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  14. <title>The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette</title>
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  26. <title>Utah Ranked #1 by US News &#8211; TechBuzz News</title>
  27. <link>https://shepherdgazette.com/utah-ranked-1-by-us-news-techbuzz-news/</link>
  29. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sammy Edwards]]></dc:creator>
  30. <pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2024 23:01:42 +0000</pubDate>
  31. <category><![CDATA[Tech]]></category>
  32. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://shepherdgazette.com/?p=176834</guid>
  33.  
  34. <description><![CDATA[<div style="margin-bottom:20px;"><img width="1200" height="947" src="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07170038/bf77aaa1-f638-4635-a675-fc3ac447515d.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Utah Ranked #1 by US News - TechBuzz News" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07170038/bf77aaa1-f638-4635-a675-fc3ac447515d.jpg 1200w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07170038/bf77aaa1-f638-4635-a675-fc3ac447515d-300x237.jpg 300w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07170038/bf77aaa1-f638-4635-a675-fc3ac447515d-800x631.jpg 800w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07170038/bf77aaa1-f638-4635-a675-fc3ac447515d-768x606.jpg 768w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07170038/bf77aaa1-f638-4635-a675-fc3ac447515d-279x220.jpg 279w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" data-attachment-id="176835" data-permalink="https://shepherdgazette.com/utah-ranked-1-by-us-news-techbuzz-news/bf77aaa1-f638-4635-a675-fc3ac447515d-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07170038/bf77aaa1-f638-4635-a675-fc3ac447515d.jpg" data-orig-size="1200,947" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="bf77aaa1-f638-4635-a675-fc3ac447515d.jpg" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07170038/bf77aaa1-f638-4635-a675-fc3ac447515d-300x237.jpg" data-large-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07170038/bf77aaa1-f638-4635-a675-fc3ac447515d-800x631.jpg" /></div><p>U.S. News &#38; World Report once again placed Utah at the top of its list in its latest best state rankings. The report reflects how each state performs each year in eight categories. Unlike last year, when Utah ranked first in both economics and overall, this year the Beehive State did not place first in [&#8230;]</p>
  35. The post <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com/utah-ranked-1-by-us-news-techbuzz-news/">Utah Ranked #1 by US News – TechBuzz News</a> first appeared on <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com">The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette</a>.]]></description>
  36. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="margin-bottom:20px;"><img width="1200" height="947" src="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07170038/bf77aaa1-f638-4635-a675-fc3ac447515d.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Utah Ranked #1 by US News - TechBuzz News" decoding="async" srcset="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07170038/bf77aaa1-f638-4635-a675-fc3ac447515d.jpg 1200w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07170038/bf77aaa1-f638-4635-a675-fc3ac447515d-300x237.jpg 300w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07170038/bf77aaa1-f638-4635-a675-fc3ac447515d-800x631.jpg 800w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07170038/bf77aaa1-f638-4635-a675-fc3ac447515d-768x606.jpg 768w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07170038/bf77aaa1-f638-4635-a675-fc3ac447515d-279x220.jpg 279w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" data-attachment-id="176835" data-permalink="https://shepherdgazette.com/utah-ranked-1-by-us-news-techbuzz-news/bf77aaa1-f638-4635-a675-fc3ac447515d-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07170038/bf77aaa1-f638-4635-a675-fc3ac447515d.jpg" data-orig-size="1200,947" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="bf77aaa1-f638-4635-a675-fc3ac447515d.jpg" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07170038/bf77aaa1-f638-4635-a675-fc3ac447515d-300x237.jpg" data-large-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07170038/bf77aaa1-f638-4635-a675-fc3ac447515d-800x631.jpg" /></div><p></p>
  37. <p>U.S. News &amp; World Report once again placed Utah at the top of its list in its latest best state rankings.  The report reflects how each state performs each year in eight categories.  Unlike last year, when Utah ranked first in both economics and overall, this year the Beehive State did not place first in any of the returning eight categories.  Overall, when all criteria were considered, Utah still earned the top spot in US News&#039; 2024 rankings.</p>
  38. <p>U.S. News&#039; Best States rankings are based on a methodology based on survey results from nearly 70,000 people who were asked to prioritize every issue in their state across eight categories.  In these categories, Utah saw large gains in education (up three places, landing at No. 2 this year);  Crime and Corrections (plus six places);  and opportunities (plus two places).  </p>
  39. <p>While lawmakers, economists, business leaders and political pundits nod approvingly at the flattering assessment of the latest US news, many of the same observers point to worrying developments in the Beehive State.  While Utah&#039;s economy is strong and healthy by most measures, it is showing some signs of slowing this year.  According to the US News 2024 economic rankings, Utah slipped two spots to third.</p>
  40. <p>The Labor Department&#039;s latest jobs report could shed light on this economic slowdown.  Utah&#039;s job growth has exceeded other states, particularly in the financial and technology sectors.  A handful of states – Nevada, Idaho, Colorado, Arizona, Texas, Florida, South Carolina – are seeing stronger job growth than Utah, Kem C. Gardner Director Natalie Gochnour recently presented at the One Utah Summit 2024.  She said Utah&#039;s fastest-growing industry is the government sector, growing at about 4.8%.  Depending on the data source, the tech sector accounts for 10 to 15% of the economic impact relative to Utah&#039;s $225 billion-plus economy.  The latest jobs data from CompTIA suggests a resurgence in employers hiring for tech jobs in Utah after a decline in 2023.</p>
  41. <p><img decoding="async" alt="" class="img-fluid lazyload" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/crowdnews-media-library/3da0a62b-0300-4216-a1fa-72291f797497.png" style="margin: 5px 15px;float: left;width: 300px;height: 181px" /></p>
  42. <p>The US News 2024 Best State rankings showed a persistent trend for Utah in the Natural Environment category.  Famous for its magnificent desert landscapes and numerous natural treasures, Utah is also becoming increasingly known for its air pollution problems, due in part to the effects of Utah&#039;s winter inversions.  Air pollution has likely crowded out the state&#039;s more tangible natural assets, causing the state to once again rank 46th in this category.</p>
  43. <p>However, things are getting better.  Air quality is improving, at least along the Wasatch Front during the winter months, according to the Utah Department of Environmental Air Quality&#039;s 2023 Annual Air Quality Report.  Utah&#039;s DEQ data suggests air quality continues to improve over the past two decades despite unprecedented population and economic growth along the Wasatch Front.</p>
  44. <p><img decoding="async" alt="" class="img-fluid lazyload" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/crowdnews-media-library/d55ac8fe-4bfe-4116-92ab-b2aef0197c68.png" style="margin: 5px 15px;float: right;width: 200px;height: 314px" />Gochnour addressed several key indicators the state needs to keep an eye on in her October 2023 “The New Utah” report.  These concerns include:</p>
  45. <ul>
  46. <li>Water.  The height of the Great Salt Lake is a measure of how the state, at least in northern Utah, is doing in terms of water supply, which impacts the health of Utah&#039;s population, agriculture, recreation and wildlife.  With two heavy snowpacks this winter, including the recent major end-of-season storm this month, this is a positive signal in the right direction.</li>
  47. <li>Chronic homelessness</li>
  48. <li>Traffic jam</li>
  49. <li>Housing affordability.  Gochnour&#039;s findings show that 650,000 more people moved into Utah than left, according to the most recent data.  “That’s the population of Utah County at the last census,” Gochnour said.  She linked this trend to high real estate prices.  “All of these people need housing.  We have a housing shortage.  This shortage and high demand are driving up housing costs.  I love Utah as a destination of choice, but it also comes with challenges.”</li>
  50. <li>Energy balancing.  “Utah has been a net energy exporter for 40 years.  Now we are a net energy importer.”</li>
  51. </ul>
  52. <p>Gochnour said Utah is becoming more ethnically diverse.  Nearly one in four Utahns is now a racial/ethnic minority, making Utah more diverse than states like Indiana, Nebraska, Missouri, Ohio, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and about the same as Pennsylvania.  Within the next two decades, this ratio is expected to rise to a third.</p>
  53. <p>Despite the problems that the state should carefully monitor, many in the state are pleased with the 2024 Best State rankings. For his part, Governor Spencer Cox expressed delight at this recognition from US News &amp; World Report, an institution that is consistent in its rankings has proven.</p></p>The post <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com/utah-ranked-1-by-us-news-techbuzz-news/">Utah Ranked #1 by US News – TechBuzz News</a> first appeared on <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com">The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette</a>.]]></content:encoded>
  57. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">176834</post-id> </item>
  58. <item>
  59. <title>Opinion &#124;  Ban most non-compete agreements.  The economy would be better.</title>
  60. <link>https://shepherdgazette.com/opinion-ban-most-non-compete-agreements-the-economy-would-be-better/</link>
  62. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sammy Edwards]]></dc:creator>
  63. <pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2024 22:58:19 +0000</pubDate>
  64. <category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category>
  65. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://shepherdgazette.com/?p=176830</guid>
  66.  
  67. <description><![CDATA[<div style="margin-bottom:20px;"><img width="1440" height="955" src="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165727/6SO6LGG2GWQT6MGUHEAUUS2JXE_size-normalized.jpgw1440.jpeg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Opinion |  Ban most non-compete agreements.  The economy would be better." decoding="async" srcset="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165727/6SO6LGG2GWQT6MGUHEAUUS2JXE_size-normalized.jpgw1440.jpeg 1440w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165727/6SO6LGG2GWQT6MGUHEAUUS2JXE_size-normalized.jpgw1440-300x199.jpeg 300w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165727/6SO6LGG2GWQT6MGUHEAUUS2JXE_size-normalized.jpgw1440-800x531.jpeg 800w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165727/6SO6LGG2GWQT6MGUHEAUUS2JXE_size-normalized.jpgw1440-768x509.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" data-attachment-id="176832" data-permalink="https://shepherdgazette.com/opinion-ban-most-non-compete-agreements-the-economy-would-be-better/6so6lgg2gwqt6mguheauus2jxe_size-normalized-jpgw1440-jpeg-2/" data-orig-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165727/6SO6LGG2GWQT6MGUHEAUUS2JXE_size-normalized.jpgw1440.jpeg" data-orig-size="1440,955" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="6SO6LGG2GWQT6MGUHEAUUS2JXE_size-normalized.jpgw1440.jpeg" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165727/6SO6LGG2GWQT6MGUHEAUUS2JXE_size-normalized.jpgw1440-300x199.jpeg" data-large-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165727/6SO6LGG2GWQT6MGUHEAUUS2JXE_size-normalized.jpgw1440-800x531.jpeg" /></div><p>About one in five U.S. workers – 30 million people – are subject to a so-called non-compete agreement as a condition of employment. These generally prohibit an employee who leaves a company from starting a similar company of their own or working for a competing company for a period of up to several years. Noncompete [&#8230;]</p>
  68. The post <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com/opinion-ban-most-non-compete-agreements-the-economy-would-be-better/">Opinion |  Ban most non-compete agreements.  The economy would be better.</a> first appeared on <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com">The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette</a>.]]></description>
  69. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="margin-bottom:20px;"><img width="1440" height="955" src="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165727/6SO6LGG2GWQT6MGUHEAUUS2JXE_size-normalized.jpgw1440.jpeg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Opinion |  Ban most non-compete agreements.  The economy would be better." decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165727/6SO6LGG2GWQT6MGUHEAUUS2JXE_size-normalized.jpgw1440.jpeg 1440w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165727/6SO6LGG2GWQT6MGUHEAUUS2JXE_size-normalized.jpgw1440-300x199.jpeg 300w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165727/6SO6LGG2GWQT6MGUHEAUUS2JXE_size-normalized.jpgw1440-800x531.jpeg 800w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165727/6SO6LGG2GWQT6MGUHEAUUS2JXE_size-normalized.jpgw1440-768x509.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" data-attachment-id="176832" data-permalink="https://shepherdgazette.com/opinion-ban-most-non-compete-agreements-the-economy-would-be-better/6so6lgg2gwqt6mguheauus2jxe_size-normalized-jpgw1440-jpeg-2/" data-orig-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165727/6SO6LGG2GWQT6MGUHEAUUS2JXE_size-normalized.jpgw1440.jpeg" data-orig-size="1440,955" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="6SO6LGG2GWQT6MGUHEAUUS2JXE_size-normalized.jpgw1440.jpeg" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165727/6SO6LGG2GWQT6MGUHEAUUS2JXE_size-normalized.jpgw1440-300x199.jpeg" data-large-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165727/6SO6LGG2GWQT6MGUHEAUUS2JXE_size-normalized.jpgw1440-800x531.jpeg" /></div><p></p>
  70. <p data-testid="drop-cap-letter" data-el="text" class="wpds-c-cYdRxM wpds-c-cYdRxM-iPJLV-css overrideStyles font-copy" dir="null">About one in five U.S. workers – 30 million people – are subject to a so-called non-compete agreement as a condition of employment.  These generally prohibit an employee who leaves a company from starting a similar company of their own or working for a competing company for a period of up to several years.  Noncompete agreements are defended as necessary to help companies protect trade secrets and their investments in employee training, and have now spread far beyond what is necessary for such legitimate purposes.  Overall, their impact is negative for both workers and the economy in general.  A number of states – red and blue – have limited non-compete clauses.  But what is really needed is a uniform federal regulation.  The key questions are: What should this rule look like and which part of the federal government can best implement it?</p>The post <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com/opinion-ban-most-non-compete-agreements-the-economy-would-be-better/">Opinion |  Ban most non-compete agreements.  The economy would be better.</a> first appeared on <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com">The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette</a>.]]></content:encoded>
  74. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">176830</post-id> </item>
  75. <item>
  76. <title>Biden and Trump are at 37% to 37% as Hispanic, black and younger voters switch</title>
  77. <link>https://shepherdgazette.com/biden-and-trump-are-at-37-to-37-as-hispanic-black-and-younger-voters-switch/</link>
  79. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sammy Edwards]]></dc:creator>
  80. <pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2024 22:57:51 +0000</pubDate>
  81. <category><![CDATA[Top News]]></category>
  82. <category><![CDATA[Donald J Trump]]></category>
  83. <category><![CDATA[Trump]]></category>
  84. <category><![CDATA[Trump 2024]]></category>
  85. <category><![CDATA[Trumpers]]></category>
  86. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://shepherdgazette.com/?p=176828</guid>
  87.  
  88. <description><![CDATA[<div style="margin-bottom:20px;"><img width="660" height="440" src="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165643/73389481007-2033897332.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Rock Hill, South Carolina |  Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump thanks his supporters after speaking at a" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165643/73389481007-2033897332.jpg 660w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165643/73389481007-2033897332-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" data-attachment-id="176829" data-permalink="https://shepherdgazette.com/biden-and-trump-are-at-37-to-37-as-hispanic-black-and-younger-voters-switch/73389481007-2033897332-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165643/73389481007-2033897332.jpg" data-orig-size="660,440" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="73389481007-2033897332.jpg" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165643/73389481007-2033897332-300x200.jpg" data-large-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165643/73389481007-2033897332.jpg" /></div><p>It couldn&#039;t be closer. Six months before Election Day, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are tied 37% to 37% in an exclusive USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll with millions of Americans&#039; votes still to be cast. While the country&#039;s intense polarization has set many political preferences in stone, one in four registered voters [&#8230;]</p>
  89. The post <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com/biden-and-trump-are-at-37-to-37-as-hispanic-black-and-younger-voters-switch/">Biden and Trump are at 37% to 37% as Hispanic, black and younger voters switch</a> first appeared on <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com">The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette</a>.]]></description>
  90. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="margin-bottom:20px;"><img width="660" height="440" src="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165643/73389481007-2033897332.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Rock Hill, South Carolina |  Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump thanks his supporters after speaking at a" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165643/73389481007-2033897332.jpg 660w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165643/73389481007-2033897332-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" data-attachment-id="176829" data-permalink="https://shepherdgazette.com/biden-and-trump-are-at-37-to-37-as-hispanic-black-and-younger-voters-switch/73389481007-2033897332-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165643/73389481007-2033897332.jpg" data-orig-size="660,440" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="73389481007-2033897332.jpg" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165643/73389481007-2033897332-300x200.jpg" data-large-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07165643/73389481007-2033897332.jpg" /></div><p></p>
  91. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">It couldn&#039;t be closer.</p>
  92. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Six months before Election Day, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are tied 37% to 37% in an exclusive USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll with millions of Americans&#039; votes still to be cast.</p>
  93. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">While the country&#039;s intense polarization has set many political preferences in stone, one in four registered voters (24%) say they may change their mind before the November election and 12% have not yet made a choice.  The new poll provides a snapshot of the people most open to appeals in a campaign marked by sharp divisions on abortion and immigration as well as an unprecedented criminal trial against a former president currently underway in New York , shows.</p>
  94. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Additionally, 8% now support independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and another 5% support other third parties.  Most of her supporters acknowledge that they could switch allegiances before casting their vote.</p>
  95. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Tiffany Batton, 43, an independent from Chicago who was among those interviewed, plans to vote for Biden.  “He inherited a lot of problems from the last government,” the social worker said in a subsequent telephone interview.  “I feel like he could fulfill some of those campaign promises if he had four more years, if he had a chance.”</p>
  96. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p"><strong>Preparation for the elections:</strong> See who&#039;s running for president and compare where they stand on key issues with our voter guide</p>
  97. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">But she could change her mind depending on what happens in the Middle East and elsewhere.  “The war in Israel weighed heavily on me,” she said.</p>
  98. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Brett Watchom, 36, a shipping merchant from Denver who is also an independent, is supporting Kennedy, drawn by his stance on housing and because he is &#8220;the only one who isn&#039;t part of the terrible one-party machine.&#8221;</p>
  99. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">He admitted he might change his support “if it turns out the Libertarian candidate is better.”</p>
  100. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">The poll of 1,000 registered voters, conducted Tuesday through Friday on landlines and cellphones, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.</p>
  101. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Candidates only have a limited amount of time to present their arguments.</p>
  102. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">“As we think about the race, which is only 26 weeks away, we have to remember that people are ignoring politics and the party conventions in July and August,” said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center.  “That leaves candidates with just 17 weeks to actively campaign, and it’s actually 13 or 14 weeks when you take into account states where early voting begins weeks before Election Day.”</p>
  103. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">“We are essentially faced with a choice, and the result is a coin toss.”</p>
  104. <h2 class="gnt_ar_b_h2">Biden wins among black voters, Trump loses among young voters</h2>
  105. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">The new poll shows that Biden&#039;s position relative to Trump is gradually improving, although within the poll&#039;s margin of error.</p>
  106. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">In the USA TODAY/Suffolk poll in January, Biden trailed Trump, 34% to 37%, and trailed by 2 points, 38% to 40%, in March.  Now they&#039;re even.</p>
  107. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Since the start of the year, Biden has gained ground among some key voters while Trump has lost ground.</p>
  108. <ul class="gnt_ar_b_ul">
  109. <li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Among voters under 35, Biden has gained 1 percentage point and Trump has lost 12 since the January poll.  Biden now leads 34-25%, although not as overwhelmingly as in the 2020 election.</li>
  110. <li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Among Hispanic voters, Biden&#039;s support has remained flat, but Trump has lost 11 points.  Biden now leads 34%-28%, still behind the 2-1 margin from 2020.</li>
  111. <li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Among independents, Biden gained 5 points and Trump lost 4.  Now the two are essentially tied, with Trump at 27% and Biden at 26%.  Almost as many, 22%, are undecided, and 23% support third-party candidates.</li>
  112. <li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Among black voters, Biden has gained seven points since January, while Trump&#039;s standing has remained unchanged.  They now support Biden 64%-12% &#8211; better than before, although still well below the 87% who voted for him in 2020.</li>
  113. </ul>
  114. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">The White House has recently announced policy decisions and aired political ads that particularly appeal to some younger swing voters, including moves to loosen federal regulation of marijuana and provide debt relief for some college students.  This month, Biden is scheduled to give the commencement address at Morehouse College, a historically black school.</p>
  115. <h2 class="gnt_ar_b_h2">Who is in the game?  Young voters, Hispanic voters, independents and RFK supporters</h2>
  116. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">The strength of the third-party candidates can be built on sand.</p>
  117. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Eight in 10 Kennedy supporters say they might change their mind before voting.  This includes 88% of those who support independent Cornel West, 65% of those who plan to support the Libertarian candidate and 58% of those who support Green Party candidate Jill Stein.</p>
  118. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Typically, support for third-party candidates declines as Election Day approaches, although in close elections the impact of only attracting thousands of voters in swing states can influence the election outcome.</p>
  119. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">In 2016, the Green Party candidate won votes from Hillary Clinton in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, key states that she ultimately lost.  In 2020, the Libertarian candidate attracted Trump voters in Wisconsin, Arizona and Georgia, critical states he lost.</p>
  120. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">“I&#039;m leaning toward Joe Biden, and I&#039;ll tell you why: I look at his economic record,” said Al Wilson, 56, an independent from Shelby, Michigan, who works as a production manager for an automaker.  He praises the president for restoring the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>
  121. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">He also cites Biden&#039;s &#8220;behavior&#8221; as president and implicitly contrasts it with Trump&#039;s.  “We need leadership that isn’t constantly in the news cycle,” he said.  “I&#039;m tired of this.  I don&#039;t want to hear that.  I don&#039;t want to hear any controversy.  I don’t want you to get caught up in controversy all the time.”</p>
  122. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Other swing voters also say they could change their minds before November, including 43% of independents.  Nearly half of independent women, 47%, are open to persuasion, one reason the Biden campaign has focused so intensely on abortion access as an issue.</p>
  123. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Some groups that Democrats rely on in national elections say they are not yet committed.  This includes 37% of Hispanic voters, 27% of Black voters and 44% of voters under 35.</p>
  124. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">More than two-thirds of respondents (69%) say the country is “on the wrong path”;  Less than one in four (23%) say things are “going in the right direction”.  That&#039;s a touch less positive than the country&#039;s mood in the March survey.</p>
  125. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">“I haven’t decided yet,” said Emily Weller, 39, a Republican from Indianapolis.  “I would not vote for former President Trump;  “I don’t think I would vote for President Biden,” the housewife said.  “My voice is important to me and I want to vote, but it’s not clear.”</p>
  126. <h2 class="gnt_ar_b_h2">“Everything was better under Trump”</h2>
  127. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Then there are the voters who are definitely not in the game.</p>
  128. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Of those who now support Biden, 84-14% say they are committed.  The number of Trump supporters is a similar 83% to 16%.</p>
  129. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">“Everything was better under Trump,” said Mike McCombs, 67, a Republican and independent insurance agent from Lincolnton, Georgia.  “The economy was better.  Fuel prices were better.  Biden has stifled the middle class.”</p>
  130. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">A conviction of Trump in his current trial for paying hush money to a porn star would not change his mind.  “That would probably make me support him more because it’s a rigged process anyway,” he said.</p>
  131. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Both major party candidates have solidified their standing with their supporters.  Now 87% of Democrats support Biden, a 7-point increase since January;  84% of Republicans support Trump, an increase of 5 points.</p>
  132. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">A negligible 2% of Democrats and 1% of Republicans walk down the aisle to support the presumptive nominee of the other major party.</p>
  133. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">“I liked the way he ran the country when he was first president,” said Stephen Harrison, 52, a small business owner and Trump supporter from Manhattan, Montana.  “The economy is No. 1. He did a good job keeping things going as best as he could during the pandemic.”</p>
  134. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">“The only thing that would change my mind is if he wasn’t on the ballot,” he said.</p>
  135. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Francis Spitale, 60, a Democrat from Charleston, South Carolina, who cares for newborns, says her support for Biden is unwavering.</p>
  136. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">“Are all the policies perfect?” she asked.  &#8220;No.  But I respect him as a good, decent person who was able to accomplish more in two or three years than many other presidents.”</p>
  137. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">She dismissed those who say Biden, at 81, is too old to serve another term.</p>
  138. <p class="gnt_ar_b_p">“Nobody says the (Rolling) Stones are too old to play;  Bruce Springsteen is out there at 73,” she said.  “If you’re a productive person, you don’t necessarily have to be skateboarding and skiing down the slopes to be effective.”</p>The post <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com/biden-and-trump-are-at-37-to-37-as-hispanic-black-and-younger-voters-switch/">Biden and Trump are at 37% to 37% as Hispanic, black and younger voters switch</a> first appeared on <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com">The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette</a>.]]></content:encoded>
  142. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">176828</post-id> </item>
  143. <item>
  144. <title>Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission taking comment on science policy</title>
  145. <link>https://shepherdgazette.com/washington-fish-and-wildlife-commission-taking-comment-on-science-policy/</link>
  147. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sammy Edwards]]></dc:creator>
  148. <pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2024 22:49:25 +0000</pubDate>
  149. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  150. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://shepherdgazette.com/?p=176825</guid>
  151.  
  152. <description><![CDATA[<div style="margin-bottom:20px;"><img width="1200" height="630" src="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164821/64e7df58171c3.image_.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission taking comment on science policy" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164821/64e7df58171c3.image_.jpg 1200w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164821/64e7df58171c3.image_-300x158.jpg 300w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164821/64e7df58171c3.image_-800x420.jpg 800w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164821/64e7df58171c3.image_-768x403.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" data-attachment-id="176826" data-permalink="https://shepherdgazette.com/washington-fish-and-wildlife-commission-taking-comment-on-science-policy/64e7df58171c3-image_-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164821/64e7df58171c3.image_.jpg" data-orig-size="1200,630" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="64e7df58171c3.image_.jpg" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164821/64e7df58171c3.image_-300x158.jpg" data-large-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164821/64e7df58171c3.image_-800x420.jpg" /></div><p>The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is accepting public comments on a draft policy that will guide its use of science in decision-making. The commission announced in a press release that a draft of the best available science policy will be available for public review by May 24. Commissioners have been discussing the policy for [&#8230;]</p>
  153. The post <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com/washington-fish-and-wildlife-commission-taking-comment-on-science-policy/">Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission taking comment on science policy</a> first appeared on <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com">The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette</a>.]]></description>
  154. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="margin-bottom:20px;"><img width="1200" height="630" src="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164821/64e7df58171c3.image_.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission taking comment on science policy" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164821/64e7df58171c3.image_.jpg 1200w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164821/64e7df58171c3.image_-300x158.jpg 300w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164821/64e7df58171c3.image_-800x420.jpg 800w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164821/64e7df58171c3.image_-768x403.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" data-attachment-id="176826" data-permalink="https://shepherdgazette.com/washington-fish-and-wildlife-commission-taking-comment-on-science-policy/64e7df58171c3-image_-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164821/64e7df58171c3.image_.jpg" data-orig-size="1200,630" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="64e7df58171c3.image_.jpg" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164821/64e7df58171c3.image_-300x158.jpg" data-large-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164821/64e7df58171c3.image_-800x420.jpg" /></div><p> </p>
  155. <p>The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is accepting public comments on a draft policy that will guide its use of science in decision-making. </p>
  156. <p>The commission announced in a press release that a draft of the best available science policy will be available for public review by May 24.  </p>
  157. <p>Commissioners have been discussing the policy for some time and hope to finalize it this summer. </p>
  158. <p>John Lehmkuhl, commissioner and chairman of the panel&#039;s Big Tent Committee, said in a statement that the policy will be used in a number of Commission and Department of Fish and Wildlife processes and that public feedback will help the commission &#8220;adopt the policy.&#8221; improve&#8221;.  Bring the best available science into our decision-making processes.” </p>
  159. <p>The document is two pages long and contains a series of bullet points detailing how the commission and ministry should approach science &#8211; such as avoiding bias when interpreting studies and using social science to inform decisions. </p>
  160. <p>The policy also states that when there are different interpretations of the science or conflicting studies, the information provided by WDFW “will be considered acceptable and sufficient.” </p>
  161. <p>A link to the full policy is available on the WDFW website.  Anyone wishing to comment on the policy can submit comments online or by email to bestavailablescience@publicinput.com. </p>The post <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com/washington-fish-and-wildlife-commission-taking-comment-on-science-policy/">Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission taking comment on science policy</a> first appeared on <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com">The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette</a>.]]></content:encoded>
  165. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">176825</post-id> </item>
  166. <item>
  167. <title>Bipartisan dredge and fill regulations get Colorado Senate approval • Colorado Newsline</title>
  168. <link>https://shepherdgazette.com/bipartisan-dredge-and-fill-regulations-get-colorado-senate-approval-colorado-newsline/</link>
  170. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sammy Edwards]]></dc:creator>
  171. <pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2024 22:41:31 +0000</pubDate>
  172. <category><![CDATA[Top News]]></category>
  173. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://shepherdgazette.com/?p=176822</guid>
  174.  
  175. <description><![CDATA[<div style="margin-bottom:20px;"><img width="1024" height="673" src="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164037/GettyImages-80175445.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Bipartisan dredge and fill regulations get Colorado Senate approval • Colorado Newsline" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164037/GettyImages-80175445.jpg 1024w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164037/GettyImages-80175445-300x197.jpg 300w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164037/GettyImages-80175445-800x526.jpg 800w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164037/GettyImages-80175445-768x505.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" data-attachment-id="176823" data-permalink="https://shepherdgazette.com/bipartisan-dredge-and-fill-regulations-get-colorado-senate-approval-colorado-newsline/gettyimages-80175445-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164037/GettyImages-80175445.jpg" data-orig-size="1024,673" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Getty Images&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS-1D Mark III&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;MONTE VISTA, CO - MARCH 08:  A Sandhill Crane performs a ritual mating dance as tens of thousands cranes fly in at sunset to roost for the night in the wetlands of the Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge on March 8, 2008 in Monte Vista, Colorado. Migrating along the same route they&#039;ve followed for thousand&#039;s of years, greater sandhill cranes arrive in the San Luis Valley in late winter every year. More than 25,000 cranes stop here to rest and feed as they travel from their wintering grounds of Mexico, Arizona and New Mexico to their summer homes in the northern Rocky Mountains.  (Photo by Doug Pensinger\/Getty Images)&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1204997349&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;2008 Getty Images&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;500&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.003125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Sandhill Crane Migration&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="GettyImages-80175445.jpg" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164037/GettyImages-80175445-300x197.jpg" data-large-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164037/GettyImages-80175445-800x526.jpg" /></div><p>The Colorado Senate unanimously approved a now-bipartisan bill that will implement new protections for waters left vulnerable by a U.S. Supreme Court decision that narrowed the reach of the Clean Water Act.  While the Colorado Legislature initially considered competing bills creating different permitting programs, Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, a Weld County Republican and original sponsor of [&#8230;]</p>
  176. The post <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com/bipartisan-dredge-and-fill-regulations-get-colorado-senate-approval-colorado-newsline/">Bipartisan dredge and fill regulations get Colorado Senate approval • Colorado Newsline</a> first appeared on <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com">The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette</a>.]]></description>
  177. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="margin-bottom:20px;"><img width="1024" height="673" src="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164037/GettyImages-80175445.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Bipartisan dredge and fill regulations get Colorado Senate approval • Colorado Newsline" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164037/GettyImages-80175445.jpg 1024w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164037/GettyImages-80175445-300x197.jpg 300w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164037/GettyImages-80175445-800x526.jpg 800w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164037/GettyImages-80175445-768x505.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" data-attachment-id="176823" data-permalink="https://shepherdgazette.com/bipartisan-dredge-and-fill-regulations-get-colorado-senate-approval-colorado-newsline/gettyimages-80175445-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164037/GettyImages-80175445.jpg" data-orig-size="1024,673" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Getty Images&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS-1D Mark III&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;MONTE VISTA, CO - MARCH 08:  A Sandhill Crane performs a ritual mating dance as tens of thousands cranes fly in at sunset to roost for the night in the wetlands of the Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge on March 8, 2008 in Monte Vista, Colorado. Migrating along the same route they&#039;ve followed for thousand&#039;s of years, greater sandhill cranes arrive in the San Luis Valley in late winter every year. More than 25,000 cranes stop here to rest and feed as they travel from their wintering grounds of Mexico, Arizona and New Mexico to their summer homes in the northern Rocky Mountains.  (Photo by Doug Pensinger\/Getty Images)&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1204997349&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;2008 Getty Images&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;500&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.003125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Sandhill Crane Migration&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="GettyImages-80175445.jpg" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164037/GettyImages-80175445-300x197.jpg" data-large-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07164037/GettyImages-80175445-800x526.jpg" /></div><p></p>
  178. <p><span style="font-weight: 400">The Colorado Senate unanimously approved a now-bipartisan bill that will implement new protections for waters left vulnerable by a U.S. Supreme Court decision that </span><span style="font-weight: 400">narrowed the reach of the Clean Water Act</span><span style="font-weight: 400">. </span></p>
  179. <p><span style="font-weight: 400">While the Colorado Legislature initially considered </span><span style="font-weight: 400">competing bills</span><span style="font-weight: 400"> creating different permitting programs, Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, a Weld County Republican and original sponsor of </span><span style="font-weight: 400">Senate Bill 24-127</span><span style="font-weight: 400">, joined the Democratic sponsors of </span><span style="font-weight: 400">House Bill 24-1379</span><span style="font-weight: 400"> following negotiations. </span></p>
  180. <p><span style="font-weight: 400">The bill would create a permitting program under the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for dredge and fill activities that impact state waters including streams, rivers and wetlands, with a variety of exemptions related to certain activities, particularly involving agriculture.</span></p>
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  185. <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Following the 2023 Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency ruling, many small streams and wetlands are no longer covered by the Clean Water Act, meaning states need to introduce new regulations if they want to protect those waters. </span></p>
  186. <p><span style="font-weight: 400">House sponsors Speaker Julie McCluskie, a Dillon Democrat, and Rep. Karen McCormick, a Longmont Democrat, pushed through 23 amendments on the House floor before the bill made it to the Senate. </span></p>
  187. <p><span style="font-weight: 400">The Senate bill, which Kirkmeyer originally supported, intended to house the permitting program under the Department of Natural Resources and further limit which waters were subject to the program. She now is a co-sponsor for the House bill, while the Senate bill is no longer scheduled for further discussion this session. </span></p>
  188. <p><span style="font-weight: 400">One final amendment in the Senate Finance Committee brought many of the organizations that initially favored the Senate version of the bill to support the House bill. Sen. Dylan Roberts, a Friso Democrat and House bill sponsor, said the amendment was “crucial” in getting the overall support the bill now has.</span></p>
  189. <p><span style="font-weight: 400">That amendment clarifies that permits are subject to guidelines established in the Clean Water Act and says those guidelines cannot be reduced by future administrations, Roberts said. Roberts said this is to avoid the confusion that’s come up previously as Clean Water Act provisions have changed based on who is in the White House and what their administration prefers.</span></p>
  190. <p><span style="font-weight: 400">“We want to set in place where we are in Colorado so that we can give assurance and no more changes,” Roberts said to the Senate Finance Committee. </span></p>
  191. <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Roberts said the amendment also adds clarification on stream restoration, grandfathering existing projects, and flexibility and maintenance allowances for irrigation ditches. The amendment also requires CDPHE to report to the Legislature with quarterly reports to the Joint Budget Committee on how the program is going. </span></p>
  192. <p><span style="font-weight: 400">“We don’t want a backlog of permits. We don’t want things to get slowed down,” Kirkmeyer said. “We want to make sure that the Joint Budget Committee, if necessary, needs to do some additional funding to make sure that they have the resources necessary to be successful with this program, that’s what we want to do.”</span></p>
  193. <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Kirkmeyer told Newsline she and Roberts sat down with stakeholders including the health department, environmental groups, the Colorado Water Congress and those who will have to implement the permit program “and we hammered it out and we got to an agreement.” </span></p>
  194. <p><span style="font-weight: 400">“Are there things in there maybe that they wish were a little bit different?” Kirkmeyer said. “Yes, but everybody’s got to give when we’re trying to get to something to ensure that we protect our streams and wetlands and our water resources here in the state of Colorado, and that’s what we did.”</span></p>
  195. <p><span style="font-weight: 400">The House will need to approve the Senate amendments on the bill before it goes to Democratic Gov. Jared Polis for a signature. </span></p>The post <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com/bipartisan-dredge-and-fill-regulations-get-colorado-senate-approval-colorado-newsline/">Bipartisan dredge and fill regulations get Colorado Senate approval • Colorado Newsline</a> first appeared on <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com">The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette</a>.]]></content:encoded>
  199. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">176822</post-id> </item>
  200. <item>
  201. <title>What would Trump&#039;s trade policy look like in his second term?</title>
  202. <link>https://shepherdgazette.com/what-would-trumps-trade-policy-look-like-in-his-second-term/</link>
  204. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sammy Edwards]]></dc:creator>
  205. <pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2024 21:53:38 +0000</pubDate>
  206. <category><![CDATA[Top News]]></category>
  207. <category><![CDATA[Donald J Trump]]></category>
  208. <category><![CDATA[Trump]]></category>
  209. <category><![CDATA[Trump 2024]]></category>
  210. <category><![CDATA[Trumpers]]></category>
  211. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://shepherdgazette.com/?p=176819</guid>
  212.  
  213. <description><![CDATA[<div style="margin-bottom:20px;"><img width="1000" height="666" src="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07155213/trump-trade-GettyImages-1579547069.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="What would Trump&#039;s trade policy look like in his second term?" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07155213/trump-trade-GettyImages-1579547069.jpg 1000w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07155213/trump-trade-GettyImages-1579547069-300x200.jpg 300w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07155213/trump-trade-GettyImages-1579547069-800x533.jpg 800w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07155213/trump-trade-GettyImages-1579547069-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" data-attachment-id="176820" data-permalink="https://shepherdgazette.com/what-would-trumps-trade-policy-look-like-in-his-second-term/trump-trade-gettyimages-1579547069-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07155213/trump-trade-GettyImages-1579547069.jpg" data-orig-size="1000,666" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="trump-trade-GettyImages-1579547069.jpg" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07155213/trump-trade-GettyImages-1579547069-300x200.jpg" data-large-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07155213/trump-trade-GettyImages-1579547069-800x533.jpg" /></div><p>With Donald Trump the presumptive Republican presidential nominee and a good chance of winning in November, all eyes are turning back to his plans for trade policy, one of his favorite topics. As disruptive and arguably ineffective as Trump&#039;s policies have been during his single term, including costly trade wars with China and Europe and [&#8230;]</p>
  214. The post <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com/what-would-trumps-trade-policy-look-like-in-his-second-term/">What would Trump's trade policy look like in his second term?</a> first appeared on <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com">The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette</a>.]]></description>
  215. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="margin-bottom:20px;"><img width="1000" height="666" src="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07155213/trump-trade-GettyImages-1579547069.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="What would Trump&#039;s trade policy look like in his second term?" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07155213/trump-trade-GettyImages-1579547069.jpg 1000w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07155213/trump-trade-GettyImages-1579547069-300x200.jpg 300w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07155213/trump-trade-GettyImages-1579547069-800x533.jpg 800w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07155213/trump-trade-GettyImages-1579547069-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" data-attachment-id="176820" data-permalink="https://shepherdgazette.com/what-would-trumps-trade-policy-look-like-in-his-second-term/trump-trade-gettyimages-1579547069-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07155213/trump-trade-GettyImages-1579547069.jpg" data-orig-size="1000,666" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="trump-trade-GettyImages-1579547069.jpg" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07155213/trump-trade-GettyImages-1579547069-300x200.jpg" data-large-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07155213/trump-trade-GettyImages-1579547069-800x533.jpg" /></div><p></p>
  216. <p>With Donald Trump the presumptive Republican presidential nominee and a good chance of winning in November, all eyes are turning back to his plans for trade policy, one of his favorite topics.</p>
  217. <p>As disruptive and arguably ineffective as Trump&#039;s policies have been during his single term, including costly trade wars with China and Europe and the final death knell for global trade rules, he promises much more the second time around.</p>
  218. <p>Trump has floated the idea of ​​a 10 percent tax on all imports from all countries, as well as a tax of up to 60 percent on everything coming from China.  Former Trump trade officials have talked about tightening the Biden administration&#039;s restrictions on technology exports to China and appear interested in moving beyond de-risking economic ties with Beijing to full decoupling.</p>
  219. <p>“Look at the first term — he did what he said he would do,” said Stephen Vaughn, an international trade attorney at the Washington law firm King &amp; Spalding and a former Trump administration trade official.  “I think people should take him seriously when he talks about what he’s going to do.”</p>
  220. <p>It remains unclear under what precise authority the potential next administration might seek to impose universal tariffs;  Under the Trump administration, the White House took advantage of national security and unfair trading provisions of existing trade laws.  But Trump and those likely to form his brain trust again are clear about why they are hoping to step up measures that seemed to pay so little dividend the first time around.</p>
  221. <p>Raising tariffs on imports, particularly from major economic rivals like China, would reduce the huge U.S. trade deficit and generate billions of dollars in revenue for the U.S. Treasury, they argue.  Tariffs on imports or even the threat of higher tariffs could force unwilling trading partners to open their markets to more American goods.  In particular, increasing tariffs on Chinese exports could limit the impact of Beijing&#039;s reliance on exporting its own industrial excess capacity to the rest of the world.  And making foreign goods more expensive, even the intermediate parts that U.S. manufacturers need to make finished products, will help make U.S. companies more competitive on the global stage.</p>
  222. <p>“I don’t think Trump supports tariffs for tariffs’ sake,” Vaughn said.  “I think he sees a problem: How do we get other countries to treat each other more and how do we avoid increasing the trade deficit?” “Second, how do we prevent China from dramatically distorting many key markets?  Tariffs could be an instrument here too.”</p>
  223. <p>Unlike Trump&#039;s first appearance on the political stage, his ideas on trade no longer come completely out of nowhere.  But retaliation from Trump&#039;s trade policies threatens higher prices for consumers, no improvement in the trade deficit, a tougher competitive environment for U.S. manufacturers and a weakening of the U.S.&#039;s ability to rally partners and allies against China and Russia.</p>
  224. <p>In 2016, the idea of ​​raising taxes on U.S. consumers to limit the appeal of goods made by friends and foes was radical;  This also applies to the idea of ​​throwing years of preparatory work on US trade agreements with countries in Europe and Asia overboard and breaking up and renegotiating the provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement.</p>
  225. <p>But since Trump accepted tariffs and trade wars during his time in office, they have become a permanent feature of US politics &#8211; at least under US President Joe Biden and certainly under the modern Republican Party.</p>
  226. <p>“Things that seemed out of the question when he first took office now seem acceptable,” said Wendy Cutler, vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute, highlighting, among other measures, the higher tariffs Trump levied on NATO allies and the systematic dismantling of the World Trade Organization.  The Biden administration has maintained many of the Trump-era tariffs and increased trade competition with China, particularly in technology.</p>
  227. <p>“Seven years later, this stuff doesn&#039;t look so radical anymore, but that doesn&#039;t mean it&#039;s mainstream or the norm,” said Cutler, who has nearly three decades of experience as a U.S. trade official.</p>
  228. <p>The first obvious problem with raising import tariffs is that inflation has been the only persistent downside to an otherwise booming U.S. economy over the past three years.  A double-digit price increase for imported goods from a variety of countries appears to be of little help in the fight against inflation;  Some studies suggest Trump&#039;s idea of ​​a flat 10 percent tariff would cost every U.S. household about $1,500 a year.  (Trump himself still pretends to believe that tariffs or import duties are somehow paid by the exporting country.)</p>
  229. <p>Supporters of higher tariffs are not worried.  “Last time, tariffs had no impact on inflation,” Vaughn said.  “Why should it make a difference this time?”</p>
  230. <p>Tariffs have also done nothing to reduce the size of the growing U.S. trade deficit, which at its simplest is the balance of goods exported by the United States minus goods imported.  The annual goods trade deficit was about $735 billion when Trump took office.  When he left, the deficit stood at $901 billion after a series of tariffs and trade wars intended to reduce the deficit.  Under Biden, who has continued many of Trump&#039;s trade policies, it has grown to well over $1 trillion.</p>
  231. <p>“We have the Trump and Biden tariffs, and they have not reduced the trade deficit,” said Simon Lester, an international trade lawyer and founder of WorldTradeLaw.  “If you’re concerned about reducing the trade deficit for any reason, increasing tariffs won’t get you there.”</p>
  232. <p>A simple explanation for what happened is that, despite a series of tariffs on Chinese-made goods, many of these companies simply moved to other countries with lower tariffs on exports to the United States.  While the U.S. trade deficit with China has fallen by about $67 billion since 2016, the U.S. trade deficit with Mexico and Vietnam alone has increased by a total of $161 billion over the same period.</p>
  233. <p>Those imports didn&#039;t stop coming into the United States, Lester noted.  “They simply came from other low-cost countries” that are not subject to the same restrictive tariffs as China.</p>
  234. <p>At least under Trump, the tariffs did not act as a cudgel to open markets for more US goods.  U.S. goods exports were lower at the end of his term than at the beginning.  (U.S. merchandise exports subsequently rose about 40 percent over the next three years, including in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic.)</p>
  235. <p>But tariffs still pose headwinds for U.S. manufacturers.  For example, the tariffs on steel and aluminum imposed by the Trump administration curbed imports of both metals, but also led to significantly higher domestic prices for the metals than in the rest of the world.  The Chinese tariffs, many of which are still in effect, fell disproportionately on intermediate goods that U.S. companies use to make other things, raising costs and weakening competitiveness.  Higher tariffs would likely only make things worse.</p>
  236. <p>The bigger challenge with an adversarial trade policy, experts say, is that it will make it harder for Washington to enlist allies in Europe and Asia to help contain and contain the coercive behavior of China and Russia.  That&#039;s bad enough for Europe, where trade tensions could add to Trump&#039;s criticism of NATO and his indifference to Russian aggression.  But in Asia it could be even worse.</p>
  237. <p>While in office, Trump immediately withdrew from a planned Asian trade deal that was intended to balance China&#039;s economic and geopolitical importance in Asia.  China itself could now join that grouping, even as the United States stays out, while Beijing simultaneously leads its own separate trade partnership in the region, known as RCEP, to boost economic and geopolitical ties with Asian countries.</p>
  238. <p>“If he increases tariffs, including on allies, it will be difficult to work with them to win their support and buy-in to jointly address the challenges posed by China,” Cutler said.</p>
  239. <p>That could make a full-scale trade war with China itself doubly problematic, especially given already high geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan and the balance of power in Asia.</p>
  240. <p>“At a time when we are trying to stabilize things, the trade part of the relationship, which has been difficult but not as contentious as before, could spill over,” Cutler said.</p>The post <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com/what-would-trumps-trade-policy-look-like-in-his-second-term/">What would Trump's trade policy look like in his second term?</a> first appeared on <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com">The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette</a>.]]></content:encoded>
  244. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">176819</post-id> </item>
  245. <item>
  246. <title>Latest war between Ukraine and Russia: Putin is more confident than ever after his inaugural speech;  Plan to “kill Zelensky” stopped &#124;  World News</title>
  247. <link>https://shepherdgazette.com/latest-war-between-ukraine-and-russia-putin-is-more-confident-than-ever-after-his-inaugural-speech-plan-to-kill-zelensky-stopped-world-news/</link>
  249. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sammy Edwards]]></dc:creator>
  250. <pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2024 21:45:16 +0000</pubDate>
  251. <category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
  252. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://shepherdgazette.com/?p=176816</guid>
  253.  
  254. <description><![CDATA[<div style="margin-bottom:20px;"><img width="1600" height="900" src="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07154406/skynews-vladimir-putin-inauguration_6546095.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Vladimir Putin" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07154406/skynews-vladimir-putin-inauguration_6546095.jpg 1600w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07154406/skynews-vladimir-putin-inauguration_6546095-300x169.jpg 300w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07154406/skynews-vladimir-putin-inauguration_6546095-800x450.jpg 800w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07154406/skynews-vladimir-putin-inauguration_6546095-768x432.jpg 768w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07154406/skynews-vladimir-putin-inauguration_6546095-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" data-attachment-id="176817" data-permalink="https://shepherdgazette.com/latest-war-between-ukraine-and-russia-putin-is-more-confident-than-ever-after-his-inaugural-speech-plan-to-kill-zelensky-stopped-world-news/skynews-vladimir-putin-inauguration_6546095-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07154406/skynews-vladimir-putin-inauguration_6546095.jpg" data-orig-size="1600,900" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="skynews-vladimir-putin-inauguration_6546095.jpg" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07154406/skynews-vladimir-putin-inauguration_6546095-300x169.jpg" data-large-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07154406/skynews-vladimir-putin-inauguration_6546095-800x450.jpg" /></div><p>We reported on Vladimir Putin&#039;s fifth inauguration as Russian president. The ceremony took place at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow and our correspondent Ivor Bennett was there to witness the entire event. He also interviewed Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov about the state of democracy in Russia and the lack of opposition during the March [&#8230;]</p>
  255. The post <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com/latest-war-between-ukraine-and-russia-putin-is-more-confident-than-ever-after-his-inaugural-speech-plan-to-kill-zelensky-stopped-world-news/">Latest war between Ukraine and Russia: Putin is more confident than ever after his inaugural speech;  Plan to “kill Zelensky” stopped |  World News</a> first appeared on <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com">The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette</a>.]]></description>
  256. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="margin-bottom:20px;"><img width="1600" height="900" src="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07154406/skynews-vladimir-putin-inauguration_6546095.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Vladimir Putin" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07154406/skynews-vladimir-putin-inauguration_6546095.jpg 1600w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07154406/skynews-vladimir-putin-inauguration_6546095-300x169.jpg 300w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07154406/skynews-vladimir-putin-inauguration_6546095-800x450.jpg 800w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07154406/skynews-vladimir-putin-inauguration_6546095-768x432.jpg 768w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07154406/skynews-vladimir-putin-inauguration_6546095-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" data-attachment-id="176817" data-permalink="https://shepherdgazette.com/latest-war-between-ukraine-and-russia-putin-is-more-confident-than-ever-after-his-inaugural-speech-plan-to-kill-zelensky-stopped-world-news/skynews-vladimir-putin-inauguration_6546095-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07154406/skynews-vladimir-putin-inauguration_6546095.jpg" data-orig-size="1600,900" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="skynews-vladimir-putin-inauguration_6546095.jpg" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07154406/skynews-vladimir-putin-inauguration_6546095-300x169.jpg" data-large-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07154406/skynews-vladimir-putin-inauguration_6546095-800x450.jpg" /></div><p></p>
  257. <p>We reported on Vladimir Putin&#039;s fifth inauguration as Russian president.</p>
  258. <p>The ceremony took place at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow and our correspondent Ivor Bennett was there to witness the entire event. </p>
  259. <p>He also interviewed Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov about the state of democracy in Russia and the lack of opposition during the March presidential election. </p>
  260. <p>Bennett asked Mr. Peskov: “Western leaders and Western governments believe that Vladimir Putin has turned Russia into a dictatorship.  Why do you think that’s not the case?”</p>
  261. <p>Mr. Peskov replied: “That is not the case.” </p>
  262. <p>“It’s just propaganda, it’s crude propaganda, nothing else.”</p>
  263. <p>He continued that Russia is “purely democratic,” adding: “We choose our power.  We choose our power.  We elect our president.  We vote for the president or don’t want to vote for the president.”</p>
  264. <p>“And we insist that we have the right to do it the way we want.” </p>
  265. <p>“And we don’t want a third country to interfere in our decisions and preferences.”</p>
  266. <p>Asked whether the lack of resistance to Vladimir Putin in Russia was democratic, Mr Peskov said: &#8220;But there is resistance in the country, of course the conditions here are much harsher because we are in a state of war.&#8221;</p>
  267. <p>Mr. Peskov used the word &#8220;war&#8221; twice in the interview &#8211; typically the Kremlin refers to its invasion of Ukraine as a &#8220;special military operation&#8221; &#8211; a term he has also used once.</p>
  268. <p>Ivor Bennett then asked whether it was even more important for the public to have the right to express themselves in wartime.</p>
  269. <p>“No, on the contrary.  Stricter measures are needed to ensure victory and ensure that we achieve our goals,” Mr. Peskov replied.</p>
  270. <p>Asked whether this was democratic, Mr Peskov insisted: “It is, it is.”</p>
  271. <p>He added that Western media in Europe and the US live in “the same circumstances.”</p>The post <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com/latest-war-between-ukraine-and-russia-putin-is-more-confident-than-ever-after-his-inaugural-speech-plan-to-kill-zelensky-stopped-world-news/">Latest war between Ukraine and Russia: Putin is more confident than ever after his inaugural speech;  Plan to “kill Zelensky” stopped |  World News</a> first appeared on <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com">The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette</a>.]]></content:encoded>
  275. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">176816</post-id> </item>
  276. <item>
  277. <title>Trump hush money trial live: Heated exchange as Trump lawyer Stormy Daniels questions</title>
  278. <link>https://shepherdgazette.com/trump-hush-money-trial-live-heated-exchange-as-trump-lawyer-stormy-daniels-questions/</link>
  280. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sammy Edwards]]></dc:creator>
  281. <pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2024 20:50:51 +0000</pubDate>
  282. <category><![CDATA[Top News]]></category>
  283. <category><![CDATA[Donald J Trump]]></category>
  284. <category><![CDATA[Trump]]></category>
  285. <category><![CDATA[Trump 2024]]></category>
  286. <category><![CDATA[Trumpers]]></category>
  287. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://shepherdgazette.com/?p=176814</guid>
  288.  
  289. <description><![CDATA[<div style="margin-bottom:20px;"><img width="1024" height="576" src="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/24153533/bbc_news_logo.png" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Ron DeSantis starts presidential candidacy in White House 2024" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/24153533/bbc_news_logo.png 1024w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/24153533/bbc_news_logo-300x169.png 300w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/24153533/bbc_news_logo-800x450.png 800w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/24153533/bbc_news_logo-768x432.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" data-attachment-id="114650" data-permalink="https://shepherdgazette.com/ron-desantis-starts-presidential-candidacy-in-white-house-2024/bbc_news_logo-png-4/" data-orig-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/24153533/bbc_news_logo.png" data-orig-size="1024,576" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="bbc_news_logo.png" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/24153533/bbc_news_logo-300x169.png" data-large-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/24153533/bbc_news_logo-800x450.png" /></div><p>Daniels was wrongly ordered by federal courts to pay Trump more than half a million dollars. She had sued him for defamation over a 2018 tweet, lost the case and had to pay his legal fees. She appealed the decision, saying the $293,000 amount was too high and instead she added $245,000 to the total. [&#8230;]</p>
  290. The post <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com/trump-hush-money-trial-live-heated-exchange-as-trump-lawyer-stormy-daniels-questions/">Trump hush money trial live: Heated exchange as Trump lawyer Stormy Daniels questions</a> first appeared on <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com">The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette</a>.]]></description>
  291. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="margin-bottom:20px;"><img width="1024" height="576" src="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/24153533/bbc_news_logo.png" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Ron DeSantis starts presidential candidacy in White House 2024" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/24153533/bbc_news_logo.png 1024w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/24153533/bbc_news_logo-300x169.png 300w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/24153533/bbc_news_logo-800x450.png 800w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/24153533/bbc_news_logo-768x432.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" data-attachment-id="114650" data-permalink="https://shepherdgazette.com/ron-desantis-starts-presidential-candidacy-in-white-house-2024/bbc_news_logo-png-4/" data-orig-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/24153533/bbc_news_logo.png" data-orig-size="1024,576" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="bbc_news_logo.png" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/24153533/bbc_news_logo-300x169.png" data-large-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/24153533/bbc_news_logo-800x450.png" /></div><p></p>
  292. <p data-reactid=".j1ueo716v4.0.2.0.0.1.0.1.0.$lx-tabs0.0.$lx-commentary.$lx-commentary.2.0.1.1.1:$post-663a82cc507388779986f99e.0.6.0.0:$post_0">Daniels was wrongly ordered by federal courts to pay Trump more than half a million dollars.</p>
  293. <p data-reactid=".j1ueo716v4.0.2.0.0.1.0.1.0.$lx-tabs0.0.$lx-commentary.$lx-commentary.2.0.1.1.1:$post-663a82cc507388779986f99e.0.6.0.0:$post_1">She had sued him for defamation over a 2018 tweet, lost the case and had to pay his legal fees.  She appealed the decision, saying the $293,000 amount was too high and instead she added $245,000 to the total. </p>
  294. <p data-reactid=".j1ueo716v4.0.2.0.0.1.0.1.0.$lx-tabs0.0.$lx-commentary.$lx-commentary.2.0.1.1.1:$post-663a82cc507388779986f99e.0.6.0.0:$post_2">On the day of arraignment in the case, Daniels was ordered to pay $121,972.</p>
  295. <p data-reactid=".j1ueo716v4.0.2.0.0.1.0.1.0.$lx-tabs0.0.$lx-commentary.$lx-commentary.2.0.1.1.1:$post-663a82cc507388779986f99e.0.6.0.0:$post_3">In the tweet, he called her a &#8220;total fraud&#8221; and denied her claim that she had been threatened to keep quiet about him in a parking lot. </p>
  296. <p data-reactid=".j1ueo716v4.0.2.0.0.1.0.1.0.$lx-tabs0.0.$lx-commentary.$lx-commentary.2.0.1.1.1:$post-663a82cc507388779986f99e.0.6.0.0:$post_4">We heard prosecutors question Daniels today about the incident in the parking lot.</p>The post <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com/trump-hush-money-trial-live-heated-exchange-as-trump-lawyer-stormy-daniels-questions/">Trump hush money trial live: Heated exchange as Trump lawyer Stormy Daniels questions</a> first appeared on <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com">The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette</a>.]]></content:encoded>
  300. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">176814</post-id> </item>
  301. <item>
  302. <title>A US soldier arrested in Russia told his local girlfriend he supported Trump and repeated the Kremlin&#039;s line on &#8220;aggressive&#8221; NATO, videos show</title>
  303. <link>https://shepherdgazette.com/a-us-soldier-arrested-in-russia-told-his-local-girlfriend-he-supported-trump-and-repeated-the-kremlins-line-on-aggressive-nato-videos-show/</link>
  305. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sammy Edwards]]></dc:creator>
  306. <pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2024 19:51:13 +0000</pubDate>
  307. <category><![CDATA[Top News]]></category>
  308. <category><![CDATA[Donald J Trump]]></category>
  309. <category><![CDATA[Trump]]></category>
  310. <category><![CDATA[Trump 2024]]></category>
  311. <category><![CDATA[Trumpers]]></category>
  312. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://shepherdgazette.com/?p=176811</guid>
  313.  
  314. <description><![CDATA[<div style="margin-bottom:20px;"><img width="1024" height="682" src="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07134924/us-soldier-russia-detained-comp.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="A US soldier arrested in Russia told his local girlfriend he supported Trump and repeated the Kremlin&#039;s line on &quot;aggressive&quot; NATO, videos show" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07134924/us-soldier-russia-detained-comp.jpg 1024w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07134924/us-soldier-russia-detained-comp-300x200.jpg 300w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07134924/us-soldier-russia-detained-comp-800x533.jpg 800w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07134924/us-soldier-russia-detained-comp-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" data-attachment-id="176812" data-permalink="https://shepherdgazette.com/a-us-soldier-arrested-in-russia-told-his-local-girlfriend-he-supported-trump-and-repeated-the-kremlins-line-on-aggressive-nato-videos-show/us-soldier-russia-detained-comp-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07134924/us-soldier-russia-detained-comp.jpg" data-orig-size="1024,682" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="us-soldier-russia-detained-comp.jpg" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07134924/us-soldier-russia-detained-comp-300x200.jpg" data-large-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07134924/us-soldier-russia-detained-comp-800x533.jpg" /></div><p>World News From Caitlin Doornbos And Diana Glebova Published May 7, 2024, 3:11 p.m. ET WASHINGTON &#8211; An American soldier detained in Russia last week expressed sympathy for Russia&#039;s view of the war in Ukraine and echoed Moscow&#039;s arguments in videos posted to his Russian ex-girlfriend&#039;s TikTok account denounced NATO. “I think NATO is pretty [&#8230;]</p>
  315. The post <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com/a-us-soldier-arrested-in-russia-told-his-local-girlfriend-he-supported-trump-and-repeated-the-kremlins-line-on-aggressive-nato-videos-show/">A US soldier arrested in Russia told his local girlfriend he supported Trump and repeated the Kremlin's line on “aggressive” NATO, videos show</a> first appeared on <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com">The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette</a>.]]></description>
  316. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="margin-bottom:20px;"><img width="1024" height="682" src="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07134924/us-soldier-russia-detained-comp.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="A US soldier arrested in Russia told his local girlfriend he supported Trump and repeated the Kremlin&#039;s line on &quot;aggressive&quot; NATO, videos show" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07134924/us-soldier-russia-detained-comp.jpg 1024w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07134924/us-soldier-russia-detained-comp-300x200.jpg 300w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07134924/us-soldier-russia-detained-comp-800x533.jpg 800w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07134924/us-soldier-russia-detained-comp-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" data-attachment-id="176812" data-permalink="https://shepherdgazette.com/a-us-soldier-arrested-in-russia-told-his-local-girlfriend-he-supported-trump-and-repeated-the-kremlins-line-on-aggressive-nato-videos-show/us-soldier-russia-detained-comp-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07134924/us-soldier-russia-detained-comp.jpg" data-orig-size="1024,682" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="us-soldier-russia-detained-comp.jpg" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07134924/us-soldier-russia-detained-comp-300x200.jpg" data-large-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07134924/us-soldier-russia-detained-comp-800x533.jpg" /></div><p></p>
  317. <p class="section-tag">
  318. <p> World News
  319. </p>
  320. <p id="author-byline" class="no-description byline">From <span>Caitlin Doornbos</span> <span class="connect">And</span> <span>Diana Glebova</span></p>
  321. <p>
  322. <span>Published </span><br />
  323. <span>May 7, 2024, 3:11 p.m. ET</span>
  324. </p>
  325. <p>WASHINGTON &#8211; An American soldier detained in Russia last week expressed sympathy for Russia&#039;s view of the war in Ukraine and echoed Moscow&#039;s arguments in videos posted to his Russian ex-girlfriend&#039;s TikTok account denounced NATO.</p>
  326. <p>“I think NATO is pretty aggressive,” Army Staff Sgt. Gordon C. Black, 34, told an online audience in a video with his then-girlfriend Aleksa Viktorovna.  “Honestly, I understand Russia’s position.  Obviously they want to defend their country.”</p>
  327. <p>Married US soldier Sergeant Gordon Black, 34, is arrested by Russian authorities after the amorous soldier followed a woman from his base in South Korea to Vladivostok in a possible honey trap. <span class="credit">social media;  e2w news</span></p>
  328. <p>Black was arrested on May 2 in the Pacific port city of Vladivostok &#8211; near Russia&#039;s borders with North Korea and China &#8211; on charges of &#8220;theft of personal property&#8221; after traveling to the US enemy country to meet his former girlfriend visit, Army spokeswoman Cynthia Smith told The Post Tuesday.</p>
  329. <p>Black traveled to Vladivostok after completing his service as an Army instructor in South Korea on April 10.  He was scheduled to leave the foreign base directly for his next duty station in Texas, Smith said.</p>
  330. <p>“Instead of returning to the continental United States, Black flew from Incheon, [South] Korea to China to Vladivostok, Russia for personal reasons,” she explained.  “Black has not requested any official clearance and [the Defense Department] has not approved his trip to China and Russia.  Business and leisure travel is currently restricted in accordance with the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide.”</p>
  331. <p>The Russian Aleksa Viktorovna, 31, lured the married US soldier Sergeant Gordon Black, 34, to Vladivostok. <span class="credit">social media;  e2w news</span></p>
  332. <p>It is unclear whether Viktorovna influenced Black&#039;s pro-Russian stance or whether she was part of a &#8220;honeypot&#8221; plan targeting the married staff sergeant.</p>
  333. <p>The Army has opened an administrative investigation “to determine the facts and circumstances” of Black’s trip, Pentagon deputy spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said Tuesday.</p>
  334. <p>There was no further information about the nature of the allegations against Black, nor is it clear who prepared the report.</p>
  335. <p>Black&#039;s wife, Megan, told The Post on Tuesday that the couple is still legally married but is divorcing.</p>
  336. <p>The military spouse declined further comment, saying, &#8220;Please give me and my family privacy.&#8221;</p>
  337. <p>Black&#039;s foreign policy comments echoed Russian President Vladimir Putin&#039;s regular propaganda claims that the NATO security alliance was affecting his country&#039;s defense capability, as well as his false claims that Moscow had a historic right to Ukraine&#039;s sovereign territory.</p>
  338. <p>Viktorovna &#8211; who also goes by Aleksandra Vashchuk &#8211; expressed a similar opinion in the TikTok post.</p>
  339. <p>“It seems that NATO has gone not only to Ukraine, but also to America and Korea.  It seems like he should be put in the trash can,” she said, apparently referring to her American soldier friend who was stationed in South Korea at the time.</p>
  340. <p>Gordon Black, 34, with Aleksa Viktorovna, 31, smoking a cigarette. <span class="credit">social media;  e2w news</span></p>
  341. <p>Black was also critical of President Biden and agreed with Viktorovna&#039;s statement that &#8220;Trump is better&#8221; in videos first reported by Radio Free Europe on Tuesday.  The soldier also blamed Biden for tensions between the US and Russia, saying in a video showing the pair that relations were &#8220;definitely better under Trump.&#8221;</p>
  342. <p>&#8220;I just do not know &#8211; [Biden] doesn’t handle situations the way you should,” he said.  “And I think that’s one of the bigger reasons why things are the way they are now.”</p>
  343. <p>“And this doesn’t just apply to Russia, as you can see it in other countries as well,” Black added, pointing to the U.S.’s poor relations with China, another American adversary. </p>
  344. <p>In many videos, Vikotorovna treated Black harshly, calling him names and teasing him in both English and Russian.  In one, she complained that TikTok had removed a video she had previously posted of Black, in which the social media platform violated its community guidelines with &#8220;scenes of humiliation,&#8221; according to Radio Free Europe.  </p>
  345. <p>In the aforementioned scene, Black gives Viktorovna an iPad &#8211; while she reciprocates with a simple pair of socks.</p>
  346. <p>Russian Aleksa Viktorovna, 31, who may have lured married US soldier Sergeant Gordon Black, 34, to Vladivostok. <span class="credit">social media;  e2w news</span></p>
  347. <p>In another video, Viktorovna filmed Black asking him to say &#8220;Russian Victory Day&#8221; in Russian before turning the camera back on herself.</p>
  348. <p>“Happy Victory Day!” she said in Russian in the video.  “Today we will torture Americans and Germans.”</p>
  349. <p>Viktorovna referred to Black as her &#8220;husband&#8221; in another clip in which Black repeated some Russian curse words.  Wearing a T-shirt that read &#8220;I don&#039;t give Af-K&#8221; in Russian, she repeatedly called Black &#8220;crazy&#8221; and jokingly wondered where he learned the profanity.</p>
  350. <p>She then described a scenario in which Russian soldiers would consider executing him if he uttered the curse words.</p>
  351. <p>&#8220;They said, &#039;Maybe we should kill him?&#039;  Maybe he&#039;s sick?&#039;&#8221; she said in Russian.</p>
  352. <p>The 31-year-old Russian Aleksa Viktorovna, who was dating US soldier Sergeant Gordon Black (34), influenced his decision to come to Vladivostok. <span class="credit">social media;  e2w news</span></p>
  353. <p>Black has been in the Army for more than 15 years and enlisted as an infantryman in 2008, Smith said.  Black was deployed to Iraq from October 2009 to September 2010 and to Afghanistan from June 2013 to March 2014.</p>
  354. <p>He will remain in custody until at least July 2nd.  If convicted, Black could face a prison sentence of up to five years in Russia. </p>
  355. <p>Additional reporting by Jennie Taer.</p>
  356. <p> Load More&#8230; </p>
  357. <p> {{#isDisplay}} {{/isDisplay}}{{#isAniviewVideo}} {{/isAniviewVideo}}{{#isSRVideo}} {{/isSRVideo}}</p>
  358. <p>https://nypost.com/2024/05/07/world-news/us-soldier-arrested-in-russia-told-local-girlfriend-he-supported-trump-repeated-kremlin-line-on-aggressive- nato-videos-show/?utm_source=url_sitebuttons&amp;utm_medium=site%20buttons&amp;utm_campaign=site%20buttons</p>
  359. <p> <span class="copy-message">Copy the URL to share</span></p>The post <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com/a-us-soldier-arrested-in-russia-told-his-local-girlfriend-he-supported-trump-and-repeated-the-kremlins-line-on-aggressive-nato-videos-show/">A US soldier arrested in Russia told his local girlfriend he supported Trump and repeated the Kremlin's line on “aggressive” NATO, videos show</a> first appeared on <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com">The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette</a>.]]></content:encoded>
  363. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">176811</post-id> </item>
  364. <item>
  365. <title>The Houthis have begun collaborating with the murderous terrorist organization – •</title>
  366. <link>https://shepherdgazette.com/the-houthis-have-begun-collaborating-with-the-murderous-terrorist-organization/</link>
  368. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sammy Edwards]]></dc:creator>
  369. <pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2024 19:38:57 +0000</pubDate>
  370. <category><![CDATA[Top News]]></category>
  371. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://shepherdgazette.com/?p=176808</guid>
  372.  
  373. <description><![CDATA[<div style="margin-bottom:20px;"><img width="624" height="383" src="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07133814/SANAA_re_autoOrient_i.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Report: The Houthis have begun collaborating with the murderous terrorist organization" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07133814/SANAA_re_autoOrient_i.jpg 624w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07133814/SANAA_re_autoOrient_i-300x184.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 624px) 100vw, 624px" data-attachment-id="176809" data-permalink="https://shepherdgazette.com/the-houthis-have-begun-collaborating-with-the-murderous-terrorist-organization/sanaa_re_autoorient_i-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07133814/SANAA_re_autoOrient_i.jpg" data-orig-size="624,383" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="SANAA_re_autoOrient_i.jpg" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07133814/SANAA_re_autoOrient_i-300x184.jpg" data-large-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07133814/SANAA_re_autoOrient_i.jpg" /></div><p>The Houthis in Yemen have recently been collaborating with AQAP (Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula), one of the most dangerous and murderous terrorist organizations in the world, as reported yesterday (Saturday) in the British Telegraph. According to the report, the “Ansar Allah” organization (the Houthis) is providing assistance to the [&#8230;]</p>
  374. The post <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com/the-houthis-have-begun-collaborating-with-the-murderous-terrorist-organization/">The Houthis have begun collaborating with the murderous terrorist organization – •</a> first appeared on <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com">The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette</a>.]]></description>
  375. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="margin-bottom:20px;"><img width="624" height="383" src="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07133814/SANAA_re_autoOrient_i.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Report: The Houthis have begun collaborating with the murderous terrorist organization" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07133814/SANAA_re_autoOrient_i.jpg 624w, https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07133814/SANAA_re_autoOrient_i-300x184.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 624px) 100vw, 624px" data-attachment-id="176809" data-permalink="https://shepherdgazette.com/the-houthis-have-begun-collaborating-with-the-murderous-terrorist-organization/sanaa_re_autoorient_i-jpg/" data-orig-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07133814/SANAA_re_autoOrient_i.jpg" data-orig-size="624,383" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="SANAA_re_autoOrient_i.jpg" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07133814/SANAA_re_autoOrient_i-300x184.jpg" data-large-file="https://shepherdgazette.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07133814/SANAA_re_autoOrient_i.jpg" /></div><p>
  376. The Houthis in Yemen have recently been collaborating with AQAP (Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula), one of the most dangerous and murderous terrorist organizations in the world, as reported yesterday (Saturday) in the British Telegraph. According to the report, the “Ansar Allah” organization (the Houthis) is providing assistance to the local Al-Qaeda organization – in the fight against the transitional government in South Yemen, which is supported by the United Arab Emirates and Western countries.According to the report, from various sources in Yemen, including on behalf of the transitional government in the south that opposes the Houthis and the terrorist organizations operating in the region, the Houthis provide Al-Qaeda with missiles, drones and other weapons. They also help them release senior figures of the terrorist organization from the country’s prisons.</p>
  377. <p>It also appears that the two organizations, with an ideological gulf between them, operate closely and in real geographical proximity. One would think that the two organizations would maintain a great degree of rivalry and enmity, since the Houthis are a Shiite organization, while al-Qaeda is a Sunni Salafi organization. Despite this, this is not the first time that elements from both ends of extreme Islam are seen cooperating, and it is known that the Ayatollah regime in Iran has in the past and may still be providing sponsorship to the global Al-Qaeda organization.</p>
  378. <p>The cooperation between the Houthis and Al-Qaeda raises the level of pressure and concern in the West against the background of its involvement in the region as a result of the war in Gaza. In Britain, the fear is being raised that the increased support and armament of the Al-Qaeda organization could be used by it to carry out attacks against the Western forces in the region, with an emphasis on the naval defense forces operating in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. At the same time, at this stage it is not clear what the extent of the power and strength of an organization is AQAPwhich currently focuses mainly on the inner Yemeni arena.</p>
  379. <p>Over the past few years it has been considered an organization AQAP In the eyes of the US, it is one of the most dangerous global terrorist organizations in the world, with a real ability to carry out terrorist attacks and attacks in Western countries. The Yemeni al-Qaeda organization (one of a number of organizations affiliated with al-Qaeda around the world) has previously carried out attacks in the US, France and Saudi Arabia.</p>
  380. <p>This new connection may be profitable for the Houthis for several reasons. First and foremost, he can help them increase the damage to the transitional government in the south, and increase the pressure lever of Sana’a (controlled by the Houthis) on Aden (controlled by the transitional government). Second, it has the purpose of diverting the intelligence and operational attention of the Western countries from the Houthis toAQAP. Another reason is the Houthis’ leveraging of pressure on the Western countries and especially the US, in their attempt to establish their position as an important regional player, by becoming a restraining factor for AQAP.</p>
  381. <p>In recent times it is evident that the power of AQAP And his ability to carry out major terrorist attacks in the world is small. However, the cooperation and support he is now receiving from the Houthis may signal a change in direction in his abilities and ambitions. During the past year, the organization announced the death of its senior leader Khaled Saeed al-Batarfi, and the appointment of Saad bin Ataf al-Awlaki in his place.</p>The post <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com/the-houthis-have-begun-collaborating-with-the-murderous-terrorist-organization/">The Houthis have begun collaborating with the murderous terrorist organization – •</a> first appeared on <a href="https://shepherdgazette.com">The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette</a>.]]></content:encoded>
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