westernjournal--2020-06-28--Former Nat. Intelligence Director Grenell Busts Russian Bounty Scandal Wide Open: ‘I Never Heard Thi

Former Nat. Intelligence Director Grenell Busts Russian Bounty Scandal Wide Open: ‘I Never Heard This’

The Trump administration , as well as its former intelligence chief , pushed back hard this weekend over a New York Times report claiming President Donald Trump had been briefed on an intelligence assessment that said a Russian military unit was doling out bounties to terrorists in Afghanistan when the terrorists killed members of the U.S.-led coalition .
According to The New York Times , a Russian military intelligence unit covertly offered the bounties for killing coalition troops in Afghanistan .
The Times , much of whose reporting was confirmed by The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from “ officials briefed on the matter ” who it did not name .
The Times report said it was uncertain which , if any , of the 20 American deaths in Afghanistan last year might have been linked to bounties paid by the Russians .
The report said “ Islamist militants , or armed criminal elements closely associated with them , are believed to have collected some bounty money.
” The intelligence assessment upon which The Times based its report was discussed in March by the National Security Council , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump was briefed on the allegation .
TRENDING : Polish President Quietly Visits Vandalized DC Statue , His Next Move Puts Disrespectful Protesters to Shame Former Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell lashed out after Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu of California attacked Trump over the claim that the president had been briefed on the matter .
“ I never heard this , ” he tweeted Saturday .
“ And it ’ s disgusting how you continue to politicize intelligence .
You clearly don ’ t understand how raw intel gets verified .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from anonymous sources is dangerous because people like you manipulate it for political gain.
” On Sunday morning , Trump fired off angry tweets denying the claim made by The Times .
“ Nobody briefed or told me , @ VP Pence , or Chief of Staff @ MarkMeadows about the so-called attacks on our troops in Afghanistan by Russians , as reported through an ‘ anonymous source ’ by the Fake News @ nytimes .
Everybody is denying it & there have not been many attacks on us , ” he tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Russia than the Trump Administration , ” Trump added .
“ With Corrupt Joe Biden & Obama , Russia had a field day , taking over important parts of Ukraine – Where ’ s Hunter ?
Probably just another phony Times hit job , just like their failed Russia Hoax .
“ Who is their ‘ source ’ ?
” he tweeted , adding a later tweet casting doubt on the accuracy of the report .
RELATED : After Trump 's Executive Order , Four Men Face Federal Charges for Andrew Jackson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden used it to criticize Trump .
“ Not only has he failed to sanction or impose any kind of consequences on Russia for this egregious violation of international law , Donald Trump has continued his embarrassing campaign of deference and debasing himself before Vladimir Putin , ” Biden said during a virtual town hall event , according to The Times .
“ His entire presidency has been a gift to Putin , but this is beyond the pale .
It ’ s a betrayal of the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to protect and equip our troops when we send them into harm ’ s way , ” the former vice president added .
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham , meanwhile , said the truth about the allegations regarding Russia ’ s actions needs to be ascertained : White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany issued a statement pushing back against the claim that Trump was briefed , although she did not reject the allegations against Russia .
“ The United States receives thousands of intelligence reports a day and they are subject to strict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
“ While the White House does not routinely comment on alleged intelligence or internal deliberations , the CIA Director , National Security Advisor , and the Chief of Staff can all confirm that neither the President nor the Vice President were briefed on the alleged Russian bounty intelligence , ” McEnany added .
“ This does not speak to the merit of the alleged intelligence but to the inaccuracy of the New York Times story erroneously suggesting that President Trump was briefed on this matter , ” the statement said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We stand by our story , the details of which have not been denied by the President ’ s own National Security agencies , ” a New York Times spokesperson told The Hill .
But Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe denied that Trump or Vice President Mike Pence had been briefed on the bounty allegations .
“ The White House statement addressing this issue earlier today , which denied such a briefing occurred , was accurate .
The New York Times reporting , and all other subsequent news reports about such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said in a statement posted to Twitter .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The Trump administration, as well as its former intelligence chief, pushed back hard this weekend over a New York Times report claiming President Donald Trump had been briefed on an intelligence assessment that said a Russian military unit was doling out bounties to terrorists in Afghanistan when the terrorists killed members of the U.S.-led coalition.
According to The New York Times, a Russian military intelligence unit covertly offered the bounties for killing coalition troops in Afghanistan.
The Times, much of whose reporting was confirmed by The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, said it learned of the intelligence assessment from “officials briefed on the matter” who it did not name.
The Times report said it was uncertain which, if any, of the 20 American deaths in Afghanistan last year might have been linked to bounties paid by the Russians. The report said “Islamist militants, or armed criminal elements closely associated with them, are believed to have collected some bounty money.”
The intelligence assessment upon which The Times based its report was discussed in March by the National Security Council, according to the newspaper, which also claimed that Trump was briefed on the allegation.
Former Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell lashed out after Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu of California attacked Trump over the claim that the president had been briefed on the matter.
“I never heard this,” he tweeted Saturday. “And it’s disgusting how you continue to politicize intelligence. You clearly don’t understand how raw intel gets verified.
“Leaks of partial information to reporters from anonymous sources is dangerous because people like you manipulate it for political gain.”
I never heard this. And it’s disgusting how you continue to politicize intelligence. You clearly don’t understand how raw intel gets verified. Leaks of partial information to reporters from anonymous sources is dangerous because people like you manipulate it for political gain. https://t.co/403X9AVGAC — Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) June 27, 2020
On Sunday morning, Trump fired off angry tweets denying the claim made by The Times.
“Nobody briefed or told me, @VP Pence, or Chief of Staff @MarkMeadows about the so-called attacks on our troops in Afghanistan by Russians, as reported through an ‘anonymous source’ by the Fake News @nytimes. Everybody is denying it & there have not been many attacks on us,” he tweeted.
“Nobody’s been tougher on Russia than the Trump Administration,” Trump added. “With Corrupt Joe Biden & Obama, Russia had a field day, taking over important parts of Ukraine – Where’s Hunter? Probably just another phony Times hit job, just like their failed Russia Hoax.
“Who is their ‘source’?” he tweeted, adding a later tweet casting doubt on the accuracy of the report.
…Nobody’s been tougher on Russia than the Trump Administration. With Corrupt Joe Biden & Obama, Russia had a field day, taking over important parts of Ukraine – Where’s Hunter? Probably just another phony Times hit job, just like their failed Russia Hoax. Who is their “source”? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 28, 2020
The Fake News @ nytimes must reveal its “anonymous” source. Bet they can’t do it, this “person” probably does not even exist! https://t.co/pdg4AjybOG — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 28, 2020
The allegation became political fodder after Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden used it to criticize Trump.
Do you believe Trump that he was not briefed about the bounty matter? Yes No
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“Not only has he failed to sanction or impose any kind of consequences on Russia for this egregious violation of international law, Donald Trump has continued his embarrassing campaign of deference and debasing himself before Vladimir Putin,” Biden said during a virtual town hall event, according to The Times.
“His entire presidency has been a gift to Putin, but this is beyond the pale. It’s a betrayal of the most sacred duty we bear as a nation, to protect and equip our troops when we send them into harm’s way,” the former vice president added.
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, meanwhile, said the truth about the allegations regarding Russia’s actions needs to be ascertained:
I expect the Trump Administration to take such allegations seriously and inform Congress immediately as to the reliability of these news reports. — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) June 27, 2020
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany issued a statement pushing back against the claim that Trump was briefed, although she did not reject the allegations against Russia.
“The United States receives thousands of intelligence reports a day and they are subject to strict scrutiny,” she said in a statement.
“While the White House does not routinely comment on alleged intelligence or internal deliberations, the CIA Director, National Security Advisor, and the Chief of Staff can all confirm that neither the President nor the Vice President were briefed on the alleged Russian bounty intelligence,” McEnany added.
“This does not speak to the merit of the alleged intelligence but to the inaccuracy of the New York Times story erroneously suggesting that President Trump was briefed on this matter,” the statement said.
However, The Times was adamant.
“We stand by our story, the details of which have not been denied by the President’s own National Security agencies,” a New York Times spokesperson told The Hill.
But Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe denied that Trump or Vice President Mike Pence had been briefed on the bounty allegations.
“The White House statement addressing this issue earlier today, which denied such a briefing occurred, was accurate. The New York Times reporting, and all other subsequent news reports about such an alleged briefing are inaccurate.” (2/2) — Office of the DNI (@ODNIgov) June 28, 2020
“The White House statement addressing this issue earlier today, which denied such a briefing occurred, was accurate. The New York Times reporting, and all other subsequent news reports about such an alleged briefing are inaccurate,” he said in a statement posted to Twitter.
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westernjournal--2020-06-28--WA Sheriff: ‘Don’t Be a Sheep’ and Blindly Follow Leftist Mask Order

The idea of mask orders went national this past week when Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said he would “ do everything possible ” to force all Americans to wear face coverings while out in public .
“ The one thing we do know , these masks make a gigantic difference .
I would insist that everybody out in public be wearing that mask .
Anyone to reopen — would have to make sure that they walked into a business that had masks , ” Biden told KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh .
Asked if he would use the power of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former vice president replied : “ Yes , I would from an executive standpoint , yes , I would.
” “ I would do everything possible to make it required that people had to wear masks in public , ” he said , when asked if he would “ in effect ” make make wearing a mask mandatory .
That wouldn ’ t even happen before next January at the very earliest .
By that one time , one prays ( rather against the odds ) that the whole thing will be redundant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still be seeing plenty of similar orders from state and local officials .
TRENDING : Polish President Quietly Visits Vandalized DC Statue , His Next Move Puts Disrespectful Protesters to Shame One of them is Washington Democratic Gov .
Jay Inslee , who issued an executive order on masks effective Friday : “ As necessary economic activity increases and more people are out in their communities , it is imperative that we adopt further measures to protect all of us , ” Inslee said Tuesday , according to a news release .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this is going to be one of our best defenses.
” The order states that “ [ n ] o individual may appear in a public place without wearing a face covering , ” that “ [ n ] o business may operate , allow a customer to enter a business , or conduct business with a customer inside any building that is open to public or outdoors in a public place unless the customer is wearing a face covering ” and that “ [ n ] o individual may enter a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is operating indoors or outdoors , without first donning a face covering , unless the individual does so under circumstances expressly exempted from this requirement under Order of the Secretary of Health 20-03.
” It ’ s probably not the most unpopular thing to do , given the recent spike in COVID-19 cases nationwide .
However , Inslee is governor of a big state , not all of which is urban , experiencing a major increase in cases or particularly liberal .
It all becomes more problematic when you parse Inslee ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signing the state up for mandatory mask-wearing until a vaccine is ready , which could be a year or longer .
It ’ s this environment and set of conditions that turned Lewis County Sheriff Robert Snaza into a viral superstar .
In a video taken by The Daily Chronicle in Centralia , Washington , Snaza — not wearing a mask — spoke to a mostly maskless crowd outside a church on the same day Inslee issued his order , according to The Washington Post .
“ In case you guys didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infinite wisdom has decided after over a hundred and some odd days that we should all wear face masks — inside and out , ” Snaza said through a megaphone in the clip .
“ Here ’ s what I say — don ’ t be a sheep.
” RELATED : Second Shooting in Seattle 's 'CHOP ' Shatters Mayor 's 'Summer of Love ' Propaganda The video had over 265,000 views as of Sunday morning , which is certainly more than you ’ d expect for a short clip of a sheriff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opinion on Jay Inslee ’ s mask order .
Media in the region took note , as well .
In an interview with Oregon Public Broadcasting the next day , Snaza expressed frustration with Inslee and skepticism that the new policy would actually work .
“ My frustration is we continue to listen to the governor ’ s requests without asking questions , without saying : ‘ Well wait a minute , there ’ s the other side to this ’ and in particular wearing the mask , ” Snaza said .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be efficacious : “ Yet we ’ re telling people now to wear it and if you don ’ t wear it , we ’ re going to cite you for that , ” he said .
Snaza ’ s remarks got enough attention that Inslee addressed them in a news conference on Wednesday .
“ I think we have to be disappointed in any law enforcement officer who would encourage illegal behavior , ” Inslee said .
He added that wearing a mask “ is about demonstrating our respect and care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And if you don ’ t care , the government might punish you with up to 90 days of jail time and a $ 100 fine .
Yet , Sheriff Snaza says he ’ s not calling for mass lawbreaking : “ Just because I said ‘ don ’ t be sheep ’ does not mean that I ’ m outwardly saying I want you to violate the orders , ” he said .
Less helpful , at least by Inslee ’ s rubric , was Klickitat County Sheriff Bob Songer , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and said he was “ overstepping his bounds , violating people ’ s constitutional rights.
” Sheriffs in two other counties said they planned to “ educate ” people about mask usage without enforcing Inslee ’ s order .
This is the invariable problem with blanket orders like this , which sound great on paper but are wholly unenforceable in reality — particularly given the optics of the government forcing you to wear something .
Masks , while potentially efficacious , aren ’ t the be-all-end-all .
After all , the World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Control were previously at odds over whether they ’ re even necessary for healthy people .
In the end , personal responsibility is going to play a larger part in this than executive orders .
Even if Joe Biden is in a position ( heaven forfend ) to issue an executive order mandating mask-wearing , good luck enforcing it .
He ’ s not going to be able to do what Jay Inslee apparently can ’ t .
Treating people as if they ’ re sheep won ’ t solve anything .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The idea of mask orders went national this past week when Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said he would “do everything possible” to force all Americans to wear face coverings while out in public.
“The one thing we do know, these masks make a gigantic difference. I would insist that everybody out in public be wearing that mask. Anyone to reopen — would have to make sure that they walked into a business that had masks,” Biden told KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh.
Asked if he would use the power of the federal government to enforce this, the former vice president replied: “Yes, I would from an executive standpoint, yes, I would.”
“I would do everything possible to make it required that people had to wear masks in public,” he said, when asked if he would “in effect” make make wearing a mask mandatory.
That wouldn’t even happen before next January at the very earliest. By that one time, one prays (rather against the odds) that the whole thing will be redundant. Until then, we’ll still be seeing plenty of similar orders from state and local officials.
One of them is Washington Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee, who issued an executive order on masks effective Friday: “As necessary economic activity increases and more people are out in their communities, it is imperative that we adopt further measures to protect all of us,” Inslee said Tuesday, according to a news release.
“Until a vaccine or cure is developed, this is going to be one of our best defenses.”
The order states that “[n]o individual may appear in a public place without wearing a face covering,” that “[n]o business may operate, allow a customer to enter a business, or conduct business with a customer inside any building that is open to public or outdoors in a public place unless the customer is wearing a face covering” and that “[n]o individual may enter a place of business, whether the business is operating indoors or outdoors, without first donning a face covering, unless the individual does so under circumstances expressly exempted from this requirement under Order of the Secretary of Health 20-03.”
It’s probably not the most unpopular thing to do, given the recent spike in COVID-19 cases nationwide.
Should mask-wearing be mandatory nationwide? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 7% (231 Votes) No: 93% (3089 Votes)
However, Inslee is governor of a big state, not all of which is urban, experiencing a major increase in cases or particularly liberal. It all becomes more problematic when you parse Inslee’s language and realize he’s essentially signing the state up for mandatory mask-wearing until a vaccine is ready, which could be a year or longer.
It’s this environment and set of conditions that turned Lewis County Sheriff Robert Snaza into a viral superstar.
In a video taken by The Daily Chronicle in Centralia, Washington, Snaza — not wearing a mask — spoke to a mostly maskless crowd outside a church on the same day Inslee issued his order, according to The Washington Post.
“In case you guys didn’t hear, Governor Inslee in his infinite wisdom has decided after over a hundred and some odd days that we should all wear face masks — inside and out,” Snaza said through a megaphone in the clip.
“Here’s what I say — don’t be a sheep.”
The video had over 265,000 views as of Sunday morning, which is certainly more than you’d expect for a short clip of a sheriff of a sparsely populated county giving his opinion on Jay Inslee’s mask order.
Media in the region took note, as well.
In an interview with Oregon Public Broadcasting the next day, Snaza expressed frustration with Inslee and skepticism that the new policy would actually work.
“My frustration is we continue to listen to the governor’s requests without asking questions, without saying: ‘Well wait a minute, there’s the other side to this’ and in particular wearing the mask,” Snaza said.
He’s also not convinced the masks would be efficacious: “Yet we’re telling people now to wear it and if you don’t wear it, we’re going to cite you for that,” he said.
Snaza’s remarks got enough attention that Inslee addressed them in a news conference on Wednesday.
“I think we have to be disappointed in any law enforcement officer who would encourage illegal behavior,” Inslee said.
He added that wearing a mask “is about demonstrating our respect and care for the other people around us.” And if you don’t care, the government might punish you with up to 90 days of jail time and a $100 fine.
Yet, Sheriff Snaza says he’s not calling for mass lawbreaking: “Just because I said ‘don’t be sheep’ does not mean that I’m outwardly saying I want you to violate the orders,” he said.
Inslee called this clarification “very helpful.”
Less helpful, at least by Inslee’s rubric, was Klickitat County Sheriff Bob Songer, who called the governor was an “idiot” and said he was “overstepping his bounds, violating people’s constitutional rights.”
Sheriffs in two other counties said they planned to “educate” people about mask usage without enforcing Inslee’s order.
Sheriffs in Clark and Cowlitz counties said they won’t strictly enforce the mask order, but will instead “educate.” Lewis County’s sheriff tells people not to be “sheep” for following the order. And here’s Klickitat’s sheriff Bob Songer (pic from his official page, too). pic.twitter.com/WE6EX7JZ5g — Troy Brynelson (@TroyWB) June 24, 2020
This is the invariable problem with blanket orders like this, which sound great on paper but are wholly unenforceable in reality — particularly given the optics of the government forcing you to wear something.
Masks, while potentially efficacious, aren’t the be-all-end-all. After all, the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control were previously at odds over whether they’re even necessary for healthy people.
In the end, personal responsibility is going to play a larger part in this than executive orders.
Even if Joe Biden is in a position (heaven forfend) to issue an executive order mandating mask-wearing, good luck enforcing it.
He’s not going to be able to do what Jay Inslee apparently can’t. Treating people as if they’re sheep won’t solve anything.
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westernjournal--2020-06-28--During Animal Abuse Investigation, Deputies Find Toddler in Cage

An 18-month-old boy was rescued last week from a Tennessee home where he was kept in a cage in close proximity to multiple large constricting snakes .
More than 600 animals were also rescued from the property , officials said .
The trailer home in Henry County , Tennessee , was raided on Thursday , according to WTVF-TV .
The child ’ s mother , 42-year-old Heather Scarbough , his stepfather , 46-year-old Thomas Jefferson Brown , and Brown ’ s father , 82-year-old Charles Brown , face “ felony charges of aggravated child abuse and aggravated cruelty to animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another felony , manufacturing marijuana , drug paraphernalia ” and cruelty to animals , according to WZTV .
TRENDING : Polish President Quietly Visits Vandalized DC Statue , His Next Move Puts Disrespectful Protesters to Shame Henry County Sheriff Monte Belew told reporters that officers were alerted to animal abuse on the property , but said when they arrived , they found a surprise — a boy in the type of cage that might be used to kennel a dog .
“ In a single-wide trailer in the living room you ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve got eight snakes and you ’ ve got the snakes ’ feed butted up against the child ’ s cage , ” Belew said .
“ Eight snakes in the same room , then mice running everywhere.
” The child , who was filthy but unharmed , was placed in the custody of the Tennessee Department of Children ’ s Services , he said .
Belew said a 10-foot-long constricting snake was in the trailer with the child .
“ It could ’ ve easily suffocated that child if it got a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Jackson Sun .
“ It was heartbreaking to see the conditions this child was living in , ” Belew added .
“ There was nothing for that baby in the entire house outside of the cage he was in .
All his toys were in there with him .
“ There were no other toys , no crib , no blankets for him .
It appeared he spent most if not all his time in the cage , and the ammonia smell that came up when we lifted the cage and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it appear as if he stayed in there a lot , ” he said .
In addition to the multiple large snakes , the cage was found near a box of live mice , police said .
Of the more than 600 animals taken from the property , 531 were mice , rats or hamsters , according to Belew .
“ We don ’ t know what purpose mice , rats and hamsters were serving — they could ’ ve been food for the snakes or they could ’ ve been for sale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unusual situation , ” he said .
“ I ’ m all for you living your life how you see fit , because we ’ re free to do that , ” Belew said .
“ But the conditions of this home were definitely out of the norm , and the child and the animals needed to be removed from the area.
” Garbage and old food was found throughout the property .
“ There was trash and food on top of the cage , ” Belew said .
“ And you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hungry , and he was starving .
He needed to be out of there , and the animals did , too.
” Police found 127 marijuana plants and 17 guns on the property , Belew said .
During the raid , authorities also discovered 56 dogs , 86 chickens or roosters , three cats and several birds .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

An 18-month-old boy was rescued last week from a Tennessee home where he was kept in a cage in close proximity to multiple large constricting snakes.
More than 600 animals were also rescued from the property, officials said.
The trailer home in Henry County, Tennessee, was raided on Thursday, according to WTVF-TV.
The child’s mother, 42-year-old Heather Scarbough, his stepfather, 46-year-old Thomas Jefferson Brown, and Brown’s father, 82-year-old Charles Brown, face “felony charges of aggravated child abuse and aggravated cruelty to animals, possession of a firearm while committing another felony, manufacturing marijuana, drug paraphernalia” and cruelty to animals, according to WZTV.
UPDATE: Toddler found in cage in Henry County; 3 charged, hundreds of animals rescuedhttps://t.co/dZlNXRo8L2 — NewsChannel 5 (@NC5) June 26, 2020
Henry County Sheriff Monte Belew told reporters that officers were alerted to animal abuse on the property, but said when they arrived, they found a surprise — a boy in the type of cage that might be used to kennel a dog.
“In a single-wide trailer in the living room you’ve got a kid caged, you’ve got eight snakes and you’ve got the snakes’ feed butted up against the child’s cage,” Belew said. “Eight snakes in the same room, then mice running everywhere.”
The child, who was filthy but unharmed, was placed in the custody of the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, he said.
AWFUL: Three people were arrested after police say they found an 18-month-old boy in a dog kennel in a filthy mobile home — which also had eight snakes, buckets filled with hundreds of mice, feces on the floor and thousands of cockroaches and maggots. https://t.co/K6i30Q9sfO — FOX 35 Orlando (@fox35orlando) June 27, 2020
Belew said a 10-foot-long constricting snake was in the trailer with the child.
“It could’ve easily suffocated that child if it got a chance,” he said, according to the Jackson Sun.
“It was heartbreaking to see the conditions this child was living in,” Belew added. “There was nothing for that baby in the entire house outside of the cage he was in. All his toys were in there with him.
“There were no other toys, no crib, no blankets for him. It appeared he spent most if not all his time in the cage, and the ammonia smell that came up when we lifted the cage and the bugs that were under it makes it appear as if he stayed in there a lot,” he said.
Do you think those responsible for this child's living conditions should be sentenced to life in prison? 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% (872 Votes) No: 4% (38 Votes)
In addition to the multiple large snakes, the cage was found near a box of live mice, police said.
Of the more than 600 animals taken from the property, 531 were mice, rats or hamsters, according to Belew.
“We don’t know what purpose mice, rats and hamsters were serving — they could’ve been food for the snakes or they could’ve been for sale purposes — but this was definitely an unusual situation,” he said.
“I’m all for you living your life how you see fit, because we’re free to do that,” Belew said. “But the conditions of this home were definitely out of the norm, and the child and the animals needed to be removed from the area.”
Garbage and old food was found throughout the property.
“There was trash and food on top of the cage,” Belew said. “And you can tell when a child is starving and hungry, and he was starving. He needed to be out of there, and the animals did, too.”
Police found 127 marijuana plants and 17 guns on the property, Belew said.
During the raid, authorities also discovered 56 dogs, 86 chickens or roosters, three cats and several birds.
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westernjournal--2020-06-28--Park Police Release Video of Violent Protests Before Infamous Trump ‘Tear Gas’ Incident

On June 11 , WUSA-TV reported that a woman who had brought her stepson to a June 1 protest in Washington , D.C. ’ s Lafayette Square was joining a federal lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union against various federal officials over authorities ’ alleged use of tear gas and unreasonable force against the proverbial “ peaceful protesters.
” Police took action to disperse the protesters , of course , so that President Donald Trump could make his way to St. John ’ s Church .
“ He actually said to one of his teachers , which is what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not handling this well , that there was a war , and that the government was trying to kill black people , ” Toni Sanders told WUSA .
“ At that point , I said to myself , ‘ I , I can ’ t offer him comfort , because that is what ’ s going on.
’ And it ’ s hard because you ’ re a 9-year-old .
And this isn ’ t something that you should have to think about , this isn ’ t something that you should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re carrying it with you.
” The suit claims U.S. Park Police used force that wasn ’ t commensurate with the threat .
TRENDING : Polish President Quietly Visits Vandalized DC Statue , His Next Move Puts Disrespectful Protesters to Shame As the narrative goes , police shouldn ’ t have been clearing Lafayette Square , anyway , since the president ’ s visit was just a “ photo op.
” Before then , it was apparently just basically a fun meetup in the park that got busted up by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Interior — which is responsible for the Park Police — countered that narrative with a bit of video footage showing just how peaceful those meetups in the park were .
Warning : The following video contains violent images and vulgar language that some viewers may find disturbing .
“ The video shows agitators throwing bricks , glass , bottles , and other assaults against law enforcement officers , ” a Department of the Interior spokesman told the Washington Free Beacon .
“ More than 60 U.S. Park Police officers have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitalized requiring surgeries.
” Is this something you should bring your 9-year-old to ?
The video , according to the agency , was taken during protests before June 1 , when authorities cleared Lafayette Square to give Trump a path to visit St. John ’ s Church .
The actions taken by police were roundly criticized by Trump ’ s political opponents and media commentators , who have repeatedly characterized the ongoing nationwide anti-police protests as peaceful .
“ The Park Police defended the decision to clear Lafayette Park , emphasizing the violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading up to June 1 , ” the Free Beacon reported .
In other words , this wasn ’ t quite peaceful before the events of June 1 — and it definitely wasn ’ t the kind of place you should bring a 9-year-old .
RELATED : Minneapolis Spends $ 63,000 on Own City Council Members ' Private Security as They Move To Disband Police In terms of participatory democracy for the family , this wasn ’ t quite bringing your kid to to the Presidents of the United States log flume at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the kind of situation where chemical irritants and other forms of police force were very likely to be deployed .
While we ’ re at it , there ’ s some question as to what chemical irritants we ’ re talking about .
According to CNN , the Park Police apologized on June 5 for originally saying they didn ’ t use tear gas , but said that officers didn ’ t use what we ’ d traditionally call tear gas — artificial CS gas .
However , they did deploy “ pepper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” tear gas — in other words , small balls of pepper spray .
“ As many of the protestors became more combative , continued to throw projectiles , grab officer ’ s protective equipment , and even attempted to grab one officers ’ weapon , officers then employed the use of smoke canisters , stinger balls , and pepper balls , ” Acting Park Police Chief Gregory T. Monahan then said in a June 13 statement .
“ On June 1 , USPP officers and other assisting law enforcement partners operating under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use tear gas or Skat Shells to close the area at Lafayette Park.
” The Secret Service meanwhile , says it deployed pepper spray , not tear gas .
In a June 13 statement , they said they “ released information stating the agency had concluded that no agency personnel used tear gas or capsicum spray during efforts to secure the area near Lafayette Park on Monday , June 1 , based on the records and information available at the time .
Since that time , the agency has learned that one agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pepper spray ) during that effort.
” However , WUSA reporters who picked up canisters from the scene say they found CS gas shells among the debris , too .
Whatever the case may be , it ’ s clear that this wasn ’ t just a peaceful protest that went awry .
Part of the outrage is that this kind of gas could put “ medically vulnerable ” people at risk .
“ People with lung disease , asthma , COPD , or young children can have long-standing harmful effects from this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Ranit Mishori told WUSA .
So , why exactly were they there ?
This protest was obviously dangerous for them — and the crowd had been given an order to clear out .
I hate to be this blunt , but here ’ s a tip : If you ’ re in a protest that may turn violent and you have asthma or COPD , leave .
These situations are often controlled by some form of chemical irritant — and if you have a condition that can be severely irritated by tear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take care of yourself .
We ’ re at the end of the month of June and this happened at the very beginning , yet this incident has lived on in the background of the news cycle .
The lasting impression is that this was just some unregenerate use of force against a peaceful crowd that had every reason to be in the park .
If this is demonstrably false , any reason to lionize these protesters goes away , as well .
When you assault police with projectiles and physical force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

On June 11, WUSA-TV reported that a woman who had brought her stepson to a June 1 protest in Washington, D.C.’s Lafayette Square was joining a federal lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union against various federal officials over authorities’ alleged use of tear gas and unreasonable force against the proverbial “peaceful protesters.”
Police took action to disperse the protesters, of course, so that President Donald Trump could make his way to St. John’s Church.
“He actually said to one of his teachers, which is what prompted us to say hey he’s not handling this well, that there was a war, and that the government was trying to kill black people,” Toni Sanders told WUSA.
“At that point, I said to myself, ‘I, I can’t offer him comfort, because that is what’s going on.’ And it’s hard because you’re a 9-year-old. And this isn’t something that you should have to think about, this isn’t something that you should have to carry with you, but you’re carrying it with you.”
The suit claims U.S. Park Police used force that wasn’t commensurate with the threat.
As the narrative goes, police shouldn’t have been clearing Lafayette Square, anyway, since the president’s visit was just a “photo op.” Before then, it was apparently just basically a fun meetup in the park that got busted up by the feds.
On Wednesday, the Department of the Interior — which is responsible for the Park Police — countered that narrative with a bit of video footage showing just how peaceful those meetups in the park were.
Warning: The following video contains violent images and vulgar language that some viewers may find disturbing.
“The video shows agitators throwing bricks, glass, bottles, and other assaults against law enforcement officers,” a Department of the Interior spokesman told the Washington Free Beacon.
“More than 60 U.S. Park Police officers have been injured since these protests started, some hospitalized requiring surgeries.”
Is this something you should bring your 9-year-old to?
The video, according to the agency, was taken during protests before June 1, when authorities cleared Lafayette Square to give Trump a path to visit St. John’s Church. The actions taken by police were roundly criticized by Trump’s political opponents and media commentators, who have repeatedly characterized the ongoing nationwide anti-police protests as peaceful.
“The Park Police defended the decision to clear Lafayette Park, emphasizing the violence officers had dealt with in the days leading up to June 1,” the Free Beacon reported.
In other words, this wasn’t quite peaceful before the events of June 1 — and it definitely wasn’t the kind of place you should bring a 9-year-old.
Should the Park Police have dispersed protesters in the manner that they 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: 99% (3074 Votes) No: 1% (22 Votes)
In terms of participatory democracy for the family, this wasn’t quite bringing your kid to to the Presidents of the United States log flume at the local theme park. This was the kind of situation where chemical irritants and other forms of police force were very likely to be deployed.
While we’re at it, there’s some question as to what chemical irritants we’re talking about.
According to CNN, the Park Police apologized on June 5 for originally saying they didn’t use tear gas, but said that officers didn’t use what we’d traditionally call tear gas — artificial CS gas. However, they did deploy “pepper balls,” which used “natural” tear gas — in other words, small balls of pepper spray.
“As many of the protestors became more combative, continued to throw projectiles, grab officer’s protective equipment, and even attempted to grab one officers’ weapon, officers then employed the use of smoke canisters, stinger balls, and pepper balls,” Acting Park Police Chief Gregory T. Monahan then said in a June 13 statement. “On June 1, USPP officers and other assisting law enforcement partners operating under the command of the USPP did not use tear gas or Skat Shells to close the area at Lafayette Park.”
The Secret Service meanwhile, says it deployed pepper spray, not tear gas. In a June 13 statement, they said they “released information stating the agency had concluded that no agency personnel used tear gas or capsicum spray during efforts to secure the area near Lafayette Park on Monday, June 1, based on the records and information available at the time. Since that time, the agency has learned that one agency employee used capsicum spray (i.e., pepper spray) during that effort.”
However, WUSA reporters who picked up canisters from the scene say they found CS gas shells among the debris, too.
Whatever the case may be, it’s clear that this wasn’t just a peaceful protest that went awry.
Part of the outrage is that this kind of gas could put “medically vulnerable” people at risk.
“People with lung disease, asthma, COPD, or young children can have long-standing harmful effects from this gas,” Georgetown University medical professor Dr. Ranit Mishori told WUSA.
So, why exactly were they there? This protest was obviously dangerous for them — and the crowd had been given an order to clear out.
I hate to be this blunt, but here’s a tip: If you’re in a protest that may turn violent and you have asthma or COPD, leave. These situations are often controlled by some form of chemical irritant — and if you have a condition that can be severely irritated by tear gas or pepper spray, you need to take care of yourself.
We’re at the end of the month of June and this happened at the very beginning, yet this incident has lived on in the background of the news cycle.
The lasting impression is that this was just some unregenerate use of force against a peaceful crowd that had every reason to be in the park. If this is demonstrably false, any reason to lionize these protesters goes away, as well.
When you assault police with projectiles and physical force, this is what happens.
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westernjournal--2020-06-28--Bombshell: Russia Reportedly Offered Bounties for Killing of American Troops

An intelligence assessment that has not been made public says Russia paid bounties to Taliban-linked terrorists for killing Americans , according to a new report .
According to The New York Times , the Russian military intelligence unit that covertly offered the bounties for killing coalition troops in Afghanistan did so during peace talks to end the conflict .
The Times said it learned of the intelligence assessment from “ officials briefed on the matter ” who it did not name .
American officials concluded several months ago that the bounties were offered last year , according to the report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any , of the 20 American deaths in Afghanistan last year might have been linked to bounties paid by the Russians .
The report said “ Islamist militants , or armed criminal elements closely associated with them , are believed to have collected some bounty money.
” TRENDING : Polish President Quietly Visits Vandalized DC Statue , His Next Move Puts Disrespectful Protesters to Shame CNN and The Washington Post both confirmed The Times ’ reporting , with CNN claiming that militants were offered rewards if they killed U.S. or British forces .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March , according to The Times .
The sources that told the newspaper about the intelligence also said the U.S. shared information regarding the bounties with Britain .
The Times framed any link between Russia , the Taliban and slain Americans as “ a huge escalation of Russia ’ s so-called hybrid war against the United States , a strategy of destabilizing adversaries through a combination of such tactics as cyberattacks , the spread of fake news and covert and deniable military operations.
” Dmitry Peskov , press secretary for Russian President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faced accusations of any such action .
“ If someone makes them , we ’ ll respond , ” Peskov told The Times .
The report was rejected by the Russian embassy , which lashed out at U.S. intelligence officials .
RELATED : Former Nat .
Intelligence Director Grenell Busts Russian Bounty Scandal Wide Open : ' I Never Heard This' Citing its unnamed sources , The Times reported it was unclear “ how high in the Russian government the covert operation was authorized and what its aim may be.
” The newspaper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bounties was known as Unit 29155 , part of Russia ’ s military intelligence agency , or GRU .
Zabihullah Mujahid , a spokesman for the Taliban , rejected The Times report as false .
“ These kinds of deals with the Russian intelligence agency are baseless — our target killings and assassinations were ongoing in years before , and we did it on our own resources , ” he said .
“ That changed after our deal with the Americans , and their lives are secure and we don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least some of the information about the bounties was culled from interrogating Afghan captives .
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany issued a statement pushing back against the allegation in The Times that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the bounties .
“ The United States receives thousands of intelligence reports a day and they are subject to strict scrutiny , ” she said .
“ While the White House does not routinely comment on alleged intelligence or internal deliberations , the CIA Director , National Security Advisor , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neither the President nor the Vice President were briefed on the alleged Russian bounty intelligence , ” the statement added .
“ This does not speak to the merit of the alleged intelligence but to the inaccuracy of the New York Times story erroneously suggesting that President Trump was briefed on this matter.
” Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe also denied that Trump or Vice President Mike Pence had been briefed on the matter .
“ The White House statement addressing this issue earlier today , which denied such a briefing occurred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times reporting , and all other subsequent news reports about such an alleged briefing are inaccurate , ” he said in a statement posted to Twitter .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

An intelligence assessment that has not been made public says Russia paid bounties to Taliban-linked terrorists for killing Americans, according to a new report.
According to The New York Times, the Russian military intelligence unit that covertly offered the bounties for killing coalition troops in Afghanistan did so during peace talks to end the conflict.
The Times said it learned of the intelligence assessment from “officials briefed on the matter” who it did not name.
American officials concluded several months ago that the bounties were offered last year, according to the report. It was unclear which, if any, of the 20 American deaths in Afghanistan last year might have been linked to bounties paid by the Russians.
The report said “Islamist militants, or armed criminal elements closely associated with them, are believed to have collected some bounty money.”
CNN and The Washington Post both confirmed The Times’ reporting, with CNN claiming that militants were offered rewards if they killed U.S. or British forces.
The National Security Council discussed the issue in March, according to The Times.
The sources that told the newspaper about the intelligence also said the U.S. shared information regarding the bounties with Britain.
The Times framed any link between Russia, the Taliban and slain Americans as “a huge escalation of Russia’s so-called hybrid war against the United States, a strategy of destabilizing adversaries through a combination of such tactics as cyberattacks, the spread of fake news and covert and deniable military operations.”
Do you think the U.S. should impose sanctions on Russia for this? Yes No
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Dmitry Peskov, press secretary for Russian President Vladimir Putin, said Russia has not faced accusations of any such action.
“If someone makes them, we’ll respond,” Peskov told The Times.
The report was rejected by the Russian embassy, which lashed out at U.S. intelligence officials.
‘@MFA_Russia: it has not long been a secret in Afghanistan that members of the US intelligence community are involved in drug trafficking, cash payments to militants for letting convoys pass through, kickbacks from contracts implementing various projects paid by #US?? taxpayers. https://t.co/UEgykluRLQ — Russia in USA ?? (@RusEmbUSA) June 27, 2020
Citing its unnamed sources, The Times reported it was unclear “how high in the Russian government the covert operation was authorized and what its aim may be.” The newspaper did say the Russian unit that offered the bounties was known as Unit 29155, part of Russia’s military intelligence agency, or GRU.
Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, rejected The Times report as false.
“These kinds of deals with the Russian intelligence agency are baseless — our target killings and assassinations were ongoing in years before, and we did it on our own resources,” he said. “That changed after our deal with the Americans, and their lives are secure and we don’t attack them.”
The Times report said at least some of the information about the bounties was culled from interrogating Afghan captives.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany issued a statement pushing back against the allegation in The Times that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the bounties.
“The United States receives thousands of intelligence reports a day and they are subject to strict scrutiny,” she said.
Nobody briefed or told me, @VP Pence, or Chief of Staff @MarkMeadows about the so-called attacks on our troops in Afghanistan by Russians, as reported through an “anonymous source” by the Fake News @nytimes. Everybody is denying it & there have not been many attacks on us….. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 28, 2020
“While the White House does not routinely comment on alleged intelligence or internal deliberations, the CIA Director, National Security Advisor, and the Chief of Staff can all confirm that neither the President nor the Vice President were briefed on the alleged Russian bounty intelligence,” the statement added.
“This does not speak to the merit of the alleged intelligence but to the inaccuracy of the New York Times story erroneously suggesting that President Trump was briefed on this matter.”
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe also denied that Trump or Vice President Mike Pence had been briefed on the matter.
“The White House statement addressing this issue earlier today, which denied such a briefing occurred, was accurate. The New York Times reporting, and all other subsequent news reports about such an alleged briefing are inaccurate.” (2/2) — Office of the DNI (@ODNIgov) June 28, 2020
“The White House statement addressing this issue earlier today, which denied such a briefing occurred, was accurate. The New York Times reporting, and all other subsequent news reports about such an alleged briefing are inaccurate,” he said in a statement posted to Twitter.
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westernjournal--2020-06-28--EU Nears Reopening, Places Severe Restrictions on Americans

As the European Union finalized plans last week for its reopening following months of coronavirus-related lockdowns , the United States found itself left off the bloc ’ s shortlist of nations from which travelers will be welcome to visit .
Unnamed officials from the intergovernmental organization confirmed to The New York Times on Friday that most of its 27 member states had reached an agreement regarding reopening procedures which could boost the continental economy , reinvigorating interstate trade and salvaging summer tourism .
Diplomatic envoys are now attempting to complete the bureaucratic finalization process , as the set of common @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respective capitals , and emerge from the virus-related lockdowns on July 1 .
Debate regarding the plan was reportedly strenuous , with several EU members wary about reopening as confirmed coronavirus cases continued to spike in certain regions .
Recent surges in viral transmission across Brazil , India , Russia and the United States — which reported a record 45,300 individuals infected on Friday alone , according to Johns Hopkins data — left all four nations in the crosshairs of European concern .
TRENDING : Polish President Quietly Visits Vandalized DC Statue , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shame It ’ s unlikely that residents from any of those countries will be allowed into the European Union on nonessential travel , at least for now , according to The Associated Press .
The Times reported the list of countries whose residents will likely be permitted to travel to the EU includes Algeria , Australia , Canada , Georgia , Japan , Montenegro , Morocco , New Zealand , Rwanda , Serbia , South Korea , Thailand , Tunisia , Uruguay , Andorra , San Marino , Monaco and the Vatican .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ believed to have originated , is also reportedly eligible to be on the list , despite widespread reports that officials in the nation mismanaged the initial outbreak and withheld key public health information from the international community earlier this year .
The nation would become eligible so long as its government was willing to reciprocate , opening its own borders to European travelers , according to The Times .
American exclusion did not bring about any ill will toward the EU within the Trump administration , however , a State Department spokesperson told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the transparency and concerted efforts of our European partners and allies to combat this pandemic , and we are committed to coordinating with them as we look forward to reopening our economies and easing restrictions , ” the spokesperson said .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo voiced similar optimism while speaking to reporters Wednesday , as rumors were beginning to circulate that the U.S. may not make the cut .
“ We ’ ve been working with countries all across the world , including our friends in Europe and the EU proper , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best safely reopen international travel , ” Pompeo said .
“ We have to make sure that we have all of the elements in place to reopen travel between the EU and the United States.
” “ I ’ m very confident that in the coming weeks we ’ ll figure that out as between not only the United States and the EU , but the United States and other parts of the world too , ” he added .
RELATED : 'Get the House in Order ' : Gosar Highlights Need for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the AP , travel regulations and clearances within the EU are not expected to change prior to continental lockdowns lifting on July 1 .
They are , however , subject to change on a biweekly basis going forward , with different nations around the world being added to — or potentially dropped from — the travel clearance list based upon their handling of the virus .
The Western Journal has reached out to the White House for comment but did not immediately receive a response .
We are committed to truth and accuracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our editorial standards .

As the European Union finalized plans last week for its reopening following months of coronavirus-related lockdowns, the United States found itself left off the bloc’s shortlist of nations from which travelers will be welcome to visit.
Unnamed officials from the intergovernmental organization confirmed to The New York Times on Friday that most of its 27 member states had reached an agreement regarding reopening procedures which could boost the continental economy, reinvigorating interstate trade and salvaging summer tourism.
Diplomatic envoys are now attempting to complete the bureaucratic finalization process, as the set of common reopening standards must be formalized in their respective capitals, and emerge from the virus-related lockdowns on July 1.
Debate regarding the plan was reportedly strenuous, with several EU members wary about reopening as confirmed coronavirus cases continued to spike in certain regions.
Recent surges in viral transmission across Brazil, India, Russia and the United States — which reported a record 45,300 individuals infected on Friday alone, according to Johns Hopkins data — left all four nations in the crosshairs of European concern.
It’s unlikely that residents from any of those countries will be allowed into the European Union on nonessential travel, at least for now, according to The Associated Press.
The Times reported the list of countries whose residents will likely be permitted to travel to the EU includes Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, Andorra, San Marino, Monaco and the Vatican.
China, where the coronavirus is widely believed to have originated, is also reportedly eligible to be on the list, despite widespread reports that officials in the nation mismanaged the initial outbreak and withheld key public health information from the international community earlier this year.
The nation would become eligible so long as its government was willing to reciprocate, opening its own borders to European travelers, according to The Times.
Do you think America's exclusion from the EU travel list is politically motivated? 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: 87% (124 Votes) No: 13% (19 Votes)
American exclusion did not bring about any ill will toward the EU within the Trump administration, however, a State Department spokesperson told The Western Journal.
“We appreciate the transparency and concerted efforts of our European partners and allies to combat this pandemic, and we are committed to coordinating with them as we look forward to reopening our economies and easing restrictions,” the spokesperson said.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo voiced similar optimism while speaking to reporters Wednesday, as rumors were beginning to circulate that the U.S. may not make the cut.
“We’ve been working with countries all across the world, including our friends in Europe and the EU proper, to determine how it is we can best safely reopen international travel,” Pompeo said. “We have to make sure that we have all of the elements in place to reopen travel between the EU and the United States.”
“I’m very confident that in the coming weeks we’ll figure that out as between not only the United States and the EU, but the United States and other parts of the world too,” he added.
According to the AP, travel regulations and clearances within the EU are not expected to change prior to continental lockdowns lifting on July 1.
They are, however, subject to change on a biweekly basis going forward, with different nations around the world being added to — or potentially dropped from — the travel clearance list based upon their handling of the virus.
The Western Journal has reached out to the White House for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
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westernjournal--2020-06-28--PETA Releases Disturbing Photos of Injured Animals at ‘Tiger King’ Zoo, Authorities Respond

From a heated presidential race and racial unrest to COVID-19 and quarantine television binging crazes , 2020 has been one for the books .
When it comes to the world of entertainment , it ’ s quite possible that the most unexpected of those culture-shifting events were the television crazes — particularly , the popularity of “ Tiger King.
“ Fans of the Netflix documentary are no doubt aware that that Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage , better known as Joe Exotic , was sentenced to 22 years in prison for attempting to hire a hitman to murder Big Cat Rescue ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Maldonado-Passage ’ s conviction isn ’ t the only drama to come out of the exotic animal zoo rivalry .
According to local authorities , the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park is being investigated over alleged mistreatment of the wild animals in captivity on its 16-acre property .
TRENDING : Polish President Quietly Visits Vandalized DC Statue , His Next Move Puts Disrespectful Protesters to Shame On Thursday , People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals released what it said were photos and video footage sent to it by a whistleblower of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a condition called “ flystrike , ” which tends to befall animals in unclean habitats .
Warning : The following images contain graphic material that some viewers may find disturbing .
In a news release , the organization described flystrike as “ a condition in which flies , usually drawn to uncleared animal waste , bite other animals and lay eggs on them and the hatched maggots eat away at their skin — which is destroying their ears , at the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park ( G.W .
Zoo ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PETA , if flystrike isn ’ t properly treated , the big cats run the risk of losing their ears from the wounds .
PETA said it has asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to act against Jeff Lowe , who in 2016 took over ownership of the zoo from Maldonado-Passage , the Netflix show ’ s main character .
Maldonado-Passage has also been accused of abusing the exotic animals at the zoo , and was convicted last year of killing five tigers , CNN reported .
“ The USDA ’ s inaction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and neglect animals for years , and so far , it ’ s also failed to help the big cats held by Jeff Lowe , ” the PETA Foundation ’ s deputy general counsel for captive animal law enforcement , Brittany Peet , said in a statement .
“ In the wake of ‘ Tiger King , ’ the public eye is on the USDA to do its job and shut Lowe and his despicable roadside zoo down pronto.
” The Garvin County Sheriff ’ s Office said in a Facebook post Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarding the wellbeing of the animals at the G.W .
Zoo .
“ We have requested that the USDA , US Fish and Game and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife start their own investigation .
Based on these complaints , the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife has been to the park and has conducted their own inspection , ” the sheriff ’ s office said .
“ The USDA has been to the park and is currently conducting an investigation as well .
Animals that are injured are receiving veterinarian care in isolation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a comment under the post , the sheriff ’ s office indicated that at least two animals have been removed from the zoo .
“ The USDA has already removed a lion cub from the park on Monday of this week and a big cat was placed in isolation for medical reasons , ” the office said .
No matter what happens with the USDA ’ s investigation , it ’ s not likely that any of the animals will be living at the G.W .
Zoo for long .
Earlier this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Western District of Oklahoma awarded the zoo to Baskin — who had successfully sued the Greater Wynnewood Development Group , LLC — and gave Lowe 120 days to vacate the property .
However , since the animals at the zoo are technically Lowe ’ s property under state and federal law , the court order does not apply to them , according to National Geographic .
In addition to losing ownership of the zoo , Lowe has also been sued by the state of Oklahoma for $ 50,000 in back taxes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

From a heated presidential race and racial unrest to COVID-19 and quarantine television binging crazes, 2020 has been one for the books.
When it comes to the world of entertainment, it’s quite possible that the most unexpected of those culture-shifting events were the television crazes — particularly, the popularity of “Tiger King.“
Fans of the Netflix documentary are no doubt aware that that Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage, better known as Joe Exotic, was sentenced to 22 years in prison for attempting to hire a hitman to murder Big Cat Rescue’s Carole Baskin — his biggest rival.
Maldonado-Passage’s conviction isn’t the only drama to come out of the exotic animal zoo rivalry.
According to local authorities, the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park is being investigated over alleged mistreatment of the wild animals in captivity on its 16-acre property.
On Thursday, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals released what it said were photos and video footage sent to it by a whistleblower of lions at the G.W. Zoo suffering from a condition called “flystrike,” which tends to befall animals in unclean habitats.
Warning: The following images contain graphic material that some viewers may find disturbing.
In a news release, the organization described flystrike as “a condition in which flies, usually drawn to uncleared animal waste, bite other animals and lay eggs on them and the hatched maggots eat away at their skin — which is destroying their ears, at the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park (G.W. Zoo), operated by Jeff Lowe.”
According to PETA, if flystrike isn’t properly treated, the big cats run the risk of losing their ears from the wounds.
PETA said it has asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to act against Jeff Lowe, who in 2016 took over ownership of the zoo from Maldonado-Passage, the Netflix show’s main character. Maldonado-Passage has also been accused of abusing the exotic animals at the zoo, and was convicted last year of killing five tigers, CNN reported.
“The USDA’s inaction allowed ‘Joe Exotic’ to abuse and neglect animals for years, and so far, it’s also failed to help the big cats held by Jeff Lowe,” the PETA Foundation’s deputy general counsel for captive animal law enforcement, Brittany Peet, said in a statement.
“In the wake of ‘Tiger King,’ the public eye is on the USDA to do its job and shut Lowe and his despicable roadside zoo down pronto.”
The Garvin County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post Thursday that had “received numerous calls” regarding the wellbeing of the animals at the G.W. Zoo.
“We have requested that the USDA, US Fish and Game and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife start their own investigation. Based on these complaints, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife has been to the park and has conducted their own inspection,” the sheriff’s office said.
“The USDA has been to the park and is currently conducting an investigation as well. Animals that are injured are receiving veterinarian care in isolation and are being monitored by USDA.”
In a comment under the post, the sheriff’s office indicated that at least two animals have been removed from the zoo.
Do you think authorities should remove all the animals from the G.W. Zoo? 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: 97% (197 Votes) No: 3% (6 Votes)
“The USDA has already removed a lion cub from the park on Monday of this week and a big cat was placed in isolation for medical reasons,” the office said.
No matter what happens with the USDA’s investigation, it’s not likely that any of the animals will be living at the G.W. Zoo for long.
Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk of the Western District of Oklahoma awarded the zoo to Baskin — who had successfully sued the Greater Wynnewood Development Group, LLC — and gave Lowe 120 days to vacate the property.
However, since the animals at the zoo are technically Lowe’s property under state and federal law, the court order does not apply to them, according to National Geographic.
In addition to losing ownership of the zoo, Lowe has also been sued by the state of Oklahoma for $50,000 in back taxes.
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westernjournal--2020-06-28--Report: Remington Preparing To File for Bankruptcy, Could End Up in Hands of New Group

In what could be a major change of direction for America ’ s oldest maker of firearms , Remington Arms Co. is planning to file for bankruptcy and is in what are described as “ advanced talks ” to sell the company to Navajo Nation , according to a new report .
Remington filed bankruptcy in 2018 , the same year that the Navajo Nation made its previous attempt to buy the company .
At the time , the deal was controversial because the Navajo would have dropped Remington ’ s AR-15 line of semi-automatic rifles , according to The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Remington is making plans for the Navajo Nation “ to serve as the lead bidder to purchase Remington ’ s assets out of chapter 11 , ” according to the Wall Street Journal .
The Journal based its report on individuals it did not name .
The Journal noted that the deal is not cast in stone .
It said the Navajo Nation could make its bid as soon as Friday , but also said there is no guarantee the offer will surface at all .
Any bid for the company could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arise as well as approval from bankruptcy court .
TRENDING : Polish President Quietly Visits Vandalized DC Statue , His Next Move Puts Disrespectful Protesters to Shame Remington was founded in 1816 by Eliphalet Remington .
The company currently makes guns in Ilion , New York , and Hunstville , Alabama .
Remington has not only battled the headwinds that have stalked the firearms sector , it has faced a major lawsuit in connection with the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown , Connecticut .
Despite spending millions to ward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ setback when the Connecticut Supreme Court last year said families can sue Remington for the way in which it marketed the Bushmaster XM15-E2S rifle used in the shooting .
According to The Times , the Navajo Nation had been ready two years ago to spend between $ 475 million and $ 525 million to acquire Remington .
At that time , The Times reported that the Navajo planned to drop the AR-15 line and focus on law enforcement and defense sales .
“ Navajo is a community of veterans and people of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawyer , Drew Ryce , said in an email .
“ We are indifferent to the AR-15 and happy to leave that business behind.
” Talk of the sale created quite a buzz on Twitter .
RELATED : Here 's What Restaurants Are Cutting from Their Menus Due to COVID Shutdown The 2018 vision of the purchase would have moved Remington ’ s facilities to the sprawling Navajo Nation ’ s lands that occupy parts of Arizona , New Mexico and Utah .
“ Navajo has over 70 percent unemployment , ” Ryce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next few years we would shift the assembly ( i.e .
lesser trained ) parts of the business onto the reservation.
” The next step would be to launch small businesses to make gun parts .
“ We would establish this specific machining of specific parts on-reservation and assemble and ship the products on-reservation , ” Ryce said .
At the time , the Navajo Nation also expressed an interest in buying Remington to research and develop “ smart guns , ” which are equipped with technology that prevents anyone but a gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

In what could be a major change of direction for America’s oldest maker of firearms, Remington Arms Co. is planning to file for bankruptcy and is in what are described as “advanced talks” to sell the company to Navajo Nation, according to a new report.
Remington filed bankruptcy in 2018, the same year that the Navajo Nation made its previous attempt to buy the company. At the time, the deal was controversial because the Navajo would have dropped Remington’s AR-15 line of semi-automatic rifles, according to The New York Times.
This time around, Remington is making plans for the Navajo Nation “to serve as the lead bidder to purchase Remington’s assets out of chapter 11,” according to the Wall Street Journal. The Journal based its report on individuals it did not name.
The Journal noted that the deal is not cast in stone. It said the Navajo Nation could make its bid as soon as Friday, but also said there is no guarantee the offer will surface at all.
Any bid for the company could be subject to any competing offers that arise as well as approval from bankruptcy court.
Remington was founded in 1816 by Eliphalet Remington. The company currently makes guns in Ilion, New York, and Hunstville, Alabama.
Remington has not only battled the headwinds that have stalked the firearms sector, it has faced a major lawsuit in connection with the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
Despite spending millions to ward off the suit, Remington suffered a setback when the Connecticut Supreme Court last year said families can sue Remington for the way in which it marketed the Bushmaster XM15-E2S rifle used in the shooting.
According to The Times, the Navajo Nation had been ready two years ago to spend between $475 million and $525 million to acquire Remington.
Should the government have prevented this bankruptcy? Yes No
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At that time, The Times reported that the Navajo planned to drop the AR-15 line and focus on law enforcement and defense sales.
“Navajo is a community of veterans and people of the land,” the tribe’s lawyer, Drew Ryce, said in an email. “We are indifferent to the AR-15 and happy to leave that business behind.”
Talk of the sale created quite a buzz on Twitter.
Navajo Nation is in the works to purchase Remington and to take away sales of the AR-15 from the general public. Love this and this tribe! https://t.co/rsYupqscVS — aaron brazell ✊? (@technosailor) June 27, 2020
Something wonderful about this https://t.co/zlqIi1xRWw — Dr Kazoo (@kgopinion) June 26, 2020
The 2018 vision of the purchase would have moved Remington’s facilities to the sprawling Navajo Nation’s lands that occupy parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
“Navajo has over 70 percent unemployment,” Ryce wrote in 2018. “Over the next few years we would shift the assembly (i.e. lesser trained) parts of the business onto the reservation.”
The next step would be to launch small businesses to make gun parts.
“We would establish this specific machining of specific parts on-reservation and assemble and ship the products on-reservation,” Ryce said.
At the time, the Navajo Nation also expressed an interest in buying Remington to research and develop “smart guns,” which are equipped with technology that prevents anyone but a gun’s owner from using it.
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westernjournal--2020-06-27--California Dems Stand Off Against John Wayne

The Democratic Party of Orange County demanded the removal of actor John Wayne ’ s name from its local airport due to “ racist and bigoted ” remarks made by Wayne .
The Democratic Party of Orange County ’ s resolution called to remove John Wayne ’ s name and likeness from the airport based on “ white supremacist , anti-LGBT , and anti-Indigenous views ” Wayne expressed in a 1971 Playboy Magazine interview .
“ The Democratic Party of Orange County condemns John Wayne ’ s racist and bigoted statements , and calls for John Wayne ’ s name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orange County airport , and calls on the OC Board of Supervisors to restore its original name : Orange County Airport , ” the resolution said .
Since the death of George Floyd , protesters have taken to pulling down and defacing statues and monuments across the United States .
John Wayne is famous for his legendary Hollywood career and is best known for his roles in Western films .
He died in 1979 .
TRENDING : Polish President Quietly Visits Vandalized DC Statue , His Next Move Puts Disrespectful Protesters to Shame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not respond immediately to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation .
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 .

The Democratic Party of Orange County demanded the removal of actor John Wayne’s name from its local airport due to “racist and bigoted” remarks made by Wayne.
The Democratic Party of Orange County’s resolution called to remove John Wayne’s name and likeness from the airport based on “white supremacist, anti-LGBT, and anti-Indigenous views” Wayne expressed in a 1971 Playboy Magazine interview.
“The Democratic Party of Orange County condemns John Wayne’s racist and bigoted statements, and calls for John Wayne’s name and likeness to be removed from the Orange County airport, and calls on the OC Board of Supervisors to restore its original name: Orange County Airport,” the resolution said.
Since the death of George Floyd, protesters have taken to pulling down and defacing statues and monuments across the United States.
John Wayne is famous for his legendary Hollywood career and is best known for his roles in Western films. He died in 1979.
The Democratic Party of Orange County did not respond immediately to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
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--2020-07-01--Conservative Mom Who Famously Confronted Beto O’Rourke Scores Massive Election Win

Lauren Boebert , whose forthright defense of the Second Amendment at a rally for former Democratic presidential candidate Beto O ’ Rourke brought her national attention , on Tuesday won a Republican congressional primary in Colorado .
President Donald Trump retweeted a post from Boebert in which she said , “ I am a mother to 4 boys .
My husband and I are raising them to be strong men !
I refuse to send my children into a socialist nation .
Their freedom IS my motivator !
Threaten the liberty of Americans , and I ’ ll be there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congratulations on a really great win !
” Trump said .
TRENDING : Exclusive from Gen. Flynn : If We Do n't Act , 2 % of the People Are About To Control the Other 98 % The president had earlier tweeted support for incumbent Republican Rep. Scott Tipton , who drew 45 percent of the vote compared with 55 percent for the challenger .
Boebert — who operates Shooters Grill , a restaurant in Rifle , Colorado , where all of the waitresses openly carry handguns — will face Democrat Diane Mitsch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m excited and eager to take this fight on to the Democrats and represent the people of the 3rd Congressional District , just like I ’ ve been promising them I would , ” Boebert said after the polls closed , according to The Denver Post .
Her website is an unapologetic , in-your-face declaration of opposition to all that leftist Democrats stand for .
“ There is a battle for the heart and soul of our country that I intend on helping win , ” Boebert says on the website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress to stand up for our conservative values , address our current representatives ’ failed promises , and put far-left Democrats back in their place.
” “ Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , the Squad and the rest of these left-wing lunatics are taking a wrecking ball to our country while our current representative stays utterly silent , ” she says .
“ Hard-working , patriotic Americans like you and me don ’ t want the Green New Deal and socialized medicine .
Every time AOC and the rest of the Squad pipes up with another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that our belief in God , Country and Family are what built the United States of America into the greatest nation the world has ever known.
” Boebert also has taken a strong pro-police stand at a time when law enforcement is under attack across the country .
RELATED : Biden Calls Someone a 'Lying Dog Face ' Yet Again She crashed an O ’ Rourke rally last fall to take the former Texas congressman to task for saying he would take away Americans ’ AR-15s if elected .
Boebert was wearing her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate .
“ I was one of the gun-owning Americans that heard your speech and heard what you had to say , regarding , ‘ Hell yes , we ’ re going to take your AR-15s and your AK-47s.
’ Well , I am here to say , hell no , you ’ re not , ” she said as O ’ Rourke urged the crowd scolding her to allow her to speak .
Boebert said the only way citizens have to protect themselves against the evil of the world is to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would like to know how you intend to legislate evil .
Because it is not the gun , it is the heart of the man that does that , ” she said .
Boebert said gun confiscation would strip protection from “ American citizens like myself , American mothers — I have four children , I am 5-feet-0 , 100 pounds , can not really defend myself with a fist.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Lauren Boebert, whose forthright defense of the Second Amendment at a rally for former Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke brought her national attention, won a Republican congressional primary in Colorado.
President Donald Trump retweeted a post from Boebert in which she said, “I am a mother to 4 boys. My husband and I are raising them to be strong men! I refuse to send my children into a socialist nation. Their freedom IS my motivator! Threaten the liberty of Americans, and I’ll be there to hold you accountable!”
“Congratulations on a really great win!” Trump said.
Congratulations on a really great win! https://t.co/rMpFiV6LvY — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 1, 2020
The president had earlier tweeted support for incumbent Republican Rep. Scott Tipton, who drew 45 percent of the vote in the June 30 primary compared with 55 percent for the challenger.
Boebert — who operates Shooters Grill, a restaurant in Rifle, Colorado, where all of the waitresses openly carry handguns — will face Democrat Diane Mitsch Bush in the November election.
“I’m excited and eager to take this fight on to the Democrats and represent the people of the 3rd Congressional District, just like I’ve been promising them I would,” Boebert said after the polls closed, according to The Denver Post.
I absolutely love my country! ?? pic.twitter.com/oRivkgTT0S — Lauren Boebert for Congress (R-CO3) (@laurenboebert) May 28, 2020
Would you like to see Lauren Boebert elected to Congress? Yes No
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Her website is an unapologetic, in-your-face declaration of opposition to all that leftist Democrats stand for.
“There is a battle for the heart and soul of our country that I intend on helping win,” Boebert says on the website. “I’m running for Congress to stand up for our conservative values, address our current representatives’ failed promises, and put far-left Democrats back in their place.”
“Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Squad and the rest of these left-wing lunatics are taking a wrecking ball to our country while our current representative stays utterly silent,” she says. “Hard-working, patriotic Americans like you and me don’t want the Green New Deal and socialized medicine. Every time AOC and the rest of the Squad pipes up with another crazy idea, I will remind them that our belief in God, Country and Family are what built the United States of America into the greatest nation the world has ever known.”
Boebert also has taken a strong pro-police stand at a time when law enforcement is under attack across the country.
Every person wanting to defund the police should be required to be a cop for a day. — Lauren Boebert for Congress (R-CO3) (@laurenboebert) June 30, 2020
When given the choice, Americans will choose freedom & liberty every single time. The media wants us to believe that we are the minority. The American spirit is alive and well. The world is watching. — Lauren Boebert for Congress (R-CO3) (@laurenboebert) July 1, 2020
She crashed an O’Rourke rally last fall to take the former Texas congressman to task for saying he would take away Americans’ AR-15s if elected.
Boebert was wearing her Glock handgun as she confronted the Democratic candidate.
“I was one of the gun-owning Americans that heard your speech and heard what you had to say, regarding, ‘Hell yes, we’re going to take your AR-15s and your AK-47s.’ Well, I am here to say, hell no, you’re not,” she said as O’Rourke urged the crowd scolding her to allow her to speak.
Boebert said the only way citizens have to protect themselves against the evil of the world is to be ready to defend themselves.
“I would like to know how you intend to legislate evil. Because it is not the gun, it is the heart of the man that does that,” she said.
Boebert said gun confiscation would strip protection from “American citizens like myself, American mothers — I have four children, I am 5-feet-0, 100 pounds, cannot really defend myself with a fist.”
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