Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) confirmed on Tuesday that she is the subject of a Justice Department investigation related to her spending on security services.For years‚ Bush has been accused of unethically spending large sums of campaign dollars to pay for security services. But that scrutiny took a new turn last year when Bush married Cortney Merritts‚ whom her campaign has now paid more than $100‚000 for security services and "wage expenses‚" the Washington Post noted.In a statement confirming that she is the subject of a federal criminal investigation‚ Bush denied misusing taxpayer money."I have not used any federal tax dollars for personal security services. Any reporting that I have used federal funds for personal security is simply false‚" she said.The "Squad" member‚ though‚ appeared to confirm a detail about the investigation: that it centers on the money she has paid to her now-husband. Bush said:In particular‚ the nature of these allegations have been around my husband's role on the campaign. In accordance with all applicable rules‚ I retained my husband as part of my security team to provide security services because he has had extensive experience in this area‚ and is able to provide the necessary services at or below a fair market rate.However‚ what Bush failed to include in her statement is a central critique of her husband's security work: that he lacks a private security license.The New York Times‚ citing sources familiar with the investigation‚ confirmed that federal investigators are focusing on "Ms. Bush's security expenditures and the involvement of Mr. Merritts."Predictably‚ Bush blamed the DOJ investigation on "right-wing organizations" and "baseless complaints" that she claimed are "simply not true‚" positioning herself as an honest lawmaker who is being unfairly targeted."I am under no illusion that these right-wing organizations will stop politicizing and pursuing efforts to attack me and the work that the people of St. Louis sent me to Congress to do: to lead boldly‚ to legislate change my constituents can feel‚ and to save lives‚" Bush said. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

A 45-year-old male with 42 previous arrests and charges on his record was cuffed yet again Friday in Springfield‚ Illinois‚ for criminal trespass‚ the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office said.That evening‚ James J. Kirst was released from jail on a notice to appear‚ authorities said.But he apparently was in no mood to celebrate — or just missed being behind bars.Exactly 15 minutes after Kirst was released‚ authorities said he called them saying he threw a metal pole through the front entrance of the Sangamon County Building in Springfield. Image source: Sangamon County (Ill.) Sheriff’s OfficeSo‚ police arrested Kirst yet again‚ authorities said.What are the details?Authorities said Kirst received his notice to appear at 7:34 p.m. — and then at 7:49 p.m.‚ Kirst made the phone call about throwing the metal pole. Authorities said they found Kirst in the lobby of the Wyndham Hotel and arrested him without incident. Google Maps indicates the hotel is about a six-minute walk from the county building.Kirst is charged with criminal damage to government supported property over $500‚ which is a class 3 felony‚ authorities said. Kirst was still in custody at the time of the sheriff's office announcement Monday‚ officials noted.Authorities added that Kirst has "42 previous arrests/charges" on his record and that he refused to attend his first court appearance. The estimated cost of damages is $3‚500‚ authorities added.How are folks reacting?Commenters reacting underneath a WCIA-TV story about the incident published on Yahoo! News were taken aback by it all:"42 previous arrests‚ and he was released again?" one commenter asked rhetorically. "What judge with cement in their cranium keeps releasing him?""When it becomes better to be in jail than be free being a productive citizen working‚ it’s past time to make jail a place no one wants to go‚" another commenter wrote. "Three hots and a cot and watching TV‚ etc.‚ needs to be exchanged for their work in prison doing something constructive that is useful to the general public. No more free rides in jail! Hard labor needs to come back‚ and I bet we would see the jail population decrease.""What infuriates me is that people who do what this man has been doing ... clearly need psychiatric help‚" another commenter stated. "He really can't help what he's doing. 42 arrests. There is no proper program or facility for him that will actually help him‚ so they keep locking him up in jail‚ releasing‚ and repeat. What we‚ as a nation‚ are doing to people who need serious help is shameful."Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Representative Ilhan Omar has come under fire after giving a speech during which she pledged her allegiance to “Somalians first‚ Muslims second.” “Many Somalians have personally called me to encourage me to speak to the U.S. government and help Somalia‚” Omar told the audience. “My answer to Somalians was that the U.S. government will only do what Somalians in the U.S. tell them to do!” “They will do what we want and nothing else. They must follow our orders‚ and that is how we will safeguard the interest of Somalia‚” she continued. “The U.S. is a country where one of your daughters (myself) is in Congress to represent your interest.” Pat Gray and Keith Malinak are not surprised but not pleased either. “Has she been deported yet?” Malinak asks. Gray answers with another question‚ “Has she been removed from office?” “I don’t care if you deport her or not‚ get her out of office. That is outrageous‚” Gray adds. Gray believes it’s the most “egregious” thing he’s ever heard from a U.S. representative. “In their language‚ talking about their country‚ with their interests of that nation over America’s interests‚” Gray scoffs. Want more from Pat Gray?To enjoy more of Pat's biting analysis and signature wit as he restores common sense to a senseless world‚ subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America‚ defend the Constitution‚ and live the American dream.

Happy new year! We still get to say that for one more day. With a new year comes new changes. My new BlazeTV show‚ “Sara Gonzales Unfiltered‚” started Monday night. What better time to launch a new series‚ especially when the country is engaged in a full-on constitutional crisis at our southern border with the possibility of an armed conflict? It’s a time when Iran is daring us to engage in a full-blown war. Are you angry yet? The situation could not be clearer: The chaos and discord that you see and feel in this country are happening by design. It’s a time when the weaponized federal bureaucracy is throwing people in prison for decades over an “insurrection” that never was at the same time they call you a fascist for believing in law and order. It’s a time when the radical left is pushing children to be sterilized and mutilated and screaming “transphobic bigot!” if you don’t agree. It’s a time when all the experts you thought could be trusted turned out to be bought-and-paid-for extremist pawns of Big Pharma and the medical-industrial complex. That should hardly come as a shock knowing Obamacare has been a nearly $5 trillion-a-year “health care” money pit that has done little to improve Americans’ health‚ as everyone you know is seemingly sicker‚ dying of diabetes‚ Alzheimer’s‚ heart disease‚ cancer‚ and “sudden cardiac events.” But don’t worry. Just keep “trusting the experts.” It’s a time when entire industries that used to hire exclusively on merit and expertise for your satisfaction and safety now just have DEI requirements to fulfill — or is that DIE? Let’s hope you don’t end up finding out on your next flight. It’s a time when kids now go to school to be taught the alphabet letters L‚ G‚ B‚ T‚ and Q‚ rather than learning reading‚ writing‚ and arithmetic. They may not graduate knowing how to write at a high school level‚ but they will be able to recite 99 genders upon command. It’s a time when words mean nothing‚ because words are just manipulated and weaponized to mean what the radical left wants them to mean. If you believe in less government and more freedom‚ you’re somehow “literally Hitler.” If you believe people should be judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin‚ you’re the racist. Up is down‚ down is up‚ evil is called good and good evil.Not only does the Bible give a warning about times such as these‚ but it’s also straight out of George Orwell’s dystopian novel “1984.” He called it Newspeak‚ a language favored by the minions of Big Brother and‚ in Orwell’s words‚ “designed to diminish the range of thought.” Newspeak was characterized by the elimination or alteration of certain words‚ the substitution of one word for another‚ the interchangeability of parts of speech‚ and the creation of words for political purposes. Sound familiar? “Insurrectionists‚” “domestic terrorists‚” “MAGA extremists.” We can’t even define the word “woman” any more. And just last year alone‚ Merriam-Webster added nearly 700 words and changed heaven knows how many other definitions to suit their agenda. Are you angry yet? The situation could not be clearer: The chaos and discord that you see and feel in this country are happening by design. The more the powers that be can squash your safety and security‚ the more they can control you. And control you they will. They want to tell you what you can buy‚ where you can travel‚ what you’re going to eat — maybe bugs‚ you know‚ for the good of the environment. You’ll own nothing and be happy. And while you’re at it‚ muzzle your kids‚ jab them with poison‚ and come back for the next booster‚ all because they care about the children! Well‚ not the children in the womb. Those they want you to kill and call it “empowerment.” America is at a precipice. Either we just roll over and surrender to the new world order‚ or we fight back. Now‚ I made a promise to myself a long time ago that I would fight like hell for the survival of the republic so I could tell my kids I did everything I could to save this country for them. And I intend to do so. I hope you’ll join me. Watch “Sara Gonzales Unfiltered” Monday-Friday at 7 p.m. ET or on demand at BlazeTV.com.

United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Cameron said the U.K. is considering recognizing a Palestinian state at the United Nations. The former prime minister said such a move could bring "irreversible progress to a two-state solution."

Treat your favorite sweetheart to the best Valentine’s Day desserts! From chocolate pie to Valentine’s Day cinnamon rolls‚ there is something in here for everyone! THE BEST VALENTINE’S DAY DESSERTS You can’t have Valentine’s Day without some dessert‚ right? So with that in mind‚ I have gathered up a bunch of desserts that are perfect to give to the ones that have your heart. I’ve included cookies‚ pies‚ cakes‚ all things red velvet‚ sweet treats‚ and of course‚ the chocolate! We’ve got fun treats for young and old alike. I hope you can find a dessert or two to make for the ones you adore! STEP BY STEP PHOTOS AND VIDEOS Click on any image below to take you to the recipe. Each recipe also includes a clear recipe card at the bottom of each post. You can print it out or you can cook directly from the card. Just click the little button on the recipe card that says “Cook Mode” and your tablet or phone will not go dark as you cook along. Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls If you are looking for a fun‚ two-ingredient recipe to serve to your loved ones this Valentine's Day‚ you can't go wrong with these Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls! Read more Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake This Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake is a creamy chocolate cheesecake with a chocolate crust and cherry topping and tastes just like a chocolate covered cherry! Read more Wedding Cake Cupcakes Fluffy and tender homemade white cupcakes with a hint of almond flavoring topped with a homemade frosting. Read more Raspberry Chocolate Tart With readily available ingredients‚ this Easy Raspberry Chocolate Tart is full of crushed Oreos‚ raspberry preserves and covered in a smooth chocolate ganache. Read more Chocolate Cream Pie With a crunchy Oreo crust and a smooth chocolate filling‚ this Chocolate Cream Pie recipe is a classic dessert that is always a crowd-pleaser! Read more Strawberry Brownies (+Video) Delight your taste buds with these decadent (but ridiculously easy) Strawberry Brownies! Moist and chewy with the perfect strawberry flavor! Read more Easy Chocolate Mousse With just a few ingredients‚ you can have this Easy Chocolate Mousse made in no time! A chocolate dessert that tastes decadent and light at the same time! Read more Black Forest Poke Cake This easy Black Forest Poke Cake is the perfect combo of flavors. A chocolate cake oozing with cherry filling and a fluffy whipped topping! Read more Easy Whoopie Pies (+Video) These super simple chocolate whoopie pies start with a boxed cake mix and are filled with a delicious homemade marshmallow fluff filling! Read more Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake (+Video) Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake is a super simple version of the cake at Cheesecake Factory. This one uses a boxed cake mix and an easy cheesecake filling! Read more Red Velvet Bars (+Video) The Best Red Velvet Bars start with a dressed up boxed cake mix with a creamy homemade buttercream frosting! Read more Maraschino Cherry Cake (+Video) Maraschino Cherry Cake recipe uses a boxed cake mix‚ maraschino cherries and the most amazing‚ creamy frosting to top it all off with. So good! Read more Copycat Hostess Cupcakes Make your own homemade Hostess Cupcakes with the best homemade filling in no time with this simple recipe. Read more Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookies Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies start with a boxed cake mix! Cake mix cookies are so good and so easy to make! Pretty and so yummy! Read more Easy Homemade Chocolate Cake (+Video) This super simple Homemade Chocolate Cake with creamy vanilla frosting is so moist and delicious‚ you won't believe it was made using just one bowl! Read more White Chocolate Raspberry Cake This White Chocolate Raspberry Cake is a deliciously moist homemade cake made with fresh raspberries and white chocolate chips! Read more Italian Love Cake (+Video) This Italian Love Cake is like no other cake. It is so unique with incredible layers of flavor. This cake is guaranteed to be a hit! Read more Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie is a no-bake dessert with a graham cracker crust‚ a luscious‚ thick cream cheese layer and a homemade strawberry topping! Read more Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies This No-Bake Valentine's Day Muddy Buddy Chex Mix is made with white chocolate‚ peanut butter‚ butter‚ M&;M's‚ chocolate chips and sprinkles. Read more Valentine’s Day Oreo Cookie Bark This Valentine's Day Oreo Cookie Bark recipe is an easy no-bake treat stuffed with Oreos‚ white chocolate and topped with sprinkles! Read more Red Velvet Cake Balls These rich Red Velvet Cake Balls are not only easy to make but they will become an instant favorite! It combines the flavors of red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting all in one! Read more Strawberry Shortcake in a Jar A fun twist on a classic‚ this Strawberry Shortcake in a Jar is an easy‚ layered‚ single serving dessert that is perfect for gatherings and parties! Read more Cherry Chocolate Chip Cupcakes When it comes to desserts‚ these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cupcakes are where it's at! Filled with chocolate chips and cherries and topped with a cherry buttercream frosting. Read more Strawberry Jell-O Parfaits Strawberry Jell-O Parfaits are a light and effortless dessert recipe! You only need 4 ingredients to make these nostalgic‚ fruity treats! Read more Southern Strawberry Shortcakes (+Video) This recipe for Southern Strawberry Shortcakes is a classic homemade sweet shortcake topped with sweetened strawberries and whipped cream. Read more Homemade Chocolate Cupcakes Classic and tasty‚ these homemade Easy Chocolate Cupcakes use simple ingredients to create light and fluffy cupcakes with a silky chocolate buttercream frosting! Read more Strawberry Icebox Cake A fruity‚ no-bake‚ layered dessert‚ this Strawberry Icebox Cake is the perfect summertime treat to cool you down and satisfy your sweet tooth! Read more Red Velvet Poke Cake (+Video) Red Velvet Poke Cake is made with red velvet cake mix with a creamy cheesecake filling and topped with whipped topping and crushed Oreos.  Read more Strawberry Poke Cake If you like Poke Cakes‚ this Strawberry Poke Cake will be right up your alley. Made with only a few ingredients‚ this cake has tons of flavor! Read more 2-Ingredient Baked Red Velvet Donuts A fun and flavorful breakfast recipe these Baked Red Velvet Donuts are a hit! Super simple‚ fast and absolutely delicious! Read more Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies These chewy‚ creamy and delicious Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies are a fun treat for Valentine's Day or just because you love red velvet! Read more Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies These homemade Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are soft‚ covered in powdered sugar and full of chocolate chips! Perfect for the red velvet and chocolate chip cookie lovers! Read more Strawberries and Cream Bars (+Video) Strawberries and Cream Dessert Bars have a sugar cookie base‚ topped with a sweet creamy layer‚ ending with a sweet fresh strawberry topping. Read more Red Velvet Cheesecake Bundt Cake A rich and decadent Red Velvet Bundt Cake with a cheesecake filling. Read more Better Than Sex Cake An indulgently delicious dessert this Better Than Sex Cake is a tasty poke cake that you will not be able to resist! Read more Oreo Better Than Sex Cake Every bite of this Oreo Better Than Sex Cake is heavenly. This soft chocolate cake has a creamy‚ chocolate frosting with a crunchy Oreo topping! Read more Cherry Garcia Martini With a play on a delicious ice cream flavor‚ this Cherry Garcia Martini combines chocolate‚ Irish cream and cherry liquor to bring out a tasty‚ easy and delicious drink. Read more Strawberry Margaritas A deliciously easy summertime drink‚ these Strawberry Margaritas are a breeze to whip up. Minimal ingredients‚ super flavorful and perfect for any occasion! Read more

Many believers hold tightly to specific out-of-context Bible verses to help them through life. What about well-known pastors? Have you ever wondered what passages of God's Word some of the most famous pastors hold dear?

A sword dredged from a Polish river could be of Viking origin.

Sonar images could reveal the location of Earhart's fatal crash‚ but some experts say the object can't be her aircraft.

New James Webb telescope images reveal 19 Milky Way-like spiral galaxies in more intricate detail than has ever been seen before.