A former FBI counterintelligence official who played a role in the Trump-Russia collusion probe was sentenced to four years in prison on Thursday for accepting payments from a billionaire Russian oligarch who is under U.S. sanctions.  Charles McGonigal was sentenced after pleading guilty to felonies in two different cases‚ one of which involved his work for Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska‚ The Wall Street Journal reported. McGonigal‚ who worked on some of America’s most important national security cases over a two-decade period with the bureau‚ was arrested in January and charged with accepting payments from Deripaska in exchange for digging up dirt on one of the sanctioned oligarch’s Russian rivals.  Just before he retired from the FBI‚ McGonigal was involved in the investigation into former President Donald Trump’s alleged ties to Russia‚ allegations a special counsel report suggested were never “technically plausible.” The former FBI official played a role in the bureau’s probe of former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page when in 2017‚ McGonigal texted a colleague‚ saying‚ “Our Team is currently talking to [Carter Page] re Russia‚” The Washington Free Beacon reported.  The report added that McGonigal was among the first FBI officials briefed on allegations that George Papadopoulos discussed Hillary Clinton’s emails with a foreign diplomat‚ a conversation that led the FBI to open its investigation of the Trump campaign. The investigation plagued the former president throughout his first term but ultimately found no evidence of collusion. After his guilty plea in August‚ federal prosecutors sought a five-year sentence for the disgraced former FBI agent‚ arguing that he exploited his important post to develop relationships that would benefit him when he left the bureau and got into security consulting. McGonigal’s lawyers admitted that his misconduct potentially put U.S. national security at risk‚ but they defended him by pointing to his 22-year career in the FBI in which he “made profoundly important contributions to our government.” From 2016 to 2018‚ McGonigal oversaw the FBI’s counterintelligence division in New York and supervised investigations into Russian oligarchs‚ which included Deripaska‚ according to POLITICO. The U.S. placed Deripaska under sanctions in 2018 in response to Russia’s invasion and occupation of Crimea‚ and during McGonigal’s trial‚ prosecutors said the former FBI official attempted to help Deripaska get off the U.S.-imposed sanctions list. The U.S. District Court for Washington‚ D.C.‚ also found there was evidence that the Russian billionaire businessman acted as an agent of Russian President Vladimir Putin.  A few months before McGonigal retired from the FBI he met one of Deripaska’s agents‚ which is when he began to develop a relationship with Deripaska even though he knew the oligarch was associated with a Russian intelligence agency‚ according to prosecutors‚ the WSJ reported. Prosecutors said that after his retirement‚ McGonigal met with Deripaska in London and Vienna as he began helping the oligarch seek ways to get off U.S. sanctions. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP McGonigal is charged in a separate case with hiding $225‚000 a former Albanian intelligence official allegedly paid him while he was still working for the FBI. McGonigal is scheduled to be sentenced in that case on February 16‚ just ten days before he is set to report to prison for his sentence in the Russian oligarch case. 

In a surprise drop by popular podcaster Tim Pool’s Timcast Music‚ Pool and producer Carter Banks debuted a chart-topping cover of Smokey Mike &; The god-king’s hit song “Together Again.”  Shortly after its midnight release‚ “Together Again” by Pool and Banks debuted at the top spot on the iTunes chart above hit songs like Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” and “No More Dream” by BTS. Smokey Mike &; the god-king performed “Together Again” live at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville last year during a Daily Wire “Backstage Live” event. “In a sea of modern music that is increasingly lacking in quality‚ an iconic song that captured previous generations is being given new life for today’s generation‚” Timcast Music said in a press release. “‘Together Again’ by the legendary duo Smokey Mike &; The god-king–which saw an unprecedented 87-week run at the top of the Spicy 100 charts in 1967 and 1968–has long remained untouched by modern artists‚ which many say is a testament to its timeless brilliance and the revered‚ indelible mark it left on the music industry.”  “Legendary Artists like Smokey Mike &; The god-king have been largely overlooked by today’s mainstream music industry‚” Timcast Music continued. “But Banks and Pool’s cover embraces the foundation laid by the duo‚ whose commitment to tradition‚ quality‚ and artistry was unshaken by the liberal counterculture movements of the decade — a quality often credited with their historic run at the top of the charts.”  “All of these greats like The Beatles‚ Zeppelin‚ and Smokey Mike &; the god-king–there are a lot of opportunities for modern versions that have not been done properly‚” said Pool‚ who also hosts the popular streaming show‚ Timcast IRL. “Now‚ a lot of people have covered Zeppelin‚ of course‚ but no one’s done a good modern version of ‘Together Again.’ We realized if we get this right‚ it could be huge.” Banks and Pool’s cover of “Together Again” is available now on thebestsongever.com‚ iTunes‚ Spotify‚ YouTube‚ and all major music platforms. 

The holiday shopping season is here! If you’re feeling the crunch of time and facing a long list with dread‚ QVC has solutions. They have a fantastic array of products in every price range‚ but we found 10 of the best Christmas gifts under $50 to show you. Our friends at QVC tell us these are some of their most popular items. And to help get you started‚ they offer a new customer discount. New to QVC®? Use promo code SURPRISE to get $10 off your first order of $25 or more. Restrictions apply. Let’s go shopping! 1. Primula Set of 4 Insulated 16-oz Tall Mugs with Gift Bags Nobody likes lukewarm beverages. This Primula set of insulated mugs is the solution when you want hot drinks to stay hot and cold drinks to stay cold. These tall mugs have great features‚ including double-walled and durable stainless steel construction and a leak-proof lid. Hot drinks stay hot for up to four hours. Cold drinks stay cold for up to 20 hours. The tapered bottom and easy-grip open handle make them perfect travel mugs for the car. You get four Christmas gifts for under $50 with these awesome insulated mugs from Primula. Get yours today for only $41.98 (regular $49). Don’t forget your promo code! Image from QVC. 2. Mally Stressless 3-Piece Holiday Collection This three-piece set includes everything you need after a stressful day. Use the Stressless Makeup Remover Stick to remove makeup and gently cleanse your face. The light lavender fragrance will help you relax. The Stressless Lip Mask will help return your smile to the upright position. The headband will help you get the “feel” of a genuine spa experience in the comfort of your own home! Treat someone to a beautiful spa day from QVC for only $41.98 (regular $48). Image from QVC. 3. Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Serum 5-Pc Ornament Holiday Gift Develop a nightly routine that will refresh you and your skin. The fragrance-free Retinol Fusion PM uses microencapsulated retinol‚ allowing a slower time-release overnight. Retinol Fusion PM improves the appearance of fine lines‚ wrinkles‚ and overall skin texture. The formula includes vitamins C and E‚ moisturizers‚ and works for people with dry or normal skin. The boxes can also be hung on the tree as ornaments! Get this today on sale at QVC for $44.98 (regular $72). Image from QVC. 4. Clinique Great Skin For Him: Men’s Skincare Holiday Set Men are always tricky to shop for. If you have a guy on your list‚ this three-piece skincare gift is a perfect Christmas gift for less than $50. The Charcoal Face Wash contains natural charcoal to detox‚ deep clean pores‚ and leave him feeling refreshed. The Face Scrub takes care of the face to make shaving easier by exfoliating and smoothing the skin. To maintain proper hydration‚ the Maximum Hydrator 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator gel cream keeps skin supple and fresh. Get this 3-piece set on QVC for $36.75 (regular $49). Be sure to use code SURPRISE for $10 off if you’re a new customer! Image from QVC. 5. Cuddl Duds Bliss Knit Henley PJ Set This cuddly pajama set is available in four patterns and will keep her warm and cozy all winter. The free-stretch knit fabric moves with her during sleep or on a “jammy day.” Available in Missy (24-3/4″ to 26-1/2″) and Plus Length (27″ to 28″) for perfect fit. The pants have pockets (if you’re buying clothing for women‚ pockets are a huge matter). This set is machine washable and can be tumbled-dried for easy care. Get this quick on sale at QVC for $45.98 (regular $51). Image from QVC. 6. Birdie Set of 2 Personal Safety Alarms This 2-piece alarm set is small and compact and provides a sense of security. The loud alarm siren screams at 115dB‚ and the flashing strobe light makes an excellent additional tool. Each compact alarm has a keychain and a brass ring‚ making it easy to attach to a purse or backpack‚ dog leash‚ or belt loop. Choose from six color combinations. If you have anyone on your list that needs the feeling of security‚ these alarms are a great selection for under $50. Available at QVC for the sale price of $29.98 (regular $38.99). Image from QVC. 7. BlendJet 2.0 Portable Rechargeable Blender with Drinking Lid On-the-go convenience with the rechargeable BlendJet 2.0. Load it with your favorite smoothie ingredients‚ press the button‚ and go! The unit is available in various colors to appeal to anyone on your gift list. Although this is a handwash item‚ it disassembles to make cleaning a breeze. Buy the BlendJet 2.0 from QVC for $39.98 (regular $44). Image from QVC. 8. Binks and Books Nighttime Bedtime Book and Cozy Blanket You didn’t think we forgot the kids‚ did you? If you have young children on your gift list‚ they will love a Binks and Books set. There are four popular titles available: “Hush Little Baby‚” “Twinkle‚ Twinkle Little Star‚” “Itsy-Bitsy Spider‚” and “Do Your Ears Hang Low?” Each book comes with a super-snuggly blanket perfect for cuddling and storytime. Get all four sets on sale at QVC for $19.98 (regular $23.08). Image from QVC. 9. philosophy supersize 32oz special edition holiday shower gel Seasonal fragrances are here! The philosophy 32-oz special edition holiday shower gel is a perfect gift for anyone on your list. Available in three scents‚ these 3-in-1 shower gels are sure to please. Other scents may be available in the seasonal line‚ depending on current stock levels. This amazing shampoo‚ bath‚ and shower gel will leave you clean and fresh and your skin silky and hydrated. Buy it from QVC today for $33.00. Image from QVC. 10. The Comfy Dream Quarter Zip Wearable Blanket Soft‚ luscious microfiber will wrap you in luxurious warmth at home or while you travel. The lightweight is perfect for any situation. The zipping closure makes it easy to climb into and control how snuggly warm you want to be. It is easy to care for in the washer and dryer and comes in six colors. You could have one for almost every day of the week! Order one for everybody from QVC for $29.98 – $32.98 (regular $48). Image from QVC. No matter who you have to get gifts for‚ our friends at QVC can help. QVC stands for Quality‚ Value‚ and Convenience. They have quality products at reasonable prices for all your shopping needs. We hope you have enjoyed our selections of the best Christmas gifts under $50. Don’t forget to use code SURPRISE to get $10 off your first order of $25 or more if you are a new QVC customer. *We couldn’t do all the good that we’re doing without incredible partners like QVC. We hope you’ll join us in supporting them! Pricing on all items taken at the time of publication. The post 10 Of The Best Christmas Gifts Under $50 From Our Friends At QVC. appeared first on InspireMore.

Receiving a salute for the first time after becoming a commissioned officer in the army is a pretty special moment‚ which is why this grandson was willing to go out of his way to get the honor from his grandfather! Unfortunately‚ the proud grandpa was unable to be present at the actual ceremony. So‚ the newly commissioned lieutenant decided to drive five hours to the elderly man’s home! His grandfather couldn’t have been more delighted to give the devoted soldier his very first salute. “May I be the one to be the lucky one to give you the first salute of your career?” asked the beaming grandpa when the young man appeared on his doorstep. Thankfully‚ the beautiful moment was captured on camera. Once the lieutenant’s grandfather had solemnly given his salute‚ his grandson gave him one right back! Then‚ the two men shared a handshake and an emotional hug. Commenters on YouTube couldn’t get over the sweet interaction! Screengrab from Majically News/YouTube “After the formalities are over‚ nothing beats a big hug from grandpa‚” one user wrote. “First came the salute for honor‚ then came the handshake for respect‚ then came the hug for love. Awesome!” said another. Watch the video below to see this loving grandfather salute his lieutenant grandson! You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Soldier Makes 5 Hr Drive To Get Salute From Grandfather Who Couldn’t Attend Ceremony. appeared first on InspireMore.

Funny guy Josh Peck knows that the most important part of comedy is being able to laugh at yourself‚ and the way he tells the story of his weight loss is a great example. The former “Drake and Josh” star recently came out with a memoir titled‚ “Happy People Are Annoying.” In it‚ he recalls his struggles with body image‚ addiction‚ and fitting in. As he explained to Today‚ the actor spent most of his life feeling like happiness was just out of reach. After looking for fulfillment in all the wrong places‚ he feels that he’s finally carved out his own serenity. “I assumed that I just didn’t receive the same manual to navigate life that everyone else got at birth‚” Peck said. “So in writing this book‚ it was sort of about coming to terms with that idea‚ and what I had to face to find my own version of happiness and define it for myself.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Josh Peck (@shuapeck) One of the reasons the comedian felt so out of place as a child was his size. He says it called a fair amount of unwanted attention to himself. “I’d walk into most rooms at that age and at my weight at a disadvantage‚ that people made a snap judgment about me that I was‚ you know‚ slothful or lacked willpower or something‚” he said. “And that it was incumbent on me to sort of not necessarily even stand out; I just wanted to be on the same level as everyone else.” Josh Peck on weight loss: “I think I forgave my dad.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Josh Peck (@shuapeck) Peck eventually slimmed down — and the reaction wasn’t necessarily what he was expecting. “When I did lose the weight‚ there was certainly a small contingent that thought‚ ‘Oh‚ you were funnier when you were fat or you took away this guy who we loved and we’re not so sure if we love this new guy‚” he recalled. Still‚ there was something addictive about the feeling of having lost weight. As Peck told fellow comedian Bert Kreischer‚ he remembers how the experience brought him newfound confidence. “Something had shifted‚” he said‚ jokingly adding‚ “I think I forgave my dad.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Josh Peck (@shuapeck) Unfortunately‚ Peck’s late teens and early twenties were also consumed by substance abuse‚ which the actor regrets. After seeing the damage his addiction had wrought in his life‚ he decidated himself to getting sober at 21. Now‚ he has a life that he’s proud of‚ which includes a loving wife and a 3-year-old son. Watch the video below to hear Josh Peck’s hilarious take on weight loss. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Josh Peck Opens Up (And Jokes About) His Weight Loss Journey. appeared first on InspireMore.

Christmas is known as the time of giving‚ but last year‚ the Salvation Army in Champaign County‚ Illinois was dealt a heavy blow. Someone had broken into their Toys for Tots trailer‚ stealing hundreds of children’s toys. This included bikes. When a local‚ John Peeler‚ caught wind of the stolen presents‚ he rallied together friends to help save the day. John and his friends‚ Jim Hampton and Stan Friese‚ got in contact with the organization to find out how many bikes needed to be replaced. Together‚ they went shopping‚ replacing around 55. This year‚ no presents were stolen — but that didn’t stop these three friends from making a difference once again. YouTube From Stolen Presents to Wholesome Tradition This year‚ John and his friends set out to donate even more bikes for children in need. Except‚ this time‚ they set a much loftier goal for themselves. YouTube “When John called me this year‚ we already decided we were going to try to double it‚” Stan said. “Which we did. We doubled it. And we’ll shoot for more next year.” In total‚ these kindhearted friends donated 110 bikes‚ eight scooters‚ and a big wheel. And they weren’t the only ones who helped make this happen — students in the Pike Fraternity at the University of Illinois helped unload the bikes. YouTube “It makes me feel fantastic‚” Stan said. There’s no telling how many bikes John‚ Jim‚ and Stan will donate next year‚ but one thing is for sure: Thanks to them‚ there are sure to be lots of happy kiddos on Christmas in Illinois this year! You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post Stolen “Toys For Tots” Presents Spur New Wholesome Annual Tradition. appeared first on InspireMore.

The video was not taken in Gaza

Definitely cooler than just an octopus

This wont be any help in a pole shift scenario though

'That’s a bad message'