Lawmakers in Ohio voted unanimously for a new congressional map that would give the GOP a slight boost ahead of next year’s midterm elections.

Remember how Gavin Newsom renovated a new glorious building in total secrecy at taxpayer expense? Now he complains about a larger ballroom for the White House? He is upset about the East Wing renovation and came up with a bizarre talking point. The ballroom will be fully paid for by donors. Trump’s renovated, but Newsom […] The post Newsom Destroys a State & Obsesses on a Ballroom appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

In an attempt to showcase just how dangerous he believes President Donald Trump to be, Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) made the mistake of comparing the United States under Trump to a “five-alarm fire” — an analogy that quickly blew up in his face. Newsom was explaining his position to ABC News anchor Jonathan Karl, and he claimed — among other things — that Trump was likely to do away with elections and the democratic process in their entirety if he was left to himself. WATCH: Gavin Newsom: “I really am scared to death about what’s going on in this country. I really believe it is Code Red. It’s five-alarm fire. It’s breaking every hour of every day. We won’t have a country. We won’t have an election that’s fair and free if we don’t stand up” pic.twitter.com/Zprb4IomBD — Marco Foster (@MarcoFoster_) October 30, 2025 “I just hope we have more fighters,” Newsom said, adding, “I say this seriously — I have no problem being, you know, out there with arrows in my back as long as it gives some space for people to run over me and move forward. I’m serious about that.” “I really am scared to death about what’s going on in this country,” he continued. “I really believe it is Code Red. It’s five-alarm fire. It’s breaking every hour of every day. We won’t have a country. We won’t have an election that’s fair and free if we don’t stand up.” But with the memory of the Palisades fire only just in the rear view mirror — and the state’s abject failure to cut away the layers of red tape preventing those who want to from rebuilding — a number of critics found Newsom’s “five-alarm fire” analogy to be a little too on the nose. “Here’s a tip, Slick. You of all people would be wise not to use fire metaphors in your bulls*** rambling,” actor James Woods observed. “The last ‘five alarm fire’ in California destroyed 16,000 homes and killed 29 people. Thanks solely to you, the commie mayor you support, and your idiot policies. Pipe down.” Here’s a tip, Slick. You of all people would be wise not to use fire metaphors in your bullshit rambling. The last “five alarm fire” in California destroyed 16,000 homes and killed 29 people. Thanks solely to you, the commie mayor you support, and your idiot policies. Pipe down. https://t.co/EuNhDro5rJ — James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) October 31, 2025 California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton added, “You are trying to disenfranchise millions of Californians and rig our elections to entrench your authoritarian one party rule. We are not interested in your laughable lectures on threats to democracy. Look in the mirror.” You are trying to disenfranchise millions of Californians and rig our elections to entrench your authoritarian one party rule. We are not interested in your laughable lectures on threats to democracy. Look in the mirror. https://t.co/lZRRducB2D — steve hilton (@SteveHiltonx) October 31, 2025 “The Code Red is what happened in the Palisades. Who ordered it?? We can handle the truth!” RedState’s Jennifer Van Laar said. The Code Red is what happened in the Palisades. Who ordered it?? We can handle the truth! https://t.co/R9wKldMUhP — Jennifer Van Laar (@jenvanlaar) October 31, 2025 “Does Gavin Newsom know Gavin Newsom’s record in putting out five alarm fires?” Margot Cleveland wondered. Does Gavin Newsom know Gavin Newsom’s record in putting out five alarm fires? https://t.co/8BQoBtdXe5 https://t.co/R4WAgzVqbD — Margot Cleveland (@ProfMJCleveland) October 31, 2025 “After what happened in California imagine having so little shame and self-awareness to say Trump’s causing a ‘five-alarm fire,'” Doug Powers said. After what happened in California imagine having so little shame and self-awareness to say Trump’s causing a “five-alarm fire.” https://t.co/eFkIUUw7pN — Doug Powers (@ThePowersThatBe) October 31, 2025

President Donald Trump unloaded on Democrats — and posted Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) office number for anyone who wanted to complain — after federal judges weighed in on whether or not Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits could be allowed to lapse amid the ongoing government shutdown. Two federal judges — U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Massachusetts and U.S. District Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island — on Friday ordered the Trump administration to continue paying out SNAP benefits despite the government shutdown, with McConnell further ordering the administration to tap into emergency funds in order to pay out the benefits “as soon as possible.” Talwani’s order gave the administration until November 3 to come up with a way to fund the program, but did not specify where those funds should come from. Trump pushed back in a post shared on Truth Social, saying that he was instructing his attorneys to find the fastest way to fund the program and make sure that people could receive the assistance they needed — but he also pointed out the fact that Democrats were continuing to block Republican efforts to reopen the government, thus creating the current quandary. pic.twitter.com/GaXZbasg6U — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 31, 2025 “Our Government lawyers do not think we have the legal authority to pay SNAP with certain monies we have available, and now two Courts have issued conflicting opinions on what we can and cannot do,” Trump began his post, adding, “I do NOT want Americans to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT.” “Therefore, I have instructed our lawyers to ask the Court to clarify how we can legally fund SNAP as soon as possible. It is already delayed enough due to the Democrats keeping the Government closed through the monthly payment date and, even if we get immediate guidance, it will unfortunately be delayed while States get the money out. If we are given the appropriate legal direction by the Court, it will BE MY HONOR to provide the funding, just like I did with Military and Law Enforcement Pay,” he continued. “The Democrats should quit this charade where they hurt people for their own political reasons, and immediately REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT,” Trump concluded by referring people directly to Schumer’s office. “If you use SNAP benefits, call the Senate Democrats, and tell them to reopen the Government, NOW! Here is Cryin’ Chuck Schumer’s Office Number: (202) 224-6542.”

'Common sense energy policies'

Rising energy prices and record-high property taxes are among the top issues driving voters to the polls in a close, competitive gubernatorial election set for Tuesday. Jack Ciattarelli, a businessman and former Republican assemblyman who nearly unseated incumbent Democrat Gov. Phil Murphy in 2021, is taking on Rep. Mikie Sherrill, the Democrat nominee. While New Jersey is a traditionally blue state where Democrats hold a significant registration advantage, recent polls show the candidates are neck and neck. The Democratic candidate for New Jersey governor, Mikie Sherrill, addresses a campaign event in Westville, New Jersey, on Oct. 11. (Matthew Hatcher/Getty Images) Beginning in June, New Jersey residents experienced a 20% increase in electricity prices that figures into broader concerns about affordability throughout the state. Ciattarelli affixes the blame for the spike in utility bills on policies Murphy has implemented in Trenton and Sherrill has pursued in Washington. The candidates have staked out vastly different approaches on energy policy. Ciattarelli has pledged to withdraw New Jersey from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a multistate carbon tax plan known as “RGGI” (and pronounced as “Reggie”) built around “cap and trade” regulations. Under Murphy, New Jersey rejoined RGGI in 2021 after his predecessor, Republican Gov. Chris Christie, pulled the state out of it. In addition to delivering regulatory relief, Ciattarelli is also looking to reopen power plants Murphy shut down—and potentially open new ones. The Republican has also expressed support for expanding nuclear power. For her part, Sherrill has not specifically endorsed RGGI, but she has expressed support for green energy policies in line with RGGI’s goals. Sherrill has pledged to declare a “state of emergency” on utility costs and freeze utility rates. Sherrill, who has represented the state’s 11th Congressional District since 2019, also supports Murphy’s plan to make New Jersey a 100% clean energy state by 2035. Ciattarelli has spent part of his campaign working to tie Sherrill in with Murphy, who has a minus-9 point negative approval rating in the state, while Sherrill has attempted to weigh her Republican opponent down with voter antagonism toward President Donald Trump. But Kenny Stein, vice president of policy for the Institute of Energy Research, told The Daily Signal that the decisive factor could be voter fatigue with green energy mandates that have created upward pressure on energy prices. Sherrill and other Democrats have been critical of Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” claiming that removal of subsidies is responsible for the recent spike in energy prices. Stein disputes that reasoning. “One big problem with this argument is that it will be several years before these subsidies expire,” he explained. “The One Big, Beautiful Bill ends the Production Tax Credit and the Investment Tax Credit for wind and solar facilities placed in service after Dec. 31, 2027, and for those facilities where construction did not begin before July 4, 2026. “Let’s also not forget there is a carveout for projects that begin construction over the next year or so that could then be eligible for subsidies starting as late as 2030. What’s really key here is what’s happening at the state level and what kind of regulations are going in place locally,” he said, adding: “New Jersey could serve as a test bed for where voters fix the blame for rising costs.” Property Taxes, Education New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the nation, with the average homeowner’s bill now hovering around $10,000 a year. Since the state’s public schools are heavily reliant on property taxes, any discussion of tax reform almost always intersects with education policy. Ciattarelli views the current school funding formula as unconstitutional. He argues that it violates the equal benefit provisions of the state constitution. He has committed himself to setting “a statewide standard on per-pupil spending” and then allowing “that money to follow the student,” according to his campaign website. He also supports various school choice initiatives, including the expanded use of charter schools. Ciattarelli views Florida’s school choice voucher program as a model for what could be done in New Jersey. Sherrill’s “Affordability Agenda” includes a mix of tax credits and rebates. Her education plan revolves around a transparency initiative she describes as “The New Jersey Report Card” that includes an online portal that points to state-funded payments, contracts, and programs. Sherrill does not support private school choice initiatives, such as vouchers, but has expressed some support for charter schools. Recent figures show Democrats have a roughly 896,350 voter registration advantage over Republicans, but that figure is down from more than 1 million just a few years ago. Moreover, Trump made significant gains in the state during his 2024 run and came within 6 points of upsetting then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Then there’s Ciattarelli himself, who finished only about 3 points behind Murphy when the governor’s race was finally called in 2021. There’s a historical precedent for tax revolts upending gubernatorial races in New Jersey. Then-Democrat Gov. Jim Florio lost his bid for reelection in 1993 after pushing through a record $2.8 billion tax hike. Richard LaRossa remembers those days. He is a former New Jersey Republican state senator who represented parts of Mercer County. His surprise victory in the wake of the tax revolts gave Republicans a veto-proof majority in the legislature. LaRossa sees a similar dynamic at work today Ciattarelli is attracting support from independents and Democrats. “No matter what the party affiliation, it’s hard to not realize how far to the left Democrats have gone and that there are dozens of Democrats who are either changing parties or supporting Jack Ciattarelli,” he said. Ciattarelli has been endorsed by a number of prominent New Jersey Democrats, including mayors. LaRossa also cites some sobering figures he thinks could help move the needle for Republicans. “It took 238 years for [New Jersey’s] budget to reach $32 billion,” he said. “But it only took only seven years to reach $57 billion, a 75% increase. It’s simple, no one in New Jersey can afford Democrats any longer. We need fiscal restraint and fiscal accountability. That will only happen with Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey’s governor’s office.” State figures point to a sizable number of unaffiliated voters in New Jersey. In fact, unaffiliated voters may be the largest bloc of voters, even outnumbering Democrats. Whichever candidate wins over the unaffiliated will most likely win the election. In-person early voting in New Jersey began on Oct. 25 for the Nov. 4 election. The post Affordability Concerns Dominate Close Race for Governor in New Jersey appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Large dogs face unique risks during car travel due to their size and weight. Unrestrained pets become dangerous projectiles in accidents, putting both dogs and passengers at serious risk. We at DogingtonPost believe proper safety equipment and training can prevent these tragic outcomes. The right approach protects your furry family member while keeping everyone in the vehicle safe. Which Safety Equipment Works Best for Large Dogs Crash-tested harnesses outperform all other restraint options for large dogs that weigh over 50 pounds. The Center for Pet Safety reports that only harnesses that meet their rigorous standards provide adequate protection during accidents. The Sleepypod Clickit Sport stands as the gold standard, having passed comprehensive crash tests while it doubles as a walking harness for daily use. Standard dog seat belts and booster seats fail catastrophically with larger breeds, often break apart on impact and turn your dog into a dangerous projectile. Harness Selection Based on Dog Size Large dogs between 50-80 pounds need medium-sized crash-tested harnesses with reinforced chest plates and padded straps. Extra-large dogs over 80 pounds require heavy-duty models with wider weight distribution panels. The two-finger fit rule applies universally – you should fit exactly two fingers between the harness and your dog’s body for optimal safety without restricted breath. Never use extension tethers with any harness, as the Center for Pet Safety has documented severe injuries from the additional slack during collisions. Crates vs Barriers for Maximum Protection Properly anchored crates provide superior protection compared to barriers, but installation proves difficult in most vehicles. The Gunner G1 kennel offers lifetime warranty coverage and was rated Top Performing Crate for 2015 by the Center for Pet Safety. Crates must fit snugly with minimal extra space – too much room exposes dogs to additional g-forces during impact. Barriers work only as containment tools and provide zero crash protection which makes them unsuitable as primary safety equipment for large dogs during highway travel. Installation Requirements That Matter Most pet owners fail to secure their safety equipment properly, which renders even the best harnesses useless during accidents. Harnesses must attach directly to seat belt systems without any slack or extension straps. Crates require tie-down straps that anchor to multiple vehicle attachment points to prevent movement during impact. The equipment manufacturer’s installation guide provides specific instructions that you must follow exactly – improvised installation methods often fail when you need protection most. Once you select and install the right safety equipment, your large dog needs proper preparation for safe car travel through systematic training methods. How Do You Install Safety Equipment Correctly Most pet owners sabotage their dog’s safety through improper installation, even when they use high-quality crash-tested equipment. The American Automobile Association found that more than 80% of drivers recognize the dangers of driving with unrestrained pets. Harnesses must connect directly to the vehicle’s seat belt buckle without any extension straps or adapters. Thread the seat belt through the harness attachment point and click it into place with the same tension you’d use for a human passenger. The harness should sit snugly against your dog’s chest with the attachment point positioned over their center of gravity (never on their back or neck area). Crate Anchors That Actually Work Safety-certified crates require tie-down straps that connect to at least three vehicle anchor points to prevent deadly movement during crashes. The Gunner G1 and similar heavy-duty crates need cargo area tie-downs plus additional straps to seat mount points. Position crates with the door that faces away from impact zones – rear-face for SUV cargo areas and side-face for truck beds. Never rely on the crate’s weight alone to keep it stationary, as even 100-pound crates become missiles at highway speeds without proper anchors. Installation Mistakes That Kill Dogs Extension tethers represent the deadliest installation error, as the Center for Pet Safety documented severe spinal injuries from the additional slack during collisions. Harnesses that attach to collar loops instead of chest clips cause neck fractures in large dogs during sudden stops. Loose seat belt connections allow 12-18 inches of movement that transforms safety equipment into devices that cause injury. Check your installation by pulling firmly on all connection points – any movement indicates dangerous setup that requires immediate correction before travel. Common Setup Errors to Avoid Vehicle owners frequently position harnesses too high on their dog’s back, which creates dangerous leverage points during impact. The chest plate must sit flat against the dog’s sternum with straps that distribute force across the ribcage (not the spine). Crate doors that face forward become projectile hazards when they break open during frontal collisions. Seat belt slack exceeds safe limits when owners fail to pull the belt tight after connection, which allows dangerous forward motion during crashes. Even perfect installation means nothing if your large dog panics or fights against the safety equipment during travel, which makes proper preparation essential for effective protection. How Do You Train Large Dogs for Car Safety Most large dog owners rush the process and create dangerous situations where panicked dogs fight against safety equipment during emergencies. Start harness practice inside your home for 10-15 minutes daily, and allow your dog to wear the equipment while they eat meals or receive treats. The University of Pennsylvania found that 31% of dogs in vehicle accidents sustained superficial wounds while 87% had skeletal injuries, which proves that proper restraint preparation saves lives. Progress to short 5-minute car sessions with the engine off, then advance to brief drives around the block once your dog remains calm in the harness. Large dogs need 2-3 weeks of consistent daily practice to accept safety equipment without stress responses that compromise their protection. Stop Motion Sickness Before It Starts Feed your large dog 4-6 hours before travel to prevent motion sickness that leads to panic and equipment rejection. Exercise your dog with 30 minutes of vigorous activity before car trips to reduce restlessness and anxiety-driven behaviors. Position harnesses to face forward rather than sideways, as dogs that see the road ahead experience reduced motion sickness according to veterinary studies. Keep windows slightly open for air circulation but never allow head-out-window behavior that creates serious injury risks. Dogs that associate car rides with positive destinations like parks or facilities adapt to safety equipment faster than those who only travel to veterinary appointments. Essential Commands That Save Lives Teach the stay command specifically for car entry and exit situations, as large dogs that bolt from vehicles cause traffic accidents and personal injuries. Practice the settle command while your dog wears safety equipment, and reward calm behavior with high-value treats until the harness becomes associated with positive experiences. Large dogs must learn the wait command for harness attachment and removal (this prevents dangerous struggles that damage equipment or cause improper fit). Dogs that master these three commands reduce installation time from 10 minutes to under 2 minutes, which encourages consistent safety equipment use during every trip. Build Positive Car Associations Create positive experiences by taking short trips to enjoyable destinations before longer journeys. Start with 5-minute drives to nearby parks where your dog can play and explore after the ride. Dogs learn faster when they anticipate rewards at the end of car travel rather than stress about unknown destinations. Practice calm behavior during stops at traffic lights and intersections, as these moments often trigger anxiety in untrained dogs. Consistent positive reinforcement during these brief pauses helps large dogs remain relaxed throughout longer trips (even during unexpected delays or heavy traffic situations). Final Thoughts Large dog car safety demands three essential elements: crash-tested harnesses, correct installation, and consistent practice. The Sleepypod Clickit Sport stands as the only harness that protects dogs over 50 pounds during highway-speed collisions. Crates like the Gunner G1 offer superior protection when owners anchor them correctly to multiple vehicle points. Practice transforms safety equipment from restraints into comfort tools that dogs accept willingly. Dogs that wear harnesses for 2-3 weeks develop calm responses instead of panic behaviors that compromise their protection. The stay, settle, and wait commands reduce setup time while they prevent dangerous struggles during emergencies (especially when dogs feel stressed or anxious). Correct setup prevents the 87% skeletal injury rate that affects unrestrained dogs during accidents. Direct seat belt connections without extension tethers, snug harness fits that follow the two-finger rule, and forward-face positions create protection systems that work when crashes occur. We at DogingtonPost support evidence-based safety practices that protect your furry family members through comprehensive guides on responsible dog ownership and expert advice.

They brought in a litter of kittens and noticed one was extra small. As it turned out, the tiny cat needed special help. EggThe Stray Cat ClubMore than three months ago, four "unwanted" kittens were brought to The Stray Cat Club, an all-volunteer rescue, for a chance at a better life.Among them was a fragile little kitten who was noticeably smaller than her littermates. "When she first arrived, she weighed just 450 grams at ten weeks old. Most kittens her age weigh more than double that," The Stray Cat Club shared.Named Egg, the little wonder kitten puzzled everyone with her miniature size and difficulty growing. The Stray Cat ClubWhile Egg's siblings were soon ready for adoption, she was far from it. She remained tiny and faced a number of health challenges. She was lethargic and struggling to thrive, but with attentive care and encouragement, she slowly began to show signs of improvement.As soon as she had strength in her legs, she began to play, pawing at toys and reaching out for affection. The Stray Cat ClubWeeks passed, yet Egg's progress remained unusually slow. She wasn't developing like a typical kitten. Determined to understand why, the rescue arranged multiple vet visits and closely monitored her every day.Still, there were no clear answers. "We're hoping it's something treatable, but we're preparing ourselves for the unknown." The Stray Cat ClubGiven Egg's small size and persistent symptoms, the team suspected she had congenital hypothyroidism, a rare condition in kittens. "It took a real fight to get the vet to believe the condition we thought she had."Their vet had never seen a case like hers before, but after thorough bloodwork, their suspicions were confirmed. The Stray Cat Club"Once she started her medication, it was a game-changer," the rescue told Love Meow.With proper treatment and an abundance of love, Egg began to blossom. Her body finally started to catch up: she gained weight, grew stronger, and started using the litter box like any other kitten. "We couldn't be prouder." The Stray Cat ClubAt around six months old, Egg has officially surpassed the three-pound milestone. Though she's still petite, it's a tremendous achievement worth celebrating. Brimming with curiosity, her personality is now shining through.These days, she loves lounging beside her canine buddy, Moshi, who dotes on her with affection and slobbery kisses. Moshi and EggThe Stray Cat Club"Her character is the calmest we've ever seen in a kitten. She's just so relaxed and peaceful. Her favorite pastime is being around other animals. She loves her fosterer's dogs and loves meeting new foster kittens."Over the past few months, Egg has befriended many rescued kittens, offering them the same love and companionship she's received. The Stray Cat ClubShe follows a special routine to help her grow stronger. After breakfast and medication, she does a bit of "kitten yoga"—gentle stretches to ease her digestion and strengthen her joints, which were affected by her condition.Following her second meal and supplements, she plays with her feline friends, joining their joyful adventures. When she tires out, she nestles against one of the resident dogs for a cozy nap. The Stray Cat ClubNow that she's better at grooming, Egg needs less help from her fosterer to stay clean. After dinner and her final dose of medication, she's ready to snuggle with a furry friend or her human for a well-earned sleep."Egg is living proof of what love, time, and dedication can do." The Stray Cat ClubShare this story with your friends. More on Egg and The Stray Cat Club on Instagram and Facebook.Related story: Cat Thought to Be a 7-week-old Kitten When Found Along the Road But Turns Out She's Much Older