First‚ they came for urban gardens‚ then they came for suburban gardens‚ then they came for all gardens. According to Science Daily‚ a new international study led by the University of Michigan finds that fruits and vegetables grown in urban farms and gardens have an average carbon footprint six times greater than conventionally grown produce. […] The post They’re Coming for Your Gardens Now appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

MSNBC host Joy Reid used her cable news platform on Wednesday to claim that officials in Texas — who have taken steps to secure the southern border where President Joe Biden’s administration has refused to act — are attempting to “resist segregation.” Reid complained about Republican lawmakers‚ arguing that they preferred to keep the border crisis as a talking point rather than working with Democrats to solve the problem — but she left out the fact that Republicans in Texas were simply attempting to enforce the federal laws that the Biden administration was not enforcing. WATCH: MSNBC's Joy Reid compares @chiproytx's call to protect the southern border to "the old Southerners who said that we will resist integration by any means necessary". To the racial demagogue‚ everything looks like racism. pic.twitter.com/a876itUHCb — Jorge Bonilla (@BonillaJL) January 25‚ 2024 “There is no better example of what MAGA World wants for the rest of America than Texas‚” Reid said‚ claiming that Governor Greg Abbott (R) had ordered the Texas National Guard to implement “draconian measures meant to secure the border.” She went on to describe the scene‚ saying that Texas state officials had been “setting up buoys with buzz saws‚ barring federal agents from assisting with border control‚ and passing legislation that makes it a state crime to cross the border.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP Reid went on to attack Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX)‚ saying that he was “a member of a body and party that could actually do something about immigration … They just refuse to do it because many Republicans now see calling for zero tolerance on the border as the only way to animate their base.” She concluded the thought by claiming that Texas Republicans sounded “like the old southerners who said that we will resist integration by any means necessary.” Reid’s comments echo those coming directly from the White House‚ where Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has defended the Biden administration’s repeated attempts to prevent Texas from securing its own border — and even blamed Texas officials for the drowning deaths of three migrants‚ despite the fact that the migrants had been dead for more than an hour before Mexican authorities told anyone it had happened.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) reportedly said on Wednesday a bipartisan effort to hash out border security reforms coupled with aid for U.S. allies‚ such as Ukraine‚ is facing a significant political hurdle. The Kentucky Republican told GOP colleagues in a closed-door meeting that time has essentially run out on negotiating a deal after former President Donald Trump‚ who has discouraged compromise in the talks‚ emerged victorious in the New Hampshire primary‚ according to Punchbowl News. McConnell said‚ “When we started this‚ the border united us and Ukraine divided us‚” but he conceded. “The politics on this have changed.” He referred to Trump as “the nominee” and stressed‚ “We don’t want to do anything to undermine him.” McConnell said‚ “We’re in a quandary.” Senate GOP leadership‚ including McConnell‚ insisted to reporters on Thursday that the border talks were still alive. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT)‚ who has led the discussions for Democrats‚ said Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) “continues to work with us to try to write the last bits of text. As I’ve said‚ we’ve had a broad agreement for a number of days and we’re in the process of finalizing that‚ that text‚” per Fox News. He also said “we will find out the answer to that” if there remains a path to a deal. President Joe Biden’s request last year for roughly $106 billion in supplemental funds to spend on U.S. allies — including Ukraine‚ Israel‚ and Taiwan — as well as border security and humanitarian assistance‚ led to bipartisan talks on attaching immigration reforms sought by Republicans. Biden has voiced support for border security tweaks and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is working with Senate negotiators even as he faces impeachment proceedings in the House for his handling of the border crisis. McConnell has argued for months in favor of linking border security reforms to the national security supplemental. The Senate will “very soon have a chance to restore our sovereignty at the southern border‚ to invest in our strategic competition with China‚ and to rebuild our credibility in the eyes of allies and adversaries alike‚” he said in floor remarks this week. McConnell also said negotiators are working to “finalize the most substantial border security policy in 30 years.” But some Republicans in the Senate‚ including Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)‚ have spoken out against spending more funds on foreign causes. And‚ in the GOP-led House‚ conservatives have pushed for aspects of H.R. 2‚ a sweeping border security bill passed last year‚ to get implemented while also demanding more fiscal responsibility as the national debt rises above $34 trillion. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) is spearheading an effort to slow down the passage of any deal to give lawmakers time to review it and possibly offer amendments. While Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has rejected “purely partisan hard-right demands‚ like those in H.R. 2‚ [that] jeopardize the entire national security supplemental package‚” Senate Republicans have said they were trying to draw elements from H.R. 2 to develop a proposal that included bumping up pay for border agents‚ resuming construction of a border wall‚ asylum reform‚ and parole reform. Lankford recently said there was a “desperate need” for a change in how asylum is handled and insisted that “we’ve got to end” catch-and-release. Purported details of the border agreement being negotiated in the Senate were released earlier this month by a group called the Immigration Accountability Project and displayed in an infographic shown by Fox News. The alleged deal included an increase in green cards‚ more work permits‚ tax-payer-funded lawyers for some unaccompanied minors and mentally incompetent illegal immigrants‚ allowing 5‚000 migrants to enter the U.S. each day‚ and restricting parole for those who enter without authorization between ports of entry. Absolutely not. pic.twitter.com/tkXma24r8M — Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) January 13‚ 2024 House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) was among the conservatives who rejected the deal as reported. “Absolutely not‚” he said in a post to X along with the Fox News infographic. Lankford urged lawmakers not to jump to any conclusions‚ saying‚ “I encourage people to read the border security bill before they judge the border security bill. I also advise people not to believe everything you read on the internet.” Trump has won the Iowa caucuses and‚ on Tuesday‚ the New Hampshire primary. The former president still faces a challenge from former South Carolina Governor and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley‚ but Trump has garnered endorsements from roughly 30 Republican senators and 120 House lawmakers. Johnson is one of the Republicans who have endorsed Trump. McConnell has not. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP In a post to Truth Social this month‚ Trump said he did not think a border deal should happen “unless we get EVERYTHING needed to shut down the INVASION of Millions &; Millions of people‚ many from parts unknown‚ into our once great‚ but soon to be great again‚ Country!” He also said‚ “I have no doubt that our wonderful Speaker of the House‚ Mike Johnson‚ will only make a deal that is PERFECT ON THE BORDER.” Johnson said last week that he speaks with Trump about border security “pretty frequently” and noted that the former president “is not wrong” about the issue. “We don’t have the text of whatever the Senate has cooked up yet and so we have to reserve judgment I think to see what comes out of it — it doesn’t sound good at the outset‚” Johnson told Fox News host Laura Ingraham. While he has indicated that the border is a top priority‚ Johnson has expressed openness to more Ukraine assistance‚ but demanded the Biden administration be more forthcoming about a strategy for victory against Russia. And the GOP-led House under Johnson’s leadership passed legislation last year to secure more aid for Israel — so long as it was matched with slashing funds meant for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Taylor Swift fans are furious that X-rated‚ AI-generated images of the singer are making the rounds online.  These pornographic images all feature Kansas City Chiefs themes‚ referencing Swift’s current boyfriend‚ NFL player Travis Kelce. The photos are called “deepfakes” and use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to create unauthorized images of Swift’s likeness. This is not the first time Swift has been the target of people using her likeness without permission‚ but the images are causing a stir among fans due to the graphic nature of the imagery. These AI images were first posted on the AI celebrity porn website Celeb Jihad on January 15‚ per Newsweek. They were shared on X so often this week that “Taylor Swift AI” began trending. Fans expressed their outrage over the incident and encouraged each other to keep reporting the posts‚ which were coming from several different accounts. Some images were removed‚ but others remained accessible on Thursday‚ prompting fans to demand stricter laws and harsher punishments for using a person’s image without their permission. “How is this not considered sexual assault??” one comment said. “We are talking about the body/face of a woman being used for something she probably would never allow/feel comfortable how are there no regulations laws preventing this.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP “Who ever (sic) is making those Taylor swift (sic) AI pictures you are a disgusting person‚” another account added.  Other users fretted that these images of Swift are only the beginning. “I’m not going to share that Taylor Swift AI sickening ‘sexy’ post. But know that all it takes is one button click for any of us or our friends‚ family or children to be used in that way without our consent. Fight AI now before it’s too late‚” one user shared. “With the Taylor Swift Ai pics I think it’s clear that we need some kinda legislation or something against this sh**. It’s easy to tell it’s Ai right now because it’s mainly used for ridiculous sh**‚ but it’s just gonna get harder and harder to tell with time. F***ing bleak‚” another X user added.  The use of AI has been a hot-button issue for several years and was at the center of the Hollywood strikes last year. Celebrities are frequently targeted for AI videos and images‚ usually for the creation of fake ads or other promotions.

A CNN legal expert said Thursday that he expects U.S. District Court Judge Lewis Kaplan‚ presiding over a defamation case concerning former President Donald Trump‚ to have “marshals lined up” and ready to drag the former president out of the courtroom if Trump “steps one iota out of line.” A judge in September ruled that Trump is liable for making defamatory remarks about writer E. Jean Carroll back in 2019‚ when she first publicly accused him of sexually assaulting her in a Manhattan department store during the mid-1990s. This current trial is limited to damages stemming from that ruling; Carroll is seeking at least $10 million. A CNN legal panel speculated on what would happen if Trump does testify in the case‚ and how Kaplan could “constrain” the former president. “If the judge really constrains [Trump] — [Kaplan] has a number of ways to constrain him‚” ex-prosecutor Shan Wu said‚ according to Mediaite. “[Kaplan] can interrupt him. He can tell the lawyers to try to control them. He could offer to even sanction him if he continues that. Or you could just stop him from testifying. So there’s ways for the judge to control Trump.” “And I think that the way it plays out is Trump just wants as much time as he can in the limelight there to be doing his thing‚ to be railing against the judge‚” Wu added. “I think the judge has already got the marshals lined up‚” former prosecutor Nick Ackerman jumped in. “If this [Trump] steps one iota out of line‚ he’s going to be taken out by the marshals.” When asked about who would benefit from such a move‚ CNN senior legal correspondent Paula Reid said it would be Trump. Notably‚ Trump has already expressed that he would “love it” if Kaplan ejected him from the courtroom. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP Kaplan threatened to remove Trump from the courtroom earlier in the trial after the former president was heard talking about the actions against him being a “witch hunt” and “con job” near jurors‚ ABC7 Chicago reported. “I would love it‚” Trump responded to the threat. Trump has been outspoken about Kaplan and Carroll. He’s posted to his Truth Social account that the judge is biased and has “absolute hatred” for him‚ and said he never “touched” Carroll. “The only right‚ honest‚ and lawful thing that Clinton-appointed Judge Lewis Kaplan‚ who has so far been unable to see clearly because of his absolute hatred of Donald J. Trump (ME!)‚ can do is to end this unAmerican injustice being done to a President of the United States‚ who was wrongfully accused by a woman he never met‚ saw‚ or touched (a photo line does not count!)‚ and knows absolutely nothing about‚” Trump wrote in a post. “I have been considered an A-List celebrity for many decades‚ so even decades ago‚ since no one knows which date or dates to refer to‚ because the accusing woman can’t say the day‚ month‚ season‚ year‚ or decade‚ it would have been impossible for me to walk into a crowded department store (surrounded by buildings I own)‚ right opposite the cashiers’ checkout desk‚ without being written about on Page Six‚ and every other outlet at the time‚” he continued. “Remember‚ those gossip columnists were‚ perhaps‚ even more vicious and obsessed than the Internet of today.” Related: Trump Back In Court For E. Jean Carroll Case; Judge Denies Delay For Trump To Attend Mother-In-Law’s Funeral

Jim Harbaugh put his faith front and center in his first statement about taking the job as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. In a lengthy press release from the Chargers on Wednesday‚ the former University of Michigan head coach — who took the Wolverines to the school’s first national championship since 1997 earlier this month — gave Los Angeles fans a glimpse into what he prioritizes as a leader‚ with faith right at the top. “The only job you start at the top is digging a hole‚ so we know we’ve got to earn our way‚” Harbaugh’s statement read. “Be better today than yesterday. Be better tomorrow than today.” “My priorities are faith‚ family and football‚ and we are going to attack each with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind‚” he added. “This organization is putting in the work — investing capital‚ building infrastructure and doing everything within its power to win. Great effort equals great results‚ and we’re just getting started.”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) In the statement‚ the new head coach noted the path his career took — from playing for the San Diego Chargers as a quarterback from 1999-2000 to working as a head coach at USD‚ Stanford and the 49ers before taking the top job in Michigan — and how being back with the Chargers and Spanos family “feels like home.” Team owner Dean Spanos said Harbaugh is “football personified‚ and I can think of no one better to lead the Chargers forward.” “The son of a coach‚ brother of a coach and father of a coach who himself was coached by names like Schembechler and Ditka‚ for the past two decades Jim has led hundreds of men to success everywhere he’s been — as their coach‚” he added. “And today‚ Jim Harbaugh returns to the Chargers‚ this time as our coach. Who has it better than us?” On Wednesday‚ ESPN and NFL Insider Adam Schefter finally confirmed after weeks of speculation that Harbaugh would indeed fill the head coach vacancy after Brandon Staley and Chargers GM Tom Telesco were fired before the 2023 season was over. The Chargers’ season ended with a dismal 5-12 record. Related: Green Bay Packers Star Hopes Kids Who Look Up To Him Find A Relationship With Christ Too

The NFL announced it would host “A Night of Pride with GLAAD” during the week of festivities in Las Vegas leading up to Super Bowl LVIII on February 7. In a press release‚ the league highlighted its partnership with the Gay &; Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) to host the third annual event sponsored by Smirnoff. GLAAD has been a vocal supporter of groups like “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence‚” an LGBTQ-related nonprofit that incorporates religious imagery into its drag performances‚ where members dress like nuns. Critics say the group mocks the Catholic faith.  “A Night of Pride with GLAAD is an evening of music‚ cocktails and interview-style conversations with GLAAD‚ a non-profit organization focused on LGBTQ advocacy and cultural change‚” the press release read. “The NFL family and partners will gather to spotlight advances in the future of LGBTQ inclusion in professional sports as well the NFL’s commitment to LGBTQ former and current players.” The #NFL will host the third annual “A Night of Pride” during Super Bowl week in Las Vegas on February 7. “The NFL family and partners will gather to spotlight advances in the future of LGBTQ inclusion in professional sports as well the NFL’s commitment to LGBTQ former and… pic.twitter.com/lPDqHf2AYT — Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 22‚ 2024 “GLAAD’s partnership with the NFL is committed to creating spaces where all fans can celebrate and to growing important visibility for LGBTQ fans at the Super Bowl and all season long‚” GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said. “The third annual ‘A Night of Pride’ at Super Bowl LVIII will spotlight LGBTQ leaders in sports as we work to create safe and inclusive sports environments for our community.” “Our Third Annual A Night of Pride with GLAAD is yet another strong step to accelerating acceptance and demonstrating the NFL’s unwavering support of the LGBTQ community‚” NFL’s Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity &; Inclusion Officer Jonathan Beane said. “We look forward to continuing and strengthening our efforts to ensure football is for everyone.” The NFL also confirmed it would “host its second annual Pride Flag Football Clinic at Super Bowl Experience‚ working with a local center that serves LGBTQ youth. Attendees and their families will be celebrated and welcomed by NFL players and members of the National Gay Flag Football League.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP GLAAD made headlines last year when it slammed the Los Angeles Dodgers after the team rescinded an invitation to “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence” to participate in its Pride Night celebration. The Dodgers were responding to a backlash accusing the group of acts of sacrilege and mocking Catholicism. “Let me be clear. This is NOT inclusion‚” Tony Morrison‚ the Senior Director of Communications for GLAAD‚ wrote on social media at the time. “LGBTQ rights and inclusion are rooted in protest and education‚” he added. “If you claim to stand for queer rights and joy yet fear controversy‚ get out of the way for others to do it right.” In the end‚ the Dodgers reversed course and did end up honoring the group with a Community Hero Award. 

A key advisor to former President Donald Trump was sentenced Thursday to serve four months in prison for doing exactly what President Joe Biden’s son Hunter did just a few weeks ago. Peter Navarro‚ who advised Trump on matters of trade and manufacturing‚ was subpoenaed to appear before the January 6th Committee for a deposition in March of 2022 and was ordered to provide documents to the committee one month prior — neither of which he did. The Justice Department charged Navarro as a private citizen several months later‚ on June 2‚ 2022. In addition to his four-month sentence‚ Navarro was ordered to pay a fine of $9‚500 — reduced by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta from the six months and $200‚000 the Justice Department had requested. As the DOJ noted in the request‚ every individual count of contempt of Congress can carry 30 days to one year in jail‚ and a fine of up to $100‚000. Peter Navarro saved lives by urging. Trump to close the border to China in the first days of COVID. Now a DC court is jailing him for what Hunter Biden did – contempt of Congress. But Navarro felt he was bound by privilege not to comply with a J6 subpoena https://t.co/sNEtHsRjqb — Miranda Devine (@mirandadevine) January 25‚ 2024 A similar situation — absent the Justice Department taking action — has played out with President Biden’s embattled son in recent weeks. Hunter Biden defied a subpoena to appear before the House Oversight Committee for a closed-door deposition. Instead‚ the younger Biden claimed repeatedly that he would testify publicly and even staged a press conference on the opposite side of the Capitol from where he had been ordered to appear. Kimberly Guilfoyle summed up the comparison in a post on X‚ saying‚ “What an absolute disgrace. Peter Navarro sentenced to prison for refusing to play along with the Democrats’ illegitimate sham J6 circus While Hunter Biden defies a subpoena‚ mocks the entire process‚ and gets to stroll through Capitol Hill. Justice is dead.” What an absolute disgrace. Peter Navarro sentenced to prison for refusing to play along with the Democrats’ illegitimate sham J6 circus While Hunter Biden defies a subpoena‚ mocks the entire process‚ and gets to stroll through Capitol Hill Justice is dead. https://t.co/SFaVnf0D9e — Kimberly Guilfoyle (@kimguilfoyle) January 25‚ 2024 “Hunter Biden sentenced to 4 months for defying subpoena? … Oh wait‚ that’s Peter Navarro‘s sentence‚” another added. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP Hunter Biden sentenced to 4 months for defying subpoena? … Oh wait‚ that's Peter Navarro's sentence — Wendell Husebø (@WendellHusebo) January 25‚ 2024 Republicans moved to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress‚ but he crashed the hearing‚ once again declaring that he would only volunteer to testify in public. The president’s son has since reportedly agreed to sit for a private deposition at the end of February.