THREAD: pennsylvania 2024

BELOVED PETS Seized: New York Faces Outrage Over Squirrel and Raccoon

28 November 2024 — Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner are suing New York State after authorities seized their pet squirrel, Peanut, and raccoon, Fred. The Department of Environmental Conservation raided their Pine City home on October 30, citing rabies concerns. The couple accuses the state of government overreach and rights violations.

Authorities euthanized Peanut and Fred to test for rabies, despite allegedly knowing the animals were healthy. Longo and Bittner claim the tests were “unfounded” and “unjustified.” They argue that officials invaded their privacy during the raid.

Peanut was a social media sensation with over 532,000 Instagram followers before his seizure. His popularity has drawn attention to this legal battle against New York State’s actions. The case highlights concerns about government intervention in private animal ownership.

The state justified its actions by stating an agent was bitten during the raid, necessitating rabies testing. However, Longo and Bittner maintain that this reasoning is flawed given prior knowledge of the animals’ health status.

REPUBLICANS TRIUMPH: KEY Pennsylvania Seat Flipped

07 November 2024 — Rob Bresnahan flipped Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District, unseating Democrat Matt Cartwright, who held the seat since 2013. The race was tight, with Bresnahan winning by about 7,000 votes. A bomb threat in Luzerne County added to the election night tension.

Bresnahan credited his grassroots campaign for the win. “We shook every hand,” he said, showing his commitment to engaging voters directly instead of relying on media ads. His team logged over 50,000 miles on their pickup truck during the campaign.

Host Mike Slater highlighted this win’s importance in Scranton, a traditionally Democratic area linked with President Joe Biden. This victory aids Republican efforts to keep control of the House amid ongoing battles nationwide.

Bresnahan had marked this race as vital for securing a Republican majority in the House. He noted that capturing Pennsylvania’s 8th District was crucial for GOP success and expressed satisfaction with reaching that goal through dedicated campaigning efforts.

TRUMP’S Shocking Victory: Pennsylvania WIN Secures Presidency

06 November 2024 — Fox News declared Donald TRUMP the winner of Pennsylvania early Wednesday morning, securing his victory in the presidential race. Trump delivered a victory speech at Mar-a-Lago around 2:30 a.m. ET.

NBC’s Yamiche Alcindor reported that aides to Kamala Harris acknowledged her loss, despite no official concession from Harris herself. Her team discussed future cooperation with the Trump administration.

The Associated Press, CNN, and MSNBC confirmed Trump’s victory later in the morning, around 6 a.m. ET. Meanwhile, Harris left her election night event at Howard University without making any public remarks or conceding to Trump.

Temple University Investigates SHOCKING Pro-Palestinian Protest TARGETING Hillel

07 September 2024 — Temple University is investigating a pro-Palestinian demonstration that targeted the campus Hillel building. Protesters used megaphones to chant at the occupants, causing concern among university officials.

We are deeply saddened and concerned by these events," said Temple University President Richard Englert. He emphasized that targeting individuals based on their Jewish identity is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

The demonstration began at the main campus library and involved both students and non-students. Video footage shows protesters holding signs, Palestinian flags, and chanting outside the Rosen Center, which houses Temple’s Hillel building.

Morton Klein, president of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), condemned the protest in a letter to the university. He criticized Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) for creating a hostile environment for Jewish students by demanding that Temple condemn Israel and divest from Israeli holdings.

SENATE PASSES Bill To Reform Troubled Federal Prisons

11 July 2024 — The Senate passed the Federal Prison Oversight Act on Wednesday, aiming to bring transparency and accountability to the troubled Bureau of Prisons. The House approved the bill in May, and it now awaits President Biden’s signature. This legislation introduces an independent ombudsman to investigate complaints and mandates risk-based inspections by the Justice Department’s Inspector General.

Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., introduced the bill in 2022 during his investigation into the Bureau of Prisons as chair of a Senate subcommittee. He collaborated with Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., forming a bipartisan group to address prison issues exposed by AP reporting. Reps. Kelly Armstrong, R-N.D., and Lucy McBath, D-Ga., supported the House version of this critical reform measure.

Ossoff called Wednesday’s passage “a major milestone,” emphasizing that his investigation highlighted an urgent need for better oversight in federal prisons.

Advocates for incarcerated individuals also praised this legislative achievement as a significant step forward in addressing systemic corruption and misconduct within the prison system.

DEMOCRATIC CHAOS in New Jersey Politics: What It Means for November

18 June 2024 — The indictment of Democratic power broker George E. Norcross III on racketeering charges marks a significant blow to New Jersey’s dominant political party. State Attorney General Matt Platkin accused Norcross of orchestrating tax benefits for entities he controlled, which Norcross vehemently denied. This comes amid ongoing federal bribery charges against Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, who has pleaded not guilty.

These legal troubles add to the turbulence in New Jersey politics just months before the November general election. Democrats are now scrambling to hold onto a U.S. Senate seat they didn’t expect to fight for, as their thin majority is already at risk. Republicans see new opportunities to gain a seat they haven’t held in over fifty years, buoyed by the chaos within the Democratic Party.

Some progressives view this upheaval as an overdue cleanup of New Jersey’s messy political landscape, long dominated by Democrats. Others draw parallels with national Republican dynamics, where establishment power has given way to populism championed by figures like former President Donald Trump. They see it as a potential shift towards restoring power to the people across the political spectrum.;

PENNSYLVANIA: The 2024 ELECTION Battleground That Could Decide It All

09 June 2024 — Pennsylvania will be a crucial battleground in the 2024 presidential election, according to Senator John Fetterman. He believes that without winning Pennsylvania, there is no legitimate path to the presidency. Fetterman asserts that Joe Biden has a strong connection with Pennsylvania voters and will likely carry the state again.

Fetterman acknowledges that the race will be very close due to Trump’s strong ties in Pennsylvania. He also downplays the impact of Trump’s legal troubles, suggesting voters have already made up their minds about him. “I don’t think that whole trial is going to be anything meaningful,” he said.

Bill Maher questioned whether Biden is the best candidate for Democrats in 2024, given he hasn’t officially been nominated yet. Fetterman responded affirmatively, stating Biden is “the only American that’s ever beaten Trump in an election” and believes he’s the only Democrat who can win again.

Fetterman also took a jab at Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, recalling how Trump defeated him despite his significant campaign funds and popularity within his own state. “Trump threw him in the woodchipper,” he remarked about DeSantis’s failed attempt to challenge Trump’s dominance within the GOP.

EUROPEAN Nations’ SHOCKING Move: Recognize Palestinian State, Israel Fires Back

22 May 2024 — Norway, Ireland, and Spain have recognized a Palestinian state in a historic but symbolic move. This decision further isolates Israel amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Israel immediately denounced the recognition and recalled its ambassadors from these countries.

Palestinians welcomed the announcements as support for their long-standing quest for statehood in east Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza Strip. These territories were seized by Israel during the 1967 Mideast war and remain under Israeli control. The recognition by these European nations could build momentum against Israel’s actions in Gaza.

This week has been challenging for Israel’s international reputation. The International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor announced plans to seek arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense minister over alleged war crimes. Additionally, the International Court of Justice is considering genocide allegations against Israel, which it denies vehemently.

Israel accused the European countries of rewarding Hamas militants responsible for an attack on October 7 that killed 1,200 people and took 250 hostages. Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that European ambassadors would be shown graphic footage of the attack to underscore their point. Meanwhile, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 35,000 Palestinians killed in Israel’s offensive following the assault by Hamas-led militants across the border.

EUROPEAN NATIONS Recognize Palestine: Israel’s Shocking Response

22 May 2024 — Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced their recognition of a Palestinian state on Wednesday. This move deepens Israel’s isolation amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Israel immediately denounced the decision and recalled its ambassadors from these countries.

Palestinians welcomed the announcements as support for their quest for statehood in territories seized by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war. Over 140 countries already recognize a Palestinian state, but this new support could build momentum against Israel’s actions in Gaza.

This development follows another blow to Israel’s international standing earlier this week when the ICC prosecutor sought arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and his defense minister. The International Court of Justice is also examining genocide allegations against Israel, which it denies.

Israel accused the European nations of rewarding Hamas for its October 7 attack that killed 1,200 people and took 250 hostages. Foreign Minister Katz said European ambassadors would be shown video footage of the attack as part of Israel’s response to these recognitions.

COLORADO Democrats PUSH for Drastic GUN Control: Igniting Nationwide Alarm

01 April 2024 — Colorado’s Democratic party is fervently pushing a series of gun control bills, reflecting policies from liberal states like California. These bills have largely slipped under the media radar, sparking concerns among Second Amendment experts. Ava Flanell, a firearms instructor based in Colorado Springs, cautions that these legislative proposals could have far-reaching effects.

The proposed legislation encompasses banning “assault weapons,” typically semi-automatic rifles such as AR-15s. It also includes imposing an 11% tax on gun and ammunition sales and raising the bar for concealed handgun training classes. Additionally, one bill aims to restrict where firearm owners can carry their weapons — places like parks, banks, and college campuses are included.

These contentious bills are currently under scrutiny by the state’s General Assembly where Democrats hold majority in both chambers. With Governor Jared Polis also being a Democrat, the party holds all three branches of power in Colorado politics.

Last year similar laws were enacted in Washington with no positive impact on crime rates but had devastating effects on local gun stores. Flanell is urging unity to prevent these bills from spreading to other states.

GAZA DEATH Toll Debate: Expert Challenges Biden’s Acceptance of Hamas’s Inflated Figures

24 March 2024 — During his State of the Union address, President Biden referred to Gaza death statistics from the Hamas-controlled health ministry. These figures, alleging 30,000 fatalities, are now under scrutiny by Abraham Wyner. Wyner is a well-respected statistician from the University of Pennsylvania.

Wyner proposes that Hamas has reported incorrect casualty numbers in its conflict with Israel. His findings contradict many accepted casualty claims by President Biden’s administration, the U.N., and various major media outlets.

Backing up Wyner’s analysis is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who recently stated that 13,000 terrorists had been killed in Gaza since IDF intervention. Wyner questions the Gaza Health Ministry’s assertion that most of over 30,000 Palestinians who died since October 7 were women and children.

Hamas launched an invasion into southern Israel on October 7 resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities. However, based on Israeli government reports and Wyner’s calculations, it seems likely that the actual casualty rate is closer to “30% to 35% women and children,” a far cry from the bloated numbers provided by Hamas.

NEW ENGLAND Grapples with Fierce Winter Storm: Power Outages and Treacherous Travel Conditions Unleashed

07 January 2024 — New England residents were greeted by a fierce winter storm on Sunday, prompting the need for shovels and snowblowers. The Northeast was blanketed with winter storm warnings, with treacherous icy roads reaching as far south as North Carolina.

The storm triggered power outages across the region. Over 13,000 customers in California and upwards of 16,000 in Massachusetts found themselves without electricity. By Sunday morning, some Massachusetts communities had already seen nearly a foot of snow according to the National Weather Service.

Coastal areas reported less snowfall while Boston recorded only a few inches. However, the snow was predicted to continue falling throughout the day with some regions receiving over a foot. The storm also affected Maine where certain areas saw up to 12 inches of snowfall.

Vermont braced for moderate to heavy ongoing snowfall expecting total accumulations between 6 and 12 inches. Wind gusts reaching up to 35 mph threatened to cause blowing and drifting snow across southern New Hampshire and southwestern Maine.

SECOND AMENDMENT Assault: California’s Public Gun Ban Rolls OUT Despite Legal Firestorms

01 January 2024 — As the New Year dawns, a contentious California law banning firearms in most public places is set to take effect. This move comes hot on the heels of a U.S. district judge’s ruling on December 20, declaring that the law infringes upon the Second Amendment and citizens’ rights to self-defense.

The district judge’s verdict was momentarily stalled by a federal appeals court, paving way for the law’s enactment while legal battles rage on. Lawyers are gearing up to present their cases before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in January and February.

Spearheaded by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, this controversial law prohibits concealed carry in 26 locations such as public parks, churches, banks, and zoos — irrespective of permit status. The only loophole is for private businesses that explicitly permit firearms within their boundaries.

Newsom hailed the appeals court’s decision on X (formerly Twitter), asserting it maintains 'common-sense gun laws’ during appeal processes. However, dissenting voices like U.S. District Judge Cormac Carney contend that this sweeping legislation is “repugnant to the Second Amendment,” and flouts Supreme Court precedent.

TOILET To TAP": California’s Bold Move to Battle Drought with Recycled Sewage Water

12 December 2023 — In a daring attempt to tackle severe droughts, California is contemplating the adoption of a new technology that recycles sewage water. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) recently unveiled proposed regulations for direct potable reuse — a process that swiftly transforms wastewater into drinking water within hours.

This innovative method stands apart from the current indirect potable reuse system, which gradually enhances treated wastewater through groundwater recharge or dilution with surface water.

The SWRCB is set to review testimonies on these regulations before making their final decision next week. If given the green light, “toilet to tap” projects could soon be underway in Santa Clara County, Los Angeles, and San Diego among other communities.

Anticipating these regulations, water agencies in Santa Clara, San Diego and Los Angeles have already initiated pilot projects. Globally too this concept is gaining traction — countries like Israel are also testing similar ideas while examining potential risks such as pharmaceutical byproducts reentering the public supply post-treatment.

HEARTBREAKING Havoc: Tennessee TORNADO Claims Six Lives, Leaves Dozens Wounded

11 December 2023 — Tennessee was struck by a series of deadly tornadoes over the weekend, leaving six people dead and dozens injured. The violent storms wreaked havoc across central Tennessee communities, causing extensive damage to buildings and vehicles.

Among the victims were Floridema Gabriel Pérez and her young son Anthony Elmer Mendez. Tragically, their mobile home was obliterated when another was thrown onto it during the storm’s peak. Two other children from the family miraculously survived with only minor injuries.

In Montgomery County alone, three more lives were lost including that of a child. Local medical facilities treated approximately 60 people for various injuries related to the storm. Nine of these individuals were in such critical condition they had to be transferred to a Nashville hospital.

The aftermath of the storms saw power outages affecting tens of thousands and residents picking through debris on Sunday morning. Now, emergency workers alongside community members are left with an enormous task of cleaning up in wake of this devastating event.

UPenn President’s CAREER on the BRINK: Antisemitism Controversy Ignites Firestorm of Criticism

10 December 2023 — University of Pennsylvania’s President, Liz Magill, finds her position teetering on the edge after a surge of criticism regarding her handling of antisemitism. Her job stability is now in doubt following an ill-received congressional testimony. University donors, bipartisan lawmakers, alumni, and Jewish groups have voiced their displeasure.

The Penn Board of Trustees is set to meet this Sunday at 5 p.m., where they may decide Magill’s future. The board faces the challenge of determining whether she can effectively lead and fundraise for the university amidst this storm since the October 7 attack on Israel.

Magill has faced mounting calls for resignation after failing to unequivocally state that calls for Jewish genocide are considered bullying or harassment under UPenn’s code during a congressional hearing. This lukewarm response has sparked widespread public outrage and demands for her stepping down.

Magill’s management of antisemitism has been met with severe criticism from Pennsylvania’s Democratic governor, the Wharton School board, and high-profile donors. One alumnus even threatened to retract a $100 million donation unless there is a shift in leadership.

PENN PRESIDENT Steps Down: Donor Pressure and Congressional Testimony Fallout Takes Its Toll

10 December 2023 — Under mounting pressure from donors and facing backlash over her congressional testimony, Liz Magill, the University of Pennsylvania’s president, has tendered her resignation.

During a U.S. House committee hearing on antisemitism in colleges, Magill was unable to confirm whether advocating for Jewish genocide would breach the school’s conduct policy.

The university announced Magill’s resignation late Saturday afternoon. Despite relinquishing her presidential role, she will retain her tenured faculty position at the Carey Law School. She will also continue to serve as Penn’s leader until an interim president is appointed.

Calls for Magill’s resignation amplified following her Tuesday testimony. She faced questioning alongside presidents from Harvard University and MIT regarding their respective universities’ inability to safeguard Jewish students amidst escalating global antisemitism fears and repercussions from Israel’s escalating conflict in Gaza.

PARAGRAPH 5: "When Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., asked if “calling for the genocide of Jews” would violate Penn’s code of conduct, Magill responded that it would be a “context-dependent decision,” igniting further controversy.

DEATH PENALTY On Trial: Americans Voice Unfairness, Report Unveils Shocking Shift

01 December 2023 — The U.S. death penalty is under fire as more Americans express concerns about its fairness. This change in public sentiment is leading to the increasing marginalization of capital punishment in the country, according to a recent annual report.

However, it remains unclear whether this waning support will result in the end of capital punishment. While some experts anticipate its complete abolition soon, others predict a slow decline rather than an immediate vanishing.

In 2023, only 24 individuals were executed and 21 were sentenced to death. This marks the ninth year in a row with fewer than 30 executions and less than 50 death sentences. Only five states — Texas, Florida, Missouri, Oklahoma and Alabama — carried out executions this year; the smallest number in two decades.

A Gallup poll from October disclosed that half of Americans believe capital punishment is unjustly applied. This level of doubt represents the highest since Gallup started surveying this topic back in 2000.

California Democratic Convention GRINDS to a HALT: Protesters Stand UP for Palestinians

19 November 2023 — The California Democratic Convention in Sacramento came to an unexpected standstill due to the actions of protesters. These individuals were voicing their support for Palestinians, who they argue are suffering from a genocide funded by U.S. taxpayers.

Within the convention center, scheduled speeches were interrupted. Outside the venue, a poignant display of hundreds of children’s shoes served as a grim reminder of young Gazans who lost their lives.

Protesters made their stance clear with Palestinian flags and placards calling for an end to U.S. financial support for what they labeled as “genocide”.

Around 5:40pm, the protest escalated as demonstrators stormed into the convention center. Brandishing flags and beating drums, they echoed chants of “Resistance is justified when people are occupied”, making their way up escalators towards now-deserted voting rooms.