westernjournal--2020-11-25--Governor Announces Schools Will Interrogate Students on What They Did for Thanksgiving, Take Action

Governor Announces Schools Will Interrogate Students on What They Did for Thanksgiving, Take Action Against Those Who Gathered

The once-innocent question of what students did over their Thanksgiving break will take on a new meaning in Vermont , according to Republican Gov .
Phil Scott .
Vermont is among the states that have laid the blame for a rise in coronavirus cases on small gatherings that have flown under the radar of bans on larger groups getting together .
As such , state officials have told residents not to have traditional Thanksgiving dinners that can include multiple generations or families .
In an effort to crack down on anyone celebrating the traditional way , Scott said students will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Unfortunately , we know some will still get together and schools have asked for help .
[ The Vermont Agency of Education ] will direct schools to ask students or parents if they were part of multi-family gatherings and if the answer is yes , they ’ ll need to go remote for 14 days or 7 days and a test , ” he tweeted Tuesday .
“ We also advise businesses to consider asking employees to quarantine if they don ’ t adhere to gathering restrictions .
This isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an excuse to get together .
The more we adhere to this policy , the faster we ’ ll lower case counts & ease up on restrictions , ” Scott added .
As part of his Twitter thread , Scott said every person carries the seeds of potential disaster .
“ [ Y ] ou never know if you ’ re going to be the domino that leads to a nursing home outbreak or pushes an entire school to remote learning , ” he tweeted .
When asked about putting students in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scott on Tuesday defended his edict , according to the Vermont Daily Chronicle .
“ This is fair warning .
If you ’ re planning on having gatherings outside your households , if you don ’ t want to have your kids in remote learning and quarantine for a seven-day period , maybe you should make other plans .
I ’ m not sure it ’ s ‘ tattling ’ on anyone , ” he told reporters .
Other Vermont officials painted Thanksgiving as a potential catastrophe for the state .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot worse for us here in Vermont .
The virus doesn ’ t operate any differently just because we want to keep up traditions , ” Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine said , according to NECN .
“ As soon as we travel , get together with friends , let down our guard , we actually do risk reopening the floodgates even wider at a time when we really need to keep them closed.
” Financial Regulation Commissioner Mike Pieciak noted that nationally , 38 percent of Americans plan to have holiday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people .
If that were to happen in Vermont , he said , there could be as many as 3,800 new coronavirus cases leading to up to 50 hospitalizations .
“ These are certainly numbers that are quite stark and quite disturbing , ” Pieciak said .
“ This is not a projection .
This is not an estimate .
This is really a worst-case scenario , and we really need Vermonters to respond so that we don ’ t experience anything like the numbers we just mentioned.
” We are committed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The once-innocent question of what students did over their Thanksgiving break will take on a new meaning in Vermont, according to Republican Gov. Phil Scott.
Vermont is among the states that have laid the blame for a rise in coronavirus cases on small gatherings that have flown under the radar of bans on larger groups getting together.
As such, state officials have told residents not to have traditional Thanksgiving dinners that can include multiple generations or families.
In an effort to crack down on anyone celebrating the traditional way, Scott said students will be asked to inform on their families.
“Unfortunately, we know some will still get together and schools have asked for help. [The Vermont Agency of Education] will direct schools to ask students or parents if they were part of multi-family gatherings and if the answer is yes, they’ll need to go remote for 14 days or 7 days and a test,” he tweeted Tuesday.
“We also advise businesses to consider asking employees to quarantine if they don’t adhere to gathering restrictions. This isn’t a way around the ban or an excuse to get together. The more we adhere to this policy, the faster we’ll lower case counts & ease up on restrictions,” Scott added.
We also advise businesses to consider asking employees to quarantine if they don’t adhere to gathering restrictions. This isn’t a way around the ban or an excuse to get together. The more we adhere to this policy, the faster we’ll lower case counts & ease up on restrictions. 10/ — Governor Phil Scott (@GovPhilScott) November 24, 2020
As part of his Twitter thread, Scott said every person carries the seeds of potential disaster.
Do you think asking quizzing students on what they did over Thanksgiving is a step too far? Yes No
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“[Y]ou never know if you’re going to be the domino that leads to a nursing home outbreak or pushes an entire school to remote learning,” he tweeted.
When asked about putting students in a position to inform on their parents, Scott on Tuesday defended his edict, according to the Vermont Daily Chronicle.
“This is fair warning. If you’re planning on having gatherings outside your households, if you don’t want to have your kids in remote learning and quarantine for a seven-day period, maybe you should make other plans. I’m not sure it’s ‘tattling’ on anyone,” he told reporters.
Some pushed back against Scott.
Using government institutions to convince children to rat out their parents. Where have we seen this happen before? — Kurt Eckert (@kurtjeckert) November 25, 2020
Vermont schools will grill students on their Thanksgiving celebrations, governor announceshttps://t.co/QJenAGRhB2
This where this is all head. Govt using our children to spy & report back to “authority” figures. The Nazis at least were honest about their nefarious behavior. — iamtherealRGM (@RGMNumber8) November 25, 2020
Maybe VT could use some of your expertise, as they ask CHILDREN to snitch on their parents/families. As a child of the “iron curtain”, where neighbors and family members betrayed each other, I wish I’d had a trigger warning before reading this. https://t.co/6lwzp3LPWx — Sylvia Fogel MD (@FogelSylvia) November 24, 2020
Other Vermont officials painted Thanksgiving as a potential catastrophe for the state.
“The fact is, Thanksgiving can make things a lot worse for us here in Vermont. The virus doesn’t operate any differently just because we want to keep up traditions,” Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine said, according to NECN.
“As soon as we travel, get together with friends, let down our guard, we actually do risk reopening the floodgates even wider at a time when we really need to keep them closed.”
Financial Regulation Commissioner Mike Pieciak noted that nationally, 38 percent of Americans plan to have holiday events that bring together 10 or more people.
If that were to happen in Vermont, he said, there could be as many as 3,800 new coronavirus cases leading to up to 50 hospitalizations.
“These are certainly numbers that are quite stark and quite disturbing,” Pieciak said. “This is not a projection. This is not an estimate. This is really a worst-case scenario, and we really need Vermonters to respond so that we don’t experience anything like the numbers we just mentioned.”
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westernjournal--2020-11-25--NY Business Owner Tears Up $15,000 COVID Fine on Live TV

Patriotism and defiance mingled Tuesday night on Fox News as western New York gym owner Robby Dinero ripped up a notice fining him for COVID-19 violations .
“ Come and get it , ” Dinero , who spent 14 years in the Marine Corps , said after tearing up a letter from the Erie County Department of Health during a live interview .
He said the fine came from a Friday night protest at the gym , which has been closed along with all other gyms in the region after New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo imposed new restrictions last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive coronavirus .
Dinero ’ s business is in Orchard Park , a Buffalo suburb .
In a video posted to YouTube and shared by Fox News , a group of protesters can be seen in a confrontation with deputies who had arrived on the scene .
One asked them to have compassion , citing the economic hardship so many are facing amid the unprecedented lockdowns , before daring the deputies to put him behind bars .
“ This is private property .
Go get a warrant , ” another person said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ chanted .
The deputies eventually left the scene .
WARNING : The following video contains vulgar language that some viewers may find offensive .
In his live interview Tuesday night on “ The Story , ” Dinero explained how this battle began .
He had called a protest on Friday and posted about on Facebook .
“ We were about 20 minutes into that meeting when some sheriffs and a Department of Health official showed up uninvited , ” he said .
“ My business was closed .
We were not conducting business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walked in uninvited.
” Dinero said protesters asked him what to do , and he said they should get the officials to leave .
“ Those patriots took it upon themselves to stand shoulder to shoulder and tell them to get out , ” he said .
The gym owner said that if he had been in the wrong , backup would have been called to escalate the situation .
But the story did not end there .
On Tuesday , after the gym was closed , deputies and a Department of Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told them to return during business hours , but instead , as the officials left , they taped a notice to the gym door telling him that he faces a $ 15,000 fine .
Holding back his emotions , Dinero spoke about the principles behind his protest .
“ Any infringement on our liberty goes too far .
We were born with inalienable rights bestowed upon us by our Creator .
They are guaranteed by the Constitution , specifically the Bill of Rights , ” he said on Fox News .
“ Any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is too far .
Our freedom can not end where people ’ s fear starts.
” He challenged Cuomo and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz to sit with his family or the families of any of the 100 protesters behind him and explain why the politicians should get paid while working men and women can not earn a living .
Dinero then ripped up the letter notifying him of the fine .
“ They picked a fight with a Marine and a whole bunch of patriots , ” Dinero told WBEN-AM , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He made a similar point in an interview with WKBW-TV , saying , “ They found out they messed with the wrong bunch of patriots .
I ’ m not here to argue with the governor or the county executive about spike rates — I don ’ t care .
Freedom can never be subjugated to fear.
” Erie County Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw said the county went too far .
“ Mark Poloncarz crossed a line .
Punitively punishing a small business owner that served our country is despicable , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ People are fed up , ” Mychajliw said .
“ The resistance against power hungry politicians destroying businesses with arbitrary COVID rules they make up as they go along has begun .
“ Enough is enough .
Mark Poloncarz is a bully that cares more about shutting down the economy , closing schools , regulating churches and damaging families than protecting the health of our community .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Patriotism and defiance mingled Tuesday night on Fox News as western New York gym owner Robby Dinero ripped up a notice fining him for COVID-19 violations.
“Come and get it,” Dinero, who spent 14 years in the Marine Corps, said after tearing up a letter from the Erie County Department of Health during a live interview.
He said the fine came from a Friday night protest at the gym, which has been closed along with all other gyms in the region after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo imposed new restrictions last week in response to a rise in positive coronavirus. Dinero’s business is in Orchard Park, a Buffalo suburb.
In a video posted to YouTube and shared by Fox News, a group of protesters can be seen in a confrontation with deputies who had arrived on the scene.
One asked them to have compassion, citing the economic hardship so many are facing amid the unprecedented lockdowns, before daring the deputies to put him behind bars.
“This is private property. Go get a warrant,” another person said.
“Get out,” the crowd chanted. The deputies eventually left the scene.
WARNING: The following video contains vulgar language that some viewers may find offensive.
In his live interview Tuesday night on “The Story,” Dinero explained how this battle began. He had called a protest on Friday and posted about on Facebook.
“We were about 20 minutes into that meeting when some sheriffs and a Department of Health official showed up uninvited,” he said. “My business was closed. We were not conducting business. This was a protest. They walked in uninvited.”
Dinero said protesters asked him what to do, and he said they should get the officials to leave.
“Those patriots took it upon themselves to stand shoulder to shoulder and tell them to get out,” he said. The gym owner said that if he had been in the wrong, backup would have been called to escalate the situation.
But the story did not end there.
On Tuesday, after the gym was closed, deputies and a Department of Health official returned to the gym. Dinero told them to return during business hours, but instead, as the officials left, they taped a notice to the gym door telling him that he faces a $15,000 fine.
Holding back his emotions, Dinero spoke about the principles behind his protest.
“Any infringement on our liberty goes too far. We were born with inalienable rights bestowed upon us by our Creator. They are guaranteed by the Constitution, specifically the Bill of Rights,” he said on Fox News.
Do you agree with this business owner? Yes No
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“Any infringement on our freedom for any reason is too far. Our freedom cannot end where people’s fear starts.”
He challenged Cuomo and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz to sit with his family or the families of any of the 100 protesters behind him and explain why the politicians should get paid while working men and women cannot earn a living.
Dinero then ripped up the letter notifying him of the fine.
The moment tonight when Athletes Unleashed gym owner Robby Dinero ripped up the $15k fine he received today from @ECDOH LIVE on @FoxNews. The fine was for holding a rally inside his gym Friday night. @NewsRadio930 pic.twitter.com/FUk6sOSCX4 — Tim Wenger (@TimWBEN) November 25, 2020
“They picked a fight with a Marine and a whole bunch of patriots,” Dinero told WBEN-AM, adding that he will not back down.
He made a similar point in an interview with WKBW-TV, saying, “They found out they messed with the wrong bunch of patriots. I’m not here to argue with the governor or the county executive about spike rates — I don’t care. Freedom can never be subjugated to fear.”
Erie County Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw said the county went too far.
“Mark Poloncarz crossed a line. Punitively punishing a small business owner that served our country is despicable,” he said in a statement, according to WKBW.
“People are fed up,” Mychajliw said. “The resistance against power hungry politicians destroying businesses with arbitrary COVID rules they make up as they go along has begun.
“Enough is enough. Mark Poloncarz is a bully that cares more about shutting down the economy, closing schools, regulating churches and damaging families than protecting the health of our community.
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westernjournal--2020-11-25--Mueller Investigator Andrew Weissman Issues Major Demand to Joe Biden

When former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this month to answer for his role in approving FISA court warrants that allowed the bureau to surveil former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page back in 2016 , Democrats were eager to turn the page and talk about healing .
“ The election sent a clear message , it ’ s time to stop re-litigating issues of the last election , ” said Illinois Democrat Sen. Dick Durbin during the Nov. 10 hearing .
“ It ’ s time , finally , to put behind us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump era and to bring our fractured country together.
” This was an interesting tack to take , inasmuch as the investigation into baseless allegations that the Trump 2016 presidential campaign “ colluded ” with Russia began in earnest with the warrants issued by the special court established by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act .
“ Russia collusion ” talk then dragged on until weeks before the 2020 election , when problematic emails from Hunter Biden ’ s laptop were alleged , in the absence of the merest piece of public evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kremlin misinformation and colored basically every moment in between those two bookends .
But , yes , let ’ s put that childish divisiveness behind us .
Don ’ t look back in anger or re-litigate the past .
Unless the Democrats are in a position to do so , of course .
The article cited above is from Andrew Weissman , a senior prosecutor for special counsel Robert Mueller .
The headline may be phrased as an open-ended question , but the article certainly isn ’ t : Weissman assumes former Vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the presidency in January and demands a Biden administration investigate Trump , writing that “ as painful and hard as it may be for the country , I believe the next attorney general should investigate Mr. Trump and , if warranted , prosecute him for potential federal crimes.
” “ Mr .
Trump ’ s criminal exposure is clear .
I was a senior member of the investigation led by the former special counsel Robert Mueller to determine whether Russia attempted to subvert our fundamental democratic source of political legitimacy : our electoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Among other things , he was tasked with determining whether Mr. Trump interfered with our fact-finding into this issue .
“ We amassed ample evidence to support a charge that Mr. Trump obstructed justice .
That view is widely shared .
Shortly after our report was issued , hundreds of former prosecutors concluded that the evidence supported such a charge.
” You ’ ll notice what ’ s omitted here .
“ That view is widely shared.
” Yes , by people whose political views felicitously seem to align against Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former prosecutors concluded that the evidence supported such a charge.
” Yes , prosecutors whose political views felicitously seem to align against Trump ’ s .
Granted , you could make the same argument for those who supported Trump in these matters .
However , when Mr. Weissman wrings his hands about how “ we have witnessed two U.S. presidential elections in which large crowds have found it acceptable to chant with fervent zeal that the nominee of the opposing party should be jailed ” and writes that “ [ w ] e @ @ @ @ @ @ @ autocratic state , where law enforcement authorities are political weapons of the reigning party , ” he seems willfully negligent of the partisan nature of the criminal investigations he proposes the United States should undertake .
For example , Weissman contends that Trump acted to “ thwart cooperation with an investigation by use of the clemency power ” when he commuted the prison sentence of political confidant Roger Stone , who had been sentenced to more than three years in prison after a witness tampering conviction related to a House investigation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writes that Stone was “ convicted by a jury , ” but never mentions that the forewoman of that jury was a known Democratic activist with a public distaste for Trump and his supporters .
It ’ s important to note that Trump ’ s action did not affect Stone ’ s conviction , only his prison sentence .
At a time when sex offenders are being released because of COVID fears , the idea Weissman is shaking his fist at Trump for granting clemency to a 67-year-old man in questionable health because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jury with a clearly biased forewoman indicates this is maybe not the guy to be talking about weaponized investigations .
Weissman also brings up the conviction of one-time Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort .
He writes of Trump ’ s “ efforts to influence the outcome of a deliberating jury in the Manafort trial , ” which sounds damning unless you remember what he ’ s referring to .
This was when the president , asked by about the 2018 trial of his former campaign manager on charges of tax fraud and bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that “ I think it ’ s very sad what they ’ ve done to Paul Manafort.
” A slew of predictable media liberals then claimed the comments were tantamount to jury tampering .
Weissman ’ s piece clocks in at under a thousand words .
If that ’ s one of the arguments he even feels the need to bring up in that limited space , I ’ m calling for summary judgment .
I ’ m hoping its inclusion here is only because Weissman was the lead prosecutor in the Manafort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s one of the stronger points in his favor .
There ’ s a bunch of other stuff here that you ’ ve probably heard before , too : Former White House counsel Don McGahn ’ s allegation that Trump wanted to fire Mueller ( he didn ’ t do it ) and then asked him to sign a letter saying this never happened ( McGahn didn ’ t ) .
Trump “ dangl [ ing ] a pardon ” to get people not to testify .
Weissman even intimates that there might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s team just couldn ’ t investigate fully because “ he obstructed that very investigation.
” We ’ re back on that tired old dog .
Weissman isn ’ t the only one flogging a “ Hoo doggies !
We can go after The Donald now !
” piece in the media this past week .
Watergate counsel Philip Allen Lacovara has a materially similar article in The Washington Post and Jeet Heer has one in The Nation .
Weissman ’ s article holds the most gravitas , however , if just because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mueller .
Of course , Weissman never mentions that he ’ d planned to speak at a fundraiser for Biden in June before the event was canceled , presumably because even Democrats knew it looked bad .
This has nothing to do with “ law enforcement authorities [ being ] political weapons of the reigning party.
” For the most part , Biden doesn ’ t seem disposed to follow Weissman ’ s advice — yet .
According to NBC News , a Biden adviser said Biden ’ s “ overarching view is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward … [ b ] ut the most important thing on this is that he will not interfere with his Justice Department and not politicize his Justice Department.
” That may not be looking to turn the page so much as could be a matter of expedience .
How long have we played this game now ?
Four years ?
Trump ’ s head has been poorly photoshopped into an orange jumpsuit more times than any of us can count .
Yet , after four years of trying to legally stymie the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nowhere .
If and when Trump loses the protections afforded him by the presidency , are we to assume this will be any different ?
Will the Andrew Weissmans of the world be able to convince half of American — not to mention a jury — that Trump ’ s offhand remarks about Paul Manafort magically amounted to tampering ?
But yes , let ’ s turn the page .
We need to put “ divisiveness [ and ] vitriol ” behind us , to quote Sen. Durbin .
Let ’ s see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

When former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this month to answer for his role in approving FISA court warrants that allowed the bureau to surveil former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page back in 2016, Democrats were eager to turn the page and talk about healing.
“The election sent a clear message, it’s time to stop re-litigating issues of the last election,” said Illinois Democrat Sen. Dick Durbin during the Nov. 10 hearing. “It’s time, finally, to put behind us the divisiveness [and] vitriol of the Trump era and to bring our fractured country together.”
This was an interesting tack to take, inasmuch as the investigation into baseless allegations that the Trump 2016 presidential campaign “colluded” with Russia began in earnest with the warrants issued by the special court established by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
“Russia collusion” talk then dragged on until weeks before the 2020 election, when problematic emails from Hunter Biden’s laptop were alleged, in the absence of the merest piece of public evidence, to be a product of a Kremlin misinformation and colored basically every moment in between those two bookends.
But, yes, let’s put that childish divisiveness behind us. Don’t look back in anger or re-litigate the past.
Unless the Democrats are in a position to do so, of course. The article cited above is from Andrew Weissman, a senior prosecutor for special counsel Robert Mueller. The headline may be phrased as an open-ended question, but the article certainly isn’t:
Weissman assumes former Vice President Joe Biden will be sworn into the presidency in January and demands a Biden administration investigate Trump, writing that “as painful and hard as it may be for the country, I believe the next attorney general should investigate Mr. Trump and, if warranted, prosecute him for potential federal crimes.”
“Mr. Trump’s criminal exposure is clear. I was a senior member of the investigation led by the former special counsel Robert Mueller to determine whether Russia attempted to subvert our fundamental democratic source of political legitimacy: our electoral system,” Weissman wrote.
Do you think most Democrats agree with Andrew Weissman? Yes No
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“Among other things, he was tasked with determining whether Mr. Trump interfered with our fact-finding into this issue.
“We amassed ample evidence to support a charge that Mr. Trump obstructed justice. That view is widely shared. Shortly after our report was issued, hundreds of former prosecutors concluded that the evidence supported such a charge.”
You’ll notice what’s omitted here. “That view is widely shared.” Yes, by people whose political views felicitously seem to align against Trump’s. “[H]undreds of former prosecutors concluded that the evidence supported such a charge.” Yes, prosecutors whose political views felicitously seem to align against Trump’s.
Granted, you could make the same argument for those who supported Trump in these matters.
However, when Mr. Weissman wrings his hands about how “we have witnessed two U.S. presidential elections in which large crowds have found it acceptable to chant with fervent zeal that the nominee of the opposing party should be jailed” and writes that “[w]e do not want to turn into an autocratic state, where law enforcement authorities are political weapons of the reigning party,” he seems willfully negligent of the partisan nature of the criminal investigations he proposes the United States should undertake.
For example, Weissman contends that Trump acted to “thwart cooperation with an investigation by use of the clemency power” when he commuted the prison sentence of political confidant Roger Stone, who had been sentenced to more than three years in prison after a witness tampering conviction related to a House investigation of the Russia “collusion” charge.
Weissman writes that Stone was “convicted by a jury,” but never mentions that the forewoman of that jury was a known Democratic activist with a public distaste for Trump and his supporters.
It’s important to note that Trump’s action did not affect Stone’s conviction, only his prison sentence.
At a time when sex offenders are being released because of COVID fears, the idea Weissman is shaking his fist at Trump for granting clemency to a 67-year-old man in questionable health because he was convicted of lying by a jury with a clearly biased forewoman indicates this is maybe not the guy to be talking about weaponized investigations.
Weissman also brings up the conviction of one-time Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort. He writes of Trump’s “efforts to influence the outcome of a deliberating jury in the Manafort trial,” which sounds damning unless you remember what he’s referring to.
This was when the president, asked by about the 2018 trial of his former campaign manager on charges of tax fraud and bank fraud, among other counts, said that “I think it’s very sad what they’ve done to Paul Manafort.” A slew of predictable media liberals then claimed the comments were tantamount to jury tampering.
Weissman’s piece clocks in at under a thousand words. If that’s one of the arguments he even feels the need to bring up in that limited space, I’m calling for summary judgment. I’m hoping its inclusion here is only because Weissman was the lead prosecutor in the Manafort case and because he thinks it’s one of the stronger points in his favor.
There’s a bunch of other stuff here that you’ve probably heard before, too:
Former White House counsel Don McGahn’s allegation that Trump wanted to fire Mueller (he didn’t do it) and then asked him to sign a letter saying this never happened (McGahn didn’t). Trump “dangl[ing] a pardon” to get people not to testify. Weissman even intimates that there might have been collusion, but Mueller’s team just couldn’t investigate fully because “he obstructed that very investigation.” We’re back on that tired old dog.
Weissman isn’t the only one flogging a “Hoo doggies! We can go after The Donald now!” piece in the media this past week. Watergate counsel Philip Allen Lacovara has a materially similar article in The Washington Post and Jeet Heer has one in The Nation.
Weissman’s article holds the most gravitas, however, if just because he was a former prosecutor under Robert Mueller. Of course, Weissman never mentions that he’d planned to speak at a fundraiser for Biden in June before the event was canceled, presumably because even Democrats knew it looked bad. This has nothing to do with “law enforcement authorities [being] political weapons of the reigning party.”
For the most part, Biden doesn’t seem disposed to follow Weissman’s advice — yet. According to NBC News, a Biden adviser said Biden’s “overarching view is that we need to move the country forward … [b]ut the most important thing on this is that he will not interfere with his Justice Department and not politicize his Justice Department.”
That may not be looking to turn the page so much as could be a matter of expedience. How long have we played this game now? Four years? Trump’s head has been poorly photoshopped into an orange jumpsuit more times than any of us can count.
Yet, after four years of trying to legally stymie the president of the United States, they got nowhere. If and when Trump loses the protections afforded him by the presidency, are we to assume this will be any different?
Will the Andrew Weissmans of the world be able to convince half of American — not to mention a jury — that Trump’s offhand remarks about Paul Manafort magically amounted to tampering?
But yes, let’s turn the page. We need to put “divisiveness [and] vitriol” behind us, to quote Sen. Durbin. Let’s see how many Democrats get behind that.
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westernjournal--2020-11-25--Softball Media Shows Exactly How They Would Report on a President Joe Biden

I knew we ’ d turned some sort of corner when ABC News ’ Paula Faris called Robert Francis “ Beto ” O ’ Rourke a “ rock star ” during his failed 2018 campaign for Senate in Texas .
No , I was under no illusions the media would treat Republicans fairly .
This was doubly true for Ted Cruz , a candidate they regarded as a cold , shuffling hypocritical corpse only capable of mendacity and references to “ The Princess Bride.
” ( In fairness , it ’ s probably time to retire those . )
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glib , sweaty white guy who ’ d screwed up until he found a niche in politics didn ’ t matter to them at the time .
( They saved that for when he ran for president . )
Instead , the media decided he was better than the alternative , so here ’ s Paula Faris treating Beto as if he were Jack White : Yeah , I know — it was a silly segment , but it was also a watershed moment .
Picture Dan Rather doing a segment with George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1972 presidential campaign : “ You do realize , sir , if I may , that you ’ re a rock star.
” It ’ s not just Rather ’ s stilted verbiage that doesn ’ t make it work .
When you realize that even Dan Rather wouldn ’ t go that low , something ’ s up .
Two years later , Joe Biden is the presumptive president-elect of the United States and we can see where we ’ re headed now that the corner has been turned .
When a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better drip with the fear of Mordor encroaching .
Meanwhile , as for the Democrats ( Tulsi Gabbard exempted ) , you can get away with stuff like this : Isn ’ t that cute ?
And notice , she was being bipartisan by mentioning George H.W .
Bush ’ s socks , too — mostly because he ’ s the GOP president it ’ s still OK for younger media types to name-check as being The Kind of Republican Who ’ s Perfectly Acceptable™ .
Of course , transport them back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CompuServe fulminating about Bush 41 ’ s socks and trying to tangentially connect them to Lee Atwater .
Oh , and don ’ t that fake news story about how Bush didn ’ t understand grocery scanners .
But H.W.
’ s dead , so he ’ s good !
There were some who derided this : RELATED : Poll : 17 % of Biden Voters Would Have Abandoned Him if They Knew About Stories the Media Censored And then some people were perfectly happy to welcome their be-socked overlord : Yes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novelty socks , too .
Draw your own conclusions .
A few journalists even thought it was hilarious people were having a problem with a journalist showcasing a politician ’ s fun side : To which one respondent nailed the issue : Now , disregard this gentleman ’ s questionable choice of Twitter handle or use of Charles Bukowski ’ s literary alter-ego as a name .
( In fairness , it ’ s probably time to retire those . )
He gets that the paid press — the people who loudly declaim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — are giddy with “ OMG LOOK AT HIS SOCKS !
” when a similar tweet , if the situation were on the other ( ugh , pun unintended ) foot , would have been something akin to : “ Dogs are kept in cages .
So are children snatched at the border when immigration law is enforced .
So why does the president think it ’ s ‘ fun ’ to don dog-themed footwear ?
” Even when the media has fun with something in Trumpworld , it ’ s something like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apparently fed up with Christmas decorating — as any first lady would no doubt be : “ I ’ m working … my a– off on the Christmas stuff , that you know , who gives a f— about the Christmas stuff and decorations ?
But I need to do it , right ?
” The reporting on that quote was mostly subtext , although give it a few years and it ’ ll just be text : “ Ahahaha , Drumpf , even your wife hates doing this !
You failure !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ italics on Twitter ?
What the deuces ?
” But imagine Jill Biden getting secretly recorded saying this .
It ’ s really only a question of which prominent clinical psychologist will appear on “ Good Morning America ” the next day to calmly explicate how she ’ s a heroine to women everywhere who are juggling holiday responsibilities : “ You know , sometimes , you just need to let loose , ” random clinical psychologist will say , very calmly .
“ I think this humanizes her .
We all experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel bad for the kind of person who judges Jill.
” Yes , I ’ m projecting .
However , I also know this much : If they could call Joe Biden a “ rock star , ” they would .
That ’ s where our media is in the post-2016 era .
Given that this is an ossified human compromise whose knowledge of popular culture likely ended when kids were into “ the Pearly Jam ” — if not prior — I doubt that ’ ll fly .
But he wears socks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Let ’ s hope Biden has Trudeau ’ s footwear guy in his DMs .
If this is a successful diversionary tactic , he ’ s going to need a whole arsenal of them .
I can just imagine the hypothetical tweets from April of 2022 : “ Today Biden wore fuchsia socks adorned with ocelots .
Completely different ocelot head design than the burnt-umber ocelot socks a few days back .
Also , he apologizes for accidental drone strike against Djibouti.
” But ocelots are pretty cute .
He may not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will do .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

I knew we’d turned some sort of corner when ABC News’ Paula Faris called Robert Francis “Beto” O’Rourke a “rock star” during his failed 2018 campaign for Senate in Texas.
No, I was under no illusions the media would treat Republicans fairly. This was doubly true for Ted Cruz, a candidate they regarded as a cold, shuffling hypocritical corpse only capable of mendacity and references to “The Princess Bride.” (In fairness, it’s probably time to retire those.)
The fact that O’Rourke was a glib, sweaty white guy who’d screwed up until he found a niche in politics didn’t matter to them at the time. (They saved that for when he ran for president.)
Instead, the media decided he was better than the alternative, so here’s Paula Faris treating Beto as if he were Jack White:
ABC News reporter gushes over Beto O’Rourke: ‘You’re a Rock Star’ pic.twitter.com/7TdUh9hVh3 — Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) October 21, 2018
Yeah, I know — it was a silly segment, but it was also a watershed moment.
Picture Dan Rather doing a segment with George McGovern amid the fragrant supporters of his 1972 presidential campaign: “You do realize, sir, if I may, that you’re a rock star.” It’s not just Rather’s stilted verbiage that doesn’t make it work. When you realize that even Dan Rather wouldn’t go that low, something’s up.
Two years later, Joe Biden is the presumptive president-elect of the United States and we can see where we’re headed now that the corner has been turned.
When a Republican is involved, your copy had better drip with the fear of Mordor encroaching. Meanwhile, as for the Democrats (Tulsi Gabbard exempted), you can get away with stuff like this:
George H.W. Bush was known for his socks, maybe Biden will be too? Today he wore dark blue socks adorned with lighter blue dogs. (Yes, there are plenty of more substantive things to tweet about but we can have some fun sometimes too.) pic.twitter.com/8xxTusXafQ — Jennifer Epstein (@jeneps) November 23, 2020
Isn’t that cute? And notice, she was being bipartisan by mentioning George H.W. Bush’s socks, too — mostly because he’s the GOP president it’s still OK for younger media types to name-check as being The Kind of Republican Who’s Perfectly Acceptable™.
Of course, transport them back to 1992 and watch them firing missives over CompuServe fulminating about Bush 41’s socks and trying to tangentially connect them to Lee Atwater. Oh, and don’t that fake news story about how Bush didn’t understand grocery scanners. But H.W.’s dead, so he’s good!
There were some who derided this:
This is what we have to look forward to over the next four years. What a joke. — Lisa Boothe (@LisaMarieBoothe) November 24, 2020
I think there must be a module in global Journalism about socks and nice inept leaders? pic.twitter.com/Y6viINzXZu — Tomás Ó hÁinle (@Tomshinle) November 24, 2020
Ladies and gentleman! “journalism” in the golden age of Biden. Looking forward to these being the only substantive issues he’ll be faced with by lap dog media. — President-Elect Tony Bruno (@TonyBrunoShow) November 24, 2020
Wow. What great reporting. Maybe next week you can tell us what his favorite breakfast is. Journalism is dead — Vincent Arrigo (@VincentAviator) November 24, 2020
And then some people were perfectly happy to welcome their be-socked overlord:
These are my favorite pair of socks he owns. — Symone D. Sanders (@SymoneDSanders) November 24, 2020
Oh how I missed having fun with the whimsical ??fashion of elder statesmen! So much more uplifting than worrying daily about what new horror the abuser-in-chief was going to inflict on the American people. — Matt (@Elvishfarmer) November 24, 2020
You don’t know about M Justin Trudeau socks? Lol pic.twitter.com/JMU5CR2LLW — Gustavo Morales ???? (@gusadolfomoral) November 23, 2020
Yes, apparently Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau likes novelty socks, too. Draw your own conclusions.
A few journalists even thought it was hilarious people were having a problem with a journalist showcasing a politician’s fun side:
Jen, don’t you know this website isn’t for fun!? JK please more tweets about politicians’ weird socks. — Annah Backstrom Aschbrenner (@AnnahBackstrom) November 23, 2020
NOOOOOOOOOO FUN! NOOOOOO! — Josh Gerstein (@joshgerstein) November 23, 2020
To which one respondent nailed the issue:
I remember all those times you just tweeted out some fun thing about Trump to let us all know about his gentle man of the people side. — Henry Chinaski (@ashsoles) November 24, 2020
Now, disregard this gentleman’s questionable choice of Twitter handle or use of Charles Bukowski’s literary alter-ego as a name. (In fairness, it’s probably time to retire those.)
He gets that the paid press — the people who loudly declaim that Democracy Dies in Darkness™ without them — are giddy with “OMG LOOK AT HIS SOCKS!” when a similar tweet, if the situation were on the other (ugh, pun unintended) foot, would have been something akin to: “Dogs are kept in cages. So are children snatched at the border when immigration law is enforced. So why does the president think it’s ‘fun’ to don dog-themed footwear?”
Even when the media has fun with something in Trumpworld, it’s something like the infamous quote from Melania Trump, apparently fed up with Christmas decorating — as any first lady would no doubt be: “I’m working … my a– off on the Christmas stuff, that you know, who gives a f— about the Christmas stuff and decorations? But I need to do it, right?”
The reporting on that quote was mostly subtext, although give it a few years and it’ll just be text: “Ahahaha, Drumpf, even your wife hates doing this! You failure! Wait, you can’t use italics on Twitter? What the deuces?”
But imagine Jill Biden getting secretly recorded saying this.
It’s really only a question of which prominent clinical psychologist will appear on “Good Morning America” the next day to calmly explicate how she’s a heroine to women everywhere who are juggling holiday responsibilities: “You know, sometimes, you just need to let loose,” random clinical psychologist will say, very calmly. “I think this humanizes her. We all experience this during the holidays. I just feel bad for the kind of person who judges Jill.”
Yes, I’m projecting. However, I also know this much: If they could call Joe Biden a “rock star,” they would. That’s where our media is in the post-2016 era.
Is the media being too soft on Joe Biden? Yes No
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Given that this is an ossified human compromise whose knowledge of popular culture likely ended when kids were into “the Pearly Jam” — if not prior — I doubt that’ll fly. But he wears socks with dogs on them, right?
Let’s hope Biden has Trudeau’s footwear guy in his DMs. If this is a successful diversionary tactic, he’s going to need a whole arsenal of them. I can just imagine the hypothetical tweets from April of 2022: “Today Biden wore fuchsia socks adorned with ocelots. Completely different ocelot head design than the burnt-umber ocelot socks a few days back. Also, he apologizes for accidental drone strike against Djibouti.”
But ocelots are pretty cute. He may not be a rock star, but his socks will do.
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westernjournal--2020-11-26--Men with Cooking Gear at Yellowstone in Hot Water After Authorities Discover What Was Being Done

The call of adventure led to a dinner that three visitors to Yellowstone National Park won ’ t likely forget .
The adventure began with a Yellowstone ranger receiving a report that hikers were toting cooking pots in a thermal area of the park .
The outing ended with three men facing fines and two of them spending a couple of days in jail .
It all began Aug. 7 when Eric Romriell , 49 , and Eric Roberts , 51 , both from , Idaho , and Dallas Roberts , 41 , of Utah , were part of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with “ cooking pots , ” Linda Veress , a park spokeswoman , told The New York Times .
“ A ranger responded and found two whole chickens in a burlap sack in a hot spring , ” she said .
One cooking pot was nearby .
The group had been bathing in the river nearby during the ranger ’ s visit , but Romriell encountered him on his way back to see how dinner was cooking .
The chicken was consumed in the ranger ’ s absence .
The next day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s campsites and issued citations , with orders to appear in court .
In September , all three pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Casper , Wyoming , to foot travel in a thermal area .
Romriell also pleaded guilty to having food in a thermal area , the Times reported , citing court records .
Eric Roberts and Dallas Roberts were ordered to pay $ 540 in fines and spend two days in jail , according to the Idaho State Journal .
Romriell paid $ 1,250 in fines .
All three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two years of probation .
Romriell , an ophthalmologist in Idaho Falls , Idaho , said he didn ’ t know they were doing anything wrong , according to the Times .
“ The way I interpreted it [ park rules ] was don ’ t be destructive , ” Romriell said , “ and I didn ’ t feel like I was.
” “ One of the big rules for scouting and camping is leave no trace , ” he said .
“ I don ’ t intend to be a naughty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a troublemaker.
” Dallas Roberts , who runs a window-cleaning business in West Valley City , Utah , admitted that “ I can see that we should not have done that.
” RELATED : Trump Admin Gives Fantastic Veterans Day Gift to Vets and Gold Star Families “ We definitely have respect for Yellowstone , ” he said .
“ We have respect for the outdoors and would never do anything in any way to contaminate that or to cause problems for others.
” Romriell said there was a question of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when is land use abusive .
My opinion was it was land use , but it wasn ’ t land abuse.
” Veress said the rules are in place to protect visitors from water that tops 400 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause “ severe or fatal burns.
” Retired Yellowstone historian Lee Whittlesey said tourists will be tourists , according to The Guardian .
“ When I place them within the larger milieu of American tourists , it probably isn ’ t that extraordinary , ” he said .
Whittlesey noted that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not all visitors have been so lucky .
In June 2016 , one visitor walked off a boardwalk in the Norris Geyser Basin and fell through the thin crust over a superheated , very acidic spring and was never seen again .
“ Are people ecologically and behaviorally smarter today ?
My cynical streak says no , but we are better in explaining the reasons why we shouldn ’ t do this or that than we used to be , ” Whittlesey said .
“ Still , that doesn ’ t stop people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we are no better than the early park tourists , and the problem is there ’ s far more of us.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The call of adventure led to a dinner that three visitors to Yellowstone National Park won’t likely forget.
The adventure began with a Yellowstone ranger receiving a report that hikers were toting cooking pots in a thermal area of the park. The outing ended with three men facing fines and two of them spending a couple of days in jail.
It all began Aug. 7 when Eric Romriell, 49, and Eric Roberts, 51, both from, Idaho, and Dallas Roberts, 41, of Utah, were part of a group spotted in the Shoshone Geyser Basin with “cooking pots,” Linda Veress, a park spokeswoman, told The New York Times.
“A ranger responded and found two whole chickens in a burlap sack in a hot spring,” she said. One cooking pot was nearby.
The group had been bathing in the river nearby during the ranger’s visit, but Romriell encountered him on his way back to see how dinner was cooking.
The chicken was consumed in the ranger’s absence.
“It was fantastic,” Romriell said.
The next day, the ranger returned to the men’s campsites and issued citations, with orders to appear in court.
In September, all three pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Casper, Wyoming, to foot travel in a thermal area. Romriell also pleaded guilty to having food in a thermal area, the Times reported, citing court records.
Should these men have been punished? Yes No
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Eric Roberts and Dallas Roberts were ordered to pay $540 in fines and spend two days in jail, according to the Idaho State Journal. Romriell paid $1,250 in fines. All three are banned from Yellowstone as part of two years of probation.
Romriell, an ophthalmologist in Idaho Falls, Idaho, said he didn’t know they were doing anything wrong, according to the Times.
“The way I interpreted it [park rules] was don’t be destructive,” Romriell said, “and I didn’t feel like I was.”
“One of the big rules for scouting and camping is leave no trace,” he said. “I don’t intend to be a naughty person. I don’t intend to be a troublemaker.”
Dallas Roberts, who runs a window-cleaning business in West Valley City, Utah, admitted that “I can see that we should not have done that.”
“We definitely have respect for Yellowstone,” he said. “We have respect for the outdoors and would never do anything in any way to contaminate that or to cause problems for others.”
Romriell said there was a question of “when is land use appropriate, when is land use abusive. My opinion was it was land use, but it wasn’t land abuse.”
Veress said the rules are in place to protect visitors from water that tops 400 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause “severe or fatal burns.”
Retired Yellowstone historian Lee Whittlesey said tourists will be tourists, according to The Guardian.
“When I place them within the larger milieu of American tourists, it probably isn’t that extraordinary,” he said.
Whittlesey noted that the chicken caper ended without injury, but not all visitors have been so lucky. In June 2016, one visitor walked off a boardwalk in the Norris Geyser Basin and fell through the thin crust over a superheated, very acidic spring and was never seen again.
“Are people ecologically and behaviorally smarter today? My cynical streak says no, but we are better in explaining the reasons why we shouldn’t do this or that than we used to be,” Whittlesey said. “Still, that doesn’t stop people from causing trouble. In some ways, we are no better than the early park tourists, and the problem is there’s far more of us.”
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westernjournal--2020-11-26--17-Year-Old Deaf, Partially Blind Dog Helped Save Toddler Lost Overnight

It didn ’ t really matter that ol ’ Max was deaf .
Or that his eyesight wasn ’ t very good .
Instead , the 17-year-old blue heeler had a loyalty that helped keep his tiny human warm and safe until he could help lead rescuers to her .
The saga began in 2018 on a rainy April night in Queensland , Australia , when Aurora , 3 , wandered off around 3 in the afternoon , according to the Australian Broadcasting Corp .
The rugged Australia Bushland is not always hospitable , and the young girl was dressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aurora ’ s family realized the little girl was missing , a search party of more than 100 people including State Emergency Service volunteers , police and nearby residents assembled and set out to find her .
Little did they know , Max , the family dog , was on the case .
The smart pup had followed Aurora over a mile from home and kept her warm for the next 15 hours while her family and rescuers continued their search .
Around 8 a.m. the following day , Aurora ’ s grandmother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming from the top of a mountain .
Following the sound , Bennett was soon greeted by Max , and he led her straight to Aurora .
The young girl was curled up on the ground , tired , and cold , but found alive thanks to Max .
“ When I heard her yell ‘ Grammy ’ I knew it was her , ” Bennett said .
“ I shot up the mountain … and when I got to the top , the dog came to me and led me straight to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sight .
She smelled of dog , she slept with the dog , ” Bennett said .
“ The area around the house is quite mountainous and is very inhospitable terrain to go walking in , so she ’ d traveled quite a distance with her dog that was quite loyal to her , ” said State Emergency Service area controller Ian Phipps .
“ The search was actually quite hard where the volunteers and the police were , amongst the very steep slopes , ” Phipps said .
For his heroics , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police dog .
Thankfully , other than a few minor scratches , Aurora made it out of the ordeal unscathed .
“ With the weather last night it ’ s quite lucky she is well because it was cold , it was cold and raining , ” Phipps said after the girl was rescued .
“ She ’ s a very hardy young lass to survive that without any ill effects and everyone , all the volunteers are extremely happy , ” he said .
“ I think [ Aurora ] was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ howling , but I explained to her how happy those tears were , ” Bennett said .
“ It could have gone any of 100 ways , but she ’ s here , she ’ s alive , she ’ s well and it ’ s a great outcome for our family , ” she said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It didn’t really matter that ol’ Max was deaf. Or that his eyesight wasn’t very good.
Instead, the 17-year-old blue heeler had a loyalty that helped keep his tiny human warm and safe until he could help lead rescuers to her.
The saga began in 2018 on a rainy April night in Queensland, Australia, when Aurora, 3, wandered off around 3 in the afternoon, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corp.
The rugged Australia Bushland is not always hospitable, and the young girl was dressed in thin clothes. As soon as Aurora’s family realized the little girl was missing, a search party of more than 100 people including State Emergency Service volunteers, police and nearby residents assembled and set out to find her.
Little did they know, Max, the family dog, was on the case. The smart pup had followed Aurora over a mile from home and kept her warm for the next 15 hours while her family and rescuers continued their search.
Around 8 a.m. the following day, Aurora’s grandmother Leisa Bennett and others heard faint calls coming from the top of a mountain. Following the sound, Bennett was soon greeted by Max, and he led her straight to Aurora.
The young girl was curled up on the ground, tired, and cold, but found alive thanks to Max.
“When I heard her yell ‘Grammy’ I knew it was her,” Bennett said. “I shot up the mountain … and when I got to the top, the dog came to me and led me straight to her.”
“He never left her sight. She smelled of dog, she slept with the dog,” Bennett said.
“The area around the house is quite mountainous and is very inhospitable terrain to go walking in, so she’d traveled quite a distance with her dog that was quite loyal to her,” said State Emergency Service area controller Ian Phipps.
“The search was actually quite hard where the volunteers and the police were, amongst the very steep slopes,” Phipps said.
For his heroics, Queensland Police named Max their first-ever honorary police dog.
You may remember Max from such news stories as “3yo girl found safe, guarded by family dog” and “Dog hailed hero for keeping lost girl safe”… Well today, Max officially became Queensland’s first ever honorary police dog. STILL SUCH A GOOD BOY! ? More: https://t.co/1YslFe2jhO pic.twitter.com/xLGxg3fG0q — Queensland Police (@QldPolice) May 1, 2018
Thankfully, other than a few minor scratches, Aurora made it out of the ordeal unscathed.
“With the weather last night it’s quite lucky she is well because it was cold, it was cold and raining,” Phipps said after the girl was rescued.
“She’s a very hardy young lass to survive that without any ill effects and everyone, all the volunteers are extremely happy,” he said.
“I think [Aurora] was a bit overwhelmed by the tears and the howling, but I explained to her how happy those tears were,” Bennett said.
“It could have gone any of 100 ways, but she’s here, she’s alive, she’s well and it’s a great outcome for our family,” she said.
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westernjournal--2020-11-26--Watch: New Tool Lets Cops Shut Down Fleeing Drivers Without Firing a Single Shot

Car chases on The Dukes of Hazzard may have had a different outcome if Boss Hogg ’ s associates were able to safely lasso Bo and Luke Duke ’ s General Lee with the same tool credited in concluding some real-life vehicle pursuits , the Grappler Police Bumper .
It was a television show about police chases ending badly that actually inspired Grappler inventor Leonard Stock to devise a takedown for high-speed vehicles while mitigating the possibility of driver , passenger , police and pedestrian injuries .
According to the Grappler ’ s website , Stock ’ s concept roused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night .
A week later , as Stock retold on Grappler ’ s website , he attached his prototype to “ the front of his truck ” and headed to the Arizona desert with his wife Frances for their own simulation , his spouse in “ the getaway car … the family Suburban.
” After its first capture in Nov. 2018 , 94 car pursuits have come to a successful close as of Oct. 2020 , thanks to the Police Bumper .
According to KMIR-TV , the U.S. Border Control in California was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , apprehending an erratic car near Calexico with four undocumented individuals from Mexico .
Stock tested out his Grappler for the Kansas City Star in June 2019 , describing the innovation as a way “ to prevent a reckless individual from speeding through an intersection and injuring and killing somebody.
” He also said , with it , “ a police officer can regain control of a volatile situation.
” Stock told the Kansas City Star , the device — priced at $ 5,000 each with installation and training included — was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video showed that once activated , the Grappler attaches onto the pursued auto , eventually bringing it to a smooth stop .
The device tether , which can be released at any time , may also detach from its base prior to deployment , entangling within the other vehicle ’ s tire to slow it down .
One of the most recent cases where the Grappler was implemented was with Arizona ’ s Department of Public Safety — the state where the device is manufactured — in successfully apprehending an erratic driver , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DPS captured Amy Sharie Pierce , 39 , of Mesa , Ariz. , after she allegedly continually rammed an unidentified female victim ’ s car on Sept. 22 .
The frightened driver dialed 911 as the incident was in process and police quickly responded to the scene .
Police engaged in chasing Pierce as she consistently bumped the victim ’ s car , refusing to pull over for law enforcement .
After engaging the Grappler , the contraption snared Pierce ’ s SUV , eventually bringing it to a full halt .
Arizona @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seriously injured.
” According to The Arizona Republic , Pierce was intoxicated and pursued the other car — a Ford Mustang — jettisoning it “ at speeds of over 100 miles per hour , ” because she was certain it was her ex-husband .
Pierce was charged with “ criminal damage , endangerment , unlawful flight and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
” KSAZ-TV in Phoenix aired another successful Arizona DPS Grappler apprehension , the agency harnessing a runaway vehicle in June .
In August 2019 , KPNX-TV reported Phoenix Police used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kidnappers in their tracks .
According to KPNX , two men abducted an unidentified woman , in an attempt to extort ransom from one of her relatives and her boyfriend .
Stock , who was interviewed for one of the network ’ s segments , said the device was in use with “ departments across the country.
” He believed in this case the Grappler was better than a “ pit maneuver , ” which he said could make “ a car skid out of control , putting people in danger , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vehicle.
” The Grappler , Stock added , stealthily “ hides in plain sight ” within a police vehicle ’ s bumper , the yellow nets only revealed after personnel pushes a button .
Missouri ’ s Cass County Sheriff Jeff Weber told the Kansas City Star the Grappler was also a viable alternative in lessening the risk of police officer injury .
“ This [ the Grappler ] allows me to stay behind the bad guy , even at low speeds , and hook these vehicles and bring them to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public or the officer getting hurt , ” Weber said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Car chases on “The Dukes of Hazzard” may have had a different outcome if Boss Hogg’s associates were able to safely lasso Bo and Luke Duke’s General Lee with the same tool credited in concluding some real-life vehicle pursuits, the Grappler Police Bumper.
It was a television show about police chases ending badly that actually inspired Grappler inventor Leonard Stock to devise a takedown for high-speed vehicles while mitigating the possibility of driver, passenger, police and pedestrian injuries.
According to the Grappler’s website, Stock’s concept roused him from a sound sleep that very night.
A week later, as Stock retold on Grappler’s website, he attached his prototype to “the front of his truck” and headed to the Arizona desert with his wife Frances for their own simulation, his spouse in “the getaway car … the family Suburban.”
After its first capture in Nov. 2018, 94 car pursuits have come to a successful close as of Oct. 2020, thanks to the Police Bumper.
According to KMIR-TV, the U.S. Border Patrol in California was the first to successfully use the Grappler, apprehending an erratic car near Calexico with four undocumented individuals from Mexico.
Stock tested out his Grappler for the Kansas City Star in June 2019, describing the innovation as a way “to prevent a reckless individual from speeding through an intersection and injuring and killing somebody.”
He also said, with it, “a police officer can regain control of a volatile situation.”
Stock told the Kansas City Star, the device — priced at $5,000 each with installation and training included — was “80 to 90 percent effective.”
The video showed that once activated, the Grappler attaches onto the pursued auto, eventually bringing it to a smooth stop. The device tether, which can be released at any time, may also detach from its base prior to deployment, entangling within the other vehicle’s tire to slow it down.
One of the most recent cases where the Grappler was implemented was with Arizona’s Department of Public Safety — the state where the device is manufactured — in successfully apprehending an erratic driver, as demonstrated in its dashcam footage.
DPS captured Amy Sharie Pierce, 39, of Mesa, Ariz., after she allegedly continually rammed an unidentified female victim’s car on Sept. 22.
The frightened driver dialed 911 as the incident was in process and police quickly responded to the scene.
Police engaged in chasing Pierce as she consistently bumped the victim’s car, refusing to pull over for law enforcement.
This video depicts an incident which occurred on the night of Tuesday, September 22, 2020 around 7:51 p.m. and concluded on the San Tan Loop 202. (?Sound on.)#AZTroopers #CourteousVigilance #GrapplerPoliceBumper pic.twitter.com/fWD2PxQpX2 — Dept. of Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) October 1, 2020
After engaging the Grappler, the contraption snared Pierce’s SUV, eventually bringing it to a full halt.
Arizona DPS reported the victim “was not seriously injured.”
According to The Arizona Republic, Pierce was intoxicated and pursued the other car — a Ford Mustang — jettisoning it “at speeds of over 100 miles per hour,” because she was certain it was her ex-husband.
Pierce was charged with “criminal damage, endangerment, unlawful flight and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.”
KSAZ-TV in Phoenix aired another successful Arizona DPS Grappler apprehension, the agency harnessing a runaway vehicle in June.
In August 2019, KPNX-TV reported Phoenix Police used the Grappler to stop a pair of kidnappers in their tracks.
According to KPNX, two men abducted an unidentified woman, in an attempt to extort ransom from one of her relatives and her boyfriend.
Stock, who was interviewed for one of the network’s segments, said the device was in use with “departments across the country.”
He believed in this case the Grappler was better than a “pit maneuver,” which he said could make “a car skid out of control, putting people in danger,” because “there was someone innocent in the vehicle.”
The Grappler, Stock added, stealthily “hides in plain sight” within a police vehicle’s bumper, the yellow nets only revealed after personnel pushes a button.
Missouri’s Cass County Sheriff Jeff Weber told the Kansas City Star the Grappler was also a viable alternative in lessening the risk of police officer injury.
“This [the Grappler] allows me to stay behind the bad guy, even at low speeds, and hook these vehicles and bring them to a stop, and not worry about the public or the officer getting hurt,” Weber said.
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westernjournal--2020-11-26--Here’s the Secretive Next-Gen Helicopter That Could Replace Army’s Fleet of Black Hawks

The greatest military in the world could get even more lethal if the Army decides to acquire a fleet of next-generation helicopters that are faster , more fuel-efficient and have a wider combat range than its current crop of aircraft .
At least two vendors are competing for the lucrative government contract , according to The National Interest .
A frontrunner is the Sikorsky-Boeing SB-1 Defiant helicopter , which in June hit a record speed of 205 knots , or about 235 miles per hour .
It has since reached 250 miles per hour , or 217 knots , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 250 knots , or 288 mph .
The Black Hawk combat helicopter currently used by the Army has a maximum speed of 159 knots , or 183 mph .
Boeing Co. and Sikorsky , part of the Lockheed Martin Corp. , built the Defiant pursuant to a 2014 Army contract the team was awarded .
Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said sleeker , faster combat helicopters will help the United States maintain its military edge over its foreign rivals .
“ This is a very crucial moment for the Army for bringing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so that we can maintain that technological edge for years to come , ” McCarthy said , according to Military.com .
Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville said the Army will continue to test-fly the Defiant prototype before any decision is reached .
“ We are flying before buying , ” McConville said , according to an Army report on the aircraft ’ s flight demo Nov. 9 .
However , he said he was already impressed that the Defiant flies at twice the speed and has three times the combat radius @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Black Hawk combat helicopters .
McConville added that he was thrilled by the advancements that have been made in military technology .
“ I ’ m excited to see what everyone is doing to transform Army aviation , ” the general said following the flight demo .
He said these advancements “ will prove critical for Army operations in a theater like the Indo-Pacific , where the dominant geographical feature is water and yet land forces remain the predominant military force in the majority of nations in the region.
” Jay Macklin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vertical lift business development , said the speed record the Defiant achieved was noteworthy because it blew past previous milestones .
“ Exceeding 200 knots is significant also because it ’ s beyond any conventional helicopter speed , and we understand that speed and low-level maneuverability is critical to the holistic survivability in a future FVL [ future vertical lift ] environment , ” Macklin told Defense News in June .
For now , the Defiant will undergo extensive and rigorous testing .
While having the most cutting-edge military technology is important for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope the Defiant won ’ t be needed and we can instead bring our troops home .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The greatest military in the world could get even more lethal if the Army decides to acquire a fleet of next-generation helicopters that are faster, more fuel-efficient and have a wider combat range than its current crop of aircraft.
At least two vendors are competing for the lucrative government contract, according to The National Interest.
A frontrunner is the Sikorsky-Boeing SB-1 Defiant helicopter, which in June hit a record speed of 205 knots, or about 235 miles per hour. It has since reached 250 miles per hour, or 217 knots, according to the Army, and will ramp up to 250 knots, or 288 mph.
The Black Hawk combat helicopter currently used by the Army has a maximum speed of 159 knots, or 183 mph.
Boeing Co. and Sikorsky, part of the Lockheed Martin Corp., built the Defiant pursuant to a 2014 Army contract the team was awarded.
Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said sleeker, faster combat helicopters will help the United States maintain its military edge over its foreign rivals.
“This is a very crucial moment for the Army for bringing in these new platforms into the formation so that we can maintain that technological edge for years to come,” McCarthy said, according to Military.com.
Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville said the Army will continue to test-fly the Defiant prototype before any decision is reached.
“We are flying before buying,” McConville said, according to an Army report on the aircraft’s flight demo Nov. 9.
However, he said he was already impressed that the Defiant flies at twice the speed and has three times the combat radius of the Army’s current fleet of Black Hawk combat helicopters.
McConville added that he was thrilled by the advancements that have been made in military technology.
“I’m excited to see what everyone is doing to transform Army aviation,” the general said following the flight demo.
He said these advancements “will prove critical for Army operations in a theater like the Indo-Pacific, where the dominant geographical feature is water and yet land forces remain the predominant military force in the majority of nations in the region.”
Do you think it's important for the U.S. military to be the best in the world? Yes No
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Jay Macklin, Sikorsky’s director of future vertical lift business development, said the speed record the Defiant achieved was noteworthy because it blew past previous milestones.
“Exceeding 200 knots is significant also because it’s beyond any conventional helicopter speed, and we understand that speed and low-level maneuverability is critical to the holistic survivability in a future FVL [future vertical lift] environment,” Macklin told Defense News in June.
For now, the Defiant will undergo extensive and rigorous testing.
“Cost matters, performance matters and schedule matters,” McConville said. “And ultimately, winning matters.”
While having the most cutting-edge military technology is important for maintaining American exceptionalism, let’s hope the Defiant won’t be needed and we can instead bring our troops home.
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westernjournal--2020-11-26--Teen Rioter’s Attack on Police Officer Leads to Unexpected Friendship

A Miami police officer who was attacked by a teenage protester has become one of his biggest supporters and mentors months after the incident , the Miami Herald reported Friday .
Michael Marshall , 17 , hit Miami police officer Raymon Washington with a skateboard during a protest that descended into violence on June 10 , the Herald reported .
Now , Washington frequently attends Marshall ’ s high school football games and sits with the teen ’ s family .
The two often talk about football , family and life .
“ I was that kid — high school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Had offers on the [ table ] .
I was like , I don ’ t want to screw this kid up .
If I can change one life , and that ’ s it , then that ’ s it , ” Washington said .
Marshall and Washington met in a conference room at the Miami-Dade Children ’ s Courthouse on Oct. 12 .
Washington was apprehensive about the meeting , but when they sat down together he gave Marshall his personal cell phone number , offered him rides to and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help him find a tutor .
Marshall hadn ’ t personally interacted with police or ever been to a protest before he was arrested , according to the Herald .
He didn ’ t know any of the other protesters , and he arrived alone after his mother dropped him off .
Protesters vandalized statues of Christopher Columbus and Juan Ponce de León , and clashes broke out between the demonstrators and law enforcement .
Marshall hit Washington over the head with his skateboard as Washington fought with a protester , the Herald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police received an anonymous tip that it was Marshall who had attacked Washington .
Marshall said he was filled with remorse after the incident .
“ When I was going home , I looked around and realized this took a hard curve and it wasn ’ t for me , ” Marshall said .
RELATED : Actor Hits Back After He Comes Under Fire for Helping Bail Out Kyle Rittenhouse Marshall faces charges of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer , but prosecutors will drop all charges if he completes probation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ probation until his 19th birthday and volunteer hours at the Miami Police Department .
“ I should have been dead three times this year , ” Washington said .
“ For some reason , God was like , you ’ re here for a reason.
” A version of this article appeared on the Daily Caller News Foundation website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A Miami police officer who was attacked by a teenage protester has become one of his biggest supporters and mentors months after the incident, the Miami Herald reported Friday.
Michael Marshall, 17, hit Miami police officer Raymon Washington with a skateboard during a protest that descended into violence on June 10, the Herald reported.
Now, Washington frequently attends Marshall’s high school football games and sits with the teen’s family. The two often talk about football, family and life.
“I was that kid — high school athlete, wanted to go to college. Had offers on the [table]. I was like, I don’t want to screw this kid up. If I can change one life, and that’s it, then that’s it,” Washington said.
Miami cop befriends teen who attacked him at BLM protest https://t.co/TsYEmkdG3X pic.twitter.com/pGa9BOQaW7 — Police1 (@PoliceOne) November 13, 2020
Marshall and Washington met in a conference room at the Miami-Dade Children’s Courthouse on Oct. 12.
Washington was apprehensive about the meeting, but when they sat down together he gave Marshall his personal cell phone number, offered him rides to and from football practice, and offered to help him find a tutor.
Marshall hadn’t personally interacted with police or ever been to a protest before he was arrested, according to the Herald. He didn’t know any of the other protesters, and he arrived alone after his mother dropped him off.
Protesters vandalized statues of Christopher Columbus and Juan Ponce de León, and clashes broke out between the demonstrators and law enforcement.
Marshall hit Washington over the head with his skateboard as Washington fought with a protester, the Herald reported.
He turned himself in after police received an anonymous tip that it was Marshall who had attacked Washington.
Marshall said he was filled with remorse after the incident.
“When I was going home, I looked around and realized this took a hard curve and it wasn’t for me,” Marshall said.
Marshall faces charges of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, but prosecutors will drop all charges if he completes probation.
He was granted a plea deal including probation until his 19th birthday and volunteer hours at the Miami Police Department.
“I should have been dead three times this year,” Washington said. “For some reason, God was like, you’re here for a reason.”
Content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of their original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
A version of this article appeared on the Daily Caller News Foundation website.
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westernjournal--2020-11-26--Alleged Porch Pirate Arrested After Cops See What He Wore to Court

A South Carolina man was arrested after he appeared in court wearing the shirt he ’ d worn the day before on surveillance video while allegedly stealing packages from front porches in a Goose Creek neighborhood .
The alleged “ porch pirate , ” whose name was not given , was first pointed out in a Facebook post Nov. 10 to the Goose Creek Resident Group and later to the city ’ s police department .
Police encountered the purported pirate in court the next day , and he turned himself in , according to WCIV-TV .
He was dressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous day , according to multiple reports .
It wasn ’ t clear why the man was in the courtroom .
Goose Creek Police wrote on a Nov. 13 Facebook post that “ sometimes people actually do make our job easy.
” “ This guy decided to come into our courtroom the day after the first post was made and lucky for us he was even wearing the same shirt , ” the police department said .
“ We are happy to say he is in custody.
” The Facebook post didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the courtroom and if his appearance was related to the stolen packages , according to WBTV .
The quest for the suspect started with a screen-shot warning post to the residents ’ group , stating , “ Beware of this porch pirate !
” Before he allegedly took a package from a female resident ’ s porch , the resident said the suspect tossed into her garbage can an empty Amazon envelope that had contained an item snatched from her neighbor .
She said she then watched the suspect on video as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ with whatever else he had stolen in the neighborhood.
” His accomplice also was filmed riding a bicycle , according to the victim ’ s post .
This porch pirate case wasn ’ t the Goose Creek Police Department ’ s first .
There was another publicized plundering there in December 2018 .
A Georgia female was arrested in connection with the incident .
RELATED : Watch : New Tool Lets Cops Shut Down Fleeing Drivers Without Firing a Single Shot Porch pirating has become a bigger phenomenon recently , with The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 90,000 packages were being swiped daily in New York City , a 20 percent increase from 2015 .
According to the Times , Denver experienced a 68 percent surge in package pirating between 2015 and 2019 .
“ About 15 percent of all deliveries in urban areas fail to reach customers on the first attempt because of package theft and other issues , like deliveries to the wrong house , ” the Times wrote .
“ In suburbs and rural areas , thieves often follow delivery trucks and snatch just-delivered packages from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighbors.
” To help combat the issue , the Times reported vendors and shipping companies have made improvements to their package tracking practices .
A CBS News story from April reported a jump in front-door package looting , according to the Los Angeles Police Department , with the advent of the coronavirus and delivery drivers told by their companies to practice social distancing during the pandemic .
Police said delivery drivers who notice vehicles tailing them should change directions and dial 911 .
The LAPD recommended consumers have packages delivered to their workplace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ box in their homes .
To also avoid porch pirates , the CBS story suggested individuals expecting packages may opt to “ have them delivered to UPS or FedEx pick-up spots or Amazon lockers.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A South Carolina man was arrested after he appeared in court wearing the shirt he’d worn the day before on surveillance video while allegedly stealing packages from front porches in a Goose Creek neighborhood.
The alleged “porch pirate,” whose name was not given, was first pointed out in a Facebook post Nov. 10 to the Goose Creek Resident Group and later to the city’s police department.
Police encountered the purported pirate in court the next day, and he turned himself in, according to WCIV-TV. He was dressed in an identical green shirt from the previous day, according to multiple reports. It wasn’t clear why the man was in the courtroom.
Goose Creek Police stated that a suspected porch pirate is in custody. Authorities said he was wearing the same shirt as when he was seen on home security footage:https://t.co/BLu3473nmQ#scnews — ABC News 4 (@ABCNews4) November 13, 2020
Goose Creek Police wrote on a Nov. 13 Facebook post that “sometimes people actually do make our job easy.”
“This guy decided to come into our courtroom the day after the first post was made and lucky for us he was even wearing the same shirt,” the police department said. “We are happy to say he is in custody.”
The Facebook post didn’t say why the man was in the courtroom and if his appearance was related to the stolen packages, according to WBTV.
The quest for the suspect started with a screen-shot warning post to the residents’ group, stating, “Beware of this porch pirate!”
Have you ever been the victim of a porch pirate? Yes No
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Before he allegedly took a package from a female resident’s porch, the resident said the suspect tossed into her garbage can an empty Amazon envelope that had contained an item snatched from her neighbor.
She said she then watched the suspect on video as he crammed her looted merchandise into his backpack “with whatever else he had stolen in the neighborhood.”
His accomplice also was filmed riding a bicycle, according to the victim’s post.
This porch pirate case wasn’t the Goose Creek Police Department’s first. There was another publicized plundering there in December 2018. A Georgia female was arrested in connection with the incident.
The porch pirate suspect has been caught! On Tuesday evening, December 11, Berkeley County deputies were patrolling… Posted by Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Porch pirating has become a bigger phenomenon recently, with The New York Times reporting in December 2019 that 90,000 packages were being swiped daily in New York City, a 20 percent increase from 2015.
According to the Times, Denver experienced a 68 percent surge in package pirating between 2015 and 2019.
“About 15 percent of all deliveries in urban areas fail to reach customers on the first attempt because of package theft and other issues, like deliveries to the wrong house,” the Times wrote.
“In suburbs and rural areas, thieves often follow delivery trucks and snatch just-delivered packages from homes, often out of sight of neighbors.”
To help combat the issue, the Times reported vendors and shipping companies have made improvements to their package tracking practices.
A CBS News story from April reported a jump in front-door package looting, according to the Los Angeles Police Department, with the advent of the coronavirus and delivery drivers told by their companies to practice social distancing during the pandemic.
Police said delivery drivers who notice vehicles tailing them should change directions and dial 911.
The LAPD recommended consumers have packages delivered to their workplace or that they install a secure delivery box in their homes.
To also avoid porch pirates, the CBS story suggested individuals expecting packages may opt to “have them delivered to UPS or FedEx pick-up spots or Amazon lockers.”
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westernjournal--2020-11-26--Lost German Shepherd Reunited with Owners After International Journey

Coronavirus travel restrictions couldn ’ t stop a lost dog from making her way across the Canadian border and back .
Diamond , a German shepherd , escaped from her home in New Brunswick on Nov. 14 and crossed a border bridge into Fort Kent , Maine , where coronavirus restrictions prevented her owners from following , the Bangor Daily News reported .
The owner , Paryse Michaud , was at her daughter ’ s hockey tournament several hours away when she got news that the 1-year-old dog had escaped from their home in Clair , New Brunswick .
Michaud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dog when she escaped , the newspaper reported .
Michaud posted a plea for help on Facebook , saying the dog had crossed the border .
Over the next six hours , Michaud received updates from people in Maine tracking the dog .
A friend found the dog in a garage and coordinated with other friends on the Canadian side for a hand-off .
Finally , Michaud got a text with a photo of the dog and a family friend in a car on the Canadian side of the border .
Diamond was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nov. 15 after being handed off at a border station .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Coronavirus travel restrictions couldn’t stop a lost dog from making her way across the Canadian border and back.
Diamond, a German shepherd, escaped from her home in New Brunswick on Nov. 14 and crossed a border bridge into Fort Kent, Maine, where coronavirus restrictions prevented her owners from following, the Bangor Daily News reported.
The owner, Paryse Michaud, was at her daughter’s hockey tournament several hours away when she got news that the 1-year-old dog had escaped from their home in Clair, New Brunswick.
Michaud’s father was looking after the dog when she escaped, the newspaper reported.
Michaud posted a plea for help on Facebook, saying the dog had crossed the border.
Over the next six hours, Michaud received updates from people in Maine tracking the dog.
A friend found the dog in a garage and coordinated with other friends on the Canadian side for a hand-off.
Finally, Michaud got a text with a photo of the dog and a family friend in a car on the Canadian side of the border.
Diamond was united with Michaud and her family on Nov. 15 after being handed off at a border station.
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The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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