westernjournal--2020-08-09--Residents Rocked, House Walls Buckle as Powerful Earthquake Rocks North Carolina

A 5.1 magnitude earthquake rocked North Carolina Sunday after a chain of smaller quakes had jolted parts of the state late Saturday and early Sunday .
The 8:07 a.m. earthquake was centered near the town of Sparta , about 90 miles north of Charlotte in the north-central part of the state near the border with Virginia , said Randy Baldwin , a geophysicist with the National Earthquake Information Center in Colorado , according to the Raleigh News & Observer .
The quake was felt all across the state , and beyond .
“ The information center received more than 6,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ radius that touches seven states , ” he said .
The quake was the strongest to hit North Carolina since a 1916 earthquake that registered 5.2 on the scale , the News & Observer reported .
Immediate reports of damage included cracks in pavement , facades on homes losing bricks or stones , or items falling from store shelves .
TRENDING : Border Agents Discover 'Most Sophisticated Tunnel in US History' No immediate reports of injuries were received .
” You knew right away it was an earthquake .
There was no question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the Charlotte Observer .
“ We have no damage , except the coffee in my husband ’ s coffee cup sloshed out , ” she said .
“ But it was scary .
Really , really scary , ” she said .
Many tweeted about the impacts or shared photos of damage .
RELATED : North Carolina Submits to GOP , Will Ease Restrictions for RNC Callie Carson was cooking in a 27-foot camper when everything started to shake .
“ It was kind of unnerving , ” she told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband and I looked at each other and said , ‘ Was that an earthquake ?
’ ” “ There is no way there was an earthquake up here .
That ’ s just not logical , ” she said .
“ 2020 has defied all innate logic , so why not an earthquake ?
Why not ?
” Baldwin said the Appalachian mountains are old , but that does not mean they are never active .
“ They are old mountains , ” Baldwin told the News & Observer .
“ They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faulting .
And these faults … they get reactivated every now and again .
The stresses build up and reactivate some of these old faults.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A 5.1 magnitude earthquake rocked North Carolina Sunday after a chain of smaller quakes had jolted parts of the state late Saturday and early Sunday.
The 8:07 a.m. earthquake was centered near the town of Sparta, about 90 miles north of Charlotte in the north-central part of the state near the border with Virginia, said Randy Baldwin, a geophysicist with the National Earthquake Information Center in Colorado, according to the Raleigh News & Observer. The quake was felt all across the state, and beyond.
“The information center received more than 6,000 reports of the earthquake in a 200-mile radius that touches seven states,” he said.
The quake was the strongest to hit North Carolina since a 1916 earthquake that registered 5.2 on the scale, the News & Observer reported.
Immediate reports of damage included cracks in pavement, facades on homes losing bricks or stones, or items falling from store shelves.
No immediate reports of injuries were received.
”You knew right away it was an earthquake. There was no question about it,” said Shari Carricker, according to the Charlotte Observer.
“We have no damage, except the coffee in my husband’s coffee cup sloshed out,” she said. “But it was scary. Really, really scary,” she said.
Many tweeted about the impacts or shared photos of damage.
Damage to a home in Sparta NC. 5.1 earthquake. Local report says epi center was at Pine Swamp and hwy 21. Not official that Im aware of yet. pic.twitter.com/nLJQPtCz1z — Cello Mom (@Cello_mama) August 9, 2020
Food Lion in Sparta NC pic.twitter.com/0dlDoEziPy — Cello Mom (@Cello_mama) August 9, 2020
EARTHQUAKE VIDEO: This is what it looked like earlier this morning near the epicenter of a 5.1 magnitude earthquake in Sparta, North Carolina. https://t.co/cdDzbOMN1r ? Tom Willis pic.twitter.com/0XhJ8xHtjc — WMBF News (@wmbfnews) August 9, 2020
Callie Carson was cooking in a 27-foot camper when everything started to shake.
“It was kind of unnerving,” she told the News & Observer. “My husband and I looked at each other and said, ‘Was that an earthquake?’”
Are you prepared for an earthquake? Yes No
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“There is no way there was an earthquake up here. That’s just not logical,” she said. “2020 has defied all innate logic, so why not an earthquake? Why not?”
Baldwin said the Appalachian mountains are old, but that does not mean they are never active.
“They are old mountains,” Baldwin told the News & Observer. “They were formed a long time ago by faulting. And these faults … they get reactivated every now and again. The stresses build up and reactivate some of these old faults.”
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westernjournal--2020-08-09--Man Plants Mystery Seeds from China, Months Later State Department of Agriculture Shows Up

A Booneville , Arkansas , man has sown the seeds of mild discontent with his state Department of Agriculture .
According to KFSM-TV , local resident Doyle Crenshaw spurred the agency on to intervention last month when he planted mysterious seeds shipped from China in his garden .
Aware of countless such seed shipments arriving on American shores , departments of agriculture nationwide had issued numerous stern warnings against planting the contents of any unsolicited packages from overseas .
Crenshaw , for his part , was not in the know when he first received his surprise seed shipment — and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package said it was from China and said ‘ studded earrings ’ on the outside , and we thought that was a little odd , ” Crenshaw said .
TRENDING : Border Agents Discover 'Most Sophisticated Tunnel in US History' “ We brought them down here and planted the seeds just to see what would happen , every two weeks I ’ d come by and put miracle grow on it and they just started growing like crazy.
” The resulting plant reportedly carries orange flowers and produces large white fruit , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with certainty what it is , however , the Arkansas Department of Agriculture has decided to remove any sign of the plant from Crenshaw ’ s yard , particularly as experts express concern it may be or bring about an invasive species .
“ Our concern is from an invasive pest aspect , these seeds could introduce an invasive weed , or an invasive insect pest or a plant disease , ” agency official Scott Bray said .
An invasive species is any non-native organism that is not incorporated into an ecosystem without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wildlife Foundation .
“ The direct threats of invasive species include preying on native species , outcompeting native species for food or other resources , causing or carrying disease , and preventing native species from reproducing or killing a native species ’ young , ” the organization says .
The consequences often cascade throughout the ecosystem as well , injuring other species indirectly and often disrupting any local economy or agricultural endeavor that benefits from the natural ecosystem .
Concerns regarding natural dangers from abroad remain all the more pressing in light of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in China .
Many U.S. legislators and intelligence officials have voiced opinions that the Chinese Communist Party was so negligent , self-serving and even potentially malicious in its handling of the virus that it is responsible for the deadly state of affairs across the globe .
As a result , unsolicited seed packages from China were treated with extra scrutiny when they first began arriving stateside last month .
Hundreds of households in at least 27 states have received the mysterious seed packages since , The New York Times reported .
The seeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from package to package , and often come in plastic bags bearing Chinese characters , the promise of jewelry within or simply the words “ China Post.
” Fearing not only the prospect of invasive species but the potential for dangerous plant pathogens or other national security threats to be found in the packages , the U.S. Department of Agriculture initially teamed up with the Department of Homeland Security to investigate the matter and warn Americans against opening the packages .
“ USDA ’ s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service ( APHIS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Homeland Security ’ s Customs and Border Protection , other federal agencies , and State departments of agriculture to investigate the situation , ” the agency wrote on its website .
“ USDA urges anyone who receives an unsolicited package of seeds to immediately contact their State plant regulatory official or APHIS State plant health director .
Please hold onto the seeds and packaging , including the mailing label , until someone from your State department of agriculture or APHIS contacts you with further instructions , ” it added .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A Booneville, Arkansas, man has sown the seeds of mild discontent with his state Department of Agriculture.
According to KFSM-TV, local resident Doyle Crenshaw spurred the agency on to intervention last month when he planted mysterious seeds shipped from China in his garden.
Aware of countless such seed shipments arriving on American shores, departments of agriculture nationwide had issued numerous stern warnings against planting the contents of any unsolicited packages from overseas.
Crenshaw, for his part, was not in the know when he first received his surprise seed shipment — and he decided to experiment.
“The package said it was from China and said ‘studded earrings’ on the outside, and we thought that was a little odd,” Crenshaw said.
“We brought them down here and planted the seeds just to see what would happen, every two weeks I’d come by and put miracle grow on it and they just started growing like crazy.”
Americans across the country are receiving packages of mysterious seeds in the mail, mostly from China. Agricultural officials have advised anyone who receives one of these packages to avoid touching the contents and to not to plant the seeds pic.twitter.com/yoWvtnBAmy — NowThis (@nowthisnews) July 31, 2020
The resulting plant reportedly carries orange flowers and produces large white fruit, like a squash vine.
Unable to determine with certainty what it is, however, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture has decided to remove any sign of the plant from Crenshaw’s yard, particularly as experts express concern it may be or bring about an invasive species.
Would you have planted the Chinese mystery seeds? Yes No
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“Our concern is from an invasive pest aspect, these seeds could introduce an invasive weed, or an invasive insect pest or a plant disease,” agency official Scott Bray said.
An invasive species is any non-native organism that is not incorporated into an ecosystem without harming it, according to the National Wildlife Foundation.
“The direct threats of invasive species include preying on native species, outcompeting native species for food or other resources, causing or carrying disease, and preventing native species from reproducing or killing a native species’ young,” the organization says.
The consequences often cascade throughout the ecosystem as well, injuring other species indirectly and often disrupting any local economy or agricultural endeavor that benefits from the natural ecosystem.
Concerns regarding natural dangers from abroad remain all the more pressing in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in China.
Many U.S. legislators and intelligence officials have voiced opinions that the Chinese Communist Party was so negligent, self-serving and even potentially malicious in its handling of the virus that it is responsible for the deadly state of affairs across the globe.
As a result, unsolicited seed packages from China were treated with extra scrutiny when they first began arriving stateside last month.
We have received reports of people receiving seeds from China that they did not order. If you receive them – don’t plant them. Report to @USDA_APHIS at https://t.co/0U53rbAiHs pic.twitter.com/Y4yAKv5bk7 — WA St Dept of Agr (@WSDAgov) July 24, 2020
Report Unsolicited Seeds: Anyone who has received unsolicited seeds in the mail from China or any other country is encouraged to contact the GDA Seed Lab at 229-386-3145 or e-mail SeedLab@agr.georgia.gov. The seed packages may appear similar to the photos below. pic.twitter.com/eMUVo0MVjM — Georgia Department of Agriculture (@GaDeptAg) July 27, 2020
Hundreds of households in at least 27 states have received the mysterious seed packages since, The New York Times reported.
The seeds within rarely seem to be the same from package to package, and often come in plastic bags bearing Chinese characters, the promise of jewelry within or simply the words “China Post.”
Fearing not only the prospect of invasive species but the potential for dangerous plant pathogens or other national security threats to be found in the packages, the U.S. Department of Agriculture initially teamed up with the Department of Homeland Security to investigate the matter and warn Americans against opening the packages.
“USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is working closely with the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection, other federal agencies, and State departments of agriculture to investigate the situation,” the agency wrote on its website.
“USDA urges anyone who receives an unsolicited package of seeds to immediately contact their State plant regulatory official or APHIS State plant health director. Please hold onto the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label, until someone from your State department of agriculture or APHIS contacts you with further instructions,” it added.
“Do not plant seeds from unknown origins.”
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westernjournal--2020-08-09--Star Who Pushed Goya Boycott Busted for What She Used in Recipe Video

Prominent anti-Trump celebrity Chrissy Teigen engaged in a bit of virtue-signaling last month by promising to boycott Goya Foods after its CEO appeared at the White House and spoke favorably about President Donald Trump .
However , a month later , she accidentally exposed herself as all talk and no action .
Tiegen opened her Twitter Post with an elongated spelling of an obscenity , then vowed she was done with Goya .
“ A shame .
Don ’ t care how good the beans taste though .
Bye bye , ” she wrote .
Last week , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oxtail stew to her Instagram page .
What Teigen might not have realized is that Goya peas were one of the ingredients she used .
Fortunately , a Twitter user with the handle @ TiffyLongLegs noticed and took a screenshot .
TRENDING : Border Agents Discover 'Most Sophisticated Tunnel in US History' Keep in mind that Teigen ’ s original tweet vowing to boycott Goya specifically mentioned “ how good the beans taste.
” Teigen ’ s admiration for the quality of Goya ’ s products apparently trumped her desire to preserve the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social justice warrior .
In fairness to Teigen , maybe she bought the Goya peas before she decided to boycott the company .
Still , the fact that she would seek to hurt a company that employs thousands of Americans over a petty political difference says a lot about her character .
The point behind the actions of Teigen and everyone else calling for a Goya boycott was obvious .
They wanted to blackmail Goya CEO Robert Unanue into walking back his praise for Trump .
Unfortunately for the anti-Goya mob , Unanue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearance on “ The Ingraham Angle ” shortly after his appearance at the White House , Unanue had two simple words for those demanding he apologize for complimenting Trump : “ Hell , no.
” As it turns out , left-wing celebrities ’ call for a Goya boycott had exactly the opposite effect that they had hoped for .
Nationally known conservative figures , including Mark Levin , Laura Ingraham and Tammy Bruce , took to Twitter and urged their followers to support the Hispanic-owned company .
Casey Harper , a former reporter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , started a GoFundMe page seeking donations that would “ be used to buy GOYA products that will be given to food pantries in the Washington , DC area.
” “ What if we rise up to say no to cancel culture AND feed the hungry at the same time ?
” he asked .
Within 72 hours of launching the GoFundMe campaign , Harper had raised more than $ 160,000 .
By mid-afternoon Sunday , it had raised an astounding $ 329,832 .
RELATED : 'Kindergarten Cop ' Canceled After Author Compares @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nation' While Goya may no longer have liberal celebrities buying its products , it looks like it might have more conservatives supporting the company than ever before .
This phenomenon is not unique to Goya .
As MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell , an outspoken Trump supporter explained , “ As long as you don ’ t back down to this stuff , this cancel culture and all these boycotts and all this stuff , it ’ s absolutely amazing how the business goes up every time something like this happens.
” According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ small group ” of people who actually do end up boycotting companies when their CEOs dare to say nice things about the president they hate .
While this group of people may seem like the majority on Twitter , they are far from a majority in real life .
Liberal celebrities should have learned the clear lesson from the 2016 presidential election : Average Americans don ’ t care what they think .
If they did , then there would have been a President Hillary Clinton .
Yet , liberals and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basically become one and the same at this point , seem to have trouble learning lessons .
Cancel culture has now decided to target the 1990 movie “ Kindergarten Cop ” over its portrayal of law enforcement in a positive light .
While the First Amendment gives the leftists in cancel culture the right to call for boycotts , it also gives everyone else in America the right to call them out for their stupidity and hypocrisy .
As Chrissy Teigen ’ s decision to use Goya products despite calling for a boycott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Prominent anti-Trump celebrity Chrissy Teigen engaged in a bit of virtue-signaling last month by promising to boycott Goya Foods after its CEO appeared at the White House and spoke favorably about President Donald Trump. However, a month later, she accidentally exposed herself as all talk and no action.
Tiegen opened her Twitter Post with an elongated spelling of an obscenity, then vowed she was done with Goya.
“A shame. Don’t care how good the beans taste though. Bye bye,” she wrote.
Last week, however, Teigen posted a video of herself making oxtail stew to her Instagram page. What Teigen might not have realized is that Goya peas were one of the ingredients she used. Fortunately, a Twitter user with the handle @TiffyLongLegs noticed and took a screenshot.
Keep in mind that Teigen’s original tweet vowing to boycott Goya specifically mentioned “how good the beans taste.” Teigen’s admiration for the quality of Goya’s products apparently trumped her desire to preserve the image of herself as a cancel culture-supporting social justice warrior.
In fairness to Teigen, maybe she bought the Goya peas before she decided to boycott the company. Still, the fact that she would seek to hurt a company that employs thousands of Americans over a petty political difference says a lot about her character.
The point behind the actions of Teigen and everyone else calling for a Goya boycott was obvious. They wanted to blackmail Goya CEO Robert Unanue into walking back his praise for Trump.
Unfortunately for the anti-Goya mob, Unanue refused to back down. During an appearance on “The Ingraham Angle” shortly after his appearance at the White House, Unanue had two simple words for those demanding he apologize for complimenting Trump: “Hell, no.”
Does this prove Teigen's a hypocrite when it comes to Goya? 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% (1681 Votes) No: 1% (15 Votes)
As it turns out, left-wing celebrities’ call for a Goya boycott had exactly the opposite effect that they had hoped for. Nationally known conservative figures, including Mark Levin, Laura Ingraham and Tammy Bruce, took to Twitter and urged their followers to support the Hispanic-owned company.
Casey Harper, a former reporter for The Daily Caller and The Hill, started a GoFundMe page seeking donations that would “be used to buy GOYA products that will be given to food pantries in the Washington, DC area.” “What if we rise up to say no to cancel culture AND feed the hungry at the same time?” he asked.
Donated funds will be used to buy GOYA products that will be given to food pantries in the Washington, DC area. What if we rise up to say no to cancel culture AND feed the hungry at the same time?https://t.co/1u7SAiC2oS — Casey Harper (@CaseyHarper33) July 11, 2020
Within 72 hours of launching the GoFundMe campaign, Harper had raised more than $160,000. By mid-afternoon Sunday, it had raised an astounding $329,832.
While Goya may no longer have liberal celebrities buying its products, it looks like it might have more conservatives supporting the company than ever before.
This phenomenon is not unique to Goya. As MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, an outspoken Trump supporter explained, “As long as you don’t back down to this stuff, this cancel culture and all these boycotts and all this stuff, it’s absolutely amazing how the business goes up every time something like this happens.”
According to Lindell, it’s only a “small group” of people who actually do end up boycotting companies when their CEOs dare to say nice things about the president they hate. While this group of people may seem like the majority on Twitter, they are far from a majority in real life.
Liberal celebrities should have learned the clear lesson from the 2016 presidential election: Average Americans don’t care what they think. If they did, then there would have been a President Hillary Clinton.
Yet, liberals and the proponents of cancel culture, which have basically become one and the same at this point, seem to have trouble learning lessons. Cancel culture has now decided to target the 1990 movie “Kindergarten Cop” over its portrayal of law enforcement in a positive light.
While the First Amendment gives the leftists in cancel culture the right to call for boycotts, it also gives everyone else in America the right to call them out for their stupidity and hypocrisy. As Chrissy Teigen’s decision to use Goya products despite calling for a boycott demonstrates, left-wing hypocrisy knows no bounds.
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westernjournal--2020-08-09--Florida Couple Arrested After Allegedly Murdering Burger King Employee for Long Wait

A Florida woman who was irate over her waiting time at an Orlando Burger King has been charged in connection with the death of an employee at the restaurant after her boyfriend had already been charged with murder .
The Aug. 1 incident resulted in the death of 22-year-old Desmond Armond Joshua , according to WKMG-TV .
Ashley Mason , 31 , was charged with principal to first-degree murder and aggravated assault with a firearm , according to the Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office : TRENDING : Border Agents Discover 'Most Sophisticated Tunnel in US History' Her boyfriend , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged with first-degree murder , along with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and destruction of evidence , according to the Orlando Sentinel .
Joshua had been working at the restaurant for two days when he was killed .
The incident began at about 7:15 p.m. Saturday .
Mason ’ s 13-year-old daughter told police that Joshua was disrespectful to her mother and that she thought he was talking about her and her mother behind the drive-thru window , leading her to throw a small drink at the window .
Mason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 40 worth of food and began to argue with Joshua , according to Fox News .
Although she was refunded her money , she “ threatened to bring her ‘ man ’ to the restaurant , ” the Orlando Sentinel reported .
Not long afterward , Mason returned with Rodriguez Tormes , who demanded to fight Joshua .
Joshua accepted the challenge and went outside to fight Tormes .
Rodriguez Tormes put Joshua in a headlock , leading bystanders to break up the scuffle .
Mason saw a handgun in the truck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some witness accounts said she pointed it at bystanders .
Mason said that Rodriguez Tormes told her to “ give me the fire.
” She gave him the gun and he went into his truck , with the windows rolled up .
Joshua then ran up to the truck and Rodriguez Tormes lowered the window .
“ You got two seconds before I shoot you , ” Rodriguez Tormes said , according to the affidavit .
He shot Joshua once in the chest .
The employee died after being rushed to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A Florida woman who was irate over her waiting time at an Orlando Burger King has been charged in connection with the death of an employee at the restaurant after her boyfriend had already been charged with murder.
The Aug. 1 incident resulted in the death of 22-year-old Desmond Armond Joshua, according to WKMG-TV.
Ashley Mason, 31, was charged with principal to first-degree murder and aggravated assault with a firearm, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office:
UPDATE: Today, OCSO Homicide detectives arrested Ashley Mason, 31, on charges of Principal to First Degree Murder & Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. Her husband, Kelvis Rodriguez-Tormes, was arrested Sunday, shortly after shooting Desmond Joshua, a Burger King employee. https://t.co/FaQUlvV7jM — Orange County Sheriff’s Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) August 5, 2020
Her boyfriend, Kelvis Rodriguez Tormes, 37, was charged with first-degree murder, along with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and destruction of evidence, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Joshua had been working at the restaurant for two days when he was killed.
The incident began at about 7:15 p.m. Saturday.
Mason’s 13-year-old daughter told police that Joshua was disrespectful to her mother and that she thought he was talking about her and her mother behind the drive-thru window, leading her to throw a small drink at the window.
Mason then got tired of waiting for her $40 worth of food and began to argue with Joshua, according to Fox News.
Although she was refunded her money, she “threatened to bring her ‘man’ to the restaurant,” the Orlando Sentinel reported.
Not long afterward, Mason returned with Rodriguez Tormes, who demanded to fight Joshua. Joshua accepted the challenge and went outside to fight Tormes.
Rodriguez Tormes put Joshua in a headlock, leading bystanders to break up the scuffle.
Mason saw a handgun in the truck Rodriguez Tormes was driving and took it. Some witness accounts said she pointed it at bystanders.
Mason said that Rodriguez Tormes told her to “give me the fire.” She gave him the gun and he went into his truck, with the windows rolled up.
Joshua then ran up to the truck and Rodriguez Tormes lowered the window.
“You got two seconds before I shoot you,” Rodriguez Tormes said, according to the affidavit.
He shot Joshua once in the chest. The employee died after being rushed to a nearby hospital.
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westernjournal--2020-08-09--Maxine Waters Guarantees Biden’s VP Pick Will Be a Black Woman

Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters of California said Friday that presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden will choose a black woman as his running mate .
Waters made the comment in an interview with Essence .
In July , Biden said four black women were on his list of possible vice-presidential candidates but did not name names , according to The Hill .
To date , speculation has focused on Sen. Kamala Harris of California , former national security advisor Susan Rice and California Rep. Karen Bass .
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms , who made some lists early in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden has said he will pick a woman .
TRENDING : Border Agents Discover 'Most Sophisticated Tunnel in US History' A recent Fox News report framed the choice as between Rice and Harris .
Politico recently noted that 300 Democratic National Convention delegates have urged Biden to pick Bass .
Waters said Biden will pick a black woman because he owes black voters .
“ Let me guarantee you this : Based on everything that I know and understand , and the help that [ Biden ] has already gotten from the black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done , Jim Clyburn , when he hears about this he ’ s gon na laugh .
He can ’ t go home without a black woman being VP , ” Waters said .
“ We ’ re going to have a black woman VP , ” she added .
Clyburn , a black congressman from South Carolina and the House majority whip , was instrumental in helping Biden get the support of black voters at a time in the Democratic primary process when Biden ’ s campaign was off to a rocky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Waters troubling .
RELATED : Hunter Biden 's $ 450,000 Tax Debt Mysteriously 'Resolved ' Despite His Having No Discernible Income Waters told Essence that black voters must turn out and defeat President Donald Trump .
“ I believe that Black Lives Matter and the protests that were in the streets [ are ] a sign of people understanding that this dangerous man with all of this power must not continue in office for another four years , ” she said .
She also invoked the memory of the late Georgia Rep. John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died last month .
“ We have a responsibility to vote , ” the California Democrat said .
“ We can ’ t have people going around talking about how wonderful John Lewis was , how much he sacrificed , the beatings that he took , the way that he put his life on the line and we don ’ t get up and vote .
There is no excuse.
” Waters said black voters need Biden in office .
“ Our lives depend on this , ” she went on .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be able to exercise the kind of exclusion and discrimination that will set us back many , many years and we can not afford that .
He stands to imperil our future and the future of our children .
So vote , vote , vote.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters of California said Friday that presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden will choose a black woman as his running mate.
Waters made the comment in an interview with Essence.
In July, Biden said four black women were on his list of possible vice-presidential candidates but did not name names, according to The Hill.
To date, speculation has focused on Sen. Kamala Harris of California, former national security advisor Susan Rice and California Rep. Karen Bass. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who made some lists early in the process, is now rarely mentioned.
Biden has said he will pick a woman.
A recent Fox News report framed the choice as between Rice and Harris. Politico recently noted that 300 Democratic National Convention delegates have urged Biden to pick Bass.
.@repmaxinewaters on Joe Biden: “He can’t go home without a Black woman being VP.” Tap the link for more on our town hall with Rep. Maxine Waters. https://t.co/G4luKsCqn4 pic.twitter.com/PtO6g4G1ir — ESSENCE (@Essence) August 7, 2020
Waters said Biden will pick a black woman because he owes black voters.
Do you think Biden will select a black woman as his running mate? 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: 83% (811 Votes) No: 17% (169 Votes)
“Let me guarantee you this: Based on everything that I know and understand, and the help that [Biden] has already gotten from the black community, with what Jim Clyburn has done, Jim Clyburn, when he hears about this he’s gonna laugh. He can’t go home without a black woman being VP,” Waters said.
“We’re going to have a black woman VP,” she added.
Clyburn, a black congressman from South Carolina and the House majority whip, was instrumental in helping Biden get the support of black voters at a time in the Democratic primary process when Biden’s campaign was off to a rocky start.
Some found the comment by Waters troubling.
“I don’t understand why everyone is stating “we must have a black woman VP in the WH”. What happened to best candidate…”
https://t.co/Thi2VRDiyU — Intrepid (@RuDauntless) August 8, 2020
@RepMaxineWaters I respectfully disagree. @JoeBiden VP candidate should be based on qualifications, period. Race or gender should have NOTHING to do with it. And, I am a man of color, I live to fight 4 equal rights. This is not it. — Stand Up 4 Justice, Integrity & Good (@4Justice4Good) August 8, 2020
Waters told Essence that black voters must turn out and defeat President Donald Trump.
“I believe that Black Lives Matter and the protests that were in the streets [are] a sign of people understanding that this dangerous man with all of this power must not continue in office for another four years,” she said.
She also invoked the memory of the late Georgia Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights icon who died last month.
“We have a responsibility to vote,” the California Democrat said.
“We can’t have people going around talking about how wonderful John Lewis was, how much he sacrificed, the beatings that he took, the way that he put his life on the line and we don’t get up and vote. There is no excuse.”
Waters said black voters need Biden in office.
“Our lives depend on this,” she went on. “Four more years of Trump, he will be able to exercise the kind of exclusion and discrimination that will set us back many, many years and we cannot afford that. He stands to imperil our future and the future of our children. So vote, vote, vote.”
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westernjournal--2020-08-09--Iran Tries To Intimidate US with War Exercise, Utterly Humiliates Itself Instead

Iran sank a U.S. aircraft carrier .
Big news , right ?
Well , yes — but not for the reasons you may be thinking .
First , it wasn ’ t really an American aircraft carrier .
It wasn ’ t an aircraft carrier at all , actually .
And while Iran meant to “ sink ” it , it didn ’ t mean to sink it .
And certainly not in the way it ended up getting sunk .
I ’ m sure you ’ re confused , so let me explain .
On July 28 , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that covers military and civilian aircraft , Iran launched its “ Great Prophet 14 ” military exercises .
I didn ’ t pay much attention because I also hadn ’ t paid attention to the first 13 , so I was afraid I wouldn ’ t be able to follow the plot .
The news that Tehran wanted everyone wanted to pay attention to was the use of the stealthy Shahed 181 and Shahed 191 drones , which The Aviationist notes were reverse-engineered from captured U.S. drones .
TRENDING : Border Agents Discover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re the kind of person who thinks Aviation Week is more engrossing than “ Tiger King , ” I suppose this is what why you were interested in Great Prophet 14 .
As for me , I was a bit more entertained by the fact that a fake , scaled-down version of a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier the Iranians like to attack during the war games ended up sinking — and exactly where they didn ’ t want it to .
Forbes ’ H.I .
Sutton notes that “ Iranian armed forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guard Corps Navy ) delight in attacking the mock U.S. Navy aircraft carrier ” during “ Great Prophet ” wargames .
According to Popular Mechanics , the “ aircraft carrier ” was last attacked by the Iranians in 2015 .
It ’ s not just a great morale-booster for the Iranian armed forces , the military version of beating the computer in Tecmo Super Bowl to prove to yourself you really could have been a varsity running back in high school .
It ’ s also featured in plenty of Iranian propaganda videos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it ’ s just a barge that isn ’ t nearly the size of an actual American aircraft carrier and has none of its defense systems , to say nothing of American fighter jets or sailors on board .
RELATED : Biden Mixes Declaration of Independence and Constitution Into a Blender and It Comes Out Incomprehensible This time , the Iranians hit the barge with one of their anti-ship missiles .
They also had their troops descend via rope onto the deck of the fake carrier , where I ’ m sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Two-to-one odds say at least one of them pictured himself doing away with Maverick and Iceman from “ Top Gun.
” Unfortunately , after the fake fun was over , Iran was left with a very real problem .
As the knockoff Nimitz was being towed back to port in Bandar Abbas , it began to sink from the damage the IRGC had inflicted upon it .
On July 31 , the military analysis site Aurora Intel published this satellite imagery of the ship in a decidedly un-towable condition : And since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s where it was as of Aug. 2 : The problem is that it ’ s in incredibly shallow water — 45 ft. — in a major shipping lane in the Strait of Hormuz , posing a serious danger for other passing vessels .
Given that everything from tankers to passenger ferries go through the area , this isn ’ t just an international humiliation , it ’ s also solid threat to human life and commerce .
And for a country that ’ s really good at blowing up fake ships @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t so good at retrieving them .
“ Although Iran has recovered vessels and aircraft from the sea , it does not appear to have a serious salvage capability to call on , ” Sutton wrote on Aug. 3 .
“ This may be why it appears abandoned in the satellite imagery .
Last year Iran did recover substantial parts of the U.S. Navy Global Hawk drone it shot down .
But there are serious doubts as to whether any of this was salvaged from the depths .
Floating wreckage is one thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another.
” In a follow-up report published by Forbes on Sunday morning , Sutton wrote that little had changed .
Paul Edward Roche , former president of the Irish Institute of Master Mariners , according to Sutton , said that the ship ’ s position “ poses a distinct risk to commercial shipping approaching or leaving by the Straits of Hormuz because it is located east of the port approach ” and was “ an accident waiting to happen.
” “ This wreck does not appear to be marked with navigation buoys , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it was , at night their lights might be drowned out by the lights of the town behind it .
Roche believes that the biggest risk is at night or in reduced visibility such as a sandstorm or fog.
” Another problem : The ship can move , too , and given the conditions it ’ s more likely to move toward the port .
“ If all measures have been taken and declared , there should be a minimum distance of 0.5 nautical miles between my ship and the wreck , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ But this shipwreck can change position , so a distance of 1 nautical is more appropriate.
” Hutton noted ships had been passing within 1,600 ft. of the wreck .
As your mom would have said , it ’ s all fun and games until someone gets hurt .
Yes , Iran making a miscalculation of this magnitude , particularly when the whole reason behind it was anti-American propaganda , is hilarious — particularly when it was perpetrated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps , Iran ’ s strange , parallel military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country , which also happens to be listed as a terrorist group by the United States .
More sobering is the fact that Iran ’ s “ Keystone Cops ” -like ineptitude is now a recipe for potentially sinking a passenger ferry or spilling hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil into the Strait of Hormuz .
Remember , this is a country that , just eight months ago , downed a Ukrainian airliner because it believed it to be an American-based threat .
The IRGC was responsible for that , too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t more blood on their hands once this saga is over .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Iran sank a U.S. aircraft carrier. Big news, right? Well, yes — but not for the reasons you may be thinking.
First, it wasn’t really an American aircraft carrier. It wasn’t an aircraft carrier at all, actually. And while Iran meant to “sink” it, it didn’t mean to sink it. And certainly not in the way it ended up getting sunk.
I’m sure you’re confused, so let me explain. On July 28, according to The Aviationist, a news site that covers military and civilian aircraft, Iran launched its “Great Prophet 14” military exercises. I didn’t pay much attention because I also hadn’t paid attention to the first 13, so I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to follow the plot.
The news that Tehran wanted everyone wanted to pay attention to was the use of the stealthy Shahed 181 and Shahed 191 drones, which The Aviationist notes were reverse-engineered from captured U.S. drones.
It confirms there are jet (top line if 1st pic) and propeller (bottom line) versions that are both launched using vehicle-mounted racks pic.twitter.com/kvS9fFhkWl — Jeremy Binnie (@JeremyBinnie) March 27, 2019
If you’re the kind of person who thinks Aviation Week is more engrossing than “Tiger King,” I suppose this is why you were interested in Great Prophet 14. As for me, I was a bit more entertained by the fact that a fake, scaled-down version of a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier the Iranians like to attack during the war games ended up sinking — and exactly where they didn’t want it to.
Forbes’ H.I. Sutton notes that “Iranian armed forces, particularly the IRGC-N (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy) delight in attacking the mock U.S. Navy aircraft carrier” during “Great Prophet” wargames.
According to Popular Mechanics, the “aircraft carrier” was last attacked by the Iranians in 2015.
For the record: What’s Wrong With Iran’s Fake Aircraft Carrier https://t.co/CQTTmONWMy — Naval News (@navalnewscom) August 3, 2020
It’s not just a great morale-booster for the Iranian armed forces, the military version of beating the computer in Tecmo Super Bowl to prove to yourself you really could have been a varsity running back in high school.
It’s also featured in plenty of Iranian propaganda videos — not that they give the context that it’s just a barge that isn’t nearly the size of an actual American aircraft carrier and has none of its defense systems, to say nothing of American fighter jets or sailors on board.
Here’s the 2015 attack:
This time, the Iranians hit the barge with one of their anti-ship missiles. They also had their troops descend via rope onto the deck of the fake carrier, where I’m sure they killed lots of fake American sailors. Two-to-one odds say at least one of them pictured himself doing away with Maverick and Iceman from “Top Gun.”
Unfortunately, after the fake fun was over, Iran was left with a very real problem.
As the knockoff Nimitz was being towed back to port in Bandar Abbas, it began to sink from the damage the IRGC had inflicted upon it. On July 31, the military analysis site Aurora Intel published this satellite imagery of the ship in a decidedly un-towable condition:
thanks to the heads from @ckoettl I went on the hunt. Imagery courtesy of @planetlabs from today shows the #IRGC’s fake #US Navy Nimitz-Class Carrier capsized just south of Bandar Abbas Port, #Iran after the Great Prophet XIV war games. I assume we will see more propaganda soon. pic.twitter.com/pqjmTInbRW — Aurora Intel (@AuroraIntel) July 31, 2020
And here’s a closer look:
Looks like the Iranians have created a nice little hazard for themselves right outside bandar abbas… You had one job IRGCN… [And… go twitter] pic.twitter.com/tKBE7FrKgq — Chris Biggers (@CSBiggers) July 31, 2020
And since these things only get worse, here’s where it was as of Aug. 2:
New imagery from yesterday shows the capsized #IRGC replica of the Nimitz Class Carrier appears to have listed more outside of Bandar Abbas Port, #Iran. She appears more listed here than previous imagery from the 31st July. The depth here is a reported 14m. Fun to reclaim…. pic.twitter.com/tKTHJAaGCS — Aurora Intel (@AuroraIntel) August 2, 2020
The problem is that it’s in incredibly shallow water — 45 ft. — in a major shipping lane in the Strait of Hormuz, posing a serious danger for other passing vessels. Given that everything from tankers to passenger ferries go through the area, this isn’t just an international humiliation, it’s also solid threat to human life and commerce.
And for a country that’s really good at blowing up fake ships, it turns out Iran isn’t so good at retrieving them.
“Although Iran has recovered vessels and aircraft from the sea, it does not appear to have a serious salvage capability to call on,” Sutton wrote on Aug. 3. “This may be why it appears abandoned in the satellite imagery. Last year Iran did recover substantial parts of the U.S. Navy Global Hawk drone it shot down. But there are serious doubts as to whether any of this was salvaged from the depths. Floating wreckage is one thing, dismantling a large sunken vessel is another.”
In a follow-up report published by Forbes on Sunday morning, Sutton wrote that little had changed.
Paul Edward Roche, former president of the Irish Institute of Master Mariners, according to Sutton, said that the ship’s position “poses a distinct risk to commercial shipping approaching or leaving by the Straits of Hormuz because it is located east of the port approach” and was “an accident waiting to happen.”
Do you think Iran is a military threat to the United States? 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: 19% (233 Votes) No: 81% (1015 Votes)
“This wreck does not appear to be marked with navigation buoys,” Hutton wrote. “And even if it was, at night their lights might be drowned out by the lights of the town behind it. Roche believes that the biggest risk is at night or in reduced visibility such as a sandstorm or fog.”
Another problem: The ship can move, too, and given the conditions it’s more likely to move toward the port.
“If all measures have been taken and declared, there should be a minimum distance of 0.5 nautical miles between my ship and the wreck,” a ship captain told Hutton. “But this shipwreck can change position, so a distance of 1 nautical is more appropriate.”
Hutton noted ships had been passing within 1,600 ft. of the wreck.
As your mom would have said, it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt. Yes, Iran making a miscalculation of this magnitude, particularly when the whole reason behind it was anti-American propaganda, is hilarious — particularly when it was perpetrated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran’s strange, parallel military arranged to protect the regime and not the country, which also happens to be listed as a terrorist group by the United States.
More sobering is the fact that Iran’s “Keystone Cops”-like ineptitude is now a recipe for potentially sinking a passenger ferry or spilling hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil into the Strait of Hormuz. Remember, this is a country that, just eight months ago, downed a Ukrainian airliner because it believed it to be an American-based threat. The IRGC was responsible for that, too.
Let’s hope there isn’t more blood on their hands once this saga is over.
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westernjournal--2020-08-09--Over 20% of Mail-In Ballots Rejected in Single Primary, Proving Vote-by-Mail Would Be Total Chaos

On Tuesday , the winners of two hotly contested New York Democratic primary races for Congress were announced .
Ritchie Torres , a progressive 32-year-old newcomer , won a 12-way race for an open seat in the Bronx .
Meanwhile , in a close race for another seat in New York City , establishment candidate Rep. Carolyn Maloney narrowly defeated a challenger from her left , Suraj Patel .
Both are in safe Democrat districts and both nominees will easily win in November .
There ’ s not really much unusual about this — until you consider that the primary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wasn ’ t entirely because the races were close .
While Maloney and Patel ended up with a little more than 1 percentage point separating them , Torres ’ margin of victory was over 10 percent .
Rather , judging by The New York Times report , the problem was the tragicomic failure of the vote-by-mail system in New York state and what it means for November .
Proponents of universal mail-in voting got another reality check Wednesday when New York City ’ s Board of Elections released figures regarding how ballots for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Border Agents Discover 'Most Sophisticated Tunnel in US History' According to the New York Post , more than 84,000 mail-in ballots were disqualified in the June 23 primary — more than 20 percent .
There was a deluge of mail-in ballots in New York City after New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ’ s executive order making it easier to vote mail-in or absentee — even providing prepaid envelopes for voters .
This meant there were plenty of ballots cast — and plenty of votes invalidated .
The Board of Elections figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but only 318,995 counted , a difference of 84,108 , the New York Post reported .
So , what went wrong ?
First , there were the ballots without a postmark .
There were the ballots that were mailed out late .
There were the ballots received late .
There were problems with processing by the Board of Elections .
According to The New York Times , election officials also blamed a court decision to reinstate the presidential primary in New York .
The race was originally dropped , given former Vice President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic delegate race and the exigencies caused by the coronavirus crisis , but supporters of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders argued the delegates from New York state could give Sanders ’ supporters clout to influence the party platform .
( As well they have ; a big story on convention week will likely be the hundreds of Sanders delegates who , according to Politico , have signed on to a pledge to not support any Democratic platform that doesn ’ t include “ Medicare for all , ” a move that could spoil the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . )
And then there was the butterfly ballot of the 2020 New York Democratic primary , the required signature on the envelope that came inside the mail-in ballot , something a lawyer representing candidates who sued the Board of Elections and Postal Service attributes to how it was put together .
According to the Post , attorney Arthur Schwartz , a Sanders supporter , said “ scores ” of ballots were invalidated because voters had failed to sign the interior envelope .
RELATED : Trucking Company Owner : Cities That Defund Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The envelope with directions for the signature was so poorly designed , ” Schwartz told the Post .
It ’ s unclear from context whether he was talking about the number from the city and made a mistake ( the city total was 21 percent , thus a mistake ) or if he was talking about Brooklyn ’ s number ( roughly 25 percent ) , or the number of invalidated ballots for the candidates he was representing .
As for the “ very troubling ” part : Yes , I would say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter what .
New York City ’ s fiasco was a forecast of the problems that could await us in a little over a dozen weeks .
Even though the races in question are ostensibly decided , Judge Analisa Torres of Federal District Court in Manhattan ruled Monday more absentee ballots must be counted , according to the Post .
According to The New York Times , only ballots that were received before June 23 were supposed to be counted .
Torres ruled that ballots received by June 24 should be counted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were postmarked and ballots received on June 25 should be counted if they were postmarked by June 23 .
This ruling on its own doesn ’ t affect much .
In the Maloney-Patel race — the only affected contest that ’ s statistically close — only a small portion of the 12,500 disputed ballots would be counted .
The Times described the number as “ at least 1,000.
” Patel is down by 3,700 .
But here ’ s the thing : Patel is suing for more ballots to be counted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Elections is appealing the original decision that would require it to count any more ballots .
“ This is no longer a Democratic or a Republican fight , this is not an establishment versus progressive fight , ” Patel said after Monday ’ s decision , according to The Times .
“ This is now a fight for the voting rights of millions in a pandemic.
” No , it ’ s a canary in a coal mine — something that Rep. Maloney inadvertently pointed out in a statement that didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patel to concede .
“ It is regrettable that my former opponent has become President Trump ’ s mouthpiece in disparaging mail voting by making unsupported claims of many thousands of ballots being invalidated , ” Maloney said , according to The Times .
“ The true facts show a smaller number that had no effect on the results.
” Of course , two candidates locked in a bitter race like this are going to say divergent things .
In fact , part of any campaign is that candidates view raw data as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elections , it becomes ink-blot tests that are played out in court .
Patel sees disenfranchisement and the ( admittedly slim ) potential for a victory .
Maloney sees needless litigation that makes President Donald Trump look good .
The Board of Elections , meanwhile , feels its procedures were sufficient .
Those suing disagree .
This is a battle in one city over a primary where it took six weeks to announce several winners and only one race is remotely in question — and the parties are still court .
This November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most consequential presidential election in our lifetimes .
What do you think the courts are going to look like then ?
Despite the mess , New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio thinks his city ’ s Board of Elections will shape itself up in time for the presidential race .
“ I am certain they can learn from this and be prepared for the general election , ” de Blasio said , according to the New York Post .
“ Three months is a long time .
“ There are whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with mail-in [ voting ] and it works perfectly well.
” There are actually very few that do it that way , but that ’ s beside the point .
Cuomo issued his executive order extending mail-in voting almost two months to the day before the June 23 primary , a primary in which few races were key .
In America ’ s largest city , this is how prepared they were .
One out of five people who voted had their ballots invalidated .
That ’ s one out of five people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In three months , de Blasio is confident a much larger , much closer election can be handled via universal vote-by-mail — in his city and , presumably , the rest of the country .
I don ’ t know what ’ s given him this impression , particularly since his city just managed to be an object lesson in the chaos we ’ re inviting upon ourselves .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

On Tuesday, the winners of two hotly contested New York Democratic primary races for Congress were announced.
Ritchie Torres, a progressive 32-year-old newcomer, won a 12-way race for an open seat in the Bronx. Meanwhile, in a close race for another seat in New York City, establishment candidate Rep. Carolyn Maloney narrowly defeated a challenger from her left, Suraj Patel. Both are in safe Democrat districts and both nominees will easily win in November.
There’s not really much unusual about this — until you consider that the primary happened on June 23.
The delay wasn’t entirely because the races were close. While Maloney and Patel ended up with a little more than 1 percentage point separating them, Torres’ margin of victory was over 10 percent. Rather, judging by The New York Times report, the problem was the tragicomic failure of the vote-by-mail system in New York state and what it means for November.
Proponents of universal mail-in voting got another reality check Wednesday when New York City’s Board of Elections released figures regarding how ballots for the presidential primary were handled.
According to the New York Post, more than 84,000 mail-in ballots were disqualified in the June 23 primary — more than 20 percent.
There was a deluge of mail-in ballots in New York City after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s executive order making it easier to vote mail-in or absentee — even providing prepaid envelopes for voters. This meant there were plenty of ballots cast — and plenty of votes invalidated.
The Board of Elections figures showed that 403,103 ballots were received, but only 318,995 counted, a difference of 84,108, the New York Post reported.
So, what went wrong?
Do you support universal vote-by-mail? 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% (491 Votes)
First, there were the ballots without a postmark. There were the ballots that were mailed out late. There were the ballots received late. There were problems with processing by the Board of Elections.
According to The New York Times, election officials also blamed a court decision to reinstate the presidential primary in New York.
The race was originally dropped, given former Vice President Joe Biden’s lead in the Democratic delegate race and the exigencies caused by the coronavirus crisis, but supporters of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders argued the delegates from New York state could give Sanders’ supporters clout to influence the party platform. (As well they have; a big story on convention week will likely be the hundreds of Sanders delegates who, according to Politico, have signed on to a pledge to not support any Democratic platform that doesn’t include “Medicare for all,” a move that could spoil the comity even at a mostly virtual convention.)
And then there was the butterfly ballot of the 2020 New York Democratic primary, the required signature on the envelope that came inside the mail-in ballot, something a lawyer representing candidates who sued the Board of Elections and Postal Service attributes to how it was put together.
According to the Post, attorney Arthur Schwartz, a Sanders supporter, said “scores” of ballots were invalidated because voters had failed to sign the interior envelope.
“The envelope with directions for the signature was so poorly designed,” Schwartz told the Post.
“A 26 percent invalidation rate is astounding. It’s very troubling.”
It’s unclear from context whether he was talking about the number from the city and made a mistake (the city total was 21 percent, thus a mistake) or if he was talking about Brooklyn’s number (roughly 25 percent), or the number of invalidated ballots for the candidates he was representing.
As for the “very troubling” part: Yes, I would say so. That’s accurate no matter what.
New York City’s fiasco was a forecast of the problems that could await us in a little over a dozen weeks. Even though the races in question are ostensibly decided, Judge Analisa Torres of Federal District Court in Manhattan ruled Monday more absentee ballots must be counted, according to the Post.
According to The New York Times, only ballots that were received before June 23 were supposed to be counted. Torres ruled that ballots received by June 24 should be counted by the Board of Elections no matter when they were postmarked and ballots received on June 25 should be counted if they were postmarked by June 23.
This ruling on its own doesn’t affect much. In the Maloney-Patel race — the only affected contest that’s statistically close — only a small portion of the 12,500 disputed ballots would be counted. The Times described the number as “at least 1,000.” Patel is down by 3,700.
But here’s the thing: Patel is suing for more ballots to be counted, according to CNN, while the Board of Elections is appealing the original decision that would require it to count any more ballots.
“This is no longer a Democratic or a Republican fight, this is not an establishment versus progressive fight,” Patel said after Monday’s decision, according to The Times. “This is now a fight for the voting rights of millions in a pandemic.”
No, it’s a canary in a coal mine — something that Rep. Maloney inadvertently pointed out in a statement that didn’t criticize the decision but called on Patel to concede.
“It is regrettable that my former opponent has become President Trump’s mouthpiece in disparaging mail voting by making unsupported claims of many thousands of ballots being invalidated,” Maloney said, according to The Times. “The true facts show a smaller number that had no effect on the results.”
Of course, two candidates locked in a bitter race like this are going to say divergent things. In fact, part of any campaign is that candidates view raw data as ink-blot tests. With the outcome of elections, it becomes ink-blot tests that are played out in court. Patel sees disenfranchisement and the (admittedly slim) potential for a victory. Maloney sees needless litigation that makes President Donald Trump look good. The Board of Elections, meanwhile, feels its procedures were sufficient. Those suing disagree.
This is a battle in one city over a primary where it took six weeks to announce several winners and only one race is remotely in question — and the parties are still court. This November, the entire country votes in arguably the most consequential presidential election in our lifetimes. What do you think the courts are going to look like then?
Despite the mess, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio thinks his city’s Board of Elections will shape itself up in time for the presidential race.
“I am certain they can learn from this and be prepared for the general election,” de Blasio said, according to the New York Post. “Three months is a long time.
“There are whole states in this country that do everything with mail-in [voting] and it works perfectly well.”
There are actually very few that do it that way, but that’s beside the point. Cuomo issued his executive order extending mail-in voting almost two months to the day before the June 23 primary, a primary in which few races were key.
In America’s largest city, this is how prepared they were. One out of five people who voted had their ballots invalidated. That’s one out of five people whose vote didn’t count.
In three months, de Blasio is confident a much larger, much closer election can be handled via universal vote-by-mail — in his city and, presumably, the rest of the country. I don’t know what’s given him this impression, particularly since his city just managed to be an object lesson in the chaos we’re inviting upon ourselves.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
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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--2020-08-09--Legal Challenge Issued After Closed School District Charges Parents $160 Weekly Fee for Classroom Ac

Legal Challenge Issued After Closed School District Charges Parents $160 Weekly Fee for Classroom Access

An Arizona school district with a program that charges parents a fee for child care in classrooms , while instruction is delivered online , is being challenged by the American Center for Law and Justice .
On its website , the ACLJ explained that “ some public schools ” are “ telling parents that while it ’ s not safe for their children to return to school due to the Coronavirus , they can come to the SAME BUILDINGS as a ‘ childcare ’ center .
.
.
for an additional fee.
” “ That ’ s right : schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and teachers to attend for normal taxpayer-funded classes are somehow perfectly fine for childcare if you pay extra .
If a family has three children , that ’ s nearly $ 500 out of pocket for one week , on top of the taxes they ’ re already paying that support these schools .
And based on the last few months , it seems very likely the closures will continue to be extended , as will those fees , ” an article by ACLJ Executive Director Jordan Sekulow states .
Arizona schools are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make money .
The ACLJ website particularly cited the Gilbert Unified Public School District , which operates 40 schools in Maricopa County .
“ Multiple school districts in the state , including the Gilbert Public Schools ( GPS ) — made up of 39 individual schools from Kindergarten through High School — have notified parents that schools will not be opening as planned this fall , and their children must participate in virtual learning until on-campus learning is cleared to resume , ” Sekulow wrote .
TRENDING : Border Agents Discover 'Most Sophisticated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough money can still have their children in a classroom .
“ However , they are offering a temporary daily ‘ childcare ’ service for students in Kindergarten through 8th Grade , held inside 9 of the district ’ s elementary schools , for a cost of $ 160 per child for the week , ” Sekulow wrote .
On its website , Gilbert Public Schools said it has “ created a tremendous system with focus on student and staff health , including curbside dropoff/pickup , smaller grouping of students , daily staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a variety of other strategic adjustments aligned to the health needs of our community.
” Its website states that the child care program offers “ structured times for online coursework completion and support.
” The program was scheduled to start Aug. 5 and be available until children are able to resume in-person instruction , the district ’ s website states .
The school district did not respond to an emailed request for comment for this story .
An update on the ACLJ website dated Tuesday states that the organization has contacted the district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a settlement to the situation .
To Sekulow , who noted that his clients include parents with children in the Gilbert school district , what the district is doing is like charging parents fees for what taxes already fund .
“ Whatever you call this — and we think it sure sounds like ‘ school ’ or ‘ education ’ — the net result on parents is the same : they must pay for their child to have classroom access on school premises during school hours , ” Sekulow wrote .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ACLJ argued that “ GPS ’ s action to require payment for the provision of classroom access on school premises during school hours … violates the Arizona constitution.
” The letter stated that the Arizona constitution ’ s assurance of free access to public school classrooms should not be violated .
RELATED : Noise Complaint Turns Deadly as Man Is Gunned Down While Facing a Cop The ACLJ is calling upon the school to provide access to the classroom for no charge to the child of its client for at least the hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ What we see happening in Arizona , offering those families childcare ( or online education in the classroom ) at an additional price , is unacceptable .
Using the resources available to offer childcare during this tough time is one thing .
But to take the people ’ s tax dollars , not provide the intended service , AND then demand more money to provide an alternative service is just plain wrong .
It should stop immediately .
Our legal team is reviewing the situation and will be prepared to take further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
“ We ’ re simply stating the obvious : if school districts are unable to provide traditional public education because of the pandemic , then they need to come up with creative alternatives ( not charge more money ) to help ensure that students come first and that parents have educational options and the resources they need to provide the best education for their children , ” he wrote .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

An Arizona school district with a program that charges parents a fee for child care in classrooms, while instruction is delivered online, is being challenged by the American Center for Law and Justice.
On its website, the ACLJ explained that “some public schools” are “telling parents that while it’s not safe for their children to return to school due to the Coronavirus, they can come to the SAME BUILDINGS as a ‘childcare’ center . . . for an additional fee.”
“That’s right: schools that have been deemed unsafe for students and teachers to attend for normal taxpayer-funded classes are somehow perfectly fine for childcare if you pay extra. If a family has three children, that’s nearly $500 out of pocket for one week, on top of the taxes they’re already paying that support these schools. And based on the last few months, it seems very likely the closures will continue to be extended, as will those fees,” an article by ACLJ Executive Director Jordan Sekulow states.
Arizona schools are among those seizing upon the chance to make money. The ACLJ website particularly cited the Gilbert Unified Public School District, which operates 40 schools in Maricopa County.
“Multiple school districts in the state, including the Gilbert Public Schools (GPS) — made up of 39 individual schools from Kindergarten through High School — have notified parents that schools will not be opening as planned this fall, and their children must participate in virtual learning until on-campus learning is cleared to resume,” Sekulow wrote.
But parents with enough money can still have their children in a classroom.
“However, they are offering a temporary daily ‘childcare’ service for students in Kindergarten through 8th Grade, held inside 9 of the district’s elementary schools, for a cost of $160 per child for the week,” Sekulow wrote.
On its website, Gilbert Public Schools said it has “created a tremendous system with focus on student and staff health, including curbside dropoff/pickup, smaller grouping of students, daily staff health screenings, increased cleaning protocols and a variety of other strategic adjustments aligned to the health needs of our community.”
Its website states that the child care program offers “structured times for online coursework completion and support.” The program was scheduled to start Aug. 5 and be available until children are able to resume in-person instruction, the district’s website states.
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The school district did not respond to an emailed request for comment for this story. An update on the ACLJ website dated Tuesday states that the organization has contacted the district’s attorney to try to negotiate a settlement to the situation.
To Sekulow, who noted that his clients include parents with children in the Gilbert school district, what the district is doing is like charging parents fees for what taxes already fund.
“Whatever you call this — and we think it sure sounds like ‘school’ or ‘education’ — the net result on parents is the same: they must pay for their child to have classroom access on school premises during school hours,” Sekulow wrote.
In a letter sent to the school district, ACLJ argued that “GPS’s action to require payment for the provision of classroom access on school premises during school hours … violates the Arizona constitution.”
The letter stated that the Arizona constitution’s assurance of free access to public school classrooms should not be violated.
The ACLJ is calling upon the school to provide access to the classroom for no charge to the child of its client for at least the hours that school would be in session.
“What we see happening in Arizona, offering those families childcare (or online education in the classroom) at an additional price, is unacceptable. Using the resources available to offer childcare during this tough time is one thing. But to take the people’s tax dollars, not provide the intended service, AND then demand more money to provide an alternative service is just plain wrong. It should stop immediately. Our legal team is reviewing the situation and will be prepared to take further legal action if necessary,” Sekulow wrote.
“We’re simply stating the obvious: if school districts are unable to provide traditional public education because of the pandemic, then they need to come up with creative alternatives (not charge more money) to help ensure that students come first and that parents have educational options and the resources they need to provide the best education for their children,” he wrote.
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westernjournal--2020-08-09--‘Kindergarten Cop’ Canceled After Author Compares It to KKK Film ‘Birth of a Nation’

NW Film Center in Portland , Oregon , planned to open its summer drive-in series with “ Kindergarten Cop , ” a 1990 action-comedy starring Arnold Schwarzenegger .
However , the center decided to pull the movie from its summer lineup after “ staff and community members , ” including Portland author Lois Leveen , complained that the movie ’ s pro-cop message is unsuited for today ’ s political climate , Willamette Week reported Monday .
“ Kindergarten Cop ” stars Schwarzenegger as Detective John Kimble , a “ tough cop ” who “ must pose as a kindergarten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal ’ s ex-wife , ” according to IMDb .
Filmed in the city of Astoria in northwest Oregon , the movie was chosen as part of the lineup because of “ its importance in Oregon filmmaking history , ” NW Film Center said .
TRENDING : Border Agents Discover 'Most Sophisticated Tunnel in US History' Lois Leveen — whose writings include “ The Secrets of Mary Bowser , ” a Civil War novel about a slave who becomes a Union spy — tweeted her displeasure with the showing .
“ What ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Leveen said Saturday .
“ Kindergarten Cop-Out : Tell @ nwfilmcenter there ’ s nothing fun in cops traumatizing kids .
National reckoning on overpolicing is a weird time to revive Kindergarten Cop .
IRL , we are trying to end school-to-prison pipeline.
” “ There ’ s nothing entertaining about the presence of police in schools , which feeds the ‘ school-to-prison ’ pipeline in which African American , Latinx and other kids of color are criminalized rather than educated , ” she said in follow-up tweets .
“ 5- and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to jail routinely in this country .
And this criminalizing of children increases dramatically when cops are assigned to work in schools.
” Leveen added , “ Yes , KINDERGARTEN COP is only a movie .
So are BIRTH OF A NATION and GONE WITH THE WIND , but we recognize films like those are not ‘ good family fun.
’ They are relics of how pop culture feeds racist assumptions .
KINDERGARTEN COP romanticizes over-policing in the U.S. ” After the author received some criticism for her stance , she set her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , allowing only her followers to view her tweets .
The Daily Mail , however , captured screen shots of them .
RELATED : Star Who Pushed Goya Boycott Busted for What She Used in Recipe Video Leveen ’ s criticism regarding the school-to-prison pipeline misses the plot of the film : As an undercover cop , Schwarzenegger ’ s character isn ’ t a school resource officer .
He ’ s not there to “ criminalize ” the students .
He ’ s there to get a drug dealer off the streets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Kindergarten Cop ” to the 1915 silent film “ Birth of a Nation , ” which inspired the rebirth of the Ku Klux Klan , and 1939 ’ s “ Gone with the Wind , ” which recently came under scrutiny for its portrayal of race .
Leveen seems to suggest , in a round-about way , that simply showing a cop at a school in a good light is racist — akin to promoting slavery or the KKK .
This is patently absurd .
Most school resource officers are good people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community .
Most do not harbor secret racial animus .
However , the definition of “ racism ” changes constantly these days , expanding to cover many things that aren ’ t racist at all .
This would appear to include any positive portrayal of the police .
Anti-cop sentiment is high , and Leveen ’ s opinion is far from uncommon .
It ’ s a shame to see another company cave to the pressure of cancel culture .
Unless more people stand up against it , cancel culture will continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuck to its original lineup .
Instead , it added a second showing of “ Good Trouble , ” the new documentary about the late congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis , in place of “ Kindergarten Cop.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

NW Film Center in Portland, Oregon, planned to open its summer drive-in series with “Kindergarten Cop,” a 1990 action-comedy starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
However, the center decided to pull the movie from its summer lineup after “staff and community members,” including Portland author Lois Leveen, complained that the movie’s pro-cop message is unsuited for today’s political climate, Willamette Week reported Monday.
“Kindergarten Cop” stars Schwarzenegger as Detective John Kimble, a “tough cop” who “must pose as a kindergarten teacher in order to locate a dangerous criminal’s ex-wife,” according to IMDb.
Filmed in the city of Astoria in northwest Oregon, the movie was chosen as part of the lineup because of “its importance in Oregon filmmaking history,” NW Film Center said.
The film center added a second showing of “Good Trouble,” the new documentary about the late congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis, in place of “Kindergarten Cop.”
The additional showing on August 6 replaces Kindergarten Cop, which had been chosen for its importance in Oregon filmmaking history. — NW Film Center (@nwfilmcenter) August 3, 2020
Lois Leveen — whose writings include “The Secrets of Mary Bowser,” a Civil War novel about a slave who becomes a Union spy — tweeted her displeasure with the showing.
“What’s so funny about School-to-Prison pipeline?” Leveen said Saturday. “Kindergarten Cop-Out: Tell @nwfilmcenter there’s nothing fun in cops traumatizing kids. National reckoning on overpolicing is a weird time to revive Kindergarten Cop. IRL, we are trying to end school-to-prison pipeline.”
“There’s nothing entertaining about the presence of police in schools, which feeds the ‘school-to-prison’ pipeline in which African American, Latinx and other kids of color are criminalized rather than educated,” she said in follow-up tweets.
“5- and 6-year olds are handcuffed and hauled off to jail routinely in this country. And this criminalizing of children increases dramatically when cops are assigned to work in schools.”
Leveen added, “Yes, KINDERGARTEN COP is only a movie. So are BIRTH OF A NATION and GONE WITH THE WIND, but we recognize films like those are not ‘good family fun.’ They are relics of how pop culture feeds racist assumptions. KINDERGARTEN COP romanticizes over-policing in the U.S.”
After the author received some criticism for her stance, she set her Twitter account to “protected” status, allowing only her followers to view her tweets. The Daily Mail, however, captured screen shots of them.
Leveen’s criticism regarding the school-to-prison pipeline misses the plot of the film: As an undercover cop, Schwarzenegger’s character isn’t a school resource officer. He’s not there to “criminalize” the students. He’s there to get a drug dealer off the streets.
The author went on to compare “Kindergarten Cop” to the 1915 silent film “Birth of a Nation,” which inspired the rebirth of the Ku Klux Klan, and 1939’s “Gone with the Wind,” which recently came under scrutiny for its portrayal of race.
Leveen seems to suggest, in a roundabout way, that simply showing a cop at a school in a good light is racist — akin to promoting slavery or the KKK.
This is patently absurd.
Most school resource officers are good people, committed to the kids in their community. Most do not harbor secret racial animus.
However, the definition of “racism” changes constantly these days, expanding to cover many things that aren’t racist at all.
Would you watch "Kindergarten Cop" today? Yes No
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This would now appear to include any positive portrayal of the police.
Anti-cop sentiment is high, and Leveen’s opinion is far from uncommon, but NW Film Center should have stuck to its original lineup.
It’s a shame to see another company cave to the pressure of cancel culture. Unless more people stand up against it, cancel culture will continue to grow.
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westernjournal--2020-08-09--Suspect Throws Cop Into Potentially Deadly Headlock; 5 Nearby Teens’ Quick Action Landed Them Herois

Suspect Throws Cop Into Potentially Deadly Headlock; 5 Nearby Teens’ Quick Action Landed Them Heroism Medals

Five teens in Auburn , Washington , have received the civilian honor of a lifetime after stepping into harm ’ s way to protect a police officer in need .
According to a release on King County ’ s Facebook page , Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht earlier this week handed down the Sheriff ’ s “ Medal of Heroism ” Award for only the second time since it was introduced as a way to “ honor community members who do extraordinary things.
” The recipients were 16-year-old Darrell Swilley , 17-year-old Isaiha Sansaver , 19-year-old Dominic Sansaver , and 18-year-olds Tyran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July 18 intervened to stop a suspected drunk driver ‘ s potentially life-threatening attack on a lone officer .
The officer , identified only as Deputy Elliott , was not on duty at the time of the incident , according to a report by KCPQ-TV .
“ We can not thank these five young men enough for coming to Deputy Elliott ’ s rescue .
They quite possibly saved her life , ” the department wrote on Facebook shortly after the incident .
TRENDING : Border Agents Discover 'Most Sophisticated Tunnel in US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be proud of these kids !
” The King County Sheriff ’ s Office said Elliott was driving home from work in her marked patrol vehicle at approximately 1 a.m. on July 18 when she was flagged down at the scene of a multiple-car pileup in the city of Auburn .
Stopping to help ensure the health of all the citizens involved in the wreck , Elliott eventually intervened as a seemingly intoxicated man allegedly responsible for the crash began walking away from the scene .
The deputy detained the suspect but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortly after calling for backup on her radio .
“ Suddenly , the suspect wrapped his arms around Deputy Elliott ’ s neck , put her in a headlock and began squeezing , ” the department said .
“ She struggled to get out of the hold but thankfully did not lose consciousness.
” It was then that Elliott reported hearing “ several men ’ s voices yelling ‘ get off of her ’ ” before she was freed by the five local teens and aided in subduing the suspect for arrest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a result of the altercation .
The suspected drunk driver was processed in the jail at the Auburn Police Department and has been charged with one count of felony assault of an officer and another for driving under the influence .
RELATED : 'Daddy 's Hero ' : Boy , 9 , Does the Incredible To Save Dad 's Life After Diving Injury He was also had several warrants out for his arrest , which included another driving under the influence charge and others for vehicle safety compliance violations and driving on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Samaritans in large part responsible for bringing the man to justice were presented their medals on Aug. 3 in an official ceremony put on by Johanknecht and Auburn Police Chief Daniel O ’ Neill .
“ We can ’ t thank these fine young men enough , ” the department reiterated on social media the following day , posting photographs from the award ceremony .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Five teens in Auburn, Washington, have received the civilian honor of a lifetime after stepping into harm’s way to protect a police officer in need.
According to a release on King County’s Facebook page, Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht earlier this week handed down the Sheriff’s “Medal of Heroism” Award for only the second time since it was introduced as a way to “honor community members who do extraordinary things.”
The recipients were 16-year-old Darrell Swilley, 17-year-old Isaiha Sansaver, 19-year-old Dominic Sansaver, and 18-year-olds Tyran Powell and Kai Tavares, who on July 18 intervened to stop a suspected drunk driver’s potentially life-threatening attack on a lone officer.
The officer, identified only as Deputy Elliott, was not on duty at the time of the incident, according to a report by KCPQ-TV.
“We cannot thank these five young men enough for coming to Deputy Elliott’s rescue. They quite possibly saved her life,” the department wrote on Facebook shortly after the incident.
“Moms and Dads, you should be proud of these kids!”
The King County Sheriff’s Office said Elliott was driving home from work in her marked patrol vehicle at approximately 1 a.m. on July 18 when she was flagged down at the scene of a multiple-car pileup in the city of Auburn.
Stopping to help ensure the health of all the citizens involved in the wreck, Elliott eventually intervened as a seemingly intoxicated man allegedly responsible for the crash began walking away from the scene.
Would you like to see more heroes like this in the world? Yes No
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The deputy detained the suspect but was placed in a chokehold by him shortly after calling for backup on her radio.
“Suddenly, the suspect wrapped his arms around Deputy Elliott’s neck, put her in a headlock and began squeezing,” the department said. “She struggled to get out of the hold but thankfully did not lose consciousness.”
It was then that Elliott reported hearing “several men’s voices yelling ‘get off of her’ ” before she was freed by the five local teens and aided in subduing the suspect for arrest.
The deputy suffered only scrapes and bruising as a result of the altercation.
The suspected drunk driver was processed in the jail at the Auburn Police Department and has been charged with one count of felony assault of an officer and another for driving under the influence.
He also had several warrants out for his arrest, which included another driving under the influence charge and others for vehicle safety compliance violations and driving on a suspended license.
The five good Samaritans in large part responsible for bringing the man to justice were presented their medals on Aug. 3 in an official ceremony put on by Johanknecht and Auburn Police Chief Daniel O’Neill.
“We can’t thank these fine young men enough,” the department reiterated on social media the following day, posting photographs from the award ceremony.
“They are true heroes.”
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westernjournal--2020-08-09--Noise Complaint Turns Deadly as Man Is Gunned Down While Facing a Cop

The family of a man killed in May by Phoenix police is demanding action in the death of Ryan Whitaker , who answered his door holding a gun and was shot to death moments later .
“ The true facts of Ryan ’ s death will be revealed once the unedited , unaltered body camera footage is released by the City of Phoenix , ” Matt Cunningham , the family ’ s attorney , said Wednesday , according to KPNX-TV in Phoenix .
Phoenix police have released bodycam footage of the May 21 incident .
The footage shows graphic violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The footage shows police coming to Whitaker ’ s door in the Phoenix village of Ahwatukee in response to a noise complaint .
Conversation between the officers – John Ferragamo and Jeff Cooke — makes it apparent that officers viewed the call as a routine complaint .
The video shows Ferragamo knocking on the door of Whitaker ’ s apartment and identifying himself as a police officer while holding a handgun at his side .
TRENDING : Border Agents Discover 'Most Sophisticated Tunnel in US History' Unknown to police at the time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ door by a stranger earlier on the week of the police response , which was why he carried his 9mm handgun with him to answer the door , according to the Arizona Republic .
The video , which shows Ferragamo ’ s view of the incident , makes it clear the two officers were surprised by the gun .
The footage makes the next seconds unclear , but it appears that Whitaker has his left hand extended toward Cooke and was getting on his knees when Cooke fired into Whitaker ’ s back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ graphic violence that some viewers will find disturbing .
Whitaker ’ s girlfriend , Brandee Nees , then emerges form the apartment .
Police order her to get on her knees .
“ He just pulled a gun on us , ma ’ am , ” Cooke said .
“ Because it ’ s dark and someone just knocked on the door , ” Nees replied .
She said the two were playing video games when police arrived .
Whitaker ’ s family has said police were wrong to kill Whitaker , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a second , Jeff Cooke was a judge , jury and executioner of my brother , ” his sister , Katie Baeza , said .
“ My brother had no idea police were on the other side of that door – none whatsoever , ” Whitaker ’ s brother Steven said .
“ He was pro law enforcement – 100 percent.
” Steven Whitaker said there was loud music in the apartment when police arrived .
“ Look at my brother ’ s face , ” he said .
“ You can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear .
… He immediately takes a defensive position — very submissive — and wanting to give up and put his weapon down.
” “ He ’ s not a threat .
Not a threat at all , ” Steven continued .
“ How is he a threat ?
If he ’ s a threat to you as a police officer , you need to turn in your weapon and your badge and walk away ; you are not fit to be a cop in this state — at all.
” We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The family of a man killed in May by Phoenix police is demanding action in the death of Ryan Whitaker, who answered his door holding a gun and was shot to death moments later.
“The true facts of Ryan’s death will be revealed once the unedited, unaltered body camera footage is released by the City of Phoenix,” Matt Cunningham, the family’s attorney, said Wednesday, according to KPNX-TV in Phoenix.
Phoenix police have released bodycam footage of the May 21 incident. The footage shows graphic violence and should be viewed with caution.
The footage shows police coming to Whitaker’s door in the Phoenix village of Ahwatukee in response to a noise complaint. Conversation between the officers – John Ferragamo and Jeff Cooke — makes it apparent that officers viewed the call as a routine complaint.
The video shows Ferragamo knocking on the door of Whitaker’s apartment and identifying himself as a police officer while holding a handgun at his side.
Unknown to police at the time, Whitaker had experienced a knock on his door by a stranger earlier on the week of the police response, which was why he carried his 9mm handgun with him to answer the door, according to the Arizona Republic.
The video, which shows Ferragamo’s view of the incident, makes it clear the two officers were surprised by the gun.
“Hands! Hands” Ferragamo yelled.
The footage makes the next seconds unclear, but it appears that Whitaker has his left hand extended toward Cooke and was getting on his knees when Cooke fired into Whitaker’s back.
WARNING: The following video contains graphic violence that some viewers will find disturbing.
The shots killed Whitaker, 40.
Whitaker’s girlfriend, Brandee Nees, then emerges form the apartment. Police order her to get on her knees.
“Why did you guys kill him?” Nees yelled.
“He just pulled a gun on us, ma’am,” Cooke said.
“Because it’s dark and someone just knocked on the door,” Nees replied. She said the two were playing video games when police arrived.
Whitaker’s family has said police were wrong to kill Whitaker, according to KTVK.
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“In a fraction of a second, Jeff Cooke was a judge, jury and executioner of my brother,” his sister, Katie Baeza, said.
“My brother had no idea police were on the other side of that door – none whatsoever,” Whitaker’s brother Steven said. “He was pro law enforcement – 100 percent.”
Steven Whitaker said there was loud music in the apartment when police arrived.
“Look at my brother’s face,” he said. “You can see it in his face, the fear. … He immediately takes a defensive position — very submissive — and wanting to give up and put his weapon down.”
“He’s not a threat. Not a threat at all,” Steven continued. “How is he a threat? If he’s a threat to you as a police officer, you need to turn in your weapon and your badge and walk away; you are not fit to be a cop in this state — at all.”
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