The Department of Homeland Security is advancing its system to share citizenship verification data with state and local election officials, which has prompted “hair-on-fire” concerns from one legacy media outlet and a legal scholar.  Additionally, one former Biden White House official has alleged the Trump administration is creating a database to include citizens “without telling us.” The citizenship data has been integrated with Social Security Administration information to give states and localities easier access to the data. It’s a project that the Trump administration twice announced in May and June. The move comes as three states enacted laws requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote and Republicans in Congress have pushed a similar idea at the federal level.  President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14248, “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections,” included a provision making the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system accessible to state and local governments. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced in late May that it would share the data with local election officials.  “Integration with the Social Security Administration (SSA) significantly improves the service offered by SAVE [the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system],” USCIS spokesman Matthew J. Tragesser told The Daily Signal Monday.  “Previously, SAVE required user agencies to submit a DHS-issued identifying number, such as an Alien Registration Number (A-Number) or a Certificate of Citizenship number, for each voter registrant,” he continued. He said that most state and local voting offices do not have access to these DHS numbers but they do have access to Social Security numbers. Multiple state agencies across the United States are signed up for the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system.  “Now, all authorized SAVE agencies can submit cases using [a Social Security number], and SAVE will query [Social Security Administration] data,” Tragesser added. “This partnership is a game-changer, and we look forward to implementing more updates. Under the leadership of President Trump and [Homeland Security] Secretary [Kristi] Noem, USCIS is moving quickly to eliminate benefit and voter fraud among the alien population.” National Public Radio posted a story over the weekend with an alarmist tone more than a month after the administration announced it was making the data available with the headline, “The Trump administration is building a national citizenship data system.” The NPR story quoted University of Virginia School of Law professor Danielle Citron questioning if the data collection was lawful and framing it as a “hair on fire” development.  NPR, which is suing the Trump administration over cuts to its federal funding, further asserted that accessing Social Security information “turned SAVE from a tool that only responded to queries about foreign-born citizens or noncitizens into something that could comb through entire voter lists.” In response to the NPR story, Justin Levitt, the former White House senior adviser for democracy and voting rights to President Joe Biden, wrote on the Election Law Blog, “We’ve never had a federal government database for identifying all of the citizens in the country. … Congress has never authorized the executive to create one, and has put legal limits in place to prevent the government just up and creating one without telling us.” Such concerns are “ridiculous” and miss the point of sharing the citizenship data with state and local governments, said Hans von Spakovsky, manager of the Election Law Reform Initiative at The Heritage Foundation.  “The whole purpose of the SAVE system was to make the information available to the state agencies. The data was supposed to be available for welfare benefits. There is no reason it shouldn’t be available to election offices,” von Spakovsky told The Daily Signal. “This would determine who isn’t entitled to benefits or to voting and if they are breaking the law. To oppose that is ridiculous.” Coordination with the Social Security Administration gives USCIS, a branch of the Department of Homeland Security, a great deal of information that the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system has historically not had access to, noted Cleta Mitchell, founder and chair of the Election Integrity Network.  “The ability to upload bulk files, like voter rolls, is also a huge step forward, because the SAVE system historically has been a one-at-a-time system that also requires the alien number—which state voter rolls do not have,” Mitchell told The Daily Signal.  “We are very pleased that Secretary Noem and the team at DHS and USCIS have taken seriously the concerns of election integrity advocates and state election officials to be able to develop a system that, for the first time, can analyze state voter rolls in a manner that can identify potential noncitizens who should be contacted and asked to provide proof of citizenship,” Mitchell said.  “There should be a process for follow up and confirmation to make certain there are not mistakes,” she said. “But this would allow for a systematic review of the voter rolls to enforce the federal law which prohibits noncitizens from registering to vote or voting in a federal election.” The post Fact Check: Is Trump Administration Providing Citizenship Data to Election Officials a ‘Hair on Fire’ Development? appeared first on The Daily Signal.

THE CENTER SQUARE—The U.S. Department of Justice on Monday filed a lawsuit against Los Angeles’ sanctuary city policies, citing the Supremacy Clause regarding the preemption of federal statutes over state and local law in the U.S. Constitution. According to Los Angeles City Council members, as many as 1 in 10 Los Angeles residents may be an illegal immigrant.  The city of Los Angeles passed a new sanctuary city ordinance after President Donald Trump’s election, barring city resources from being used for immigration enforcement or cooperating with federal authorities engaged in immigration enforcement. The ordinance also bans the direct and indirect sharing of data with federal immigration authorities, similar to a statewide sanctuary law that legislators say has required federal immigration agents to conduct raids in communities instead of being able to receive transfers of criminal migrants from prison or jail.  “The Los Angeles Ordinance and other policies intentionally obstruct the sharing of information envisioned by Congress, thereby impairing federal apprehension and detention of removable aliens, including dangerous criminals, as required by federal law,” the Department of Justice wrote. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has shared the identities of many convicted felons illegally in the country who have been targeted and apprehended in recent Los Angeles raids, including gang members and known or suspected terrorists.  Cuban national Daniel Ofarril, for example, was arrested after violating a 2004 removal order and illegally living in the U.S. for more than 20 years. His criminal history includes arrests on charges of murder, burglary, armed robbery, battery, driving under the influence, transporting and selling narcotics, and convictions for possessing crack cocaine with the intention to sell. According to U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, who served as a state Assemblyman until his federal appointment, Senate Bill 54—California’s sanctuary state law signed into law in 2018—is responsible for many of the large-scale raids that have resulted in so-called collateral arrests of suspected illegal immigrants during targeting of criminals. “SB 54 (Sanctuary State) is the reason you are seeing large-scale enforcement operations in California,” wrote Essayli on the social media platform X. “Accordingly, ICE has no choice but to go into the community and look for the criminals who have been released by local authorities.” State Sen. Brian Jones, R-San Diego, proposed a bill that would have provided requested release dates to federal immigration officials for individuals convicted of serious or violent felonies or “wobblers,” crimes serious enough to be prosecuted as either a felony or a misdemeanor. The bill failed in committee.  Originally published by The Center Square The post Justice Department Sues LA Over Sanctuary City Policies appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Following last week’s “firehouse primaries” in the race to fill a critical open seat in the tightly divided U.S. House of Representatives, the Virginia Democratic and Republican parties have chosen their nominees for a Sept. 9 special election. Republican nominee Stewart Whitson, an Army combat veteran and former FBI special agent, will face Democratic nominee James Walkinshaw, who previously served as chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va. Connolly’s death in May left open a seat that was long held by Democrats. Whitson kicked off his campaign June 12 and secured over 1,000 votes to win the Republican primary, with runner-up Karina Lipsman coming in with a little over 600 votes. The Republican nominee highlighted the need for his party to energize its base and take back its seat in the U.S. House. “The people in the 11th [Congressional] District are ready for change,” Whitson told The Daily Signal. “They’re ready for lower taxes, affordable groceries, and safer communities, and they’re tired of wasteful spending.” Whitson said he thinks more people will vote Republican because his party is focusing on issues “they actually care about.” “If you are happy with everything that happened under the previous administration, then you should vote for Walkinshaw, my opponent, because … that’s his whole platform, is just to be, you know, to do what Connolly did,” Whitson said. “But if you aren’t happy with that, if you’re looking for someone who’s going to fight for you, to protect you and your family, then you should vote for me.” Walkinshaw said he is “honored and humbled” to have secured the Democratic nomination to represent Virginia’s 11th Congressional District. “This victory was powered by neighbors, volunteers, and supporters who believe in protecting our democracy, defending our liberties, and delivering for working families,” Walkinshaw said in a statement following Saturday’s results. In an interview with radio host Larry O’Connor Monday, Whitson challenged Walkinshaw to a debate. “My opponent claims he’s all about democracy. And, so, if he means that, then he should definitely be open to a debate,” Whitson said. “I offered to do it anytime, anywhere—and even if he wants to have a left-wing moderator who will spin questions, throw him softball questions, and try to trip me up—I’m fine with that, because I know that this is not going to be a fair fight, but I don’t need it to be a fair fight to win.” The Daily Signal reached out to Walkinshaw’s campaign for additional comment and was referred to the statement on X quoted above. The post Battle Begins for Open House Seat Long Held by Democrats appeared first on The Daily Signal.

German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs) are renowned for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. These remarkable canines excel in various roles, from family companions to working dogs in law enforcement and search and rescue operations. At DogingtonPost, we’ve compiled essential GSD dog training tips to help you unlock your furry friend’s full potential. Whether you’re a first-time owner or an experienced handler, mastering these techniques will strengthen your bond and create a well-behaved, confident companion. What Makes German Shepherds Unique? A Rich History German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs) trace their origins to 1899 when Captain Max von Stephanitz first developed the breed in Germany. Initially bred for herding sheep, these dogs quickly gained popularity for various roles due to their intelligence and versatility. Intelligence and Trainability GSDs rank third in working intelligence out of 138 breeds, according to Stanley Coren’s “The Intelligence of Dogs.” This exceptional intelligence allows them to master new tasks in as few as 5 repetitions. However, their sharp minds require consistent mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Loyalty and Protective Nature The unwavering loyalty of GSDs stands out as one of their most striking traits. They form strong bonds with their families and exhibit a natural protective instinct. While valuable, this protective nature requires proper management. Early socialization proves essential to help your GSD differentiate between genuine threats and normal situations. Energy Levels and Exercise Needs GSDs possess high energy levels and demand significant physical activity. The American Kennel Club suggests at least two hours of daily exercise for adult German Shepherds. This can include walks, runs, fetch, or agility training. Insufficient exercise may lead to behavioral issues (such as excessive barking, digging, or chewing). Training Challenges and Solutions Despite their high trainability, GSDs can present challenges. Their strong-willed nature may lead them to test boundaries, especially during adolescence. Consistent training from an early age proves essential. Additionally, their high prey drive can complicate recall training in environments with distractions like small animals. Positive reinforcement techniques work best for training GSDs. The use of treats, praise, and toys as rewards can motivate your GSD and strengthen your bond. Patience and consistency remain key when working with these intelligent and complex dogs. As we move forward, let’s explore the basic training techniques that will set a solid foundation for your GSD’s development and help you navigate these unique characteristics effectively. How to Train Your GSD Effectively Building a Strong Foundation Start your GSD’s training as early as 8 weeks old. Establish yourself as the pack leader by setting clear boundaries and rules from day one. Remain calm, confident, and consistent in your interactions (not harsh or domineering). Create a daily routine for feeding, walks, and training sessions. GSDs appreciate predictability, which helps them feel secure and receptive to learning. Keep initial training sessions short (5-10 minutes), several times a day. As your dog’s attention span grows, you can gradually increase the duration. Positive Reinforcement Techniques Use positive reinforcement to train your GSD. Reward desired behaviors with treats, praise, or playtime. For example, when teaching the “sit” command, give a treat and enthusiastic praise the moment your dog’s bottom touches the ground. This creates a positive association with the action and encourages repetition. Choose high-value treats that your GSD finds irresistible. Use one portion of your dog’s daily kibble as training treats. This helps train your dog by using one of their meals as a reward. Mastering Essential Commands Focus on teaching these fundamental commands: Use clear, one-word commands and consistent hand signals for each behavior. Practice these commands in different environments to ensure your GSD responds reliably regardless of distractions. Addressing Common Challenges GSDs can exhibit certain behavioral issues, such as excessive barking or chewing. Address these problems by redirecting your dog’s energy into positive activities. Provide puzzle toys or engage in scent work to keep their minds occupied. If your GSD pulls on the leash, practice the “stop and wait” technique. When your dog pulls, stop walking and wait until the leash slackens before continuing. This teaches them that pulling doesn’t get them where they want to go faster. Patience is key in training your GSD. Some behaviors may take weeks or even months to fully correct. Stay consistent in your approach and celebrate small victories along the way. Advanced Training Techniques Once your GSD has mastered basic commands, you can move on to more advanced training. This includes off-leash training, agility courses, and even specialized tasks like search and rescue work. These activities not only challenge your dog mentally but also strengthen your bond. Consider enrolling in obedience classes or working with a professional trainer to refine your techniques and address any specific issues. The investment in proper training will pay off in a well-behaved, happy, and confident GSD companion. As we explore more advanced training methods in the next section, you’ll discover how to take your GSD’s skills to new heights and unlock their full potential as a versatile and capable canine partner. Mastering Advanced GSD Training Socialization: Expanding Horizons German Shepherds benefit from extensive socialization. The best way to socialize a German Shepherd is to start when they’re young and expose them to different stimuli in a safe and controlled manner. Expose your dog to various environments, people, and animals in controlled settings. Visit dog-friendly stores, outdoor cafes, or parks during quiet hours. Increase distractions as your GSD becomes more at ease. Set up playdates with well-behaved dogs of different sizes and breeds. This teaches your GSD appropriate social cues and body language. Always watch these interactions and reward calm, friendly behavior. For people-focused socialization, ask friends and family to help. Instruct them to approach your GSD calmly, offering treats when the dog stays relaxed. This teaches your GSD that new people bring positive experiences. Agility Training: Fitness and Fun Agility training challenges your GSD physically and mentally. Start with simple obstacles like low jumps, tunnels, and weave poles. Use treats and praise to guide your dog through each element. As your GSD gains confidence, increase difficulty by combining obstacles into sequences. Time your dog’s runs to track progress and add a competitive element. Many local dog training clubs offer agility classes (which provide structured learning and socialization opportunities). Warm up your GSD before agility sessions and cool down afterward to prevent injuries. Keep training sessions short (15-20 minutes) but frequent to maintain interest and prevent fatigue. Scent Work: Harnessing Natural Abilities GSDs possess an incredible sense of smell, making scent work a natural fit. Start with simple “find it” games using your dog’s favorite toy or treat. Hide the item in easy-to-find spots, then increase difficulty as your GSD improves. Move on to scent-specific training using essential oils on cotton swabs. Teach your GSD to alert you when they find the target scent. This skill applies to practical tasks like finding lost items or even search and rescue work. Try joining a nosework class or competition for a more structured approach. These events showcase your GSD’s scenting abilities while building their confidence. Protection Training: Responsible Handling Some GSD owners consider protection training. This advanced discipline requires expert guidance and careful consideration. Consult with professional trainers who specialize in protection work for GSDs. Protection training involves teaching your dog to respond to specific commands and situations. Learn how to train your German Shepherd for family protection with proven methods. Discover tips for obedience, safety, and advanced skills. Always prioritize safety and ethical considerations in protection training. Ensure your GSD has a solid foundation in obedience before attempting any protection work. Specialized Skills: Tailoring to Your GSD’s Talents GSDs excel in various specialized roles. Explore options like therapy dog work, search and rescue, or even competitive obedience. Assess your dog’s individual strengths and interests to find the best fit. For therapy work, focus on calm behavior and gentle interactions. Search and rescue training combines obedience, scent work, and agility. Competitive obedience pushes precision in basic and advanced commands. Whatever path you choose, consistent practice and positive reinforcement remain key to success. Advanced training opens up new possibilities for you and your GSD to grow together. Final Thoughts Training a German Shepherd Dog requires dedication, patience, and consistency. Positive reinforcement, early socialization, and clear communication form the cornerstone of successful GSD dog training tips. Your GSD’s intelligence and eagerness to learn mean they thrive on mental stimulation and new challenges, even after mastering basic commands. A well-trained GSD becomes a well-behaved, confident, and versatile companion. The effort you invest in training enhances your dog’s quality of life and enriches your relationship. Your trained GSD will accompany you on countless adventures and bring joy to your daily life. We invite you to explore The Dogington Post for more in-depth resources on dog care and training tips. Our platform offers information to support you in providing the best possible life for your furry friend (including advanced GSD training techniques). With the right approach, you and your GSD can achieve remarkable things together.

A Drug Cartel Civil War Leads to a Surprising Alliance

During Monday afternoon’s White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt ripped CNN for what had seemed to her like “unacceptable” behavior by “a major network” in “promot[ing]” an app that reveals the location of Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) officers, saying it’s “an incitement of further violence against our ICE officers” amid a historic spike in attacks against the brave men and women removing illegal immigrants. Our friend and 2023 Media Research Center Bulldog Award winner Mary Margaret Olohan brought up, standing from her perch on one of the aisles representing the Daily Wire (click the tweet to read the full back-and-forth): Elsewhere, Fox’s Peter Doocy was back in the Briefing Room and he had this hardball for Leavitt: Doocy twice followed up, including on a proposal by Congressman Andy Ogles (R-TN) to explore stripping Mamdani of U.S. citizenship that the far-left radical obtained in 2018: DOOCY: There’s this congressman, Andy Ogles, he wants the Attorney General Pam Bondi to explore denaturalization proceedings because he thinks Mamdani could have misrepresented or concealed material support for terrorism based on the rap lyrics that he wrote in 2017. Does President Trump think this is a worthwhile use of the attorney general’s time? LEAVITT: Well, I’ll let the President speak to that. I have not seen those claims, but surely, if they are true, it’s something that should be investigated. DOOCY: And could President Trump see himself — you said you just talked to him about this. LEAVITT: Mmhmm DOOCY: Could he see himself working with a Mayor Mamdani, somebody who — on Meet the Press this weekend — was given three chances to condemn the phrase ‘globalize the intifada,’ but he couldn’t? LEAVITT: Yeah, look, the President is willing to work with anyone. He’s working with Democrats across the country — Democrat governors — and he said that he ‘ll work with people on the far left. He works with Republicans. He works people in the middle. He wants to do what’s right for America, but surely someone who holds these values and is quite literally a communist and condemns every value that makes this country great, common sense, law and order, low taxes, working hard, and earning your keep in this country, he’s against all of that, and I think the president would find it difficult to work with someone like that. If he is elected, I am sure you will hear more from the President on that. But we’ll have to see. Hopefully the voters of New York City choose wisely. In yet a third example Monday of how at least some in conservative media come with real, probing questions for the Trump administration, Real Clear Politics’s Philip Wegmann challenged Leavitt on the rumored temporary halt on ICE operations for farm workers: Wegmann also brought up legislation by Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) to further slash the size of the already slimmed down Office of the Director of National Intelligence, but Leavitt said she was unsure if President Trump “is even aware of that legislation, but I will get you a response if he is aware and if he wants to respond to it.” At the start of the briefing, radio talk show host John Fredericks moved from his usual perch in the aisles to the “new media seat, ” asking about the Big, Beautiful Bill and the President’s disgust with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell: To see the relevant transcript from the June 30 briefing, click here.

On June 20, residents of an Indianapolis neighborhood were shocked when a normal thunderstorm resulted in a giant spherical object flying into their neighborhood.Thankfully no one was injured — but the presence of the strange object now has everyone scratching their heads.Tech infrastructure company V2X, which has a location in Indianapolis roughly one mile away from the crash, has claimed the large orb-like enclosure, which is said to be made of lightweight materials and used to protect radar antennas.“I think it probably got turned over and caught in the wind, and unfortunately, it flew away. We’re really thankful no one got hurt or anything. No one got injured. But that’s what it is. I can confirm it’s not an alien satellite or an alien spaceship,” Andrew Belush, a V2X site executive, explained.However, BlazeTV host Dave Landau and his panel on “Normal World” have their own theories as to what the object really is.“The used oil tank at a Diddy party,” ¼ Black Garrett jokes, while Derek Richards chimes in that it could have been “Somalia’s attempt at a nuke.”“The Epstein client list,” Landau says, adding that it could also be holding “all of Hollywood actresses' original noses.”“Well, I think it’s a miracle that nobody was hit by this giant spaceball,” he adds, on a serious note.Want more 'Normal World'?To enjoy more whimsical satire, topical sketches, and comedic discussions from comedians Dave Landau and 1/4 Black Garrett, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.

The hospitality and agriculture industries should not get a pass from immigration enforcement.

Skepticism of American foreign adventurism is native to the American right.

Colorado Woman Dies From Injuries Sustained In Boulder Terror Attack