Motherhood is a sweet and beautiful calling. Being a mother is full of so much joy and brings forth an abundance of blessings. Yet, at the same time, it can also bring about trials that manifest a mix of emotions that don’t always make sense.

Someone who wants to stop redistricting put up a billboard in Porterville, California wrecking him, flashing the following: “I’m Gavin Newsom! I destroyed CA with my bad ideas!” “Highest gas prices in the country! “Record crime, vioIence, and homelessness!” BREAKING – Someone has set up an electronic billboard displaying all of Gavin Newsom’s “accomplishments” in […] The post Gavin Newsom Has His Own Special Billboard appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

Have you ever seen a wedding take place in Switzerland? Needless to say, it’s absolutely breathtaking, especially if it takes place in a mountainous area. Between the views and the delicious food, it’s truly a dream wedding destination. In other words, can you really blame someone for crashing a wedding here? That’s what happened to the newlyweds in this viral video… Typically, the term “wedding crasher” holds a negative connotation. In this case, however, this larger-than-life guest was quite a delightful surprise. Besides, if you’re going to have a wedding that takes place outside in Switzerland, it only seems right that an adorable guest like this one would attend. Think you have an idea of who it could have been? Find out in the video below! @lena.wilczek Things to consider when you get married in Switzerland: Even the cows want to say “I do.” Photographer: @jessicagrieder_photography Planning: @Wedding.Melodies Dress: @Luisa Dias Dilger Styling: @Alyssia Olivia Candles: @lini_home For full vendor list go to my imstagram #switzerlamd #swisswedding #weddingswitzerland #mountains ♬ The Winner Is… Version – DeVotchKa “Heaven forbid a cow wants to be your maid of honour,” someone hilariously shares in reply to this sweet video. Other commenters add, “Cows are such curious creatures, it was probably the first time she saw a wedding dress” and “She just wanted to congratulate the groom and the bride!” Curious Cow Crashes a Wedding in Switzerland and It’s Just as Adorable as it Sounds For many people, cows are the first thing they think of when they hear Switzerland. While the country doesn’t have an official animal, it’s widely agreed upon that cows have earned this title. There are a few reasons for this, many of which go back to the country’s history. Farmers have made a living with these creatures since the 18th century. As a result, you can find lots of cows roaming around, especially in rural areas that are near mountains. Figuring out how to safely interact with them can be tricky when you’re not used to it. But for folks like Swedish musician Jonna Jinton, singing for the cows is like second nature. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post Couple Getting Married In Switzerland Encounters Larger-Than-Life Wedding Crasher appeared first on InspireMore.

by the Author of The Widow in the Woods Here’s where the story left off last time. When Kate awakened, dappled sun shone on the wall of the cave, and she couldn’t remember where she was for a moment. She went to stretch and was momentarily confined by the sleeping bag, which brought her to full, panicked wakefulness immediately. The Glock was right there beside her, like a silent guardian. She felt the hard, unforgiving floor of the cave beneath her and winced as she sat up gingerly. She smiled to herself. She knew that Ariel would bounce right up with the resilience of a young person, making her feel even older. She wriggled out of the bag, stuffed some tissues in her pocket, and strapped the Glock to her waist. Then, she went outside to do her business before waking Ariel. She stretched when she got out of the cave, putting her hand on the stony entrance for balance. She was stiff and achy from sleeping on the cold ground. She felt like she’d aged 50 years in one chilly, uncomfortable night. Once out of the cave, she squinted up at the sky. The sun was fairly high. They’d slept late. That was okay, though. She figured that the most dangerous time to be out on the trail to Mr. Slocum’s house would be in the daylight.  Her plan was to stay hidden all day if they could, then hike to the neighbor’s place just after dusk. Dawn and dusk were always more dangerous times to be out and about in the habitats of wild animals, but here she was, back to that “man or bear” analogy. She’d far rather deal with the wildlife than the crazed stalker that Logan had become. She made her way back into the cave and broke out another bottled latte, chugging down the precious caffeine. She decided it was best to let Ariel sleep for as much of the day as possible to reduce her stress. Kate pulled a crossword puzzle book, a pen, and a deck of cards from one of the kitty litter containers. She rolled the backpack into a makeshift pillow and leaned against the wall, with the bag padding her back. The cave wasn’t very big, but she could sit up where the walls curved toward the ground without hunching over. She was four puzzles deep by the time Ariel began to stir. As predicted, the girl hopped up as though she’d just finished a peaceful slumber on a downy king-sized bed at a five-star hotel. She followed Kate’s lead, going outside for a few moments. When she came back, Kate handed her a granola bar and a baggie of dehydrated apple slices. She grabbed the same thing for herself and the two sat down cross-legged, eating their breakfasts. “No coffee?” Ariel raised a curious eyebrow. “Not hot coffee,” replied Kate, shaking a bottled latte in her daughter’s general direction. “I’m not going to build a fire or get a scent in the air or do anything else that might draw Logan to us.” “So, what’s the plan, Mom?” asked Ariel around a mouthful of chewy granola bar. “We’re going to let him search for us today, then when it begins to get dark, we’re going to Mr. Slocum’s place, calling the cops, and getting the heck out of here.” “He sure is going to be mad,” Ariel mused, a bit of a quaver in her voice. “You really don’t think he’ll find the cave?” Kate looked outside the mouth of the cave. She spoke slowly, gravely, “I can’t promise that he won’t find the cave. But I can promise you that if he does, he will not touch you.” She turned back to face her daughter and met her eyes. “I give you my word, I will not let him hurt you.” Ariel glanced knowingly at the gun that Kate had removed from her holster and put beside her for easier access while she was seated on the floor. Kate saw her gaze and affirmed, “I’ll do what I have to do.” Ariel looked away and was silent for a long minute. Then she said, “If you don’t, I will. I know what he did to you, too, Mom,” she replied. Her voice was strong and unwavering but her eyes were distant. “Can I carry a gun today as well? You know I can shoot the cap off a bottle. You’re the one who taught me.” Kate froze. She hadn’t realized that Ariel knew about the brutal sexual assault she had endured at Logan’s hands. It took her a moment to gather herself to respond. “Ari, I don’t want you to have to live with something like shooting another human being,” Kate stated firmly. “That would be so traumatic for you, and you’ve already been through so much.” Ariel set her jaw firmly. “It would be better than being helpless if he tried to take me again.” Kate sighed. “Let me think about it, okay?” She picked up a deck of cards that sat beside her. “Crazy 8s?” … Kate and Ariel spent the afternoon quietly playing cards in the cave. When they stepped out to commune with Mother Nature briefly, it felt like a typical summer day, the hot sun beating down between the turning leaves. But inside the cave, it was cool and damp, the air at least 20 degrees cooler than it was outside. The tension of constantly listening for footsteps drawing near or shouts from down the mountain made their games less than relaxing. Every snapped branch, every crunch of leaves, had Kate holding her breath, heart racing, hand on the pistol, until she determined it wasn’t an immediate threat. She couldn’t decide if it was good or bad that she couldn’t hear Logan yelling. It was good in that he wasn’t too close. It was bad in that she had no idea where he was or what he was doing. She came to a decision and abruptly rose from the floor of the cave. “I’m going to give you pepper spray and a taser, Ariel,” she announced. “What you need to know about the taser is that if you’re touching him when you tase him, you’ll be shocked too. Pepper spray will blow back in your face if the wind is blowing the wrong way. But neither of these will kill anyone or cause long-term harm.” “But, Mom -” Ariel started. “No gun,” Kate interrupted. “That’s my final decision.” Ariel looked sulky. “I don’t want to play cards anymore.” She folded her arms. “Then read your book,” Kate suggested, pretending not to notice her daughter’s sullen expression. “Fine,” she huffed, flopping back down on her sleeping bag and picking up her book, her back turned to Kate. Kate wanted to continue explaining her reasoning to Ariel, but she wisely kept quiet to let the girl sort it out and calm down on her own. This would be a good time to repack their bags for the treacherous night hike ahead of them. They needed to move quickly and quietly, and Kate had some special additions she wanted to add to the packs. Part of her yearned to stay hidden in the caves until Logan gave up and went away, but she knew, rationally, that this would not be over until she ended it. And one way or another, it ended today. About Daisy Daisy Luther is a coffee-swigging author and blogger who’s traded her air miles for a screen porch, having embraced a more homebody lifestyle after a serious injury. She’s the heart and mind behind The Organic Prepper, a top-tier website where she shares what she’s learned about preparedness, self-reliance, and the pursuit of liberty. With 17 books under her belt, Daisy’s insights on living frugally, surviving tough times, finding some happiness in the most difficult situations, and embracing independence have touched many lives. Her work doesn’t just stay on her site; it’s shared far and wide across alternative media, making her a familiar voice in the community. Known for her adventurous spirit, she’s lived in five different countries and raised two wonderful daughters as a single mom. Now living in the beautiful state of North Carolina, Daisy has been spreading her knowledge through blogging for 15 years now.  She is the best-selling author of 5 traditionally published books, 12 self-published books, and runs a small digital publishing company with PDF guides, printables, and courses at SelfRelianceand Survival.com You can find her on Facebook, Pinterest, and X. The post Haven Hill: Chapter 17 appeared first on The Organic Prepper.

If they gave out patches for passing the Presidential Daydreaming Test at Rosecroft Elementary, I’d have gotten more patches than a quilt. But alas, it took passing the Presidential Fitness Test to be so honored. News that President Donald Trump was reinstituting that Presidential Fitness Test brought me right back to Rosecroft. Or more accurately, the ceiling of the cafeteria.Little Albert was fairly athletic. Put a bat in my hand, and I could hit whatever you threw. Hit, throw, or kick a ball, and I’d shoot off like a puppy and grab it. However, I was not one to climb trees, climb rocks, or even climb up for the high dive. I didn’t like heights. Which is why I failed the Presidential Fitness Test a few times—because of the rope climb. We had to climb up a rope that stretched to the top of the cafeteria ceiling 17 stories above the ground. As bats swirled around our heads. Perhaps I exaggerate. But it sure seemed like 17 stories and certainly thoughts of slipping and plunging down, down, down swirled around my head.Yet, thanks to the test, the goal was put before me. Reach the top and be given a patch blessed by the very president of the United States, who was willing to take time out of achieving détente with China to congratulate me, Little Albert, for a job well done. I had to go outside my comfort zone. I had to push myself. They didn’t hand out “participation” patches from the president, not in my day. Then came the day. Another chance. I gazed up at the rope disappearing high in the air above, sighed, and up I went; hand over hand and using my legs, past the green paint marker on the rope, soon past the yellow marker that had been my stop point in times past. This time, the prize ahead meant more to me than the distance below. Up higher and higher. Past the bats. Past the clouds. Past the jets that had taken off from National Airport. Up toward the red. Finally! I made it! I don’t remember what I wrote yesterday, but I do remember stretching to touch the ceiling beam in triumph.I came down with the pride of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins splashing down in the Apollo 11 capsule. The Presidential Fitness Test prize was mine. I’ve won awards in sports. I’ve won awards for writing. Nothing’s come close to the feeling of getting that patch. Getting honored for doing what comes naturally is no feat. But that patch—achieving what seemed unachievable—was a major moment. Would it have meant as much had I not fallen short previously? What value do we put on a kid’s face that lights up when he achieves something thought out of reach?   What did we deny children by removing the fitness test? What have we denied children by making winning and losing a bad thing? “Participation” trophies that are given out today for merely participating and not actually achieving are chains that keep children tied down. Trump is giving children back something more than health. It’s the reinstitution of the healthy belief that achievement is good. That working hard can take you far. Maybe not always to the top, but much farther than you would go otherwise. Trump is giving children something else very valuable: The idea that the achievement of others is something to cheer. Mikki, a classmate of mine at Rosecroft, reminded me that she, too, made it to the top of the rope. Did Little Albert cheer her on? I don’t remember, but the little boy still in me cheered at the news.   In high school, another Rosecroft classmate of ours, Tony, received a national scholastic honor. The news was broadcast during morning announcements. That I do remember cheering. How wonderful for us to whoop it up for Tony! Yet, in far too many woke school districts, academic excellence has stopped being celebrated. Those who achieve are not singled out and acknowledged. Why? So those who do not stand out won’t feel bad.Newsflash for the Woke Educational Complex: If you throw a blanket over a bright spot, all you are doing is leaving kids in darkness. And here’s another newsflash: Kids will still know they’re in darkness. Think I hadn’t known since kindergarten that Tony’s brain operated on a different level than the rest of us? Think I didn’t know that among my high school friends that I was the academic runt of the litter? Of course, I did. The school refusing to give Tony a shout-out wouldn’t have changed that. Eliminating Honor Roll wouldn’t have changed that. However, I had been taught along the way to celebrate the gifts of others. Taught that if I wanted to keep up academically, I had to study harder. That’s not to say I always did. (Sorry, Mrs. Rollins.) But the fact was, I knew it was in my hands.Just like that rope for the Presidential Fitness Test. There is victory in achieving for yourself. There is also victory in cheering for others. You don’t make winners by making sure nobody loses. You make winners by celebrating wins, by encouraging kids to celebrate and encourage the wins of others, and encouraging them to use their losses as incentive to win next time.The president must be commended for bringing not only the fitness test back, but for bringing back the healthy value of merit. We publish a variety of perspectives. Nothing written here is to be construed as representing the views of The Daily Signal. The post Ascending to New Heights: Trump and the Return of Winning appeared first on The Daily Signal.

by the Author of The Widow in the Woods Here’s where the story left off last time. When Kate awakened, dappled sun shone on the wall of the cave, and she couldn’t remember where she was for a moment. She went to stretch and was momentarily confined by the sleeping bag, which brought her to full, panicked wakefulness immediately. The Glock was right there beside her, like a silent guardian. She felt the hard, unforgiving floor of the cave beneath her and winced as she sat up gingerly. She smiled to herself. She knew that Ariel would bounce right up with the resilience of a young person, making her feel even older. She wriggled out of the bag, stuffed some tissues in her pocket, and strapped the Glock to her waist. Then, she went outside to do her business before waking Ariel. She stretched when she got out of the cave, putting her hand on the stony entrance for balance. She was stiff and achy from sleeping on the cold ground. She felt like she’d aged 50 years in one chilly, uncomfortable night. Once out of the cave, she squinted up at the sky. The sun was fairly high. They’d slept late. That was okay, though. She figured that the most dangerous time to be out on the trail to Mr. Slocum’s house would be in the daylight.  Her plan was to stay hidden all day if they could, then hike to the neighbor’s place just after dusk. Dawn and dusk were always more dangerous times to be out and about in the habitats of wild animals, but here she was, back to that “man or bear” analogy. She’d far rather deal with the wildlife than the crazed stalker that Logan had become. She made her way back into the cave and broke out another bottled latte, chugging down the precious caffeine. She decided it was best to let Ariel sleep for as much of the day as possible to reduce her stress. Kate pulled a crossword puzzle book, a pen, and a deck of cards from one of the kitty litter containers. She rolled the backpack into a makeshift pillow and leaned against the wall, with the bag padding her back. The cave wasn’t very big, but she could sit up where the walls curved toward the ground without hunching over. She was four puzzles deep by the time Ariel began to stir. As predicted, the girl hopped up as though she’d just finished a peaceful slumber on a downy king-sized bed at a five-star hotel. She followed Kate’s lead, going outside for a few moments. When she came back, Kate handed her a granola bar and a baggie of dehydrated apple slices. She grabbed the same thing for herself and the two sat down cross-legged, eating their breakfasts. “No coffee?” Ariel raised a curious eyebrow. “Not hot coffee,” replied Kate, shaking a bottled latte in her daughter’s general direction. “I’m not going to build a fire or get a scent in the air or do anything else that might draw Logan to us.” “So, what’s the plan, Mom?” asked Ariel around a mouthful of chewy granola bar. “We’re going to let him search for us today, then when it begins to get dark, we’re going to Mr. Slocum’s place, calling the cops, and getting the heck out of here.” “He sure is going to be mad,” Ariel mused, a bit of a quaver in her voice. “You really don’t think he’ll find the cave?” Kate looked outside the mouth of the cave. She spoke slowly, gravely, “I can’t promise that he won’t find the cave. But I can promise you that if he does, he will not touch you.” She turned back to face her daughter and met her eyes. “I give you my word, I will not let him hurt you.” Ariel glanced knowingly at the gun that Kate had removed from her holster and put beside her for easier access while she was seated on the floor. Kate saw her gaze and affirmed, “I’ll do what I have to do.” Ariel looked away and was silent for a long minute. Then she said, “If you don’t, I will. I know what he did to you, too, Mom,” she replied. Her voice was strong and unwavering but her eyes were distant. “Can I carry a gun today as well? You know I can shoot the cap off a bottle. You’re the one who taught me.” Kate froze. She hadn’t realized that Ariel knew about the brutal sexual assault she had endured at Logan’s hands. It took her a moment to gather herself to respond. “Ari, I don’t want you to have to live with something like shooting another human being,” Kate stated firmly. “That would be so traumatic for you, and you’ve already been through so much.” Ariel set her jaw firmly. “It would be better than being helpless if he tried to take me again.” Kate sighed. “Let me think about it, okay?” She picked up a deck of cards that sat beside her. “Crazy 8s?” … Kate and Ariel spent the afternoon quietly playing cards in the cave. When they stepped out to commune with Mother Nature briefly, it felt like a typical summer day, the hot sun beating down between the turning leaves. But inside the cave, it was cool and damp, the air at least 20 degrees cooler than it was outside. The tension of constantly listening for footsteps drawing near or shouts from down the mountain made their games less than relaxing. Every snapped branch, every crunch of leaves, had Kate holding her breath, heart racing, hand on the pistol, until she determined it wasn’t an immediate threat. She couldn’t decide if it was good or bad that she couldn’t hear Logan yelling. It was good in that he wasn’t too close. It was bad in that she had no idea where he was or what he was doing. She came to a decision and abruptly rose from the floor of the cave. “I’m going to give you pepper spray and a taser, Ariel,” she announced. “What you need to know about the taser is that if you’re touching him when you tase him, you’ll be shocked too. Pepper spray will blow back in your face if the wind is blowing the wrong way. But neither of these will kill anyone or cause long-term harm.” “But, Mom -” Ariel started. “No gun,” Kate interrupted. “That’s my final decision.” Ariel looked sulky. “I don’t want to play cards anymore.” She folded her arms. “Then read your book,” Kate suggested, pretending not to notice her daughter’s sullen expression. “Fine,” she huffed, flopping back down on her sleeping bag and picking up her book, her back turned to Kate. Kate wanted to continue explaining her reasoning to Ariel, but she wisely kept quiet to let the girl sort it out and calm down on her own. This would be a good time to repack their bags for the treacherous night hike ahead of them. They needed to move quickly and quietly, and Kate had some special additions she wanted to add to the packs. Part of her yearned to stay hidden in the caves until Logan gave up and went away, but she knew, rationally, that this would not be over until she ended it. And one way or another, it ended today. About Daisy Daisy Luther is a coffee-swigging author and blogger who’s traded her air miles for a screen porch, having embraced a more homebody lifestyle after a serious injury. She’s the heart and mind behind The Organic Prepper, a top-tier website where she shares what she’s learned about preparedness, self-reliance, and the pursuit of liberty. With 17 books under her belt, Daisy’s insights on living frugally, surviving tough times, finding some happiness in the most difficult situations, and embracing independence have touched many lives. Her work doesn’t just stay on her site; it’s shared far and wide across alternative media, making her a familiar voice in the community. Known for her adventurous spirit, she’s lived in five different countries and raised two wonderful daughters as a single mom. Now living in the beautiful state of North Carolina, Daisy has been spreading her knowledge through blogging for 15 years now.  She is the best-selling author of 5 traditionally published books, 12 self-published books, and runs a small digital publishing company with PDF guides, printables, and courses at SelfRelianceand Survival.com You can find her on Facebook, Pinterest, and X. The post Haven Hill: Chapter 17 appeared first on The Organic Prepper.

An underreported safety and national security crisis within America's trucking industry is now gaining national attention after an illegal alien semi-truck driver has been accused of killing several people in Florida earlier this month.Harjinder Singh, a 28-year-old Indian national, was arrested after he jackknifed his truck while allegedly making an illegal U-turn on August 12, crushing a minivan and killing everyone in the vehicle.Singh obtained his commercial driver's license in California despite facing pending immigration proceedings after he crossed illegally into the U.S. in 2018. The first Trump administration had fast-tracked Singh for deportation, but he was later released when he told immigration officials he was afraid to be deported back to India.The recent tragic incident received national attention and highlighted how former President Joe Biden's open-border immigration policies contributed to significant and overlooked issues within America's trucking industry, including road safety concerns, declining wages, and broader national security risks that could take years to address.Shannon Everett with American Truckers United has raised concerns about the effects of lowered driver qualifications for foreign nationals, which were justified by claims of an industry staffing crisis.'I feel that this could be the biggest national security threat to the homeland that nobody is covering.’Everett told Blaze News that many new drivers are foreign-born, having obtained their CDLs after seeking asylum and receiving employment authorization documents.According to the Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, nonresident foreign nationals can qualify for non-domiciled CDLs. Exceptions include Canadian and Mexican nationals, who must instead obtain a license from their home country, as the FMCSA has determined that the licensing standards in those countries meet its requirements.Cole Stevens, the chief strategy officer for Stevens Trucking Co., similarly warned about the "massive increase in non-domiciled CDLs nationwide and CDL fraud," stating that the current trucking industry ecosystem is "gutting the American trucking companies one by one.""We have definitely seen mass casualty events happening more frequently than ever before," he told Blaze News. "Unvetted, untrained, and sometimes incapable of communicating/reading English road signs is a recipe for disaster."RELATED: Party's over: Foreign truck drivers get reality check in Alabama, thanks to Trump Photo by Matt Mills McKnight/Getty ImagesThe ultimate cost The lack of proper vetting in favor of "rampant labor dumping" has reportedly led to an increase in fatal accidents.American Truckers United shared a chart tracking the trend of large-truck-involved fatal crashes from 2008 to 2022.The group noted that in 2016, the Obama administration's FMCSA issued a memorandum removing the requirement to place drivers out of service for lack of English proficiency, which subsequently appeared to lead to an increase in accidents. From 2008 to 2015, the annual number of truck-involved fatal crashes peaked at 4,089. In contrast, from 2016 to 2023, the lowest annual number of truck-involved fatal crashes was 4,562, reaching a maximum of 5,873 in 2022.‘We keep putting profit ahead of life, and I'm now a widow because of that.’A heartbreaking incident exemplified this alarming trend in June 2024, when a semi-truck driver lost control of his vehicle on Colorado's Highway 285, resulting in the death of Scott Miller, 64, a husband, father, and grandfather.The driver's semi-truck, which was transporting steel pipes, collided with the car in front of it, causing the truck to jackknife. The straps securing the truck's cargo failed, and the pipes fell onto Miller's vehicle, instantly crushing and killing him.The driver of the truck was Ignacio Cruz Mendoza, a Mexican national who was illegally in the U.S. and did not hold a valid CDL at the time of the crash. Cruz Mendoza had been removed or voluntarily left the U.S. 16 times prior to the tragedy. After he spent just eight months of his year-long sentence in prison for the fatal accident, Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed Crus Mendoza from the country.RELATED: The deadly trucker crisis — and why mass migration is to blame Photo by RJ Sangosti/Denver Post via Getty ImagesThe victim, Scott Miller, a commercial truck driver himself, and his wife, Deann Miller, previously operated their own trucking company hauling water.Deann Miller rejected claims of a staffing shortage in the trucking industry, arguing that many qualified American drivers are willing to work, but some companies are cutting corners by hiring non-domiciled drivers to save costs."Truckers make good money, and they didn't want to pay that," she told Blaze News. "These companies are putting profit over lives.""We're allowing [foreign nationals] to come in with whatever license they claim they had from their country," Miller continued. "Our truck drivers are held to a much higher standard, and they go through special schooling."Miller explained that driving large trucks is "a skilled profession," especially in mountainous areas where drivers must know how to downshift correctly, as brakes alone cannot stop an 80,000-pound truck traveling downhill.‘This is not even an issue for the trucking industry. This is a national security issue.’Miller told Blaze News that there is another underreported aspect to the story: slave labor."These companies and corporations are bringing people over from China, Africa, Russia, Mexico, all over the place, and they're promising them good wages and a place to live. What's actually happening is these drivers are literally living out of their trucks because the trucking companies are only paying them minimum wage," she said.Miller refuses to let her husband's death be in vain. She is advocating for mountain endorsements for truck drivers and a return to manned roadside weigh stations and inspection stops."We should have stops at the bottom of every mountain road and make sure every truck is assessed before it's alone on these mountain bypasses," she added. "But that's money — tax dollars. But what's more important: money or life? We keep putting profit ahead of life, and I'm now a widow because of that.""My husband lost his life," Miller said. "And I lost my life the day my husband died. ... He was my best friend. We did everything together. I don't have my best friend any more."RELATED: Highway to hell: Mass influx of foreign-born truckers cause carnage on American roads Rebecca Noble/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesNational security risksThe increase in loosely vetted foreign nationals entering the trucking workforce after crossing the border has also sparked concerns about national security.Raman Dhillon, CEO of the North American Punjabi Trucking Association, has called the alleged driver shortage a myth that has been used to justify relaxed driver requirements.Dhillon stated that he warned the Biden administration that there would be "a crisis coming" due to the surge in foreign nationals crossing the border and entering the trucking industry with little industry experience."This is not even an issue for the trucking industry. This is a national security issue," he declared.The Transportation Security Administration issued a report in 2017, warning about the increased number of global "ramming attacks" by terrorists.‘Non-domiciled CDL issuance represents a growing trend for which no one has yet fully accounted.’"Commercial vehicles — distinguished by their large size, weight, and carrying capacity — present an especially attractive mechanism for vehicle ramming attacks because of the ease with which they can penetrate security barriers and the large-scale damage they can inflict on people and infrastructure," the report read.Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stated in April that the National Counterterrorism Center identified 600 people with terrorism ties who entered the U.S. illegally, claimed asylum, and were paroled by the Biden administration.American Truckers United argued, "The American people DESERVE to know: Were some of these 600 individuals issued Non-Domicile CDLs, giving them access to operate massive commercial trucks on our roads? This is a NATIONAL SECURITY CRISIS! Demand transparency NOW!"Stevens called this possibility the "ultimate Trojan horse that nobody is talking about.""I feel that this could be the biggest national security threat to the homeland that nobody is covering," Stevens told Blaze News. "Every non-domiciled license I have seen has been under the age of 42, most in their 20s."Stevens noted that the average age of American truck drivers is roughly 51 years old."I haven't seen a single one over that age for the foreign drivers/licenses that have been issued since COVID. Something is off, right?" he questioned.Last year, two illegal aliens, Jordanian nationals, were arrested after they allegedly attempted to breach Marine Corps Base Quantico. The men reportedly posed as Amazon delivery drivers and, failing to provide proper credentials, tried to drive their box truck onto the base anyway before they were stopped by guards who deployed vehicle denial barriers.The incident sparked concerns about a potential terrorist plot, though those claims were never substantiated.How we got hereAlthough Canada and Mexico are the only two countries with CDL reciprocity agreements with the U.S., the FMCSA can issue temporary waivers, valid up to 90 days, or exemptions, valid up to two years, that allow foreign drivers from other countries to operate within the U.S.A July report from Overdrive attempted to answer whether there has been a recent increase in non-domiciled CDL issuance across the United States. The outlet noted that determining the number of issued licenses was difficult because there is no universal tracking system, and several states that issue these CDLs do not track their own data either."Overdrive found just seven states that don't issue CDLs to noncitizens with work authorization; 11 states do issue non-domiciled CDLs but can't readily produce data about them; and 32 states ultimately did provide numbers. Among the states that didn't provide data, six said they would have to pay a contractor to produce the data, and two offered no response at all," the report read.Despite missing data, Overdrive estimated that there are more than 60,000 active non-domiciled CDLs currently in the country. The report stated that "non-domiciled CDL issuance has increased quickly among the majority of states that provided data," noting that Louisiana issued only 20 in 2021 and jumped to 172 in 2024."Non-domiciled CDL issuance represents a growing trend for which no one has yet fully accounted," Overdrive concluded.Everett told Blaze News that non-domiciled CDLs are primarily issued in California, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Montana, Texas, and Florida."They are not vetting these drivers," he warned, adding that in some instances, CDLs have been issued to individuals who have provided inaccurate birthdate information or failed to submit their full names.RELATED: A trucker's open letter to DOGE's Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesThe Biden-Harris Administration Trucking Action Plan further exacerbated issues within the industry by "reduc[ing] barriers to drivers getting CDLs" and providing states with funds and guidance to "expedite licensing."As part of the administration's attempt to address the alleged staffing shortage in the trucking industry, it threw millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded grants at training schools.However, an increase in pop-up CDL mills appeared to follow the federal government's financial support.In May, reports emerged that a trucking academy with branches in Washington and Oregon had been accused of bribing an independent state tester with cash-filled envelopes to pass its students. The school advertised teaching driving classes in Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, and Turkish.And this is not an isolated instance; there are several recent cases involving similar alleged CDL fraud schemes.Authorities in Florida arrested eight individuals, including two Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles employees, for their alleged participation in a scheme that involved selling thousands of fraudulent licenses, including CDLs, to illegal aliens.The Department of Justice announced the arrest of a former Massachusetts State Police trooper in August, who was sentenced to prison for three months for his role in a CDL fraud plot. The trooper and three MSP employees allegedly "conspired to give preferential treatment to at least 17 CDL applicants by agreeing to give passing scores on their CDL tests regardless of whether or not they actually passed."A July report from Freight Waves stated that despite a $926 million grant in 2024 to FMCSA to increase carrier safety, only 6% of interstate carriers actually underwent a compliance review."What does that actually mean? It means you can start a trucking company, put equipment on the road, hire drivers with questionable training — and the government might never even glance in your direction," the news outlet wrote. "It also means brokers, shippers, and even insurance companies are making decisions based on an illusion of compliance. A lot of these carriers aren't flying under the radar — they were never even on it to begin with."Call to actionEverett predicted that highway safety will continue to deteriorate unless "sizeable action" is taken to correct the course.American Truckers United has requested that President Donald Trump's DOT immediately revoke and ban non-domiciled CDLs for noncitizens. The group also called for restrictions on foreign CDLs, requiring that those drivers operate only within designated commercial trade zones by banning domestic hauling beyond those areas.‘Allowing unvetted individuals into the trucking workforce poses unacceptable risks to national security, public safety, and the flow of commerce.’Everett told Blaze News, "All of the countries identified as having dumped drivers into the American labor market are well known for third-world conditions and living standards for their workers. This has had the intended effect."He explained that labor dumping has driven down wages and living standards for American workers."It's important to note that no enforcement mechanisms exist to ensure these new drivers are being paid prevailing wages or income taxes. Likewise because of staffing problems at FMCSA, little to no enforcement exists for these operators when it comes to safety regulations," Everett added.Stevens believes some issues could be resolved by implementing new license standards and federal-level auditing, particularly for interstate commerce."I'm a big proponent of states' rights over any federalization, but movement of goods [and] people between states seems like a federal issue to me," Stevens said. "And right now that licensing structure amongst states is in shambles. And I believe it has been exploited way beyond comprehension.""I would love to see President Trump call for a full audit of all CDLs issued over the last five years, because I have a feeling that this problem trickles into all forms of licenses," he stated.RELATED: Were Biden’s strict fuel economy standards illegal? Sean Duffy says yes. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. Photographer: Yuki Iwamura/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesDOT Secretary Sean Duffy, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and President Trump have moved to address the issues impacting the trucking industry.In June, Duffy announced that the DOT would launch a nationwide audit on non-domiciled CDLs to specifically review for potentially "unqualified individuals obtaining licenses and posing a hazard on our roads."The review aims to identify and prevent any potential patterns of abuse within state issuance procedures.Duffy stated, "The open-borders policies of the last administration allowed millions to flood our country — leading to serious allegations that the trucking licensing system is being exploited."A DOT spokesperson told Blaze News, "Under Secretary Duffy's leadership, the U.S. Department of Transportation is restoring strict security standards to protect the traveling public and safeguard our supply chains. Allowing unvetted individuals into the trucking workforce poses unacceptable risks to national security, public safety, and the flow of commerce. That is why we are working to close any loopholes, enhance background checks, and ensure only qualified, lawful drivers are entrusted with operating America's commercial vehicles."Earlier this year, the Trump administration also moved to reverse Obama's 2016 memo, re-enforcing penalties for lack of English proficiency. The White House called it "a non-negotiable safety requirement for professional drivers."Rubio announced on Thursday that the State Department would immediately pause all issuance of worker visas for commercial truck drivers. The announcement appeared to be a reaction to the recent fatal crash in Florida involving an illegal alien.A senior Department of Homeland Security official told Blaze News, “The Biden administration abused its parole authority to create an industrial-scale catch-and-release scheme, letting in unvetted illegal aliens including known suspected terrorists, gang members, and criminals, and the Trump administration is correcting that. DHS terminated parole for nearly 500,000 illegal aliens. Many states are using the SAVE database to help identify illegal aliens before granting them benefits like a driver’s license. We conduct thorough screening and vetting for any individual encountered at our borders to identify threats to public safety and national security.”“While DHS does not directly coordinate with state transportation agencies in vetting CDL applicants, we will use every tool and resource available to protect the homeland, prevent terrorism, and keep our roads safe. The safety of Americans comes first,” the official said.The TSA did not respond to a request for comment.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

A new study suggests many are simply trying to fit in with the progressive crowd.