Tag: Southern California

Van Fire burns 1,100 acres in Mariposa County, is 20% contained

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Wildfire flames and smoke spreading across mountainous forest landscape at dusk

A wildfire burning in rural Mariposa County has grown to 1,108 acres and was 20% contained, officials said Wednesday evening. The Van Fire was reported Wednesday northeast of White Rock Road in Cathey’s Valley, and north of Eastman Lake. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said shortly after 2:30 p.m. that the flames were spreading at a dangerous rate, with the potential for it to burn more than 2,000 acres. There were no evacuation orders in effect, and no reports of injuries or damage have been made Cal Fire said it has assigned ground and air resources to battle the blaze as firefighters work to slow its spread.

Source: Van Fire burns 1,100 acres in Mariposa County, is 20% contained – CBS Sacramento

“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
Mark 10:52

The Weight of Leadership

“A church can survive criticism, but it cannot thrive without integrity. When spiritual leaders forget they answer first to God, the flock always bears the wounds.” “Not many of you…

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Heaven is for Real Movie

“Heaven is for Real” is a faith-based family drama inspired by a Nebraska Pastor Tood Burpo’s best-selling book about his 4 years old son (Colton Burpo) who had visited heaven…

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God’s Here

After losing his wife and son in a tragic accident, a firefighter wrestles with grief and forgiveness. Starring Kevin Sorbo (God’s Not Dead), Sarah Elizabeth Reeves Director: Bill McAdams Jr.…

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California bans ‘sell by’ labels on perishable food, in attempt to cut down on waste

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Packaged baby spinach, shredded mozzarella, hummus, and Greek yogurt with expiration and pricing labels in refrigerated shelf

California has banned “sell by” labels on perishable products, in an attempt to cut down on food waste. The law was passed in 2024 but didn’t go into effect until Wednesday.

It standardizes such labels to try to cut food waste and reduce consumer confusion in the state, according to The New York Times.  Manufacturers can still use several terms including “best if used by” or “best if frozen by” to indicate when a food item is at its peak quality, and “use by” or “freeze by” to indicate when a food item is no longer safe to consume.

Products exempt from the law are eggs and infant formula, according to California’s Department of Food and Agriculture. State and federal officials have long said the labels confuse consumers about when to throw away aging food products. There are roughly 50 variations of date labels in the United States, The Times also reports. 

Source: California bans ‘sell by’ labels on perishable food, in attempt to cut down on waste | Just The News

He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend.
Psalm 15:2-3

Feeling Alone? God Sees You

Even when you feel invisible in your struggle, God sees every tear, every burden, and every silent prayer. Your exhaustion has not escaped His attention. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves…

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The Passion of the Christ English Subtitles

This powerful and emotional masterpiece depicts the final 12 hours of Jesus of Nazareth’s life, capturing his suffering, sacrifice, and ultimate triumph of love and faith. ⚠️ Note: All rights belong to their respective…

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Jesus Revolution

In the 1970s, young Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney) is searching for all the right things in all the wrong places: until he meets Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie), a charismatic hippie-street-preacher. Together with Pastor Chuck…

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Letters to God

Tyler Doherty is an extraordinary eight-year-old boy armed with strong faith and courage as he faces his daily battle against cancer. Surrounded by a loving family and community, Tyler’s prayers take the form of…

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War Room

Pharmaceutical salesman Tony Jordan and his wife, realtor Elizabeth Jordan, appear outwardly successful; they have a large house, plenty of money, and a beautiful daughter named Danielle. Behind the façade, however, Tony and Elizabeth’s…

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Climbing Your Mountain

Pip: A mountain village, a wandering stranger, a mother weaving a basket by the river — Drink of Jesus has been building a world where ancient scripture lands like it’s happening right now, and…

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Gavin Newsom opposes a California wealth tax. He’s proposing a national billionaire tax instead

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Silhouette of a man standing on a balcony looking at the lit California State Capitol building at dusk

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday proposed a national tax on billionaires that he says is the first part of an “economic reset for America” agenda, which aides explicitly say is part of his considering to launch a presidential campaign. “The system America’s founders built was designed to prevent the concentration of power in a few hands, but we have allowed that concentration to happen anyway, slowly, in plain sight, over decades,” Newsom writes. “We can reverse it together, as a country.”

It is extremely early in the presidential campaign cycle for a policy proposal — but comes as Democrats continue to embrace economic populism and moves against the wealthy. It also comes as California voters in November will decide on a billionaires’ tax after the governor and opponents of the tax late Thursday failed to reach a deal to keep it off the ballot. Newsom, who is term-limited in California and will leave office in January 2027, lays out his proposal in a Substack post that went live on Friday morning, calling for a minimum tax on anyone worth more than $100 million so that they pay at least the same rate, rather than less, than the average American worker who doesn’t have loopholes and other maneuvers to benefit from.

Various wealth tax ideas have been proposed by Democrats before, including by Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren as part of her 2020 Democratic presidential campaign. Newsom says his idea comes out of wanting to create a bulwark against how artificial intelligence will reshape the economy, also proposing what he calls a “national public equity fund” to give every American, rather than just tech companies and investors, a share in the wealth likely to be produced. That fund, an aide said, would cover worker transition benefits, universal childcare, free higher education and career training, healthcare and a national industrial strategy for AI.

Newsom also called for rewriting the rules around inheritance, arguing that with what he says will be the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in human history coming over the next 20 years, “if we do not act, that transfer of wealth among the ultra-wealthy will lock in a permanent American aristocracy of inherited wealth, with all the political consequences the founders warned us about.” Newsom explains why that he will personally vote no on the California proposal, which would levy a one-time 5% tax on residents with a net worth over $1 billion. Backers of the measure gathered more than 870,000 signatures and include progressives like Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and California Rep. Ro Khanna – himself a 2028 contender. Newsom and others fear it would drive businesses out of California, and that the revenue collected would not be spread around widely enough. “We’re competing with 50 states,” Newsom told the World Economic Forum earlier this year.

“Capital flows and move(s). That’s real. It’s not imagined. It’s very, very real.” In his Substack post, Newsom writes that while he understands “the anxiety” driving interest in the California proposed tax, it “turns a blind eye to safety-net clinics and reproductive healthcare providers that Planned Parenthood has fought for decades to protect. There is nothing for housing, nothing for childcare, nothing for public safety workers who must answer 911 calls, and nothing for our public universities that have powered California’s economy for a decade.” Khanna, however, called Newsom’s proposal a distraction, arguing in a call with reporters on Friday that it didn’t actually constitute a wealth tax. “Taxing the loans on assets is something that the tech oligarchs themselves have proposed,” he said.

“That will raise a fraction of the revenue of an actual wealth tax, the kind that Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren or I have proposed.” Long a presumed candidate for president in 2028, Newsom has begun to show his political hand more explicitly with a video last week about what he said was a Justice Department investigation into his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom: “Donald Trump isn’t just coming after me because of my mean tweets, he’s coming after me because I am considering running for president.”

Source: Gavin Newsom opposes a California wealth tax. He’s proposing a national billionaire tax instead | CNN Politics

Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease!
Proverbs 23:4

Peace in the Storm

God does not always remove the storm immediately, but He promises peace in the middle of it. His presence calms fearful hearts.  Bible Verse: “Peace I leave with…

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More than $2.2 million in golf balls and other stolen goods found in Anaheim warehouse

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stacked boxes in a warehouse

California Highway Patrol investigators recovered more than $2.2 million in stolen merchandise from an Anaheim warehouse while serving a search warrant last week.  In a news release, CHP officials said that the operation happened on Thursday, June 18, at around 9 a.m. While they didn’t disclose the exact location of the warehouse, they said that “multiple loads of stolen cargo linked to an ongoing investigation” were found inside.  “Recovered items included TaylorMade golf balls, Meta server switches, Tamiya hobby products, and other stolen merchandise,” the release said. “Preliminary estimates place the total value of the recovered property at over $2,223,000.”

Police said that two people were detained at the location during the execution of the warrant, but after further investigation, they were able to determine that the people were not involved in criminal activity and were released.  No arrests have yet been announced in connection with the incident.  “This recovery of more than $2 million in stolen merchandise highlights the outstanding work and collaboration of everyone involved,” said a statement from CHP Border Division Assistant Chief Michael Vargas. “Organized retail crime is not victimless, and the CHP remains committed to holding offenders accountable and protecting the public through proactive enforcement and strong partnerships.”

Source: More than $2.2 million in golf balls and other stolen goods found in Anaheim warehouse – CBS Los Angeles

You shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.
Deuteronomy 5:33

Finding Hope in Life’s Challenges

When life turns up the heat, your faith isn’t falling apart, it’s being revealed. What feels like pressure is actually God proving that what He placed in you can’t…

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Prayer for Boldness; Acts 4:24-31

When opposition rises against God’s people, the natural response is often fear. Yet the early church teaches us that the answer to intimidation is not retreat, but prayer to…

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Second bird tests positive for West Nile virus in Ventura County

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close up of mosquito on human skin

For the second time this year, public health staff said a bird in Ventura County tested positive for West Nile virus. The Ventura County Environmental Health Division announced the discovery on Tuesday after receiving confirmation from the California Department of Public Health. County staff said they expect more positive cases to emerge throughout this year’s mosquito season.  Public health officials said they located both birds in the City of Ventura. The first was found on May 12, and the second was located more than two weeks later, on May 28.  Ventura County staff said they will inspect and treat mosquito breeding sources surrounding the area where they found the infected bird. 

They asked residents to take the following steps to minimize exposure to West Nile virus: 

  • Eliminate all standing water sources from your property.
  • Ensure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens without holes.
  • When outdoors, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts and limit activity, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Use an EPA-approved insect repellent containing Picaridin, DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (or PMD), or IR3535.

Ventura County Public Health confirmed that there have been no human cases of West Nile virus so far this year.

Source: Second bird tests positive for West Nile virus in Ventura County – CBS Los Angeles

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling.
Ephesians 4:4

Come As You Are: God Awaits You

God does not ask you to be flawless before coming to Him. He asks you to come as you are. “For by grace are ye saved through faith… not of works.” — Ephesians 2:8-9…

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17,000 Baptized in Historic Worldwide Event: ‘Saying Yes to Jesus’

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baptism ceremony at clemson community church

17,000 Baptized in Historic Worldwide Event: ‘Saying Yes to Jesus’, Michael Foust – Read breaking news headlies with a Christian perspective and commentary from Michael Foust. A gathering at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., served as the focal point for the May 24 global event, featuring worship, personal testimonies, and live updates from participating churches around the world. Attendees watched baptisms take place across multiple nations as believers publicly professed their faith.

Baptize the World grew out of a movement led by Pastor Mark Francey of Oceans Church in California, whose previous initiatives – Baptize SoCal, Baptize California, and Baptize America – drew thousands of participants.

“This was never about one event or one location,” Francey said. “This was about the body of Christ coming together around the world to lift up the name of Jesus and publicly declare new life through baptism.”

He added, “From Washington, D.C., to nations around the world, we witnessed people saying yes to Jesus in a way that was visible, powerful, and deeply personal.”

Francey launched the movement after sensing about four years ago that God was calling him to organize a large-scale baptism event. Like its predecessors, Baptize the World was a multi-denominational effort that united churches around the public declaration of faith through baptism.

The movement began with more than 4,000 baptisms at Baptize SoCal in 2023 and grew to roughly 12,000 baptisms during Baptize California in 2024, held simultaneously in churches across the state and along the Huntington Beach shoreline.

“Psalms 133 says that where God’s people are in unity, God commands a blessing,” Francey previously told Crosswalk Headlines. “And so interdenominationally, from one side of the church world to the other side, we have some of the great Baptist churches, evangelical churches, Pentecostal churches, all linking arms together around one of the major creeds of the faith.”

Organizers received video updates and baptism reports from nations across the world, including Australia, Uganda, Pakistan, South Korea, Brazil, Romania, Switzerland, the Philippines, and Canada.

“Among the stories emerging from the global movement were baptisms in Tajikistan, where Christians make up less than 1% of the population, and in Equatorial Guinea, where nine siblings were baptized together,” a Baptize the World report said. “Organizers said additional stories from international churches are continuing to come in as more nations and churches report baptisms.”

Source: 17,000 Baptized in Historic Worldwide Event: ‘Saying Yes to Jesus’ – Michael Foust | Crosswalk.com

But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
Matthew 12:36

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Riverside County beekeeper loses 80 hives, millions of bees in Verona Fire

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bee perched on flower in macro photography

A Riverside County beekeeper says that last week’s Verona Fire, which broke out near Hemet and burned hundreds of acres, caused him to lose 80 hives and millions of bees.  Brandon Teller, of BeeDoctor Bee Removal, says the loss could have a critical impact on the region’s farmers and shoppers. “As the beekeeper, that’s devastating to me,” Teller said. He said that the small number of remaining bees at the apiary  Teller usually goes across Southern California, rescuing unwanted European honeybees, which he would then bring back to his property for care. Once healthy enough to return to work, he’d then rent them out to alfalfa and almond farmers to pollinate their crops. 

“We say, ‘Hey, we’ve got plenty of hives right here. They’re ready to go, they’ve got fresh queens and they’re hungry,'” Teller said. “Farmers love it.” He says that by losing three to four million bees, the impact will be felt across Southern California.  “Keeping bees and maintaining bees at this scale is what allows the farmer to produce food at a lower cost,” Teller said.  While he knows there’s a lot of work ahead, he says the main message taken away from the loss is fire prevention and conservation of California’s natural landscape. “The saying goes: This land is my land, this land is your land. It’s all of our land and we have to conserve it, we have to preserve it, we have to maintain it, and we have to do it responsibly,” Teller said. 

Source: Riverside County beekeeper loses 80 hives, millions of bees in Verona Fire – CBS Los Angeles

For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
Hebrews 6:10

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California veteran known for pro-Trump display outside his home dies after assault

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man in blue crew neck t shirt standing near american flags

A southern California man has died after an assault last week in front of his San Diego area home, which was well known for its extensive collection of US flags and signs supporting Donald Trump. Authorities confirmed on Monday that Kerry Sheron, a 69-year-old US army veteran, died days after he was attacked on Wednesday outside his home in Escondido. Police have arrested Thomas Butler, a 32-year-old who media outlets have identified as a navy veteran, on multiple charges including attempted murder, elder abuse and battery.

Officers were called to the street where Sheron lived for a reported assault on the afternoon of 20 May and came upon a badly injured Sheron as well as a bystander who was injured after intervening, according to a report from Military.com. Police arrested Butler a short time later after searching the area. Ross Garcia, a deputy district attorney, said the violence against Sheron was unprovoked, CBS8 reported. “It was a single punch to the jaw. The victim then falls to the floor, and there are subsequent hits to the victim’s head area, requiring the victim to be transported to the hospital,” Garcia said. Law enforcement officials have told media the motive is still under investigation but that investigators do not yet have information suggesting the incident was politically motivated. Sheron’s family has described it as a “brutal and unprovoked attack”.

The incident has sparked outrage, and Sheron’s wife and some public officials have suggested it was a result of his political beliefs. Brian Jones, California’s senate minority leader from San Diego, called Sheron’s death “unconscionable” and said he was “ruthlessly murdered” because of his support “freedom, patriotism, and our president”. “It was callous and it was evil. To kill an elderly man over his political beliefs is not only heartbreaking, it is un-American to its core,” Jones said in a statement. The San Diego district attorney’s office said that Butler will return to court on 3 June and is currently in custody without bail.

Source: California veteran known for pro-Trump display outside his home dies after assault | California | The Guardian

You, O LORD, remain forever; Your throne from generation to generation.
Lamentations 5:19

Costly Sacrifice: The Heart of Worship

What the world calls waste, Jesus calls worship, your sacrifice for Him is never overlooked. Bold, extravagant faith stands out in a culture that misunderstands true devotion.  “She has done a beautiful…

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States That Allow Bible in the Classroom

Texas public schools will now require students to read Bible passages and stories as part of the latest conservative push to expand the role of religion in public education—a move bound to escalate wrangling over the separation…

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Crews working California chemical leak in Orange County make cautious progress in overnight operation, officials say

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workers in a city

California firefighters made cautious progress during an all-night operation Sunday to test the pressure inside a cracked tank at the center of a toxic chemical leak in Orange County, officials told CBS News, as more than 50,000 people remain under evacuation orders. In an incident update posted on X, Orange County Fire Authority Interim Chief TJ McGovern said that crews would conduct the mission overnight to confirm that the “BLEVE threat,” or Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion, was eliminated.  “The BLEVE threat is the worst-case catastrophic event that we’ve been talking about. We are not there yet; we need to run this operation tonight,” McGovern said. “The worst-case scenario is still possible.” He said that an update in the morning would reveal the results of the overnight tank inspection to determine if pressure was released or if there was a vapor buildup inside the tank. 

As of 6:40 a.m. local time Monday, OCFA has not offered an update on the status of the operation. In an earlier post, McGovern said that crews discovered a crack in the tank on Saturday night, which could be due to a pressure release. He said that it could alter the strategy as crews search for a solution to the crisis. “With this new information, it could change our trajectory and our strategy to this event,” he said at the time. “Last night was a successful operation for this emerging incident.” The Orange County Fire Authority told CBS LA on Sunday evening that multiple cracks existed in the tank. But in a post to X later that night, the agency qualified those reports, saying: “To clarify, there is one known crack on the tank. There is also peeling of weather stripping on the exterior, but this is not an additional crack.”

Source: Crews working California chemical leak in Orange County make cautious progress in overnight operation, officials say – CBS Los Angeles

All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
John 1:3

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California Gov. Newsom declares state of emergency for Orange County chemical leak as DA launches probe into its cause

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Update headline to Orange County chemical leak emergency

California Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in Orange County on Saturday as officials desperately search for a safe resolution to a leaking toxic chemical tank at an aerospace facility. “The safety of Orange County residents is the top priority,” Newsom said. “We are mobilizing every state resource available to support local responders and make sure the community has what they need to stay safe.” Orange County Fire Authority Incident Commander and Division Chief Craig Covey said that temperatures inside the tank continue to rise, creating a “significantly dangerous” situation spurring the evacuation of more than 50,000 residents, officials said.

It was previously believed that the temperatures were cooling inside the Garden Grove industrial tank, at GKN Aerospace, estimated to contain 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate. However, after crews embarked on a risky operation inside the danger zone, they learned temperatures were increasing at a rate of about one degree per hour. It was at 90 degrees on Friday night after starting the day at 77. “We did put people in harm’s way last night … with an attempt to go in and neutralize the additional tank,” Covey said in a video posted to X on Saturday, explaining that crews entered the zone in an attempt to ensure an additional tank near the leaking tank was stable. As the situation continued developing on Saturday, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced that his office had launched an investigation into the cause of the tank’s failure, asking whistleblowers in the community to come forward with information.

“I am indicating to employees who work at GKN: If you want to come forward and you want to be interviewed and you want to tell us what you know, now is the time,” Spitzer said. “When we launch an investigation, and we get to the bottom of what happened and why the system failed, if you haven’t come forward, you’re not gonna be treated the same as if you come forward early and you tell us what you know.”

Source: California Gov. Newsom declares state of emergency for Orange County chemical leak as DA launches probe into its cause – CBS Los Angeles

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
2 Peter 3:8

Judge PROTECTS ILLEGAL Immigrant Voting

Judge Sparkle says you cannot remove illegal immigrant from voter rolls because maybe it removes citizens blocking Trump from securing US elections Source: (604) Judge PROTECTS ILLEGAL Immigrant…

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Matthew 4:7; It is Written

Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God.” This verse records Jesus’ response to Satan during His temptation in the wilderness:…

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The word “theology” comes from two Greek words that combined mean “the study of God.” Christian theology is simply an attempt to understand God as He is revealed…

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A Father Who Stands Strong in Faith

The world continually challenges fathers to compromise their values and convictions. God calls fathers to stand firm in faith and lead their families with courage. “Be on your…

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The tale of a Ford, a nest, and a Robin

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american robin in lush green grass

A Ford dealership in Kansas can’t let a customer take home an already-bought F-250 Super Duty, and the reason is for the birds—quite literallySee, Olathe Ford of Olathe, Kansas, which posted its conundrum to Facebook, is dealing with an unusual circumstance: a robin has decided to make a nest and lay its eggs on the tire of an F-250. Turns out, those enormous tires and mighty wheel gap make a nice spot for a bird to raise its four babies. After noticing the nest, the dealership writes that it learned robins and their active nests are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. In other words, the dealer can’t legally relocate the nest.

Source: Federally Protected Robin’s Nest Delays Ford F-250 Super Duty Sale in Kansas

A Father Who Leads with Wisdom

Godly leadership requires more than strength; it requires wisdom. Dads are called to seek God’s direction so they can guide their families according to His truth.  Bible Verse:”Trust in the…

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A Father Who Leaves a Godly Legacy

Every father leaves a legacy. The question is not whether we will leave one, but what kind of legacy it will be.  Bible Verse:”A good person leaves an inheritance for…

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A Father Who Loves Like God

A Dad’s love can leave a lasting imprint on a child’s heart. God calls dads to reflect His unconditional love through patience, grace, and compassion. “Do everything in love.” 1…

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Not Meant For the Government

“The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government.” Patrick Henry Patrick Henry | Revolutionary…

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What is the Pentateuch?

At times, another person’s insight can help us see God’s Word in a fresh and meaningful way. In this article, we share content designed to encourage your faith, deepen your…

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When Silence Protects the Wrong

One of the deepest forms of church hurt happens when abuse, misconduct, or harmful behavior is ignored, minimized, or covered up—especially when trusted leaders or respected members are involved. The…

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Bain Fire burns over 1,400 acres, injures 4 in Southern California; evacuation orders issued

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fire of forest

A fire that originated in the Santa Ana River bed in Riverside County on Tuesday morning has injured multiple people and prompted evacuations, authorities said. According to Cal Fire, the blaze, dubbed the Bain Fire, started sometime before 11:30 a.m. near Bain Street and Limonite Avenue in the Mira Loma neighborhood of Jurupa Valley. The fire burned at least 250 acres as of 2:15 p.m. and was “burning in heavy fuels with a moderate rate of spread,” Cal Fire said.  As of 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Cal Fire said that the fire had consumed 1,456 acres and that containment was at 25%.

Firefighters also said that some structures had been burned, but that they weren’t able to confirm if they were outbuildings or other primary buildings.  “Air and ground resources will remain on scene overnight, working diligently to build containment lines around the perimeter of the fire. Air resources will also be assigned throughout the evening, dropping water and retardant,” Cal Fire officials said in their final evening update on Tuesday. A total of 100 personnel were assigned to the fire, as well as two helicopters and 22 engines, along with assistance from Cal Fire San Bernardino and San Diego crews and the Ontario and Riverside Fire departments.

Source: Bain Fire burns over 1,400 acres, injures 4 in Southern California; evacuation orders issued – CBS Los Angeles

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Eileen Wang resigns, will plead guilty to acting as Chinese agent

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SP Eileen Wang in handcuffs at press conference with police officer and media

A Southern California mayor has agreed to plead guilty to acting as an illegal agent for the Chinese government, and has resigned from her city position, officials said Monday. Eileen Wang, the mayor of Arcadia, was charged in April with one count of acting in the United States as an illegal agent of a foreign government. She was accused of doing the bidding of Chinese officials, such as sharing articles favorable to Beijing, without prior notification to the US government as required by law. The 58-year-old was elected in November 2022 to a five-person city council, from which the mayor is selected on a rotating basis. City manager Dominic Lazzaretto said in a news release that no city finances or staff were involved.

“We want to be clear: this investigation concerns individual conduct, and the charges are for conduct that ceased after Ms. Wang was sworn into office in December 2022,” he said. Federal officials said she has agreed to plead guilty to the felony, which comes with a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. Wang’s attorneys Jason Liang and Brian Sun said in a statement that she recognizes the seriousness of the charge and accepts responsibility for “past personal mistakes.” “She apologizes and is sorry for the mistakes she has made in her personal life,” Wang’s attorneys Jason Liang and Brian Sun said in a statement. “Her love and devotion for the Arcadia community have not changed and did not waver.” According to her plea agreement, Wang and a colleague, Yaoning “Mike” Sun, worked on behalf of government officials for the People’s Republic of China from the end of 2020 to 2022 to promote their interests by promoting pro-PRC propaganda in the U.S. Sun is serving a four-year sentence after he pleaded guilty to the same charge last October.

He was also listed in campaign filings as the treasurer for Wang’s 2022 election campaign. Wang and Sun operated the news website U.S. News Center, aimed at the Chinese American community, and were instructed by Chinese government officials to post pro-PRC content on it. In one instance in June 2021, a government official sent Wang a link to a letter to the editor published in the Los Angeles Times written by the consul general of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles. The piece refuted reports of the persecution, forced labor, and abuse of Uyghers in China’s Xinjiang province, stating, “There has never been genocide in Xinjiang or forced labor in the region’s cotton fields or any other sector.”

Source: Eileen Wang resigns, will plead guilty to acting as Chinese agent | CNN

For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the LORD.
Proverbs 8:35

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Brush fire outside Dodger Stadium snarls traffic on 110 Freeway

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los angeles cityscape with dodger stadium at sunset

A brush fire near the 110 Freeway just outside Dodger Stadium caused “excessive delays into the downtown area” of Los Angeles, according to authorities. The Los Angeles Fire Department said the blaze was reported around 5:44 p.m. Saturday. It’s not yet clear what caused the fire, but it broke out near the southbound lanes of the 110 near Stadium Way. At 7:04 p.m., the LAFD said forward progress was stopped and responding crews were in the “mop up” phase. Between one and two acres burned. No injuries were reported or structures threatened. The LAFD said road and freeway closures were expected to take place, causing excessive traffic. As of 6:40 p.m. it’s not yet clear what, if any, closures have taken place.

Source: Brush fire outside Dodger Stadium snarls traffic on 110 Freeway – CBS Los Angeles

Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8

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Gopher Fire fully contained after burning nearly 70 acres in Riverside County

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dried grass on fire

Riverside County firefighters have fully contained the Gopher Fire, which broke out in southern Riverside County on Saturday afternoon and temporarily forced evacuation orders for some residents.  The blaze, which was reported at around 2:40 p.m. near Highway 79 and Sage Road in the Aguanga area, burned just about 67 acres before Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department crews reported 100% containment on Sunday night.  Evacuation orders were briefly issued for some residents living in the surrounding area. All residents have since been allowed to return home.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Source: Gopher Fire fully contained after burning nearly 70 acres in Riverside County – CBS Los Angeles

In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1 John 4:10

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5 different view points on the current gerrymandering SCOTUS decision

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map of the united states of america in a book

The current SCOTUS gerrymandering decision is Louisiana v. Callais (decided April 29, 2026), a 6-3 ruling along ideological lines. The conservative majority (opinion by Justice Samuel Alito) struck down Louisiana’s congressional map, which had added a second majority-Black district to comply with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). The Court held that the map was an unconstitutional racial gerrymander because race predominated over traditional districting criteria, violating the Equal Protection Clause.

It sharply limited states’ ability to consider race when drawing maps to avoid diluting minority voting power under the VRA, without fully invalidating Section 2. scotusblog.com +1The decision comes amid a broader 2025–2026 redistricting battle (including Texas maps allowed earlier in 2026) and could prompt Republican-led states to redraw maps, potentially shifting several Southern House seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. washingtonpost.com

Here are five distinct viewpoints drawn from reactions across the political and legal spectrum:

  1. Conservative / Color-Blind Constitution View (Majority Opinion & Republican Leaders): This ruling correctly enforces the Equal Protection Clause by rejecting race-based map-drawing that treats voters as racial blocs rather than individuals. Section 2 of the VRA does not require (or justify) creating majority-minority districts that ignore traditional criteria like compactness; doing so amounts to unconstitutional racial stereotyping and “proportional representation by race.” It prevents courts from forcing states into racial gerrymanders and restores neutrality in redistricting. foxnews.com +1
  2. Liberal / Voting Rights Protection View (Justice Kagan’s Dissent & Democratic Analysts): The decision effectively guts a core provision of the VRA that Congress reauthorized with overwhelming bipartisan support, making it “all but a dead letter” for protecting minority voters. By severely restricting race-conscious remedies despite persistent racially polarized voting (especially in the South), the conservative majority substitutes its policy preferences for Congress’s and ignores decades of precedent, handing white voters disproportionate power and enabling future dilution of Black and Latino voting strength. nytimes.com +1
  3. Civil Rights Advocates / Minority Voting Power View (NAACP, Brennan Center, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights): This is a devastating blow to the VRA and a betrayal of Black and Brown voters. The Court brushed aside evidence of ongoing discrimination, greenlighting Republican-led efforts to dismantle majority-minority districts and systematically dilute minority influence. It opens the floodgates to racial gerrymandering by states seeking partisan advantage while claiming “color-blindness,” undermining hard-won civil rights gains. americanprogress.org +1
  4. Partisan/Electoral Strategy View (GOP Officials & Election Analysts): A major practical win for Republicans that could flip 6–9+ House seats (and more state legislative seats) in Southern and border states by allowing maps that reflect actual voter preferences without forced racial balancing. It levels the playing field after years of VRA lawsuits that disproportionately hurt GOP map-drawers and accelerates the ongoing redistricting “arms race” ahead of 2026 midterms. axios.com +1
  5. Legal Scholar / Institutional Critique View (SCOTUSblog-style analysis & some election-law experts): The ruling narrows—but does not eliminate—Section 2’s role in redistricting by tightening the Gingles preconditions and strict scrutiny for race-predominant maps. While it avoids fully striking down the VRA (as some conservatives like Justice Thomas urged in concurrence), it heightens the tension between racial and partisan gerrymandering (the latter remains non-justiciable federally per Rucho). Expect more litigation, state-level redraws, and debates over whether this truly advances equal protection or just shifts power dynamics. scotusblog.com +1

These perspectives reflect deep divisions over race, representation, and judicial role in democracy. The full opinion and dissents are available on the Supreme Court’s website for primary-source reading.

Source: Grok by Twitter

With my soul I have desired You in the night, Yes, by my spirit within me I will seek You early; For when Your judgments are in the earth, The inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.
Isaiah 26:9

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Driverless cars in California can now get traffic tickets under new DMV rules

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Police officer issuing a ticket to a robot driver in an orange sports car

For the first time, autonomous vehicles in California, such as Waymo robotaxis, can effectively be cited for breaking traffic laws. The new Department of Motor Vehicles regulations allow law enforcement agencies to issue notices of traffic violations to autonomous vehicle companies when their cars commit moving violations. The rules also require companies to respond to calls from police, firefighters and other emergency officials within 30 seconds.

Ahmed Banafa, an engineering professor at San Jose State University, said the rules could force companies to improve. “That’s going to force them to do it better, because this is the only way they can force a company to do better,” Banafa said. The changes come after several high-profile problems involving autonomous vehicles in San Francisco, including Waymo vehicles stalling and blocking intersections during a blackout in December. The San Francisco Fire Department has also repeatedly complained about driverless cars entering emergency zones and affecting responses. Under the new rules, AV companies can face penalties if their vehicles drive through active emergency zones. The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, which represents Waymo’s industry interests, did not specifically address the ticketing provisions but praised the broader DMV regulations.

“Autonomous vehicle innovators operating in California have a clear, workable path to test and deploy, ensuring the state will continue to benefit from autonomous technology through safer roads, enhanced accessibility, and strengthened supply chains,” said Jeff Farrah, the group’s CEO.

Source: Driverless cars in California can now get traffic tickets under new DMV rules – CBS San Francisco

It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, And afterward to reconsider his vows.
Proverbs 20:25

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Video shows bear cub trapped inside a Southern California storm drain, another stuck in tree

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mother black bear and cub in alaska forest

Video shows a mother bear looking up at a tree in Monrovia, where her two cubs are playing around in the branches. Before they made it up the tree, one of them had been stuck up in front of someone’s house for three days and the other little one fell into a storm drain earlier and needed help crawling back out.  Anna Howie and her dog Loki have been checking in on the bear family for days.

She says the mother bear has been going up in the tree to nurse the cub that won’t come down.  “This is the way we like to see it done where they just monitor the situation because eventually that baby will come down,” Howie said.  Howie says the cub stuck in the tree has been crying and making “horrible noises.” “She just scaled that tree, sat up there and nursed her baby and then the other one saw what was going on and went up and started nursing as well,” Howie said. Cort Klopping, a spokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, says the mother bear is working to get her cubs together.

The CDFW says their biologists are in the neighborhood monitoring the situation and they’re hoping the cub will eventually learn their mother’s lesson and climb down with her. “Our biologists might need to capture and relocate the bears together to a nearby suitable habitat within their home range so they’re familiar with the habitat and know where to forage,” Klopping said. That’s comforting news to neighbors. Many are still upset about a different Monrovia mother bear named Blondie, who was recently euthanized after the CDFW linked her to two human encounters where she reportedly swatted at people. Her cubs were relocated to the San Diego Humane Society. 

Source: Video shows bear cub trapped inside a Southern California storm drain, another stuck in tree – CBS Los Angeles

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32

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