westernjournal--2020-12-24--Rush Gives What Could Be His Last End-of-Year Monologue Ever, And It’s Incredible

Many conservatives braced for the worst after talk radio icon Rush Limbaugh seemed to signal on his end-of-the-year program Wednesday that the program might have been his last Christmas show ever .
Some even speculated Wednesday ’ s show , which was incredible and moving , might have been the final time we heard from the man who has comforted us on the radio throughout the last three decades , nearly a year after he first announced he had been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer .
Thankfully , Limbaugh didn ’ t walk away at the top of his game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for many who listened .
TRENDING : Pelosi Reveals Her Bizarre Plan To Get Trump Out of the White House : Report In his opening monologue , Limbaugh praised President Donald Trump ’ s Tuesday evening speech , where the president signaled he wanted Congress to take another look at the latest COVID relief bill before he would sign such an atrocity .
In a brief video message , Trump was clear he wanted a bill that would work for the American people .
“ It was the kind of speech only an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really hoped that Trump would sit down and start ripping up the bill as Pelosi ripped up his speech , ” Limbaugh said .
“ You know when she began to rip up his speech is when he began the presentation of the medal to me , seated next to his wife , the first lady Melania .
And I turned my back to her , which is proper.
” In case you had forgotten , first lady Melania Trump presented Limbaugh with the Presidential Medal of Freedom award in February at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during which Limbaugh was the president ’ s guest .
Limbaugh used his diagnosis , the first lady and his career to tie together a sentiment of gratitude in only a way the iconic host could .
He invoked the memory of renowned baseball player Lou Gehrig , who played in 2,130 consecutive ball games before being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 1939 .
“ [ Melania ] was the one who actually put the medal around my neck , and I thought it would have been great if Trump had ripped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But he didn ’ t .
And that ’ s understandable as well .
But I remember saying to all of you at that time that I had a little bit of understanding of something that had perplexed me for a lot of my life , and that was Lou Gehrig , ” Limbaugh said .
“ Lou Gehrig , the Iron Horse , New York Yankees , set the record for consecutive games played until Cal Ripken came along decades later and broke it .
And on the day that Lou Gehrig @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was forcing him to retire from Major League Baseball , he said to the sold-out Yankee Stadium , ‘ Today I feel like the luckiest man on the face of the earth , ’ ” the host added .
“ I didn ’ t understand that .
I mean , here ’ s a guy who ’ d just been diagnosed with the most terminal of terminal diseases , and I said , ‘ This can ’ t be real .
He can ’ t really think he ’ s the luckiest guy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something that he ’ s saying because it will play well , ’ ” Limbaugh said .
RELATED : Representative Announces He Will Propose Bill To Allow Texas To Secede from United States “ I don ’ t mean to be insulting Lou Gehrig ; don ’ t misunderstand .
I ’ m just saying , how in the world if you ’ re being honest can you feel like you ’ re the luckiest man on the face of the earth ?
” he asked .
“ Well , when I got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive all of the outpouring of love and affection from everywhere in my life from so many of you in so many ways and from my family — who , man , they have supported me my entire career.
” “ So many people have put me first in all of this , and I understand now what Lou Gehrig meant , ’ cause I certainly feel like that .
I feel extremely fortunate and lucky.
” Limbaugh was referring to Gehrig ’ s 1939 farewell speech in which he described himself as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the earth.
” Also on the program , Limbaugh talked about the cancer diagnosis , and how it has affected him today .
“ Well , back in late January when I received this diagnosis — and I was shocked .
I was stunned , and I was in denial for about a week , ” he said .
“ I wasn ’ t expected to make it to October and then to November and then to December — and yet here I am .
Today I ’ ve got some problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good today .
God ’ s with me today .
God knows how important this program is to me today , and I ’ m feeling natural in terms of energy , normal in terms of energy , and I ’ m feeling entirely capable of doing it today.
” Limbaugh , while thankful and optimistic , broke some hearts .
He reminded us that his cancer is likely terminal .
The man who helped to raise conservative Generation Xers , millennials and even today ’ s young conservatives reminded us life is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans through the Clinton and Obama administrations signaled he is nearing the end of his exceptional life and career .
“ The day is going to come , folks , where I ’ m not going to be able to do this .
I don ’ t know when that is .
I want to be able to do it for as long as I want to do it .
But the day will come where I ’ m not going to be able to , ” Limbaugh said near the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to understand that even when the day comes , I ’ d like to be here , ” he added .
“ I have this sense of needing to constantly show my appreciation for all that you have done and meant to me .
So I hope you all have a great Christmas .
A great new year .
And I hope that the things that are in store for all of us in the coming year are certainly better than what we have endured in 2020.
” “ 2021 has to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Again , folks , thank you so much .
I wish there were a way to say it other than thank you .
You ’ re just the best .
My family is just the best .
Thank you .
Merry Christmas , everybody .
From all of us to all of you.
” Limbaugh signed off on a Wednesday near the end of one of the most challenging years in modern American history .
With God ’ s grace , we ’ ll catch up with him in January and for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls Limbaugh home between now and then — or any time after — we will know it was because it was part of his plan , and not ours .
But just maybe we can ring in a new year with Rush Limbaugh still standing in our corner , and maybe another after that .
Wouldn ’ t that be nice ?
In an era when so much has been made of the word privilege , it certainly has been both an honor and a privilege to have had Rush for all these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Many conservatives braced for the worst after talk radio icon Rush Limbaugh seemed to signal on his end-of-the-year program Wednesday that the program might have been his last Christmas show ever.
Some even speculated Wednesday’s show, which was incredible and moving, might have been the final time we heard from the man who has comforted us on the radio throughout the last three decades, nearly a year after he first announced he had been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer.
Thankfully, Limbaugh didn’t walk away at the top of his game. But he did evoke some emotions for many who listened.
Oh my God me too! What a legend, if I could amount to half the man… #MakeItHappen pic.twitter.com/b4SfDtFH3b — Jxn (@jxnfaster) December 23, 2020
In his opening monologue, Limbaugh praised President Donald Trump’s Tuesday evening speech, where the president signaled he wanted Congress to take another look at the latest COVID relief bill before he would sign such an atrocity. In a brief video message, Trump was clear he wanted a bill that would work for the American people.
“It was the kind of speech only an outsider could have made, and I really hoped that Trump would sit down and start ripping up the bill as Pelosi ripped up his speech,” Limbaugh said. “You know when she began to rip up his speech is when he began the presentation of the medal to me, seated next to his wife, the first lady Melania. And I turned my back to her, which is proper.”
In case you had forgotten, first lady Melania Trump presented Limbaugh with the Presidential Medal of Freedom award in February at the annual State of the Union address, during which Limbaugh was the president’s guest.
Limbaugh used his diagnosis, the first lady and his career to tie together a sentiment of gratitude in only a way the iconic host could. He invoked the memory of renowned baseball player Lou Gehrig, who played in 2,130 consecutive ball games before being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 1939.
“[Melania] was the one who actually put the medal around my neck, and I thought it would have been great if Trump had ripped up that [COVID bill]. But he didn’t. And that’s understandable as well. But I remember saying to all of you at that time that I had a little bit of understanding of something that had perplexed me for a lot of my life, and that was Lou Gehrig,” Limbaugh said.
“Lou Gehrig, the Iron Horse, New York Yankees, set the record for consecutive games played until Cal Ripken came along decades later and broke it. And on the day that Lou Gehrig announced that he had his disease that was forcing him to retire from Major League Baseball, he said to the sold-out Yankee Stadium, ‘Today I feel like the luckiest man on the face of the earth,’” the host added.
“I didn’t understand that. I mean, here’s a guy who’d just been diagnosed with the most terminal of terminal diseases, and I said, ‘This can’t be real. He can’t really think he’s the luckiest guy in the world. This is just something that he’s saying because it will play well,’” Limbaugh said.
“I don’t mean to be insulting Lou Gehrig; don’t misunderstand. I’m just saying, how in the world if you’re being honest can you feel like you’re the luckiest man on the face of the earth?” he asked.
“Well, when I got my diagnosis and when I began to receive all of the outpouring of love and affection from everywhere in my life from so many of you in so many ways and from my family — who, man, they have supported me my entire career.”
“So many people have put me first in all of this, and I understand now what Lou Gehrig meant, ’cause I certainly feel like that. I feel extremely fortunate and lucky.”
Limbaugh was referring to Gehrig’s 1939 farewell speech in which he described himself as “the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”
Also on the program, Limbaugh talked about the cancer diagnosis, and how it has affected him today.
“Well, back in late January when I received this diagnosis — and I was shocked. I was stunned, and I was in denial for about a week,” he said. “I wasn’t expected to make it to October and then to November and then to December — and yet here I am. Today I’ve got some problems, but I’m feeling pretty good today. God’s with me today. God knows how important this program is to me today, and I’m feeling natural in terms of energy, normal in terms of energy, and I’m feeling entirely capable of doing it today.”
Did you listen to Rush on Wednesday? 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: 50% (534 Votes) No: 50% (527 Votes)
Limbaugh, while thankful and optimistic, broke some hearts.
He reminded us that his cancer is likely terminal. The man who helped to raise conservative Generation Xers, millennials and even today’s young conservatives reminded us life is precious. The host who guided older Americans through the Clinton and Obama administrations signaled he is nearing the end of his exceptional life and career.
“The day is going to come, folks, where I’m not going to be able to do this. I don’t know when that is. I want to be able to do it for as long as I want to do it. But the day will come where I’m not going to be able to,” Limbaugh said near the end of his show.
“I want you to understand that even when the day comes, I’d like to be here,” he added.
“I have this sense of needing to constantly show my appreciation for all that you have done and meant to me. So I hope you all have a great Christmas. A great new year. And I hope that the things that are in store for all of us in the coming year are certainly better than what we have endured in 2020.”
Today’s #RushLimbaugh signoff. May God grant him many more days of service. https://t.co/KPtqiXih60 — Mark Davis (@MarkDavis) December 24, 2020
“2021 has to be better,” he said. “Again, folks, thank you so much. I wish there were a way to say it other than thank you. You’re just the best. My family is just the best. Thank you. Merry Christmas, everybody. From all of us to all of you.”
Limbaugh signed off on a Wednesday near the end of one of the most challenging years in modern American history. With God’s grace, we’ll catch up with him in January and for a long time after that.
If God calls Limbaugh home between now and then — or any time after — we will know it was because it was part of his plan, and not ours. But just maybe we can ring in a new year with Rush Limbaugh still standing in our corner, and maybe another after that. Wouldn’t that be nice?
In an era when so much has been made of the word privilege, it certainly has been both an honor and a privilege to have had Rush for all these years. What an icon.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-12-24--ICE: Over 4,000 Known or Suspected Gang Members Were Deported in Fiscal Year 2020

As it faces an uncertain future with presumptive President-elect Joe Biden looming , U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced Wednesday that during the 2020 fiscal year , it removed more than 4,000 known or suspected gang members from America .
Overall , according to its annual report , ICE ’ s Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations sent 185,884 people out of the country .
‘ The vast majority of ICE ERO ’ s interior removals — 92 percent — had criminal convictions or pending criminal charges , demonstrating ICE ERO ’ s commitment to removing those who pose the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the United States , ” the report said .
“ During FY 2020 , ICE ERO maintained its commitment to removing those aliens posing the greatest risk to the safety and security of the United States .
The vast majority of removals in FY 2020 were of aliens with a criminal history , ” ICE reported .
TRENDING : Pelosi Reveals Her Bizarre Plan To Get Trump Out of the White House : Report For the fiscal year , which began Oct. 1 , 2019 , and ended Sept. 30 , 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gang members , and 31 known or suspected terrorists .
Of the alleged gang members arrested , 675 were known or believed to have been members of the MS-13 gang , according to Fox News , who cited ICE .
“ ICE ERO removals of known or suspected gang members and known or suspected terrorists ( KSTs ) are instrumental to the agency ’ s national security and public safety mission .
ICE ERO identifies gang members and KSTs by checking an alien ’ s background in federal law enforcement databases , conducting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received from its law enforcement partners , which is noted accordingly in the agency ’ s system of record , ” the agency reported .
ICE noted that it issues what are called detainers to stop local law enforcement agencies from releasing illegal immigrants in police custody .
“ In FY 2020 , ICE ERO issued 122,233 detainers , and the aliens who were the subjects of these detainers had criminal histories including , but not limited to , the following crimes : more than 1,900 homicide-related offenses , 1,900 kidnappings , 3,600 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sex crimes , ” the report said .
In a statement on ICE ’ s website , Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director Tony Pham said the agency has been flexible amid the pandemic .
“ The men and women who represent ICE have risen to the challenges presented this fiscal year , including the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest , ” he said .
“ A prime example of our agility as an agency as a direct operational pivot to COVID-19 was our ability to return more than 1,000 U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stranded abroad as airports began to shut down because of the pandemic , ” he added .
“ This is but one example of ICE ’ s nimble efforts to complete our mission , serve our country and safeguard the homeland and her citizens .
The cumulative efforts made this year are a tribute to our exemplary workforce , who , despite professional and personal challenges presented by the pandemic , have remained committed to their sworn duty to protecting the interests of the United States and her people , ” Pham said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promised to put in place a 100-day moratorium on deportations by ICE , according to Fox News .
ICE also conducts a project called “ Operation Broken Promise , ” which tracks down illegal immigrants who said they would leave the country but never did .
Over an 11-day period in December , ICE announced that it arrested more than 150 individuals , including 117 who were allowed to voluntarily leave the country but remained .
ICE had arrested 150 people over a 15-day period in November for remaining in the country after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are committed to preserving the integrity of our nation ’ s immigration laws and are strengthening the overall safety , security and well-being of our communities , ” Pham said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As it faces an uncertain future with presumptive President-elect Joe Biden looming, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced Wednesday that during the 2020 fiscal year, it removed more than 4,000 known or suspected gang members from America.
Overall, according to its annual report, ICE’s Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations sent 185,884 people out of the country.
‘The vast majority of ICE ERO’s interior removals — 92 percent — had criminal convictions or pending criminal charges, demonstrating ICE ERO’s commitment to removing those who pose the greatest risk to the safety and security of the United States,” the report said.
“During FY 2020, ICE ERO maintained its commitment to removing those aliens posing the greatest risk to the safety and security of the United States. The vast majority of removals in FY 2020 were of aliens with a criminal history,” ICE reported.
In FY20, @ICEgovERO conducted 185,884 removals. Of these individuals, nearly 119K had criminal convictions or had pending criminal charges. Those 119K had a combined total of nearly 400K criminal convictions or pending charges. Learn more: https://t.co/q4HFSZX3An pic.twitter.com/Jp1kNtZGTW — ICE (@ICEgov) December 23, 2020
For the fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, 2019, and ended Sept. 30, 2020, ICE booted 4,276 known or suspected gang members, and 31 known or suspected terrorists.
Of the alleged gang members arrested, 675 were known or believed to have been members of the MS-13 gang, according to Fox News, who cited ICE.
“ICE ERO removals of known or suspected gang members and known or suspected terrorists (KSTs) are instrumental to the agency’s national security and public safety mission. ICE ERO identifies gang members and KSTs by checking an alien’s background in federal law enforcement databases, conducting interviews with aliens, and reviewing information received from its law enforcement partners, which is noted accordingly in the agency’s system of record,” the agency reported.
Do you think the U.S. does enough to deter gang activity? 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: 16% (12 Votes) No: 84% (63 Votes)
ICE noted that it issues what are called detainers to stop local law enforcement agencies from releasing illegal immigrants in police custody.
“In FY 2020, ICE ERO issued 122,233 detainers, and the aliens who were the subjects of these detainers had criminal histories including, but not limited to, the following crimes: more than 1,900 homicide-related offenses, 1,900 kidnappings, 3,600 robberies, 42,800 assaults, and 11,900 sex crimes,” the report said.
In a statement on ICE’s website, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director Tony Pham said the agency has been flexible amid the pandemic.
“The men and women who represent ICE have risen to the challenges presented this fiscal year, including the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest,” he said.
“A prime example of our agility as an agency as a direct operational pivot to COVID-19 was our ability to return more than 1,000 U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who were stranded abroad as airports began to shut down because of the pandemic,” he added.
“This is but one example of ICE’s nimble efforts to complete our mission, serve our country and safeguard the homeland and her citizens. The cumulative efforts made this year are a tribute to our exemplary workforce, who, despite professional and personal challenges presented by the pandemic, have remained committed to their sworn duty to protecting the interests of the United States and her people,” Pham said.
The achievements come as Biden has promised to put in place a 100-day moratorium on deportations by ICE, according to Fox News.
ICE also conducts a project called “Operation Broken Promise,” which tracks down illegal immigrants who said they would leave the country but never did.
Over an 11-day period in December, ICE announced that it arrested more than 150 individuals, including 117 who were allowed to voluntarily leave the country but remained. ICE had arrested 150 people over a 15-day period in November for remaining in the country after promising to leave.
“Our officers are committed to preserving the integrity of our nation’s immigration laws and are strengthening the overall safety, security and well-being of our communities,” Pham said.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-12-24--If You Spot This Walnut-Sized Mass in Your Christmas Tree, Remove It from Your Home Immediately

The good news : there are some guests that might be able to come into your home this Christmas in endless numbers regardless of restrictions put in place by government officials .
The bad news ( this is 2020 , after all — there has to be bad news ) : You really don ’ t want them to drop by .
Really .
As Erie County , Ohio , warned residents in a public service announcement last year , freshly cut Christmas trees could be hiding a “ walnut-sized ” mass that actually contains hundreds of praying mantis eggs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be hiding among your ornaments have been raised on social media for years .
TRENDING : Pelosi Reveals Her Bizarre Plan To Get Trump Out of the White House : Report And in Virginia , one woman rang in the new year with a few hundred of her closest friends .
Veterinarian Molly Kreuze found the bugs , which had already hatched , in January of 2019 .
But instead of killing them , she found an alternative .
“ In my googling , I discovered people really like praying mantises , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ They are useful , they eat other bugs , people use them for organic gardening.
” Kreuze scooped up those she could with a box and envelope , and fed them fruit flies .
“ I hope to find them a home , ” she said .
“ I don ’ t want them.
” Sydney K. Brannoch , a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Washington , Seattle , said the bugs might hatch at any time , according to House Beautiful .
“ Yes , praying mantises have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ootheca/ oothecae ) on various types of vegetation , including the trees that we love to decorate at Christmas time .
While I have yet to have a Christmas tree with an ootheca on one of its branches , it is certainly a possibility , ” she said .
“ Depending on the species of praying mantis , the ootheca could have approximately 100-200 eggs , which could certainly hatch earlier than expected after spending a month or so in someone ’ s warm home.
” But there is some comfort in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the University of Illinois Extension .
“ These Christmas tree post-harvest pests are rare , occurring in 1 out of 100,000 cut trees , ” he said .
Many Christmas tree farmers use “ a pest management system called Integrated Pest Management ” to make sure praying mantises don ’ t leave the property , Doug Hundley , a seasonal spokesperson for the National Christmas Tree Association , told Snopes .
Simply cutting off the branch holding the mass and bringing it outside is also a viable option .
Enroth said the image @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead of listening for reindeer is more fear than reality .
“ Yes , it is true that Christmas trees can harbor dormant pests that become active after being exposed to the warm indoor temperatures , but most of these pests will remain on the tree , while only a few might find their way to your windowsills , ” Enroth wrote .
Did you know that The Western Journal now publishes some content in Spanish as well as English , for international audiences ?
Click here to read this article on The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The good news: there are some guests that might be able to come into your home this Christmas in endless numbers regardless of restrictions put in place by government officials.
The bad news (this is 2020, after all — there has to be bad news): You really don’t want them to drop by. Really.
As Erie County, Ohio, warned residents in a public service announcement last year, freshly cut Christmas trees could be hiding a “walnut-sized” mass that actually contains hundreds of praying mantis eggs.
Warnings that a few hundred bugs could be hiding among your ornaments have been raised on social media for years.
I happened to pick the best Christmas tree because we just found a praying mantis nest while setting the tree up. It’s a Christmas miracle! pic.twitter.com/Bq3hW5LTKc — ✨Nexus✨ (@pyxieplant) December 3, 2016
And in Virginia, one woman rang in the new year with a few hundred of her closest friends.
Veterinarian Molly Kreuze found the bugs, which had already hatched, in January of 2019. But instead of killing them, she found an alternative.
“In my googling, I discovered people really like praying mantises,” she said, according to WJLA-TV. “They are useful, they eat other bugs, people use them for organic gardening.”
Kreuze scooped up those she could with a box and envelope, and fed them fruit flies.
“I hope to find them a home,” she said. “I don’t want them.”
Sydney K. Brannoch, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Washington, Seattle, said the bugs might hatch at any time, according to House Beautiful.
Do you put up a freshly-cut tree at Christmas? 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: 15% (195 Votes) No: 85% (1073 Votes)
“Yes, praying mantises have been known to deposit egg cases (called ootheca/ oothecae) on various types of vegetation, including the trees that we love to decorate at Christmas time. While I have yet to have a Christmas tree with an ootheca on one of its branches, it is certainly a possibility,” she said.
“Depending on the species of praying mantis, the ootheca could have approximately 100-200 eggs, which could certainly hatch earlier than expected after spending a month or so in someone’s warm home.”
But there is some comfort in the words of horticulture educator Chris Enroth from the University of Illinois Extension.
“These Christmas tree post-harvest pests are rare, occurring in 1 out of 100,000 cut trees,” he said.
Many Christmas tree farmers use “a pest management system called Integrated Pest Management” to make sure praying mantises don’t leave the property, Doug Hundley, a seasonal spokesperson for the National Christmas Tree Association, told Snopes. Simply cutting off the branch holding the mass and bringing it outside is also a viable option.
Enroth said the image of chasing bugs all over the house instead of listening for reindeer is more fear than reality.
“Yes, it is true that Christmas trees can harbor dormant pests that become active after being exposed to the warm indoor temperatures, but most of these pests will remain on the tree, while only a few might find their way to your windowsills,” Enroth wrote.
Did you know that The Western Journal now publishes some content in Spanish as well as English, for international audiences? Click here to read this article on The Western Journal en Español!
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-12-24--Flashback: They Told This Grad To Remove God from Speech; This Was Her Epic Response

I had the privilege of attending a private Christian high school .
My teachers were encouraged to pray with their students before a big test .
My peers and I could speak freely about religion without the fear of “ triggering ” someone .
Some of my favorite memories occurred at our weekly chapel services , where students were allowed to worship and the truth was taught , regardless of popular opinion .
It becomes abundantly more clear to me every day , however , that I was one of the fortunate few .
In a system that has allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teachers to be silenced in the classroom , the restriction of religious freedom has become all but central to public schooling in America .
According to Faithwire , Moriah Bridges was bold enough to challenge that trend in Pennsylvania on June 2 , 2017 , when she was chosen to give the closing speech at the Beaver High School commencement ceremony .
TRENDING : Pelosi Reveals Her Bizarre Plan To Get Trump Out of the White House : Report As the senior class president , an excellent student and a popular athlete , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role .
Yet she was met with opposition from the school board in Beaver County when she submitted the rough draft of her speech for consideration .
A devout Christian , Bridges had planned to make a few references to her faith throughout the speech and close with a prayer .
The idea was nixed by Superintendent Carrie Rowe , and the rationale Rowe later gave was so absurd , it ’ s almost comical .
“ In Moriah ’ s case , the District could not approve a speech written as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ version that she submitted , ” Rowe wrote June 13 in a school district statement .
“ As superintendent , I took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States and of this commonwealth.
” I ’ m sorry , what ?
The Constitution ?
!
As overjoyed as I am that a school superintendent took her duties as seriously as a U.S. president , swearing an oath to uphold the Constitution might be a bit much .
Clearly , Rowe was looking to strike a chord with conservatives who disagreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throwing us a bone . )
If Rowe really wants to talk constitutional rights , let ’ s review some of the most basic elements of our founding document to refresh her memory .
“ We the People of the United States , in Order to … secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity , do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
” Not enough ?
Let ’ s make it abundantly clear .
RELATED : CA Churches Finally Got Help from SCOTUS and It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion , or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ; or abridging the freedom of speech.
” Hmm .
Rowe ’ s constitutional argument isn ’ t holding up well thus far .
What is particularly interesting , however , is what the superintendent went on to say in her defense , remarking how the school district had received legal advice suggesting prayer was not permitted at school-sanctioned events .
“ I can not choose which laws to follow , ” Rowe said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is .
If Rowe truly had a desire to follow the Constitution — rather than kowtow to the advice of “ woke ” lawyers in an effort to save the skins of the school board — Bridges would have been able to deliver her original speech .
The student would have had the chance to reflect on the greatness of the Lord without shame on her graduation day , as surely as a Black Lives Matter supporter today would be allowed to use “ defund the police ” rhetoric as a rallying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unfortunately , this was not the case , and Bridges was asked to remove all references to God from her speech if she wanted to give it .
The student complied .
But her superintendent couldn ’ t have foreseen Bridges ’ next move .
Taking care to remove God from her address , Bridges instead delivered the faculty and board members the knockout punch : She included a well-phrased reference to Jesus Christ .
“ I ’ ve always been a rule follower , ” Bridges announced .
“ When they said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t chew gum .
When they said not to use your cellphone , I didn ’ t use my cellphone.
” “ But today , ” she continued , “ in the spirit of defying expectations , and for perhaps the last time at this podium , I say in the righteous name of Jesus Christ , Amen.
” In a true testament to her faith , Bridges used one final opportunity to share with her peers the foundation of her joy and strength — something that can not be taken from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

I had the privilege of attending a private Christian high school.
My teachers were encouraged to pray with their students before a big test. My peers and I could speak freely about religion without the fear of “triggering” someone. Some of my favorite memories occurred at our weekly chapel services, where students were allowed to worship and the truth was taught, regardless of popular opinion.
It becomes abundantly more clear to me every day, however, that I was one of the fortunate few.
In a system that has allowed atheistic teachings to run rampant and faithful teachers to be silenced in the classroom, the restriction of religious freedom has become all but central to public schooling in America.
According to Faithwire, Moriah Bridges was bold enough to challenge that trend in Pennsylvania on June 2, 2017, when she was chosen to give the closing speech at the Beaver High School commencement ceremony.
As the senior class president, an excellent student and a popular athlete, Bridges was a natural choice for the role.
Yet she was met with opposition from the school board in Beaver County when she submitted the rough draft of her speech for consideration. A devout Christian, Bridges had planned to make a few references to her faith throughout the speech and close with a prayer.
The idea was nixed by Superintendent Carrie Rowe, and the rationale Rowe later gave was so absurd, it’s almost comical.
“In Moriah’s case, the District could not approve a speech written as a prayer, but did approve a second version that she submitted,” Rowe wrote June 13 in a school district statement. “As superintendent, I took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States and of this commonwealth.”
Would you have done as Bridges did? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 92% (71 Votes) No: 8% (6 Votes)
I’m sorry, what? The Constitution?!
As overjoyed as I am that a school superintendent took her duties as seriously as a U.S. president, swearing an oath to uphold the Constitution might be a bit much. Clearly, Rowe was looking to strike a chord with conservatives who disagreed with her decision. (Thanks for throwing us a bone.)
If Rowe really wants to talk constitutional rights, let’s review some of the most basic elements of our founding document to refresh her memory.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to … secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Not enough? Let’s make it abundantly clear.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech.”
Hmm. Rowe’s constitutional argument isn’t holding up well thus far.
What is particularly interesting, however, is what the superintendent went on to say in her defense, remarking how the school district had received legal advice suggesting prayer was not permitted at school-sanctioned events.
“I cannot choose which laws to follow,” Rowe said in the school district statement.
And there it is. If Rowe truly had a desire to follow the Constitution — rather than kowtow to the advice of “woke” lawyers in an effort to save the skins of the school board — Bridges would have been able to deliver her original speech.
The student would have had the chance to reflect on the greatness of the Lord without shame on her graduation day, as surely as a Black Lives Matter supporter today would be allowed to use “defund the police” rhetoric as a rallying cry in the current political climate.
Unfortunately, this was not the case, and Bridges was asked to remove all references to God from her speech if she wanted to give it.
The student complied. But her superintendent couldn’t have foreseen Bridges’ next move.
Taking care to remove God from her address, Bridges instead delivered the faculty and board members the knockout punch: She included a well-phrased reference to Jesus Christ.
“I’ve always been a rule follower,” Bridges announced. “When they said not to chew gum, I didn’t chew gum. When they said not to use your cellphone, I didn’t use my cellphone.”
“But today,” she continued, “in the spirit of defying expectations, and for perhaps the last time at this podium, I say in the righteous name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”
In a true testament to her faith, Bridges used one final opportunity to share with her peers the foundation of her joy and strength — something that cannot be taken from her.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-12-24--Dual Lawsuits Level Bold New Accusations as States Band Together Against Google

As a wave of legal action surges against Google and Facebook , states in two lawsuits are stretching beyond the cases made by the federal government to level bold new claims .
The states are taking new legal approaches as they join the charge against the once seemingly untouchable behemoths .
The latest case came Thursday as dozens of states filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google , alleging that the search giant exercises an illegal monopoly over the online search market , hurting consumers and advertisers .
It was the third antitrust lawsuit to slam Google in the past two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorneys general from across the country are weighing in with different versions of how they believe the company is abusing its immense power in ways that harm other businesses , innovation and even consumers .
A federal judge on Friday set a tentative trial date of Sept. 12 , 2023 , for the landmark case .
And last week , the Federal Trade Commission and 48 states and districts sued Facebook .
They accuse the social media giant of abusing its power in social networking to squash smaller competitors .
TRENDING : Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Out of the White House : Report “ There ’ s not been a cluster of cases of this significance since the 1970s , ” according to William Kovacic , a law professor at George Washington University and a former chairman of the Federal Trade Commission .
“ This is a big deal.
” The Justice Department brought an antitrust suit against AT & T in 1974 that led to its breakup .
The new lawsuit announced by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser echoes the allegations leveled earlier by the Justice Department against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market .
But it goes beyond them and adds important new wrinkles : It seeks to stop Google from becoming dominant in the latest generation of technology , such as voice assistant devices and internet-connected cars .
And , it claims , the company discriminates against specialized search providers and denies access to its advertising management tool to competitors like Bing .
The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Washington by the attorneys general of 35 states as well as the District of Columbia and the territories of Guam and Puerto Rico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of competition , including the possibility of higher quality services and better privacy protections .
Advertisers are harmed through lower quality and higher prices that are , in turn , passed along to consumers , ” Weiser said in announcing the action .
Google ’ s director of economic policy , Adam Cohen , said in a blog post that big companies should be scrutinized and Google is prepared to answer questions about how it works .
“ But this lawsuit seeks to redesign search in ways that would deprive Americans of helpful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connect directly with customers , ” he wrote .
“ We look forward to making that case in court , while remaining focused on delivering a high-quality search experience for our users.
” RELATED : Dozens of States Join Forces To Hit Google with Another Major Lawsuit The attorneys general have worked with the Justice Department as they developed their case and are asking that it be combined with the Justice Department ’ s lawsuit .
On Wednesday , 10 states led by Republican attorneys general accused Google in a separate lawsuit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crush competition .
They said the company ’ s anti-competitive conduct even included a deal with rival Facebook to manipulate ad sales .
“ That ’ s an explosive allegation if they can prove it , ” George Washington ’ s Kovacic said .
The suit alleges that Google signed a pact with Facebook in 2015 that gave Google access to millions of WhatsApp users ’ encrypted messages , photos and videos .
The suit , led by Texas , targets the heart of Google ’ s business — the digital ads that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as all the money that its corporate parent , Alphabet Inc. , depends upon to finance a range of far-flung technology projects .
In addition to Colorado , the states bringing the lawsuit on Thursday were Alaska , Arizona , Connecticut , Delaware , Hawaii , Iowa , Idaho , Illinois , Kansas , Maine , Maryland , Massachusetts , Minnesota , Nebraska , Nevada , New Hampshire , New Jersey , New Mexico , New York , North Carolina , North Dakota , Ohio , Oklahoma , Oregon , Pennsylvania @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tennessee , Utah , Vermont , Virginia , Washington , West Virginia and Wyoming .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As a wave of legal action surges against Google and Facebook, states in two lawsuits are stretching beyond the cases made by the federal government to level bold new claims. The states are taking new legal approaches as they join the charge against the once seemingly untouchable behemoths.
The latest case came Thursday as dozens of states filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google, alleging that the search giant exercises an illegal monopoly over the online search market, hurting consumers and advertisers.
It was the third antitrust lawsuit to slam Google in the past two months.
The U.S. Justice Department and attorneys general from across the country are weighing in with different versions of how they believe the company is abusing its immense power in ways that harm other businesses, innovation and even consumers. A federal judge on Friday set a tentative trial date of Sept. 12, 2023, for the landmark case.
And last week, the Federal Trade Commission and 48 states and districts sued Facebook. They accuse the social media giant of abusing its power in social networking to squash smaller competitors.
“There’s not been a cluster of cases of this significance since the 1970s,” according to William Kovacic, a law professor at George Washington University and a former chairman of the Federal Trade Commission. “This is a big deal.” The Justice Department brought an antitrust suit against AT&T in 1974 that led to its breakup.
The new lawsuit announced by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser echoes the allegations leveled earlier by the Justice Department against Google’s conduct in the search market.
But it goes beyond them and adds important new wrinkles: It seeks to stop Google from becoming dominant in the latest generation of technology, such as voice assistant devices and internet-connected cars.
And, it claims, the company discriminates against specialized search providers and denies access to its advertising management tool to competitors like Bing.
Do you think the federal government should crack down on Google? 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% (87 Votes) No: 1% (1 Votes)
The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Washington by the attorneys general of 35 states as well as the District of Columbia and the territories of Guam and Puerto Rico.
“Consumers are denied the benefits of competition, including the possibility of higher quality services and better privacy protections. Advertisers are harmed through lower quality and higher prices that are, in turn, passed along to consumers,” Weiser said in announcing the action.
Google’s director of economic policy, Adam Cohen, said in a blog post that big companies should be scrutinized and Google is prepared to answer questions about how it works.
“But this lawsuit seeks to redesign search in ways that would deprive Americans of helpful information and hurt businesses’ ability to connect directly with customers,” he wrote. “We look forward to making that case in court, while remaining focused on delivering a high-quality search experience for our users.”
Consumer advocates welcomed the suit.
The attorneys general have worked with the Justice Department as they developed their case and are asking that it be combined with the Justice Department’s lawsuit.
On Wednesday, 10 states led by Republican attorneys general accused Google in a separate lawsuit of abusing its power in online advertising to crush competition. They said the company’s anti-competitive conduct even included a deal with rival Facebook to manipulate ad sales.
“That’s an explosive allegation if they can prove it,” George Washington’s Kovacic said.
The suit alleges that Google signed a pact with Facebook in 2015 that gave Google access to millions of WhatsApp users’ encrypted messages, photos and videos.
The suit, led by Texas, targets the heart of Google’s business — the digital ads that generate nearly all of its revenue, as well as all the money that its corporate parent, Alphabet Inc., depends upon to finance a range of far-flung technology projects.
In addition to Colorado, the states bringing the lawsuit on Thursday were Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.
[jwplayer 106MeeGl]
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-12-24--Children Terrified as Morbid Ad Shows Doctors Trying To Save a COVID-Stricken Santa

The United Kingdom ’ s National Health Service has come under fire for a recently released television ad depicting a gravely ill Santa Claus .
Created as part of the NHS ’ latest Christmas campaign , the commercial begins with an unconscious , elderly man with a white beard being wheeled into the hospital and then attached to oxygen tubes as he is surrounded by doctors and nurses trying to resuscitate him while wearing full protective gear .
Critics blasted the ad for its morbid insensitivity .
TRENDING : Pelosi Reveals Her Bizarre Plan To Get Trump Out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes on , the elderly man slowly recovers from his sickness and takes notice of the nurse who cared for him and how hard she worked .
The video culminates with the nurse receiving a gift from “ Santa.
” According to the marketing news website The Drum , the most common concern among critics of the video was that children would be traumatized from seeing Santa Claus so close to death .
“ When we launched the ad earlier in the week , we had an overwhelmingly positive response to it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ generated criticism of the ad on social media and some people have expressed their concern about it upsetting children , ” NHS Charities Together responded in a statement this month .
“ We worked closely with the team behind the ad to make sure it was produced responsibly and it was cleared for use by the relevant regulatory authority.
” “ However , we are sorry to the parents of any young children who have been upset by watching the ad and to the young children themselves – they were not the intended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the ad was removed from all social channels , The Drum reported .
NHS Charities Together can say all it wants that the ad wasn ’ t intended for children , but in the end the group put Santa Claus in a commercial that aired on television .
Did the NHS not think kids would recognize their favorite holiday hero ?
Whether the choice to air the commercial came from ignorance or incompetence doesn ’ t matter ; the NHS organization made a huge mistake in airing it .
The group essentially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ad .
RELATED : Woman Thinks There 's a Cat in Her Christmas Tree , Anyone Who Has Hunted Coon Will See the Problem Right Away It certainly is important to spread the message about COVID to the elderly and high-risk populations .
Also , there is nothing wrong with celebrating the hard work provided day in and day out by health care professionals during these hard times .
That being the case , there are better ways to spread the message of COVID .
More specifically , ways that don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santa with the pale visage of death crawling on his face .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service has come under fire for a recently released television ad depicting a gravely ill Santa Claus.
Created as part of the NHS’ latest Christmas campaign, the commercial begins with an unconscious, elderly man with a white beard being wheeled into the hospital and then attached to oxygen tubes as he is surrounded by doctors and nurses trying to resuscitate him while wearing full protective gear.
Critics blasted the ad for its morbid insensitivity.
Even Santa is in awe of the fantastic work that NHS staff and volunteers do to keep us all safe in this @NHSCharities Christmas advert ?? pic.twitter.com/IEBdEDmJG5 — Metro (@MetroUK) December 8, 2020
As the video goes on, the elderly man slowly recovers from his sickness and takes notice of the nurse who cared for him and how hard she worked. The video culminates with the nurse receiving a gift from “Santa.”
According to the marketing news website The Drum, the most common concern among critics of the video was that children would be traumatized from seeing Santa Claus so close to death.
“When we launched the ad earlier in the week, we had an overwhelmingly positive response to it. Some subsequent media coverage of it has generated criticism of the ad on social media and some people have expressed their concern about it upsetting children,” NHS Charities Together responded in a statement this month.
“We worked closely with the team behind the ad to make sure it was produced responsibly and it was cleared for use by the relevant regulatory authority.”
Was this commercial over the top? 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: 92% (22 Votes) No: 8% (2 Votes)
“However, we are sorry to the parents of any young children who have been upset by watching the ad and to the young children themselves – they were not the intended audience for it.”
Following the apology, the ad was removed from all social channels, The Drum reported.
NHS Charities Together can say all it wants that the ad wasn’t intended for children, but in the end the group put Santa Claus in a commercial that aired on television.
Did the NHS not think kids would recognize their favorite holiday hero?
Whether the choice to air the commercial came from ignorance or incompetence doesn’t matter; the NHS organization made a huge mistake in airing it. The group essentially acknowledged as much by later removing the ad.
It certainly is important to spread the message about COVID to the elderly and high-risk populations.
Also, there is nothing wrong with celebrating the hard work provided day in and day out by health care professionals during these hard times.
That being the case, there are better ways to spread the message of COVID.
More specifically, ways that don’t involve giving children psychological trauma from seeing Santa with the pale visage of death crawling on his face.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-12-24--Truth About Weapon Thug Allegedly Used To Murder Librarian Comes Out, Churchgoers Will Be Horrified

Four Florida teens face serious criminal charges after one of the teens allegedly ran over a beloved local librarian with a van owned by a nearby church on Nov. 9 .
The incident is a good example of why Florida has the death penalty in place .
The Polk City librarian , Suzette Penton , 52 , took photos of the church van as the four accused youths tried to drive away from her home following an assault and battery on her son that turned into a home invasion , police say .
Penton ’ s son is a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is being charged as an adult in the crime , according to authorities .
Police say the van ’ s driver was 18-year-old Elijah Stansell , the son of a local church pastor who borrowed the church van to carry out the alleged attack on Penton ’ s teenage son .
TRENDING : Pelosi Reveals Her Bizarre Plan To Get Trump Out of the White House : Report Stansell allegedly got permission from his father to use the church van , which he later used to kill Penton , according to police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office said Stansell used the van to drive to Penton ’ s home to confront her son , WTVT-TV reported .
At the time of the crime , Stansell was apparently dating Stone , who police say instigated the confrontation over an argument on social media and was in the van during the alleged murder .
Police say Stansell and the other defendants — 16-year-old Raven Sutton , 14-year-old Hannah Eubank and Stone — tried to flee the scene after Stansell and Sutton attacked Penton ’ s son during a fight that took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had started after three of the teens got out of the vehicle , knocked on the front door and then rushed to the house ’ s carport after Penton ’ s son came out the side door , police say .
Stansell allegedly attacked Penton ’ s son , then the group followed the son inside the home when he retreated .
“ He had no idea they were coming there to fight him , ” Sherrif Grady Judd said earlier this month .
“ Raven got a few shots in during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this.
” Suzette Penton was not home when the fight started , but when she returned — causing the four suspects to try to flee — she attempted to take photos of the van , authorities said .
That ’ s when police say Stansell ran her over , leaving tire marks on her body .
She eventually died of her injuries on Nov. 25 .
“ She has tire tracks on her body , ” Judd said .
“ If you see the video , you can see clearly he had the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her , ” the sheriff also said .
“ He didn ’ t try to turn away from her and accidentally hit her .
She was squared up and he ran over her , directly over her , rolled her underneath the van.
” In addition to the murder charge , Stansell faces “ three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor , burglary with assault and lewd and lascivious battery on a minor , ” according to The Ledger .
His three alleged accomplices face charges of attempted felony murder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four teens reportedly having admitted going to Penton ’ s home to confront her son .
The tragedy goes beyond the loss of a mother and the criminal charges filed against the four teens .
Suzette Penton also was a beloved local city librarian who looked after at-risk youth and helped to spread the joy of reading , learning and getting an education .
“ She wanted kids to know that there is a world beyond PlayStation , Xbox , Facebook , ” library-goer Martina Gagelmann told WTVT .
“ She wanted them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves to be creative.
” “ They took an exceptionally loving , big-hearted woman who would give you the shirt off her back to help you , Gagelmann said .
A social media argument allegedly spurred the entire tragedy , which just affirms the senseless nature of the alleged murder .
The heinous crime deprived a family of its mother , a community of its librarian and many at-risk youth of a truly positive influence in their lives .
Such crimes absolutely should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end to the sordid story .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Four Florida teens face serious criminal charges after one of the teens allegedly ran over a beloved local librarian with a van owned by a nearby church on Nov. 9.
The incident is a good example of why Florida has the death penalty in place.
The Polk City librarian, Suzette Penton, 52, took photos of the church van as the four accused youths tried to drive away from her home following an assault and battery on her son that turned into a home invasion, police say.
Penton’s son is a former boyfriend of a 16-year-old Kimberly Stone, who is being charged as an adult in the crime, according to authorities.
Police say the van’s driver was 18-year-old Elijah Stansell, the son of a local church pastor who borrowed the church van to carry out the alleged attack on Penton’s teenage son.
Stansell allegedly got permission from his father to use the church van, which he later used to kill Penton, according to police.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said Stansell used the van to drive to Penton’s home to confront her son, WTVT-TV reported.
At the time of the crime, Stansell was apparently dating Stone, who police say instigated the confrontation over an argument on social media and was in the van during the alleged murder.
Police say Stansell and the other defendants — 16-year-old Raven Sutton, 14-year-old Hannah Eubank and Stone — tried to flee the scene after Stansell and Sutton attacked Penton’s son during a fight that took place inside the home.
If found guilty, should Stansell get the death penalty? 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: 96% (300 Votes) No: 4% (13 Votes)
The fight had started after three of the teens got out of the vehicle, knocked on the front door and then rushed to the house’s carport after Penton’s son came out the side door, police say. Stansell allegedly attacked Penton’s son, then the group followed the son inside the home when he retreated.
“He had no idea they were coming there to fight him,” Sherrif Grady Judd said earlier this month. “Raven got a few shots in during the fight and Hannah was taking video of this.”
Suzette Penton was not home when the fight started, but when she returned — causing the four suspects to try to flee — she attempted to take photos of the van, authorities said. That’s when police say Stansell ran her over, leaving tire marks on her body. She eventually died of her injuries on Nov. 25.
“She has tire tracks on her body,” Judd said.
“If you see the video, you can see clearly he had the opportunity to back up or drive around her,” the sheriff also said. “He didn’t try to turn away from her and accidentally hit her. She was squared up and he ran over her, directly over her, rolled her underneath the van.”
In addition to the murder charge, Stansell faces “three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, burglary with assault and lewd and lascivious battery on a minor,” according to The Ledger. His three alleged accomplices face charges of attempted felony murder and burglary with assault, with all four teens reportedly having admitted going to Penton’s home to confront her son.
The tragedy goes beyond the loss of a mother and the criminal charges filed against the four teens.
Suzette Penton also was a beloved local city librarian who looked after at-risk youth and helped to spread the joy of reading, learning and getting an education.
“She wanted kids to know that there is a world beyond PlayStation, Xbox, Facebook,” library-goer Martina Gagelmann told WTVT. “She wanted them to realize the potential they had within themselves to be creative.”
“They took an exceptionally loving, big-hearted woman who would give you the shirt off her back to help you, Gagelmann said.
A social media argument allegedly spurred the entire tragedy, which just affirms the senseless nature of the alleged murder.
The heinous crime deprived a family of its mother, a community of its librarian and many at-risk youth of a truly positive influence in their lives.
Such crimes absolutely should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, with the death penalty a very real end to the sordid story.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-12-24--Florida Moves On: Disney World Ditches Major COVID Restriction

Preparing to enter the new year on a happier note , Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista , Florida , has announced it will bring back the Park Hopper ticket option beginning Jan. 1 , 2021 .
The Park Hopper Program normally allows Disney guests to visit two or more of the resort ’ s several parks in a single day , including the Magic Kingdom and Epcot .
According to a DisneyParks Blog post published Nov. 20 , the reintroduction comes with some limitations , however .
Guests will be prevented from park-hopping more than once in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permitted to journey to their second theme park until 2 p.m. or later .
The announcement does nothing to alter Walt Disney Company policy requiring guests to make reservations for the first park they wish to visit in a day , but no reservation is required for entrance into a second park — though guest count and reduced-capacity limits might hinder entry .
TRENDING : Pelosi Reveals Her Bizarre Plan To Get Trump Out of the White House : Report The changes were announced to provide customers more bang for their buck while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attendance as well as promote key health and safety measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
One of those measures includes the resort-wide enforcement of a policy requiring all guests age 2 and older to wear a face covering within Disney parks and entertainment areas .
The famous resort was forced to close temporarily this past March , when coronavirus transmission rates first spiked in the United States .
Relaxed public health policies in Florida allowed the resort to reopen this past July , but with stringent safety protocols .
The park ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed , for the most part .
Resort leadership did reopen part of Disney ’ s California Adventure Park for shopping and dining recently .
On Nov. 19 , thousands of Disney fans waited in lines nearly a mile long for an opportunity to re-enter the beloved park , according to the San Francisco Chronicle .
It was the first time since March that guests were allowed entry at any part of the Disneyland Resort .
The California Adventure Park ’ s main shopping and dining center , Buena Vista Street , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Chronicle reported .
RELATED : Disney Confirms 'Indiana Jones ' Actor Will Return to His Iconic Role in 2022 This isn ’ t the first time a Disney Parks location has seen excitement over a partial reopening .
According to The Orange County Register , Downtown Disney reopened its Central Florida eateries July 9 after roughly a four-month closure .
The location is another one known for offering guests top-of-the-line shopping , dining and live performance experiences .
Every guest interested in entering the open portions of the Disneyland Resort is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the way in — a health and safety measured implemented with the help of regional Hoag Health Network hospital staff members , the Register reported .
Walt Disney Company executives had planned to fully reopen Disneyland on July 17 but were forced to backtrack because of redoubled public health restrictions ordered by California ’ s Democratic governor , Gavin Newsom .
Most of the resort will remain closed indefinitely until those restrictions are lifted .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards @

Preparing to enter the new year on a happier note, Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, has announced it will bring back the Park Hopper ticket option beginning Jan. 1, 2021.
The Park Hopper Program normally allows Disney guests to visit two or more of the resort’s several parks in a single day, including the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.
According to a DisneyParks Blog post published Nov. 20, the reintroduction comes with some limitations, however.
Guests will be prevented from park-hopping more than once in a day and won’t be permitted to journey to their second theme park until 2 p.m. or later.
The announcement does nothing to alter Walt Disney Company policy requiring guests to make reservations for the first park they wish to visit in a day, but no reservation is required for entrance into a second park — though guest count and reduced-capacity limits might hinder entry.
Walt Disney World Park Hopper® option returning January, 2021! https://t.co/nXaSFJHOEs — Lou Mongello (@LouMongello) November 20, 2020
The changes were announced to provide customers more bang for their buck while allowing Disney Parks leadership to control guest attendance as well as promote key health and safety measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of those measures includes the resort-wide enforcement of a policy requiring all guests age 2 and older to wear a face covering within Disney parks and entertainment areas.
Should theme parks be allowed to fully reopen? 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: 82% (18 Votes) No: 18% (4 Votes)
The famous resort was forced to close temporarily this past March, when coronavirus transmission rates first spiked in the United States. Relaxed public health policies in Florida allowed the resort to reopen this past July, but with stringent safety protocols.
The park’s California counterpart, Disneyland Resort, remains closed, for the most part.
Resort leadership did reopen part of Disney’s California Adventure Park for shopping and dining recently. On Nov. 19, thousands of Disney fans waited in lines nearly a mile long for an opportunity to re-enter the beloved park, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
It was the first time since March that guests were allowed entry at any part of the Disneyland Resort.
The California Adventure Park’s main shopping and dining center, Buena Vista Street, was the only portion open to the public, the Chronicle reported.
This isn’t the first time a Disney Parks location has seen excitement over a partial reopening.
According to The Orange County Register, Downtown Disney reopened its Central Florida eateries July 9 after roughly a four-month closure. The location is another one known for offering guests top-of-the-line shopping, dining and live performance experiences.
The holidays have arrived at the #DowntownDisney District! Treat yourself to a memorable meal and shop for holiday gifts along the promenade, which extends to Buena Vista Street starting Nov. 19. Get all of the details on the @DisneyParks Blog now! https://t.co/a3ZxyqzwW5 pic.twitter.com/sMtukY6UCh — Disneyland Resort (@Disneyland) November 16, 2020
Every guest interested in entering the open portions of the Disneyland Resort is required to undergo a contact-less temperature screening on the way in — a health and safety measured implemented with the help of regional Hoag Health Network hospital staff members, the Register reported.
Walt Disney Company executives had planned to fully reopen Disneyland on July 17 but were forced to backtrack because of redoubled public health restrictions ordered by California’s Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom.
Most of the resort will remain closed indefinitely until those restrictions are lifted.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-12-24--Family Displays 100-Year-Old Christmas Tree That Survived Hitler Bombing in WWII

A woman in the United Kingdom is displaying her grandmother ’ s old Christmas tree this year on its 100th birthday .
According to BBC News , Kay Ashton of Sheffield , England , is the proud owner of a small , faux evergreen that outlived a Nazi air raid during the Second World War .
The 2-foot tree was originally purchased for just two shillings from Woolworths Supermarket in 1920 by Ashton ’ s grandmother , Elizabeth Naylor .
Ashton , 66 , told the BBC that her grandmother would be “ absolutely flabbergasted ” if she knew the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s actually just a bit of a family joke now , ” she said .
“ Even my sister says , ‘ Have you got that twig out yet ?
’ and I go , ‘ Yep.
’ She asks , ‘ Does it look any better ?
’ and I go , ‘ Nope.
’ ” TRENDING : Pelosi Reveals Her Bizarre Plan To Get Trump Out of the White House : Report Despite the tree ’ s battered appearance , Ashton admitted it had displayed much resilience through the years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Blitz ’ s worst nights of bombings .
In 1940 , Nazi bombers conducted roughly nine months of aerial attacks in a bombing campaign against the United Kingdom .
This period would come to be known by the British as the Blitz — a name derived from the German word “ blitzkrieg , ” which means “ lightning war.
” Naylor ’ s house in Sheffield was hit by bombers during the period and the tree was blown across the room , struck by bits of shrapnel .
The incident left the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only held together by a bit of brown sticky tape .
Ashton later revealed that the tree had also survived another siege in its lifetime — this time perpetrated by an owner who was “ renowned for throwing stuff in the bin.
” “ My mum threw my dad ’ s medals away from World War II , ” she told the BBC .
“ She wasn ’ t a hoarder .
The fact it ’ s got through my mother , I really don ’ t know how it ’ s managed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This Walnut-Sized Mass in Your Christmas Tree , Remove It from Your Home Immediately Remarkably , Ashton ’ s seemingly indestructible decoration is not the oldest Christmas tree in existence .
Guinness World Records says that title belongs to a 134-year-old tree owned by Janet Parker of nearby Wiltshire .
Ironically also purchased from Woolworths , Parker ’ s tree was originally owned by her great aunt in 1886 .
According to Guinness , she decorates the hand-me-down tree with cherubs and the Virgin Mary each year .
On the other side of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tree annually , despite its rocky past and “ dodgy ” appearance .
The tree owner is keen to show it a bit of love for all the memories it brings back .
“ I can ’ t believe it ’ s still here , ” Ashton said .
“ No wonder it looks a bit battered because it ’ s had a right life.
” Did you know that The Western Journal now publishes some content in Spanish as well as English , for international audiences ?
Click here to read this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A woman in the United Kingdom is displaying her grandmother’s old Christmas tree this year on its 100th birthday.
According to BBC News, Kay Ashton of Sheffield, England, is the proud owner of a small, faux evergreen that outlived a Nazi air raid during the Second World War.
The 2-foot tree was originally purchased for just two shillings from Woolworths Supermarket in 1920 by Ashton’s grandmother, Elizabeth Naylor.
Ashton, 66, told the BBC that her grandmother would be “absolutely flabbergasted” if she knew the tree was still around.
“It’s actually just a bit of a family joke now,” she said. “Even my sister says, ‘Have you got that twig out yet?’ and I go, ‘Yep.’ She asks, ‘Does it look any better?’ and I go, ‘Nope.’”
Despite the tree’s battered appearance, Ashton admitted it had displayed much resilience through the years — particularly when it survived one of the Blitz’s worst nights of bombings.
This “absolutely underwhelming” Christmas tree which survived being bombed in Sheffield Blitz has gone on display for its 100th year: https://t.co/Ow1pHs9lvD pic.twitter.com/spMEkpRDhx — BBC Yorkshire (@BBCLookNorth) December 1, 2020
In 1940, Nazi bombers conducted roughly nine months of aerial attacks in a bombing campaign against the United Kingdom.
Do you have a possession over 100 years old? 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: 76% (92 Votes) No: 24% (29 Votes)
This period would come to be known by the British as the Blitz — a name derived from the German word “blitzkrieg,” which means “lightning war.”
Naylor’s house in Sheffield was hit by bombers during the period and the tree was blown across the room, struck by bits of shrapnel. The incident left the tree cracked, and it is now only held together by a bit of brown sticky tape.
Ashton later revealed that the tree had also survived another siege in its lifetime — this time perpetrated by an owner who was “renowned for throwing stuff in the bin.”
“My mum threw my dad’s medals away from World War II,” she told the BBC.
“She wasn’t a hoarder. The fact it’s got through my mother, I really don’t know how it’s managed it.”
VIDEO: Sheffield family put up Britain’s oldest Christmas tree for the 95th year in a row..https://t.co/ov3qy0YIe9 pic.twitter.com/jTXygZpTZz — The Star, Sheffield (@SheffieldStar) December 11, 2015
Remarkably, Ashton’s seemingly indestructible decoration is not the oldest Christmas tree in existence.
Guinness World Records says that title belongs to a 134-year-old tree owned by Janet Parker of nearby Wiltshire.
Ironically also purchased from Woolworths, Parker’s tree was originally owned by her great aunt in 1886. According to Guinness, she decorates the hand-me-down tree with cherubs and the Virgin Mary each year.
Every year, Janet Parker of Chippenham, Wiltshire, puts her Christmas tree up, possibly being purchased from Woolworths, for her Great Aunt in 1886! Photo credit –https://t.co/IjkDCoGso3 pic.twitter.com/hHaYuGdSIs — Gleeson Recruitment (@GleesonRecruit) December 13, 2017
On the other side of England, Ashton also displays her century-old tree annually, despite its rocky past and “dodgy” appearance. The tree owner is keen to show it a bit of love for all the memories it brings back.
“I can’t believe it’s still here,” Ashton said. “No wonder it looks a bit battered because it’s had a right life.”
Did you know that The Western Journal now publishes some content in Spanish as well as English, for international audiences? Click here to read this article on The Western Journal en Español!
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-12-24--Olympics Adds First ‘Urban Event’ as Games Try To Diversify

Born in the streets of New York City during the 1970s , breakdancing has now made it to the Olympics .
The International Olympic Committee this month added breaking , as the gyrations are now called , as a medal event for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris .
Skateboarding , sport climbing and surfing also will become Olympic sports beginning in July 2021 , when the coronavirus-delayed 2020 Olympics are held in Tokyo , and those sports will continue in the Paris Games .
The IOC indicated the goal of breaking is to increase the youth and urban appeal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ squash great Michelle Martin criticized the decision to add breaking instead of a sport such as squash , according to The Guardian .
TRENDING : Pelosi Reveals Her Bizarre Plan To Get Trump Out of the White House : Report “ You just look at the whole thing and you just go , ‘ Where ’ s the Olympics going ?
’ I know some people say breakdancing ’ s a sport , but … I don ’ t understand , ” Martin said .
“ The Olympics was all about a score @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There was a definitive answer and results to sports .
You bring in all these judging things and it just gets so corrupt and so out of control .
I just don ’ t get it anymore.
” But Martin said she had expected that her sport , which long has tried to become an Olympic medal event , would lose .
“ After the last ones , you get to the point where it ’ s almost expected , ” she said .
… “ I know what it was like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s one of the hardest sports to train for and play .
They ’ ve obviously got something against squash , because it ’ s been rejected in the past ; it just keeps getting overlooked .
I don ’ t know , I don ’ t know what to say.
” Martin said the decision is “ sort of making a mockery of what the Olympics is.
” “ When you look at what it all used to stand for , the Olympics , it definitely fits in the category , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What does the Olympics stands for these days ?
I don ’ t really know .
“ The Olympics has lost what it was .
Yes they ’ re trying to move with the times , but it ’ s creating a mockery of the thing.
” The addition of breakdancing was mocked on Twitter .
RELATED : China Still Hosting Upcoming Olympics Despite Outcry Over Concentration Camps , Genocide Matt Carroll , the Olympic leader in Australia , put a positive spin on the change .
“ The Olympic Games are adapting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a continuation of the IOC ’ s Agenda 2020 , ” he told The Guardian .
“ These Paris Games will see absolute gender equality for the first time and a record number of mixed events .
“ Add to that , the continuing evolution into more youth-oriented and urban sports , I think we will see unprecedented interest in these Paris Games .
Sport climbing , skateboarding and surfing will all make their debut in Tokyo next year .
Tokyo will also see new disciplines in BMX freestyle and 3-on-3 basketball , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Born in the streets of New York City during the 1970s, breakdancing has now made it to the Olympics.
The International Olympic Committee this month added breaking, as the gyrations are now called, as a medal event for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing also will become Olympic sports beginning in July 2021, when the coronavirus-delayed 2020 Olympics are held in Tokyo, and those sports will continue in the Paris Games.
The IOC indicated the goal of breaking is to increase the youth and urban appeal of the Olympics.
However, Australian squash great Michelle Martin criticized the decision to add breaking instead of a sport such as squash, according to The Guardian.
“You just look at the whole thing and you just go, ‘Where’s the Olympics going?’ I know some people say breakdancing’s a sport, but … I don’t understand,” Martin said.
“The Olympics was all about a score, or it was a running race. There was a definitive answer and results to sports. You bring in all these judging things and it just gets so corrupt and so out of control. I just don’t get it anymore.”
But Martin said she had expected that her sport, which long has tried to become an Olympic medal event, would lose.
“After the last ones, you get to the point where it’s almost expected,” she said. … “I know what it was like, training for the sport. It’s one of the hardest sports to train for and play. They’ve obviously got something against squash, because it’s been rejected in the past; it just keeps getting overlooked. I don’t know, I don’t know what to say.”
Is this ridiculous? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (16 Votes) No: 0% (0 Votes)
Martin said the decision is “sort of making a mockery of what the Olympics is.”
“When you look at what it all used to stand for, the Olympics, it definitely fits in the category,” she said of squash. “What does the Olympics stands for these days? I don’t really know.
“The Olympics has lost what it was. Yes they’re trying to move with the times, but it’s creating a mockery of the thing.”
The addition of breakdancing was mocked on Twitter.
@Olympics What crazy “sports” are you going to introduce next? Darts? Break-Dancing? Ballroom Dancing? If you can’t measure it or time it it’s not sport! “and the judges score is …” entirely subjective! Be true to your roots!#ItsNotSport — David Sherman (@Think_Tank_UK) December 19, 2020
As break dancing is announced as an event for the 2024 Olympics thousands of middle aged men think “I might have a crack at getting a medal, my headspin at the 4th year school disco was flawless”. — Tangangaroo (@1882N17) December 7, 2020
Matt Carroll, the Olympic leader in Australia, put a positive spin on the change.
“The Olympic Games are adapting to a post-corona world as well as a continuation of the IOC’s Agenda 2020,” he told The Guardian. “These Paris Games will see absolute gender equality for the first time and a record number of mixed events.
“Add to that, the continuing evolution into more youth-oriented and urban sports, I think we will see unprecedented interest in these Paris Games. Sport climbing, skateboarding and surfing will all make their debut in Tokyo next year. Tokyo will also see new disciplines in BMX freestyle and 3-on-3 basketball,” he said.
“The Olympic Games are changing.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-12-24--Mail Carrier Sends Birthday Boy Over the Moon with 1 Small Act of Kindness

With one simple act of kindness , an Alabama mail carrier made a huge difference for a struggling family on her delivery route .
According to Fox News , Chip Matthews was first to the front door on Nov. 5 , running to greet mail carrier Tawanna Purter , 42 , when she arrived on his sixth birthday .
With the house decorated in birthday balloons and packages addressed to Chip , Purter knew she wanted to do something special for the little boy .
“ When he came running out the door , I said : ‘ You must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like , ‘ Yes.
” I said , ‘ Today ’ s your birthday ?
’ And he started smiling , ” Purter said .
Purter had just the thing to brighten Chip ’ s smile on his special day .
She rummaged around in her pocket and pulled out a dollar bill and four quarters , handing them off as a small , personal gift alongside the scheduled mail .
TRENDING : Pelosi Reveals Her Bizarre Plan To Get Trump Out of the White House : Report The carrier said she loves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She has gifted complete strangers money for gas or groceries on multiple occasions , saying she wants to pay forward the kindness of those who helped her when she was struggling to keep a job .
Chip , who was saving up to buy a Spider-Man action figure , greatly appreciated the gift .
His mother , however , was even more touched .
“ He was ecstatic , ” said his mom , Bonnie Matthews .
“ He came running back in the house just waving his money , so excited that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extra special and unexpected.
” The grateful mother later revealed to Fox News that the year had been a particularly difficult one for her family , as they remained isolated due to the ongoing pandemic and Matthews was laid off from her job as a school counselor .
“ Our family , like many families , has endured a lot … has had some pretty significant challenges , ” Matthews said .
“ And so , gestures like that , I think those are the things , those are the memories that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these nine months.
” Chip had a thank-you card ready for Purter before too long , and the two took several photos to commemorate their newfound friendship .
“ Chip Matthews loves picking up the mail .
And he loves it even more now , ” KFSN-TV posted on its official Twitter account .
“ For his sixth birthday , mail carrier Tawanna Purter surprised him with a gift : a dollar bill and four quarters — a small fortune at his age.
” RELATED : 'The Rock ' and John Krasinski Surprise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Even though … no one knows how they ’ re going to make it from here to the next day , ” Purter said , “ there are still people that … take their time and still want to show kindness.
” The Matthews family repaid Purter ’ s generosity by offering to babysit and facilitate virtual learning for her young son while she is on her route , as the mail carrier was struggling to find adequate and affordable childcare .
“ It was an awesome moment , ” Matthews said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were brought together.
” The mother hopes her children , Chip and his 8-year-old sister Bennett , will remember this exchange for years to come , carrying the kindness and community displayed as the most important memory from a trying time .
“ Not the ugly that was out there right now , ” she said .
“ But the good and the kind and the giving.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

With one simple act of kindness, an Alabama mail carrier made a huge difference for a struggling family on her delivery route.
According to Fox News, Chip Matthews was first to the front door on Nov. 5, running to greet mail carrier Tawanna Purter, 42, when she arrived on his sixth birthday.
With the house decorated in birthday balloons and packages addressed to Chip, Purter knew she wanted to do something special for the little boy.
“When he came running out the door, I said: ‘You must be Chip!’ And he was like, ‘Yes.” I said, ‘Today’s your birthday?’ And he started smiling,” Purter said.
Purter had just the thing to brighten Chip’s smile on his special day. She rummaged around in her pocket and pulled out a dollar bill and four quarters, handing them off as a small, personal gift alongside the scheduled mail.
The carrier said she loves helping others, in any capacity. She has gifted complete strangers money for gas or groceries on multiple occasions, saying she wants to pay forward the kindness of those who helped her when she was struggling to keep a job.
Chip, who was saving up to buy a Spider-Man action figure, greatly appreciated the gift. His mother, however, was even more touched.
“He was ecstatic,” said his mom, Bonnie Matthews. “He came running back in the house just waving his money, so excited that he got some birthday money from somewhere extra special and unexpected.”
The grateful mother later revealed to Fox News that the year had been a particularly difficult one for her family, as they remained isolated due to the ongoing pandemic and Matthews was laid off from her job as a school counselor.
Have you shown someone you know a simple act of kindness this week? 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: 71% (34 Votes) No: 29% (14 Votes)
“Our family, like many families, has endured a lot … has had some pretty significant challenges,” Matthews said.
“And so, gestures like that, I think those are the things, those are the memories that we’re hoping to take away from these nine months.”
Chip had a thank-you card ready for Purter before too long, and the two took several photos to commemorate their newfound friendship.
“Chip Matthews loves picking up the mail. And he loves it even more now,” KFSN-TV posted on its official Twitter account.
“For his sixth birthday, mail carrier Tawanna Purter surprised him with a gift: a dollar bill and four quarters — a small fortune at his age.”
Chip Matthews loves picking up the mail. And he loves it even more now. For his sixth birthday, mail carrier Tawanna Purter surprised with him with a gift: a dollar bill and four quarters – a small fortune at his age. https://t.co/ieM4O1YaHC pic.twitter.com/5GtOAQiUQx — ABC30 Fresno (@ABC30) November 29, 2020
“Even though … no one knows how they’re going to make it from here to the next day,” Purter said, “there are still people that … take their time and still want to show kindness.”
The Matthews family repaid Purter’s generosity by offering to babysit and facilitate virtual learning for her young son while she is on her route, as the mail carrier was struggling to find adequate and affordable childcare.
“It was an awesome moment,” Matthews said. “There was a reason we were brought together.”
The mother hopes her children, Chip and his 8-year-old sister Bennett, will remember this exchange for years to come, carrying the kindness and community displayed as the most important memory from a trying time.
“Not the ugly that was out there right now,” she said. “But the good and the kind and the giving.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-12-24--Woman Thinks There’s a Cat in Her Christmas Tree, Anyone Who Has Hunted Coon Will See the Problem Ri

Woman Thinks There’s a Cat in Her Christmas Tree, Anyone Who Has Hunted Coon Will See the Problem Right Away

One Florida woman found “ an early surprise ” waiting in her Christmas tree on Dec. 10 .
At around 4 a.m. , Aubrey Iacobelli woke up to the sound of her dog barking at the tree .
She assumed a cat had somehow entered her home and climbed inside the Christmas tree .
As it turns out , the animal wasn ’ t a cat — it was a raccoon .
Iacobelli posted a video of the encounter on her Facebook page , along with the caption : “ An early surprise waiting for me in the Christmas Tree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Her Bizarre Plan To Get Trump Out of the White House : Report The video depicts Iacobelli repeatedly attempting to get the “ cat ” out of the tree , before finally realizing it ’ s a raccoon .
Anyone who ’ s hunted raccoons can see there ’ s a clear problem here .
Dogs are traditionally used to “ tree ” a raccoon before hunters shoot them down .
If Iacobelli ’ s goal was to force the animal out of her tree and subsequently out of her house , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aiding that goal and only exacerbating the problem .
Eventually , the tree got knocked over , sending the raccoon into a scuffle with the Florida resident ’ s dog .
Raccoons are much more dangerous than some stray cat .
They can be ferocious animals , especially when fighting dogs .
Thankfully , Iacobelli ’ s canine didn ’ t appear to suffer any major injuries .
The Humane Society recommends removing pets from the situation when dealing with a raccoon that has entered your home .
RELATED : Children Terrified as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a COVID-Stricken Santa “ Contain pets before dealing with the raccoon .
If you have a dog , close them in a room away from the raccoon .
Try to move cats away from the raccoon as well .
The raccoon is going to be mainly concerned about getting back outside , which is helpful—you just need to show them the way !
” The Humane Society suggests .
Overall , The Humane Society ’ s recommendations for removing a raccoon from your home are exactly the opposite of Iacobelli ’ s approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homeowners are recommended to utilize “ the art of persuasion.
” Using food to lead the animal out of the house is one option .
Opening doors and windows near the animal and simply leaving the room is another .
Either way , hopefully , no one else has to deal with a similar “ surprise ” this Christmas season .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

One Florida woman found “an early surprise” waiting in her Christmas tree on Dec. 10.
At around 4 a.m., Aubrey Iacobelli woke up to the sound of her dog barking at the tree.
She assumed a cat had somehow entered her home and climbed inside the Christmas tree.
As it turns out, the animal wasn’t a cat — it was a raccoon.
Iacobelli posted a video of the encounter on her Facebook page, along with the caption: “An early surprise waiting for me in the Christmas Tree this morning.”
The video depicts Iacobelli repeatedly attempting to get the “cat” out of the tree, before finally realizing it’s a raccoon.
Anyone who’s hunted raccoons can see there’s a clear problem here.
Dogs are traditionally used to “tree” a raccoon before hunters shoot them down.
If Iacobelli’s goal was to force the animal out of her tree and subsequently out of her house, the dog’s incessant barking was not aiding that goal and only exacerbating the problem.
Eventually, the tree got knocked over, sending the raccoon into a scuffle with the Florida resident’s dog.
Raccoons are much more dangerous than some stray cat. They can be ferocious animals, especially when fighting dogs.
Thankfully, Iacobelli’s canine didn’t appear to suffer any major injuries.
The Humane Society recommends removing pets from the situation when dealing with a raccoon that has entered your home.
“Contain pets before dealing with the raccoon. If you have a dog, close them in a room away from the raccoon. Try to move cats away from the raccoon as well. The raccoon is going to be mainly concerned about getting back outside, which is helpful—you just need to show them the way!” The Humane Society suggests.
Overall, The Humane Society’s recommendations for removing a raccoon from your home are exactly the opposite of Iacobelli’s approach.
Instead of antagonizing the creature, homeowners are recommended to utilize “the art of persuasion.”
Using food to lead the animal out of the house is one option. Opening doors and windows near the animal and simply leaving the room is another.
Either way, hopefully, no one else has to deal with a similar “surprise” this Christmas season.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.