Don Lemon, who runs a podcast from his living room, told people here illegally “to go out and get a gun because when you have people knocking on your door and taking you away, isn’t that what the second amendment was written for?” That isn’t free speech or what we use guns for. Telling foreigners […] The post Don Lemon Tells Illegals What to Do If ICE Comes for Them appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

President Donald Trump said Friday that he had signed a commutation that would immediately release former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., from prison. “George has been in solitary confinement for long stretches of time and, by all accounts, has been horribly mistreated,” Trump posted on Truth Social Friday evening. “Therefore, I just signed a Commutation, releasing […] The post President Trump Commuted George Santos’s 7-Year Sentence appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

A US military attack on a ship allegedly carrying drugs from Venezuela left two survivors. They have reportedly been captured by US forces and are being held aboard a Navy ship. The attack, which took place on Thursday, is at least the sixth US strike on Venezuelan ships in recent weeks. It was the first […] The post The Administration Blew Up a Drug Sub & Captured Two Survivors appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

'We want to be very aggressive'

House fires claim over 350,000 pets annually in the United States. Most dog owners never consider how their four-legged family members would react during an emergency evacuation. We at DogingtonPost believe every fire safety dog deserves proper training before disaster strikes. Teaching your pet basic emergency commands and evacuation procedures can save lives when seconds matter most. What Commands Save Dog Lives in Fires According to the National Fire Protection Association, 500,000 pets are affected annually by home fires. Most pet owners focus on teaching sit and stay, but fire safety commands require different training methods that work under extreme stress. Training the Emergency Recall Command Standard come-when-called training fails during fires because dogs often hide from smoke and noise. Start training by using a whistle instead of voice commands. The ASPCA found that dogs respond to whistle signals even when they cannot hear human voices through smoke alarms and chaos. Practice the whistle recall daily. Blow three short bursts, then immediately reward your dog with high-value treats when they reach you. Train this command in different rooms of your house, including areas with loud background noise like near running appliances (washing machines or dishwashers work well for this practice). Dogs need at least 200 repetitions of this command in various environments before they master emergency recall under stress. The repetition builds muscle memory that activates even when your dog feels panicked. Teaching the Exit Command Professional dog trainers recommend teaching a specific exit command that directs dogs toward doorways during emergencies. Choose a simple word like “exit” or “out” and pair it with pointing toward the nearest door. Research shows that the presence of companion animals can substantially reduce evacuation likelihood during emergencies. Start training by standing near your front door. Say “exit” while pointing, then walk through the doorway with your dog following. Gradually increase the distance from the door when you give the command. Practice this command at different exits including back doors and basement exits (most dogs prefer familiar routes, so multiple exit training prevents confusion). Dogs should learn to move toward any exit you indicate, not just their preferred door. This flexibility becomes essential when primary exits become blocked by smoke or flames. Stop and Stay Commands Under Pressure Fire situations create chaos that can cause dogs to bolt in dangerous directions. Train a firm “stop” command that works even when your dog feels terrified. Use a deep, authoritative voice and practice this command during high-energy play sessions when your dog’s adrenaline runs high. The “stay” command prevents dogs from running back into burning buildings to hide in familiar spaces. Practice this command near doorways while creating distractions with loud noises or unfamiliar scents. Your dog must learn to stay put regardless of surrounding chaos. These pressure-tested commands form the foundation for successful fire evacuation plans that protect both you and your pet fire safety. How Do You Build Fire Escape Plans That Work Fire evacuation plans with dogs require you to map every possible exit from your home and practice specific routes until your dog moves automatically. The American Red Cross has responded to thousands of home fires and offers steps to help keep you safe, but most pet owners skip the plan phase entirely. Start by walking through your house and identify at least three different exit routes from each room where your dog spends time. Draw these routes on paper and time how long each path takes under normal conditions. Test Every Exit Route With Your Dog Dogs need hands-on practice with each escape route before emergencies happen. Walk your dog through every planned exit path at least once per week, and use the emergency commands you taught earlier. Practice these drills at different times of day because visibility changes dramatically during nighttime evacuations. The National Fire Protection Association found that home structure fires in 2023 caused 2,890 civilian deaths, so your dog must know these routes by heart. Create artificial obstacles during practice sessions by closing certain doors or blocking hallways to simulate real fire conditions. Pack Emergency Supply Kits That Actually Work Pack a dedicated emergency bag for your dog and keep it near your primary exit door. Include seven days worth of food, medications, vaccination records sealed in waterproof bags, a sturdy leash, waste bags, and a familiar toy to reduce stress. Store bottled water separately because it adds weight that slows down evacuations. Keep a second emergency kit in your car and update both kits every six months when you change smoke detector batteries. The ASPCA recommends that you include recent photos of your dog in case you become separated during evacuation chaos. Practice Night Evacuations Most house fires occur between 11 PM and 7 AM when families sleep (according to NFPA data). Your dog needs practice with dark evacuations because they rely heavily on visual cues during daylight hours. Practice evacuation drills with lights off and use flashlights to guide your dog toward exits. Dogs often freeze or hide in dark conditions, so night practice builds confidence they need during real emergencies. Run these dark drills monthly to maintain your dog’s comfort level with nighttime evacuations. While evacuation plans save lives, prevention stops fires before they start. Dogs accidentally cause nearly 1,000 house fires each year, which makes fire prevention training equally important for pet owners. How Dogs Start House Fires The National Fire Protection Association reports that dogs accidentally start nearly 1,000 house fires each year, with most incidents occurring when owners leave pets unsupervised around heat sources. These fires typically happen within the first two hours after pet owners leave home, which makes prevention strategies essential for dog owners who want to protect their property and neighborhoods. Remove Stove Knobs Before You Leave Home Dogs jump onto kitchen counters and accidentally turn stove burners when they step on or paw at control knobs. Remove all stove knobs each time you leave your house, or install stove knob covers that require adult-strength force to operate. The American Red Cross found that nearly 1,000 home fires each year are accidentally started by pets, with curious dogs and cats responsible for most incidents. Store the removed knobs in a kitchen drawer so you remember to reinstall them when you return home. This simple five-second habit prevents the majority of dog-started kitchen fires. Install Flameless Candles Throughout Your Home Traditional candles create serious fire hazards when dogs knock them over during play or while they explore elevated surfaces. Replace all wax candles with battery-operated LED versions that provide identical ambiance without fire risk. Dogs can knock over flameless candles without damage or fire risk. Keep traditional candles stored in closed cabinets where dogs cannot access them, and never leave lit candles unattended in rooms where your dog spends time. Dog-related incidents can result in significant property damage claims for homeowners. Secure Electrical Cords Away From Curious Mouths Young dogs chew through electrical cords and create sparks that ignite nearby furniture or carpet. Run all electrical cords through protective plastic tubes (available at hardware stores), or tape cords securely against baseboards where dogs cannot reach them. Replace any electrical cord that shows teeth marks immediately because damaged wires create fire risks even after your dog loses interest. Use outlet covers on unused electrical sockets to prevent dogs from contact with electrical connections. Final Thoughts Fire safety training transforms your dog from a potential liability into a prepared family member who responds correctly during emergencies. The 500,000 pets affected by home fires annually prove that preparation matters more than luck when disaster strikes. Your fire safety dog needs consistent practice to maintain these life-saving skills. Weekly drill sessions build the muscle memory your dog needs to follow commands under extreme stress. Dogs require consistent reinforcement to maintain emergency skills, so test recall commands, exit routes, and evacuation procedures regularly. These sessions also strengthen the bond between you and your pet while they create confidence that replaces panic during real emergencies. Prevention strategies protect your entire neighborhood from the nearly 1,000 fires that dogs accidentally start each year (simple habits like removing stove knobs take seconds but prevent devastating property damage). Your dog depends on you to provide the training and preparation that keeps your family safe. We at DogingtonPost provide practical advice that protects both pets and their families through responsible dog ownership resources.

Maine Sen. Candidate Graham Platner Has a Lot of Explaining to Do

Through the years, MRC’s Board of Directors has been a blessing — a guiding constellation of visionaries whose wisdom and commitment have carried us through every challenge. Without the extraordinary men and women who have served on this Board, the MRC would not stand as the steadfast voice for truth it is today. Their counsel has been our compass, steering us toward greater impact and purpose. It is with profound sorrow that we share news of a great loss not only to the MRC but to our nation. On Wednesday, after a courageous and faithful fight against a determined cancer, our esteemed Board member Karen Buchwald Wright passed away at age seventy-one. As my father wrote in a note to the staff: “Her generosity was extraordinary. But the kindness she showed everyone, and the affection she held for everyone in our MRC family — I know: she told me — was boundless. If there were a half-staff day of mourning tradition at the MRC, today would be that day.” Karen was an incredible mother to her sons, Alex, Hunter, Andrew, and Sam, and a loving grandmother to several grandchildren. She is survived by her husband Tom, her mother Maureen, and many friends who cherished her deeply. She was preceded in death in 2021 by her son Hunter, who fought his own brave battle against cancer. Born on the Fourth of July in Mount Vernon, Ohio, the namesake of George Washington’s historic home, it is as if Providence itself marked her for a life of patriotic devotion. Her love for liberty and faith in America’s promise burned bright throughout her seventy-one remarkable years. Her father, Jim Buchwald, founded Ariel Corporation in 1966, designing a revolutionary gas compressor from his basement. In 2001, Karen became President and Chief Executive Officer, transforming that family startup into a global leader in energy technology, a living testament to her ingenuity, discipline, and belief in American exceptionalism. As Chairman and founder of The Ariel Foundation, she poured her generosity into parks, education, the arts, historic preservation, youth programs, and the revitalization of her beloved Mount Vernon. A 2018 recipient of National Review’s William F. Buckley Jr. Prize for Leadership in Supporting Liberty, Karen was celebrated as one of the most consequential conservative philanthropists of our time. Her compassion and civic devotion were praised far and wide, from national organizations to her hometown newspapers, the Mount Vernon News and Knox Pages. Her gifts to education, cancer research, and local preservation projects, including the Karen Buchwald Wright Reading Room at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, will enrich generations to come. For more than twenty years, Karen stood shoulder to shoulder with the MRC, first as a loyal donor, then as a trustee, and since 2020 as a dedicated member of our Board of Directors. She was a joy to work alongside, wise, gracious, and always focused on the mission. Her counsel, insight, and enthusiasm helped strengthen our research, expand our reach, and solidify our standing as America’s premier watchdog of the media. On a personal note, it was Karen who convinced me that I could take up the mantle from my father, just as she had done from hers. She reminded me that leadership is not inherited, it is earned — and that the best way to honor those who came before us is to keep building boldly for the future. That wisdom has stayed with me every day. Every MRC study, exposé, and success story bears her mark. Because of Karen’s leadership and generosity, the impact of your support has grown exponentially, fueling new victories for truth and accountability. Karen will forever be part of the MRC, her legacy woven into everything we do and everything we will accomplish. Our loss is heaven’s gain. May her kind and generous spirit shine eternal. Farewell, Karen. Your legacy lives forever in our hearts.  

The president is still riding on global goodwill for the release of hostages from Hamas. On stage in Egypt, the president of Pakistan praised President Donald Trump for bringing peace to what could have become a nuclear war between Pakistan and India. The Israeli people love him more than they do their own leaders. But here at home, Democrats have kept voting to keep the government shut down. Democrats, however, have been careful with their battle. Trump has moved defense funding around to make sure the military gets paid this week. He will not be able to keep doing it, but for now, our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines will get paid. Democrats are publicly protesting that this is unconstitutional. None of them are, so far, willing to fight the president on it. Democrats are refusing to vote for the same continuing resolution authored by and submitted by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer just last year. The resolution is the same, and Democrats are now killing what they themselves wrote last year. Therein lies the problem for the Democrats. They want credit for fighting Trump and shutting down the government, but they don’t want any blame for shutting down the government. On Wednesday, the 15th day of the government shutdown, neither the New York Times, the Washington Post, nor the Wall Street Journal had a front-page story about the shutdown. If the press could praise the Democrats, they undoubtedly would. But at this point, few Americans are feeling the effects of the shutdown. Social security checks are going out, the military is getting paid, passports are being issued and life goes on. Eventually, Democrats will vote to reopen the government. As the president becomes increasingly empowered to fire federal employees, gut programs that make up core Democratic initiatives, and cancel federal projects in Democratic districts, the pain will keep growing for Democrats. If Republicans give them nothing, we can all wonder what the fight was over when the government goes back to work with Democrat votes. The only thing sure is that the government will reopen. When it does, and Democrats have gotten no up-front concessions (they will get some changes on healthcare), their base will be furious. They were smart not to fight on the issue of military funding and sue to stop payment. But here they must fight. Their base demands it. On Saturday, progressive activists are headed to Washington for a “No Kings” protest funded by leftwing billionaires who have helped move the party further left. Fight they must, but they will cave eventually because, also, they must. Should the Republicans be smart and offer nothing to the Democrats, when the government reopens, the base of the Democratic Party will savage the Democrats. The billionaire progressives, using their clout, will work to push the party further left because, to them, Trump is Hitler. Reopening the government allows Hitler to keep Hitlering. It is more than a bit humorous that the Democrats think the man who just freed Israeli hostages is the second coming of Hitler, but this is where the Democratic Party is. For those on the right who think we should be cautious in provoking a fight within the Democratic Party, they should remember that black and Hispanic voters have moved right as the left has more vocally embraced socialism. Pushing the Democrats further left certainly risks even more violence from the left, but also opens the door to the Republicans for a larger share of the public. The public may not care for Trump, but they positively despise the left and the Democratic Party’s drift to the left. As several internet jokesters pointed out, a year ago, Trump was slinging fries at McDonald’s and driving a garbage truck. This week, he negotiated peace in the Middle East, found a way to pay the military despite a government shutdown, but has yet to convince Chuck Schumer to release the American people as the Democrats’ hostages. By contrast, the Democrats seem small and insignificant and life goes on with President Trump as a singular, dominant force, and Democrats are unsure of which fights to pick.

This latest free speech victory could have huge implications for the future of European Union censorship in France.  Rumble announced its return to France in a Tuesday press release, writing that a French court had ruled that an email from a French cabinet official could not compel a social media platform to censor.   [The story continues on MRCFreeSpeechAmerica.org]