According to a new report from News 11, law enforcement sources told the outlet that leading up to the assassination attempt on Trump, killer Thomas Crooks was spotted on a roof almost 30 minutes before the incident took place. Even earlier, law enforcement spotted a suspicious-looking Crook on the grounds. The shooting took place at […] The post Officers Saw Thomas Crooks 30 Minutes Before the Shooting appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

The Biden team is trying to terrorize people over JD Vance. This is the team that gave us a president with dementia and cackling Kamala. “Donald Trump picked J.D. Vance as his running mate because Vance will do what Mike Pence wouldn’t on January 6: bend over backward to enable Trump and his extreme MAGA […] The post Biden Team Tries to Frighten Americans Over JD Vance appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

Kate Middleton made a surprise appearance at Wimbledon in only her second public appearance since she announced her cancer diagnosis in March. On Sunday, the Princess of Wales was greeted by a standing ovation when she and her daughter Princess Charlotte showed up to the Royal Box at Centre Court at the All England Club to see Carlos Alcaraz’s victory over Novak Djokovic, the Hollywood Reporter reported. After the men’s final, Middleton presented the champion’s trophy to Alcaraz for the second year in a row, part of the Princess of Wales’ duties as patron of the All England Club, which hosts the annual tournament, the outlet noted. “You played so well,” Middleton told him while speaking to Alcaraz. “Enjoy the win.” A wonderful Centre Court welcome for our Patron HRH The Princess of Wales ?#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/HGcphka27P — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 14, 2024 Before the royals left the court, she also spoke to both players and shook hands with some of the ball kids. “It was, of course, a privilege to be in her presence again. I’ve said to her that it is very nice to see her in good health; she seems to be in good health,” Djokovic said at his post-match news conference. “That’s obviously very positive news for everyone in this country, but also for Wimbledon.” Last month, the wife of Prince William made her first public appearance since announcing she was undergoing preventive cancer treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer, as previously reported. The royal was photographed smiling and waving at the crowd during the annual Trooping the Colour parade, which is held every year to celebrate the monarch’s birthday. She was joined by her daughter and her two other children, Prince George and Prince Louis, all whom she shares with the Prince of Wales. The Princess of Wales has been keeping a low profile since announcing her cancer treatment on March 22.  “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” she said at the time. “The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present.” “My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment,” the princess added. The Princess of Wales recently gave an update about how she was doing and said she was “blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement” she’s received so far amid cancer treatments. “I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting,”Middleton said. “But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well.” “My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months,” Princess Kate added. “On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home.” Amanda Harding contributed to this piece. Related: Kate Middleton Makes First Public Appearance Since Cancer Announcement

Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy told The Daily Wire on Monday that he would “strongly consider” replacing J.D. Vance as U.S. senator from Ohio now that former President Donald Trump has picked Vance to be his running mate for the 2024 election. At the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, The Daily Wire’s Cabot Phillips asked Ramaswamy if there is a possibility he would become senator as Ohio GOP Governor Mike DeWine is faced with appointing Vance’s successor if Trump wins. EXCLUSIVE: @VivekGRamaswamy tells the Daily Wire's @cabot_phillips that he would "strongly consider" accepting the open U.S. Senate seat in Ohio if JD Vance becomes Vice President. "The truth is I would strongly consider it if asked. I'd also want to have an open conversation… pic.twitter.com/XfNXIGjtea — Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) July 15, 2024 “The truth is I would strongly consider it if asked. I’d also want to have an open conversation with President Trump about where I could have the biggest impact on the future of the country,” Ramaswamy said. “For me, my top passion and sense of purpose as well is tackling the administrative state,” he added. “And I think that that exists in cancerous ways at the federal level. It exists in all 50 states in this country, too.” Ramaswamy ran against Trump for the GOP’s presidential nomination before dropping out and endorsing Trump in January. He was said to be under consideration in veepstakes and has also been talked about for a potential Cabinet position. In his interview with The Daily Wire, Ramaswamy further stated that “shutting down” the “shadow government” would require work both within the executive branch as well as the legislative branch. This would go toward “laying out the pathway for reclaiming accountability to the political branches of government, particularly the law-making branch where lawmakers are elected rather than unelected bureaucrats who wield that power today,” Ramaswamy said. “Both those could be ways to take that challenge on and, you know, that’s for after President Trump wins. That’s the real goal — is first achieve success. And then after that I’ll be open-minded to the different possibilities,” Ramaswamy continued. Former Ohio Republican Party Chairwoman Jane Timken, who lost to Vance in the 2022 U.S. Senate race, told NOTUS at the convention she would “consider” replacing Vance if given the opportunity. The report also noted that Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), who is chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and a close ally to Trump, was “floated” by a source as a suggestion. DeWine released a statement that said Trump made a “great choice” with Vance as his running mate. The governor told the media at the GOP convention it is “much too early” to begin talking about a potential replacement for Vance in the Senate. In the 2024 race for Ohio’s other U.S. Senate seat, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) is facing off against businessman Bernie Moreno — who emerged victorious in the GOP nomination fight in March. Polls show Brown with an advantage for the general election.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Colombia’s deforestation rate dropped to its lowest level in 23 years, marking a significant milestone in the country’s environmental conservation efforts. According to Colombia’s environment ministry, forest loss decreased by 36 percent in 2023, from 1,235 square kilometers (just under 477 square miles) in 2022 to 792 square kilometers (just under 306 square miles) in 2023. This amazing drop is primarily due to increased conservation efforts, particularly in the Amazon jungle. Historic achievements in forest conservation “It is a truly iconic year in this fight against deforestation,” said Colombia’s environment minister, Susana Muhamad, at a press conference in Bogota. This achievement is the consequence of the Colombian government’s strategic commitment to protecting the Amazon, a vital component of world biodiversity. The Amazon rainforest has been the focus of Colombia’s conservation efforts. The government’s efforts under President Gustavo Petro, the country’s first socialist leader, have been critical in reversing the trend of rampant deforestation that began with the demobilization of the FARC guerrilla group in 2017. This power vacuum had previously resulted in record-breaking amounts of forest degradation. Strategic interventions that produce results The Petro administration has prioritized Amazon conservation through increased surveillance and sustainable projects. One important strategy is agreements that compensate farmers for maintaining wooded areas. Furthermore, the government has been in talks with armed groups that have significant power in deforestation hotspots. “We have identified that there is a direct association between peace and the outcome of deforestation. Peaceful conditions lead to reduced deforestation,” Muhamad noted. These measures resulted in a 54 percent reduction in forest loss from 2021 to 2023, exceeding the national target of 20 percent. Despite these achievements, the future of deforestation in Colombia faces new obstacles. The environment ministry warns that the estimates for 2024 may not be as hopeful due to the El Niño phenomenon, which promotes hotter and drier conditions in the Amazon and exacerbates deforestation. Negotiations with the Central General Staff (EMC), a crucial group of armed rebels, have broken down, complicating matters. This organization, which oversees extensive portions of the jungle, modified its policy of preventing deforestation in November, now permitting and even encouraging the practice. “We will see this reflected in the deforestation figures for this year as the EMC have been limiting access of state officials into the forests and pressuring local communities to cut down trees,” said Angelica Rojas, a liaison officer for the Guaviare department at the Foundation for Conservation and Sustainable Development (FCDS), a Colombian environmental think tank. Global leadership role in biodiversity Colombia, the world’s second most biodiverse country, is presenting itself as a global leader in fighting climate change. This year, the Andean nation will host the COP16 biodiversity conference in Cali, demonstrating its dedication to environmental conservation. The Petro government has also urged developed countries to fund conservation efforts by erasing foreign debt in exchange for climate-change initiatives. This method seeks to strengthen Colombia’s capacity to protect its forests while also tackling bigger economic concerns. Colombia’s dramatic reduction in deforestation is a watershed moment in its conservation efforts. Through targeted initiatives, international cooperation, and a strong commitment to safeguarding the Amazon, the country is making progress in preserving its unique biodiversity. However, the difficulties posed by climate change and political volatility highlight the need for ongoing attention and innovative responses.The post Colombia’s battle against deforestation achieves remarkable results first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris are expected to make history, not just by achieving gender parity, but also by providing an impactful service for parent athletes. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and longtime sponsor P&G announced the opening of the Olympic Village’s first nursery. According to an IOC press release, the nursery would offer “a comfortable and convenient environment for athlete parents to spend time with their babies and young children during the Games.” This facility has a separate daycare area and access to critical supplies like diapers and wipes. Allyson Felix’s advocacy The creation of this nursery was significantly influenced by Allyson Felix, the most decorated track and field athlete in American history. “I just knew how difficult it was to compete at the top level after I had my daughter,” Felix shared with CBS News. Her experience as a new mother competing at the highest level motivated her to advocate for other athlete parents. Felix’s position on the IOC Athletes’ Commission enabled her to push this effort. “I really wanted to be that voice for athlete moms and just take away one less thing for them to worry about in the pressure of competition,” she added. Support from the IOC leadership Her colleagues at the International Olympic Committee echoed Felix’s efforts. Emma Terho, Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, stated, “Many athletes are balancing their sporting careers and family. I know how this feels as I competed at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games as a mother with a young child. Pregnancy and motherhood don’t have to mean a career end for female athletes.” Felix sees the nursery as a cultural revolution for female athletes, noting, “I think it really tells women that you can choose motherhood and also be at the top of your game.” Operational details The nursery, located in the Athlete Village Plaza, will be open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Athletes and caretakers can gain access to the facilities by requesting a pass from their representative National Olympic Committee. These methods ensure that there is adequate space for newborns and toddlers throughout the day. In addition to the nursery, P&G will provide support for other Olympic Village facilities such as a hairdresser, laundry rooms, and a dental clinic. Complimentary menstruation products will also be available in Village facilities. Increasing inclusivity in athletics Felix expressed confidence about athletics’ move toward diversity. “I think we’re moving in the right direction,” she said. “We’ve really pushed to be in a better place. We’re seeing so many athlete mom role models for the younger ones to look to, and I hope we continue to find ways to better support these women.” Continuous advocacy and support Aside from sports, Felix has been a vocal champion for family support, particularly for Black maternal health. She just got a $20 million grant from the Melinda French Gates Foundation to support organizations in this field. “I’m looking forward to deploying this money to organizations that are doing urgent work in this space and will really get it to members of the community that are most at risk of complications, and even death, during pregnancy,” Felix told CBS News at the time. Felix is also known for her contract disputes with Nike, which she detailed in a 2019 New York Times op-ed. Her efforts resulted in Nike introducing a new maternity policy that guarantees remuneration for the 18 months surrounding childbirth. A new chapter As Felix begins her new journey, she will be attending the 2024 Games in a new capacity. “This is the first time in two decades I won’t be competing, so there’s a bit of loss and grief, but also some excitement for this new chapter,” she said. “I’ll be bringing my whole family to take in the Games.”The post US track star Allyson Felix opens the first-ever nursery for Olympic parents first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

'Would you expect anything less from Trump?'

Roughly 30 minutes before assassination attempt

'To top it off, it was also BYOB'