In a significant move ahead of the 2024 elections, the state of North Carolina has purged over 747,000 ineligible voters from its voter rolls. According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections, the removals took place over a 20-month period, ensuring that the state's voter lists are up-to-date and accurate. The board explained that the vast majority of the removals—89.2%—were due to voters being listed as inactive, duplicates, or deceased. This measure is part of an ongoing effort to uphold the integrity of the voting process in the battleground state. Election officials stressed that such routine maintenance is necessary to prevent inaccuracies and reduce the risk of voter fraud. The timing of the removals is critical as North Carolina gears up for the 2024 presidential and gubernatorial races, both of which are expected to be highly contested. North Carolina has long been seen as a key battleground, with both Republicans and Democrats vying for control in a state that has recently seen razor-thin margins in statewide elections. BREAKING: The North Carolina Election Board just revealed that they have removed 750,000 names from the voter rolls, including 130,000 dead people and 290,000 registrations that were duplicates This comes after Republicans filed a lawsuit, showing 225,000 names were unlawfully… pic.twitter.com/sU98iLraiT — George (@BehizyTweets) September 26, 2024 Republicans, who have been vocal about election integrity concerns, view this action as a necessary step in preventing potential fraud. On the other hand, some Democrats have raised concerns about the possible disenfranchisement of eligible voters. They argue that aggressive purges may remove legitimate voters who, for example, haven't participated in recent elections but still intend to vote in future ones. However, state officials assure that voters removed from the rolls can re-register if they remain eligible. The push to clean up voter rolls is part of broader efforts across the country to address election security. Other states, such as Georgia and Florida, have also enacted measures to ensure their voter lists are current, with similar purges aimed at weeding out ineligible names. Donald Trump and his appointed RNC Chair Michael Whatley pushed Mark Robinson on North Carolina voters. They knew who Robinson was, and they didn't mind it until they were losing. pic.twitter.com/mH411wouWv — American Bridge 21st Century (@American_Bridge) September 20, 2024 North Carolina has been at the center of election integrity debates in recent years. In 2018, the state faced national attention when allegations of absentee ballot fraud led to the invalidation of a congressional race. The controversy fueled calls for tighter controls and more oversight in election processes. In response, the state has taken multiple steps to prevent future incidents, including implementing voter ID requirements and increasing transparency in the handling of absentee ballots. Republicans have consistently supported such measures, citing the need to secure the election system from fraudulent activities. They argue that maintaining an accurate voter roll is a fundamental part of protecting the right to vote. Democrats, while agreeing on the importance of voter integrity, warn against actions that might suppress voter turnout, especially among minority and lower-income communities, who tend to vote in lower numbers and may be more affected by purges. The voter roll maintenance process has already drawn criticism from civil rights organizations, who claim that some voters could be wrongly removed. They are urging residents to check their voter status well ahead of election day to ensure they are still listed as eligible voters. Advocacy groups are also working to educate voters on how to re-register if they find themselves removed from the list. As the 2024 election draws nearer, these types of voter roll updates will likely continue to be a focal point of political debate, particularly in key battleground states like North Carolina. With early voting and absentee voting playing a growing role in the electoral process, ensuring the accuracy of voter lists will be crucial for both parties as they work to energize their bases and turn out the vote. The post North Carolina Removes 747,000 Ineligible Voters From Its Rolls Ahead of 2024 Election appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

The tragic news of Maggie Smith’s death swept across the internet on September 27th. The actress, who played Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, died at the age of 89. Now Daniel Radcliffe and the rest of the Harry Potter cast are sharing their fond memories of one of their favorite co-stars. Daniel Radcliffe Remembers Maggie Smith Daniel Radcliffe played the famous Harry Potter in the film series and Maggie Smith played Professor McGonagall. In a statement with Variety, He remembered his co-star as “incredibly kind” and “a fierce intellect.” “The first time I met Maggie Smith, I was 9 years old,” Daniel began. “And we were reading through scenes for David Copperfield, which was my first job. I knew virtually nothing about her other than that my parents were awestruck at the fact that I would be working with her. The other thing I knew about her was that she was a Dame, so the first thing I asked her when we met was ‘Would you like me to call you Dame?’ at which she laughed and said something to the effect of ‘Don’t be ridiculous!’” “I remember feeling nervous to meet her and then her putting me immediately at ease,” he continued. “She was incredibly kind to me on that shoot, and then I was lucky enough to go on working with her for another 10 years on the Harry Potter films.” “She was a fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm in the same instant, and was, as everyone will tell you, extremely funny,” Daniel added. The actor went on to say he’s “amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her.” “The word legend is overused,” he concluded. “But if it applies to anyone in our industry, then it applies to her. Thank you, Maggie.” An Incredible Actress, Woman, And Person Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley, also spoke out after the actress’ death. She shared an Instagram post with a photo of Maggie Smith and a heartfelt caption. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BONNIE WRIGHT (@thisisbwright) In her caption, Bonnie referred to Maggie Smith as “Our dearly loved and revered head of Gryffindor house.” She then noted how much her friend would be missed and shared one of her most cherished memories with the Oscar winner. She wrote, “My favorite scene with Maggie was when we were all learning how to dance for the Yule Ball. She embodied that perfect balance of sass and loving care that McGonagall has.” Bonnie finished her post by offering condolences for Maggie’s family and loved ones. Devon Murray, who played Seamus Finnigan, also spoke out making an Instagram post of his own. Claiming that Maggie Smith was “the kindest, most caring, and loving Lady” he had ever met. He also shared that she gave the best hugs along with some hilarious memories that the two shared on set together. Several other casemates spoke out, honoring Maggie Smith, as well. Everyone had nothing but kind words to say, showing that this woman was as fabulous off-screen as she was on screen. She will be deeply missed. This story’s featured image is by Ian Gavan/Getty Images. The post Daniel Radcliffe Pens Heartfelt Statement Honoring “Harry Potter” Co-Star Maggie Smith appeared first on InspireMore.

'This is a public safety issue'

He is remembered as a 'highly respected, adored and dedicated coach and player'

'into this 43 day doom loop'

'I’m drenched in poo, my car is splattered yellow'

Autumn is a season of change, reflection, and transformation, and it’s no surprise that many classic rock songs have been inspired by its unique atmosphere. In crafting this list of 10 Best Classic Rock Songs About Fall, we’ve intentionally avoided the most obvious picks, instead digging deeper to uncover tracks that truly capture the spirit of the season. From the fading daylight to the crisp air and the sense of time slipping away, these songs explore the emotional layers of fall—sometimes directly, other times through more metaphorical expressions. Each of these artists has a distinct take on autumn. Don Henley’s The post 10 Best Classic Rock Songs About Fall appeared first on ClassicRockHistory.com.

In commemorating the 4th anniversary of the signing of the Abraham Accords, which paved a way forward for unprecedented cooperation between Israel and Arab nations, the bipartisan Senate Abraham Accords Caucus underscored recently, “In the face of increased Iranian aggression, the foundation of this agreement is more important than ever to further cooperation in the region to deter threats from Tehran and its proxies.” Indeed, since their inception in September 2020, when then-President Donald Trump institutionalized the bilateral pacts between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco, the Abraham Accords have yielded concrete steps forward. Specifically, the agreements between Israel and the UAE and Israel and Bahrain unambiguously marked the beginning of a transformative, constructive chapter for a region that must and will continue to be vital to America’s interests in the national security and economic dimensions. The accords have remained intact over the past four years while serving as a positive realignment in the region that unites Israel and its neighbors against common enemies. The Senate caucus statement further noted that “as we celebrate four years since this historic signing, the U.S. should continue building on the accords by bringing our partners together, helping advance prospects for peace, restoring prosperity in the region, and widening the circle of partnership to new countries.” The Abraham Accords Peace Institute’s latest annual report assessed that despite the grave challenges triggered by Hamas’ Oct. 7 massacre in Israel and the ensuing Israel-Hamas war, “diplomatic and trade ties remained steady, with the leaderships of Abraham Accords countries affirming their continued commitment to the accords. Accords countries were able to leverage the trust built with Israel.” It is notable that accumulated trade between Israel and the Abraham Accords countries exceeded $4 billion in 2023, which is “a testimony both to the real case for trade between Israel and neighboring countries and to the resilience of the Accords, even in the face of war and geopolitical tensions,” according to the report. Israel’s bilateral trade with the accords countries has also continued to grow in 2024. Compared to the same period in 2023, trade with Bahrain in the first seven months of 2024 was up over 900%, and with Morocco, by more than 55%, according to the Abraham Accords Peace Institute. The accords can be the best practical example of what Washington’s relationship with Jerusalem and the region can look like when the United States can exercise its leadership.   Continuing to pave the path forward with greater commitments for previously impossible Israeli-Arab cooperation as well as increased engagements with the United States matter more than ever in ensuring that the accords move the geopolitical direction toward a better future for the region. Clearly, now is not the time to discount that critical, evolving process of the Abraham Accords—or worse, to abandon our commitment to the accords. The agreements have raised the real prospects of peace and stability in the region to the highest point in many decades, and that must go on. Selling short the historic accords at this critical juncture would be an immensely unwise move in the long run. Abandoning the accords also wouldn’t help Palestinians in Gaza, which Hamas governs. In fact, it would do the exact opposite, confining the Palestinian people to the same trap of corrupt and oppressive governance that thrives only by ensuring that peace fails. It is encouraging that Israel’s Arab partners “remain committed to strategic choice,” as reported by the Times of Israel, although “the overall visibility of its ties with Bahrain, Morocco, and the UAE has changed since Hamas’ attacks on Oct. 7.” Robert Greenway, director of The Heritage Foundation’s Center for National Defense, who also helped negotiate the accords and serves the Abraham Accords Peace Institute as a board member, succinctly summed up the imperative of preserving and enhancing the accords in a recent commentary, pointing out: Despite all these challenges, the accords endure. They endure because the promise of peace and prosperity remains strong and can be resurrected. To fulfill that promise, renew, and even expand the Abraham Accords—including via the addition of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—it is vital to discard false assumptions and the poor policies they produce. … In the end, the world has seen two competing visions for the Middle East, and their results are self-evident. President Trump successfully confronted America’s adversaries and built an enduring peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors. The Biden-Harris administration has appeased our enemies and abandoned our allies, leaving the Middle East in flames. It’s not too late to choose peace. Indeed, as the Abraham Accords moves onward, now is the time to uphold their renewed importance. That will be the true celebration of the accords’ 4th anniversary and beyond. The post Abraham Accords: 4 Years of Unprecedented Cooperation Between Israel and Arab Nations appeared first on The Daily Signal.

The role of the media—once hailed as the “Fourth Estate” of democracy—is increasingly suspected of partisanship. Fewer and fewer believe journalism is trustworthy, as opposed to a neutral platform for competing truths. Many outlets today are seen as proxies for candidates or political parties, and even cheerlead at political fundraising extravaganzas. Networks such as MSNBC, ABC, CBS, and CNN are commonly disparaged for swooning over liberal icons like Vice President Kamala Harris, while platforms such as Fox News, Newsmax, and even X owner Elon Musk are Donald Trump echo chambers. Both sides have drunk the Kool-Aid. They have taken Friedrich Nietzsche to a new level: “There are no facts, only interpretations.” Public trust in journalism has hit its nadir. Far too many journalists perceive manufactured news as a significant issue, and the majority are concerned about how biased coverage misinforms the public. Opinion and news are routinely blurred, especially in political affairs. In the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, partisan media coverage has amplified conflict rather than neutral information. The favored candidate is the White Knight, who disfavored the serpent in the Garden of Eden. Tiny differences over issues are magnified from fleas into elephants. Journalism ends up being a centripetal force rather than a centrifugal one. Disinformation drives out truth. COVID-19 pandemic studies have shown that even factually accurate, but biased, content can be more damaging than outright fake news. Articles that focus on statistical anomalies or misleading narratives around vaccines, even when factually true, contributed to vaccine skepticism far more than flagged misinformation, according to researchers from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Facts taken out of context are falsehoods. Distrust of the Fourth Estate has also led to calls for greater accountability. Some call for upgraded fact-checking, others for licensing journalists. But those are panaceas. The permanent solution is to redraw clear lines between fact and opinion, and to call out false information for what it is. The media has a yawning credibility gap that will prove ruinous unless corrected posthaste. Its First Amendment role as a check on government corruption and lawlessness will end. We will all be worse off, except those lusting for power. To paraphrase “Pogo,” the Fourth Estate has met the enemy, and it is they. COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM We publish a variety of perspectives. Nothing written here is to be construed as representing the views of The Daily Signal. The post When Did the Fourth Estate Become a Fifth Column? appeared first on The Daily Signal.

On the latest episode of “The Tony Kinnett Cast,” we watch in a mix of amusement and bemusement as Vice President Kamala Harris wins what can only be described as a veritable “BINGO” of bad presidential campaign circumstances just 38 days before the general election: War in the Middle East as the U.S. sits impotent, a struggling economy, scandals galore, rising crime, and a chaotic southern border are only a few of the messes the Biden-Harris administration preside over. Stop right there, reader! Head over to our YouTube page and subscribe! It’s the best way to follow “The Tony Kinnett Cast,” and it gets you access to full, exclusive interviews. Most importantly, it helps the show grow and drives liberal journalists to tears. While millions look to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for its electoral votes and swing state status, Gabby Hoffman from the Independent Women’s Forum stops by the “Cast” to outline a stronger argument for the Keystone State’s importance. You might even say the argument is so powerful, it’s almost “nuclear.” With another brutal hurricane and tropical storm under our belts, we take a closer look at why the United States consistently has a better response to natural disasters than other nations. There’s far more to storm and disaster readiness than infrastructure—and every one of these factors derive from the spirit of the American people. Finally, we dig into a bit of “Mail Time” and the questions many of you have sent in this week to answer. In this tumultuous election season, we’ll try to get through as many serious (and silly) questions as possible. Catch the live radio show and livestream weeknights at 7 p.m. EDT on The Daily Signal’s YouTube, X, or Facebook—and subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode or exclusive interview. The post BINGO! Harris Presides Over Wars, Inflation, Scandals, Open Borders, and Crime. appeared first on The Daily Signal.