Numerous House Democrats in the nation’s capital refused to condemn burning the American flag and chanting “death to America” when confronted by a reporter this week. The questions from the reporter came in response to far-Left protesters on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City this week holding a pro-Palestinian demonstration that disrupted traffic. “Anti-Israel protesters blocking the Brooklyn Bridge were burning the American flag and chanting ‘Death to America‚'” the reporter said to Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA). “Do you support that type of protest&;#63; Congresswoman‚ do you support burning the American flag and chanting Death to America&;#63;” Pressley refused to answer or even acknowledge the reporter. The reporter later asked Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) the same questions. “Does it sound like this is pro-Palestinian or anti-American if they’re burning American flags and chanting Death to America&;#63;” the reporter asked. “I’m‚ I’m not privy to–‚ to‚ I haven’t seen these reports‚” AOC responded. “I’d have to check for them myself.” The reporter then asked Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA)‚ who just lost the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in California if she condemned the actions of the protesters on the bridge. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP “We’ve gotta get her onto her next event‚” one of Porter’s staffers said. “Are you okay with people burning the American flag&;#63;” the reporter asked. “If you’d like to follow up with us–” the staffer interrupted. “Are you okay with people chanting Death to America&;#63;” the reporter pressed. “Congresswoman Porter‚ are you okay with people chanting Death to America&;#63; Is it okay&;#63; Do you not have a problem with it&;#63;” The staffer repeatedly interrupted as Porter refused to answer any of the questions. WATCH: Democrats REFUSE to condemn protesters burning The American Flag&;#33; pic.twitter.com/2n4SY43mvJ — Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatters) April 17‚ 2024

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) appears set to try to blame his wife‚ Nadine Menendez‚ for the federal bribery charges that the couple is facing‚ according to newly unsealed court documents. “At trial‚ as part of his defense‚ Senator Menendez may elect to testify to communications with his wife that serve to materially decrease any inference of culpability on Senator Menendez’s part‚” the motion states. “Senator Menendez will explain‚ for example‚ what he and his wife discussed contemporaneously with their dinners with Egyptian officials (which colored his understanding of the purpose of such dinners); the explanations that Nadine provided for why [co-defendants Wael Hanna and Jose Uribe] had provided her certain monetary items; the reasons why he sent his wife a series of questions that other Senators purportedly intended to ask an Egyptian official; and many more topics.” The 70-year-old senator is planning to show the “absence of any improper intent on Senator Menendez’s part” by “demonstrating the ways” that his wife “withheld information from Sen. Menendez or otherwise led him to believe that nothing unlawful was taking place‚” the document continued. The document added that by “demonstrating the absence of any improper intent on Senator Menendez’s part‚ they may inculpate Nadine.” Menendez and his wife were indicted on federal charges in September for allegedly accepting bribes from three businessmen in exchange for actions that he took as chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee. According to the DOJ‚ the alleged bribes were intended to protect the businessmen and to benefit Egypt. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP Prosecutors later said in a revised indictment that Menendez also allegedly used his clout to help a friend secure a multi-million dollar investment deal from the Qatari government‚ in part by taking actions that benefited Qatar. In a subsequent superseding indictment‚ Menendez was also charged with conspiracy‚ obstruction of justice‚ public official acting as a foreign agent‚ bribery‚ extortion and honest services wire fraud.

Google employees who occupied the California office of Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian for more than eight hours to demand the company stop doing business with Israel were arrested late Tuesday. The employees broadcast their protest on a “notech4apartheid’ Twitch livestream. The video showed they given the opportunity to leave voluntarily‚ and then arrested by police after refusing to do so. In the stream‚ a man is seen approaching the protesters to notify them that they were put on administrative leave and asking them to leave.  BREAKING: Google employees were arrested after occupying their boss's office for more than 8 hours to demand that the company sever ties with Israel. WATCH: pic.twitter.com/W4WQO8NNgH — Kassy Akiva (@KassyDillon) April 17‚ 2024 “It’s getting kinda late‚” the man says. “I wanted to ask you‚ you know‚ to cooperate‚ you’ve been placed on admin leave and we’d like to see if you’d just voluntarily [leave] it’s been a while. Can you do that for us&;#63;” When he threatens to call law enforcement‚ employees state that they understand. Seconds later‚ police walk in the office and detain them all before the livestream cuts off. The protests were announced in internal emails to employees that shared a list of demands‚ including that Google drop its $1.2 billion contract with Israel for Project Nimbus‚ a cloud-computing project of the Israeli government. Demands also include that Google cease all “business with the Israeli apartheid government and military‚” stop the “harassment‚ intimidation‚ bullying‚ and silencing‚” of Palestinian and Muslim employees‚ and address the “health and safety crisis” among workers who are rattled over their labor being used to “enable a genocide.” Organized by No Tech for Apartheid‚ the protesters claim they will remain in the office until Google drops Project Nimbus and heeds the other demands. Anti-Semitism appears to be rampant throughout Google’s workforce. In February‚ The Daily Wire reported on internal anti-Semitic incidents taking place at Google‚ including the words “kill all Jews” found written on a bathroom wall inside its offices‚ and a Jewish employee being assaulted by anti-Israel protesters on one of their campuses. The Daily Wire also reported that a group of employees attempted to hijack an International Women’s Day event to bash Israel. “By choosing to provide the Israeli government and military with our powerful cloud computing and AI technologies‚ we have continuously enabled Israel’s apartheid state in Palestine and ongoing genocide in Gaza‚” the protesters write in a letter to Kurian. “Years of being silenced‚ ignored and lied to by leadership has confirmed to us as workers that our concerns will not be heard without significant action‚ and as you read this‚ we are sitting in the office of Thomas Kurian‚ the CEO of Google Cloud‚ until our demands are met.” Protests also took place at other Google offices in New York City‚ San Francisco‚ and Seattle.

The Islamic Republic of Iran temporarily closed its nuclear facilities this week over “security considerations” that they could be targeted by Israel in an airstrike in retaliation for Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone barrage. “We are always concerned about this possibility‚” said International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi at a U.N. Security Council meeting. “What I can tell you is that our inspectors in Iran were informed by the Iranian government that [Sunday]‚ all the nuclear facilities that we are inspecting every day would remain closed on security considerations.” Grossi kept inspectors back on Monday over fears that Israel could hit the facilities after Iran launched combined more than 300 missiles and drones at Israel over the weekend — the first time the country has ever directly attacked Israel. Several foreign policy and military experts urged Israel to strike Iran’s nuclear program following the attack‚ arguing that the window was closing for them to do so. “Most importantly‚ I think Israel should be looking at this as an opportunity to destroy Iran’s nuclear weapons program‚ which is the existential threat that Israel faces‚” said former Trump national security adviser John Bolton. Mark Dubowitz‚ CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD)‚ a non-partisan institution focusing on national security and foreign policy; Brigadier General (Res.) Professor Jacob Nagel‚ senior fellow at FDD and a former top Israeli official‚ said in an article that Israel “must now shift to neutralizing Iran’s nuclear scientists and their ability to build an actual weapon.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP “After this weekend‚ the threat of a nuclear weapon being deployed from inside Iran toward Israel is a step closer to reality‚” they added. Other experts believe that an attack could actually strengthen Iran’s resolve to build nuclear weapons and lead to “Iran’s decision to break out.” Experts also believe that the longer that Israel takes to respond to the attacks‚ the less likely their response is to be significant in scale and impact.

Annie Potts recently remembered sharing the screen with Reba McEntire during an episode of Young Sheldon‚ and she admitted that one of her favorite memories from that time was hearing the Grammy-winning songstress sing perfectly off-key. Annie reminisced about her time with Reba while visiting The Jennifer Hudson Show on Tuesday‚ April 16. The singer starred in the Season 4 installment titled A Pager‚ a Club and a Cranky Bag of Wrinkles‚ and she had a scene with Annie’s MeeMaw where the two perform a hilariously awful karaoke duet of Islands In The Stream‚ Before the two join forces‚ Reba McEntire horribly attempts to sing Patsy Cline’s Crazy‚ which‚ of course‚ is a clever characterization considering Reba is an iconic country music star‚ “The funny thing is they wrote [Reba’s] part so that… the idea was that she couldn’t sing‚” Annie laughed. “She sang off-key‚ which‚ if you’re a really good singer‚ it is very is difficult. Off-key‚” she added. “But she just like — I don’t know — went up or down a fifth and stayed there. And it was an astonishing thing. A measure of just how good she is‚ of course.” Annie Potts went on to say that Reba McEntire is exactly as she seems‚ “funny and delightful‚ sweet and beautiful. All of that.” And she made an impression on more than just the actress. She also sparked the romance with her then-friend and now-boyfriend‚ Rex Linn‚ while guest-starring‚ as well. The Fancy singer also earned praise from Young Sheldon executive producer Steve Holland‚ who hopes to get her back on the show for its final season. “We would love to have her back‚” he told TVLine. “She’s expressed interest‚ but she’s very busy. She has another pilot that she’s shooting…so I just don’t know if it’s going to work out.” This story’s featured image is by Rick Diamond/Getty Images. The post “Young Sheldon” Star Annie Potts Praises Reba McEntire’s “Bad” Singing appeared first on InspireMore.

In the complex world of avian behavior‚ researchers have discovered a fascinating phenomenon: birds sing while sleeping. Scientists observed muscular contractions in a bird’s vocal tract to decode the quiet melodies of their nightly reveries. Let us begin a scientific quest to discover the mysteries of bird dreams and the intriguing world of avian sleep patterns. The science of avian dreams: unraveling the mystery Birds‚ like humans‚ undergo multiple stages of consciousness during sleeping. Previous studies have suggested that daytime actions‚ including singing‚ may continue throughout bird slumber. Gabriel Mindlin‚ a specialist in birdsong‚ reflects on the profound implications of this discovery: “Dreams are one of the most intimate and elusive parts of our existence. “Knowing that we share this with such a distant species is very moving.” Mapping muscle movements: understanding birdsong during sleep To better understand avian dreams‚ researchers at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) systematically observed muscle activity in sleeping birds’ vocal tracts. Using custom-made electromyography (EMG) electrodes‚ the team assessed muscle reaction and electrical activity‚ giving light to the physiological processes that drive bird dreams. The great Kiskadee: a window to avian dreamscapes The use of the great kiskadee in the study provided important insights into bird sleep patterns. This loud and aggressive species‚ notable for its unusual three-syllable call‚ was used as a model organism to study bird dreaming. Through diligent observation and data collecting‚ researchers discovered the great kiskadee’s nocturnal habits‚ providing insight into avian dreamscapes. Synthetic songs: transforming avian dreams into sound Researchers reconstructed sleeping birds’ silent songs by combining data on muscle activation and electrical signals. The scientists used complex dynamical systems models to transform muscle activity patterns into synthetic melodies‚ producing audio representations of bird dreams. “We can use the muscle activity patterns as time-dependent parameters of a model of birdsong production and synthesize the corresponding song‚” says Mindlin. Insights into the avian brain and implications for future research The study’s findings provide a unique perspective on the avian brain‚ paving the path for future research into avian cognition and behavior. Researchers want to better understand bird cognition and communication by decoding avian dreams using dynamical biomechanics modeling. “We have shown how physical models can be used to listen to what a bird is dreaming‚” the researchers said‚ emphasizing the transformational potential of their research. Source study: Chaos—Synthesizing avian dreamsThe post The science behind birds’ singing in their sleep first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

In the heart of the Gaza Strip‚ amid a humanitarian catastrophe exacerbated by violence‚ war‚ and blockades‚ a ray of light shines via the creative use of solar electricity. Mohammed Assalia‚ a local citizen‚ is leading a unique attempt to ease the region’s acute water scarcity by using solar energy to power wells. Using solar energy for water access Assalia’s program has undoubtedly benefited many people directly. He goes on to say: “With the solar-powered well in my house‚ at least 1‚000 people benefited and received clean water every day.” This grassroots movement‚ albeit affecting a small percentage of the population‚ exemplifies the transforming power of imaginative solutions in times of need. Navigating challenges in Gaza’s treacherous humanitarian landscape Despite the project’s success‚ Assalia faces enormous obstacles as it expands its reach. The cost of goods‚ such as solar panels‚ has risen in the aftermath of conflict. He notes‚ “An example is a 535-watt solar panel used to be 700 NIS ($192). Now it costs 2‚400 NIS ($657).” Despite these challenges‚ Assalia remains committed to overcoming financial constraints through fundraising efforts‚ emphasizing the importance of expanding the project to include new areas. The numbers behind Gaza’s water crisis The scale and consequences of Gaza’s water problem are astonishing. According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and Doctors Without Borders‚ roughly 70 percent of Gaza’s population consumes salinized or contaminated water regularly. Furthermore‚ at least half of Gaza’s water and sanitation systems have been destroyed or damaged‚ worsening an already desperate situation. Empowering communities with grassroots initiatives Without adequate government and international support‚ grassroots efforts such as Assalia’s have emerged as lifelines for Gaza’s residents. Despite the hurdles‚ Assalia continues undeterred‚ relying on teamwork and innovation to meet pressing demands. “I don’t want anything in return‚ all I want is to help my people and leave a footprint‚” he affirms‚ embodying the spirit of resilience and solidarity amidst adversity. The story of Mohammed Assalia and his solar-powered wells provides a ray of optimism in Gaza’s volatile landscape. As communities continue to deal with the impacts of violence and siege‚ efforts like Assalia’s remind us of the power of inventiveness‚ compassion‚ and collective action to shape a better future.The post Solar-powered solutions for Gaza’s water crisis illuminate a path through the darkness first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Dan Rather tweeted &;quot;I am humbled and honored to share some exciting news.  A lot of very talented people have produced a documentary about this reporter’s life.&;quot; A puff piece movie honoring Rather with actors wasn't enough. Now there's a gushy Rather &;quot;nonfiction&;quot; film. Variety's Michael Schneider set the stage:  Netflix has set Rather‚ the documentary about veteran journalist Dan Rather‘s landmark career in news for an April 24 premiere on the streamer. The feature utilizes the story of Rather’s life on television to also explore the evolution of broadcast journalism‚ the troubles a free press now faces‚ along with the slide of American society from hard-fought advances in social justice and democratic freedoms. The doc first premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival last June. Film producer and director Frank Marshall‚ who founded Amblin Entertainment with his wife Kathleen Kennedy and with Steven Spielberg‚ is at the helm: “This is a very personal project for me‚” Marshall said in a statement. “When you look at Dan’s body of work‚ it’s remarkable. The collection of stories he has covered‚ it’s my history too‚ and the history of our country over the past 60 years. I’ve always admired his passion‚ his intelligence‚ his humor and his commitment to the truth and it’s been an honor to get to know Dan and tell his extraordinary story.” Rather is set to appear at a screening in Austin at an Alamo Drafthouse there‚ and Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League is also a huge Rather fan:  “Watching Rather‚ I saw a North Star of what American journalism is meant to be‚ driven by a thirst for the truth and the desire to share that truth with the people‚” League said. “We are honored to have the opportunity to screen this wonderful film and honor a true American hero.” This is the closest Variety came to Rather's fake-National-Guard-documents scandal‚ and it's not close: &;quot;With unrestricted access to Rather‚ the film takes on the highs and lows of his time at CBS News‚ including his controversial exit as CBS Evening News anchor.&;quot; There was no mention of George W. Bush or the National Guard. The IMDb page lists who will appear in the film‚ in addition to fiercely protective daughter Robin Rather: it's Samantha Bee‚ Douglas Brinkley‚ Andy Cohen‚ Mark Cuban‚ Soledad O'Brien‚ Shepard Smith‚ and Margaret Sullivan. Former CBS News colleagues Tom Bettag and Howard Stringer are also on the list.  A Michael Schneider story from last year suggested in its headline that the film &;quot;Restores Some Justice to His Lengthy Career.&;quot; A &;quot;brilliant career‚&;quot; oozed the subhead. It had more gush from Marshall about his &;quot;truth&;quot; telling.

It’s like the “floor is lava challenge”‚ but with covering the southern border instead of touching the floor. Once again‚ the corporate evening newscasts have refused to cover a group of migrants as they overwhelm the Border Patrol and illegally enter into the country. Per Univision’s report on the latest run for the border at El Paso‚ as aired on Monday‚ April 15th‚ 2024: PEDRO ULTRERAS: The migrants used long fences that the authorities use as an enclosure along the Rio Grande‚ and used them as a ladder with which to climb. They then jumped inside (the United States). This encounter wasn’t as violent as the last one that went uncovered by all except CBS. But there was a significant breach‚ nonetheless‚ wherein illegal migrants found a way to defeat the enhanced border fencing. Per KFOX: EL PASO‚ Texas (KFOX) — A portion of wire barrier along the southern border in Texas was breached again by migrants who crossed the country illegally. More than 100 migrants are accused of being involved in the cutting of cortina wire and a chain-link fence that was placed along the border in El Paso by Texas National Guard soldiers. The area where the border was breached was near a high school and highway along the U.S.-Mexico border. Border Patrol officials told KFOX that on Friday agents were alerted of a group‚ more than 100 people‚ climbing a chain-link fence near Riverside High School. That group allegedly cut cortina wire along the Rio Grande‚ which caused a chain-link fence to collapse‚ according to the statement provided by Border Patrol to KFOX. An official with the Border Patrol El Paso Sector stated that the cutting of the chain-link fence and concertina wire constitutes an illegal entry into the U.S. Last time‚ CBS distinguished themselves as the best of a bad lot by devoting a whopping 37 seconds to the prior run at the border‚ with ABC and NBC offering respective goose eggs. This time around‚ each of the networks blanked. Once again‚ the corporate media earned the title of “Regime Media” by blacking out a story that reflects unfavorably upon the current Democrat administration. Once again‚ they choose to protect the Precious over reporting facts on the ground concerning an issue that is at the top of voters’ concerns this election. Once again‚ the media have chosen dishonor.  

Democrat Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania continued to show his support of Israel on Tuesday after berating and mocking pro-Palestinian protesters who blocked traffic to demand a ceasefire. On Monday‚ protesters launched several demonstrations in the U.S. shutting down traffic and targeting companies they accuse of supporting Israel's military operation against Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip. One protest shut down traffic on the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco for hours‚ angering many residents. On Tuesday‚ Fetterman posted a video of a protest in Ann Arbor‚ Michigan‚ and responded with his own suggestion on what they should demand. &;quot;I don't know who needs to hear this‚ but blocking a bridge or berating folks in Starbucks isn't righteous‚ it just makes you an a**hole‚&;quot; said Fetterman. — (@) &;quot;Demand Hamas to send every hostage back home and surrender‚&;quot; he added.The Democrat has previously trolled anti-Israel protesters by waving an Israeli flag as they were being arrested at the U.S. Capitol in November. Fetterman has been lambasted by leftists who are opposed to Israel striking the terrorists who organized the heinous Oct. 7 massacre that led to 1‚139 deaths and 250 people taken hostage. Some of his critics continued their barrage after his latest missive. &;quot;What does sending bombs to Israel that are being dropped on children make you‚ Senator&;#63;&;quot; responded Nina Turner‚ the former spokesperson for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). &;quot;Pretty sure politically covering for a genocidal army as they slaughter 14‚000 children and 9‚000 women in 6 months makes you an a**hole‚&;quot; replied a commenter who self-identified as Palestinian. &;quot;I don’t know who needs to hear this but taking buckets of cash from the Israeli lobby turns you into a genocidal psychopath willing to say babies should be bombed‚&;quot; read another response on social media. An official with the California Highway Patrol told reporters that police had arrested 38 people in the protests in San Francisco and Oakland. The protesters were charged with a slew of offenses‚ including unlawful assembly‚ refusal to comply with a lawful order‚ and false imprisonment‚ among many others. Some of the drivers stuck in the traffic protest told KGO-TV that they were missing a colon surgery and a stem cell replacement procedure because of the delay. Here's more about the anti-Israel protests: Like Blaze News&;#63; Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here&;#33;