westernjournal--2020-12-25--Report: Bloodthirsty Jihadists Cover Christian in Gasoline, Try To Burn Him Three Times Until Miracl

Report: Bloodthirsty Jihadists Cover Christian in Gasoline, Try To Burn Him Three Times Until Miracle Happens

In a stunning testament to the power of miracles , an Iraqi Christian said he was set on fire three times by Islamic State group jihadists only to escape unscathed from the brutal murder attempts .
The unidentified Yazidi man said he was imprisoned by the terrorists for two months and tortured after they learned he was a Christian , according to “ Hearts and Hands : Iraq , ” a 2019 documentary made by Christian activist Sean Feucht and Bethel Music , a Christian music label .
Three times , the jihadists tried to burn him alive , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said his captors stoned him and drenched him in 20 gallons of gasoline .
Amazingly , the man said he survived each incident without suffering any burns — a blessing he attributed to Jesus .
“ They burned me , but I didn ’ t burn , ” he said in the film .
The persecuted Christian said Jesus appeared twice in his dreams and spoke to him .
Feucht does missionary work around the world to help persecuted Christians who live in places “ where Christianity once flourished but is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News .
He made his documentary to chronicle the persecution that Christians suffer overseas .
“ The Yazidis … were really targeted by ISIS for genocide , ” he told Fox .
“ They were raped .
They were beaten .
They were executed.
” “ ISIS didn ’ t even want to imprison them , they just wanted to kill them , wipe them off the map.
” Feucht said speaking to survivors like the Yazidi man who recounted surviving multiple burning attempts underscores that miracles do happen — even during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I feel like we ’ re really called to the most persecuted , closed , dark , marginalized places , ” Feucht said , noting that he has traveled to “ some of the topmost closed countries and places where it ’ s illegal to be a Christian.
” While many people would become demoralized when encountering such heart-wrenching tales of human suffering , Feucht said they inspire him to do more to spread the word of God .
“ That ’ s the essence of the gospel to go into places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go , ” he said .
High-profile Christians such as Vice President Mike Pence and actor Jim Caviezel have sounded the alarm on the escalating anti-Christian attacks around the world .
“ Barbaric Christian persecution is something that still goes on today , ” Caviezel has said .
Pence , for his part , warned graduating seniors at Liberty University in 2019 that they may be attacked and mocked for their Christian beliefs after they leave the campus of their Christian college .
Pence indicated the attacks would come from the mainstream media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the secular left.
” However , the vice president urged Christian students to remain steadfast and not cave to godless heathens .
“ Some of the loudest voices for tolerance today have little tolerance for traditional Christian beliefs , ” Pence said .
“ So as you go about your daily life , just be ready.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

In a stunning testament to the power of miracles, an Iraqi Christian said he was set on fire three times by Islamic State group jihadists only to escape unscathed from the brutal murder attempts.
The unidentified Yazidi man said he was imprisoned by the terrorists for two months and tortured after they learned he was a Christian, according to “Hearts and Hands: Iraq,” a 2019 documentary made by Christian activist Sean Feucht and Bethel Music, a Christian music label.
Three times, the jihadists tried to burn him alive, the man said. At one point, he said his captors stoned him and drenched him in 20 gallons of gasoline.
Amazingly, the man said he survived each incident without suffering any burns — a blessing he attributed to Jesus.
“They burned me, but I didn’t burn,” he said in the film.
The persecuted Christian said Jesus appeared twice in his dreams and spoke to him.
Feucht does missionary work around the world to help persecuted Christians who live in places “where Christianity once flourished but is now near extinction,” according to Fox News.
He made his documentary to chronicle the persecution that Christians suffer overseas.
Do you think American Christians are doing enough to help our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world? 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: 8% (269 Votes) No: 92% (2905 Votes)
“The Yazidis … were really targeted by ISIS for genocide,” he told Fox. “They were raped. They were beaten. They were executed.”
“ISIS didn’t even want to imprison them, they just wanted to kill them, wipe them off the map.”
Feucht said speaking to survivors like the Yazidi man who recounted surviving multiple burning attempts underscores that miracles do happen — even during the bleakest and most hopeless of moments.
Here’s the list of all #ISIS executioners who appeared in videos https://t.co/ibX036UzWX pic.twitter.com/kj9Tt0LnRa — Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) December 13, 2016
“I feel like we’re really called to the most persecuted, closed, dark, marginalized places,” Feucht said, noting that he has traveled to “some of the topmost closed countries and places where it’s illegal to be a Christian.”
While many people would become demoralized when encountering such heart-wrenching tales of human suffering, Feucht said they inspire him to do more to spread the word of God.
“That’s the essence of the gospel to go into places where no one else is willing to go,” he said.
High-profile Christians such as Vice President Mike Pence and actor Jim Caviezel have sounded the alarm on the escalating anti-Christian attacks around the world.
“Barbaric Christian persecution is something that still goes on today,” Caviezel has said.
Pence, for his part, warned graduating seniors at Liberty University in 2019 that they may be attacked and mocked for their Christian beliefs after they leave the campus of their Christian college.
Pence indicated the attacks would come from the mainstream media, “Hollywood liberals” and “the secular left.”
However, the vice president urged Christian students to remain steadfast and not cave to godless heathens.
“Some of the loudest voices for tolerance today have little tolerance for traditional Christian beliefs,” Pence said. “So as you go about your daily life, just be ready.”
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westernjournal--2020-12-25--After 68 Years, WWII Vet Has Realization About Japanese Sword He Claimed as a War Trophy

In 2020 , the virtue of forgiveness is in short supply .
It seems as though every day a new individual is targeted for some sort of social transgression .
Anyone searching for a lesson on the power of forgiveness needs to look no further than the touching story of Marine Corps veteran Orville Amdahl .
Back in 2013 , the 94-year-old from Lanesboro , Minnesota , made headlines when he forgave one of his enemies from the Second World War .
As a captain serving during the occupation of Japan in 1945 , Amdahl was given special privileges , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those privileges , he told the outlet , was access to his choice of a “ war trophy.
” Of the weapons available , Amdahl chose to take a Samurai sword from a Japanese soldier .
“ I pulled mine out and almost fainted , ” he said , “ it was so beautiful.
” For 68 years , Amdahal held on to the sword , keeping it in pristine condition and showing it off to family and friends .
Then , suddenly , something changed for the Marine veteran .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Using the weapon ’ s wooden identification tags , Amdahl was able to trace its ownership and locate the grandson of the Japanese soldier , Tadahiro Motomura .
The two men then began exchanging letters back and forth .
RELATED : 81-Year-Old Marine Vet Finds Burglars in His Home , So He Whips out This Antique 'Equalizer ' and Makes Them Pay “ I felt that this had a home and should be returned to it .
It almost makes me and Motomura feel like brothers , ” Amdahl told WCCO .
Both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sword to be returned to its rightful owner .
Then , on Sept. 21 , 2013 , the St. Paul-Nagasaki Sister City Committee held the “ Return of the Sword Ceremony.
” “ I am deeply touched by Mr. Amdahl ’ s decision to try and contact me and his honest devotion to the sword , ” Motomura said at the event through a translator .
Upon meeting face to face , Amdahl and Motomura shook hands before sharing a long embrace .
The Minnesota man then returned the sword and cleared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have to worry about it , ” Amdahl said , “ it goes to its rightful place.
” Although it had been many decades since the 94-year-old veteran had served in Japan , he was still doing his best to bring peace .
“ Peace is what we got to look for , ” he said , “ instead of embattlements all the time.
” Amdahl died in 2015 , but his legacy won ’ t be forgotten .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism @ @ @ @ @ @

In 2020, the virtue of forgiveness is in short supply.
It seems as though every day a new individual is targeted for some sort of social transgression.
Anyone searching for a lesson on the power of forgiveness needs to look no further than the touching story of Marine Corps veteran Orville Amdahl.
Back in 2013, the 94-year-old from Lanesboro, Minnesota, made headlines when he forgave one of his enemies from the Second World War.
As a captain serving during the occupation of Japan in 1945, Amdahl was given special privileges, according to WCCO-TV in Minneapolis.
One of those privileges, he told the outlet, was access to his choice of a “war trophy.”
Of the weapons available, Amdahl chose to take a Samurai sword from a Japanese soldier.
“I pulled mine out and almost fainted,” he said, “it was so beautiful.”
For 68 years, Amdahal held on to the sword, keeping it in pristine condition and showing it off to family and friends.
Then, suddenly, something changed for the Marine veteran.
He decided the sword should be returned.
Using the weapon’s wooden identification tags, Amdahl was able to trace its ownership and locate the grandson of the Japanese soldier, Tadahiro Motomura.
The two men then began exchanging letters back and forth.
“I felt that this had a home and should be returned to it. It almost makes me and Motomura feel like brothers,” Amdahl told WCCO.
Both parties agreed that it was time for the sword to be returned to its rightful owner.
Then, on Sept. 21, 2013, the St. Paul-Nagasaki Sister City Committee held the “Return of the Sword Ceremony.”
“I am deeply touched by Mr. Amdahl’s decision to try and contact me and his honest devotion to the sword,” Motomura said at the event through a translator.
Upon meeting face to face, Amdahl and Motomura shook hands before sharing a long embrace.
The Minnesota man then returned the sword and cleared his conscience.
“Now we won’t have to worry about it,” Amdahl said, “it goes to its rightful place.”
Although it had been many decades since the 94-year-old veteran had served in Japan, he was still doing his best to bring peace.
“Peace is what we got to look for,” he said, “instead of embattlements all the time.”
Amdahl died in 2015, but his legacy won’t be forgotten.
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westernjournal--2020-12-25--Woman Who Lost Business Under COVID Turns Her Defeat Into a Win for Sick Children

Marie Liburdi ’ s dream faded away during the COVID pandemic .
But before it was gone , Liburdi helped build the dreams of some of her region ’ s most needy kids .
Liburdi founded a business called Teaching Toys , whose goal was what you might expect from the name — to provide educational toys for children .
“ Opening this store has been my heart ’ s desire , ” Liburdi told the Wyandotte Warrior when her business opened in Trenton , Michigan , last December .
“ I have always wanted a one-stop shop where people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But life had other plans .
Lockdowns and the other effects of the pandemic meant her sales could not support her dream .
“ It ’ s financial devastation for many small businesses , ” Liburdi said , according to WJBK-TV .
“ I don ’ t know one toy store where kids can ’ t come in and touch and play and try and use materials … COVID and germs , it ’ s just a no-win situation.
” Liburdi saw a TV spot about a group called the Bottomless Toy Chest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients all year long .
Liburdi donated to the organization all the toys she had left when her business closed this year .
She said the donation was valued at several thousand dollars .
The gift was priceless to those receiving it .
“ Our mission is to help empower children through the magic of toys , ” Mickey Guisewite , executive director of The Bottomless Toy Chest , told WJBK .
“ To get these toys at this time is really going to help us not only be able to continue our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bottomless Toy Chest began as a gift of love , Guisewite wrote on the charity ’ s website .
“ Life as my family knew it changed forever the moment we heard the doctor say , ‘ Your son has Leukemia.
’ In that instant we were yanked out of the comfortable , predictable world we knew , and flung into a panic-filled world of uncertainty and fear as our son began to fight for his life , ” she wrote , noting that he “ successfully completed his treatment and is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she wrote that she ’ ll never forget “ what it was like to be in the hospital with a critically ill child , 24/7 for days and weeks at a time .
It is a relentlessly grueling existence for anyone , particularly a young person who is not only suddenly critically ill , but who has had every comfort of home and familiar routine taken away.
” “ I found that in many cases , the strain of having a sick child had completely tapped the family ’ s resources , leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help pass the time for their hospitalized child .
It is extremely difficult for both parents and children to meet the daily challenges that cancer treatment brings , ” she wrote .
RELATED : Justin Bieber Teams Up with Health Care Workers for Charity Christmas Song She created her charity to fill that void .
“ My dream is that every child hospitalized with cancer will be able to look forward to frequent packages filled with fun , creativity and love ; gifts that ultimately will help give them the miracle of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Guisewite wrote .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Marie Liburdi’s dream faded away during the COVID pandemic.
But before it was gone, Liburdi helped build the dreams of some of her region’s most needy kids.
Liburdi founded a business called Teaching Toys, whose goal was what you might expect from the name — to provide educational toys for children.
“Opening this store has been my heart’s desire,” Liburdi told the Wyandotte Warrior when her business opened in Trenton, Michigan, last December. “I have always wanted a one-stop shop where people can find fun, educational toys.”
But life had other plans. Lockdowns and the other effects of the pandemic meant her sales could not support her dream.
“It’s financial devastation for many small businesses,” Liburdi said, according to WJBK-TV. “I don’t know one toy store where kids can’t come in and touch and play and try and use materials … COVID and germs, it’s just a no-win situation.”
Liburdi saw a TV spot about a group called the Bottomless Toy Chest, which delivers toys to pediatric cancer patients all year long.
Liburdi donated to the organization all the toys she had left when her business closed this year. She said the donation was valued at several thousand dollars.
The gift was priceless to those receiving it.
Would you have donated the toys? 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% (38 Votes) No: 0% (0 Votes)
“Our mission is to help empower children through the magic of toys,” Mickey Guisewite, executive director of The Bottomless Toy Chest, told WJBK. “To get these toys at this time is really going to help us not only be able to continue our program but to expand it.”
The Bottomless Toy Chest began as a gift of love, Guisewite wrote on the charity’s website.
“Life as my family knew it changed forever the moment we heard the doctor say, ‘Your son has Leukemia.’ In that instant we were yanked out of the comfortable, predictable world we knew, and flung into a panic-filled world of uncertainty and fear as our son began to fight for his life,” she wrote, noting that he “successfully completed his treatment and is now a healthy, active teenager.”
But she wrote that she’ll never forget “what it was like to be in the hospital with a critically ill child, 24/7 for days and weeks at a time. It is a relentlessly grueling existence for anyone, particularly a young person who is not only suddenly critically ill, but who has had every comfort of home and familiar routine taken away.”
“I found that in many cases, the strain of having a sick child had completely tapped the family’s resources, leaving them nothing extra to spend on things to help pass the time for their hospitalized child. It is extremely difficult for both parents and children to meet the daily challenges that cancer treatment brings,” she wrote.
Thank you to Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers for their continued support during their Season of Giving. Visit a Metro Detroit Chevy dealership to donate a brand new toy. These toys will help bring joy to children with cancer. Happy Shopping! #BlackFriday #SeasonofGiving #BTCSmiles pic.twitter.com/Z0PTJqjVQD — Bottomless Toy Chest (@BTCSmiles) November 27, 2020
She created her charity to fill that void.
“My dream is that every child hospitalized with cancer will be able to look forward to frequent packages filled with fun, creativity and love; gifts that ultimately will help give them the miracle of courage and strength to fight back,” Guisewite wrote.
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westernjournal--2020-12-25--Little Girl’s Letter to Santa Shows the 1 Thing We All Want for Christmas This Year

An 8-year-old girl in the United Kingdom just asked Santa for a gift we ’ re all hoping for after an incredibly trying year : a return to normalcy in the world .
According to TODAY , Samantha Dicken was cleaning her young daughter ’ s bedroom in November when she discovered a purple letter addressed to Santa .
The note was not long , but Dicken observed with interest that her daughter , Kourtney , had not filled the page with a wishlist of toys , games or candy .
Rather , Kourtney had asked for a miracle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
“ All I would like for Christmas is for the world to go back to normal !
” “ I don ’ t know if you can do that , but if you can ’ t do that , it is ok .
I don ’ t mind if I have nothing — I do have everything , well , I have everything I need .
Thank you.
” Kourtney finished her note with a smiley-face .
It was the final blow to her mother ’ s heart .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TODAY .
“ I knew she ’ d been struggling with lockdown and COVID .
But it really hit me when I saw it on paper.
” Dicken , who has worked as a medical assistant during the pandemic , revealed that the note was “ heartbreaking ” in light of her daughter ’ s previous requests from Santa .
In the past , Kourtney has asked for everything from craft kits to tablets .
But the 8-year-old was willing to give it all up this year if it meant Santa could make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Now she just wants her old life , ” her mother said .
“ It was just heartbreaking.
” Feeling other families would appreciate the sentiment , Dicken shared a photo of her daughter ’ s letter to Santa on the “ Family Lockdown Tips & Ideas ” Facebook page .
Her post went viral , gaining over 15,000 likes and plenty of comments from other families with small children .
“ This made me cry !
” one mother wrote .
“ I ’ m so glad my little boy is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand .
These poor children are suffering so much.
” Since posting the photo , Dicken has received countless words of encouragement and sympathy , which she ’ s decided to share with her little girl .
“ Kourtney now knows that lots of people feel the same way she does , ” Dicken said .
“ She ’ s sleeping well again and doesn ’ t need the light on anymore .
She lets us shut her bedroom door .
It ’ s given her a needed boost.
” It seems Kourtney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work a Christmas miracle in the world — one that billions of people across the globe are hoping for too .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

An 8-year-old girl in the United Kingdom just asked Santa for a gift we’re all hoping for after an incredibly trying year: a return to normalcy in the world.
According to TODAY, Samantha Dicken was cleaning her young daughter’s bedroom in November when she discovered a purple letter addressed to Santa.
The note was not long, but Dicken observed with interest that her daughter, Kourtney, had not filled the page with a wishlist of toys, games or candy.
Rather, Kourtney had asked for a miracle.
“Dear Santa,” the girl wrote. “All I would like for Christmas is for the world to go back to normal!”
“I don’t know if you can do that, but if you can’t do that, it is ok. I don’t mind if I have nothing — I do have everything, well, I have everything I need. Thank you.”
Kourtney finished her note with a smiley-face. It was the final blow to her mother’s heart.
“I was absolutely gobsmacked,” Dicken told TODAY. “I knew she’d been struggling with lockdown and COVID. But it really hit me when I saw it on paper.”
Dicken, who has worked as a medical assistant during the pandemic, revealed that the note was “heartbreaking” in light of her daughter’s previous requests from Santa.
In the past, Kourtney has asked for everything from craft kits to tablets. But the 8-year-old was willing to give it all up this year if it meant Santa could make the world “normal” again.
“Now she just wants her old life,” her mother said. “It was just heartbreaking.”
Feeling other families would appreciate the sentiment, Dicken shared a photo of her daughter’s letter to Santa on the “Family Lockdown Tips & Ideas” Facebook page.
Her post went viral, gaining over 15,000 likes and plenty of comments from other families with small children.
“This made me cry!” one mother wrote. “I’m so glad my little boy is still a baby and doesn’t understand. These poor children are suffering so much.”
Since posting the photo, Dicken has received countless words of encouragement and sympathy, which she’s decided to share with her little girl.
“Kourtney now knows that lots of people feel the same way she does,” Dicken said.
“She’s sleeping well again and doesn’t need the light on anymore. She lets us shut her bedroom door. It’s given her a needed boost.”
It seems Kourtney is still holding out for Santa to work a Christmas miracle in the world — one that billions of people across the globe are hoping for too.
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westernjournal--2020-12-25--Trump Admin, World Take Great Strides in Space in 2020

Astronauts blasted into orbit from the U.S. for the first time in nearly a decade , three countries sent spacecraft hurtling toward Mars , and robotic explorers collected rocks from the moon and gravel from an asteroid for return to Earth .
Space exploration provided moments of glory in an otherwise difficult year .
It is set to do the same in 2021 , with February ’ s landings on Mars and next fall ’ s planned launch of the Hubble Space Telescope ’ s successor — the James Webb Space Telescope .
“ 2021 promises to be as much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perhaps even more , ” according to Scott Hubbard , NASA ’ s former “ Mars Czar ” now teaching at Stanford University .
Although the coronavirus pandemic and resulting restrictions complicated space operations around the globe in 2020 , most high-priority missions remained on track , led by the U.S. , China and the United Arab Emirates in a race to Mars in July .
The UAE ’ s first interplanetary spacecraft , an orbiter , will analyze the Martian atmosphere .
NASA ’ s Perseverance rover is set to land Feb. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lakebed where microscopic life may have once flourished .
The rover will drill into the dry crust , collecting samples for eventual return to Earth .
China ’ s Tianwen-1 also will hunt for signs of bygone life .
The European and Russian space agencies skipped the 2020 Mars launch window , their Mars rover grounded until 2022 because of technical issues and coronavirus restrictions .
China also set its sights on the moon in 2020 , landing and then launching off the lunar surface in December with the first moon rocks collected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Japan brought back pieces of an asteroid — its second batch in a decade .
More asteroid samples are on the way : NASA ’ s Osiris-Rex spacecraft vacuumed up gravel from an asteroid in October for return in 2023 .
Elon Musk ’ s SpaceX , meanwhile , was buzzing in 2020 .
In May , it became the first private company to put people into orbit , an achievement previously claimed by just three global superpowers .
The two test pilots were the first NASA astronauts to fly a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the first to blast off from Florida since the shuttle program ended in 2011 .
In November , four more astronauts rode a SpaceX Dragon capsule to the International Space Station .
Three weeks later , SpaceX launched its biggest cargo shipment yet to the space station for NASA .
RELATED : Pence Announces Elite Group of NASA Astronauts To Train for Moon Landing Until the SpaceX flights , Russia ’ s three-person Soyuz capsules were the only way to get astronauts to the space station once NASA ’ s shuttles shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crew transporter , Boeing , is scrambling to get its Starliner capsule back in action after a software-spoiled test flight in December 2019 .
Another test — again with no one on board — is scheduled for spring .
If the repairs work and the capsule finally reaches the space station , the first Starliner astronauts could be flying by summer .
Musk capped the year with a stratospheric test flight of Starship , the rocket ship he ’ s building to carry people to the moon and Mars .
The Dec. 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fiery explosion at touchdown .
Late next year , SpaceX expects to launch the first privately financed Dragon flight in a deal arranged by Houston-based Axiom Space .
Axiom ’ s Michael Lopez-Alegria , an ex-NASA astronaut and former president of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation , will accompany Israeli businessman Eytan Stibbe and two other paying customers to the space station .
Stibbe , a former fighter pilot , was a close friend of Israel ’ s first astronaut , Ilan Ramon , who died aboard space shuttle Columbia in 2003 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ private spaceflight and will get the ball rolling toward multiple private missions to orbit per year , ” Lopez-Alegria said in an email .
“ I ’ ve been preaching for almost a decade that commercial human spaceflight is the next giant leap.
” Two other space travel companies — Jeff Bezos ’ Blue Origin and Richard Branson ’ s Virgin Galactic — are still conducting test flights and have yet to set firm dates for launching customers on short flights to the edge of space and back .
NASA is still targeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rocket , the Space Launch System , with an Orion capsule that will launch without a crew .
The Trump administration had set a 2024 deadline for the first moon landing by astronauts since NASA ’ s Apollo program a half-century ago .
Just this month , NASA introduced the 18 astronauts who will train for the Artemis moon program .
It remains to be seen how presumptive president-elect Joe Biden might alter the lunar landing program .
“ Whatever else can be said about the four years of the Trump administration , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civilian space program , ” John Logsdon , professor emeritus at George Washington University ’ s Space Policy Institute , said .
“ No prior major programs were cancelled , the human exploration program was given clear direction , and funding for existing programs was increased.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Astronauts blasted into orbit from the U.S. for the first time in nearly a decade, three countries sent spacecraft hurtling toward Mars, and robotic explorers collected rocks from the moon and gravel from an asteroid for return to Earth.
Space exploration provided moments of glory in an otherwise difficult year.
It is set to do the same in 2021, with February’s landings on Mars and next fall’s planned launch of the Hubble Space Telescope’s successor — the James Webb Space Telescope.
“2021 promises to be as much of a space exploration bright spot, perhaps even more,” according to Scott Hubbard, NASA’s former “Mars Czar” now teaching at Stanford University.
Although the coronavirus pandemic and resulting restrictions complicated space operations around the globe in 2020, most high-priority missions remained on track, led by the U.S., China and the United Arab Emirates in a race to Mars in July.
The UAE’s first interplanetary spacecraft, an orbiter, will analyze the Martian atmosphere.
NASA’s Perseverance rover is set to land Feb. 18 at an ancient river delta and lakebed where microscopic life may have once flourished. The rover will drill into the dry crust, collecting samples for eventual return to Earth.
China’s Tianwen-1 also will hunt for signs of bygone life.
The European and Russian space agencies skipped the 2020 Mars launch window, their Mars rover grounded until 2022 because of technical issues and coronavirus restrictions.
Do you support space exploration? 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: 90% (60 Votes) No: 10% (7 Votes)
China also set its sights on the moon in 2020, landing and then launching off the lunar surface in December with the first moon rocks collected for return to Earth since the 1970s.
Japan brought back pieces of an asteroid — its second batch in a decade. More asteroid samples are on the way: NASA’s Osiris-Rex spacecraft vacuumed up gravel from an asteroid in October for return in 2023.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX, meanwhile, was buzzing in 2020.
In May, it became the first private company to put people into orbit, an achievement previously claimed by just three global superpowers. The two test pilots were the first NASA astronauts to fly a new kind of spaceship in almost 40 years and the first to blast off from Florida since the shuttle program ended in 2011.
In November, four more astronauts rode a SpaceX Dragon capsule to the International Space Station. Three weeks later, SpaceX launched its biggest cargo shipment yet to the space station for NASA.
Until the SpaceX flights, Russia’s three-person Soyuz capsules were the only way to get astronauts to the space station once NASA’s shuttles shut down.
NASA’s other hired crew transporter, Boeing, is scrambling to get its Starliner capsule back in action after a software-spoiled test flight in December 2019.
Another test — again with no one on board — is scheduled for spring. If the repairs work and the capsule finally reaches the space station, the first Starliner astronauts could be flying by summer.
Musk capped the year with a stratospheric test flight of Starship, the rocket ship he’s building to carry people to the moon and Mars. The Dec. 9 demo went better than anyone imagined until a fiery explosion at touchdown.
Late next year, SpaceX expects to launch the first privately financed Dragon flight in a deal arranged by Houston-based Axiom Space.
Axiom’s Michael Lopez-Alegria, an ex-NASA astronaut and former president of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, will accompany Israeli businessman Eytan Stibbe and two other paying customers to the space station.
Stibbe, a former fighter pilot, was a close friend of Israel’s first astronaut, Ilan Ramon, who died aboard space shuttle Columbia in 2003.
“This is the true beginning of private spaceflight and will get the ball rolling toward multiple private missions to orbit per year,” Lopez-Alegria said in an email. “I’ve been preaching for almost a decade that commercial human spaceflight is the next giant leap.”
Two other space travel companies — Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin and Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic — are still conducting test flights and have yet to set firm dates for launching customers on short flights to the edge of space and back.
NASA is still targeting a November debut of its new moon rocket, the Space Launch System, with an Orion capsule that will launch without a crew.
The Trump administration had set a 2024 deadline for the first moon landing by astronauts since NASA’s Apollo program a half-century ago. Just this month, NASA introduced the 18 astronauts who will train for the Artemis moon program.
It remains to be seen how presumptive president-elect Joe Biden might alter the lunar landing program.
“Whatever else can be said about the four years of the Trump administration, they have been positive for the U.S. civilian space program,” John Logsdon, professor emeritus at George Washington University’s Space Policy Institute, said.
“No prior major programs were cancelled, the human exploration program was given clear direction, and funding for existing programs was increased.”
[jwplayer jiH0qt5x]
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.
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westernjournal--2020-12-25--Angry Customer Starts Trashing Restaurant, Grandma Grabs a Table and Shuts Her Down

Small business owners have faced much hardship over the course of 2020 .
On the night after Thanksgiving , one San Francisco restaurant , Panchita ’ s Pupuseria , had a particularly hard time when an angry customer got violent .
That trouble was soon put to rest when the restaurant ’ s owner , determined to protect her family and business , decided to fight back .
“ At that moment I just had to do what I had to do because my daughter and my grandson were in the middle of the drama , ” restaurant owner Doris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whole exchange , which began after the customer learned her order was going to take a little longer than expected .
“ We told her 15 minutes and it took about 20 minutes , ” said Campos ’ daughter , manager Doris Vargas .
What the customer did next shocked everyone present .
“ She grabbed a jug of like a five-pound hand sanitizer and launched it at me while I was holding my son , ” Vargas said .
Campos ’ motherly instincts then took over as she defended her family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the customer ’ s takeout order at her face , Campos grabbed a table , flipped it on its side and used it to push the woman all the way out of her restaurant .
Vargas had a message for restaurant patrons across the country during the hard times of the coronavirus pandemic .
“ Being considerate of the employees and the business , ” she said .
RELATED : NYC Restaurants Join Together for Incredible Takedown of Andrew Cuomo “ And just having some empathy for the industry itself .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ourselves.
” Due to coronavirus lockdowns , 2020 has been especially hard on small businesses .
According to ABC News , experts have warned that up to a third of all American small businesses could close for good thanks to the lockdowns .
Increased restrictions on dining in have made it almost impossible for many restaurants to make a profit .
Panchita ’ s Pupuseria and other restaurants of the same sort are doing their best to adapt to harsh rules .
This makes it difficult at times to meet the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in any normal year absent of COVID restrictions .
Restaurant owners and workers should be given some grace during the pandemic .
For those that don ’ t feel that way , watch out — at least one grandmother-owner out there has no qualms about setting angry customers straight .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Small business owners have faced much hardship over the course of 2020.
On the night after Thanksgiving, one San Francisco restaurant, Panchita’s Pupuseria, had a particularly hard time when an angry customer got violent.
That trouble was soon put to rest when the restaurant’s owner, determined to protect her family and business, decided to fight back.
EXCLUSIVE: “I had to do what I had to do b/c my daughter & grandson were in the middle of the drama!” WATCH: owner of Panchita’s Pupuseria flips table to defend family & staff f/customer who throws hand sanitizer bottles when order is 5 minutes late. https://t.co/2hclAaDqpb pic.twitter.com/t6KqDKojv5 — Dion Lim (@DionLimTV) November 30, 2020
“At that moment I just had to do what I had to do because my daughter and my grandson were in the middle of the drama,” restaurant owner Doris Campos told KGO-TV.
Surveillance footage caught the whole exchange, which began after the customer learned her order was going to take a little longer than expected.
“We told her 15 minutes and it took about 20 minutes,” said Campos’ daughter, manager Doris Vargas.
What the customer did next shocked everyone present.
Should lockdown restrictions on small businesses be lifted? Yes No
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“She grabbed a jug of like a five-pound hand sanitizer and launched it at me while I was holding my son,” Vargas said.
Campos’ motherly instincts then took over as she defended her family.
After first throwing what looked like the customer’s takeout order at her face, Campos grabbed a table, flipped it on its side and used it to push the woman all the way out of her restaurant.
Vargas had a message for restaurant patrons across the country during the hard times of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Being considerate of the employees and the business,” she said.
“And just having some empathy for the industry itself. We are trying to stay afloat for the community and ourselves.”
Due to coronavirus lockdowns, 2020 has been especially hard on small businesses.
According to ABC News, experts have warned that up to a third of all American small businesses could close for good thanks to the lockdowns.
Increased restrictions on dining in have made it almost impossible for many restaurants to make a profit.
Panchita’s Pupuseria and other restaurants of the same sort are doing their best to adapt to harsh rules.
This makes it difficult at times to meet the same standard of service that might be expected in any normal year absent of COVID restrictions.
Restaurant owners and workers should be given some grace during the pandemic.
For those that don’t feel that way, watch out — at least one grandmother-owner out there has no qualms about setting angry customers straight.
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westernjournal--2020-12-25--Pastor Faces Charges After Finding Ingenious Way To Sneak Bibles Into North Korea

Spreading the good word can have its rewards , but sometimes it can come at a risk , as one Christian pastor ’ s novel approach to evangelizing shows .
Reverend Dr. Eric Foley wants North Koreans to look to the sky .
If they do , they just may see a balloon floating their way .
Foley runs a Christian ministry called Voice of the Martyrs Korea , and he and his followers “ release helium-filled balloons carrying physical copies of the New Testament as well as digital and audio Bibles loaded onto SD memory cards , ” according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promise to religiously isolated North Korean Christians back in 2003 : He said he would do what he could to get them Bibles .
And that ’ s when he came up with the balloon concept .
It ’ s done under cover of darkness , and the group hopes that the balloons pop when they are at their highest point , so the contents can scatter over a wider area .
The wind only blows the right way 10 to 15 times each summer , World Magazine reported .
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the frontier near the North Korean border .
Foley sends about 30,000 Bibles into the air every year , according to LifeSiteNews .
It ’ s estimated that as many as 600,000 have landed north of the 38th parallel since the project began .
The effort is becoming so successful that it ’ s getting the attention of the North Korean government .
And due to escalating border tensions between the two Koreas , Foley ’ s balloon might burst .
North Korea and its leader Kim Jong Un discourage Christianity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even though the North Korean constitution supposedly guarantees “ freedom of religious beliefs , ” genuine religious freedom does not exist , according to a 2016 report from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom .
If North Koreans want to practice Christianity , they have to do it secretly .
The dictator ’ s sister , Kim Yo Jung , apparently doesn ’ t like what balloons from VOMK and other groups are bringing into the country , saying in June that the “ evil propaganda ” pouring into her country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Korea meant to keep military jumpiness in check .
The South Korean government is now cracking down , with Foley facing three charges .
“ One of them is related to the violation of an inter-Korean exchange law .
[ This ] is a law that regulates commerce between North and South Korea ; anything you might be trying to sell from South Korea to North Korea would need to be pre-approved by the government , ” Foley told Mission Network News in November .
Another has to do with supposed national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designed for natural disaster management , ” Foley said , “ but now they ’ re being related to balloon launching with a charge that our activity created a national threat to Korea.
” “ The third charge that will come out is one related to the use of high-pressure gas , ” he added .
“ Essentially , the police recommending the charges guarantees that I ’ ll be charged ; it ’ s just a question of when .
Could be tomorrow , could be next week , could be next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Foley told Mission Network News .
Foley said he ’ s been doing this for more than a decade with minimal issues .
“ We have to stand firm that private ministry activity is absolutely essential , especially when it ’ s done safely and respectfully , as we ’ ve done for 15 years , ” he told World Magazine .
“ God is finding ways to get Bibles into North Korea .
We ’ re amazed at the avenues He ’ s opening .
Please pray that continues .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foley added to Mission Network News .
VOMK is not the only group trying to change hearts and minds in North Korea .
A group called No Chain has dropped thousands of flash drives with the Bible on them into North Korea , Christianity Today reported in 2018 .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Spreading the good word can have its rewards, but sometimes it can come at a risk, as one Christian pastor’s novel approach to evangelizing shows.
Reverend Dr. Eric Foley wants North Koreans to look to the sky. If they do, they just may see a balloon floating their way.
Foley runs a Christian ministry called Voice of the Martyrs Korea, and he and his followers “release helium-filled balloons carrying physical copies of the New Testament as well as digital and audio Bibles loaded onto SD memory cards,” according to World Magazine.
Foley made a promise to religiously isolated North Korean Christians back in 2003: He said he would do what he could to get them Bibles. And that’s when he came up with the balloon concept.
It’s done under cover of darkness, and the group hopes that the balloons pop when they are at their highest point, so the contents can scatter over a wider area.
The wind only blows the right way 10 to 15 times each summer, World Magazine reported. That’s when Foley and his team hike out to the frontier near the North Korean border.
Foley sends about 30,000 Bibles into the air every year, according to LifeSiteNews. It’s estimated that as many as 600,000 have landed north of the 38th parallel since the project began.
The effort is becoming so successful that it’s getting the attention of the North Korean government. And due to escalating border tensions between the two Koreas, Foley’s balloon might burst.
North Korea and its leader Kim Jong Un discourage Christianity, and most religions for that matter. Even though the North Korean constitution supposedly guarantees “freedom of religious beliefs,” genuine religious freedom does not exist, according to a 2016 report from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.
Do you think Foley will be able to continue spreading the gospel? 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: 85% (22 Votes) No: 15% (4 Votes)
If North Koreans want to practice Christianity, they have to do it secretly.
The dictator’s sister, Kim Yo Jung, apparently doesn’t like what balloons from VOMK and other groups are bringing into the country, saying in June that the “evil propaganda” pouring into her country could jeopardize an agreement between North and South Korea meant to keep military jumpiness in check.
The South Korean government is now cracking down, with Foley facing three charges.
“One of them is related to the violation of an inter-Korean exchange law. [This] is a law that regulates commerce between North and South Korea; anything you might be trying to sell from South Korea to North Korea would need to be pre-approved by the government,” Foley told Mission Network News in November.
Another has to do with supposed national security matters.
“These are laws designed for natural disaster management,” Foley said, “but now they’re being related to balloon launching with a charge that our activity created a national threat to Korea.”
“The third charge that will come out is one related to the use of high-pressure gas,” he added.
“Essentially, the police recommending the charges guarantees that I’ll be charged; it’s just a question of when. Could be tomorrow, could be next week, could be next month; we don’t know,” Foley told Mission Network News.
Foley said he’s been doing this for more than a decade with minimal issues.
“We have to stand firm that private ministry activity is absolutely essential, especially when it’s done safely and respectfully, as we’ve done for 15 years,” he told World Magazine.
“God is finding ways to get Bibles into North Korea. We’re amazed at the avenues He’s opening. Please pray that continues. Pray that God is glorified,” Foley added to Mission Network News.
VOMK is not the only group trying to change hearts and minds in North Korea. A group called No Chain has dropped thousands of flash drives with the Bible on them into North Korea, Christianity Today reported in 2018.
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westernjournal--2020-12-25--Jean-Claude Van Damme Saves Puppy Entangled in Fake Passport Fiasco from Being Put Down

He ’ s been a time-traveling cop .
He ’ s been a Kumite champion .
He ’ s been a hard target with a mullet .
He ’ s been a vengeful kickboxer .
But for all of his cult classics and theatrical exploits , Hollywood action star Jean-Claude Van Damme may have stumbled into his most endearing role to date — and it all involved a 3-month-old chihuahua puppy named Raya .
And no , this isn ’ t a new movie plot .
It ’ s Van Damme , the real person , trying to do some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The harrowing tale of Raya the puppy began in September when she was sold from a Bulgarian family to prospective Norwegian owner Alexey Iversen , Euronews reported .
Issues arose , however , when it came to Raya ’ s passport .
Apparently , Raya ’ s Bulgarian pet passport , which includes things such as vaccination and parasite treatment documentation , was not valid , according to Iverson ’ s Change.org petition .
Raya was therefore not legally allowed to be in Norway .
Now , most people might assume that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the proper documentation , or , at worst , to be re-homed back in Bulgaria .
This was not the case .
The Norwegian and Bulgarian authorities couldn ’ t find any common ground , per Iverson .
Instead , as the dog ’ s origins were unable to be confirmed , neither Norway nor Bulgaria wanted Raya .
Apparently , the only option left was to kill the puppy — her sole crime being that she was bred and sold by people looking to potentially move her illegally across Europe .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the eye of the “ Muscles from Brussels , ” according to the Daily Mail , a U.K.-based outlet .
Van Damme promptly shared Raya ’ s plight with his 350,000 followers on Twitter .
But Van Damme didn ’ t just tweet about the situation .
RELATED : Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay Digs Deep for Teen with Cancer Before 14-Year-Old 's Death Much like the number of explosions throughout his films , Van Damme one-upped himself by posting a genuinely heartfelt video on Facebook .
Van Damme , showing off his own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bulgarian food safety authorities to spare Raya ’ s life .
Van Damme even went so far as to say that Raya ’ s survival was the only thing he wanted for his 60th birthday .
Lo and behold , 10 days after Van Damme brought attention to Raya on social media , Iverson posted an update on Change.org saying that Raya was safe .
“ The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency has changed their decision !
Raya can be transported to Bulgaria .
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has approved this !
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point to specifically thank Van Damme for saving Raya ’ s life .
“ Only because of the powerful support you have given , Jean- Claude Van Damme saw my petition and filmed a video to the authorities of Bulgaria and Norway .
Without your support Jean-Claud Van Damme would never get to know about Raya , and I would never make the authorities change their mind !
For that I want to thank you !
Raya is now saved !
” Say what you will about Van Damme ’ s acting chops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you think either is poor , it ’ s okay to have a wrong opinion ) , but his love for life and puppies can ’ t be denied .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

He’s been a time-traveling cop. He’s been a Kumite champion. He’s been a hard target with a mullet. He’s been a vengeful kickboxer.
But for all of his cult classics and theatrical exploits, Hollywood action star Jean-Claude Van Damme may have stumbled into his most endearing role to date — and it all involved a 3-month-old chihuahua puppy named Raya.
And no, this isn’t a new movie plot. It’s Van Damme, the real person, trying to do some good during an increasingly dreary year.
The harrowing tale of Raya the puppy began in September when she was sold from a Bulgarian family to prospective Norwegian owner Alexey Iversen, Euronews reported.
Issues arose, however, when it came to Raya’s passport.
Apparently, Raya’s Bulgarian pet passport, which includes things such as vaccination and parasite treatment documentation, was not valid, according to Iverson’s Change.org petition. Raya was therefore not legally allowed to be in Norway.
Now, most people might assume that the next steps for Raya would be to get the proper documentation, or, at worst, to be re-homed back in Bulgaria.
This was not the case. The Norwegian and Bulgarian authorities couldn’t find any common ground, per Iverson. Instead, as the dog’s origins were unable to be confirmed, neither Norway nor Bulgaria wanted Raya.
Apparently, the only option left was to kill the puppy — her sole crime being that she was bred and sold by people looking to potentially move her illegally across Europe.
Fortunately for Raya, her story caught the eye of the “Muscles from Brussels,” according to the Daily Mail, a U.K.-based outlet.
Van Damme promptly shared Raya’s plight with his 350,000 followers on Twitter.
Please, sign this @Change petition and help me save a puppy https://t.co/yTxPuXzk3X — Jean-Claude Van Damme (@JCVD) October 17, 2020
But Van Damme didn’t just tweet about the situation.
Much like the number of explosions throughout his films, Van Damme one-upped himself by posting a genuinely heartfelt video on Facebook.
Van Damme, showing off his own chihuahua, pleaded with the Norwegian and Bulgarian food safety authorities to spare Raya’s life. Van Damme even went so far as to say that Raya’s survival was the only thing he wanted for his 60th birthday.
Lo and behold, 10 days after Van Damme brought attention to Raya on social media, Iverson posted an update on Change.org saying that Raya was safe.
“The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency has changed their decision! Raya can be transported to Bulgaria. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has approved this!” Iverson wrote.
Iverson also made a point to specifically thank Van Damme for saving Raya’s life.
“Only because of the powerful support you have given, Jean- Claude Van Damme saw my petition and filmed a video to the authorities of Bulgaria and Norway. Without your support Jean-Claud Van Damme would never get to know about Raya, and I would never make the authorities change their mind! For that I want to thank you! Raya is now saved!”
Say what you will about Van Damme’s acting chops or the quality of his films (if you think either is poor, it’s okay to have a wrong opinion), but his love for life and puppies can’t be denied.
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westernjournal--2020-12-25--Investigation Opened After Authorities See What Was Written on Deer’s Ear Tags

When one hunter killed a deer in Minnesota , he got a surprise he never expected .
The 10-point buck , killed near Lanesboro , Minnesota , in 2017 , sported ear tags upon which someone had written “ Don ’ t Miss , ” according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune .
The words “ Don ’ t ” on one ear tag and “ Miss ” on the other one were hand-written .
The tags had no other identifying marks .
Lou Cornicelli , a wildlife research manager for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources , said at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came to be tagged .
The deer was at least 3 years old and might have been older .
It had been seen on trail cameras for more than a year prior to the time a hunter took it .
The red tags the animal sported are proof that someone was close to the deer , but in Minnesota it is illegal to capture a wild deer .
Captive deer are also not allowed to be released .
Cornicelli said investigators didn ’ t know where the deer came from and asked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aid in finding the animal ’ s owner.
” The state has been investigating the presence of chronic wasting disease in its deer herds .
“ An individual intentionally releasing deer is a potential source of the infection , ” Cornicelli said .
Minnesota ’ s CWD program is facing hard times this fall because hunters are not participating , according to an official with the state Department of Natural Resources .
Due to COVID-19 , the state stopped mandatory testing to avoid gatherings at testing spots , according to a Star-Tribune report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to skip testing altogether .
In 2019 , mandatory testing resulted in a compliance rate of 93 percent .
“ We are barely hitting 30 percent , ’ ’ said Michelle Carstensen , wildlife research team leader at the DNR .
“ I ’ m concerned from what I ’ ve seen so far that it might not be enough information to find out what ’ s going on with the disease.
’ ’ What the state does not know hurts its efforts to adapt policies to ever-changing reality for the deer population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get our arms around this thing , ’ ’ Carstensen said .
Although compliance in archery season was spotty , officials said they were hopeful for a better response as firearms season began .
Barbara Keller , the big game program leader for the DNR , said the state sent postcards to hunters to remind them of the importance of compliance .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

When one hunter killed a deer in Minnesota, he got a surprise he never expected.
The 10-point buck, killed near Lanesboro, Minnesota, in 2017, sported ear tags upon which someone had written “Don’t Miss,” according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
The words “Don’t” on one ear tag and “Miss” on the other one were hand-written. The tags had no other identifying marks.
Lou Cornicelli, a wildlife research manager for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, said at the time his office was investigating how the buck came to be tagged.
The deer was at least 3 years old and might have been older.
It had been seen on trail cameras for more than a year prior to the time a hunter took it.
The red tags the animal sported are proof that someone was close to the deer, but in Minnesota it is illegal to capture a wild deer. Captive deer are also not allowed to be released.
Cornicelli said investigators didn’t know where the deer came from and asked the public “for any information that may aid in finding the animal’s owner.”
The state has been investigating the presence of chronic wasting disease in its deer herds.
“An individual intentionally releasing deer is a potential source of the infection,” Cornicelli said.
Mystery surrounds 10-point wild buck adorned with ear tags reading ‘Don’t Miss.’ https://t.co/Ir6tGu7Byl pic.twitter.com/LUNFYNe9Oh — Star Tribune Sports (@StribSports) November 29, 2017
Minnesota’s CWD program is facing hard times this fall because hunters are not participating, according to an official with the state Department of Natural Resources.
Due to COVID-19, the state stopped mandatory testing to avoid gatherings at testing spots, according to a Star-Tribune report last month.
That has led hunters to skip testing altogether.
In 2019, mandatory testing resulted in a compliance rate of 93 percent.
“We are barely hitting 30 percent,’’ said Michelle Carstensen, wildlife research team leader at the DNR. “I’m concerned from what I’ve seen so far that it might not be enough information to find out what’s going on with the disease.’’
What the state does not know hurts its efforts to adapt policies to ever-changing reality for the deer population.
“It reduces our ability to get our arms around this thing,’’ Carstensen said.
Although compliance in archery season was spotty, officials said they were hopeful for a better response as firearms season began.
Barbara Keller, the big game program leader for the DNR, said the state sent postcards to hunters to remind them of the importance of compliance.
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westernjournal--2020-12-25--Marine Takes Incredible Action Moments After Seeing Toddler Trapped in Burning Car

There are many moments when people commit unbelievable acts of bravery .
Meet Marine Gunnery Sgt .
Kyle Wetter , who is stationed at Camp Pendleton , near San Diego .
When Wetter noticed two parents struggling to free their 18-month-old baby from a car seat when their vehicle was engulfed in flames , Wetter took action on Dec. 7 .
“ Seatbelt was locked .
The dad wasn ’ t going to get it out as much as he tried , other than taking the baby out of the seat , and even at that point , the fuel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car , ” Wetter said , according to KSWB-TV .
Wetter was driving in Fallbrook , California , when he noticed the car was completely in flames within “ four or five minutes.
” By using a knife , Wetter , who also is a recent father of triplets , hurried into the car and safely freed the child from the car seat .
Many on social media reacted to the amazing moment : The Marine wants people to view the situation as a learning experience .
RELATED : Angry Customer Starts Trashing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shuts Her Down “ What I would hope is anybody in my situation would help out , ” Wetter told KSWB .
“ We ’ re all in this together .
This life of ours is not just a single person — you ’ re not in it alone .
And that ’ s what I took away from it .
If my wife and my children were in that car , I would hope there was someone like myself that was willing and able to help out.
” Millions of people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ act of heroism should give them restored hope in humanity .
So many times we ignore a situation where we could help , because it ’ s easier to look the other way .
Whether it ’ s lending a hand to someone in a time of need , or simply checking in on our loved ones , there are many small things we could do every day that have a big impact .
While few of us would have the capability to save a child from a car that ’ s in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we all can strive for in our daily lives : Do the right thing .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

There are many moments when people commit unbelievable acts of bravery.
Meet Marine Gunnery Sgt. Kyle Wetter, who is stationed at Camp Pendleton, near San Diego.
When Wetter noticed two parents struggling to free their 18-month-old baby from a car seat when their vehicle was engulfed in flames, Wetter took action on Dec. 7.
“Seatbelt was locked. The dad wasn’t going to get it out as much as he tried, other than taking the baby out of the seat, and even at that point, the fuel tank could’ve ruptured on the car,” Wetter said, according to KSWB-TV.
Wetter was driving in Fallbrook, California, when he noticed the car was completely in flames within “four or five minutes.”
By using a knife, Wetter, who also is a recent father of triplets, hurried into the car and safely freed the child from the car seat.
Many on social media reacted to the amazing moment:
Marines are trained to make the right decisions at the right time, both on the battlefield and off. https://t.co/dFNdS5WVUP — USMC Recruiting (@USMarineCorps) December 16, 2020
This is truly incredible. This Marine’s selflessness, with triplets of his own, to run into a burning vehicle for strangers, gives me a glimmer of hope in this world. God Bless him, the victims of the accident, and his family. https://t.co/DIkwQ2SGvG — Tina (@A_Tina23) December 16, 2020
The Marine wants people to view the situation as a learning experience.
“What I would hope is anybody in my situation would help out,” Wetter told KSWB.
“We’re all in this together. This life of ours is not just a single person — you’re not in it alone. And that’s what I took away from it. If my wife and my children were in that car, I would hope there was someone like myself that was willing and able to help out.”
Millions of people are feeling down this year, but this act of heroism should give them restored hope in humanity.
Could you have done what this Marine did? 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: 74% (68 Votes) No: 26% (24 Votes)
So many times we ignore a situation where we could help, because it’s easier to look the other way.
Whether it’s lending a hand to someone in a time of need, or simply checking in on our loved ones, there are many small things we could do every day that have a big impact.
While few of us would have the capability to save a child from a car that’s in flames, Wetter serves as a lesson that we all can strive for in our daily lives:
Do the right thing.
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westernjournal--2020-12-25--Police Still Hot on Looters’ Trail 4 Months After Ransacking of Downtown Chicago

The summer night when mobs descended on downtown Chicago , shattered store windows and poured inside the gaping holes to grab as much merchandise as they could carry away is a distant memory to many in the city .
Even as the coronavirus pandemic , the presidential election and the city ’ s gun violence crisis pushed other news aside , detectives and prosecutors kept at one of the biggest investigations in Chicago history to find and arrest those who from late Aug. 9 into the early hours of Aug. 10 turned block after block into the largest crime scene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever seen .
Four months later , detectives on a special task force are still poring over thousands of hours of surveillance videos and going through the more than 1,100 tips they ’ ve received .
They keep adding to the nearly 100 video clips they ’ ve posted online in the hopes someone might identify suspects .
And they monitor online sales sites to see if someone suddenly has some Gucci bags or electronics for sale .
It all has added up to the arrests of more than 100 people — one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ various felony charges , including burglary , looting , theft , gun charges , selling stolen property online and the seizure of 26 vehicles .
“ The message [ to suspects ] is the task force isn ’ t quitting … and you will eventually be found and arrested , ” Deputy Chief Brendan Deenihan said .
The crimes took place largely in and around downtown , including along the famed Magnificent Mile shopping district , and began after a false rumor that police had fatally shot a teenager on the South Side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the death of George Floyd in Minnesota .
The daunting job of investigating the August crimes started with the collection of more than 230 surveillance videos from stores that were hit and scores more from the city ’ s massive surveillance camera network — about 2,000 hours worth of video .
Making the job harder was that many people ’ s faces were covered with the masks thought to stop the spread of COVID-19 .
That left detectives searching for something else to help identify suspects .
In one case , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a man who used a hammer to smash at least seven store windows to a tattoo from a jail booking mug shot .
They also employed the same strategy — on a much larger scale — used in the investigation that led to charges against actor Jussie Smollett for staging a 2019 attack on himself .
Just as detectives stitched together videos to follow two men who allegedly participated in the attack on Smollett , Looting Task Force detectives followed suspects as they moved from store to store .
“ We would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You got a green car on that video ?
I ’ ve got a green car on this video , too , ’ ” Deenihan said .
For many people , it seems to have been a crime of opportunity , according to Cook County State ’ s Attorney Kim Foxx , whose office is prosecuting the cases .
RELATED : Minnesota National Guard Preparing for the Worst Ahead of Floyd Cops ' Trial “ They saw what was happening and were counting on the numbers to be able to get away with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foster , a 25-year-old woman who is awaiting trial on felony burglary and looting charges , was grabbed by police at a store .
“ There were running out of Target with TVs and I ’ m thinking about getting food for my baby , not thinking about what was happening around me , ” Foster said .
“ The first thing I saw was baby clothing [ so ] all I got was baby clothes.
” For many other arrests , police have needed help from the public .
Investigators have found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The tips were more prevalent than you would think , ” Sgt .
Alex Wolinski said .
Foxx said many residents were scared and angry .
Stores around the city — fearful that they might be targeted — closed their doors , leaving people unable to get food or medication .
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The summer night when mobs descended on downtown Chicago, shattered store windows and poured inside the gaping holes to grab as much merchandise as they could carry away is a distant memory to many in the city.
Even as the coronavirus pandemic, the presidential election and the city’s gun violence crisis pushed other news aside, detectives and prosecutors kept at one of the biggest investigations in Chicago history to find and arrest those who from late Aug. 9 into the early hours of Aug. 10 turned block after block into the largest crime scene the nation’s third-largest city has ever seen.
Four months later, detectives on a special task force are still poring over thousands of hours of surveillance videos and going through the more than 1,100 tips they’ve received.
They keep adding to the nearly 100 video clips they’ve posted online in the hopes someone might identify suspects. And they monitor online sales sites to see if someone suddenly has some Gucci bags or electronics for sale.
It all has added up to the arrests of more than 100 people — one as recently as Dec. 9 — on various felony charges, including burglary, looting, theft, gun charges, selling stolen property online and the seizure of 26 vehicles.
“The message [to suspects] is the task force isn’t quitting … and you will eventually be found and arrested,” Deputy Chief Brendan Deenihan said.
The crimes took place largely in and around downtown, including along the famed Magnificent Mile shopping district, and began after a false rumor that police had fatally shot a teenager on the South Side and followed earlier protests and riots stemming from the death of George Floyd in Minnesota.
The daunting job of investigating the August crimes started with the collection of more than 230 surveillance videos from stores that were hit and scores more from the city’s massive surveillance camera network — about 2,000 hours worth of video.
Making the job harder was that many people’s faces were covered with the masks thought to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Do you think police will be able to arrest all of the Chicago looters? Yes No
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That left detectives searching for something else to help identify suspects.
In one case, they matched a tattoo on the arm of a man who used a hammer to smash at least seven store windows to a tattoo from a jail booking mug shot.
They also employed the same strategy — on a much larger scale — used in the investigation that led to charges against actor Jussie Smollett for staging a 2019 attack on himself. Just as detectives stitched together videos to follow two men who allegedly participated in the attack on Smollett, Looting Task Force detectives followed suspects as they moved from store to store.
“We would have [a detective] saying, ‘You got a green car on that video? I’ve got a green car on this video, too,’” Deenihan said.
For many people, it seems to have been a crime of opportunity, according to Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, whose office is prosecuting the cases.
“They saw what was happening and were counting on the numbers to be able to get away with it,” she said.
Julisa Foster, a 25-year-old woman who is awaiting trial on felony burglary and looting charges, was grabbed by police at a store.
“There were running out of Target with TVs and I’m thinking about getting food for my baby, not thinking about what was happening around me,” Foster said. “The first thing I saw was baby clothing [so] all I got was baby clothes.”
For many other arrests, police have needed help from the public. Investigators have found many people willing to help.
“The tips were more prevalent than you would think,” Sgt. Alex Wolinski said.
Foxx said many residents were scared and angry. Stores around the city — fearful that they might be targeted — closed their doors, leaving people unable to get food or medication.
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westernjournal--2020-12-25--12-Time NBA Champion K.C. Jones Dead at Age 88

Basketball Hall of Famer K.C .
Jones , a 12-time NBA champion who was one of only seven players in history to win championships in college and the pros along with an Olympic gold medal , has died .
He was 88 .
The Celtics said Jones ’ family confirmed Friday that he died at an assisted living facility in Connecticut , where he had been receiving care for Alzheimer ’ s disease for the past several years .
Earlier this year , two of Jones ’ Celtics teammates died : John Thompson , 78 , and Tom Heinsohn , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on defense , Jones joined with Bill Russell to lead San Francisco to back-to-back NCAA championships in 1955-56 .
The two also played on the U.S. team that won the Olympic gold medal at the 1956 Games in Melbourne .
Jones reunited with Russell in Boston to win eight straight NBA titles from 1959-66 .
He retired in 1967 and began coaching , first in college at Brandeis and Harvard before joining the Los Angeles Lakers as an assistant , where he earned another championship ring in 1972 .
Jones was an assistant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it all in 1981 before guiding the team led by Larry Bird , Kevin McHale and Robert Parish to the 1984 and ‘ 86 championships .
Jones ’ No .
25 was retired by the Celtics in 1967 , and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1989 .
Only Russell and fellow Celtics teammate Sam Jones won more NBA championships as players .
“ Where K.C .
Jones went , winning was sure to follow , ” the Celtics said in a statement before their Christmas Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ K.C .
also demonstrated that one could be both a fierce competitor and a gentleman in every sense of the word .
RELATED : Two of NBA 's Biggest Superstars Want Trades Because of Team Owner 's Trump Connection : Report He made his teammates better , and he got the most out of the players he coached , ” the team said .
“ Never one to seek credit , his glory was found in the most fundamental of basketball ideals — being part of a winning team.
” Russell tweeted out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ included what he said was their last photo together .
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Basketball Hall of Famer K.C. Jones, a 12-time NBA champion who was one of only seven players in history to win championships in college and the pros along with an Olympic gold medal, has died. He was 88.
The Celtics said Jones’ family confirmed Friday that he died at an assisted living facility in Connecticut, where he had been receiving care for Alzheimer’s disease for the past several years.
My Dad passed away today at 4:55 am. Thank you all for your love for @celtics and especially for Dad. #KCJones pic.twitter.com/gtfIcGXZ57 — Bryna (@Becoming_Bryna) December 25, 2020
Earlier this year, two of Jones’ Celtics teammates died: John Thompson, 78, and Tom Heinsohn, 86.
A point guard who excelled on defense, Jones joined with Bill Russell to lead San Francisco to back-to-back NCAA championships in 1955-56.
The two also played on the U.S. team that won the Olympic gold medal at the 1956 Games in Melbourne.
Jones reunited with Russell in Boston to win eight straight NBA titles from 1959-66.
He retired in 1967 and began coaching, first in college at Brandeis and Harvard before joining the Los Angeles Lakers as an assistant, where he earned another championship ring in 1972.
Jones was an assistant coach on the Celtics team that won it all in 1981 before guiding the team led by Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish to the 1984 and ‘86 championships.
Jones’ No. 25 was retired by the Celtics in 1967, and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1989.
Only Russell and fellow Celtics teammate Sam Jones won more NBA championships as players.
“Where K.C. Jones went, winning was sure to follow,” the Celtics said in a statement before their Christmas Day game against the Brooklyn Nets.
“K.C. also demonstrated that one could be both a fierce competitor and a gentleman in every sense of the word.
He made his teammates better, and he got the most out of the players he coached,” the team said. “Never one to seek credit, his glory was found in the most fundamental of basketball ideals — being part of a winning team.”
I just received a call letting me know my x-roommate/teammate & most of all friend the great KC Jones passed this morning. Prayers to his family. We have been friends for almost 60yrs, this our last photo together. Friends for life #2020Usuck! #RIP @NBA @celtics pic.twitter.com/Ia6yZB5l2x — TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) December 25, 2020
Russell tweeted out his condolences to Jones’ family and included what he said was their last photo together.
“Friends for life,” Russell wrote.
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westernjournal--2020-12-25--Reports: Explosion Rocks Downtown Nashville on Christmas Day

Authorities believe an explosion that rocked the downtown Nashville area early on Christmas Day was a deliberate act , according to Metro Nashville Police Department .
Police spokesman Don Aaron said the 6:30 a.m. explosion , which shattered glass and damaged buildings , was believed to be “ an intentional act.
” Police earlier said they believe a vehicle was involved in the explosion .
He said three people were taken to area hospitals for treatment , although none were in critical condition .
Police and fire crews were on the scene , as were investigators from the FBI and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Firearms and Explosives .
“ Right now , it ’ s a public safety concern , to make sure everybody is accounted for and to make sure the spread of the fire doesn ’ t go any further , ” Michael Knight , a spokesman for the ATF in Nashville , told The Associated Press .
Black smoke and flames were seen early Friday billowing from the area , which is packed with bars , restaurants and other retail establishments and is known as the heart of downtown Nashville ’ s tourist scene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and beyond after a loud boom was heard .
Buck McCoy , who lives near the area , posted videos on Facebook that show water pouring down the ceiling of his home .
Alarms blare in the background and cries of people in great distress ring in the background .
A fire is visible in the street outside .
McCoy said the windows of his home were entirely blown out .
“ All my windows , every single one of them got blown into the next room .
If I had been standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
“ It felt like a bomb .
It was that big , ” he told The Associated Press .
“ There were about four cars on fire .
I don ’ t know if it was so hot they just caught on fire , and the trees were all blown apart , ” he said .
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Read our editorial standards .

Authorities believe an explosion that rocked the downtown Nashville area early on Christmas Day was a deliberate act, according to Metro Nashville Police Department.
Police spokesman Don Aaron said the 6:30 a.m. explosion, which shattered glass and damaged buildings, was believed to be “an intentional act.”
Police earlier said they believe a vehicle was involved in the explosion. He said three people were taken to area hospitals for treatment, although none were in critical condition.
Police and fire crews were on the scene, as were investigators from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
“Right now, it’s a public safety concern, to make sure everybody is accounted for and to make sure the spread of the fire doesn’t go any further,” Michael Knight, a spokesman for the ATF in Nashville, told The Associated Press.
Black smoke and flames were seen early Friday billowing from the area, which is packed with bars, restaurants and other retail establishments and is known as the heart of downtown Nashville’s tourist scene.
Buildings shook in the immediate area and beyond after a loud boom was heard.
Buck McCoy, who lives near the area, posted videos on Facebook that show water pouring down the ceiling of his home. Alarms blare in the background and cries of people in great distress ring in the background.
A fire is visible in the street outside. McCoy said the windows of his home were entirely blown out.
“All my windows, every single one of them got blown into the next room. If I had been standing there it would have been horrible,” he said.
“It felt like a bomb. It was that big,” he told The Associated Press.
“There were about four cars on fire. I don’t know if it was so hot they just caught on fire, and the trees were all blown apart,” he said.
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.
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westernjournal--2020-12-26--Cop Gets a Call from 13-Year-Old’s Mother; Family Amazed After Seeing What He Pulled up With

An Atlanta police officer went beyond the call of duty to save one struggling family ’ s Christmas after he received a call for help .
Officer Che Milton got a call in December 2017 from 13-year-old Erika Gibbons ’ mother , WSB-TV reported .
Gibbons couldn ’ t afford to get a Christmas gift for her daughter , and Milton wanted to do something special for the straight-A student .
“ I happened to answer the phone and say , ‘ Hey , we ’ ve got to do something , ' ” Milton told WSB .
Milton asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his community for help , and they fulfilled Erika ’ s Christmas gift wishes , including a tablet and cash .
TRENDING : 'It 's Like Wearing Your Underwear ' on Your Face : Sen. Paul Blasts Mask Mandates in Interview “ It ’ s part of what we do , ” Milton said .
“ We wear many hats as police officers , so we are just trying to help.
” One woman from the community responded to Milton ’ s Facebook post and gave Erika and her family a gift in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give the mom a $ 100 gift card .
A church donated as well , ” Milton told WSB .
Journalist Lauren Pozen tweeted photos of Milton with the family after he had given out the gifts .
Erika was overwhelmed by the generosity of her community and said it was a Christmas she would never forget .
RELATED : Watch : Gas Station Cashier Who Walks Over 5 Miles to Work Each Way Gets Life-Changing Surprise “ For everybody to just come together and help me and my family out with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it really does feel wonderful , ” she told WSB .
“ I just want to say I love you and thank you for everything you have given me.
” In 2019 , Milton was placed on administrative duty during an Atlanta Police Department internal investigation into accusations he used excessive force while reportedly trying to remove a man from a bar , according to WXIA-TV .
It isn ’ t clear whether he is on active duty again .
However , there are many more examples of Milton helping families in need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ girl shoplifting shoes for her sister in 2017 .
When he found the girl ’ s family in need , he bought food and beverages for the family and contacted a social worker to try to help improve their living situation , WSB reported .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

An Atlanta police officer went beyond the call of duty to save one struggling family’s Christmas after he received a call for help.
Officer Che Milton got a call in December 2017 from 13-year-old Erika Gibbons’ mother, WSB-TV reported.
Gibbons couldn’t afford to get a Christmas gift for her daughter, and Milton wanted to do something special for the straight-A student.
“I happened to answer the phone and say, ‘Hey, we’ve got to do something,'” Milton told WSB.
Milton asked his fellow officers and the rest of his community for help, and they fulfilled Erika’s Christmas gift wishes, including a tablet and cash.
“It’s part of what we do,” Milton said. “We wear many hats as police officers, so we are just trying to help.”
One woman from the community responded to Milton’s Facebook post and gave Erika and her family a gift in person.
“She drove two hours to give the mom a $100 gift card. A church donated as well,” Milton told WSB.
Journalist Lauren Pozen tweeted photos of Milton with the family after he had given out the gifts.
Do the kind actions of police often go unnoticed? Yes No
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Meet Officer Milton with @Atlanta_Police Zone 1. He stepped up and got gifts for 13 year old Erica. From cash, to gift cards and even tablets!! We are meeting with Officer Milton and Erica later today to about how he helped make her Christmas a very special one. #nightbeat pic.twitter.com/tXWpoPHqLy — Lauren Pozen (@LaurenPozenWSB) December 24, 2017
Officer Milton with @Atlanta_Police Zone 1 helped make this teens Christmas so very special. The story at 6 and 11. #nightbeat #wsbtv pic.twitter.com/CoKAAsudmW — Lauren Pozen (@LaurenPozenWSB) December 24, 2017
Erika was overwhelmed by the generosity of her community and said it was a Christmas she would never forget.
“For everybody to just come together and help me and my family out with amazing gifts and cards and stuff, it really does feel wonderful,” she told WSB.
“I just want to say I love you and thank you for everything you have given me.”
In 2019, Milton was placed on administrative duty during an Atlanta Police Department internal investigation into accusations he used excessive force while reportedly trying to remove a man from a bar, according to WXIA-TV. It isn’t clear whether he is on active duty again.
However, there are many more examples of Milton helping families in need, as when he caught a 12-year-old girl shoplifting shoes for her sister in 2017.
When he found the girl’s family in need, he bought food and beverages for the family and contacted a social worker to try to help improve their living situation, WSB reported.
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