westernjournal--2020-11-28--Here’s How This 12-Year-Old Boy Donated Thousands To Storm Relief Funds

After a massive windstorm roared through Iowa , leaving damage in its wake , one 12-year-old boy showed how to help raise spirits — and cash — to help the city of Mount Vernon recover .
What ’ s known as a derecho — a line of powerful windstorms — slammed Iowa in August .
“ We got kind of lucky with the derecho , ” Tommy Rhomberg , 12 , told CBS News .
“ We didn ’ t have , like , any damage , but just driving around town there were people with half their house destroyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money so we could help them , help people rebuild.
” The boy didn ’ t start out to help everyone — just his friend Walker Viessman , whose birthday was on the day of the storm .
There was no shortage of downed wood .
“ I knew his favorite sport was baseball , and I thought it ’ d mean a lot to him if he got a baseball bat for his birthday , ” Rhomberg said .
TRENDING : Punk Slugs Cop Out of the Blue , Officer Opens Cruiser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This is just Tommy , ” Amanda Rhomberg , Tommy ’ s mom told CNN .
“ He ’ s always been super creative and loves building stuff .
He woke up at 6 a.m. to work on it over the course of a few days until it was perfect .
When I saw it , my jaw just dropped.
” Tommy used his grandfather ’ s tools and grew a crop of blisters on his hands from the work .
He gave the bat the name “ The Great Derecho.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for my birthday , but when Tommy brought me the bat he made me , I was so excited and thankful I have that great of a friend , ” Walker said .
“ It was so nice of him to spend that much time making me a bat for my birthday.
” At first , his mother was the only one asking Tommy to replicate his work .
“ I kind of thought , ‘ Oh , shoot , Tommy .
I think I would like one .
Would you make me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ no , ' ” she said .
“ He still had blisters on his hands.
” But then a proud mom posted photos of what her son had done on Facebook .
More requests came in .
And the idea of making bats to help charity was born .
RELATED : McDonald 's Franchise Owner Gave Away 10,000 Free Meals After Hurricane Laura Destroys Businesses and Homes “ I wanted to make my friend Walker a bat for his birthday , ” Tommy said .
“ I had no idea lots of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I like being able to help , and I ’ m glad if people don ’ t have money to rebuild they can use some of the money donated from the bats instead.
” His family helped out by buying the boy a lathe .
“ I don ’ t know how his little hands can do so much , ” Amanda said .
“ He has put in hundreds of hours into making these bats .
I am so proud of him for teaching himself a new skill and starting a business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows that you can make a difference in your corner of the world by doing what you can with what you have.
” The 30-inch bats are designed as mementos and not for competitive play , Tommy ’ s mom noted .
Despite making 200 bats — amounting to a donation to charity of about $ 4,000 — Tommy has a waiting list of more than 600 people .
He admitted filling the requests may take some time .
“ I am 12 years old and my parents won ’ t let me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

After a massive windstorm roared through Iowa, leaving damage in its wake, one 12-year-old boy showed how to help raise spirits — and cash — to help the city of Mount Vernon recover.
What’s known as a derecho — a line of powerful windstorms — slammed Iowa in August.
“We got kind of lucky with the derecho,” Tommy Rhomberg, 12, told CBS News. “We didn’t have, like, any damage, but just driving around town there were people with half their house destroyed, and I just wanted to raise money so we could help them, help people rebuild.”
The boy didn’t start out to help everyone — just his friend Walker Viessman, whose birthday was on the day of the storm. There was no shortage of downed wood.
“I knew his favorite sport was baseball, and I thought it’d mean a lot to him if he got a baseball bat for his birthday,” Rhomberg said.
“This is just Tommy,” Amanda Rhomberg, Tommy’s mom told CNN. “He’s always been super creative and loves building stuff. He woke up at 6 a.m. to work on it over the course of a few days until it was perfect. When I saw it, my jaw just dropped.”
Tommy used his grandfather’s tools and grew a crop of blisters on his hands from the work. He gave the bat the name “The Great Derecho.”
“I didn’t expect anything for my birthday, but when Tommy brought me the bat he made me, I was so excited and thankful I have that great of a friend,” Walker said. “It was so nice of him to spend that much time making me a bat for my birthday.”
At first, his mother was the only one asking Tommy to replicate his work.
“I kind of thought, ‘Oh, shoot, Tommy. I think I would like one. Would you make me one?’ And he told me ‘no,'” she said. “He still had blisters on his hands.”
But then a proud mom posted photos of what her son had done on Facebook. More requests came in. And the idea of making bats to help charity was born.
“I wanted to make my friend Walker a bat for his birthday,” Tommy said. “I had no idea lots of other people would want one too. I like being able to help, and I’m glad if people don’t have money to rebuild they can use some of the money donated from the bats instead.”
His family helped out by buying the boy a lathe.
“I don’t know how his little hands can do so much,” Amanda said. “He has put in hundreds of hours into making these bats. I am so proud of him for teaching himself a new skill and starting a business while doing so much good. He shows that you can make a difference in your corner of the world by doing what you can with what you have.”
The 30-inch bats are designed as mementos and not for competitive play, Tommy’s mom noted.
Despite making 200 bats — amounting to a donation to charity of about $4,000 — Tommy has a waiting list of more than 600 people. He admitted filling the requests may take some time.
“I am 12 years old and my parents won’t let me drop out of the 6th grade,” he said.
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westernjournal--2020-11-28--NFL Player’s Mom Has Been Driving Same Car Since He Was a Child – So He Bought Her a New One

Devon Kennard is living the dream as a linebacker with the NFL ’ s Arizona Cardinals .
But he knows there is more to life than football .
Kennard , a Tempe native who returned to his home state this year after stints with the New York Giants and Detroit Lions , recently shared that he had purchased a new vehicle for his mother , who had been driving the same car since he was in elementary school .
“ ‘ Victory to me is when you get your moms right !
– Nipsey Hussle .
My mom is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least I could do !
She ’ s been driving the same car since I was 10 years old .
I had to change that !
” he tweeted Nov. 20 .
TRENDING : Punk Slugs Cop Out of the Blue , Officer Opens Cruiser Door and Lets 'Lee ' Handle Him Given that he ’ s now 29 , that means his mother used the same car for almost 20 years .
Keeping cars runs in the family , according to CNBC , which noted back in 2018 that Kennard began his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same Kia Sorento he had in high school .
He explained that driving a 2005 car in 2014 was a reflection of a way of life his family instilled in him .
“ Just because you have money doesn ’ t mean you have to spend money , ” the linebacker said .
“ Any purchase that ’ s over , let ’ s say , $ 300 or $ 400 , I take a long time to consider.
” Kennard noted that one of the questions he asks himself was , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play another down of football ?
” “ You don ’ t have to double your budget just because you ’ re making more money , ” he said .
“ I think that that ’ s something that every single person , whether you ’ re a professional athlete or a 9-to-5 worker , should consider.
” When he was with the Lions last year , Kennard was the team ’ s nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award , according to the Detroit Free Press .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program called Midnight Golf that seeks to help at-risk teens .
RELATED : NFL Star Offers Explanation for Flipping Off Caravan of Trump Supporters on Highway “ I just loved the work they were doing , ” the former USC star said .
“ I felt there was a need there and there are some very bright kids.
” But Kennard wanted them to do more .
“ I wanted to encourage them to read books and really reflect on some books they read , so I created a scholarship , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to choose a book , read it and not only give me a summary of the book but talk about the impact it had on their life , what they learned from the book , how they can apply it to their life .
I ended up getting over 60 applications .
I read every single one personally myself.
” Kennard also participated in meetings between police and young men while he was in Detroit .
“ We had real talks about social resiliency , what they ’ re going through , how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re facing and how to deal with it , ” he said , according to the Free Press .
“ And a message I really wanted to send is they ’ re at a pivotal point in their lives and the decisions I made at their age are having a ripple effect now .
And I had friends who made bad decisions at their age and they ’ re dealing with the repercussions of that as well .
“ So the decisions they make will greatly impact their lives .
Moving forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to make ?
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Devon Kennard is living the dream as a linebacker with the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals.
But he knows there is more to life than football.
Kennard, a Tempe native who returned to his home state this year after stints with the New York Giants and Detroit Lions, recently shared that he had purchased a new vehicle for his mother, who had been driving the same car since he was in elementary school.
“‘Victory to me is when you get your moms right! – Nipsey Hussle. My mom is the backbone of our family, this the least I could do! She’s been driving the same car since I was 10 years old. I had to change that!” he tweeted Nov. 20.
“Victory to me is when you get your moms right!” – Nipsey Hussle My mom is the backbone of our family, this the least I could do! She’s been driving the same car since I was 10 years old. I had to change that! pic.twitter.com/tA82aEOKBz — DK (@DevonKennard) November 20, 2020
Given that he’s now 29, that means his mother used the same car for almost 20 years.
Keeping cars runs in the family, according to CNBC, which noted back in 2018 that Kennard began his pro career with the Giants driving the same Kia Sorento he had in high school.
He explained that driving a 2005 car in 2014 was a reflection of a way of life his family instilled in him.
“Just because you have money doesn’t mean you have to spend money,” the linebacker said. “Any purchase that’s over, let’s say, $300 or $400, I take a long time to consider.”
Kennard noted that one of the questions he asks himself was, “Can I afford it if I never play another down of football?”
“You don’t have to double your budget just because you’re making more money,” he said. “I think that that’s something that every single person, whether you’re a professional athlete or a 9-to-5 worker, should consider.”
When he was with the Lions last year, Kennard was the team’s nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, according to the Detroit Free Press.
While in Detroit, he worked with a program called Midnight Golf that seeks to help at-risk teens.
“I just loved the work they were doing,” the former USC star said. “I felt there was a need there and there are some very bright kids.”
But Kennard wanted them to do more.
“I wanted to encourage them to read books and really reflect on some books they read, so I created a scholarship,” he said. “So I asked them to choose a book, read it and not only give me a summary of the book but talk about the impact it had on their life, what they learned from the book, how they can apply it to their life. I ended up getting over 60 applications. I read every single one personally myself.”
Kennard also participated in meetings between police and young men while he was in Detroit.
“We had real talks about social resiliency, what they’re going through, how to overcome adversity, some challenges they’re facing and how to deal with it,” he said, according to the Free Press.
“And a message I really wanted to send is they’re at a pivotal point in their lives and the decisions I made at their age are having a ripple effect now. And I had friends who made bad decisions at their age and they’re dealing with the repercussions of that as well.
“So the decisions they make will greatly impact their lives. Moving forward, what kind of decisions are you going to make?”
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westernjournal--2020-11-28--USS Nimitz Strike Group Returning to Gulf of Persia as Iran Threatens Retaliation for Assassination

The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and its strike group are en route to the Persian Gulf amid expected troop withdrawals in the region , and now the potential threat from Iran following a high-profile assassination in the country on Friday .
President Donald Trump has ordered thousands of Troops to pull out of Iraq and Afghanistan in the coming months .
To complicate matters , Mohsen Fakhrizadeh , the father of Iran ’ s nuclear program , was killed near Tehran Friday in a bloody attack .
Fakhrizadeh died in the province of Damavand near Absard , which is located @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The scientist is one of five Iranian nuclear scientists killed in similar attacks in recent years .
TRENDING : Punk Slugs Cop Out of the Blue , Officer Opens Cruiser Door and Lets 'Lee ' Handle Him While no country has accepted responsibility for Fakhrizadeh ’ s killing , Iran has pointed the finger at Israel , while some have speculated the scientist ’ s death could drag the U.S. into an engagement .
NBC News , citing Iranian state media , reported Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed Friday a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country ’ s top nuclear scientist .
Amid the delicate situation in the region , one of the U.S. Navy ’ s carrier groups will bring a larger American presence to the gulf .
USA Today reported the ship is on the way to assist with President Donald Trump ’ s expected troops withdrawals in Afghanistan and Iraq .
The Nimitz had recently been deployed near Japan and is on a prolonged deployment after leaving its home port in Bremerton , Washington , in April .
The nuclear-powered supercarrier has been in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is a floating fortress .
The timing of the ship ’ s redeployment can not be ignored .
In January of this year , following the killing of top Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani by a U.S. drone strike , the country retaliated .
American troops in Iraq were targeted by rocket attacks , but no deaths were reported .
Tensions eventually died down , but with Fakhrizadeh ’ s Friday death , Defesne Department officials are not taking any chances .
A DoD official told USA Today ship will be used in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no specific threat as of now .
“ This action ensures we have sufficient capability available to respond to any threat and to deter any adversary from acting against our troops during the force reduction , ” a department official said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and its strike group are en route to the Persian Gulf amid expected troop withdrawals in the region, and now the potential threat from Iran following a high-profile assassination in the country on Friday.
President Donald Trump has ordered thousands of Troops to pull out of Iraq and Afghanistan in the coming months.
To complicate matters, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, the father of Iran’s nuclear program, was killed near Tehran Friday in a bloody attack.
Fakhrizadeh died in the province of Damavand near Absard, which is located roughly 40 miles east of Tehran.
The scientist is one of five Iranian nuclear scientists killed in similar attacks in recent years.
While no country has accepted responsibility for Fakhrizadeh’s killing, Iran has pointed the finger at Israel, while some have speculated the scientist’s death could drag the U.S. into an engagement.
NBC News, citing Iranian state media, reported Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed Friday a “definitive punishment” for the death of the country’s top nuclear scientist.
Describing Fakhrizadeh “martyr,” Khamenei promised retribution while avoiding being specific.
Amid the delicate situation in the region, one of the U.S. Navy’s carrier groups will bring a larger American presence to the gulf.
Do you think it's time to withdraw troops from Iraq and Afghanistan? 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: 89% (241 Votes) No: 11% (29 Votes)
USA Today reported the ship is on the way to assist with President Donald Trump’s expected troops withdrawals in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The Nimitz had recently been deployed near Japan and is on a prolonged deployment after leaving its home port in Bremerton, Washington, in April.
The nuclear-powered supercarrier has been in service since being commissioned in 1975, and is a floating fortress.
The timing of the ship’s redeployment cannot be ignored.
In January of this year, following the killing of top Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani by a U.S. drone strike, the country retaliated.
American troops in Iraq were targeted by rocket attacks, but no deaths were reported.
Tensions eventually died down, but with Fakhrizadeh’s Friday death, Defesne Department officials are not taking any chances.
A DoD official told USA Today ship will be used in any capacity needed, although there is no specific threat as of now.
“This action ensures we have sufficient capability available to respond to any threat and to deter any adversary from acting against our troops during the force reduction,” a department official said.
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westernjournal--2020-11-28--Trump Purges Pentagon Advisory Board, Cripples Establishment’s Influence on DOD

Henry Kissinger and Madeleine Albright shouldn ’ t have any influence over Pentagon policy in 2020 .
This oughtn ’ t be a controversial statement .
If one is to drain the swamp , the folks behind the bombing of Cambodia and permanent normalized trade relations with China , respectively , probably aren ’ t the people you want advising the Department of Defense .
But the former secretaries of state were still on the Defense Policy Board , described by Foreign Policy as “ a kind of in-house think tank on retainer for top military leaders , providing independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Wednesday afternoon , Foreign Policy reported , they were removed by the Trump administration — along with nine other establishment figures who were seen as not reflecting the current administration ’ s views on issues like China and interventionism .
“ Also booted in today ’ s sweep of the board , which is effective immediately , were former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and David McCormick , a former Treasury Department undersecretary during the George W. Bush administration , ” Foreign Policy reported .
TRENDING : Punk Slugs Cop Out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Lets 'Lee ' Handle Him “ Both had been added to the board by [ former Defense Secretary James ] Mattis in 2017 .
Jamie Gorelick , a Clinton administration deputy attorney general ; Robert Joseph , a chief U.S. nuclear negotiator who convinced Libya to give up weapons of mass destruction ; former Bush Deputy National Security Advisor J.D .
Crouch II ; and Franklin Miller , a former top defense official , have also been removed.
” “ As part of long-considered changes , we can confirm that several members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Board have been removed , ” they said .
“ We are extremely grateful for their dedicated service , commitment , and contributions to our national security .
Future announcements for new members of the board will be made soon.
” The Defense Policy Board doesn ’ t have much power in an official capacity , but it plays a key advisory role at the Department of Defense .
It ’ s also well-stocked with establishment players like Kissinger and Albright , who have built careers of getting militarily stuck in all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right ones .
President Donald Trump had previously wanted to change the tenor of the board by remaking it with pro-administration figures like former Air Force pilot Scott O ’ Grady or former House Speaker Newt Gingrich .
However , he ’ d had encountered severe resistance from former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper , himself problematically establishmentarian , and former Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Policy James Anderson .
Both had wanted policy continuity , and both are now gone .
In October , The Washington Times reported that certain members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ singled out — were at odds with the president over his policies on Beijing .
As William C. Triplett II , the former chief Republican counsel for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee , told The Times , two-thirds of the board ’ s composition should support the administration ’ s foreign policy and military vision .
Another one-third should reflect past administration ’ s policy visions .
RELATED : Here 's the Secretive Next-Gen Helicopter That Could Replace Army 's Fleet of Black Hawks “ But the one-third should be distinguished persons who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partisanship , ” he added .
“ The present composition of the board does not appear to meet that standard , ” Triplett said .
“ For example , certainly Dr. Kissinger is entitled to his opinions on China , but they are the antithesis of the Trump administration , and former Secretary of State Albright is an active Democratic partisan.
” Why is this important ?
Rest assured , if presumptive President-elect Joe Biden takes the oath of office next Jan. 20 , he ’ ll waste no time putting his stamp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changes weren ’ t made , it would almost be like Biden , the former vice president , never even left .
It ’ s unclear who Biden plans to choose as his defense secretary , but the odds-on favorite is Michèle Flournoy , who served as a top Pentagon official in both the Clinton and Obama administrations and who argued for intervention in Libya and Syria .
Antony Blinken , who argued for those exact same things , is Biden ’ s pick for secretary of state .
We ’ ve been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If we deploy significant military resources to Syria , that could well be another 20 years .
And yet , look where a prospective Biden administration wouldn ’ t get stuck in .
Biden wants to rejoin the Iran nuclear deal .
He also isn ’ t going to maintain the Trump administration ’ s hard-line policies on Beijing .
No , removing Kissinger and Albright from the Defense Policy Board won ’ t magically erect a barrier to this , but it ’ s a place to start , particularly given how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you , they weren ’ t the only terrible names to go ; any day Eric Cantor , one of the most swampy individuals in all of Washington , can be further removed from influence is a winner in my book .
We don ’ t need more bien pensant interventionists who believe the road to peace and prosperity lies in placating China and appeasing Tehran .
Wednesday ’ s move cleared 11 of those .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards @

Henry Kissinger and Madeleine Albright shouldn’t have any influence over Pentagon policy in 2020.
This oughtn’t be a controversial statement. If one is to drain the swamp, the folks behind the bombing of Cambodia and permanent normalized trade relations with China, respectively, probably aren’t the people you want advising the Department of Defense.
But the former secretaries of state were still on the Defense Policy Board, described by Foreign Policy as “a kind of in-house think tank on retainer for top military leaders, providing independent counsel and advice on defense policy.”
On Wednesday afternoon, Foreign Policy reported, they were removed by the Trump administration — along with nine other establishment figures who were seen as not reflecting the current administration’s views on issues like China and interventionism.
“Also booted in today’s sweep of the board, which is effective immediately, were former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and David McCormick, a former Treasury Department undersecretary during the George W. Bush administration,” Foreign Policy reported.
“Both had been added to the board by [former Defense Secretary James] Mattis in 2017. Jamie Gorelick, a Clinton administration deputy attorney general; Robert Joseph, a chief U.S. nuclear negotiator who convinced Libya to give up weapons of mass destruction; former Bush Deputy National Security Advisor J.D. Crouch II; and Franklin Miller, a former top defense official, have also been removed.”
A Pentagon official confirmed the removals.
“As part of long-considered changes, we can confirm that several members of the Department’s Defense Policy Board have been removed,” they said.
Do you agree with President Trump's decision to purge the board? 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% (3722 Votes) No: 1% (36 Votes)
“We are extremely grateful for their dedicated service, commitment, and contributions to our national security. Future announcements for new members of the board will be made soon.”
The Defense Policy Board doesn’t have much power in an official capacity, but it plays a key advisory role at the Department of Defense. It’s also well-stocked with establishment players like Kissinger and Albright, who have built careers of getting militarily stuck in all the wrong places and not intervening in the right ones.
President Donald Trump had previously wanted to change the tenor of the board by remaking it with pro-administration figures like former Air Force pilot Scott O’Grady or former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
However, he’d had encountered severe resistance from former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, himself problematically establishmentarian, and former Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Policy James Anderson. Both had wanted policy continuity, and both are now gone.
In October, The Washington Times reported that certain members of the board — Kissinger in particular was singled out — were at odds with the president over his policies on Beijing.
As William C. Triplett II, the former chief Republican counsel for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told The Times, two-thirds of the board’s composition should support the administration’s foreign policy and military vision. Another one-third should reflect past administration’s policy visions.
“But the one-third should be distinguished persons who are not known for high and active partisanship,” he added.
“The present composition of the board does not appear to meet that standard,” Triplett said.
“For example, certainly Dr. Kissinger is entitled to his opinions on China, but they are the antithesis of the Trump administration, and former Secretary of State Albright is an active Democratic partisan.”
Why is this important? Rest assured, if presumptive President-elect Joe Biden takes the oath of office next Jan. 20, he’ll waste no time putting his stamp on the Defense Policy Board. If changes weren’t made, it would almost be like Biden, the former vice president, never even left.
It’s unclear who Biden plans to choose as his defense secretary, but the odds-on favorite is Michèle Flournoy, who served as a top Pentagon official in both the Clinton and Obama administrations and who argued for intervention in Libya and Syria.
Antony Blinken, who argued for those exact same things, is Biden’s pick for secretary of state.
We’ve been stuck in Afghanistan for 20 years. If we deploy significant military resources to Syria, that could well be another 20 years.
And yet, look where a prospective Biden administration wouldn’t get stuck in. Biden wants to rejoin the Iran nuclear deal. He also isn’t going to maintain the Trump administration’s hard-line policies on Beijing.
No, removing Kissinger and Albright from the Defense Policy Board won’t magically erect a barrier to this, but it’s a place to start, particularly given how influential the board is.
And mind you, they weren’t the only terrible names to go; any day Eric Cantor, one of the most swampy individuals in all of Washington, can be further removed from influence is a winner in my book.
We don’t need more bien pensant interventionists who believe the road to peace and prosperity lies in placating China and appeasing Tehran. Wednesday’s move cleared 11 of those.
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westernjournal--2020-11-28--81-Year-Old Marine Vet Finds Burglars in His Home, So He Whips out This Antique ‘Equalizer’ and Make

81-Year-Old Marine Vet Finds Burglars in His Home, So He Whips out This Antique ‘Equalizer’ and Makes Them Pay

Three burglars thought they had an easy mark when they targeted the suburban Chicago residence of 81-year-old Dan Donovan .
As it turns out , they were wrong .
The ex-Marine grabbed his grandfather ’ s antique shillelagh , a wooden Irish walking stick , and fought off the intruders .
“ I hit the one guy on the back of his head , ” the former Marine said , according to the Chicago Tribune .
“ I ’ m certain he had a headache.
” The incident earlier this month began when one of the intruders , disguised as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s door .
TRENDING : Punk Slugs Cop Out of the Blue , Officer Opens Cruiser Door and Lets 'Lee ' Handle Him Donovan ’ s wife , Barbara , said she didn ’ t think anything of it .
“ We had received a letter from the electric company the day before , so when he said he was with the electric company , we let him in , ” she told the Tribune .
The man then led the Chicago couple into the basement of their home , which gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sneak in through the unlocked front door .
Then , their cover was blown when Barbara heard creaking floorboards above her head .
“ I yelled , ‘ Danny !
Somebody ’ s in our bedroom !
” she said , according to the Tribune .
When the couple discovered the two additional intruders , Barbara ran upstairs , followed by her husband and the fake utility worker .
“ I started chasing them to get them out of my house , ” Dan Donovan said .
He then went to the dining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find some type of persuasive weapon , ” Donovan said .
“ So I picked up the Irish shillelagh , and that turned out to be the equalizer because I managed to chase them out of the house.
” RELATED : Cops : Burglary Suspect 's Decision To Break into Gun Owner 's Home Was Last He Ever Made Seeing that one of the men had a pillowcase filled with stolen goods , Donovan swung his walking stick and struck that thief on the head .
As the three men fled , Donovan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three men quickly climbed into an SUV parked nearby , hoping for a quick getaway .
Donovan wasn ’ t going to let them off that easily and repeatedly thrashed the vehicle with his unorthodox weapon .
“ I managed to get a good swing at the windshield and the rear window , ” he told the Tribune .
“ I think I cracked them both .
Barbara Donovan said that , at the time , she was on the phone to police , who arrived shortly after the intruders left the couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the excitement , the Donovans didn ’ t get the license plate number or any other identifying details of the SUV .
However , after being roughed up by an 81-year-old ex-Marine , the cowardly burglars should consider a new line of work .
Donovan said he hasn ’ t figured out if any stolen goods were valuable .
“ Hopefully they got nothing more than a headache , and hopefully they pursue another occupation , ” he said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
@ @ @ @ @

Three burglars thought they had an easy mark when they targeted the suburban Chicago residence of 81-year-old Dan Donovan.
As it turns out, they were wrong.
The ex-Marine grabbed his grandfather’s antique shillelagh, a wooden Irish walking stick, and fought off the intruders.
“I hit the one guy on the back of his head,” the former Marine said, according to the Chicago Tribune. “I’m certain he had a headache.”
The incident earlier this month began when one of the intruders, disguised as a utility worker, knocked on Donovan’s door.
Donovan’s wife, Barbara, said she didn’t think anything of it.
“We had received a letter from the electric company the day before, so when he said he was with the electric company, we let him in,” she told the Tribune.
The man then led the Chicago couple into the basement of their home, which gave an opening for his two accomplices to sneak in through the unlocked front door.
Then, their cover was blown when Barbara heard creaking floorboards above her head.
Will the thieves get caught? Yes No
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“I yelled, ‘Danny! Somebody’s in our bedroom!” she said, according to the Tribune.
When the couple discovered the two additional intruders, Barbara ran upstairs, followed by her husband and the fake utility worker.
“I started chasing them to get them out of my house,” Dan Donovan said.
He then went to the dining room.
“I was trying to find some type of persuasive weapon,” Donovan said. “So I picked up the Irish shillelagh, and that turned out to be the equalizer because I managed to chase them out of the house.”
Seeing that one of the men had a pillowcase filled with stolen goods, Donovan swung his walking stick and struck that thief on the head.
As the three men fled, Donovan continued his pursuit — barefoot. The three men quickly climbed into an SUV parked nearby, hoping for a quick getaway.
Donovan wasn’t going to let them off that easily and repeatedly thrashed the vehicle with his unorthodox weapon.
“I managed to get a good swing at the windshield and the rear window,” he told the Tribune. “I think I cracked them both.
Barbara Donovan said that, at the time, she was on the phone to police, who arrived shortly after the intruders left the couple’s home.
Unfortunately, amid the excitement, the Donovans didn’t get the license plate number or any other identifying details of the SUV. However, after being roughed up by an 81-year-old ex-Marine, the cowardly burglars should consider a new line of work.
Donovan said he hasn’t figured out if any stolen goods were valuable.
“Hopefully they got nothing more than a headache, and hopefully they pursue another occupation,” he said.
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westernjournal--2020-11-28--Gov. DeSantis Protects Businesses and Communities, Extends Order Blocking Shutdowns

Potential shutdowns have been shut down again by Republican Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis , who extended an executive order he first issued in September aimed at barring local governments from enacting business shutdowns in response to the coronavirus .
A two-page extension , issued Tuesday , said the state “ continues to suffer economic harm as a result of COVID-19 related closures , exacerbating the impacts of the State of Emergency , and Floridians should not be prohibited by local governments from working or operating a business.
” The extension will remain in effect until the pandemic-induced state of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued on Sept. 25 banned local laws that could “ prevent an individual from working or from operating a business.
” The initial order forestalled any local efforts to force restaurants to operate below 50 percent indoor capacity and put the burden of proof on any local government that wanted to impose rules limiting indoor capacity of a business .
TRENDING : Punk Slugs Cop Out of the Blue , Officer Opens Cruiser Door and Lets 'Lee ' Handle Him Although the September order did not ban laws requiring masks , it blocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DeSantis has taken a strong position against shutdowns .
“ I hear people say they ’ ll shut down the country , and , honestly , I cringe , ” DeSantis said in September , according to USA Today .
DeSantis opposed lockdowns in an October speech , according to Florida Politics .
“ Biden has said if some scientist tells him to shut down he ’ s going to shut down the country .
That would ruin millions of lives .
It will cost many lives , I think we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s totally unacceptable from what we know now , ” DeSantis said .
“ We can not let that happen.
” “ We ’ re not going to let them shut our schools .
We ’ re not going to let them close our businesses .
We are not going to let them shut down this country , ” He added .
But as the virus surges , some local officials are concerned about the future .
“ We ’ re fortunate in our community that we haven ’ t exceeded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings , according to the Orlando Sentinel .
“ But I don ’ t want to wait until it gets so bad so that we have to take other draconian methods to gain compliance.
” “ Counties and cities need to have the flexibility to make choices to respond to what ’ s happening in their [ jurisdictions ] and , when you take away the enforcement measures , they ’ re no longer able to respond based on infection rates or hospital capacity or other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a spokeswoman for the Florida Association of Counties , said .
“ Those are local numbers and therefore should be addressed by local decisions.
” One attorney said that officials who feel strongly that the health of their residents is at risk might defy DeSantis .
“ If you wanted to pick a battle — even if you thought you ’ d lose — this is one to pick , ” said Cliff Shepard , a government law attorney who is not part of a local government .
“ The bulldog thing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sue me and we ’ ll just deal with it , ’ while knowing that he ’ d likely lose , but to go down fighting.
” RELATED : Los Angeles County Issues 3-Week Stay at Home Mandate , Residents Told 'Do Not Gather with Others' We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Potential shutdowns have been shut down again by Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who extended an executive order he first issued in September aimed at barring local governments from enacting business shutdowns in response to the coronavirus.
A two-page extension, issued Tuesday, said the state “continues to suffer economic harm as a result of COVID-19 related closures, exacerbating the impacts of the State of Emergency, and Floridians should not be prohibited by local governments from working or operating a business.”
The extension will remain in effect until the pandemic-induced state of emergency is lifted.
The initial order issued on Sept. 25 banned local laws that could “prevent an individual from working or from operating a business.”
The initial order forestalled any local efforts to force restaurants to operate below 50 percent indoor capacity and put the burden of proof on any local government that wanted to impose rules limiting indoor capacity of a business.
Although the September order did not ban laws requiring masks, it blocked collecting fines for violating such laws.’
DeSantis has taken a strong position against shutdowns.
“I hear people say they’ll shut down the country, and, honestly, I cringe,” DeSantis said in September, according to USA Today.
DeSantis opposed lockdowns in an October speech, according to Florida Politics.
“Biden has said if some scientist tells him to shut down he’s going to shut down the country. That would ruin millions of lives. It will cost many lives, I think we’re seeing with some of that. And it’s totally unacceptable from what we know now,” DeSantis said. “We cannot let that happen.”
“We’re not going to let them shut our schools. We’re not going to let them close our businesses. We are not going to let them shut down this country,” He added.
But as the virus surges, some local officials are concerned about the future.
“We’re fortunate in our community that we haven’t exceeded the capacity of our local hospital systems,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, according to the Orlando Sentinel. “But I don’t want to wait until it gets so bad so that we have to take other draconian methods to gain compliance.”
“Counties and cities need to have the flexibility to make choices to respond to what’s happening in their [jurisdictions] and, when you take away the enforcement measures, they’re no longer able to respond based on infection rates or hospital capacity or other health data,” Cragin Mosteller, a spokeswoman for the Florida Association of Counties, said.
Are lockdowns ruining America? 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% (168 Votes) No: 1% (2 Votes)
“Those are local numbers and therefore should be addressed by local decisions.”
One attorney said that officials who feel strongly that the health of their residents is at risk might defy DeSantis.
“If you wanted to pick a battle — even if you thought you’d lose — this is one to pick,” said Cliff Shepard, a government law attorney who is not part of a local government. “The bulldog thing to do is say, ‘Let them sue me and we’ll just deal with it,’ while knowing that he’d likely lose, but to go down fighting.”
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westernjournal--2020-11-28--Thousands of California Residents Had Their Power Cut on Thanksgiving Due to Environmental Concerns

It was a dark Thanksgiving for many Californians after fear of wildfires led to power shutoffs .
Southern California Edison began cutting power to thousands of residents on Thanksgiving , according to KCAL-TV , and by Friday morning , about 16,000 people in Los Angeles , Ventura , San Bernardino , Orange and Kern counties were still without power .
The trigger for the shutoffs was a “ Red Flag ” warning that was extended through Saturday due to a lack of rain that has created dry conditions on California woodlands , coupled with anticipated winds gusts as high as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TRENDING : Punk Slugs Cop Out of the Blue , Officer Opens Cruiser Door and Lets 'Lee ' Handle Him Pre-emptive power shutoffs have become common in California to avert downed lines starting wildfires .
But that ’ s not much comfort for residents such as Jeannie Murray , who lives in the Simi Country Mobile Home Estates and ended up with a ruined Thanksgiving dinner thanks to the shutoff .
She also had no heat and no effective way to even warm up .
“ Right now , it ’ s 58 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s 58 .
We ’ ve been bundled up with sheets , and blankets and every solitary thing you can imagine , ” she told KCAL , noting that with the power off , there ’ s no chance of a hot cup of coffee .
Murray said she feared her food would keep spoiling , just as it did in the summer when a shutoff left her in the dark .
“ I ’ m just worried it ’ s going to happen again , ” she said .
“ I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can ’ t do it .
It ’ s too expensive and everything .
I want to cry .
I ’ m sorry about this .
It just frightens me.
” Jim Yncera , the manager of the mobile home community , said the power company should do more for its customers than just shut off their power .
RELATED : Los Angeles County Issues 3-Week Stay at Home Mandate , Residents Told 'Do Not Gather with Others' “ Edison could come out and perhaps maybe put some generators out here , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help these people , ” he said .
The utility said it was doing what was right .
“ SCE does not shut off power based only on weather forecasts — rather , based on actual conditions in the affected areas , ” utility spokesman Jeff Monford told KABC-TV .
He said that he hoped power could be restored for affected customers within 24 hours .
“ If your power has been shut off , we will restore power as soon as the weather conditions permit , and crews have inspected the power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restore power , ” the company said in a statement .
As of 11 p.m. Friday night , though , the company said fewer than 500 customers were still without power , KCAL reported .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It was a dark Thanksgiving for many Californians after fear of wildfires led to power shutoffs.
Southern California Edison began cutting power to thousands of residents on Thanksgiving, according to KCAL-TV, and by Friday morning, about 16,000 people in Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Orange and Kern counties were still without power.
The trigger for the shutoffs was a “Red Flag” warning that was extended through Saturday due to a lack of rain that has created dry conditions on California woodlands, coupled with anticipated winds gusts as high as 50 to 65 miles per hour.
The Red Flag Warning for the LA/VTA mtns, Santa Clarita Vly, and VTA valleys has been EXTENDED through Sat 6pm! RH in the single digits to teens are expected Fri/Sat along with Santa Ana winds gusting 50-65 in the mtns and 40-55 in the vlys. High fire danger is expected! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/DvZwDuQ7BB — NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) November 27, 2020
Our Santa Ana winds are weakening slowly, but very dry fuels and dry air persist, with High Fire Danger lasting through Sat afternoon, esp for L.A. & Ventura Co Mtns, the Santa Clarita Valley & Ventura Valleys. Be extra cautious, avoid creating sparks and report any smoke! #cawx pic.twitter.com/D4YIXC3TXt — NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) November 28, 2020
Pre-emptive power shutoffs have become common in California to avert downed lines starting wildfires.
But that’s not much comfort for residents such as Jeannie Murray, who lives in the Simi Country Mobile Home Estates and ended up with a ruined Thanksgiving dinner thanks to the shutoff.
Do you think that shutting off California residents' power was the right decision? 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: 7% (72 Votes) No: 93% (1012 Votes)
She also had no heat and no effective way to even warm up.
“Right now, it’s 58 degrees in the house. It’s 58. We’ve been bundled up with sheets, and blankets and every solitary thing you can imagine,” she told KCAL, noting that with the power off, there’s no chance of a hot cup of coffee.
Murray said she feared her food would keep spoiling, just as it did in the summer when a shutoff left her in the dark.
“I’m just worried it’s going to happen again,” she said. “I cannot keep trying to buy food. I can’t do it. It’s too expensive and everything. I want to cry. I’m sorry about this. It just frightens me.”
Jim Yncera, the manager of the mobile home community, said the power company should do more for its customers than just shut off their power.
“Edison could come out and perhaps maybe put some generators out here, or come out here and try to help these people,” he said.
The utility said it was doing what was right.
“SCE does not shut off power based only on weather forecasts — rather, based on actual conditions in the affected areas,” utility spokesman Jeff Monford told KABC-TV.
He said that he hoped power could be restored for affected customers within 24 hours.
“If your power has been shut off, we will restore power as soon as the weather conditions permit, and crews have inspected the power lines to confirm it is safe to restore power,” the company said in a statement.
As of 11 p.m. Friday night, though, the company said fewer than 500 customers were still without power, KCAL reported.
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westernjournal--2020-11-28--Carter Page Goes on the Offensive, Sues Comey, DOJ, and FBI for $75 Million

Carter Page , the 2016 Trump campaign aide who was investigated as part of the debunked theory that Russia was supporting President Donald Trump ’ s campaign , is fighting back .
On Friday Page filed suit claiming he is owed $ 75 million collectively from the Justice Department , FBI and former FBI Director James Comey saying that he was wrongfully surveilled , according to the New York Post .
The suit also names former FBI Assistant Director Andrew McCabe , FBI agent Peter Strzok and FBI lawyer Lisa Page .
Former FBI lawyer Kevin Clinesmith , who earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ e-mail used by the FBI when it monitored Page , was also named .
Using the doctored email , the FBI was able to obtain a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act warrant to conduct surveillance on Page , who the FBI claimed was being recruited by Russia .
No charges were ever filed against Page .
Page had been an investment banker in Moscow before he became a foreign policy adviser for the 2016 campaign .
TRENDING : Punk Slugs Cop Out of the Blue , Officer Opens Cruiser Door and Lets 'Lee ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statutes enacted to prevent unlawful spying on United States persons , as well as the Constitution , ” the lawsuit said .
The lawsuit said the FBI failed to investigate the accuracy of a now-discredited dossier prepared by former British spy Christopher Steele and funded through Hillary Clinton ’ s 2016 campaign and the Democratic National Committee .
The lawsuit said that even as the FBI began spying on Page it knew the dossier had been designed to “ dig up dirt on a connection between the Trump campaign and Russia to divert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s email practices while Secretary of State.
” The dossier “ falsely alleged unlawful communications and activities involving Dr .
Page and two Russians with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin , ” the lawsuit said .
“ The more fundamental problem was that the FBI was so intent on obtaining a FISA warrant to enable it to spy on the Trump campaign that it did not fully and accurately disclose to the FISC [ Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court ] the evidence it had obtained as to whether Dr .
Page was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the FISC that there was probable cause to believe that Dr .
Page was a Russian agent , the Defendants provided false or misleading information to the FISC , ” the lawsuit said .
RELATED : Ex-Green Beret Admits To Handing Over American Secrets to Russian Spies The lawsuit said that the individuals Page is suing committed “ an abuse of process because they acted with an ulterior motive in using the FISA warrant process to accomplish an end unintended and not permitted by law , to wit , to spy on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ privacy of Dr .
Page without probable cause.
” The lawsuit added that Page never should have been targeted .
“ In reality , there was no ‘ probable cause ’ to support surveillance of Dr .
Page .
If FBI procedures had been followed and an honest and thorough investigation conducted , and if the FBI had fully and accurately reported what it knew , the FISA warrants against Dr .
Page would neither have been sought nor issued , ” it said .
“ The individual Defendants fabricated or intentionally disregarded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in order to obtain the FISA warrants .
This case is about holding accountable the entities and individuals who are responsible for the most egregious violation and abuse of the FISA statute since it was enacted over forty years ago.
” Page was ultimately exonerated during the investigation of special counsel Robert Mueller .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Carter Page, the 2016 Trump campaign aide who was investigated as part of the debunked theory that Russia was supporting President Donald Trump’s campaign, is fighting back.
On Friday Page filed suit claiming he is owed $75 million collectively from the Justice Department, FBI and former FBI Director James Comey saying that he was wrongfully surveilled, according to the New York Post.
The suit also names former FBI Assistant Director Andrew McCabe, FBI agent Peter Strzok and FBI lawyer Lisa Page. Former FBI lawyer Kevin Clinesmith, who earlier this year pleaded guilty to falsifying an e-mail used by the FBI when it monitored Page, was also named.
Using the doctored email, the FBI was able to obtain a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act warrant to conduct surveillance on Page, who the FBI claimed was being recruited by Russia. No charges were ever filed against Page.
Page had been an investment banker in Moscow before he became a foreign policy adviser for the 2016 campaign.
The surveillance “violated federal statutes enacted to prevent unlawful spying on United States persons, as well as the Constitution,” the lawsuit said.
Good overview summary of the claims in our suit for Carter Page if you’re looking for a place to start understanding the case, courtesy of the estimable @ProfMJCleveland ?? https://t.co/tbG0F1rGdT — Leslie McAdoo Gordon (@McAdooGordon) November 27, 2020
It is my privilege to represent Carter Page in his suit against the officials who violated his rights in an outrageous abuse of govt power. #Winterishere. We’re a team of lawyers working for justice for Carter as you can from this link to the complaint: https://t.co/05nIt8Bx9Y — Leslie McAdoo Gordon (@McAdooGordon) November 27, 2020
The lawsuit said the FBI failed to investigate the accuracy of a now-discredited dossier prepared by former British spy Christopher Steele and funded through Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign and the Democratic National Committee.
The lawsuit said that even as the FBI began spying on Page it knew the dossier had been designed to “dig up dirt on a connection between the Trump campaign and Russia to divert attention from the investigation of Clinton’s email practices while Secretary of State.”
The dossier “falsely alleged unlawful communications and activities involving Dr. Page and two Russians with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin,” the lawsuit said.
“The more fundamental problem was that the FBI was so intent on obtaining a FISA warrant to enable it to spy on the Trump campaign that it did not fully and accurately disclose to the FISC [Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court] the evidence it had obtained as to whether Dr. Page was a Russian agent.
“To persuade the FISC that there was probable cause to believe that Dr. Page was a Russian agent, the Defendants provided false or misleading information to the FISC,” the lawsuit said.
The lawsuit said that the individuals Page is suing committed “an abuse of process because they acted with an ulterior motive in using the FISA warrant process to accomplish an end unintended and not permitted by law, to wit, to spy on the Trump presidential campaign by unlawfully invading the privacy of Dr. Page without probable cause.”
The lawsuit added that Page never should have been targeted.
“In reality, there was no ‘probable cause’ to support surveillance of Dr. Page. If FBI procedures had been followed and an honest and thorough investigation conducted, and if the FBI had fully and accurately reported what it knew, the FISA warrants against Dr. Page would neither have been sought nor issued,” it said.
Was the FBI out of control when this took place? 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% (1669 Votes) No: 1% (16 Votes)
“The individual Defendants fabricated or intentionally disregarded critical evidence, and misled the FISC, in order to obtain the FISA warrants. This case is about holding accountable the entities and individuals who are responsible for the most egregious violation and abuse of the FISA statute since it was enacted over forty years ago.”
Page was ultimately exonerated during the investigation of special counsel Robert Mueller.
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westernjournal--2020-11-28--PA Judge Confirms GOP Has a Case Against State’s Allegedly ‘Unconstitutional’ Mail-In Voting Scheme

After the state appealed her ruling to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court , a commonwealth judge is defending her decision to order a temporary halt to any actions to certify the state ’ s 2020 presidential election results pending a hearing on a lawsuit that seeks to void millions of potentially unconstitutional mail-in ballots .
Commonwealth Court Judge Patricia McCullough issued a memorandum opinion on Friday explaining her rationale in temporarily stopping the state ’ s actions to certify its 2020 election results until the lawsuit is heard .
The lawsuit filed by a group of Pennsylvania Republicans , led by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sean Parnell , claims Pennsylvania ’ s October 2019 expansion of “ no-excuse ” mail-in voting “ violated the state constitution ’ s limits on who can cast an absentee ballot , ” Law360 reported .
“ Petitioners appear to have established a likelihood to succeed on the merits because Petitioners have asserted the Constitution does not provide a mechanism for the legislature to allow for expansion of absentee voting without a constitutional amendment , ” McCullough wrote Friday .
“ Since this presents an issue of law which has already been thoroughly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can state that Petitioners have a likelihood of success on the merits of its Pennsylvania Constitutional claim.
” TRENDING : Punk Slugs Cop Out of the Blue , Officer Opens Cruiser Door and Lets 'Lee ' Handle Him McCullough had issued a preliminary injunction Wednesday halting further certification of the election results pending an evidentiary hearing on the lawsuit , despite the state ’ s announcement that it had already certified the results of the election Tuesday , Patch reported .
The order said Pennsylvania should stop any further steps toward finalizing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Democratic state leaders appealed the order to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court as part of their effort to have the lawsuit dismissed , and the hearing that had been scheduled for Friday was postponed .
“ Commonwealth court never had jurisdiction to begin with , because the statute also conferred original jurisdiction on Supreme court to consider any challenges , ” former Commonwealth Court Judge Robert Byer tweeted in support of dismissing the case .
The lawsuit seeks to toss out the major voting reform bill that was passed last year , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state that passed the expanded voting bill argued the request to halt the certification of election results had come too late .
However , the challengers filed a supplemental application for emergency relief Tuesday night with alternative steps the court could take to help stop the certification , Law360 reported .
“ Should it be absolutely necessary , in order for this court to be empowered to provide adequate relief , petitioners may seek for leave from this court to join the slate of presidential and vice presidential electors as additional respondents in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them from taking certain action , ” the petition said .
“ Because the electors , by law , must perform their duties at the ‘ seat of government of this Commonwealth , ’ this court may also enjoin respondents from permitting the electors to assemble at such location.
” RELATED : PA State Senator Reminds Everyone What Happens if 'Mounting Evidence ' Proves Election Was Compromised According to Pennsylvania law , any voter can choose to vote by mail .
However , to qualify for an absentee ballot , Pennsylvania voters must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a ballot .
Voters who qualify for absentee ballots include college students , people whose work takes them away from the municipality where they live , people with physical disability or illness , members of the military and people who may have a conflict due to a religious holiday .
Act 77 , which was signed into law in October 2019 , created no excuse mail-in voting for all Pennsylvania voters and a 50-day period for voters to request and submit these ballots .
According to the lawsuit , these ballots should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overrides legal limitations on absentee voting .
“ Act 77 is the most expansive and fundamental change to the Pennsylvania voting code , implemented illegally , to date , ” the plaintiffs wrote .
“ [ It ] is another illegal attempt to override the limitations on absentee voting prescribed in the Pennsylvania Constitution , without first following the necessary procedure to amend the constitution to allow for the expansion.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

After the state appealed her ruling to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, a commonwealth judge is defending her decision to order a temporary halt to any actions to certify the state’s 2020 presidential election results pending a hearing on a lawsuit that seeks to void millions of potentially unconstitutional mail-in ballots.
Commonwealth Court Judge Patricia McCullough issued a memorandum opinion on Friday explaining her rationale in temporarily stopping the state’s actions to certify its 2020 election results until the lawsuit is heard.
The lawsuit filed by a group of Pennsylvania Republicans, led by Rep. Mike Kelly and 2020 congressional candidate Sean Parnell, claims Pennsylvania’s October 2019 expansion of “no-excuse” mail-in voting “violated the state constitution’s limits on who can cast an absentee ballot,” Law360 reported.
“Petitioners appear to have established a likelihood to succeed on the merits because Petitioners have asserted the Constitution does not provide a mechanism for the legislature to allow for expansion of absentee voting without a constitutional amendment,” McCullough wrote Friday.
“Since this presents an issue of law which has already been thoroughly briefed by the parties, this Court can state that Petitioners have a likelihood of success on the merits of its Pennsylvania Constitutional claim.”
McCullough had issued a preliminary injunction Wednesday halting further certification of the election results pending an evidentiary hearing on the lawsuit, despite the state’s announcement that it had already certified the results of the election Tuesday, Patch reported.
The order said Pennsylvania should stop any further steps toward finalizing the election results until the hearing is held.
Democratic state leaders appealed the order to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court as part of their effort to have the lawsuit dismissed, and the hearing that had been scheduled for Friday was postponed.
“Commonwealth court never had jurisdiction to begin with, because the statute also conferred original jurisdiction on Supreme court to consider any challenges,” former Commonwealth Court Judge Robert Byer tweeted in support of dismissing the case.
Commonwealth court never had jurisdiction to begin with, because the statute also conferred original jurisdiction on Supreme Court to consider any challenges. But if Commonwealth Court had original jurisdiction, the appeal to the Supreme Court would have been as of right. — Robert L. Byer (@Rlbyer) November 26, 2020
The lawsuit seeks to toss out the major voting reform bill that was passed last year, according to Business Insider.
Attorneys for the state that passed the expanded voting bill argued the request to halt the certification of election results had come too late. However, the challengers filed a supplemental application for emergency relief Tuesday night with alternative steps the court could take to help stop the certification, Law360 reported.
“Should it be absolutely necessary, in order for this court to be empowered to provide adequate relief, petitioners may seek for leave from this court to join the slate of presidential and vice presidential electors as additional respondents in this action, and move to enjoin them from taking certain action,” the petition said.
“Because the electors, by law, must perform their duties at the ‘seat of government of this Commonwealth,’ this court may also enjoin respondents from permitting the electors to assemble at such location.”
According to Pennsylvania law, any voter can choose to vote by mail.
However, to qualify for an absentee ballot, Pennsylvania voters must provide a valid reason to request such a ballot.
Voters who qualify for absentee ballots include college students, people whose work takes them away from the municipality where they live, people with physical disability or illness, members of the military and people who may have a conflict due to a religious holiday.
Do you think the GOP will win this lawsuit? 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: 94% (2946 Votes) No: 6% (174 Votes)
Act 77, which was signed into law in October 2019, created no excuse mail-in voting for all Pennsylvania voters and a 50-day period for voters to request and submit these ballots.
According to the lawsuit, these ballots should be deemed “unconstitutional” because Act 77 overrides legal limitations on absentee voting.
“Act 77 is the most expansive and fundamental change to the Pennsylvania voting code, implemented illegally, to date,” the plaintiffs wrote.
“[It] is another illegal attempt to override the limitations on absentee voting prescribed in the Pennsylvania Constitution, without first following the necessary procedure to amend the constitution to allow for the expansion.”
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westernjournal--2020-11-28--De Blasio Admits He Doesn’t Have a Plan When It Comes To Reopening the Schools He Closed

When in-person learning in New York City ’ s public school system ground to a halt last week after COVID-19 positive test rates hit 3 percent — a perfectly arbitrary number , but one Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio apparently felt was the point at which he had to pull the lever and shut it all down — one assumed the mayor and his administration had a plan to get the schools back open .
One would have been naïve to have thought that .
According to the New York Daily News , during a news conference Wednesday , de @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hadn ’ t quite come up with a way to get the nation ’ s largest school system back up and running .
“ Honestly , I have to hold myself responsible , ” said de Blasio , apparently under the misapprehension we were ascribing responsibility to anyone else .
TRENDING : Punk Slugs Cop Out of the Blue , Officer Opens Cruiser Door and Lets 'Lee ' Handle Him “ The better situation would have been , clearly , to have that plan all worked through in advance , ” added the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York Post , “ offer [ ed ] no solution to the problem.
” Again , we all could have told you this .
So , yes , he ’ s taking responsibility for closing the schools last week , but not quite kicking himself .
When it comes to holding himself responsible , Bill de Blasio is very kind to Bill de Blasio : “ We didn ’ t have a Plan B , and we should have had a Plan B , but I also understand why we didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems the reason why they didn ’ t come up with a plan to reopen schools is that they were too busy trying to keep them open .
“ We had a moving target .
We were trying to see if there were measures we could take to avoid ever going past the 3 percent , ” de Blasio said .
“ That ’ s really where our energy was going.
” They were so busy answering questions about their in-person and remote learning models and trying to keep the positive test results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of energy , de Blasio said — that they didn ’ t come up with an alternative plan if that didn ’ t happen .
Except New York City Councilman Mark Treyger told the Daily News he ’ d already offered de Blasio a reopening plan in July .
“ He chose not to have an alternate plan , ” said Treyger , a Democrat who serves as head of the council ’ s Education Committee .
“ They knew .
I don ’ t think this is the best New York City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best he can do.
” De Blasio has done the unthinkable : He ’ s managed to unite parents and teachers ’ unions in disgust at his handling of in-person classes , which lasted just eight weeks .
In parents ’ case , it ’ s the fact schools aren ’ t open .
“ I am furious .
I was furious two weeks ago .
I was furious last week when schools closed and I am furious today that schools are still closed , ” Daniela Kampel told WCBS-TV .
RELATED @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID in 1 Interview “ The mayor promised .
He got on television and he promised that we would have a reopening decision and a plan ‘ certainly before Thanksgiving , ’ ” a parent named Mia added to WCBS on Wednesday .
“ Tomorrow is Thanksgiving .
So if the mayor will not listen to us where he works , we are coming to him where he lives.
” NYC Parents Union vice president Sam Pirozzolo said that the handling of the reopening by Mayor de Blasio and New York City Schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ This is not real education .
It ’ s getting worse and worse and worse , ” Pirozzolo told the Post .
Teachers unions , meanwhile , don ’ t want to go back to the classroom .
According to The New York Times , they ’ re upset that de Blasio didn ’ t shut down the schools fast enough in March and upset he reopened in the fall .
They ’ d protested the move , carrying handmade coffins in summer demonstrations .
( There was , ironically , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests . )
“ I think there is a real sense among educators that this administration is not able to meet this moment , ” Paula White , executive director of teachers union Educators For Excellence-New York , told The Times .
“ What we are hearing consistently is just a complete lack of trust.
” The United Federation of Teachers , meanwhile , is looking to change mayoral control over the school system .
It ’ s worth noting that the arbitrary 3 percent number that has parents so outraged was actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to protect students .
In fact , it ’ s the students ’ families who are the ones most aggrieved by the decision to shutter the schools .
Beyond the quality of the education their children are receiving , you also have the burdens of daycare , shifting schedules and uncertainty .
So we have parents disgusted , teachers disgusted and , yes , even mayoral candidates disgusted .
De Blasio ’ s replacement will be decided next November — the mayor himself is ineligible for a third term — and Brooklyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was critical of de Blasio ’ s decision given the low 0.28 positive test rate in schools .
“ Eighty percent of the men and women on Rikers Island don ’ t have a high school diploma or equivalency .
That means if you don ’ t educate , you incarcerate , ” Adams said .
“ Today these parents are not only fighting to have their child receive a seat in a school building , they ’ re fighting to ensure the child won ’ t have a seat in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York City ’ s schools be safe to reopen ?
Well , um , according to de Blasio , they already are ; during the Wednesday presser , the mayor explicitly stated that “ the schools have proven to be very , very safe.
” Which is why , of course , they ’ re closed .
But trust the mayor .
He doesn ’ t have a plan because he was putting all of his energy into keeping the schools open and parents informed .
So herculean was that task that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been spared to formulate what would happen if that magical 3 percent barrier was broached .
As for that plan he was reportedly offered in July for reopening the schools after a closure , disregard that .
And the schools are perfectly safe right now , except that they needed to be shut down .
He ’ ll get the parents and the teachers unions to sing “ Kumbaya , My Lord ” while holding hands — well , for the moment , touching elbows — in Union Square .
He ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sometime .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

When in-person learning in New York City’s public school system ground to a halt last week after COVID-19 positive test rates hit 3 percent — a perfectly arbitrary number, but one Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio apparently felt was the point at which he had to pull the lever and shut it all down — one assumed the mayor and his administration had a plan to get the schools back open.
One would have been naïve to have thought that.
According to the New York Daily News, during a news conference Wednesday, de Blasio acknowleged to reporters that city hall hadn’t quite come up with a way to get the nation’s largest school system back up and running.
But stay tuned!
“Honestly, I have to hold myself responsible,” said de Blasio, apparently under the misapprehension we were ascribing responsibility to anyone else.
“The better situation would have been, clearly, to have that plan all worked through in advance,” added the mayor, who, according to the New York Post, “offer[ed] no solution to the problem.”
Again, we all could have told you this. So, yes, he’s taking responsibility for closing the schools last week, but not quite kicking himself. When it comes to holding himself responsible, Bill de Blasio is very kind to Bill de Blasio: “We didn’t have a Plan B, and we should have had a Plan B, but I also understand why we didn’t.”
Oh? Yes, it seems the reason why they didn’t come up with a plan to reopen schools is that they were too busy trying to keep them open.
“We had a moving target. We were trying to see if there were measures we could take to avoid ever going past the 3 percent,” de Blasio said. “That’s really where our energy was going.”
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They were so busy answering questions about their in-person and remote learning models and trying to keep the positive test results under 3 percent — “tons” of energy, de Blasio said — that they didn’t come up with an alternative plan if that didn’t happen.
Except New York City Councilman Mark Treyger told the Daily News he’d already offered de Blasio a reopening plan in July.
“He chose not to have an alternate plan,” said Treyger, a Democrat who serves as head of the council’s Education Committee. “They knew. I don’t think this is the best New York City can do. It’s not the best he can do.”
De Blasio has done the unthinkable: He’s managed to unite parents and teachers’ unions in disgust at his handling of in-person classes, which lasted just eight weeks.
In parents’ case, it’s the fact schools aren’t open. “I am furious. I was furious two weeks ago. I was furious last week when schools closed and I am furious today that schools are still closed,” Daniela Kampel told WCBS-TV.
“The mayor promised. He got on television and he promised that we would have a reopening decision and a plan ‘certainly before Thanksgiving,’” a parent named Mia added to WCBS on Wednesday. “Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. So if the mayor will not listen to us where he works, we are coming to him where he lives.”
NYC Parents Union vice president Sam Pirozzolo said that the handling of the reopening by Mayor de Blasio and New York City Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza was “beyond incompetence.”
“This is not real education. It’s getting worse and worse and worse,” Pirozzolo told the Post.
Teachers unions, meanwhile, don’t want to go back to the classroom. According to The New York Times, they’re upset that de Blasio didn’t shut down the schools fast enough in March and upset he reopened in the fall. They’d protested the move, carrying handmade coffins in summer demonstrations. (There was, ironically, a lack of social distancing at these protests.)
“I think there is a real sense among educators that this administration is not able to meet this moment,” Paula White, executive director of teachers union Educators For Excellence-New York, told The Times. “What we are hearing consistently is just a complete lack of trust.”
The United Federation of Teachers, meanwhile, is looking to change mayoral control over the school system.
It’s worth noting that the arbitrary 3 percent number that has parents so outraged was actually chosen to placate educators’ unions, not to protect students. In fact, it’s the students’ families who are the ones most aggrieved by the decision to shutter the schools. Beyond the quality of the education their children are receiving, you also have the burdens of daycare, shifting schedules and uncertainty.
So we have parents disgusted, teachers disgusted and, yes, even mayoral candidates disgusted. De Blasio’s replacement will be decided next November — the mayor himself is ineligible for a third term — and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, a frontrunner, was critical of de Blasio’s decision given the low 0.28 positive test rate in schools.
“Eighty percent of the men and women on Rikers Island don’t have a high school diploma or equivalency. That means if you don’t educate, you incarcerate,” Adams said.
“Today these parents are not only fighting to have their child receive a seat in a school building, they’re fighting to ensure the child won’t have a seat in a jail cell.”
So, when will New York City’s schools be safe to reopen? Well, um, according to de Blasio, they already are; during the Wednesday presser, the mayor explicitly stated that “the schools have proven to be very, very safe.”
Which is why, of course, they’re closed.
But trust the mayor. He doesn’t have a plan because he was putting all of his energy into keeping the schools open and parents informed. So herculean was that task that not a single high-level adviser could have been spared to formulate what would happen if that magical 3 percent barrier was broached.
As for that plan he was reportedly offered in July for reopening the schools after a closure, disregard that. And the schools are perfectly safe right now, except that they needed to be shut down.
He’ll get the parents and the teachers unions to sing “Kumbaya, My Lord” while holding hands — well, for the moment, touching elbows — in Union Square. He’ll have a plan to do all this. Sometime.
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westernjournal--2020-11-28--Los Angeles County Issues 3-Week Stay at Home Mandate, Residents Told ‘Do Not Gather with Others’

Los Angeles County health officials announced Friday a temporary stay-at-home order set to take effect on Monday that prohibits residents from gathering with people outside their households as coronavirus cases continue to climb .
The stay-at-home order will be in place for three weeks through Dec. 20 , the county said in a news release .
Essential and emergency workers and people who secure or provide essential and permitted services are allowed to leave their homes during this time .
“ Public Health reminds everyone to stay home as much as possible and avoid seeing people you don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t feel sick , ” the news release read .
“ Residents are also reminded to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth whenever they are outside their home and around others , as COVID-19 can be unintentionally spread to other people.
” TRENDING : Punk Slugs Cop Out of the Blue , Officer Opens Cruiser Door and Lets 'Lee ' Handle Him Under the new rules , businesses must put occupancy limits in place and require everyone on site to wear face coverings .
The county is also banning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and people are prohibited from participating in drive-in events in a car with people outside of their household .
“ All public and private gatherings with individuals not in your household are prohibited , except for faith based services and protests , which are constitutionally protected rights , ” the news release read .
All outdoor recreation activities , including beaches , trails , golf courses and skate parks , require face coverings and social distancing .
Schools and day camps are allowed to stay open , but if there is an outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 14 days .
Playgrounds , except for those at childcare or schools , have also been closed .
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti urged his residents to “ act now ” and “ stay home ” in a message on Twitter .
RELATED : Restaurant Workers Brace for Devastation of Latest Round of Lockdowns The new orders come as 1,893 people are hospitalized in Los Angeles County with COVID-19 , 24 percent of which are in the intensive care unit , according to the news release .
On Friday , health officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases , prompting the tighter security measures , KTLA-TV reported .
“ To those who recently lost loved ones from COVID-19 , we send you wishes for healing and peace , ” Barbara Ferrer , Director of Public Health , said .
“ With the recent surge of COVID-19 across our community , we must take additional safety measures to reduce the risk of illness and death from this terrible virus and protect our healthcare system.
” “ We know we are asking a lot from so many who have been sacrificing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that L.A. County residents continue following Public Health safety measures that we know can slow the spread , ” she added .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Los Angeles County health officials announced Friday a temporary stay-at-home order set to take effect on Monday that prohibits residents from gathering with people outside their households as coronavirus cases continue to climb.
The stay-at-home order will be in place for three weeks through Dec. 20, the county said in a news release.
Essential and emergency workers and people who secure or provide essential and permitted services are allowed to leave their homes during this time.
“Public Health reminds everyone to stay home as much as possible and avoid seeing people you don’t live with, even if you don’t feel sick,” the news release read.
“Residents are also reminded to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth whenever they are outside their home and around others, as COVID-19 can be unintentionally spread to other people.”
Under the new rules, businesses must put occupancy limits in place and require everyone on site to wear face coverings.
The county is also banning all gatherings, public and private, and people are prohibited from participating in drive-in events in a car with people outside of their household.
“All public and private gatherings with individuals not in your household are prohibited, except for faith based services and protests, which are constitutionally protected rights,” the news release read.
All outdoor recreation activities, including beaches, trails, golf courses and skate parks, require face coverings and social distancing.
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Schools and day camps are allowed to stay open, but if there is an outbreak, the doors have to be shut for 14 days.
Playgrounds, except for those at childcare or schools, have also been closed.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti urged his residents to “act now” and “stay home” in a message on Twitter.
Two months ago, it was projected that one in every 880 L.A. County residents were infected with COVID-19. Now, it’s estimated it’s one in every 145. We have to act now to slow the spread. Please stay home as much as possible. — MayorOfLA (@MayorOfLA) November 27, 2020
The new orders come as 1,893 people are hospitalized in Los Angeles County with COVID-19, 24 percent of which are in the intensive care unit, according to the news release.
On Friday, health officials reported 24 new COVID-19 deaths and 4,544 new cases, prompting the tighter security measures, KTLA-TV reported.
“To those who recently lost loved ones from COVID-19, we send you wishes for healing and peace,” Barbara Ferrer, Director of Public Health, said.
“With the recent surge of COVID-19 across our community, we must take additional safety measures to reduce the risk of illness and death from this terrible virus and protect our healthcare system.”
“We know we are asking a lot from so many who have been sacrificing for months on end and we hope that L.A. County residents continue following Public Health safety measures that we know can slow the spread,” she added.
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westernjournal--2020-11-28--Pet Owners Poke Fun at Their Fur Babies in These Hilarious Photos

If there ’ s one thing that can unite people despite their differences , it ’ s animals .
Pet owners share a bond forged by giving their hearts to their furry , scaled , or feathered friends and doing their best to keep their critter companions healthy and happy .
But the same can ’ t always be said for the recipients of that attention .
Sometimes , whether through accident or calculated attack , our pets get up to no good .
To that end , people have taken to sharing photos of their pets , often with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near or around the pet ’ s neck , describing the naughtinesses that has occurred .
TRENDING : Punk Slugs Cop Out of the Blue , Officer Opens Cruiser Door and Lets 'Lee ' Handle Him There are a lot of bathroom mishaps .
A lot .
Some of the photos were taken at just the right time , such as the photo above .
Puppies are notorious for being chewers and having a rather long destructive phase , but this pupper seems to have a taste for everything .
For others , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t into destroying things because they ’ re curious and learning about the world around them — some chew to punish , and there are accomplices .
“ My family went to Six Flags without me , so I ate the couch , ” reads the sign on the dog to the left in the image above .
The other dog ’ s sign says “ I ate the throw pillows.
” It ’ s unclear who started the rift between the two below , but the grudge is clearly being held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re a puppy , destroying furniture out of spite and snapping up some vegetables all make some sort of sense… but eating crayons ?
RELATED : Man Saves Cats , Sheep , Bunnies and 300 Dogs from Hurricane by Bringing Them Into His Own Home They don ’ t even smell like anything .
That doesn ’ t stop some curious creatures , though .
Many of the photos posted feature dogs being shamed — perhaps because cat owners know to expect shenanigans and cats are repellant to shame .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the slightest , despite the fact that she wreaks litterbox havoc .
In many of the dog-shaming photos , the pups look what many would read as “ guilty.
” Not so for the cats .
The cats seem to wear their signs of shame like badges of honor , and they definitely look like they ’ d do it again .
Happily .
It ’ s not just the feline and canine owners getting in on the shame fest .
Other animals do questionable things , too .
Or their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — eating a kid ’ s pet or eating the eggs you were supposed to hatch out .
Either way , their owners clearly saw the terrible humor in their respective situations and decided to share a laugh .
If you own pets , you ’ ve no doubt experienced their questionable behavior at some point or another .
What have your critters done that would be worthy of some good-natured shaming ?
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

If there’s one thing that can unite people despite their differences, it’s animals. Pet owners share a bond forged by giving their hearts to their furry, scaled, or feathered friends and doing their best to keep their critter companions healthy and happy.
But the same can’t always be said for the recipients of that attention. Sometimes, whether through accident or calculated attack, our pets get up to no good.
To that end, people have taken to sharing photos of their pets, often with descriptions in the form of signs hanging near or around the pet’s neck, describing the naughtinesses that has occurred.
There are a lot of bathroom mishaps. A lot.
Some of the photos were taken at just the right time, such as the photo above. Puppies are notorious for being chewers and having a rather long destructive phase, but this pupper seems to have a taste for everything.
For others, taste is questionable. Some dogs aren’t into destroying things because they’re curious and learning about the world around them — some chew to punish, and there are accomplices.
“My family went to Six Flags without me, so I ate the couch,” reads the sign on the dog to the left in the image above. The other dog’s sign says “I ate the throw pillows.”
It’s unclear who started the rift between the two below, but the grudge is clearly being held even across species.
Biting things because you’re a puppy, destroying furniture out of spite and snapping up some vegetables all make some sort of sense… but eating crayons?
They don’t even smell like anything. That doesn’t stop some curious creatures, though.
Many of the photos posted feature dogs being shamed — perhaps because cat owners know to expect shenanigans and cats are repellant to shame.
Even this one doesn’t seem sorry in the slightest, despite the fact that she wreaks litterbox havoc.
In many of the dog-shaming photos, the pups look what many would read as “guilty.” Not so for the cats.
The cats seem to wear their signs of shame like badges of honor, and they definitely look like they’d do it again. Happily.
It’s not just the feline and canine owners getting in on the shame fest. Other animals do questionable things, too.
Like eat other pets, apparently.
Or their own young.
Not sure which is worse — eating a kid’s pet or eating the eggs you were supposed to hatch out. Either way, their owners clearly saw the terrible humor in their respective situations and decided to share a laugh.
If you own pets, you’ve no doubt experienced their questionable behavior at some point or another.
What have your critters done that would be worthy of some good-natured shaming?
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westernjournal--2020-11-28--Young Baseball Fan Who Lost Everything in Wildfire Receives Greatest Gift She Could Want

When people have limited time during an emergency to grab things from home before evacuating , they tend to go for the expensive and the irreplaceable .
For 9-year-old Reese Osterberg of Shaver Lake in Fresno County , California , it was her collection of over 100 baseball cards she ’ d been collecting for three years .
When the Creek Fire wildfire destroyed the family home two months ago , it took the young athlete ’ s card collection with it .
TRENDING : Punk Slugs Cop Out of the Blue , Officer Opens Cruiser Door and Lets 'Lee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CreekFire threatened her # mountainstrong community in the mountains of Fresno County , her family was forced to evacuate , ” the CAL FIRE/Fresno County Fire Facebook page shared on Oct. 21 .
The ” important stuff ” of family members and livestock was safe , according to the post , but Reese had asked her dad to get her baseball card collection , and “ with limited time and the stress of evacuation , he forgot to grab it.
” CAL FIRE shared her story along with a request : The department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reese and her friends who had lost their homes and collections to the wildfire could start their collections again .
One person who saw the plea was San Jose resident Kevin Ashford , who ’ d been wondering what to do with the cards he ’ d been collecting since 1990 .
He ’ d been thinking of selling his collection , but when he heard Reese ’ s story , he knew what he had to do .
“ I got to thinking about what I had in the garage , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you know , what of instead of selling them on eBay , I ’ m going to donate them .
I ’ m gon na donate them all and put a smile on a little girl ’ s face .
I would give anything to see the smile on her face when she receives them.
” Ashford ’ s collection was no small accomplishment .
He could only estimate his haul , and even the estimate was staggering .
“ My best guess at this point is probably , and it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cards , ” he said .
His donation was the largest that Reese received , but it wasn ’ t the only one .
Cards continued to pour in , so many that she felt compelled to pay them forward .
“ Reese has decided to pay it forward and help build the collections [ of ] children everywhere , ” CAL FIRE shared on Facebook .
“ She and her family have created a website where anyone can get involved to build up her collection so she can share cards with other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exists to redistribute the generous gifts she ’ s received from donors .
She and all her friends have impressive collections now , and she wants to give more away .
She hopes to send cards along with notes of encouragement to children battling for their lives at Children ’ s Hospital of Central California , a noble endeavor funded in part by many generous collectors .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

When people have limited time during an emergency to grab things from home before evacuating, they tend to go for the expensive and the irreplaceable.
Family photos, beloved pets and sentimental items top the list.
For 9-year-old Reese Osterberg of Shaver Lake in Fresno County, California, it was her collection of over 100 baseball cards she’d been collecting for three years.
When the Creek Fire wildfire destroyed the family home two months ago, it took the young athlete’s card collection with it.
“When the #CreekFire threatened her #mountainstrong community in the mountains of Fresno County, her family was forced to evacuate,” the CAL FIRE/Fresno County Fire Facebook page shared on Oct. 21.
The ”important stuff” of family members and livestock was safe, according to the post, but Reese had asked her dad to get her baseball card collection, and “with limited time and the stress of evacuation, he forgot to grab it.”
CAL FIRE shared her story along with a request: The department asked for baseball card donations so that Reese and her friends who had lost their homes and collections to the wildfire could start their collections again.
One person who saw the plea was San Jose resident Kevin Ashford, who’d been wondering what to do with the cards he’d been collecting since 1990. He’d been thinking of selling his collection, but when he heard Reese’s story, he knew what he had to do.
“I got to thinking about what I had in the garage,” he told KNTV. “I thought, you know, what of instead of selling them on eBay, I’m going to donate them. I’m gonna donate them all and put a smile on a little girl’s face. I would give anything to see the smile on her face when she receives them.”
Ashford’s collection was no small accomplishment. He could only estimate his haul, and even the estimate was staggering.
“My best guess at this point is probably, and it’s probably underrated, is about 25,000 cards,” he said.
His donation was the largest that Reese received, but it wasn’t the only one. Cards continued to pour in, so many that she felt compelled to pay them forward.
“Reese has decided to pay it forward and help build the collections [of] children everywhere,” CAL FIRE shared on Facebook. “She and her family have created a website where anyone can get involved to build up her collection so she can share cards with other little sports fans.”
Now, cardsfromreese.org exists to redistribute the generous gifts she’s received from donors. She and all her friends have impressive collections now, and she wants to give more away.
She hopes to send cards along with notes of encouragement to children battling for their lives at Children’s Hospital of Central California, a noble endeavor funded in part by many generous collectors.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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