According to an article in Politico on Tuesday‚ the Department of Defense has ordered an additional aircraft carrier strike group‚ air defenses‚ fighter jets‚ and hundreds of troops to the Middle East since the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel. The purpose is to prevent the conflict from spiraling into a regional war. The problem […] The post Pentagon: They Don’t have Enough $$$ for Middle East Build Up appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

A for-credit course on pop singer Taylor Swift will be offered at Harvard University for the spring semester‚ per the class’s instructor. Stephanie Burt‚ a biological male who identifies as transgender‚ discussed the course “Taylor Swift and Her World” with TMZ. Burt said the class will include some details about Swift’s current romance with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce plus other details about her life‚ the outlet noted. Burt told TMZ the course is already generating a lot of interest‚ with “hundreds” of students signing up for it. “It’s a literature course‚” Burt told Boston-based news outlet WCVB Channel 5 in an interview. “And it has a lot of songs and songwriting.” The course will be focused on Swift’s “lyrics and creative composition and how they’re connected to other page-based poets and authors” the interviewer explained.  “You know‚ William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge‚ who wrote some of their poems in the lake district‚ which Taylor has visited‚ and has a song about‚” Burt said of making connections between Swift and literary figures from the past.  “I love that I’m able to do this in a way that both gives people the chance to study and write about things they love and maybe build some bridges to things they would not have otherwise encountered that they might also love‚” Burt added. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP The course will also discuss how Swift uses social media‚ her stage presence‚ and fashion as “vehicles for her art.” WCVB reported that an estimated 300 students have already signed up for the class. “I think it’s really important to include popular music or culture into normal pedagogies to get students engaged‚ and I think that’d just be really fun‚” graduate student Shayna Perates told the news station.  Another student said the Swift course sounded “really cool‚” while a third person said‚ “At the end of the day‚ I mean‚ there’s a reason people want to have a course on it: to have a discussion.” The news report mentioned that students will be required to write papers for the class but will also be encouraged to express themselves in other ways‚ including creating music videos. This is not the first time a class on Taylor Swift and her music has been offered at the college level. Ghent University in Belgium‚ the University of Texas at Austin‚ Rice University‚ Berklee College of Music‚ the University of California at Berkeley‚ Arizona State‚ New York University‚ and Stanford have all offered Swift-focused courses.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said on Wednesday that he has “reservations” about the House expelling Rep. George Santos (R-NY). Two expulsion resolutions — one from Democrats and another from Republicans — were made “privileged” on Tuesday‚ compelling the chamber to schedule a vote within 48 hours‚ after the release of a House Ethics Committee report heavily criticizing Santos. .@SpeakerJohnson on resolution to expel Rep. George Santos (R-NY) from Congress: "I trust that people will make that decision thoughtfully and in good faith. I personally have real reservations about doing this. I'm concerned about a precedent that may be set for that." pic.twitter.com/6lXBjeW6qt — CSPAN (@cspan) November 29‚ 2023 Leadership will allow people to “vote their conscience‚” Johnson said during a press conference following a Republican conference meeting. Johnson said there will not be an effort by Republicans to whip votes one way or another‚ adding‚ “I trust that people will make that decision thoughtfully and in good faith.” Still‚ Johnson continued‚ “I personally have real reservations about doing this. I’m concerned about a precedent that may be set for that. So everybody’s working through that and we’ll see how they vote tomorrow.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP Expulsion from the House requires a two-thirds majority vote to succeed. It has only happened a handful of times throughout U.S. history. Two expelled members were convicted of crimes‚ while three others were kicked out for backing the Confederacy in the early 1860s. Santos has not been convicted of any crimes‚ but he does face 23 federal charges —  including aggravated identity theft‚ wire fraud‚ and conspiracy — to which he has pleaded not guilty. Multiple prior efforts to expel Santos from the House — including a vote on a resolution brought by other New York Republicans only weeks ago — have failed. A growing number of lawmakers say they would vote to expel Santos after the House ethics report was released and laid out “substantial evidence” of multiple types of violations of House rules and criminal laws amid “a complex web of unlawful activity involving Representative Santos’ campaign‚ personal‚ and business finances.” While Santos criticized the ethics inquiry as a political “smear‚” the congressman announced after the report’s release that he would not seek re-election. In remarks on Tuesday‚ Santos declared that he would not resign and said a vote to expel him “sets a very dangerous precedent” when it comes to due process. Rep. George Santos (R-NY): "I will not be resigning." pic.twitter.com/xs7a2TPg82 — CSPAN (@cspan) November 29‚ 2023 Some Republicans have spoken out against removing Santos from the House. Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) released a letter to colleagues saying he has “serious concerns” about how the case has been handled and that he would vote against expulsion. Bumping Santos from the House would also mean Republicans‚ who have a narrow majority in the chamber‚ would need to brace for the possibility of a Democrat winning a special election to replace Santos in his Long Island district. During his comments on Wednesday‚ Johnson stressed that Republicans “believe in the rule of law” and explained how members have argued both the pros and cons of expelling Santos. “There are people who say you have to uphold the rule of law and allow for someone to be convicted in a criminal court before this tough penalty would be exacted on someone. That’s been the precedent so far‚” Johnson said. “There are others who say‚ well‚ upholding the rule of law requires us to take this step now because some of the things that he’s alleged to have done — the House Ethics Committee having done their job — are in fractions against the House itself.”

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is forcing students and faculty to take a training course titled “LGBTQ+ 101” that pushes radical claims such as that it’s an “act of violence” to use the birth name of an individual who identifies as transgender. Titled “LGBTQ+ 101: Education‚ Allyship‚ and Self-Advocacy‚” the online training module fulfills a requirement for teachers‚ staff‚ and graduate students on preventing sexual harassment. It consists of a series of videos‚ vocabulary lists‚ and reflection questions. “Staff‚ faculty‚ and postdocs all join you in viewing this educational resource‚” the training states. The training pushes a number of radical Left-wing views on sex‚ before making trainees answer a series of “knowledge checks‚” multiple choice questions that must be answered correctly in order to proceed. The private training module was obtained and viewed in full by The Daily Wire. One portion discusses and defines the concept of “deadnaming‚” using the birth and often legal name of an individual who identifies as transgender and who has taken on a new name. The training defines it as “the act of referring to a transgender or nonbinary person by a name they used prior to transitioning.” It even goes on to say “deadnaming is invalidating and may trigger a trauma response” and warns against “misgendering.” But beyond just being perceived as offensive‚ “deadnaming” is said to be violent. “Even when done accidentally‚” it “brings all of their negative life experience with that name to the surface … it is considered a violent act.” The training also insists that sex and gender are distinct. “There is a difference between sex and gender‚” it says. “Generally speaking‚ ‘male’ and ‘female’ are terms to describe sex and ‘woman’ and ‘man’ are terms to describe gender.” It goes on to claim that “gender is a spectrum.”  The Daily Wire The training also discusses “gender-affirming care‚” calling it a “range of social‚ psychological‚ behavioral‚ and medical interventions designed to support and affirm an individual’s gender identity when it conflicts with the gender they were assigned at birth.” It goes on to claim that “these interventions help transgender people align various aspects of their lives – emotional‚ interpersonal‚ and biological – with their gender identity.” “Non-binary‚” meanwhile‚ is defined as a “term for diverse gender identities” that are “outside the gender binary.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP An MIT spokesman told The Daily Wire that faculty‚ staff‚ and graduate students in their third year are required to complete a training module aimed at preventing sexual harassment‚ and that there are two other options available in addition to “LGBTQ+ 101.” The other trainings include “Responding to Disclosures at MIT‚” which explores “behaviors that constitute sexual harassment” and “how to support someone who discloses to you‚” and “Power Dynamics‚” which explores “ways in which power manifests in our relationships and your attitudes towards power‚ including your feelings about having power and the authority of others.” Staff and faculty are also instructed to make their workplaces more “affirming” by using certain terms and avoiding others. “Provide space regularly in your lab/department/office/classrooms to share their pronouns. Avoid using binary gendered language … instead use ‘they’ and ‘people’ as gender neutral terms‚” the training says. “Are you a visible‚ dependable ally?” the training asks. “What have you done recently‚ or what are you planning on doing‚ that can contribute to a feeling of LGBTQ+ belonging at MIT?” A portion titled “let’s talk about allyship” assures trainees that “there are many different forms of allyship” before explaining “queer cisgender people can be an ally to trans and non-binary individuals” and “white queer and heterosexual individuals can be an ally to queer and trans people of color.” “What are some specific steps that you can take to be an active ally /better advocate on behalf of LGBTQ+ members?” it asks.  The Daily Wire The training repeatedly implores listeners to take action to further the LGBT agenda‚ asking again “What can you do at a policy level … to help influence/change policies to be more LGBTQ+ inclusive within your lab/department/classroom?”

Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley reacted to rumors the couple will divorce while both remain behind bars after being convicted for fraud and tax evasion in 2022. The Chrisleys’ attorney‚ Jay Surgent‚ told TMZ that there’s no truth to the Daily Mail report that a source close to Julie claimed that they are going to divorce after 27 years of marriage. Surgent said that the two are connected by their faith and belief that the “right thing” is going to happen for them‚ the outlet noted. The couple’s attorney made similar comments to RadarOnline‚ saying they are not “moving toward divorce. In fact‚ I can confirm that Julie is more in love with Todd today than ever.” Todd and Julie Chrisley Not Getting Divorced While Locked Up in Prison | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/5OdgrH7JPW — TMZ (@TMZ) November 29‚ 2023 “She makes statements like she wishes she could just be there to make sure he is eating or wishes she could just check on him and make sure he is OK‚” the attorney added. “In the same regard‚ Todd is madly in love with Julie. His first questions on each call are about her and her wellbeing.” The Daily Mail originally reported that a source with knowledge of the matter said that Julie would “eventually” divorce Todd. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP “Julie’s friends are certain that she will eventually divorce Todd for convincing her to go along with his foolproof plan that landed them in prison‚” a source close to the reality TV couple told the outlet. The comments followed an earlier report in which a source told the outlet that Julie is “broken down” and “not doing well at all.” “She cannot fathom how she will spend years being locked up and feels that she let her family down‚” the source said‚ noting that Julie “regrets what she did in the name of fame.” The Chrisleys reported on January 17 to begin their individual sentences after being convicted in June last year of conspiracy to commit bank fraud‚ bank fraud‚ tax fraud‚ and conspiracy to defraud the United States. In addition‚ Julie was also convicted on a charge of wire fraud and obstruction of justice. The couple was sentenced in November 2022 to a total of 19 years behind bars after they were convicted for their multimillion-dollar bank fraud and tax evasion scheme‚ People noted. Both were also ordered to serve an additional 16 months of probation following their releases. Earlier this year‚ a judge reduced Todd’s 12-year sentence by two years and reduced Julie’s 7-year sentence by 14 months‚ as previously reported. Related: Reality Stars Todd And Julie Chrisley’s Daughter Shares Update On How Parents Are Doing In Prison

Americans need over $11‚000 more this year to keep the same standard of living they enjoyed at the beginning of 2021. Thanks to soaring inflation‚ the typical American household must spend $11‚434 more in 2023 to achieve that quality of life‚ according to an analysis of government data‚ CBS News reported. The inflation rate has slowed slightly since 2021‚ when it spiked to the highest levels in four decades‚ but many American families say they are struggling more financially now than they did before the pandemic‚ CBS News polling from September showed. Less than half of Americans‚ 47%‚ say they cannot live comfortably and have little money left over after meeting their expenses‚ down from 56% who said so in 2019‚ according to the polling. Meanwhile‚ more than half‚ 53% of Americans‚ say they either have just enough or cannot meet their expenses‚ up from 44% in 2019. Food‚ transportation‚ housing‚ and energy are the top categories requiring more spending and make up nearly 80 cents of every $1 in extra spending‚ according to an analysis from Republicans on the Senate Joint Economic Committee. Meanwhile‚ the income needed to cover basics like these was short by an average of nearly $14‚000 last year‚ according to an analysis by the Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity. About 6 in 10 Americans were failing to meet their basic needs in 2022‚ the analysis noted. Wages have grown‚ but they have not kept up with inflation. The average hourly wage has increased 13.6% since January 2021‚ but inflation has outpaced that growth with a 17% spike‚ government data shows. Some states are struggling with inflation more than others. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP Colorado families face the highest expenses hike this year to maintain their 2021 standard of living‚ needing an extra $15‚000 per year‚ according to the Republican congressional analysis. Colorado saw a particularly high housing increase of $267 per month since the beginning of 2021. Arkansas‚ meanwhile‚ had the lowest expenses increase with an $8‚500 hike. Prices for holiday celebrations have spiked in the last several years as well. A Thanksgiving meal for ten people cost an average of 14.7% more this year than the $53.31 the meal cost in 2021‚ and a whopping 25% higher than the $48.91 in 2019. This year‚ Halloween candy prices saw double-digit inflation for the second year in a row‚ spiking 13% since October last year. Also‚ last month‚ a report from the Alliance for Consumers estimated that the Biden administration’s rules and regulations may have forced a $9‚000 price tag on American homeowners due to price hikes related to cars‚ washing machines‚ gas stoves‚ and dishwashers. About 75% of people described the economy as poor‚ according to a poll last month from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Out of nine immigrants convicted in the case of a gang rape of a 15-year-old girl in Hamburg’s city park in September 2020‚ only one was sentenced to prison time by a German regional court‚ according to reports. The court found all nine men — who reportedly hailed from Afghanistan‚ Armenia‚ Egypt‚ Iran‚ Kuwait‚ Libya‚ and Poland — guilty‚ but only one got prison time; two years and nine months in prison without parole‚ while the others were suspended on probation or preliminary probation. The court said the convicted men‚ now between the ages of 19 and 23‚ dragged the girl into a bush at the park‚ where four of them raped her‚ two more sexually abused her‚ and then three more also sexually abused her. “Traces of semen from all of them were found on the victim‚” Voice of Europe reported‚ adding‚ “Witnesses reported two videos documenting the crimes‚ which were deleted immediately after the crime. Neither the police nor the court could therefore use the recordings as evidence.” BILD reported that the defendants showed no remorse during the trial‚ and their attorneys contended they were affected by testosterone. “This was a mammoth circumstantial trial in which it was not clear for a long time what had happened on the night of September 19th to 20th‚ 2020‚” said presiding judge Anne Meier-Göring. Horrifying events occurred in Germany during 2015 New Year’s Eve Celebrations‚ in which over a thousand women were sexually assaulted by migrants. Initially‚ there was silence from German authorities about the events that transpired in 2015 before reports started to surface that a few hundred women were assaulted. However‚ several months later‚ documents were leaked that showed authorities believed approximately 2‚000 men‚ many of whom were newly-arrived migrants from the Middle East and North Africa‚ sexually assaulted more than 1‚200 women during the celebrations in several German cities‚ The Washington Post reported. The BBC reported that hundreds of women were “attacked by gangs of men with migrant backgrounds‚” which came after well over one million refugees descended upon Germany in 2015 from the Middle East and North Africa. Ryan Saavedra contributed to this article.

In a now-viral clip‚ Connecticut State Trooper‚ Kyle Kaelberer‚ did what it takes to “be the one.” The video opens on a typical traffic stop or parked vehicle check. As Trooper Kaelberer approaches the vehicle from the passenger side‚ he is all business. He asks the driver‚ “What is going on‚ boss?” The driver‚ in tears and visibly distressed‚ explains‚ “I’m on the phone with the… the VA hotline for suicide.” Veteran Suicides And “22 A Day” We frequently hear information about the suicide rate among our US veterans. The phrase “22 a day” is an oft-repeated mantra‚ but what does it mean? It refers to the national average of 22 veteran suicides per day. That number is astronomical. Working toward suicide awareness and prevention are essential steps we must take to decrease that number. Image from TikTok. State Trooper Kyle Kaelberer’s Perfect Reaction To The Suicidal Veteran The officer’s demeanor shifts immediately. He reassures the vet‚ saying‚ “Alright‚ hey‚ I got you‚ man‚ alright.” To diffuse the situation‚ Kyle tells the man his name and asks general questions. This tactic is helpful to calm a person down. It helps them feel like they are being heard. The State Trooper tells the suicidal veteran he is going to call an ambulance for him. The vet says he can’t afford that but is reassured by Kyle that the state of Connecticut picks up the tab. Continuing to reassure the vet‚ Kyle gets him out of the vehicle. After a quick check for weapons‚ which is standard safety protocol‚ the officer reassured the vet in an understanding manner. They discussed the veteran’s service branch (Army) and deployments (one). During the exchange‚ Kyle presented a non-threatening stature and showed genuine care and concern. Image from TikTok. The video ends with the veteran asking for a hug‚ to which Kyle obliges. Officer Kyle did everything correctly in this situation. He handled the vet with care and concern and worked to let him know that he was not alone. Suicide awareness and prevention is something that every person can practice. If you notice someone who seems in distress‚ talk to them. Sometimes‚ all it takes is a kind word or two to help someone out of a rut and be the one who change their lives. Watch the entire exchange below. @tammiolibackup Connecticut State Trooper Kyle Kaelberer demonstrated how to “Be the One” late at night last Sept #kylekaelberer #22adayistoomany #22aday #thankyouforyourservice ♬ Say Something – A Great Big World You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post “Can I Have A Hug?”: State Trooper Stops Suicidal Veteran In Emotional Footage. appeared first on InspireMore.

Tears and standing ovations filled the “America’s Got Talent” stage as a South African choir‚ born from a harrowing past‚ delivered a soul-stirring tribute to Nightbirde. The AGT choir’s tribute to Nightbirde was so moving that it brought Simon Cowell to tears. Twenty years ago‚ founders Yani and Marina’s lives changed forever due to a carjacking. This incident‚ however‚ sparked a transformative journey. They envisioned a choir not just to sing but to inspire and reshape young lives. YouTube The choir’s performance was a harmonious blend of emotion and artistry‚ their voices melding into a symphony of hope and resilience. Each movement was a testament to their journey from tragedy to triumph. Their performance was an homage to Nightbirde‚ whose real name was Jane Kristen Marczewski. Nightbirde received a golden buzzer for her original song on the 2021 season of “America’s Got Talent” while actively battling cancer. Unfortunately‚ her worsening condition required her to withdraw from the competition. Nightbirde passed away in 2022 at the age of 31. The moving performance impacted everyone watching. Simon Cowell‚ known for his stoic demeanor‚ couldn’t hold back tears. All AGT judges rose in a unanimous standing ovation‚ moved by the choir’s poignant tribute to Nightbirde’s inspiring legacy. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Choir’s Tribute To The Late Nightbirde Brings Simon Cowell To Tears. appeared first on InspireMore.

The holidays can be a stressful time for everyone. Let’s admit it: sometimes silly and weird things happen at Thanksgiving. These family members have taken to X (formerly known as Twitter) to tweet about their odd Thanksgiving celebrations. These funny Thanksgiving tweets might even have you thinking about staying in for Christmas! Families coming together can bring up all sorts of hilarity. Let’s look at these funny Thanksgiving tweets this year! 1. This dilemma haunts us all. hm. i’ve been alive 26 years and I still do not know what you’re supposed to eat for lunch on thanksgiving in order to maximize your dinner enjoyment— ellie schnitt (@holy_schnitt) November 24‚ 2022 2. It’s called planning ahead. Call your dad now and ask him what the wifi password is so he has time to find the little paper it's written on before Thanksgiving.— Simon Holland (@simoncholland) November 11‚ 2022 3. We all have limitations. they said i gotta cook for thanksgiving ‚ but ion think this turkey gon fit in my air fryer so….— ? (@aliyahInterlude) November 11‚ 2022 4. This funny Thanksgiving tweet gets points for creativity. home depot should sell a 12ft turkey skeleton for thanksgiving— kim (@KimmyMonte) November 7‚ 2023 5. Parenting on Thanksgiving is not for the weak. The most rewarding part of cooking for days to have a wonderful thanksgiving for my family is when the kids start gagging and ask for pop tarts— Maryfairyboberry (@maryfairybobrry) November 1‚ 2021 6. This is not good. if you ever hate yourself just remember that last year i hosted thanksgiving for my family and i told them to park in the wrong spot and every single persons car got towed— Danya (@dxxnya) November 13‚ 2019 7. Thanksgiving math! When planning your Thanksgiving meal portions‚ don't forget to account for all of the stuff your kids will throw on the floor.— Lauren Mullen (@DraggingFeeties) November 18‚ 2017 8. Oops‚ sorry Grandma! Thanksgiving is a sweet day where my kids scream for hrs while I cook &; then my 4 yo announces at the table that Grandma Edna smells funny.— Ash (an female) (@adult_mom) November 16‚ 2016 Let’s face it‚ families can make us a bit crazy sometimes. But it’s all in good fun‚ and honestly makes for great dinner entertainment. We hope these funny Thanksgiving tweets brought a smile to your face. Family is the best kind of entertainment‚ after all! Dinner and a show‚ anyone? Whether you had a crazy Thanksgiving with kids running amock‚ or a quiet Thanksgiving with a select few family members (focused on mashed potatoes if you’re like me) InspireMore wishes you a happy holiday season! The featured image for this post is from X. The post 8 Funny Tweets From Thanksgiving That Make Us Consider A Quiet Christmas! appeared first on InspireMore.