New Jersey’s two Democratic senators on Sunday suggested their party could shut down the federal government to stop President Donald Trump from cutting waste, fraud, and abuse in government programs. Sens. Cory Booker and Andy Kim told different news agencies that Democrats could refuse to pass a new spending bill by March 14. “We are in a crisis right now, and Democrats will use every tool possible to protect Americans,” Booker said on CNN, according to The New York Times. Kim suggested similar action on NBC, saying that if Democrats refused to pass a spending bill, they would blame it on Trump and Republicans by saying it was in opposition to spending cuts. “I would be the last person to want to get to that stage,” Mr. Kim said of a possible government shutdown. “But we are at a point where we are basically on the cusp of a constitutional crisis.” Shutting down the federal government could backfire on Democrats in a big way, however, as the government doesn’t fully shut down in such a situation. Essential services – like social security checks – continue to be disbursed, but every employee deemed “non-essential” is sent home. During the government shutdown in 2013, Americans discovered that just 6.6% of EPA employees were considered essential, for example. Citizens Against Government Waste also reported in 2013 that, on the whole, some 800,000 federal employees were deemed “non-essential” and put on furlough. “Essential” employees are determined to be those whose responsibilities include protecting public health, safety, or property. As CAGW wrote, by “allowing agencies to deem certain employees ‘non-essential,’ the government concedes that many employees are not vital to the agency’s mission.” The government shut down twice during Trump’s first administration, once in January 2018 and again in late 2018/early 2019. With Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) program auditing the federal government and looking for ways to cut spending, labeling government employees as “essential” or “non-essential” could be seen as putting a giant target on the backs of hundreds of thousands of employees. The legality of Trump’s ability to reorganize the executive branch is a matter for the courts, and Democrats are certainly willing to use the legal system to keep government funds flowing, no matter how absurd the spending. As The Daily Wire reported, some of that spending went to DEI in Serbia, a DEI musical in Ireland, a “transgender opera” in Colombia, and a “transgender comic book” in Peru.

'Operations got leaked'

AT RECORD LEVELS, THE PEOPLE APPROVE OF TRUMP ... ‘He’s Doing … What He Said He Would Do’: CBS Poll Reveals Trump’s Highest Approval Rating Yet A new CBS News poll released Sunday reveals President Donald Trump at his highest approval rating over both of his terms, with 53% of voters approving his leadership so far.

A diss war between rappers took over the Super Bowl halftime show in a display of personal politics

Books Horror Five Horror Novels That Feature the Perfect Dash of Romance The heart wants what it wants, even when you’re fighting monsters… By Lorna Wallace | Published on February 10, 2025 Comment 0 Share New Share I’m not always looking for romance when I dive into a horror novel, but sometimes a little bit of love—or lust, as the case may be—is just what a scary story needs. With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, here are five horror novels in which romance is either integral to the main plot or is threaded through as a subplot. All of these books still fall firmly into the horror genre (as opposed to being categorized as, say, paranormal romance), and as such, they don’t always portray typical love stories, but they offer a bit of a romantic kick along with the deadlier sorts of thrills and chills… Into the Drowning Deep (2017) by Mira Grant If you’ve only got space in your horror-loving heart for a minor romantic subplot, then Into the Drowning Deep is sure to reel you in. Seven years before the story starts, a film crew filming a mockumentary about mermaids aboard a ship in the Mariana Trench went missing and the surviving footage showed everyone on board being slaughtered by real-life mermaids. Of course, the footage was disregarded as a hoax (you can find out what really happened in the novella Rolling in the Deep), but a new crew—featuring scientists of all kinds, plus game hunters to provide protection, and a small film crew to record everything—embarks on a mission to find out the truth. The vast majority of the story is focused on the crew researching—and pretty soon fighting off—the vicious mermaids, but before everything kicks off, two crew members (I won’t reveal who!) start getting a little bit flirty. Although their budding romance is only a small part of the story, the relationship—along with the excellent characterization of everyone else on board—helps to heighten the tension when the terrifying aquatic creatures start attacking. Our Winter Monster (2025) by Dennis Mahoney Stories that feature romance often follow two people meeting and getting together (see above), but in Our Winter Monster, Holly and Brian’s relationship is already on the ropes. The unhappy couple are on their way to a picturesque ski village—in the hopes that a romantic vacation will solve their problems—when they lose each other in a blizzard on the outskirts of town. As well as battling their way through the wild weather, they also have to contend with a strange and dangerous creature out in the snow.   While that may not sound particularly romantic, sometimes a life-threatening crisis brought on by a fierce blizzard and a bizarre monster is just what a couple needs to clarify their feelings! But really, the dire situation forces Holly and Brian to actually confront what led to the breakdown of their relationship. And since this is a horror novel, there’s a genuine question mark over whether they’ll even find each other again, let alone kiss and make up. Oh, and if you don’t like too much of a focus on relationship dynamics in your horror, there’s also a third POV from the town’s sheriff, who’s rushing around trying to sort out the chaos that’s being caused by the storm, the missing couple, and the monster. All of these parts combine into a satisfying whole in the form of a hectic, gory, and heartfelt horror story. The Haar (2022) by David Sodergren Okay, it’s time for a book where the romance itself gets a little weird. Muriel McAuley is an octogenarian who lives in a little Scottish fishing village called Witchaven. Her husband, Bill, was lost at sea many moons ago, but she still considers herself a Mrs (and will correct anyone who gets it wrong). Muriel’s life is turned upside down when an American property developer attempts to buy out—and eventually bully—the village’s last remaining residents, but this Scottish granny isn’t willing to go down without a fight.  While Muriel is walking along the shore one day, a sea mist (in Scots, a haar) rolls in and brings with it an amorphous sea creature who changes the tide of Muriel’s life (…again). How exactly romance plays into this story of an elderly woman finding an intelligent sea blob and fighting for her home is something I’ll let you discover for yourself. As strange as things get—in both the horror and romance departments—The Haar is also grounded in genuine emotion; it’s a story shot through with love, but also grief and loss. Don’t Let the Forest In (2024) by C.G. Drews Don’t Let the Forest In is for anyone who loves a pining protagonist—not just regular run-of-the-mill mooning about, but deep, lovelorn pining so strong that it’s almost painful. The story starts with Andrew and his twin sister, Dove, returning to Wickwood Academy for their senior year. Dove is being oddly distant, while Andrew’s best friend, Thomas, has a lot going on at the moment—his parents have vanished and there’s blood on his uniform—and yet he refuses to open up about it. On top of all of this, Andrew is hopelessly in love with Thomas, but along with fears of ruining their friendship, he’s also worried that Thomas will reject him for being asexual. Andrew’s world gets even messier when he discovers that Thomas has been fighting nightmarish monsters in the woods next to the school every night—monsters which look suspiciously like the ones sketched by Thomas’s own hand and which are often inspired by Andrew’s dark fairy tales. Although the prose gets a tad too melodramatic for my tastes when it comes to expressing emotions, the lushly evocative language works perfectly for describing the various macabre monsters lurking in the forest. The Shuddering (2013) by Ania Ahlborn The Shuddering is a fun and fast-paced creature feature blended together with a healthy dose of rich people drama. A weekend ski getaway at a posh cabin in the snowy mountains sounds like heaven for many people, but for Jane, it’s turning out to be hell. Her twin brother, Ryan, has invited his best friend, Sawyer—who just so happens to be Jane’s ex-boyfriend—and to make matters worse, Sawyer’s girlfriend, April, is coming along too. (But to make matters better, a very good dog called Oona is also in attendance!). As this messy social dynamic is playing out, a blizzard rolls in and brings with it some cold-weather-loving creatures that have a taste for human flesh. But even though the group is on the dinner menu, there’s still time in the midst of all the blood-soaked mayhem for past romantic feelings to rekindle. Will that second chance at romance come to fruition or will an abundance of sharp teeth and claws ultimately stand in true love’s way? While I admit that the cast of characters can be annoying, I think that simply adds to the book’s charm—it feels like the written version of the kind of fun popcorn horror movie that’s best watched on a Saturday night. There are countless horror books that feature romances of various kinds in greater or lesser degrees, so feel free to leave your own recommendations in the comments below—whether or not they end with a happily ever after…[end-mark] The post Five Horror Novels That Feature the Perfect Dash of Romance appeared first on Reactor.

If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. Rumble, the free speech video platform, has returned to Brazil, marking a reversal of its previous decision to leave the country after being hit with censorship demands. The platform’s CEO and founder, Chris Pavlovski, initially withdrew Rumble from Brazil in December 2023, citing legal orders to suspend the accounts of content creators as the primary reason. Established in 2013 as an alternative to YouTube, Rumble has positioned itself as a defender of free speech with minimal content moderation. Since 2022, it has gained traction in Brazil, particularly among conservative users and supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro. Shortly after Pavlovski hinted at Rumble’s return in a social media post, Brazilian Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL-SP) promoted the program of Allan dos Santos, a journalist, on the platform. Bolsonaro also urged his followers to download Rumble and Truth Social, emphasizing their role as alternatives to mainstream media. The decision comes amid recent judicial developments concerning social media censorship in Brazil. On Friday, controversial Supreme Federal Court (STF) Minister Alexandre de Moraes ordered the unblocking of influencer Monark’s social media accounts. Moraes stated that at this stage of the investigation, it was no longer necessary to maintain the blanket restrictions on Monark’s profiles, as long as previously flagged posts deemed illicit were removed. As a result, Monark regained access to 20 accounts across platforms such as Telegram and X. However, Moraes warned that any new content attacking democratic institutions would result in a fine of R$ 20,000 ($3,442.88) per day. The STF has been actively involved in censoring accounts deemed to spread “misinformation.” In August 2023, Moraes ordered the suspension of profiles across five platforms, including Instagram, Telegram, Twitter, Discord, and Rumble, justifying the move as necessary to curb “hateful content, subversion of order, and threats to democratic stability.” Despite ongoing legal scrutiny, Rumble’s return has been widely celebrated within Brazil’s conservative circles. The Free Tuesday channel, associated with Allan dos Santos, was accessible on Rumble as of Saturday night. Dos Santos has been considered somewhat of a fugitive since 2021 when a warrant was issued for his arrest under the STF’s “fake news” inquiry. In this case, he faced charges of slander, defamation, and spreading “misinformation.” Moraes has previously taken action against Allan dos Santos and his media ventures. In late January, he ordered the suspension of social media accounts linked to the magazine Timeline, run by dos Santos alongside journalist Luis Ernesto Lacombe and Max Cardoso. The decision was part of ongoing legal proceedings against dos Santos, which remain under judicial secrecy. The return of Rumble to Brazil coincides with the arrival of a delegation from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), which is set to investigate the state of free expression in the country. The commission is scheduled to meet with individuals affected by STF investigations, further fueling discussions about censorship and growing judicial overreach in Brazil. If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The post Rumble’s Brazil Comeback Signals a New Chapter in the Speech Wars appeared first on Reclaim The Net.

Adopting a dog is a heartwarming experience, but it comes with important responsibilities. At DogingtonPost, we believe understanding your dog adoption agreement is crucial for a successful adoption process. This legal document outlines the terms and conditions between you and the shelter or rescue organization. We’ll guide you through the key components of a typical dog adoption agreement, helping you navigate this important step in welcoming a new furry family member. What’s in a Dog Adoption Agreement? Your Details and Responsibilities Dog adoption agreements serve as a roadmap for responsible pet ownership. These documents protect both the dog and the adopter. You’ll need to provide your personal information, including your name, address, and contact details. The agreement outlines your responsibilities for the dog’s care, such as food, shelter, and medical needs. Some agreements specify the type of care required (e.g., regular vet check-ups or specific diets). All About Your New Furry Friend This section typically includes the dog’s name, breed (or best guess for mixed breeds), age, and any known medical history. It’s important to pay attention to this part. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports that approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. shelters yearly. Of these, about 3.1 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats. Each of these animals has a unique history that can affect their care needs. The Cost of Adoption Adoption fees vary widely between organizations. These fees often cover initial veterinary care, vaccinations, and sometimes microchipping. The American Pet Products Association reports that in 2023, Americans spent $147 billion on their pets. While adoption fees are just a small part of this, they’re an important consideration. Some shelters offer reduced fees for senior dogs or during special events to encourage adoptions. Spay/Neuter Policies Most adoption agreements include a spay/neuter clause. This is a critical part of responsible pet ownership and population control. Many shelters require proof that the procedure has been completed within a specific timeframe (often 30 to 60 days post-adoption). If the dog is too young at the time of adoption, the agreement will specify when the procedure should be done (typically between 6-9 months of age). Understanding the Fine Print These agreements aren’t just about rules and regulations. They set you and your new dog up for a successful, lifelong relationship. Understanding each component is the first step towards responsible dog ownership. As you review the agreement, you’ll notice that it covers various aspects of pet care and legal responsibilities. This leads us to our next section, where we’ll explore common clauses and conditions you might encounter in your adoption agreement. What’s in the Fine Print? Dog adoption agreements often contain clauses that extend beyond basic care requirements. These conditions protect the dog’s welfare and ensure a successful adoption. Let’s explore some common clauses you might encounter. Return Policies Most shelters include a return policy in their agreements. These policies allow adopters to bring the dog back if the adoption doesn’t work out. Typically, they specify a timeframe (often 30 days) during which you can return the dog without penalty. Some organizations have seen adoption numbers increase after simplifying their adoption process and return policies. Home Checks and Follow-ups Your adoption agreement might include a clause about home visits. Many shelters reserve the right to check on the dog’s welfare after adoption. These visits usually occur within the first few months post-adoption. They aim to ensure the dog adjusts well and offer support if needed. Training Commitments Some agreements require specific training and socialization. You might need to attend basic obedience classes or work on specific behavioral issues. This is particularly common for dogs with known behavioral challenges. Restrictions on Rehoming Adoption agreements often restrict rehoming or transferring ownership of the dog. This prevents the dog from ending up in unsuitable homes or shelters. If you can no longer care for the dog, most agreements require you to return the animal to the original shelter. The Reasoning Behind the Rules These clauses might seem strict, but they prioritize the dog’s best interests. They help ensure that adopted dogs find permanent, loving homes and don’t return to the shelter system. Approximately 3.2 million animals are adopted from shelters each year. Adhering to these agreement terms contributes to the success of these adoptions and helps reduce the number of animals in shelters. Understanding these clauses prepares you for the responsibilities of dog ownership. However, the legal aspects of adoption agreements extend beyond these common conditions. Let’s examine the legal considerations that shape these agreements and protect both dogs and adopters. Legal Aspects of Dog Adoption Agreements Liability Waivers Most adoption agreements include liability waivers. These require adopters to waive all liability against the shelter and indemnify the shelter if it’s sued for any conduct related to the adopted animal. As an adopter, you assume full responsibility for the dog’s actions. This means you could face liability if your new pet bites someone or damages property. Review your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for pet-related incidents. State Laws and Local Regulations Dog adoption laws vary by state and city. As of 2010, at least 18 states require animal shelters to be registered or licensed. Before you sign an adoption agreement, familiarize yourself with local pet laws. Your local animal control office or city clerk can provide this information. Violation of these laws could result in fines or even pet surrender. Enforcement of Agreement Terms Shelters take adoption agreements seriously. If you breach the contract, they may have the right to reclaim the dog. This could happen if you fail to provide proper care, attempt to rehome the dog without permission, or violate other terms of the agreement. Some shelters even include clauses that make the adopter responsible for legal fees if court action becomes necessary to enforce the agreement. Microchipping and Registration Many adoption agreements require microchipping as part of the adoption process. This involves the implantation of a small chip under the dog’s skin that contains a unique identification number. If your new pet gets lost, a scan of this chip can retrieve your contact information. Some agreements also mandate that you register the microchip in your name within a specific timeframe (often 30 days). Failure to do so could constitute a breach of contract. Understanding the Fine Print Dog adoption agreements are legally binding contracts that protect both the dog and the adopter. Always read the agreement carefully and ask questions if anything seems unclear. This document forms the foundation of your commitment to your new pet. It outlines your responsibilities and the shelter’s expectations, ensuring a smooth transition for your new furry family member. Final Thoughts Dog adoption agreements form the cornerstone of a successful relationship between you and your new pet. These documents protect both dogs and adopters, ensuring clear expectations and commitments. You should ask questions about any unclear parts of the agreement to fully understand your responsibilities as a new dog owner. The agreements play a vital role in safeguarding animal welfare and promoting responsible pet ownership. They help place dogs in homes dedicated to their well-being and provide clarity on expectations for adopters. Adhering to the terms contributes to the broader goal of animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. We at DogingtonPost support you through every step of your dog ownership journey. From understanding adoption agreements to providing care tips, we help you and your new companion thrive together. Your commitment to the responsibilities outlined in your dog adoption agreement marks the first step towards a rewarding life with your new best friend.

Newsom and Bass Sit on Thrones of Lies - We Knew That But Did California?

In the dark dark wood, there was a dark, dark house. And in that dark, dark house, there was a simulated crime scene.

Two new belts formed during the storm. One may last for a "very long time", according to NASA scientists.