'Most states have protected journalists'

A kind woman went to the shelter for a kitten and came home with a little guy who believes he can conquer the world. DavieNikkiNikki, an animal rescuer and fosterer, came across a tiny kitten needing rescue at the municipal shelter and stepped in to help. "It was only after I offered that the shelter told me he had some kind of abnormality with his front legs," Nikki shared with Love Meow.At three weeks old, the kitten, Davie, had a hearty appetite and a penchant for good naps. Nikki welcomed him home and began feeding and caring for him around the clock.Davie quickly settled into his cozy bassinet, complete with warm blankets and his constant companion, a faux mama plushie. Davie was three weeks old when he was rescuedNikkiDespite having one bent paw, Davie was comfortable and spirted, moving around with great determination. He would cry at the sight of his foster mom at mealtime and demand cuddles once his belly was full."He's such a sweet boy, and I can't help but smother him with snuggles and kisses." Davie snuggled with his faux mamaNikkiDavie was born with a congenital abnormality in his front legs. "His right arm is bent like a chicken wing, but he still uses it with limited mobility.""Initially, I had x-rays taken at the vet, and they were sent to an orthopedic veterinarian. However, in time, it seems that his left leg strengthened, and he was able to put pressure on his paw instead of walking on that elbow." He was born with a congenital abnormality in his front legsNikkiAs Davie grew, he adapted remarkably, soon running, jumping, and climbing everything in sight. He quickly mastered the litter tray and reveled in playtime with his foster mom, chasing his wand toy with unbridled energy."Over the last several weeks, he has grown and is getting stronger, and his mobility is increasing." He doesn't let anything hold him backNikkiWith daily exercise, good food, and plenty of TLC, Davie can now use his left front leg to support himself while batting at toys with his right paw. He never fails to impress with his ability to use his front legs in different ways."Nothing holds him back; he's able to climb in and out of bed, play with toys, and get himself in and out of the litter box with no challenges. He has an incredibly sweet disposition." Over time, his left leg strengthened, and he was able to support himself with itNikkiNikki's resident blind cat, Stella, often visits the foster room. Davie watches in awe as Stella skillfully catches every moving toy with perfect precision. "Stella is helping me supervise Davie for his late-night playtime."Davie has a ravenous appetite and begs for more food even though he ate less than an hour ago. Nikki"He absolutely loved his bottle, and it took him a while to be weaned. Now, he can eat wet food from a bowl, which means I get more sleep at night, not having to bottle-feed him.""He loves to play with toys. His favorite ones are the little plastic springs and fishing pole type toys." Davie loves food and human attentionNikkiSince Davie is thriving, experiences no discomfort, and only gets stronger as he grows, Nikki and the medical team agree surgery is not necessary.Davie has been honing his climbing skills, especially when Nikki sits at the computer, trying to work. He scales her leg in an attempt to get her to play or to reach her lap for cuddles. Although he can't climb as high as other kittens his age, he's determined to try. Davie likes to scale his foster mom's leg when she's workingNikkiTwo days ago, Davie was given free rein of the house. Thrilled, he scampered around, exploring every nook and cranny. "He's a big kid now."He's overjoyed to have a loving foster mom catering to his every whim, Stella the blind cat keeping him entertained with whatever she does, boundless food each day, and a cozy bed to curl up in. He's getting bigger and stronger every dayNikkiJust a few weeks ago, Davie was at the shelter, his fate uncertain. With a foster home, his life has been forever changed, and a bright future awaits him. NikkiShare this story with your friends. More on Davie and Nikki's fosters on Instagram and Facebook.Related story: Tiny Kitten Shows the Strong Will of a House Panther, Refusing to Give Up, When She's Found Outside

Trans-Woman Incarcerated in Women's Prison Allegedly Raped and Impregnated a Fellow Inmate

We are on Day Two of the Capitol Hill Bathroom Cycle, which shows no sign of abating. CBS and NBC have now taken up the cause of the transgender member of Congress who is, as of today, NOT allowed to use women’s facilities due to being a biological male.  Here’s how the CBS Evening News opened their reporting on the trans toilet tiff: NORAH O’DONNELL: House Speaker Mike Johnson announced a new rule on Capitol Hill. If transgender men and women are going to use single-sex bathrooms or locker rooms, they must use the one that is reserved for, as he said, their biological sex. CBS's Scott MacFarlane reports from The Hill. SCOTT MACFARLANE: U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson today took aim at Democrat Sarah McBride, the first ever transgender member elected to Congress. With his decision to bar transgender people from using those Capitol complex bathrooms that do not align with their sex assigned at birth. MIKE JOHNSON: We have single-sex facilities for a reason. MACFARLANE: McBride said today she did not come to Washington to fight about bathrooms. South Carolina Republican Nancy Mace has led the charge to bar McBride from women’s rooms here and does not acknowledge McBride is a woman. NANCY MACE: We have rights as women and we have the right not to be bombarded by men in our restrooms. Just so we are crystal clear here, CBS Congressional Correspondent Scott MacFarlane is in a moral panic because Nancy Mace refuses to acknowledge Representative-Elect McBride as a woman. This was basically the tone and tenor for both reports: outrage at the idea that men who dress as women are not women, and should therefore not be allowed to use the same restroom facilities as women. This is the same Regime Media that made short shrift of the various mediocre male swimmers that invaded women’s swimming. Today, it’s volleyball, with a number of female athletes suffering concussions after getting balls spiked on their heads by male athletes. The erasure of women continues apace, and as we saw on MSNBC’s Alex Wagner Tonight, the Regime Media have chosen the side that erases women.  NBC’s entry wasn’t that much better. Congressional correspondent Ryan Nobles attempts a cheap whataboutism, predicated on Mace’s historic graduation from The Citadel: RYAN NOBLES: South Carolina's Nancy Mace, who broke ground herself as the first woman to graduate from the once all-male military academy The Citadel, arguing that McBride should not be allowed to use women’s restrooms on the Capitol complex. Nice try, Ryan. Per The Los Angeles Times’ profile on Mace’s Citadel predecessor, Shannon Faulkner: After a federal judge last year ruled The Citadel’s all-male policy unconstitutional, Faulkner entered the university as a sophomore day student while living off campus in Charleston with her attorney. But on Saturday she was assigned to India Company, given a single room with a lockable door in a barracks and will have use of a private bathroom. For security, a video camera will be trained on her door 24 hours a day. You see, Mace didn’t have to worry about having to use a bathroom in the presence of men back then. This is pretty much a now thing. Both reports end with condescending quotes from far-left members of Congress, and with a collective eye roll and deep Algoreian sigh at what our collective refusal to endorse the societal erasure of women betrays: our lack of enlightenment. If only we agree to destroy our girls and women, then our moral betters might stop looking down upon us. These guys are working hard for that CEI score, and it shows. Click “expand” to view the full transcripts of the aforementioned reports as aired on their respective newscasts on Wednesday, November 20th, 2024: CBS EVENING NEWS 11/20/24 6:45 PM NORAH O’DONNELL: House Speaker Mike Johnson announced a new rule on Capitol Hill. If transgender men and women are going to use single-sex bathrooms or locker rooms, they must use the one that is reserved for, as he said, their biological sex. CBS's Scott MacFarlane reports from The Hill. SCOTT MACFARLANE: U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson today took aim at Democrat Sarah McBride, the first ever transgender member elected to Congress. With his decision to bar transgender people from using those Capitol complex bathrooms that do not align with their sex assigned at birth. MIKE JOHNSON: We have single-sex facilities for a reason. MACFARLANE: McBride said today she did not come to Washington to fight about bathrooms. South Carolina Republican Nancy Mace has led the charge to bar McBride from women’s rooms here and does not acknowledge McBride is a woman. NANCY MACE: We have rights as women and we have the right not to be bombarded by men in our restrooms. MACFARLANE: McBride spoke with CBS News Sunday Morning in October. RITA BRAVER: And I can't believe I'm asking you this but I'm going to. What bathrooms will you use when you are in the Capitol? SARAH MCBRIDE: The bathrooms that I’ve used in the State Senate. The bathrooms that I use when I'm going out to dinner here in Wilmington. I’ll continue to use the bathrooms that I've used for the last decade plus. BRAVER: And that's the ladies room? [Crosstalk, Laughter] MACFARLANE: President-Elect Donald Trump attacked Democrats for supporting transgender rights during the campaign. DONALD TRUMP: We won't be changing your children's gender with their transgender craziness. MACFARLANE: Speaker Johnson has argued there are unisex bathrooms on the Capitol campus. JOHNSON: A man is a man, and a woman is a woman. And a man cannot become a woman. MACFARLANE: Democrats blasted Johnson's decision. MARK POCAN: What we should be doing is getting things done for the American people. Instead, we are worried about, you know, who is using what toilet, and that's pretty ridiculous. MACFARLANE: An association of LGBTQ congressional staffers issued a statement calling the new rule a direct affront to trans people. Sarah McBride becomes the newest member of Congress from Delaware on January 3rd. Norah. O’DONNELL: Scott MacFarlane on The Hill tonight. Thank you, Scott. NBC NIGHTLY NEWS 11/20/24 6:42 PM LESTER HOLT: Also, the Speaker of the house wading into the controversy over trans rights, issuing a new policy on the use of bathrooms at The Capitol.. As Ryan Nobles explains, it comes after the election of the first openly transgender member of Congress. RYAN NOBLES: Delaware's Sarah McBride made history in November, becoming the first openly trans woman to win a seat in congress. SARAH MCBRIDE: Thank you so much to the Congressional Progressive Caucus. NOBLES: Her win came as Republicans made opposition to trans rights a major part of their campaign strategy. ANNOUNCER: Kamala is for they/them. President Trump is for you. NOBLES: Now that fight is front and center on Capitol Hill. NANCY MACE: This isn't manufactured. This is a real thing. NOBLES: South Carolina's Nancy Mace, who broke ground herself as the first woman to graduate from the once all-male military academy The Citadel, arguing that McBride should not be allowed to use women’s restrooms on the Capitol complex. MACE: Congressman-Elect McBride already has a restroom in their own office. There are unisex facilities throughout The Capitol. NOBLES: It led to House Speaker Mike Johnson issuing a new policy that says restrooms, changing rooms, and locker rooms are, quote: “reserved for individuals of that biological sex.” MIKE JOHNSON: A man is a man and a woman is a woman. And a man cannot become a woman. But I also believe that we treat everybody with dignity. NOBLES: This battle, a microcosm of the war raging across the country over trans rights, with Republicans pushing back on bathroom access, pronoun use, and healthcare for trans people. ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ: They're endangering women, they’re endangering girls of all kinds, and everybody should reject it. It's gross. NOBLES: It's a fight McBride, who came to congress to deal with economic and quality of life issues, did not intend on being the face of. MCBRIDE: I’m not running to be the transgender member of Congress. I'm running to be Delaware’s Member of Congress… NOBLES: And in a statement tonight, McBride said that she didn’t come to Congress to fight over bathrooms, but that she’ll follow the Speaker’s new rules even if she doesn’t agree with them. Lester. HOLT: All right, Ryan. Thanks.  

American statesmen have a long and storied history, but it’s crucial never to take politicians too seriously. Democratic proceedings often carry a carnival-like aspect. Still, it’s hard not to imagine America’s founders looking down in dismay at the daily shame visited upon the republic they established. The recent election of a man identifying as a woman to the U.S. House of Representatives marks just the latest embarrassment. U.S. Rep. Tim McBride (D-Del.), who now calls himself Sarah, has become a lightning rod for controversy. Yet, the Republicans’ clumsy and timid response to the situation has been even more disappointing.McBride’s election raised concerns among several female members about sharing restrooms with a biological man. These concerns echo back to 2016, when Target announced a policy allowing men who identified as transgender to use women’s restrooms.A decisive electoral win cannot be followed by a retreat into the lazy, reactionary habit of merely responding to the left’s narrative.Shortly after, the Obama administration issued a directive to schools, requiring them to permit transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms corresponding to their gender identity. Gyms, pools, and other public facilities soon followed suit, forcing women and girls to endure men exposing themselves in spaces that had traditionally been female-only.Wokeness had not yet become a mainstream term, but the events of 2016 marked the opening salvo in a prolonged cultural battle. What was once known as social justice or political correctness had morphed into a far more extreme movement. In a rational world, the absurdity of this ideology would have rendered it dead on arrival. Yet, eight years later, the nation is still grappling with the bizarre question of whether a man can become a woman.In response to this ongoing debate, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) introduced a resolution requiring House members to use the bathroom corresponding to their biological sex, not the clothing they chose to wear that day. This resolution was entirely reasonable and should have been easy for Republicans to defend. Unfortunately, the GOP’s handling of the situation turned into a clown show.Johnson chokesThe first misstep occurred when Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) refused to answer a straightforward question about whether McBride was a man or a woman. During a press conference addressing the issue of bathrooms and locker rooms, Johnson dodged the question multiple times, instead stating that every member deserved dignity and respect. While this sentiment is true, it was obvious that Johnson used it to evade directly addressing McBride’s sex.Given the topics covered in the press conference, Johnson should have anticipated the question and prepared a clear response. McBride is a man — full stop. As the leader of the Republican-controlled House charged with advancing Donald Trump’s agenda, Johnson’s hesitation was baffling.The uproar over Johnson’s evasive response forced him to hold a second press conference, where he finally stated his belief that a man cannot become a woman. Johnson claimed the question was so absurd that he initially chose not to dignify it with an answer. Given his earlier hesitation, however, this explanation rang hollow. Notably, Johnson still avoided explicitly stating that McBride is a man or committing to specific actions to protect female members of the House.If Johnson’s handling of this controversy reflects how he plans to approach implementing the MAGA agenda, it raises serious concerns about his leadership. His timidity in addressing fundamental issues does not inspire confidence.Mace reaps what she sowedThe second misstep came from Mace herself. While her efforts to protect female colleagues reflected the right instinct, her execution left much to be desired. After describing herself as a feminist, Mace posted on X (formerly Twitter):This is so strange to me. 25 years ago, I was celebrated as the first woman to graduate from a formerly all-male military college. Today I’m being attacked as a 'bigot' for fighting for women’s rights. The radical Left has lost its mind.Using the left’s framing and language is always a misstep. Attempting to validate opponents’ positions to expose perceived hypocrisy often results in rhetorical failure for conservatives. More troubling, however, is the cognitive dissonance revealed in Mace’s statement.On one hand, Mace seeks to defend female-only spaces, operating under the conservative belief that men and women are inherently different and that women deserve spaces apart from men. On the other hand, she wants to be celebrated as a feminist for breaking gender barriers at the Citadel, a formerly all-male military college. Mace wants to be honored for helping to deconstruct male-only spaces but, like so many before her, she is horrified when the cultural revolution she championed arrives at her own bathroom door.A military college and a bathroom are not the same, obviously. Allowing men into female bathrooms and sports raises immediate safety concerns, and efforts to protect women in these spaces are entirely justified. However, discussions with combat veterans about the effects on unit safety and cohesion after introducing women to front-line roles reveal parallels that are more striking than they first seem.A time for clarityMike Johnson needs to grow a spine, but much more importantly, the conservative movement needs to decide what it really believes about men and women. Are men and women inherently different, or does that belief only apply when it benefits women? Does biological reality influence societal roles and structures beyond bathrooms and soccer fields? Do men matter, or are “women’s rights” only a conservative talking point because they allow the movement to engage within the left's framework?The fact that, in 2024, Republicans have yet to answer these basic questions is both embarrassing and troubling. To lead and capitalize on the future possibilities created by President Trump’s historic re-election victory, conservatives must understand their identity and core beliefs. A decisive electoral win cannot be followed by a retreat into the lazy, reactionary habit of merely responding to the left’s narrative.Ridiculous failures, like the one we just witnessed, are inevitable when a movement lacks a clear sense of purpose and conviction. Republicans must address these issues swiftly, as the American people delivered a decisive mandate and expect strong leadership — not a political comedy sketch.

This is a Hollywood mea culpa no one saw coming.In 2018, actress Rebecca Hall apologized for having starred in not one but two Woody Allen movies. This was the peak of #MeToo mania, when it was suddenly cool to bash Allen for decades-old allegations that he molested his daughter Dylan Farrow.'This is like Blockbuster still trying to collect late fees for those VHS tapes.'Funny how those allegations didn't bother the Hollywood elite until film producer Harvey Weinstein’s precipitous downfall in 2017.Hall even vowed to contribute her salaries to the Time’s Up foundation, created in the wake of the Weinstein scandal. Turns out she’s sorry for saying she’s sorry."I kind of regret making that statement because I don't think it's the responsibility of his actors to speak to that situation. … I regret this decision and wouldn't make the same one today.”Huh? What changed? The #MeToo movement collapsed, for starters. Celebrity political endorsements are now about as popular as eating Tide Pods. Hall suddenly realized she didn’t want to be an actress — slash — activist.And Allen keeps making movies. A gig’s a gig, right?Kamala stalks KimmelHasn’t Jimmy Kimmel raised enough cash for Democratic coffers? The “Man Show” host turned progressive shill is furious that he’s still receiving fundraising emails from the Kamala Harris campaign.The failed Kamala Harris campaign, to be exact.“’There has never been a more important time to donate to the Harris Fight Fund Program’ than right now.’ … Now, I’m not an expert when it comes to campaigns, but I’m pretty sure there has been a better time.”“This is like Blockbuster still trying to collect late fees for those VHS tapes.”Will this stop Kimmel from resuming his 24/7 Trump-bashing? Of course not. Still, it's nice to see some bipartisan outrage from TV’s most predictable, and suddenly sad, clown …Cher and share alike?Who knew “I Got You Babe” had a double meaning?The smash Sonny and Cher ditty that rocked the charts in 1965 proved a prelude to Sonny Bono’s financial wickedness. That’s according to the 78-year-old Cher, who opened up about her late husband’s financial moves in a New York Times interview tied to her just-released memoir called … “Cher: The Memoir.”“He took all my money. … I just thought, 'We’re husband and wife. Half the things are his, half the things are mine.' It didn’t occur to me that there was another way.”Perhaps she channeled those memories for her solo career, including 1974’s “Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves”?No downtime for DenzelDenzel Washington’s retirement sounds … busy.The superstar recently hinted that he has but a few more movies left in him, somber news for movie-lovers across the globe.“I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make,” Washington, 69, said. “Probably not that many. I want to do things I haven’t done.”Since then, he leaked that he’ll co-star in the upcoming “Black Panther 3.” That’s not all. He has two more “Equalizer” sequels planned. Nothing says striking new creative ground like extending a franchise built from an '80s TV series into its fifth installment.Maybe Washington spent a few too many days away from a film set’s perks and figured retirement is for suckers …Technical decisionThat overhyped match between brawlers Jake Paul and Mike Tyson drew a whopping 108 million viewers across the globe. Rumor has it a good 50% of them actually saw Paul whip “Iron” Mike and not a buffering wheel of doom.At least the unlucky ones were spared the sight of Tyson’s 58-year old tuchus. To paraphrase the former and future first lady, “Be better, Netflix …”They come back. They always do.Advertisers make nice with MuskNeil Young and fellow aging rebels pulled their music from Spotify in 2022 after the platform refused to cancel host Joe Rogan for his contrarian pandemic views. Young and company later returned their music to Spotify after their cancel culture attack swung and missed.Now, it’s some of the world’s biggest corporations backpedaling on their anti-free speech efforts.IBM, Disney, Lionsgate, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Comcast pulled their advertising from X, the platform formerly known as Prince, last year to protest owner Elon Musk. Why? He’s a free-speech fan. Those corporations? Not so much.Now, all of the above are back on the platform, sending their sweet, sweet ad cash to Team Musk’s coffers.They could have just funneled that cash to Bluesky, the new choice of the Resistance(TM). Chances are they probably realize it’ll be the next Mastodon or Threads before long.

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