show dedicated entirely to good news. Never did I expect to be joining the ranks of such a historic news organization as CBS.”
“Comedy Central Productions is excited to partner with John and bring his beloved Some Good News to audiences around the world through ViacomCBS’ family of brands,” Chris McCarthy, Entertainment & Youth Group president, said.
While Krasinski will no longer be the host, he will stay on as an executive producer and have “some sort of on-air presence.”
Apparently, he’s had plenty of offers to buy the show since he started it, and after a “massive bidding war,” it has a new owner in ViacomCBS.
Many viewers are concerned that the very qualities that make SGN a heartwarming show — the low budget, the homey setting and Krasinski’s upbeat and silly hosting — will be lost when produced on a larger level.
Saved the best for last! Episode 8 of @somegoodnews has to be my favorite because it celebrates the truth of what this show has always been. Never mine,always yours! There IS and ALWAYS WILL BE…good in the world! Thank you all! So long but not farewell! https://t.co/mEylhsDvic — John Krasinski (@johnkrasinski) May 18, 2020
Krasinski even appeared to be a little misty-eyed in his final sign-off, and posted on Twitter to encourage people with the last episode.
“Saved the best for last! Episode 8 of @somegoodnews has to be my favorite because it celebrates the truth of what this show has always been. Never mine, always yours!” he wrote.
“There IS and ALWAYS WILL BE … good in the world! Thank you all! So long but not farewell!”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-05-23--Clothing Company Now Offering Underwear with Dr. Fauci’s Name on It

For everyone who wants a relic of Dr. Anthony Fauci next to your skin and figures $ 22 a pop is a deal for a bikini bottom , a Los Angeles-based company has the answer .
You guessed it : Bikini underwear bearing the name of the man who has become America ’ s most well known infectious disease guru during the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ Anthony Fauci may be an unlikely sex symbol , ” Canava proclaims on its website , where interested shoppers can buy women ’ s black bikini underwear with the doctor ’ s name emblazoned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blue .
“ We are living in unlikely times , and we heard you loud and clear that you wanted to show their ‘ appreciation ’ with more than a thank you .
Viola Fauci bikinis , ” the website says .
The site says anyone wishing to proclaim their devotion to the doctor in this manner will also be helping a good cause .
TRENDING : Obama Portrait Will Never Hang in Trump 's WH , According to Reports “ The best part is that when you snag this limited edition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any NYC Limited Edition product purchased with an equal product donation to healthcare workers in the NYC area , we want them to be able to rest , recharge and relax when they get home , ” the product description reads .
The company also makes underwear for those who feel the need to act upon their devotion to either New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo or California Gov .
Gavin Newsom .
“ THIRSTY ?
We hear you , us too .
We have been so impressed with @ nygovcuomo since we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have created a limited edition NYC set of products that we ’ re making as a thank you to him and the wonderful healthcare heroes in our beloved NYC !
” the company said on its Instagram page in promoting its Cuomo-emblazoned undies .
“ When you put his name on your undies , we will be matching dollar for dollar any NYC Special Edition product purchased with an equal product donation to healthcare workers in the NYC area .
We want them to be able to rest , recharge , and relax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home , ” said the company , which calls itself a “ profit-for-purpose ” brand .
In hawking its Newsom line of briefs , the company told shoppers : “ Consider yourselves heard .
There are lots of you loving on Governor Gavin Newsom ( we understand you ) , so we rushed to make sure there ’ s a way to show your love.
” “ With these limited edition undies , you can represent while also giving back because we ’ re matching dollar for dollar any California Limited Edition product @ @ @ @ @ @ @ product donation to healthcare workers in the state , we want them to be able to rest , recharge , and relax when they get home , ” the site says .
Anyone wanting to take their worship of Fauci a couple of steps further can read “ Happy Endings , ” a 1991 romance novel that was inspired by Fauci .
“ I had not met him before .
I knew who he was , because he was the famous AIDS doctor , ” author Sally Quinn told CNN .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very intense conversation , and I just found him riveting , and unbelievably attractive , and charismatic .
I thought he was brilliant.
” “ I thought he was really sexy , ” she said .
“ He ’ s become this great sex symbol , and it was kind of like who knew ?
I just wrote it the way I saw it , and suddenly here 30 years later , it ’ s all coming true , except that he ’ s not having an affair with the first lady , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plot of her book .
For those with a different taste , Fauci doughnuts also exist , according to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle .
Donuts Delite in Rochester , New York , began making the doughnuts in March , and has shipped them all over the country ever since .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

For everyone who wants a relic of Dr. Anthony Fauci next to your skin and figures $22 a pop is a deal for a bikini bottom, a Los Angeles-based company has the answer.
You guessed it: Bikini underwear bearing the name of the man who has become America’s most well known infectious disease guru during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Anthony Fauci may be an unlikely sex symbol,” Canava proclaims on its website, where interested shoppers can buy women’s black bikini underwear with the doctor’s name emblazoned across the front in a shade of blue.
“We are living in unlikely times, and we heard you loud and clear that you wanted to show their ‘appreciation’ with more than a thank you. Viola Fauci bikinis,” the website says.
The site says anyone wishing to proclaim their devotion to the doctor in this manner will also be helping a good cause.
“The best part is that when you snag this limited edition, we will be matching dollar for dollar any NYC Limited Edition product purchased with an equal product donation to healthcare workers in the NYC area, we want them to be able to rest, recharge and relax when they get home,” the product description reads.
The company also makes underwear for those who feel the need to act upon their devotion to either New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo or California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
“THIRSTY? We hear you, us too. We have been so impressed with @nygovcuomo since we’ve been in lockdown. We have created a limited edition NYC set of products that we’re making as a thank you to him and the wonderful healthcare heroes in our beloved NYC!” the company said on its Instagram page in promoting its Cuomo-emblazoned undies.
“When you put his name on your undies, we will be matching dollar for dollar any NYC Special Edition product purchased with an equal product donation to healthcare workers in the NYC area. We want them to be able to rest, recharge, and relax as much as possible when they get home,” said the company, which calls itself a “profit-for-purpose” brand.
Do you think these products are in poor taste? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 93% (101 Votes) No: 7% (8 Votes)
In hawking its Newsom line of briefs, the company told shoppers: “Consider yourselves heard. There are lots of you loving on Governor Gavin Newsom (we understand you), so we rushed to make sure there’s a way to show your love.”
“With these limited edition undies, you can represent while also giving back because we’re matching dollar for dollar any California Limited Edition product purchased. We will be sending a product donation to healthcare workers in the state, we want them to be able to rest, recharge, and relax when they get home,” the site says.
Anyone wanting to take their worship of Fauci a couple of steps further can read “Happy Endings,” a 1991 romance novel that was inspired by Fauci.
“I had not met him before. I knew who he was, because he was the famous AIDS doctor,” author Sally Quinn told CNN. “We just sort of immediately got into a very intense conversation, and I just found him riveting, and unbelievably attractive, and charismatic. I thought he was brilliant.”
“I thought he was really sexy,” she said.
“He’s become this great sex symbol, and it was kind of like who knew? I just wrote it the way I saw it, and suddenly here 30 years later, it’s all coming true, except that he’s not having an affair with the first lady,” she said, referring to the plot of her book.
For those with a different taste, Fauci doughnuts also exist, according to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.
Donuts Delite in Rochester, New York, began making the doughnuts in March, and has shipped them all over the country ever since.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-05-23--Cali Backs Itself Into a Corner: Jail No Longer Threatening After State Springs High-Risk Inmates

Imagine , if you will , a state where a dread virus has caused officials to empty out jails .
Cash bail is waived if the crime isn ’ t serious .
If someone can be let out of prison without presenting a danger to the community , they will be .
Heck , even if they present a danger to the community , there ’ s a pretty good chance they ’ ll be spending the coronavirus pandemic sheltering in place .
At least we hope .
Imagine , too , if you will , a state where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being told to shelter in place .
They ’ re getting restive with their basic rights being abrogated .
They feel the state government is being heavy-handed .
TRENDING : Obama Portrait Will Never Hang in Trump 's WH , According to Reports So , they take to the streets and to the steps of the state capitol , in violation of the shelter-in-place order the government has put in place to keep everyone safe .
Tough times call for tough actions : It ’ s time to put them in jail .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ really do that .
After all , the state is saving its residents from behaving in a manner that ’ s unsafe and could end with them catching the novel coronavirus by … putting them in a place where they could catch the novel coronavirus .
And yet , that ’ s where the Golden State currently finds itself .
While Democratic Gov .
Gavin Newsom might not have imposed the most restrictive lockdown in the nation , the parameters seem a bit draconian when you consider the number of confirmed coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why we saw sights like this right outside the California State Capitol in Sacramento earlier this month : According to Sacramento ’ s KXTV , dozens were arrested and at least one person jailed during the May Day protests at the capitol .
“ We are staunch supporters of people ’ s First Amendment rights but we want them to do things safely , ” California Highway Patrol Assistant Chief Josh Ehlers said .
Which , absent violence , actually seems antithetical to what the First Amendment is all about , but OK. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Operation May Day ” protest , said opening the state up was about jobs and freedom .
“ Are we going to put all these people at risk of losing their livelihood , losing their homes , the stress and anxiety of destroying an economy for the possibility of a virus killing a few more people ?
” Schmidt said .
Down in Southern California , meanwhile , there were protests regarding the fact that beaches — a low-risk environment — were being closed : At a similar protest in Laguna Beach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police out enough that they banned flagpoles from future protests .
Well , at least the good news is that if California decides to start arresting people and throwing them in jail , there will be plenty of room .
The Golden State ’ s jails have been operating using the same methodology as a car dealership at the end of a model year : Everything must go .
Now , granted , in the midst of a global pandemic which tends to spread through prisons quickly , low-risk prisoners should be allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what California is doing , however .
On April 28 , California prosecutors warned that seven “ high risk ” registered sex offenders had been released in a period of just three weeks , including some who “ spent just days behind bars instead of the six months required by law for registered sex offenders who violate parole by removing or disabling GPS monitors , ” which each of the offenders was accused of doing .
One of the offenders , a sexual battery convict , was released twice within three weeks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These kinds of high-risk sex offenders are the most dangerous kind of criminal and the most likely to re-offend .
They are doing everything they can to avoid detection by the parole officers assigned to monitor them so they can potentially commit additional sex offenses .
These are not the kind of people who should be getting a break , ” Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a news release .
“ As a state legislator , I was the author and founder of the State of California Sex Offender Management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Law on the Internet , which allows the public to see where these sex offenders are so that they can protect themselves and their families , ” he added .
“ It is not the Court ’ s responsibility to control the jail population by releasing these dangerous criminals back into our communities .
The residents of Orange County deserve to have the peace of mind that registered sex offenders are being held accountable and not just let out the front door of a jail by a court commissioner who refuses to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Don Barnes , meanwhile , reported April 28 that authorities had reduced jail populations by 45 percent since March 7 , according to KTVU .
The new emphasis on emptying the cells has also meant that cash bail is , in many cases , a thing of the past .
In Glendora , California , Dijon Landrum was arrested three times in the same day — twice for alleged vehicle theft — without actually having to be bailed out .
And then there ’ s the case of Daniel Orozco .
On May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the wrong side of the highway in Salinas , California , allegedly under the influence of drugs .
The next day , he was released .
But not more than a quarter of an hour later , this happened : “ Not more than 10 minutes later Orozco forced a female out of her car in the parking lot of Natividad Medical Center .
The female refused to give up the keys to her car so Orozco began to strangle the female ’ s 11 year old child , ” the Salinas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The female gave her keys up and pulled her child out of the car before Orozco fled the scene.
” So , that brings up a Catch-22 .
If you want to control protesters , you ’ ve got to put the fear of jail into them .
However , how do you put the fear of jail into them when your state has let alleged car thieves , sexual deviants and men like Daniel Orozco out ?
Will peaceful protesters replace hardened criminals in jail , all in the name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Good work , California .
Have fun controlling those protests — and , for that matter , your criminal population .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Imagine, if you will, a state where a dread virus has caused officials to empty out jails.
Cash bail is waived if the crime isn’t serious. If someone can be let out of prison without presenting a danger to the community, they will be.
Heck, even if they present a danger to the community, there’s a pretty good chance they’ll be spending the coronavirus pandemic sheltering in place. At least we hope.
Imagine, too, if you will, a state where the citizenry is getting pretty fed up with being told to shelter in place.
They’re getting restive with their basic rights being abrogated. They feel the state government is being heavy-handed.
So, they take to the streets and to the steps of the state capitol, in violation of the shelter-in-place order the government has put in place to keep everyone safe.
Tough times call for tough actions: It’s time to put them in jail.
But wait! You can’t really do that. After all, the state is saving its residents from behaving in a manner that’s unsafe and could end with them catching the novel coronavirus by … putting them in a place where they could catch the novel coronavirus.
That’s quite the conundrum.
Should inmates be released to defend against COVID-19? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 1% (7 Votes) No: 99% (799 Votes)
And yet, that’s where the Golden State currently finds itself.
While Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom might not have imposed the most restrictive lockdown in the nation, the parameters seem a bit draconian when you consider the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state.
That’s why we saw sights like this right outside the California State Capitol in Sacramento earlier this month:
WATCH: ‘May Day’ protesters gathered at the California State Capitol earlier today. https://t.co/dmmQLSahAq pic.twitter.com/6ptvz1WAY6 — NBC 7 San Diego (@nbcsandiego) May 2, 2020
According to Sacramento’s KXTV, dozens were arrested and at least one person jailed during the May Day protests at the capitol.
“We are staunch supporters of people’s First Amendment rights but we want them to do things safely,” California Highway Patrol Assistant Chief Josh Ehlers said.
Which, absent violence, actually seems antithetical to what the First Amendment is all about, but OK.
Greg Schmidt, who helped organize the “Operation May Day” protest, said opening the state up was about jobs and freedom.
“Are we going to put all these people at risk of losing their livelihood, losing their homes, the stress and anxiety of destroying an economy for the possibility of a virus killing a few more people?” Schmidt said.
Down in Southern California, meanwhile, there were protests regarding the fact that beaches — a low-risk environment — were being closed:
WATCH: Large crowds gathered in Huntington Beach to protest the closure of Orange County beaches — which Gov. Gavin Newsom closed because of large crowds at area beaches. https://t.co/FuksIg1cmJ pic.twitter.com/QInDR5Dt80 — NBC 7 San Diego (@nbcsandiego) May 1, 2020
At a similar protest in Laguna Beach, the sight of flags apparently freaked police out enough that they banned flagpoles from future protests.
Well, at least the good news is that if California decides to start arresting people and throwing them in jail, there will be plenty of room.
The Golden State’s jails have been operating using the same methodology as a car dealership at the end of a model year: Everything must go.
Now, granted, in the midst of a global pandemic which tends to spread through prisons quickly, low-risk prisoners should be allowed out. That’s not just what California is doing, however.
On April 28, California prosecutors warned that seven “high risk” registered sex offenders had been released in a period of just three weeks, including some who “spent just days behind bars instead of the six months required by law for registered sex offenders who violate parole by removing or disabling GPS monitors,” which each of the offenders was accused of doing.
One of the offenders, a sexual battery convict, was released twice within three weeks, sentenced only to time served.
“These kinds of high-risk sex offenders are the most dangerous kind of criminal and the most likely to re-offend. They are doing everything they can to avoid detection by the parole officers assigned to monitor them so they can potentially commit additional sex offenses. These are not the kind of people who should be getting a break,” Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a news release.
“As a state legislator, I was the author and founder of the State of California Sex Offender Management Board and the author of Megan’s Law on the Internet, which allows the public to see where these sex offenders are so that they can protect themselves and their families,” he added.
“It is not the Court’s responsibility to control the jail population by releasing these dangerous criminals back into our communities. The residents of Orange County deserve to have the peace of mind that registered sex offenders are being held accountable and not just let out the front door of a jail by a court commissioner who refuses to follow the law.”
Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes, meanwhile, reported April 28 that authorities had reduced jail populations by 45 percent since March 7, according to KTVU.
The new emphasis on emptying the cells has also meant that cash bail is, in many cases, a thing of the past.
In Glendora, California, Dijon Landrum was arrested three times in the same day — twice for alleged vehicle theft — without actually having to be bailed out.
And then there’s the case of Daniel Orozco.
On May 12, he was arrested for driving on the wrong side of the highway in Salinas, California, allegedly under the influence of drugs. The next day, he was released.
But not more than a quarter of an hour later, this happened:
“Not more than 10 minutes later Orozco forced a female out of her car in the parking lot of Natividad Medical Center. The female refused to give up the keys to her car so Orozco began to strangle the female’s 11 year old child,” the Salinas Police Department posted on its Facebook page. “The female gave her keys up and pulled her child out of the car before Orozco fled the scene.”
He was quickly apprehended.
So, that brings up a Catch-22. If you want to control protesters, you’ve got to put the fear of jail into them.
However, how do you put the fear of jail into them when your state has let alleged car thieves, sexual deviants and men like Daniel Orozco out? Will peaceful protesters replace hardened criminals in jail, all in the name of preventing the spread of the coronavirus?
Good work, California. Have fun controlling those protests — and, for that matter, your criminal population.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-05-23--‘Those Are Coming’: Acting DNI Says Flynn Documents Will Be Declassified Soon

Richard Grenell , the acting director of national intelligence , said Friday he is working on declassifying transcripts of phone calls between former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and former Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak .
Grenell revealed his plans in an exchange on Twitter with Rep. Eric Swalwell regarding a request Friday from House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff for transcripts of the Flynn-Kislyak calls .
Schiff , a Democrat , requested the call transcripts as well as records related to 39 so-called “ unmasking ” requests that Obama administration officials made for intelligence reports that mentioned Flynn .
Grenell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it was released on May 13 .
TRENDING : Obama Portrait Will Never Hang in Trump 's WH , According to Reports “ It ’ s very important for the public to see ALL of them.
” He then took a swipe at the California Democrat , writing that “ for too long the public has been misled.
” “ Just compare your committee ’ s transcripts to your public statements !
” Grenell was referring to revelations in transcripts of Obama administration officials ’ testimony to the House Intelligence Committee in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which were released on May 7 , showed that the officials said they had not seen evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian government .
During that same time period , Schiff , Swalwell and other Democrats publicly claimed that the Trump campaign conspired with Russia .
Grenell said in another tweet that he is working to declassify the documents that are under the control of the intelligence community , or IC .
RELATED : Gowdy Reacts to Newly Released Susan Rice Email About Investigating Flynn : It 's 'Bizarre' “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the transcripts/summaries….it wasn ’ t our product .
It ’ s odd that @ AdamSchiff doesn ’ t know this , ” he tweeted .
“ But I already started the declassification for the few we received .
They should be released in full , though .
The public deserves to see it.
” The transcript sought by Schiff is from Flynn ’ s calls with Kislyak on Dec. 29 , 2016 .
The existence of the call was first revealed through a classified leak to Washington Post columnist David Ignatius for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The story set off a chain of events that let the FBI to interview Flynn at the White House on Jan. 24 , 2017 .
Flynn pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI during that interview regarding the substance of his conversation with Kislyak .
He retracted his admission of guilt on Jan. 29 , and the Justice Department filed a motion to drop the case on May 8 .
Lawmakers have long speculated that the Flynn leak was the result of a so-called unmasking request made by Obama administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama administration officials who submitted requests for intelligence reports regarding Flynn did not fit the timeline of the call with Kislyak .
It was revealed this week that Flynn ’ s name was never masked in an intelligence report about his calls with Kislyak .
That ’ s because the FBI was conducting surveillance on Kislyak , and had a transcript of his call with Flynn .
Two former U.S. intelligence officials told The Washington Post on Wednesday that Flynn ’ s name was never masked in a transcript of the call .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ process will be complete .
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Richard Grenell, the acting director of national intelligence, said Friday he is working on declassifying transcripts of phone calls between former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and former Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak.
Grenell revealed his plans in an exchange on Twitter with Rep. Eric Swalwell regarding a request Friday from House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff for transcripts of the Flynn-Kislyak calls.
Schiff, a Democrat, requested the call transcripts as well as records related to 39 so-called “unmasking” requests that Obama administration officials made for intelligence reports that mentioned Flynn.
Grenell declassified that list earlier this month, and it was released on May 13.
“Those are coming,” Grenell wrote to Swalwell.
“It’s very important for the public to see ALL of them.”
He then took a swipe at the California Democrat, writing that “for too long the public has been misled.”
“Just compare your committee’s transcripts to your public statements!”
Grenell was referring to revelations in transcripts of Obama administration officials’ testimony to the House Intelligence Committee in 2017 and 2018.
Do you want to see these documents declassified? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 97% (38 Votes) No: 3% (1 Votes)
The transcripts, which were released on May 7, showed that the officials said they had not seen evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian government.
During that same time period, Schiff, Swalwell and other Democrats publicly claimed that the Trump campaign conspired with Russia.
Those are coming. It’s very important for the public to see ALL of them. For too long the public has been misled. Just compare your committee’s transcripts to your public statements! #troubling https://t.co/gzyNJuQJDY — Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) May 22, 2020
Grenell said in another tweet that he is working to declassify the documents that are under the control of the intelligence community, or IC.
“The IC doesn’t have all the transcripts/summaries….it wasn’t our product. It’s odd that @AdamSchiff doesn’t know this,” he tweeted. “But I already started the declassification for the few we received. They should be released in full, though. The public deserves to see it.”
The transcript sought by Schiff is from Flynn’s calls with Kislyak on Dec. 29, 2016. The existence of the call was first revealed through a classified leak to Washington Post columnist David Ignatius for a column published on Jan. 12, 2017.
The story set off a chain of events that let the FBI to interview Flynn at the White House on Jan. 24, 2017.
Flynn pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI during that interview regarding the substance of his conversation with Kislyak.
He retracted his admission of guilt on Jan. 29, and the Justice Department filed a motion to drop the case on May 8.
Lawmakers have long speculated that the Flynn leak was the result of a so-called unmasking request made by Obama administration officials.
But a list of 39 Obama administration officials who submitted requests for intelligence reports regarding Flynn did not fit the timeline of the call with Kislyak.
It was revealed this week that Flynn’s name was never masked in an intelligence report about his calls with Kislyak. That’s because the FBI was conducting surveillance on Kislyak, and had a transcript of his call with Flynn.
Two former U.S. intelligence officials told The Washington Post on Wednesday that Flynn’s name was never masked in a transcript of the call.
Grenell did not say when the declassification process will be complete.
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 licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website.
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westernjournal--2020-05-23--Senate Dems Introduce Resolution Condemning Use of Term ‘Wuhan Virus’ as Racist

A number of Senate Democrats are siding with China as they seek to pass a resolution condemning the use of the term “ Wuhan virus ” when referring to the coronavirus .
The resolution states that “ the use of anti-Asian terminology and rhetoric related to COVID-19 , such as the ‘ Chinese Virus ’ , ‘ Wuhan Virus ’ , and ‘ Kung-flu ’ , have perpetuated anti-Asian stigma.
” The resolution claims there were more than 400 cases of anti-Asian discrimination related to COVID-19 between Feb. 9 and March 7 , and uses most of its text to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ term should be shunned , the resolution cites the World Health Organization as an authority in saying that “ naming COVID–19 by its geographic location or linking COVID–19 to a specific ethnicity perpetuates stigma.
” The resolution “ calls on all public officials to condemn and denounce anti-Asian sentiment in any form.
” TRENDING : Obama Portrait Will Never Hang in Trump 's WH , According to Reports Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris of California sponsored the resolution .
The bill has no Republican cosponsors .
Republican senators have taken a different stance toward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Missouri has introduced legislation that would allow Americans to sue the Chinese government , creating an exemption to the rule that Americans can not sue foreign governments , according to Fox News .
“ They suppressed the evidence .
They suppressed the doctors .
They jailed the doctors even .
And now we ’ re dealing with this terrible disease , ” Hawley said .
“ So the victims of this disease in our country ought to be able to go to our courts and sue the Chinese government to hold them accountable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , who along with President Donald Trump has used the term “ Wuhan virus ” to describe the disease , said this week the world ’ s eyes have been opened by China ’ s actions in the months since the coronavirus outbreak began .
“ The Chinese Communist Party ’ s response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan have accelerated our more realistic understanding of communist China .
The party chose to destroy live virus samples instead of sharing them or asking us to help secure them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefing Wednesday .
“ The Chinese Communist Party chose to threaten Australia with economic retribution for the simple act of asking for an independent inquiry into the origins of the virus .
It ’ s not right .
“ We stand with Australia and the more than 120 nations now who have taken up the American call for an inquiry into the origins of the virus , so we can understand what went wrong and save lives now , and in the future .
The Chinese Communist Party also chose to pressure the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excluding Taiwan from this week ’ s World Health Assembly in Geneva , ” Pompeo added .
“ Beijing continues to deny investigators access to relevant facilities , to withhold live virus samples , to censor discussion of the pandemic within China , and much , much more.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A number of Senate Democrats are siding with China as they seek to pass a resolution condemning the use of the term “Wuhan virus” when referring to the coronavirus.
The resolution states that “the use of anti-Asian terminology and rhetoric related to COVID-19, such as the ‘Chinese Virus’, ‘Wuhan Virus’, and ‘Kung-flu’, have perpetuated anti-Asian stigma.”
The resolution claims there were more than 400 cases of anti-Asian discrimination related to COVID-19 between Feb. 9 and March 7, and uses most of its text to denounce racism.
In explaining why the term should be shunned, the resolution cites the World Health Organization as an authority in saying that “naming COVID–19 by its geographic location or linking COVID–19 to a specific ethnicity perpetuates stigma.”
The resolution “calls on all public officials to condemn and denounce anti-Asian sentiment in any form.”
Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris of California sponsored the resolution. The bill has no Republican cosponsors.
Some pushed back on Twitter:
Dear Kamala Harris, we call it the #WuhanCoronaVirus because that’s where it started. Just like we call call you #HeelsUpHarris, because that’s where YOU started. Oh, and then, of course, there’s that pesky little ditty called the First Amendment. #Nitwit https://t.co/30J23Gc3vr — James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) May 21, 2020
I am an Asian American. I don’t have a problem calling this virus, Wuhan Virus. https://t.co/ELUhh9LcWI — Cheng Hsieh (@realChengHsieh) May 21, 2020
Republican senators have taken a different stance toward China.
Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri has introduced legislation that would allow Americans to sue the Chinese government, creating an exemption to the rule that Americans cannot sue foreign governments, according to Fox News.
“They suppressed the evidence. They suppressed the doctors. They jailed the doctors even. And now we’re dealing with this terrible disease,” Hawley said.
“So the victims of this disease in our country ought to be able to go to our courts and sue the Chinese government to hold them accountable and to get damages for it.”
Do you think the term "Wuhan virus" is racist? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 1% (12 Votes) No: 99% (1089 Votes)
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who along with President Donald Trump has used the term “Wuhan virus” to describe the disease, said this week the world’s eyes have been opened by China’s actions in the months since the coronavirus outbreak began.
“The Chinese Communist Party’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan have accelerated our more realistic understanding of communist China. The party chose to destroy live virus samples instead of sharing them or asking us to help secure them,” Pompeo said at a news briefing Wednesday.
“The Chinese Communist Party chose to threaten Australia with economic retribution for the simple act of asking for an independent inquiry into the origins of the virus. It’s not right.
“We stand with Australia and the more than 120 nations now who have taken up the American call for an inquiry into the origins of the virus, so we can understand what went wrong and save lives now, and in the future. The Chinese Communist Party also chose to pressure the World Health Organization’s director-general into excluding Taiwan from this week’s World Health Assembly in Geneva,” Pompeo added.
“Beijing continues to deny investigators access to relevant facilities, to withhold live virus samples, to censor discussion of the pandemic within China, and much, much more.”
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westernjournal--2020-05-23--Husband Dresses in Costumes To Embarrass His Wife During Her Zoom Meetings

With so many people working from home , life has looked a little different lately .
Fewer rush hours , more yard projects .
Less business attire , more walks around the neighborhood .
While some people are finding the isolation crazy-making , others are enjoying working from home .
When families are working from home , though , and sharing the same space to work in , there ’ s bound to be conflict .
For Cara Fields , that conflict ( or at least the one she shared publicly ! )
was good-natured , if distracting .
Cara @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from home , and the couple from Greenfield , Indiana , has made headlines lately because of a new hobby Matt has picked up .
TRENDING : Obama Portrait Will Never Hang in Trump 's WH , According to Reports “ My husband has a new quarantine hobby of Zoom bombing my conference calls , ” Cara posted on LinkedIn .
“ The colleagues I ’ m meeting with always see him before I do .
Never a dull moment in this household !
# zoombombing # quarantine.
” She included four photos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Waldo outfits .
For Matt , embarrassing Cara was nothing new .
“ He has always loved wearing ridiculous things in public to embarrass me , ” she told Bored Panda .
“ So when I converted our dining room into an office where my camera faced the dining room table , he saw a virtual opportunity to embarrass me during the pandemic.
” So he did .
At first , he just used what he could find around the house , but soon he got backup from some of his closest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Halloween costumes , ” Cara explained .
“ I ’ m told that more costumes are in transit !
” While some could see this as unprofessional or a waste of time , Cara ’ s coworkers are enjoying it .
And if you can ’ t show off your cat , your dog or your costumed husband , is it really a Zoom conference ?
“ My colleagues love this , ” Cara said .
“ It ’ s so strange to see a team of people laughing while you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is going on behind you.
” “ They almost always see him before I do , ” she added .
“ It has definitely helped people remember to stop and laugh during these times.
” The Fields ’ shenanigans made it to NBC ’ s “ Today ” show , and Cara made sure to post a clip of it on her Facebook page .
“ Here is the Today Show clip !
” she shared .
“ That ending commentary.
” Do you know someone who would pull this sort of prank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

With so many people working from home, life has looked a little different lately.
Fewer rush hours, more yard projects. Less business attire, more walks around the neighborhood.
While some people are finding the isolation crazy-making, others are enjoying working from home. When families are working from home, though, and sharing the same space to work in, there’s bound to be conflict.
For Cara Fields, that conflict (or at least the one she shared publicly!) was good-natured, if distracting.
Cara’s husband Matt is also working from home, and the couple from Greenfield, Indiana, has made headlines lately because of a new hobby Matt has picked up.
“My husband has a new quarantine hobby of Zoom bombing my conference calls,” Cara posted on LinkedIn. “The colleagues I’m meeting with always see him before I do. Never a dull moment in this household! #zoombombing #quarantine.”
She included four photos of his getups, which included Batman and Waldo outfits.
For Matt, embarrassing Cara was nothing new.
“He has always loved wearing ridiculous things in public to embarrass me,” she told Bored Panda. “So when I converted our dining room into an office where my camera faced the dining room table, he saw a virtual opportunity to embarrass me during the pandemic.”
So he did.
At first, he just used what he could find around the house, but soon he got backup from some of his closest fans.
“Friends started mailing him Halloween costumes,” Cara explained. “I’m told that more costumes are in transit!”
While some could see this as unprofessional or a waste of time, Cara’s coworkers are enjoying it. And if you can’t show off your cat, your dog or your costumed husband, is it really a Zoom conference?
“My colleagues love this,” Cara said. “It’s so strange to see a team of people laughing while you’re presenting, and then realizing something ridiculous is going on behind you.”
“They almost always see him before I do,” she added. “It has definitely helped people remember to stop and laugh during these times.”
The Fields’ shenanigans made it to NBC’s “Today” show, and Cara made sure to post a clip of it on her Facebook page.
“Here is the Today Show clip!” she shared. “That ending commentary.”
Do you know someone who would pull this sort of prank?
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westernjournal--2020-05-23--Never Forget That These States Banned Religious Gatherings but Kept the Liquor Flowing

I get it : There ’ s a utilitarian reason for keeping liquor stores open during a pandemic .
No , it ’ s not so you can buy a bottle of chardonnay to share with your wife while you hunker down and share your lockdown woes .
You ’ re not the concern .
Hardcore alcoholics — the ones who are dependent on the sauce — are .
If you aren ’ t familiar with the reasons behind this , let me explain .
People think that heroin withdrawal will kill you .
I ’ ve never experienced anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I ’ ve read enough articles on the phenomenon over the past few that I know it won ’ t .
I ’ m sure it ’ s soul-rending torture of the worst kind , but you won ’ t die and you probably won ’ t end up in intensive care .
Alcohol addiction , in its most serious form , will do all of those things .
Between seizures , hallucinations , a dangerously high heart rate and loss of consciousness , most people undergoing alcohol detox require a hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intensive care .
TRENDING : Obama Portrait Will Never Hang in Trump 's WH , According to Reports We didn ’ t think we would have the resources for that .
Hence , essential business .
So , yes , governors of a number of states kept liquor stores open in the middle of a pandemic to save lives while exposing more people to the coronavirus in an enclosed space .
Dubious , yes , but it could be understood .
What do you say , then , when the governors of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ danger of catching coronavirus is so great that the First Amendment must be abrogated to save the religious from ourselves ?
According to The Daily Caller , there were no less than nine states that were willing to keep the booze flowing but whose elected officials felt “ Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion , or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ” didn ’ t really , like , mean that .
As of April 27 , the states that had banned in-person church services but allowed liquor sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alaska , Washington , Idaho , Montana , Minnesota , Illinois , New York and Vermont .
Surprisingly , not all of them were blue states , although most of the usual suspects made the list .
The data were taken from the Pew Research Center ’ s list of states that have restrictions on church services .
Most of those states have begun reopening church services , albeit at a glacial pace .
As of early May , Alaska has come off of the list — although , according to KTOO-FM , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 people or fewer .
Washington state , meanwhile , began drive-in services on May 10 — an interesting concession , since while the novel coronavirus is indeed novel , I ’ ve yet to see evidence its novelty extends to the ability to pass between cars .
Did Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee just discover this ?
RELATED : Trump Issues Warning to Dem Governors Refusing To Allow Churches To Open Idaho has also allowed church services to resume , according to the Spokane Spokesman-Review , although churches must follow social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for most of the states on the list — they ’ ve started church services but limited them to groups small enough to make the right to meet in person utterly meaningless .
Meanwhile , want to get a merlot ?
Trust us — there aren ’ t as many restrictions .
Maybe if Christian services were to inform the state that wine is a part of communion , things would be different .
And this is just speaking of liquor stores , establishments that — aside from the fact that they stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t serve any essential purpose .
They ’ re certainly not protected in the Constitution , like places of worship are — which is problematic when you consider how quickly they were shut down by so many governments and how long those governments plan on keeping them shut down .
Saying that relatively unrestricted church gatherings could be over a year or more off , Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ( Democrat , natch ) said , “ I ’ m not the one providing that guidance .
It really is what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Imagine that being used for any other part of the Bill of Rights : “ Your right to privacy will probably have to go for a year or more .
I ’ m not the one providing that guidance .
It really is what the scientists and epidemiologists are recommending.
” A rejoinder to this , thankfully , exists in a ruling from U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove in a suit brought by a Kentucky church that took issue with the restrictions placed on the state ’ s religious congregations by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We are a relatively young nation .
But our Constitution is the oldest in the world .
We describe it as enduring — a value that must be protected not only when it is easy but when it is hard , ” he wrote in a ruling earlier this month , according to WBKO-TV .
The church involved in the lawsuit , Tatenhove continued “ wants to gather for corporate worship .
They want to freely exercise their deeply held religious belief about what it means to be a faithful Christian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential ’ that they do so .
And they want to invoke the Constitution ’ s protection on this point .
“ But the governor , by executive order , has put a stop to that .
He can do that , but he must have a compelling reason for using his authority to limit a citizen ’ s right to freely exercise something we value greatly — the right of every American to follow their conscience on matters related to religion … despite an honest motive , it does not appear at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We would agree .
At the very least , churches are as essential as liquor stores .
In this pandemic , spiritual succor is just as important as maintaining addiction .
Unlike the latter , too , it ’ s also protected by the Constitution .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

I get it: There’s a utilitarian reason for keeping liquor stores open during a pandemic.
No, it’s not so you can buy a bottle of chardonnay to share with your wife while you hunker down and share your lockdown woes. You’re not the concern. Hardcore alcoholics — the ones who are dependent on the sauce — are.
If you aren’t familiar with the reasons behind this, let me explain.
People think that heroin withdrawal will kill you. I’ve never experienced anything of the sort, thank God, but I’ve read enough articles on the phenomenon over the past few that I know it won’t. I’m sure it’s soul-rending torture of the worst kind, but you won’t die and you probably won’t end up in intensive care.
Alcohol addiction, in its most serious form, will do all of those things. Between seizures, hallucinations, a dangerously high heart rate and loss of consciousness, most people undergoing alcohol detox require a hospital bed — if not a spot in intensive care.
We didn’t think we would have the resources for that. Hence, essential business.
So, yes, governors of a number of states kept liquor stores open in the middle of a pandemic to save lives while exposing more people to the coronavirus in an enclosed space. Dubious, yes, but it could be understood.
What do you say, then, when the governors of those selfsame states turn around and insist the danger of catching coronavirus is so great that the First Amendment must be abrogated to save the religious from ourselves?
According to The Daily Caller, there were no less than nine states that were willing to keep the booze flowing but whose elected officials felt “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” didn’t really, like, mean that.
Are in-person religious gatherings protected under the First Amendment? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (1223 Votes) No: 1% (10 Votes)
As of April 27, the states that had banned in-person church services but allowed liquor sales to take place unimpeded were California, Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Minnesota, Illinois, New York and Vermont.
Surprisingly, not all of them were blue states, although most of the usual suspects made the list.
The data were taken from the Pew Research Center’s list of states that have restrictions on church services. Most of those states have begun reopening church services, albeit at a glacial pace.
As of early May, Alaska has come off of the list — although, according to KTOO-FM, it has restricted in-person religious gatherings to 20 people or fewer.
Washington state, meanwhile, began drive-in services on May 10 — an interesting concession, since while the novel coronavirus is indeed novel, I’ve yet to see evidence its novelty extends to the ability to pass between cars. Did Washington Gov. Jay Inslee just discover this?
Idaho has also allowed church services to resume, according to the Spokane Spokesman-Review, although churches must follow social distancing guidelines.
The same can be said for most of the states on the list — they’ve started church services but limited them to groups small enough to make the right to meet in person utterly meaningless.
Meanwhile, want to get a merlot? Trust us — there aren’t as many restrictions. Maybe if Christian services were to inform the state that wine is a part of communion, things would be different.
And this is just speaking of liquor stores, establishments that — aside from the fact that they stop alcoholics from going into DTs — don’t serve any essential purpose. They’re certainly not protected in the Constitution, like places of worship are — which is problematic when you consider how quickly they were shut down by so many governments and how long those governments plan on keeping them shut down.
Saying that relatively unrestricted church gatherings could be over a year or more off, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (Democrat, natch) said, “I’m not the one providing that guidance. It really is what the scientists and epidemiologists are recommending.”
Imagine that being used for any other part of the Bill of Rights: “Your right to privacy will probably have to go for a year or more. I’m not the one providing that guidance. It really is what the scientists and epidemiologists are recommending.”
A rejoinder to this, thankfully, exists in a ruling from U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove in a suit brought by a Kentucky church that took issue with the restrictions placed on the state’s religious congregations by newly inaugurated Democrat Gov. Andy Beshear.
“We are a relatively young nation. But our Constitution is the oldest in the world. We describe it as enduring — a value that must be protected not only when it is easy but when it is hard,” he wrote in a ruling earlier this month, according to WBKO-TV.
The church involved in the lawsuit, Tatenhove continued “wants to gather for corporate worship. They want to freely exercise their deeply held religious belief about what it means to be a faithful Christian. For them, it is ‘essential’ that they do so. And they want to invoke the Constitution’s protection on this point.
“But the governor, by executive order, has put a stop to that. He can do that, but he must have a compelling reason for using his authority to limit a citizen’s right to freely exercise something we value greatly — the right of every American to follow their conscience on matters related to religion … despite an honest motive, it does not appear at this preliminary stage that reason exists.”
We would agree. At the very least, churches are as essential as liquor stores. In this pandemic, spiritual succor is just as important as maintaining addiction. Unlike the latter, too, it’s also protected by the Constitution.
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westernjournal--2020-05-23--Police: Shoplifting Suspects Caught on Video Wearing Watermelon Disguises

Two suspects in a convenience store larceny took the concept of identity protection to a whole new level earlier this month .
According to a since-deleted post on the Louisa Police Department ’ s Facebook page , which used the words “ MELON-HEADS ” to describe the case , two individuals walked into the Sheetz convenience store in Louisa , Virginia , on May 6 .
That they committed a larceny was unusual , but what really made the pair stand out was their appearance .
“ On May 6 , 2020 , at 2135 hours , two subjects arrived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black Toyota Tacoma wearing hollowed-out watermelon rinds with holes cut out for the eyes into the store where they proceeded to commit a larceny , ” the department posted .
The department posted pictures of the truck and the two suspects with hollowed-out watermelons on their heads .
TRENDING : Obama Portrait Will Never Hang in Trump 's WH , According to Reports The department later said that an arrest had been made .
Justin M. Rogers , 20 years old when the crime was committed , “ was charged with wearing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underage possession of alcohol , and petit larceny of alcohol , ” WRIC reported .
According to The Daily Progress , only one of the two suspects was arrested .
Sheetz customer Barry Welch said the photos of the suspects with watermelons on their heads were different , but told WRIC , “ it wasn ’ t super shocking being out here in Louisa , we ’ ve always had some crazy new stories going around .
I definitely give them some points for ingenuity.
” Welch said he was surprised at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arrest Made in Death of Ahmaud Arbery “ Well I was like at a time like this you could ’ ve worn any kind of mask , but to come up with a watermelon , ” he said .
“ I think it ’ s ridiculous .
Innovative but ridiculous .
The amount of work that you have to do to actually hollow-out a watermelon to stick it on your head , I think , is kind of crazy , ” Candice Wendt said .
“ Why ?
Why would they do that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Louisa is located about 53 miles northwest of Richmond .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Two suspects in a convenience store larceny took the concept of identity protection to a whole new level earlier this month.
According to a since-deleted post on the Louisa Police Department’s Facebook page, which used the words “MELON-HEADS” to describe the case, two individuals walked into the Sheetz convenience store in Louisa, Virginia, on May 6.
That they committed a larceny was unusual, but what really made the pair stand out was their appearance.
“On May 6, 2020, at 2135 hours, two subjects arrived at the Sheetz in a LIFTED 2006 Black Toyota Tacoma wearing hollowed-out watermelon rinds with holes cut out for the eyes into the store where they proceeded to commit a larceny,” the department posted.
The department posted pictures of the truck and the two suspects with hollowed-out watermelons on their heads.
The #Louisa County Police Department made an arrest in a case where two people stole from the Sheetz in the Town of Louisa with hollowed-out melon heads on May 6. @CBS19News pic.twitter.com/3rtiyYh5P4 — Desiree Montilla (@desireecbs19) May 16, 2020
We’ve learned the “melon-heads” who decided to wear carved-out watermelons over their heads– stole alcohol from a Sheetz in Louisa. One person has been arrested–details on @8NEWS at 6. pic.twitter.com/GPBZlnniMf — Talya Cunningham (@Talya8news) May 17, 2020
Is this the oddest disguise you've ever seen a criminal wear? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 81% (13 Votes) No: 19% (3 Votes)
The department later said that an arrest had been made.
Justin M. Rogers, 20 years old when the crime was committed, “was charged with wearing a mask in public while committing larceny, underage possession of alcohol, and petit larceny of alcohol,” WRIC reported.
According to The Daily Progress, only one of the two suspects was arrested.
Sheetz customer Barry Welch said the photos of the suspects with watermelons on their heads were different, but told WRIC, “it wasn’t super shocking being out here in Louisa, we’ve always had some crazy new stories going around. I definitely give them some points for ingenuity.”
Welch said he was surprised at the choice of masks.
“Well I was like at a time like this you could’ve worn any kind of mask, but to come up with a watermelon,” he said.
Another customer ridiculed the choice.
“I think it’s ridiculous. Innovative but ridiculous. The amount of work that you have to do to actually hollow-out a watermelon to stick it on your head, I think, is kind of crazy,” Candice Wendt said.
“Why? Why would they do that? It’s so stupid.”
Louisa is located about 53 miles northwest of Richmond.
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westernjournal--2020-05-23--Taxpayer-Funded PBS Stations Partner with Foreign Agent, Air Film Praising China President Xi Jinpin

Taxpayer-Funded PBS Stations Partner with Foreign Agent, Air Film Praising China President Xi Jinping

Federally funded PBS affiliates are airing a pro-China documentary produced in conjunction with a media company controlled by the Chinese-government , according to a recent report .
According to a report from the Daily Caller News Foundation , the film “ Voices from the Frontline : China ’ s War on Poverty ” praises Chinese President Xi Jinping ’ s initiative to alleviate poverty in China .
“ In the last forty years , China ’ s economic development has lifted more than 700 million people out of poverty , ” the script for the film reads .
“ To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his most important task.
” Media company CGTN is registered as a foreign agent with the Justice Department , but the film reportedly did not disclose its links to the Chinese government .
TRENDING : Obama Portrait Will Never Hang in Trump 's WH , According to Reports Film producer Robert Lawrence Kuhn also has ties to Chinese officials and the State Council Information Office , neither of which were disclosed by the film .
“ To truly understand China , one has to recognize their genuine commitment to eradicating poverty , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media outlet , about the film last year .
“ Today , in the Western world , especially in the United States , there is concern about China ’ s actions and suspicion of China ’ s motives .
But one of the things I wanted this film to do was to undermine the stereotype of China as a ruthless giant out to dominate the world .
It ’ s just not the case.
” PBS affiliate KOCE , also known as PBS SoCal , helped produce the film and aired it on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either already aired the documentary or plan to do so this month .
The airing of the film will most likely add to Republican calls for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting , which provides federal funds to PBS and NPR , to be defunded , Fox News reported .
For the fourth year in a row , President Donald Trump ’ s proposed 2021 fiscal year budget tried to reduce the amount of money allocated for public media , this time to just $ 30 million , according to Deadline .
Previous attempts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress .
Although PBS is funded through a mix of government grants , corporate sponsorships and private donations , the organization says that federal funding is crucial for operation , according to the DCNF .
“ There is no viable replacement for federal funding — which amounts to $ 1.35 per citizen per year , ” PBS SoCal wrote on its website .
RELATED : Left Implodes When Trump Uses Biden 's Own Line Against Him in Brilliant New Campaign Initiative “ The loss of federal funding would make it difficult for local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them to close , which would result in a collapse of the PBS system .
Loss of federal funding would also have a devastating effect on PBS ’ s ability to produce the quality content our viewers love.
” The airing of the Chinese documentary also comes as there is growing scrutiny across the globe about China ’ s involvement in the coronavirus pandemic .
China has been accused of releasing false statistics and failing to provide accurate information about the outbreak .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standards .

Federally funded PBS affiliates are airing a pro-China documentary produced in conjunction with a media company controlled by the Chinese-government, according to a recent report.
According to a report from the Daily Caller News Foundation, the film “Voices from the Frontline: China’s War on Poverty” praises Chinese President Xi Jinping’s initiative to alleviate poverty in China.
“In the last forty years, China’s economic development has lifted more than 700 million people out of poverty,” the script for the film reads.
“To President Xi Jinping, ending poverty is his most important task.”
Media company CGTN is registered as a foreign agent with the Justice Department, but the film reportedly did not disclose its links to the Chinese government.
Film producer Robert Lawrence Kuhn also has ties to Chinese officials and the State Council Information Office, neither of which were disclosed by the film.
“To truly understand China, one has to recognize their genuine commitment to eradicating poverty,” Kuhn told China Daily, a government-controlled media outlet, about the film last year.
“Today, in the Western world, especially in the United States, there is concern about China’s actions and suspicion of China’s motives. But one of the things I wanted this film to do was to undermine the stereotype of China as a ruthless giant out to dominate the world. It’s just not the case.”
PBS affiliate KOCE, also known as PBS SoCal, helped produce the film and aired it on last week. Other PBS affiliates have either already aired the documentary or plan to do so this month.
Do you think PBS should be defunded by the federal government? Yes No
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The airing of the film will most likely add to Republican calls for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides federal funds to PBS and NPR, to be defunded, Fox News reported.
For the fourth year in a row, President Donald Trump’s proposed 2021 fiscal year budget tried to reduce the amount of money allocated for public media, this time to just $30 million, according to Deadline.
Previous attempts to slash funding have been stopped by Congress.
Although PBS is funded through a mix of government grants, corporate sponsorships and private donations, the organization says that federal funding is crucial for operation, according to the DCNF.
“There is no viable replacement for federal funding — which amounts to $1.35 per citizen per year,” PBS SoCal wrote on its website.
“The loss of federal funding would make it difficult for local stations to operate and would cause many of them to close, which would result in a collapse of the PBS system. Loss of federal funding would also have a devastating effect on PBS’s ability to produce the quality content our viewers love.”
The airing of the Chinese documentary also comes as there is growing scrutiny across the globe about China’s involvement in the coronavirus pandemic.
China has been accused of releasing false statistics and failing to provide accurate information about the outbreak.
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westernjournal--2020-05-23--The Latest Shutdown Victims: Trade School Students

Like students across the U.S. , Christa Schall was working toward graduation when the coronavirus closed her school .
But unlike many , she can ’ t finish her classes online — her cosmetology program , like the coursework at many technical and trade schools , requires hands-on training .
Schall needs to cut , paint and style hair at the Aveda Institute in Ohio to graduate and get her license to practice , but weeks of closures have put her behind .
Her last client , a woman who got her highlights retouched every two weeks , panicked when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her mid-March appointment .
Schall had her own moment of panic , realizing her life would be on hold .
Now , instead of graduating in September , she must wait until spring .
Traditional students “ can take that learning anywhere .
For us , we have to do it a certain way , ” she said .
TRENDING : Obama Portrait Will Never Hang in Trump 's WH , According to Reports For Schall and other students at technical and trade colleges , the coronavirus is disrupting their education in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traditional college students .
Learning how to stick a needle in someone ’ s vein or mix just the right amount of hair color for the perfect shade doesn ’ t translate well to Zoom meetings .
Those specialized skills , known as career and technical education , require hands-on learning .
About 8.4 million students are seeking postsecondary certificates and associate degrees in career and technical education fields , according to the Association for Career and Technical Education .
Many are black or Hispanic and come from low-income households , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Workforce analysis .
For many , technical careers are a path out of poverty .
Roughly 30 million American jobs that pay a median income of $ 55,000 require less education than a bachelor ’ s degree , the ACTE reports .
Across the country , teachers and students in technical training classes have had to adapt to class closures rapidly and creatively .
Butler Tech , which teaches Ohio high school and post-secondary students subjects ranging from police academy to welding , has started slowly reopening campus after being closed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit , it had to transition to online learning quickly .
Jon Graft , the school ’ s superintendent and CEO , said Butler has learned some valuable lessons about having to teach in a completely different way .
“ There will be a new normal for us because of the lessons we ’ ve learned being forced upon being online and virtual learning , ” Graft said .
In Linda Romano ’ s New York high school nursing aide class , students at home used frying pans to learn how to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used a doll she found in her daughter ’ s old bedroom to demonstrate how to perform a bed bath .
“ I think they ’ re getting a better education because they ’ re really , really thinking about this skill and the aspects that go along with it , ” Romano said .
As part of his agriculture courses at a high school near Columbus , Missouri , Scott Stone leads a greenhouse class each year where students grow and tend plants on site .
Stone , a teacher for 23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students were sent home in March .
Because the students can ’ t access the greenhouse , they are taking care of plants at home .
Stone talks with them about their weekly development , asking them to describe what the plants smell and feel like .
“ It ’ s like being a first-year teacher all over again , ” Stone said .
The stakes are higher for post-secondary students like Tara Ferguson , who is studying to become a phlebotomist at Atlanta Technical College .
Ferguson was heading into a hands-on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close and shift to online learning .
But , as anyone who has had blood drawn would likely agree , the intricacies of feeling for a vein and poking it with a needle “ just can ’ t be done online , ” Ferguson said .
For Ferguson , a pharmacy technician and single mom of a 13-year-old daughter , becoming a phlebotomist would be a bump in pay and more stability .
She was supposed to start the clinical side of her education , when students train at a local medical facility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients , on May 18 .
But as the date approached and uncertain whether the class would go forward , she decided to drop it .
So instead of completing her studies in August , getting her certification and going into the workforce , she hopes she can finish by early next year .
“ This will put it way back .
I don ’ t even know how long , ” she said .
“ When do I get to move on to that next step ?
” The Associated Press contributed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Like students across the U.S., Christa Schall was working toward graduation when the coronavirus closed her school. But unlike many, she can’t finish her classes online — her cosmetology program, like the coursework at many technical and trade schools, requires hands-on training.
Schall needs to cut, paint and style hair at the Aveda Institute in Ohio to graduate and get her license to practice, but weeks of closures have put her behind.
Her last client, a woman who got her highlights retouched every two weeks, panicked when she learned the salon was closing after her mid-March appointment.
Schall had her own moment of panic, realizing her life would be on hold. Now, instead of graduating in September, she must wait until spring.
Traditional students “can take that learning anywhere. For us, we have to do it a certain way,” she said.
For Schall and other students at technical and trade colleges, the coronavirus is disrupting their education in a very different way than that of more traditional college students.
Learning how to stick a needle in someone’s vein or mix just the right amount of hair color for the perfect shade doesn’t translate well to Zoom meetings. Those specialized skills, known as career and technical education, require hands-on learning.
About 8.4 million students are seeking postsecondary certificates and associate degrees in career and technical education fields, according to the Association for Career and Technical Education.
Many are black or Hispanic and come from low-income households, according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis.
Do you think it's time to end the shutdowns across the country? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (11 Votes) No: 0% (0 Votes)
For many, technical careers are a path out of poverty. Roughly 30 million American jobs that pay a median income of $55,000 require less education than a bachelor’s degree, the ACTE reports.
Across the country, teachers and students in technical training classes have had to adapt to class closures rapidly and creatively.
Butler Tech, which teaches Ohio high school and post-secondary students subjects ranging from police academy to welding, has started slowly reopening campus after being closed for several weeks.
When the pandemic first hit, it had to transition to online learning quickly. Jon Graft, the school’s superintendent and CEO, said Butler has learned some valuable lessons about having to teach in a completely different way.
“There will be a new normal for us because of the lessons we’ve learned being forced upon being online and virtual learning,” Graft said.
In Linda Romano’s New York high school nursing aide class, students at home used frying pans to learn how to use a bedpan on a patient. Romano used a doll she found in her daughter’s old bedroom to demonstrate how to perform a bed bath.
“I think they’re getting a better education because they’re really, really thinking about this skill and the aspects that go along with it,” Romano said.
As part of his agriculture courses at a high school near Columbus, Missouri, Scott Stone leads a greenhouse class each year where students grow and tend plants on site. Stone, a teacher for 23 years, had never taught online when students were sent home in March.
Because the students can’t access the greenhouse, they are taking care of plants at home. Stone talks with them about their weekly development, asking them to describe what the plants smell and feel like.
“It’s like being a first-year teacher all over again,” Stone said.
The stakes are higher for post-secondary students like Tara Ferguson, who is studying to become a phlebotomist at Atlanta Technical College. Ferguson was heading into a hands-on area of instruction when schools began to close and shift to online learning.
But, as anyone who has had blood drawn would likely agree, the intricacies of feeling for a vein and poking it with a needle “just can’t be done online,” Ferguson said.
For Ferguson, a pharmacy technician and single mom of a 13-year-old daughter, becoming a phlebotomist would be a bump in pay and more stability.
She was supposed to start the clinical side of her education, when students train at a local medical facility to draw blood from various types of patients, on May 18.
But as the date approached and uncertain whether the class would go forward, she decided to drop it. So instead of completing her studies in August, getting her certification and going into the workforce, she hopes she can finish by early next year.
“This will put it way back. I don’t even know how long,” she said. “When do I get to move on to that next step?”
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-05-24--Mail-in Elections Off to a Rocky Start: ‘Where Is the Democracy in This?

Officials in South Carolina and New Jersey are battling problems with voting by mail at a time when Democrats across the nation are pushing for an increase in the practice .
President Donald Trump has pushed back against states that are trying to implement systems where all voters get ballots by mail .
“ The United States can not have all Mail In Ballots .
It will be the greatest Rigged Election in history .
People grab them from mailboxes , print thousands of forgeries and ‘ force ’ people to sign .
Also , forge names .
Some absentee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use Covid for this Scam !
” Trump wrote in a Twitter post on Sunday .
According to WNBC , Paterson , New Jersey , was a hot spot of allegations of corruption after residents claimed that they never voted in this month ’ s local elections , despite records showing they mailed in a ballot .
“ We did not receive vote by mail ballots and thus we did not vote , ” voter Ramona Javier told the station .
” This is corruption .
This is fraud , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who voted , including her name , according to WNBC .
She said she has eight relatives and neighbors who are listed as voting who say they never received ballots .
City Councilman Luis Velez told WNBC there are more cases like Javier ’ s .
“ Where is the democracy in this ?
Where is the fair process ?
” Velez said , demanding that the FBI and state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal take action .
“ FBI and Attorney General – you went to school just because you want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law , ” Velez said .
“ Lock them up .
Show them that we have law here and that no one can be above the law.
” In addition to the allegations from Velez and Javier , postal workers reported finding bundled ballots , 800 of which were thrown out by the Passaic County Board of Elections , WNBC reported .
Frank Filippelli , an unsuccessful city council candidate , called the election “ an embarrassment , ” according to NorthJersey.com .
RELATED : Trump : ' I Have a Chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city ’ s residents don ’ t trust the electoral system , if they think it ’ s rigged , they are not going to want to vote and they not going to trust the people who are declared winners , ” Filippelli said .
“ If we have candidates who are willing to steal votes to get elected ; what are they willing to do when they get in office ?
” South Carolina was experiencing a different issue with its absentee ballots .
Some ballots from Charleston County ended up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Courier .
Voting is already underway for the June 9 primary elections .
South Carolina Election Commission spokesman Chris Whitmire pointed the finger at the printing company , SeaChange .
“ We ’ re not getting a warm and fuzzy feeling that they can handle this , ” Whitmire told the Post and Courier .
“ We are actively seeking sustainable solutions.
” The mess comes after some residents in Greenville County received the wrong absentee ballots when the Democratic presidential primary and a special election for sheriff were conducted 10 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could loom large in South Carolina , because Whitmire said it has 20 percent more absentee ballots than in 2018 .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Officials in South Carolina and New Jersey are battling problems with voting by mail at a time when Democrats across the nation are pushing for an increase in the practice.
President Donald Trump has pushed back against states that are trying to implement systems where all voters get ballots by mail.
“The United States cannot have all Mail In Ballots. It will be the greatest Rigged Election in history. People grab them from mailboxes, print thousands of forgeries and ‘force’ people to sign. Also, forge names. Some absentee OK, when necessary. Trying to use Covid for this Scam!” Trump wrote in a Twitter post on Sunday.
The United States cannot have all Mail In Ballots. It will be the greatest Rigged Election in history. People grab them from mailboxes, print thousands of forgeries and “force” people to sign. Also, forge names. Some absentee OK, when necessary. Trying to use Covid for this Scam! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 24, 2020
According to WNBC, Paterson, New Jersey, was a hot spot of allegations of corruption after residents claimed that they never voted in this month’s local elections, despite records showing they mailed in a ballot.
“We did not receive vote by mail ballots and thus we did not vote,” voter Ramona Javier told the station.
”This is corruption. This is fraud,” she said when shown a list of names of people who voted, including her name, according to WNBC.
She said she has eight relatives and neighbors who are listed as voting who say they never received ballots.
Do you oppose making all voting by mail this year? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 98% (1234 Votes) No: 2% (19 Votes)
City Councilman Luis Velez told WNBC there are more cases like Javier’s.
“Where is the democracy in this? Where is the fair process?” Velez said, demanding that the FBI and state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal take action.
“FBI and Attorney General – you went to school just because you want to be a law enforcer? Then enforce the law,” Velez said. “Lock them up. Show them that we have law here and that no one can be above the law.”
In addition to the allegations from Velez and Javier, postal workers reported finding bundled ballots, 800 of which were thrown out by the Passaic County Board of Elections, WNBC reported.
Frank Filippelli, an unsuccessful city council candidate, called the election “an embarrassment,” according to NorthJersey.com.
“If the city’s residents don’t trust the electoral system, if they think it’s rigged, they are not going to want to vote and they not going to trust the people who are declared winners,” Filippelli said. “If we have candidates who are willing to steal votes to get elected; what are they willing to do when they get in office?”
South Carolina was experiencing a different issue with its absentee ballots. Some ballots from Charleston County ended up in Maryland, according to the Post and Courier. Voting is already underway for the June 9 primary elections.
South Carolina Election Commission spokesman Chris Whitmire pointed the finger at the printing company, SeaChange.
“We’re not getting a warm and fuzzy feeling that they can handle this,” Whitmire told the Post and Courier. “We are actively seeking sustainable solutions.”
The mess comes after some residents in Greenville County received the wrong absentee ballots when the Democratic presidential primary and a special election for sheriff were conducted 10 days apart.
The issue of absentee ballots could loom large in South Carolina, because Whitmire said it has 20 percent more absentee ballots than in 2018.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.