Four hundred Texas National Guard are on their way to Chicago after a federal Biden judge in Illinois refused to block the move. This is after a Portland Trump judge banned President Trump from sending any troops. That’s very odd, but the move by the Biden judge, U.S. District Court Judge April Perry, is temporary […] The post 400 Texas National Guard Arrive in Chicago appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

Learn How to Sing Better: Practical Techniques for Every LevelSinging well does not depend on natural talent alone. Anyone can make progress with the right habits and consistent practice. If you want to learn how to get better at singing, mastering technique will help you sing with more control, confidence, and emotion—just like the legendary voices that defined the 1980s. From Whitney Houston’s soaring ballads to Freddie Mercury’s stadium-shaking rock anthems, the decade proved that skill, discipline, and passion could create unforgettable performances.This article introduces methods that apply to beginners and more experienced singers. You’ll see how breath, posture, and vocal warm-ups form the foundation, while pitch and register control help you capture the drama and range of ’80s classics. Whether you’re belting out Don’t Stop Believin’ or channeling Madonna’s playful energy, these habits will help you grow steadily without overcomplicating the process.Master Diaphragmatic Breathing for Steadier PhrasingPower ballads of the 1980s—like I Will Always Love You (Whitney Houston’s later 1992 version made it iconic, but her technique had roots in the ’80s) or Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler—required immense breath control. Diaphragmatic breathing gave singers the stamina to hold long, dramatic notes without wavering.To train, lie on the floor with one hand on your stomach. As you inhale, your belly should rise; as you exhale, it should fall. Practice releasing air slowly to mimic those drawn-out phrases that gave goosebumps in stadiums and arenas. This skill is what allowed artists like Steve Perry of Journey to sustain power notes effortlessly in live shows.Strengthen Pitch Accuracy with SolfegeThe synth-driven pop and multi-layered harmonies of the 1980s demanded rock-solid pitch. Think of a-ha’s Take On Me—that unforgettable high-note jump wouldn’t land without perfect accuracy. Solfege exercises (Do, Re, Mi, etc.) help singers train their ears and voices to lock onto the right pitch, even in tricky intervals.Adding hand signs reinforces this muscle memory, giving both a visual and physical guide. By practicing scales up and down, you’ll be better prepared to hit big notes cleanly—like Cyndi Lauper’s bright highs in Girls Just Want to Have Fun or George Michael’s precision in Careless Whisper.Maintain Tall Posture to Maximize ResonanceLook at Freddie Mercury commanding Wembley Stadium in 1985: his posture was confident, open, and balanced. That alignment wasn’t just stage presence—it gave his voice room to resonate. Standing tall with shoulders relaxed lets your breath move freely and your tone carry.By keeping your spine straight and chest open, you’ll notice a stronger sound with less strain. This kind of posture is what allowed artists like Pat Benatar to deliver punchy rock vocals and for Michael Bolton’s powerful ballads to soar above full band arrangements.Warm Up the Voice with Thoughtful ExercisesJust as athletes stretch before a game, singers warm up to prepare their voices. Many 1980s stars swore by lip trills, hums, and scale runs before hitting the stage. For example, Mariah Carey—who rose to fame at the tail end of the decade—was known for extensive warm-ups to protect her whistle register.Try gentle sirens that glide from low to high, lip trills to relax tension, and vowel drills to smooth your tone. Even five minutes can make your voice more flexible and ready—whether you’re tackling high-energy hits like Madonna’s Like a Prayer or heartfelt tracks like Lionel Richie’s Hello.Smooth Out Vocal Register TransitionsOne of the most impressive skills of ’80s singers was their ability to move seamlessly between registers. Freddie Mercury blended chest and head voice to create his signature dramatic shifts, while Whitney Houston transitioned into soaring head voice without a crack.Practice slow scales on open vowels, starting in chest voice and moving up into head voice. This will help you avoid that sudden “break” and instead create a smooth, connected sound. Learning to mix the registers gives you the flexibility to tackle demanding songs like Livin’ on a Prayer (Bon Jovi) or Sweet Child O’ Mine (Guns N’ Roses) with confidence.Keep It Real (and 1980s-Inspired)As you practice these techniques, use 1980s recordings as both inspiration and training tools. Try matching the phrasing of Whitney Houston, the projection of Freddie Mercury, the brightness of Cyndi Lauper, or the emotional power of Phil Collins. Singing along to these classics helps you apply technique in a fun, practical way while also developing your own style.With steady effort, your voice will grow stronger and more versatile. You’ll be able to approach iconic ’80s tracks—or any modern songs—with confidence, range, and control.Final NoteThese tips are for general practice only and should not replace personal guidance from a qualified vocal coach.

Israel & Hamas close in on a peace deal two years after the heinous October terrorist attack, President Donald Trump deploys the National Guard to Chicago as chaos intensifies, and violent text messages from a Democratic candidate in Virginia lead to calls for his ouster — but only from one side. It’s Tuesday, October 7, 2025, and this is the news you need to know to start your day. Morning Wire is available on video! You can watch today’s episode here: If you would rather listen to your news, today’s edition of the Morning Wire podcast can be heard below: Two Years After October 7 Terror Attack Topline: Israel’s two-year war in Gaza may be nearing an end after a U.S.-backed peace proposal won widespread backing across the Middle East. Negotiators are meeting in Egypt this week to hammer out the details of the peace framework presented by President Trump. Already, there are splits. Hamas has agreed to release all hostages, but it hasn’t agreed to the three-day timeline, nor has it agreed to demilitarize or swear off any future involvement in Gaza’s governance. President Trump is optimistic, however. He’s seemingly viewed Hamas’ willingness to have a discussion as a win. A look back: In 2023, Saudi Arabia was on the verge of joining the Abraham Accords and normalizing relations with Israel. To Hamas, that would have been a disaster – it needs Israel isolated. At the same time, Israel was roiled by judicial reform – there were massive protests in the streets. Israeli society seemed to be torn apart. Get 40% off new DailyWire+ annual memberships with code FALL40 at checkout Hamas sensed weakness, and it needed to break up Arab-Israeli relations, so it attacked. As an Iranian proxy, it received help from Iran and its massive network of terror groups. Hezbollah in Lebanon had tens of thousands of rockets and missiles. In Israel, Hamas was viewed as a threat, but the threat from Hezbollah was considered potentially existential. The Houthis in Yemen threatened Israel and international shipping. Then there was Iran itself. Tehran is the largest state-sponsor of terrorism in the world, and prior to October 7, it had used its web of terror groups to surround Israel. October 7, two years later: That web now has serious holes. Israel is in a much stronger position in the Middle East. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made that point in an interview with The Daily Wire’s Ben Shapiro on Monday: Two years later, we’ve smashed the Iran axis, smashed most of its proxies. Hamas is not finished yet, but we’ll get there. Hezbollah, Syria is gone. Smashed also Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program – still there, but rolled it really back with President Trump’s help. And the Houthis, who are threatening the entire world and maritime shipping. So, Israel emerged from this horrible day as the strongest power in the Middle East. Israel’s support slipping: Support for Israel is fading in the West. Canada, the U.K., and France have all recently recognized the nonexistent state of Palestine, which Trump has described as a reward for terrorism. Polling in the United States suggests some bad trends for Israel. According to a Washington Post poll conducted last month, support among American Jews has taken some hits. The share who believe the United States supports Israel too much has risen to 32%—a 10-point increase since 2020 and a 21-point increase since 2013. Within the Democratic Party, support for the Palestinian cause has become something of a litmus test among progressives. Meanwhile, some voices on the Republican side question whether strong backing for Israel aligns with an “America First” philosophy. Trump Cracks Down On Chicago Topline: Violent assaults against federal immigration authorities continue in Illinois, and the Trump administration has responded by sending hundreds of Texas National Guard troops to Chicago.  Much of Trump’s effort to activate National Guard troops to protect federal immigration enforcement is in legal limbo.  Homeland Security officials told The Daily Wire that they’re not going to let up on the mass deportation effort amid the ongoing assaults against immigration officers.  Since Trump has taken office, there has been a 1,000% increase in assaults on ICE agents. Around Chicago in particular, leftist agitators have made a number of egregious assaults on the ICE detention center in Broadview, Illinois, and on ICE and Border Patrol agents who have been deployed to assist in these efforts. Illinois against ICE: The state of Illinois has sued over the deployment of National Guard troops to the state. It says that the move by the Trump administration is unconstitutional and an invasion. Chicago Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson is creating “ICE-free zones” in city buildings where he says that ICE and Border Patrol cannot go. He has also called on local businesses to participate, as well, to shield illegal aliens who are roaming the streets. At the same time, there are more places for illegal aliens to run and hide, ICE and federal law enforcement sources tell The Daily Wire. ICE ambushed: Over the weekend, several vehicles allegedly rammed into and boxed in federal immigration agents in Chicago during a protest confrontation. A U.S. citizen woman, who authorities say was armed with a semi-automatic weapon and previously accused of doxxing agents, was shot by Border Patrol after agents said they were boxed in. Trump administration officials have characterized the incident as part of a broader pattern, arguing that National Guard deployments may be necessary in cities where local enforcement is perceived as unwilling to protect federal agents. Deportation operation: The Trump administration’s operations, and the surrounding areas of Chicago, have already yielded 1,000 arrests since early September. In the case of “ICE-free zones,” officials may pursue Chicago and Mayor Johnson for violations of federal law in harboring illegal aliens. The Democrat Text Message Scandal Roiling Virginia Topline: A political firestorm is raging in Virginia over text messages that show Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones fantasizing about killing a GOP colleague.  The controversy centers on messages sent in August 2022 from then-former Delegate Jay Jones to Republican Delegate Carrie Coyner. In those messages, first obtained by National Review, Jones fantasized about murdering then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert, a Republican: Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, Hitler, and Pol Pot. Gilbert gets two bullets to the head. Spoiler: put Gilbert in the crew with the two worst people you know and he receives both bullets every time. When Coyner asked Jones to stop and suggested his remarks weren’t acceptable, Jones continued, even referencing Gilbert’s children. Coyner said, “You were talking about hoping Jennifer Gilbert’s children would die,” and Jones didn’t deny it. Instead, he replied, “I’ve told you this before. Only when people feel pain personally do they move on policy.” Then he said, “Do I think Todd and Jennifer are evil and they’re breeding little fascists? Yes.” He also fantasized about attending the funerals of other Republican lawmakers, saying he would “piss on their graves” and “send them out awash in something.” Jones has now apologized, saying, “Reading back those words made him sick to his stomach.” He insists he’s staying in the race and has blamed “Trump-controlled media” for turning the text messages into a story. Republicans react: There’s been a chorus of voices demanding that Jones exit the race. Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who is running for governor, and Attorney General Jason Miyares, Jones’ opponent, say the texts are disqualifying. President Trump also said he needs to go. And Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin described the comments as “demented.”  Democrats react: But while some Democrats are condemning the remarks, we’re not yet hearing any calls for Jones to drop out. Jones’ running mate, Abigail Spanberger, said she spoke “frankly” with him and expressed her “disgust,” but won’t call for him to quit. Political fallout: Coming in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, political analysts are saying Jones’ messages are likely to be a significant liability. Early voting has increased by 20% this week, according to state data. Internal GOP tracking shows the race tightening to a dead heat, with undecideds – about 39% of voters who barely know Jones – swinging hard against him.  

'It is a disgrace'

An illegal migrant gangbanger allegedly offered thousands of dollars to kill one of the top enforcers of the Trump administration’s immigration agenda. Federal law enforcement agents arrested Juan Espinoza Martinez, a criminal illegal migrant and member of the ruthless Latin Kings gang, on Monday, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Martinez is accused […]

Good morning, online shoppers! Today’s the day if you are an Amazon customer – it’s Big Deals Day. And there are several great prepper finds on the website. I went and found the best Big Deals for preppers so you don’t have to! I’m also doing a bit of my Christmas shopping while things are marked down. ​​Please use my link for shopping so that OP gets the commission. (It doesn’t cost you a penny extra but helps us a LOT!) This year is a little disappointing – it was much more difficult to find actual good deals, but I believe you’ll like my picks. Please note that at the time of posting, these items were on sale and available. They do sell out quickly, and as this is a one-woman show, I cannot always keep up with the things that are out of stock. On to the prepper goods! Here are some items that preppers may find useful at a great price. Amazon’s brand of household essentials are all 15%-50% off at this link. If you use this brand or have considered it for things like toilet paper, trash bags, batteries, and cleaning supplies, now is the time to check it out and get your home stocked up. Power Outage Products Looking for off-grid goodies? Find the deals below. 4 pack of camping lanterns Energizer AA and AAA batteries (48 count) Amazon AAA batteries (150 count) Disinfecting wipes (3 pack) Jackery Explorer 1000 generator Cottonelle wet wipes (pro-tip – it says they’re flushable but they really aren’t great for your plumbing) Ready-to-drink Espresso and Cream 2-pack of headlamps Single burner propane or butane stove Camping Gear Looking for supplies for your bugout bag or your next camping trip? See below. Sleeping pad with a built-in pump. 2-way radios Waterdrop camping filter 4-pack mylar blankets 4-pack emergency ponchos XL no-rinse body wipes Prepper Food and Kitchen Aids Many different kinds of emergency foods are on sale, from buckets to ration bars to individual freeze-dried ingredients. Browse the emergency food deals here. Some of my favorites are: Augason Farms non-fat dry milk Harmony House Mixed Bell Peppers If you want to go really big, this is a good price for Legacy Food’s 360-serving bundle. Ninja Professional Blender (great for making lots of applesauce and jam) Medical Kit There are several good additions for your medical kit. Liquid IV packets for treating dehydration Magnesium supplement Oil of Oregano softgel caps Self adhesive bandages Medical shears (low price, great reviews) Medical tape Nitrile gloves Let me know if you have any awesome deals to add or if one of the deals listed here is sold out! The post Amazon’s Big Deals for Preppers appeared first on The Organic Prepper.

The Supreme Court hasn’t yet determined all the cases it will hear regarding legal challenges to President Donald Trump’s executive actions.  But oral arguments have been scheduled for several cases involving trade and separation of powers when it comes to so-called independent agencies within the executive branch. Meanwhile, a decision on a fast-tracked “emergency docket” case is still pending.  Here’s a look at some of what to expect in the coming weeks from the Supreme Court regarding Trump’s executive actions.  1. Tariffs in Trouble? The Supreme Court will hear arguments in the first week of November on Trump’s tariffs in the case of Learning Resources Inc. v. Trump. Two private companies sued in May after Trump’s “Liberation Day” announcement of sweeping tariffs on foreign goods.  It’s an issue that has divided the Right. Tariffs have long been core to Trump’s trade and economic agenda, often clashing with the more libertarian-leaning conservative views on free trade that dominated the Republican Party going back to at least the Ronald Reagan era.  The high court in September agreed to hear the case after lower courts ruled Trump exceeded his executive branch authority by imposing tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which is intended to address emergencies only. Normally, Congress imposes tariffs. 2. ‘Transgender’ Passports The question of “gender identity” on passports is on the Supreme Court’s fast-tracked emergency docket. As a result, a partial ruling could come soon.  Litigants in the case of Trump v. Orr, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, sued to allow passports to reflect the gender identity of someone’s choice, meaning a passport for a male could list him as a female, or vice versa.  The seven plaintiffs identified themselves as “transgender” and “nonbinary” and sued to challenge a Trump executive order that stated sex designation on U.S. passports would be based on “immutable biological factors at conception.”  Trump’s order more broadly stated there are two sexes determined by biological factors, which are male and female. Among other things, the order directed the State Department to apply this to documents such as passports.  That reversed a previous policy that allowed passport holders to check “M” for male, “F” for female, and “X” for something else. This returns the form to “M” and “F” only. In April, U.S. District Judge Julia Kobick for the District of Massachusetts gave the plaintiffs a partial victory for their motion on a preliminary injunction to stop the order from taking effect.  On Sept. 19, the Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to reverse the injunction from the district court.  3. What Makes a Citizen? Lower courts blocked Trump’s executive order in January directing federal agencies to limit recognition of so-called birthright citizenship.  Birthright citizenship is the view that anyone born in the United States, even a child of illegal immigrants, is automatically a U.S. citizen under the 14th Amendment.  On Sept. 26, the Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to hear the merits in a birthright citizenship case, Trump v. State of Washington. This matter is not yet officially set for arguments with a hearing date.  Under the order, agencies would not recognize citizenship for U.S.-born children who do not have at least one parent who is an American citizen.  Federal judges in New Hampshire and Washington state issued injunctions against enforcing Trump’s order.  4. A Reckoning for Deep State, Humphrey’s Executor? In December, the high court will hear arguments regarding supposedly “independent” commissions within the executive branch in the case of Trump v. Slaughter.  Independent agencies include boards and commissions with members appointed by Republican and Democrat presidents that in theory operate without political concerns.  The outcome could be sweeping, as the long-standing 1935 precedent in Humphrey’s Executor v. United States is known as one of the key cases empowering the bureaucracy. In that case, the Supreme Court ruled during the New Deal era that Congress can enact laws limiting the power of the president to fire executive officials of an independent agency. Trump has attempted to fire a number of members of boards and commissions, including the Federal Reserve Board, Federal Trade Commission, and National Transportation Safety Board.  At issue is the separation of powers and whether an elected president can remove unelected executive branch officials.  This specific case regards Trump’s ouster of Federal Trade Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter.  The Humphrey’s Executor case revolved around President Franklin Roosevelt’s firing of FTC Commissioner William Humphrey. The Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914 prohibited the president from firing a commissioner for any reason other than “inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.” Humphrey sued, but died before the case was decided by the Supreme Court. Thus, it was called “Humphrey’s Executor.” The high court held in the 1935 case that Congress can enact laws limiting a president’s ability to remove members of the boards and commissions.  5. Is the Fed’s Independence ‘Cooked’? The Federal Reserve, which sets monetary policy, has a heightened role for perceived independence.  Last week, in an emergency docket ruling, the Supreme Court ruled that Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook could keep her job—for now, at least—after Trump attempted to oust her.  But the high court set oral arguments for Jan. 26 in the case of Trump v. Cook.  The case has potentially far-reaching consequences for the future of the Federal Reserve. The question in the case is whether a president can fire a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors or whether the organization created in 1913 is independent.  Members of the board are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, but Trump’s ouster of Cook marked the first time a president has sought to remove a board member.  Critics of the firing say it jeopardizes the independence of the Fed. Supporters of the move have countered that government boards and commissions should be more accountable to elected officials.  Trump justified the removal based on alleged misstatements Cook made on mortgage documents. Cook has denied any wrongdoing.  Cook contested the firing, saying a board member can only be removed “for cause” under the Federal Reserve Act and that the act includes due process. The administration argues the president has broad discretion to remove a member of the Board of Governors. The administration contends the allegations about mortgage statements meet the “for cause” standard. Trump largely ran on immigration and trade policies. Meaning, his ability to thwart the federal bureaucracy that undermined his first term could be critical to how he fares in a second term. So, what the high court decides in these Trump administration cases are likely to be very consequential. The post 5 Supreme Court Cases That Could Significantly Help or Hinder Trump’s Agenda appeared first on The Daily Signal.

They Went There: 'States' Rights' and 'Sovereignty' Suddenly Popular With Dems Again