One hundred and nine people were shot, 19 fatally, in Chicago over the Independence Day holiday weekend. Mayor Brandon Johnson calls it gun violence and wants to get guns off the street. Strange since they have all those strict gun laws. Gangs are running rampant, but no one wants to say it. CPD Supt. Larry […] The post 109 Shot, 19 Killed in Chicago Over the Weekend appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

The left in France surged to victory in parliamentary elections over the weekend in a shock performance after weeks of surging momentum for the country’s right wing. The New Popular Front coalition in France is made up of communists, socialists, and greens. The alliance was propelled to victory in the election over the National Rally, France’s right-wing faction, after centrists partnered with the left to block National Rally candidates. French President Emmanuel Macron, who leads the centrist coalition Ensemble, worked with the New Popular Front to withdraw 200 candidates from races across France, urging support to consolidate support behind the remaining centrist or left-wing candidate. National Rally leader Jordan Bardella expressed bitter disappointment in the tactic, according to CNN. The election left all three political power centers – New Popular Front, Ensemble, and National Rally – without a majority in parliament, setting up a chaotic and fractious environment where governing may be extraordinarily difficult. “It’s not possible to govern France if you don’t have 240 to 250 lawmakers,” MP Sylvain Maillard, a member of Macron’s Renaissance party, told Politico Europe. “I was president of the Renaissance group with a coalition of 250 members of parliament and it was already very complicated.” The New Popular Front coalition won 182 seats, the largest share of any group. Macron’s Ensemble lost seats and ended with 163, while National Rally and its allies surged from 89 seats in 2022 to 143 seats, a sizable gain but far short of the majority that many expected National Rally to win. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, a member of Renaissance, announced he would be resigning his prime ministership on the heels of the election. “Faithful to the Republican tradition and in accordance with my principles, tomorrow morning I will submit my resignation to the president of the Republic,” Attal said Sunday, according to a CNBC translation of his remarks. “I know that, in light of the results of this evening, many French people feel a certain uncertainty about the future, as no absolute majority has emerged [in parliament]. Our country is experiencing an unprecedented political situation.” Riots erupted across France after the election’s outcome started to materialize in early predictions. Officials deployed roughly 30,000 riot police across the country to handle unrest as crowds of people took to the streets, according to the Daily Mail. In videos of the unrest posted to social media, some were seen celebrating the left-wing victory. In one video, a woman shouts, “We beat you!” In another, a man says, “You lost, the left is too strong. We have love, we are celebrating, and we have joy. And you, you have hatred, we are too strong,” according to The Daily Caller.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In every relationship, communication is vital. However, dealing with major issues or daunting topics might sometimes be difficult. This is where a ‘relationship audit’ comes into play—a systematic yet open-ended check-up to ensure your partnership is functioning well. While the name may sound clinical, a relationship audit is anything but impersonal. It is about honestly discussing your feelings, irritations, and ambitions so that both partners feel understood and aligned. As Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship therapist, puts it, resolving relationship problems requires each person to feel truly understood: “A problem in a relationship cannot be solved until each person is able to say ‘Yes! You understand me. That’s exactly how I’m feeling.'” Inspired by Gottman’s ‘State of the Union‘ meetings, which he suggests doing weekly, this audit encourages couples to check in on a regular basis—whether weekly, monthly, or quarterly. The goal is to create a climate of trust and honesty, where both partners feel heard and respected. 10 questions to fortify your relationship What does a balanced relationship look like to you? Balance in a relationship can entail a variety of things, including dividing home tasks and emotional work. Discussing your perspectives on what defines a balanced partnership can indicate whether your objectives coincide and where concessions may be required. Where do you see our relationship in a year or five years? This classic inquiry focuses on your future together. Do you picture yourselves living together, traveling, acquiring a pet, or even marrying? Discussing your long-term goals can help guarantee that both partners are on the same page and supporting each other’s dreams. How often do you feel happy? This question is critical for gaining insight into your major emotions. Expecting perpetual happiness in your relationship is unrealistic, but you should experience more pleasant feelings than bad ones. This chat can help discover areas for development to increase overall happiness. What is something we frequently disagree about, and how can we resolve it? Every couple has reoccurring disputes. Identifying these concerns and addressing solutions as a team, whether it’s about economics, trust, or old grievances, can help stop the cycle of conflict. How do you feel when you think about our relationship? Understanding your partner’s emotional condition when they consider your relationship is critical. Positive feelings like safety and joy indicate a healthy connection, however, negative emotions like anxiety or annoyance suggest areas that need to be addressed. How satisfied are you with our sex life? Sex is an important part of many relationships, and honest discussions about it are crucial. Addressing preferences, dislikes, and frequency without pressure or judgment can result in a more fulfilling and connected sexual relationship. What is the next step in our relationship, and when do you see it happening? Discussing the next steps ensures that both couples are on the same page, whether they are getting married, moving in together, or dating exclusively. Even if these milestones are far off, having a shared vision for the future helps to deepen the collaboration. What are your thoughts on children, marriage, and splitting our finances? These practical, yet vital, concerns can put a relationship to the test. Differences in opinions on children, marriage, or finances may appear unimportant at first, but they become increasingly important as the relationship progresses. Open and honest discussions can help to avert future confrontations. Is there anything you would like me to do differently to improve our relationship? Being open to constructive criticism is critical for development. Whether it’s about improving communication or developing tiny habits, approaching these difficulties with kindness will strengthen your bond. What is your favorite thing about me? End your audit on a happy note by reflecting on what you appreciate about one another. Avoid nonspecific praises and instead focus on what makes your relationship distinct and exceptional. This strengthens your relationship and reminds you why you selected each other. Moving forward together Conducting a relationship audit may appear scary at first, but it is a valuable tool for developing a better, healthier relationship. By checking in frequently and discussing these important issues, you can ensure that both partners feel appreciated, understood, and aligned with their goals. Trust and communication are the building blocks of any successful relationship, and this practice encourages both. So take a big breath, grab a cup of coffee, a pot of tea, or a bottle of wine, and begin.The post Relationship audit: 10 essential questions to strengthen your connection first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Namibia’s high court has overturned a statute that criminalized gay intercourse, a huge victory for LGBTQ+ campaigners. This ruling is a watershed moment in the quest for equal rights throughout Africa, where progress has been uneven in recent years. A colonial legacy overturned The controversial law, which Namibia acquired after obtaining independence from South Africa in 1990, prohibited “sodomy” and “unnatural offenses.” Although rarely enforced, activists claimed that the law promoted prejudice and violence against LGBTQ+ people, notably by police. Friedel Dausab, the activist who spearheaded the case, expressed his elation, calling it “a landmark judgment, not just for me, but for our democracy.” Judicial wisdom and constitutional rights A panel of three high court judges ruled that the laws violated Namibia’s constitution by imposing unfair discrimination. The court noted that identical consensual sexual behavior between a man and a woman was not illegal, raising concerns about gay men’s societal threat. “What threat does a gay man pose to society, and who must be protected against him?” the judgment queried. The court made it abundantly clear: “The enforcement of private moral views of a section of a community, even if they form the majority, which is based largely on prejudice, cannot qualify as a legitimate purpose.” Uncertain political response It is unclear whether Namibia’s government would appeal the verdict. Officials from the attorney general’s office declined to comment. However, the judgment has already received widespread backing from international groups. The impact on public health and safety UNAIDS, the UN organization that advocates for worldwide HIV and AIDS action, emphasized that the verdict has the potential to minimize healthcare discrimination against LGBTQ+ Namibians. Anne Githuku-Shongwe, UNAIDS’ regional director for East and Southern Africa, stated that decriminalizing same-sex partnerships promotes a safer environment for LGBTQ+ populations, enabling more people to seek HIV testing and treatment without fear of prejudice. Changing attitudes in Namibia Namibian public opinion has exhibited hints of tolerance. A pan-African poll done between 2019 and 2021 found that 64 percent of Namibians either enjoyed or were unconcerned with having LGBT neighbors, placing Namibia third among 34 questioned nations. Despite this, recent high-profile court rulings have sparked a conservative backlash. In March 2023, the Supreme Court overruled a lower court ruling that granted citizenship to the children of a lesbian couple born abroad through surrogacy. In May, it acknowledged same-sex marriages between Namibian citizens and foreign spouses. As a result, Namibia’s parliament enacted a measure defining marriage as only between individuals of the opposite sex, however, the president has yet to sign it into law. Increasing hate crimes and activist concerns Following the legislative changes, activist groups claimed an upsurge in hate crimes. According to Equal Namibia, an advocacy group, six LGBTQ+ Namibians have died since the bill’s passing. This disturbing trend highlights the persistent obstacles that the LGBTQ+ population in Namibia faces, notwithstanding a recent legal win. A mixed landscape for LGBTQ+ rights in Africa Namibia’s court verdict contrasts with recent legislative initiatives in other African countries. While Namibia’s neighbors  Botswana and Angola abolished their restrictions on gay sex in 2021 and 2019, respectively, Uganda stepped up its anti-LGBTQ+ legislation last year, imposing the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.” Similarly, Ghana’s parliament enacted a bill in February mandating a five-year prison sentence for advocating or supporting LGBTQ+ activities, but it remains unsigned due to legal concerns. The repeal of Namibia’s gay sex ban is a significant step toward greater equality and human rights for LGBTQ+ people. It conveys a tremendous message of hope and development, which may inspire other countries to reconsider their own discriminatory policies. As Friedel Dausab passionately stated, the decision not only advances LGBTQ+ rights but also improves Namibia’s democratic fabric.The post Namibia High Court lifts ban on gay sex, a win for human rights first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

What a hoss

Francis had been charged in May following a domestic altercation with his wife

Ouch. That Stings...

Issues with mail-in ballots continue to cast doubt on the integrity of U.S. elections as some Utah residents are now frustrated because they believe their recent votes may have been incorrectly invalidated.All Utah residents with an active voter registration automatically receive a mail-in ballot for each primary and general election. In order for that ballot to be counted, it must be postmarked by a certain deadline. In the case of the primary election held late last month, that deadline was June 24.'Why are our ballots crossing our state lines? Where's the chain of custody by Utah state election officials going to Las Vegas, of all places, sitting for days and then coming back across state lines?'However, some Utahns claim to have submitted a mail-in ballot by the given deadline only to have officials later refuse to count it because it was incorrectly postmarked on June 25. Part of the problem, they say, results from the fact that the U.S. Postal Service routed all of those ballots across state lines into Las Vegas, Nevada, for processing. So, many mail-in ballots have allegedly been improperly dated by the Las Vegas facility that critics have even dubbed them "Vegas cancellations." What's more, some officials have evidence that the votes should count. Iron County clerk Jon Whittaker claimed that he personally saw several invalidated hand-stamped ballots — mail-in ballots submitted at the mail center and then immediately postmarked by postal employees at the request of the voter — with postmarks as early as June 20."Because of the maddening 340 mile journey all mail must take to the Vegas sort center and back, they were likely stamped after midnight, even though they entered the mail stream on the 24th. This is unacceptable!!" Whittaker wrote in an email to USPS.As a result, only 14 of the 429 supposedly late mail-in ballots from Iron County will be counted in the final vote tally, Whittaker claimed.These votes are especially important in the Republican primary for Utah's second congressional district between Republican incumbent Rep. Celeste Maloy, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, and challenger Colby Jenkins. As of Friday, Maloy held a lead of just 314 out of about 107,000 votes cast.To trigger a recount, Jenkins estimates he needs a net gain of about 30 more votes. Washington County, which has favored Jenkins by almost 20%, has about 350 ballots languishing "in the postmark limbo," Jenkins told Blaze News."Why are our ballots crossing our state lines? Where's the chain of custody by Utah state election officials going to Las Vegas, of all places, sitting for days and then coming back across state lines?" he continued.In addition to the allegedly late ballots, Jenkins claims more than 500 ballots in Washington County have not been counted because they are considered "uncured," mostly because signatures did not appear to match. Jenkins believes between the 500 uncured votes and the 350 "late" votes, he may have more than enough votes out there to force a recount.Jenkins is not the only one who believes the current system in Utah may have left voters disenfranchised. Iron County Commissioner Paul Cozzens has heard similar complaints from his constituents."I'm talking to all these friends of mine, and they said, 'We mailed our ballot on the 22nd or 23rd or 24th,'" Cozzens told Blaze News. "I have a friend that texts me: ... 'I delivered those ballots in person into the post office before 4 o'clock.'"Cozzens said he has five sworn affidavits from people making similar allegations. He described those affidavits as "extremely believable."Iron County commissioners were supposed to vote to certify the election results on Monday afternoon, but Cozzens said he "cannot in good conscience ... do so on Monday while hundreds of voters followed state law and their votes will not count."True to his word, Cozzens voted against certifying the results at the Monday meeting, but Commissioner Mike Bleak voted for certification, leaving the deciding vote to Sheriff Kenneth Carpenter, a substitute for Commissioner Marilyn Wood, who was unable to attend the meeting. Carpenter requested to delay the final vote for 24 hours so that the county could reach out to the state attorney general's office for further guidance. That motion was granted.Carpenter has misgivings about the allegedly misdated ballots, telling Blaze News they've created a "tough situation" and a "moral dilemma." However, he added that he is bound by the law."I think that the law is perfectly clear that the mail-in ballots have to be post-dated the day prior to Election Day," he told Blaze News. "And if they're not post-dated prior to Election Day, then they can't be counted."Carpenter urged voters frustrated that they may have been disenfranchised to contact their state legislators and demand that they fix the laws. "As elected officials at the local level, we can't do it by ourselves," he said."I don't want this to be a continuing problem for the state of Utah or for Iron County."For now, it appears Irony County election results will be certified on Tuesday, much to Cozzens' chagrin."The right to vote has been paid for by the blood of hundreds of thousands who have come before us. Silencing these voices dishonors their sacrifices and undermines the democratic process. Therefore, I will not vote to certify this election until we have a clear path forward without silencing the voices of those who did their duty and mailed their ballots on time," he said in a statement.Blaze News reached out to the Maloy campaign and multiple Washington County officials for comment. We did not receive a response.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!