The Big Bend BDR-X 600-mile loop premiers in a live YouTube broadcast on Oct. 26. The latest off-road route by the nonprofit Backcountry Discovery Routes will be unveiled Oct. 26 in a special YouTube broadcast. The Big Bend BDR-X in west Texas will become the 19th BDR route and the fifth BDR-X, which are shorter, loop-style routes. The broadcast will feature a 40-minute documentary film screening and the release of GPS tracks, a waterproof route map, and route resources. Also included will be exclusive behind-the-scenes looks at the route’s development and its first expedition. It’ll be hosted from the TouraTexas Rally, and members of the expedition film team will join the broadcast. The Big Bend BDR-X is 600 miles in length and travels through the rugged terrain of Big Bend national Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, and surrounding areas. Enjoy desert landscapes, natural beauty, hidden-gem historical sites, and an optional foot crossing into Mexico at the Rio Grande. “We’re excited to bring this route to life in West Texas,” says Michael Bielecki, BDR routes manager and route co-architect. “Big Bend is one of the most remote and iconic regions in the U.S. The blend of the expansive Chihuahuan Desert, the lush banks of the Rio Grande, and the majesty of the Chisos Mountains offers a perfect backdrop for riders seeking a real desert adventure.” The Big Bend BDR-X will be open immediately after the release, and all information about the route will be available on the BDR website. We got the chance to sit down with members of Backcountry Discover Routes for a chat about the organization and the 940-mile Northern California route for Episode 70 of the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast. Listen to the episode to learn more, and check out our other podcast episodes for more conversations with important and inspiring people within the world of motorcycling. Visit Backcountry Discovery Routes’ YouTube channel to tune in to the live broadcast on Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. Pacific / 8 p.m. Eastern, and enjoy a sneak peak in the trailer above. The post Big Bend BDR-X to Be Unveiled Oct. 26 appeared first on Rider Magazine.

The North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) is investigating an incident where a Black Hawk helicopter disrupted Hurricane Helene relief efforts at a distribution center. “A helicopter without identifying markings reportedly disrupted hurricane relief efforts at a distribution center in Burnsville, NC, sparking concern among local residents. The supplies were intended for those impacted by Hurricane Helene, which has caused significant damage in the area,” 100 Percent Fed Up reported. “Witnesses claim that two unmarked black SUVs were seen slowly driving past the distribution site around 45 minutes before the helicopter arrived. TikTok user ‘megsbacn,’ a veteran involved in the local security operations, brought attention to the incident through social media,” the outlet continued. BREAKING: UNMARKED Helicopter Destroys Hurricane Helene Recovery Supplies In Burnsville, North Carolina "The North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) is aware of an incident involving a NCNG UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during a delivery of generators at the request of a local civilian organization to power their distribution outpost in western North Carolina," NCNG wrote. The North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) is aware of an incident involving a NCNG UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during a delivery of generators at the request of a local civilian organization to power their distribution outpost in western North Carolina. Continue reading below. ⬇ pic.twitter.com/0KFThbDZ64 — NC National Guard (@NCNationalGuard) October 8, 2024 "While attempting to land, rotor wash caused items to blow away from the local distribution set up by a group of civilians in the area. The crew immediately identified the situation, aborted the landing for safety reasons, and departed the area," NCNG continued. "This incident is currently under investigation and the crew has been grounded until the investigation is complete. The NCNG is working with the identified local civilian organization to assess the level of damage caused by the rotor wash," it added. This incident is currently under investigation and the crew has been grounded until the investigation is complete. The NCNG is working with the identified local civilian organization to assess the level of damage caused by the rotor wash. — NC National Guard (@NCNationalGuard) October 8, 2024 The civilian organization referenced is the United Cajun Navy. "Y'all, we're trying really hard to stay out of the conspiracy space, but some people aren't making it easy. This actually happened to a distribution site we supplied in WNC. Make it make sense please," the group posted, with footage of the incident. Y'all, we're trying really hard to stay out of the conspiracy space, but some people aren't making it easy. This actually happened to a distribution site we supplied in WNC. Make it make sense please. #CajunNavy https://t.co/39b5SeouCA — United Cajun Navy (@Unitedcajunnavy) October 7, 2024 The Blaze reports: United Cajun Navy Vice President Brian Trascher confirmed the investigation in a comment to Blaze News. "We are grateful for the Swift actions taken by the National Guard and anxiously await the results of the investigation," said Trascher. He also appeared on "The Glenn Beck Program" and described what the UCN knew about the incident. Locals in the areas worst affected by Hurricane Helene have accused the federal government of stalling aid efforts, and some have even accused the federal government of impeding private aid organizations. WATCH: The Connecticut National Guard also commented on the incident. "The Connecticut National Guard is aware of a video circulating around social media showing a UH-60 Blackhawk's rotor wash disrupting a distribution site in North Carolina. We are working with the appropriate authorities to investigate the situation," the Connecticut National Guard wrote. "UPDATE: The initial investigation indicates the helicopter in the video belongs to the North Carolina National Guard. The pilots have been grounded until a further investigation can be completed," it added. UPDATE: The initial investigation indicates the helicopter in the video belongs to the North Carolina National Guard. The pilots have been grounded until a further investigation can be completed.https://t.co/JjTyLop78X — Connecticut National Guard (@CTNationalGuard) October 8, 2024 "My original post, identifying the helicopter as: ‘Fury 147 is a UH-60 assigned to the Connecticut Army National Guard. Flight tracker has it in the area at the correct time.’ my original post which included the http://flightradar24. com link, disappeared and my ? was throttled for ~24 hours. I never involved myself in any speculation as to why the incident occurred, I was simply responding to over 50 users DMing me to identify the helicopter. WTF?" X user 'Tony Seruga' wrote. My original post, identifying the helicopter as: ‘Fury 147 is a UH-60 assigned to the Connecticut Army National Guard. Flight tracker has it in the area at the correct time.’ my original post which included the https://t.co/Jvf4vW64iT link, disappeared and my ? was throttled… pic.twitter.com/z2vBDY0cGU — Tony Seruga (@TonySeruga) October 8, 2024 In another post, Seruga claimed the NCNG took the fall to cover for the Connecticut National Guard helicopter. "So tired of the lying! NCNG took the fall to cover for the CNG helicopter (were they CNG pilots?) But the person they are REALLY covering for is Alejandro Mayorkas," Seruga wrote. "This ADS-B track (as well as tracks for other aircraft) disappear near Burnsville, NC at low altitudes (likely due to terrain) If this incident was an NCNG UH-60 then account for the CNG UH-60 in the same exact area at the same time. And what about the incident involving the Chinook?" he added. Bullshit! So tired of the lying! NCNG took the fall to cover for the CNG helicopter (were they CNG pilots?) But the person they are REALLY covering for is Alejandro Mayorkas. https://t.co/T2d53xtE3Q This ADS-B track (as well as tracks for other aircraft) disappear near… pic.twitter.com/stOZodOyMn — Tony Seruga (@TonySeruga) October 9, 2024 "A day after a video went viral on social media that showed a Black Hawk helicopter's rotor wash blowing away relief supplies in western North Carolina, Maj. Gen. Todd Hunt, the adjutant general of the North Carolina National Guard, (NCNG) responded," ABC 11 wrote. WATCH: Per WRAL News: The incident set off a firestorm of anger and conspiracy theories on social media with some saying they believe it was done on purpose. The North Carolina National Guard is working with the identified local civilian organization to assess the level of damage caused by the rotor wash. In a statement released on Facebook Tuesday, officials said safety is their number one priority, especially with the high volume of air operations currently happening in the region. “While NCNG strives for precision in every mission, sometimes things don’t go as planned. When that happens, the NCNG takes it very seriously and are committed to addressing and correcting any issues to prevent future occurrences.”

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits just jumped to its highest level in over a year, a new report revealed on Thursday. 

Donald Trump made some excellent points in the interview below about the attempted assassinations on his life and the FBI’s failure to open the assassin wannabes’ phones. “The shooter had three cell phones,” Trump said. “The FBI has never gotten them open. The other shooter had six cell phones. They still haven’t opened them…” “Some […] The post FBI Reprobates Didn’t Open the Attempted Assassins’ Cell Phones appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was blasted on social media on Thursday after appearing in a video that showed her feeding a chip to a woman on her knees. The woman in the video is feminist author Liz Plank, who has worked at NBC News and Vox Media. In the 8-second clip, Whitmer, while wearing a Harris/Walz cap, feeds a Doritos chip to Plank, who is sitting on her knees in front of the Michigan governor. Plank captioned the video, “if he won’t, big gretch will.” Whitmer told Democrats at the party’s convention in Chicago in August that “in Lansing, they call me governor, but in Detroit, I’m Big Gretch!” Shortly after posting the clip, however, Plank edited her caption to say, “If he won’t, Gretchen Whitmer will. Chips aren’t just delicious, the CHIPS Act is a game-changer for U.S. tech and manufacturing, boosting domestic production of semiconductors to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers! Donald Trump would put that at risk.” The $52.7 billion CHIPS Act was signed into law by President Joe Biden in August 2022, claiming it would fight inflation.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Liz Plank (@feministabulous) Many Instagram users who commented on Plank’s post stated that they were appalled by the video. “This is the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen,” one social media user wrote. “This is disgraceful,” another added. “Wtf is this supposed to be? Disgusting,” another Instagram user commented. The Daily Wire has reached out to Whitmer’s office for comment. The video also circulated on X with New York Post reporter James David Dickson writing, “Why [is] Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer feeding chips to a woman who’s on her knees? And where is the rest of the video?” Why in Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer feeding chips to a woman who’s on her knees? And where is the rest of the video? “If he won’t, Big Gretch will”https://t.co/BFbHHQquID pic.twitter.com/DA9dhys9UX — James David Dickson (@downi75) October 10, 2024 “Strange,” political commentator Michael Cernovich wrote. Other conservatives on social media said the video appeared to be a mockery of the Holy Eucharist, with Whitmer acting as a priest. Am I Racist? Is In Theaters NOW — Get Your Tickets Here! Plank also recorded a 9-minute interview with Whitmer on her show “Chip Chat.” During the interview, Plank asked the governor, “You have two daughters. When they come back home and they leave their Stanley Cups lying around, do you ever think about getting a post-birth abortion?” After laughing, Whitmer replied, “Thank you for raising that because there’s no such thing. So I think it’s really important for us to make sure people understand that.” In 2019, Plank released a book titled “For the Love of Men: A New Vision for Mindful Masculinity.” The book aims to provide “actionable steps for how to be a man in the modern world while also exploring how being a man in the world has evolved.” Plank has written multiple pieces for MNSBC on the issue of abortion, arguing in a 2022 op-ed in defense of Roe v. Wade that “men are direct beneficiaries of abortion rights in America.” “Since many men seem to enjoy having sex with women, I would assume most men do not want to live in a world where they can’t access birth control,” Plank added.

A Virginia school district sold the Chinese Communist Party curriculum and blueprints of America’s top STEM magnet school so the CCP could replicate it, documents reveal. Between 2014 and 2021, Chinese entities gave $3.6 million to the Thomas Jefferson Partnership Fund, a nonprofit ostensibly dedicated to renovating Fairfax County Public Schools’ (FCPS) Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. In return, China received insider information that it used to build a chain of 20 STEM schools in China called the “Thomas Schools.” The Thomas Schools copied the Virginia school down to its logo. The arrangement came to light last year, and was exposed in detail Thursday in National Review. The Partnership Fund entered into agreements with the Ameson Foundation, whose founder, Sean Zhang “is tied to the CCP’s United Front Work Department” — a foreign influence campaign — and Tsinghua University, also connected to the CCP and Chinese military, National Review reported. The Chinese contributed a significant share of the money the nonprofit raised. In 2021, it reported revenue of $311,980, and paid its executive director, Aristia Glinka, $185,000, according to tax disclosures. FCPS claimed that the nonprofit was separate from the school system, and that the money was a donation. But the evidence seems to contradict both of those claims. In 2018, Thomas Jefferson’s assistant principal wrote that the Partnership Fund “has a contract with Ameson that they will pay $1M in exchange for help in getting their schools up and running in China.” A Foundation employee said in an internal email that the agreement with Tsinghua, “with much input from lawyers,” did not “promise” anything from FCPS in return, but instead required TJPF to “try, to the best of its abilities to facilitate a cooperate relationship between Tsinghua and TJ.” But the Partnership Fund had office space in the school, and its employees had FCPS badges and email addresses. The principal was on its board, and requests under the “agreement” went to FCPS employees, who promptly turned over information that would never be given to the general public. Indeed, the contract obligated the Partnership to send teachers to China, something the nonprofit would seemingly have no ability to do if it was not FCPS. “Per our contract with Tsinghua University High School, we are required to send two educators to them for a week,” a partnership employee wrote. A Thomas Jefferson employee wrote that Chinese officials wanted a “How to Clone TJHSST Handbook.” They requested curriculum materials, a list of lab equipment, and even sample projects created by students, asking them to put the student projects “on a thumb drive” since “Dropbox is not accessible in China.” Another email informed the school’s current principal, Ann Bonitatibus, that the requests from China had become “more frequent” as the agreement neared its end date, and that they needed information “for the schools that they are building in China.” The Thomas Schools’ website says “The Thomas Schools of China, modelled after the curriculum, pedagogy, and philosophy of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Virginia, United States, combine the finest in traditional Chinese culture with the core values of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, the leading high school for STEM education in the US.” China lists Geoffrey Jones, Thomas Jefferson’s first principal, as a member of the Thomas Schools’ “steering committee,” serving alongside Yang Juijun, China’s former Secretary General of the State Education Consultative Committee and former deputy director in the Ministry of Education. A former dean of the Stanford Graduate School of Education, Deborah Stipek, and former California Secretary of Education Alan Bersin are also on the committee. China has a record of using educational programs to push propaganda. It operates “Confucius Institutes” within American schools and colleges, but does not allow American institutions to operate similar outposts in China. China has also entered into lucrative agreements with university professors in which they are required to place Chinese students in key American labs. In July, the Department of Justice entered into a $500,000 settlement with the University of Maryland to resolve False Claims Act allegations related to concealing Chinese money.  Last year, Virginia’s then-secretary of education said “The news that Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) and the TJHSST Partnership Fund (Fund) have accepted significant financial contributions from entities known to have connections with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) raises significant concerns.” “I am requesting that you direct schools within your division to cut ties with CCP-linked partners. Furthermore, I have asked the Virginia Department of Education to investigate the prevalence of such relationships between CCP-linked partners and local school divisions across the Commonwealth,” the letter said. FCPS told National Review that the agreement with Ameson ended in 2018 and “FCPS has taken steps to ensure that the Fund will not accept or solicit donations from any foreign entity without the express consent of the division superintendent.”