Now at the London Design Festival, a nifty piece of “street furniture” allows for rapid urban greening with little effort and maximum impact. “Vert” is a simple polygonal assembly of boards, nets, and ropes that will allow climbing plants to scale quickly and easily, bathing an area of exposed concrete in shade and moisture. The […] The post Vertical Greening Brings Nature to Urban ‘Heat Islands’ Quickly and Easily (LOOK) appeared first on Good News Network.

News The Texas Chainsaw Massacre The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Returning to Theaters for 50th Anniversary, With New Trailer to Celebrate The restoration was overseen by director Tobe Hooper before his death in 2017 By Vanessa Armstrong | Published on September 26, 2024 Screenshot: Dark Sky Films Comment 0 Share New Share Screenshot: Dark Sky Films It’s hard to believe that it’s been fifty(!) years since Texas Chainsaw Massacre premiered in theaters. The movie where Leatherface, a killer wearing a mask of human skin, maimed and murdered some young folk just looking for a fun weekend in the Texas countryside is a classic. To celebrate the movie’s anniversary, it’s heading back to theaters in a 4K restored edition apparently overseen by director Tobe Hooper before he passed away in 2017. We also have a new trailer put together by Mark Woollen, which you can check out at the end of this post. For those who missed the film when it came out in 1974 and in the forty-nine ensuing years, here’s the Dark Sky Films synopsis: Fifty years ago, five youths on a weekend getaway in the Texas countryside fell prey to a butcher in a mask made of human skin and his cannibalistic family, and horror cinema would never be the same. Violent, confrontational, and shockingly realistic, director Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre terrified audiences in a way never thought possible when it was unleashed on a politically and socially tumultuous America in 1974. Facing a storm of controversy, censorship, and outcry throughout its troubled release, this masterpiece of horror has stood the test of time to become a landmark motion picture and cultural milestone. The movie heads to theaters once again this October, and you can follow the link here to see if there’s a showing playing near you. Check out the new trailer below. [end-mark] The post <i>The Texas Chainsaw Massacre</i> Returning to Theaters for 50th Anniversary, With New Trailer to Celebrate appeared first on Reactor.

Excerpts Science Fantasy Read an Excerpt From R.S.A. Garcia’s The Nightward Women warrior-magicians rule, and a child princess and her bodyguard must flee an attempted coup and evade the darkness sent to kill her. By R.S.A. Garcia | Published on September 26, 2024 Comment 0 Share New Share We’re thrilled to share an excerpt from The Nightward, the first part of a science fantasy duology by R.S.A. Garcia—publishing with Harper Voyager on October 15th. For 500 years Gaiea’s Hand has stood as a ward against the Dark. The Age of Chaos is a faded memory. The Goddess has left Gailand and given her Blessing to the Queens to rule in her stead.Princess Viella of the court of Hamber is the Spirit of Gaiea, presumptive heir to the throne and budding wielder of magic. And yet she’s still a child—not yet ten years old—and a day spent evading her teachers and her dutiful bodyguard, Luka, is much more satisfying than learning about telepathy, illusions, and other spells, or obeying even her mother, the Queen.There is time enough… until there isn’t.For the night the Queen hosts the Ceremony to confirm Viella as the next Hand of Gaiea, everything changes for her—in the most horrific way imaginable: the assassination of Viella’s mother.Now Viella is Queen.Luka, despite resenting his position as royal babysitter, does not hesitate. He rushes his charge from the Court and vows to keep her safe. Yet he is unsure how to help a burgeoning Hand of Gaiea, let alone contend with his place as a man in a matriarchal world and the secret that is burning inside him.Together, they are on the run from darkness in a world where the lines between magic and technology are blurring and it’s up to a child and her protector to bring clarity and light back to the Queendom. SPEAR “You’re late.” Luka looked up from belting his ceremonial sword around his waist. Captain Blane Kemp stood before him. The pounding rhythm of the tassa drums dropped in volume as the captain released the heavy drape behind him. The disapproving look in his father’s dark eyes made Luka’s blood heat. Disappointed in me yet again. Gaiea grant that someday I manage to pour myself a glass of water without causing you offense. Luka turned his attention back to the buckle. “The princess took it into her head to spend time in the Old Tower.” “And how is it she managed to get that far before you missedher?” “It was before breakfast. I was in the gayelle at sword practice. You know—that thing other soldiers do occasionally.” He finished with the belt. His father took a step toward him, his ownlacquered armor clanking softly. In the center of his breastplate was the symbol of the Daguard and the court of Dun; a dagen-cat poised on its powerful back legs, ready to attack. The captain’s pointed helmet was entirely metal, unlike his armor, and sat easily on a head shorn of most of his hair. “Watch your tongue, soldier, and remember who you address.” How can I ever forget? Luka clenched both hands into fists against the center of his breastplate and bowed. “Forgive me, Captain. I will be sure to carry out the change of shift outside her room from now on, so that she does not slip her guard.” Blane sighed and raised his eyes to the ceiling. “What have I done to hurt your damned pride now?” “Only taken me from my men and assigned me to kick my heels in the barracks of the most well-protected court in Gailand.” Blane rested a heavy hand on Luka’s left shoulder. “It is well protected because of the women and men who protect it. The Dahomei have given us charge of members of the royal court for the first time. We cannot afford to be lax or negligent in our duty.” Nonsense. Everyone knew the Gate prevented anyone who intended harm to the Court of Hamber from entering. No weapon could pass under its arch without being detected. The armed Dahomei and Daguard on duty at the Gate this night wereobliged to steer clear of the specially protected Grand Hall. Even now, he was forced to wear a ceramic sword—as was every other royal court’s guard in attendance at the Ceremony— to prevent the court from alarming all night. In light of such powerful magic, where was the Court of Hamber’s urgent need for his services? Buy the Book The Nightward R.S.A. Garcia Buy Book The Nightward R.S.A. Garcia Buy this book from: AmazonBarnes and NobleiBooksIndieBoundTarget Luka tried to hold his tongue but could not help himself. “I am a good soldier, Father. Did I not lead victoriously in battle against the Ragat scum for the last three winters? Did I not prove myself worthy of the Daguard?” “You fight well, and you have the gift of the mind-touch. You would not be a Pride Leader otherwise,” Blane replied. “Then why do five Palms of the Dahomei and Daguard ride without me? Captain Natan chose me to join fifty of our best warriors, yet you refused his request. How have I so offended you that you would deny her the experience I could have provided? Why punish me by assigning me to the princess?” “Punish you? By allowing you to serve at the most important Ceremony of our queen’s rule?” Blane shook his head, a slow smile spreading across the hard angles of his broad ebony face. “Is it punishment to teach you the value of humility? Skilled soldier that you may be, you are but nineteen, and have much to learn. The time will come when you sicken of war.” “You always speak in this manner to avoid giving me the answers I need,” Luka said through clenched teeth. A fanfare cut the air like a clean knife, and cheering and applause rose in the hall beyond. “Then think on these answers as you serve your punishment,” Blane said, pulling him to the curtain. “Should I send every good Pride Leader to our farthest borders and leave our High Court guarded by common soldiers? What greater duty, what greater reward can there be for a soldier than to protect your sovereign?” He pulled Luka close enough to whisper in his ear. “I am also trying to protect you, my son. Never forget, the life you have can be taken away if someone asks the wrong questions. And people do not ask questions of members of the royal court.” Captain Kemp thrust aside the curtain, and light and warmth poured through into the narrow alcove, though not enough to counter the cold that ran under Luka’s skin after his father’s words. “We will speak later, where there is less chance of being overheard. For now—go to our princess. By keeping her safe, you ensure your own safety. Do you understand?” Throat too tight to answer or ask the questions that swirled in his head, Luka nodded, then stepped from the shadows into the light. * * * Viella was so captivated by the change in the spacious but usually empty Grand Hall, she almost missed the moment Luka appeared on her right, silent and wearing glimmering armor from head to foot. Captain Kemp followed, positioning himself between the queen’s throne and Viella’s. The soldier he replaced walked down the stairs to stand guard in an inconspicuous alcove. A vein pulsed in Luka’s jaw and his hand rested lightly on the hilt of his sword. The tapering point of his helmet made him look like the tip of a weapon, she thought. Light blazed from torches and candelabras set in the walls and ceilings. The floor of the hall was tiled in red and yellow mosaics depicting tiny scenes of dancers and performers. Columns rose in two rows on either side of the room, forming small alcoves where miniature stages featured tassa players, limbo dancers, and Gatka—women stripped down to bands of cloth over their breasts and between their legs who weaved and bent, evading swift sticks and wooden shields as they performed their warrior dance. Their lean muscles glistened with gold-dusted oil as they moved. Pierrot Grenades dressed in fluttering multicolored rags, faces painted beneath brightly colored hoods, displayed their knowledge with impudent rhymes and wordplay that made guests laugh and applaud loudly. Moko Jumbies dressed in a rainbow of tunics and pants that went down to the ground strode above the crowd on their stilts, some dancing on one leg while holding the other above them. Most of the jumbies were teenagers, trained at a special school and fearless in their youth. In the alcove nearest the stage, a band led by Freetown’s best calypsonian played the most popular songs in Dun on steel drums and tamboo bamboo—which were bamboo stalks cut to different lengths and hit with sticks and pounded on the ground to make rhythmic beats. Down the center of the hall, table after table made two parallel lines dressed in flowing red and gold linen and covered with curried meats; rotis and sada; peas and rice; roasts; stewed and geera pork; desserts like fried, crunchy kurma and milky sweet barfi; spiced prunes and candied coconut with hibiscus wine and bittersweet mauby. The most important rulers in Gailand, dressed in their finest cloth and jewels, stood to applaud the High Queen as she entered. Pride made Viella feel twice as tall. Queen Elise acknowledged their regard with a smile and a graceful bow of the head as her lord consort came to stand before his smaller throne trimmed in red velvet and gold. She sat and waved her arm for the gathering to do the same, the tinkling of her bracelets lost in the celebratory noise. Chairs creaked and cloth whispered like so many trees in a high wind, until only the Daguard, the servants, and the attendants of each court remained standing, dressed in their court colors like so many gaudy statues. Viella was taking her seat at her mother’s right hand when a horrible feeling swept over her. Her breath started to come fast, her heart thrummed faster and faster, and her vision blurred. But it had nothing to do with her. She was certain of that. Something had gone terribly wrong with Valan. She pressed her hand to her chest, trying to catch her breath as she scanned the area behind the throne, and rest of the hall, looking for him. “My Sister Queens,” her mother began as Viella found a familiar face in the crowd. Lady Sophia sat at the table nearest the lord consort’s throne, dressed in white and green that complemented her delicate complexion. Sitting beside her was the Augur, wearing the colorful embroidered silks of her office, intricate beaded jewelry hanging from her neck, hands peeking out from long, bell-shaped sleeves. Frowning, Viella thought about getting up to go look for Valan. He’s worried… and so scared. I have to go to him. Do not think it, a whisper intruded in her mind. Remain exactly where you are until the queen says otherwise. Lady Sophia had gone against her own instructions and used first the mind-touch to read her, and then the mind-speak. I thought you didn’t want me using mind-speak yet! If you insist on being mischievous, I will make an exception. You are not schooled enough in the consequences of your talents to practice them without permission. Now, pay attention to what the queen is saying. Why were adults always telling you not to do what they were doing themselves? It was quite annoying. Because we sometimes actually know better than you. Viella wanted to respond, but she caught movement in the corner of her left eye and turned to see her brother standing next to his father, Mordach close behind him. Valan had changed into a tunic and trousers of royal blue and gold that matched her sari. A golden dagen-cat curled over his heart, and pearls and embroidery decorated his cuffs and high collar. He glanced across at Viella and gave her a small distracted smile before he sat in his chair, his gaze resolutely facing forward. She breathed a sigh of relief. He looks just like he always does. She could still feel his emotions were high, but she understood then he must have been nervous about the Ceremony, only more than she’d realized. Something confused her, though. That’s not the entrance from the dressing room. Did he go back to Mordach’s study? She shook her head, amazed at the idea of willingly spending that much time at lessons. A burst of applause made her jump, and Viella realized her mother had reached the end of her speech. “And now to Gaiea’s bountiful feast while we enjoy the entertainment sent to us in lieu of an appearance by my sister queen, Salene of Kadoomun, and graciously escorted here by the Lady Ashwin of Seat Jinn.” Her mother inclined her head in the direction of a frail-looking young woman seated at the same table as Lady Sophia. A tiara glittered in her light-brown hair, and diamonds glittered against her long neck and from her ears. Her yellow, silver-trimmed sari seemed to swallow her small body. Next to her was the tall, dark-haired Lord Consort of Jinn, dressed in black robes with a diamond-studded collar and cuffs. A slender young man stepped into the open space between the stairs to the throne and the tables. His entire body glittered with silver dust, and he wore loose silver trousers that billowed around his ankles. The table drums began their sharp, hypnotic rhythm. The bare-backed, round-faced man sitting cross-legged as he beat one of them sang a song in one of the Old Languages in a high, piercing voice. The boy swayed, sinuous as grass in the wind. Entranced, Viella leaned forward, aware that everyone in the court had grown silent, captivated by the dipping movements of the glittering arms, and the strength in the stomping, flashing ankles. More than once, she caught the eye of the dancer—Did he smile at me?—and sometimes she held her breath as he twirled like thistledown, or leaped high, like dagen-cats at play. When the dance ended, the applause seemed to lift the roof to the heavens. Everyone stood, some calling down blessings on the anonymous boy. The Lord Consort of Jinn had a satisfied look on his face. “Wonderful, simply wonderful,” Viella heard her mother say, and there was a murmur of agreement from her father as they both rose from their thrones. Viella continued to applaud, ignoring the stinging that had set in. The boy bowed deeply to the throne, then his head raised and his gaze settled on Viella. Come. The voice twisted around her mind, seeped into her muscles. Come. Viella gasped and trembled before the power of the plea; she tried to form a thought and failed. Come. Something clanged to her right. Viella sensed Luka turn his head toward the sound. She moved toward the stairs, still clapping. “Viella?” Her mother’s voice sounded far, far away, drowned out by the whispered plea. Come to me. Something glimmered by the boy’s right hand. He’s holding a candle? A torch? It didn’t matter. All that mattered was that she obey. She started to walk faster. The boy raised his arm, still smiling, the glittering thing beginning to take shape now. Viella! The thought slammed into her, smashing the command in her mind like glass. Luka? A shout carried across the court. She groaned, holding her aching head, and tripped on the final stair, dropping to her knees. Something flew over her head, and she flinched instinctively, putting her hand down to steady herself. She twisted, blinking, and felt her mind clearing, sunlight breaking through mist. Luka stood on the stairs, his hand on his sword—but then Viella saw her mother and screamed. Her mother was staring, bewildered, at the silver spear jutting out of her stomach. She touched her hand to it gently. Then, red blooming on her pink sari, Queen Elise crumpled to the floor. From The Nightward by R.S.A. Garcia, published by Harper Voyager. Copyright © 2024 by Rhonda S. Garcia. Reprinted courtesy of HarperCollins Publishers. The post Read an Excerpt From R.S.A. Garcia’s <i>The Nightward</i> appeared first on Reactor.

Imagine that you are faced with a choice: Keep using a reliable source of energy or switch to one that produces 2% as much and only operates for 10 hours at a time. Remember that you’ve got to keep your lights and computer on, your smartphone charged, and the food in your fridge and freezer fresh. Not to mention keeping your shower water hot, the temperature in your home comfortable—and you certainly don’t have time to wash your dishes or your clothes by hand each day. So, which energy source do you choose? If you live in Wisconsin and green energy groups Power Wisconsin Forward and Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin get to choose, it will be the latter. The Columbia Energy Center, Wisconsin’s largest coal plant, produces nearly 10% of the state’s electricity. With the help of $31 million in federal grants, the plant will be shut down and replaced by a “green energy” storage dome whose power output will be a mere 2% of the coal plant’s output. The energy dome only functions for 10 hours before needing to shut down and recharge. Craig Ervin, a welder from Eau Claire, is baffled by these changes. “These green energy projects are a dumb investment for Wisconsin,” he states bluntly. “It won’t benefit anyone, and it’ll just be a big money pit.” And he’s right. Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission is being pressured by green energy advocates to deny utility companies from expanding natural gas power plants—intended to replace coal-fired plants that are being prematurely shut down in Sheboygan and Oak Creek. For those concerned about carbon emissions, transitioning from coal to natural gas is preferable because gas plants emit half as much carbon as coal for the same amount of energy produced. But that’s not good enough for the green energy groups. In the name of climate change, these advocates are acting to prevent natural gas from replacing the coal plants. Instead of natural gas, the green energy advocates propose rooftop solar panels and large-scale wind and solar power. If Ervin relies on rooftop solar, he will have to spend a lot of time shoveling snow off his roof, because last year, Eau Claire saw 116 consecutive days of snow cover. Snow isn’t the only problem with solar power. Solar and wind energy’s variability in output leads to grid instability and higher electricity costs. Since power generation from solar and wind is not predictable, with output plummeting when a cloud blows in or when the breeze suddenly stops, other power sources must rapidly ramp up production to prevent blackouts. This unpredictable cycle forces traditional hydrocarbon-based (coal, oil, and natural gas) power plants to operate below full capacity much of the time. Running at reduced efficiency means traditional power plants must charge higher prices to remain economically viable. Green groups blame power companies for raising electricity prices, but that’s like blaming grocery stores for high food prices when they’re just recouping the higher prices they had to pay suppliers because of inflation that government spending caused. Residential electricity prices in the Midwest have surged almost 30% over the past four years. The real reason for higher electricity prices is simple. States that require more than 35% renewable energy by 2035 face 47% higher energy costs than states that don’t have these requirements, known as renewable portfolio standards. Contrary to what green advocates may claim, the use of renewables will hardly affect global temperatures. While America has cut its carbon emissions by 18% in the last 15 years (largely by transitioning from coal to natural gas), China has increased its carbon emissions by 91% and now produces three times more than the U.S. According to U.S. government climate models, even if the United States stopped burning all hydrocarbons right now, the effect on global temperatures would be less than 0.2 degrees Celsius by the year 2100, compared to current projections. An authentic environmentalist should not act single-mindedly against carbon dioxide emissions, which are not toxic (and are, in fact, necessary) to humans, plants, and animals. Of the harmful pollutants such as lead, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide, America has reduced their emissions by 99%, 75%, and 94%, respectively, since 1980. Green energy subsidies are wolves in sheep’s clothing; while they may seem to promote progress, they ignore local decision making, increase costs, and reduce energy reliability. Wisconsin can use affordable fuels for electricity or allow a few green energy advocates to dictate the energy mix, resulting in higher costs and instability. Wisconsinites, like most Americans, surely prefer lower costs and knowing that electricity will be there to reliably power their computers, fridges, and phones. The post Electricity Affordability, Reliability at Stake With ‘Green Energy’ Push appeared first on The Daily Signal.

If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. A considerable scandal broke out in the UK under the previous government over a practice dubbed, “debanking” – which saw various public, but not only, figures cut off from financial services as a way of punishing them for their political views. That also faced a considerable backlash, but the Labor government that took over earlier in the year doesn’t seem to be willing to give up on the core postulates: it appears to be just trying to go about achieving the same end goal in a more “subtle” manner. The policy is this: give banks spying powers over everybody, but call that a requirement for banks and financial institutions to “share data that may show indications of potential benefit overpayments.” In order to achieve the stated goal, the whole population’s bank accounts are likely to be monitored. So one can think of this as the financial sector version of the “online age verification” push. In that scenario everybody (“the whole population”) loses their right to anonymity for no good reason – but a reason, nonetheless. Opponents say it’s to surveil and control as many people, in as many ways possible, at one time. The UK government naturally keeps its messaging on this legislative initiative as “clean” as possible – it’s to crack down on fraud in the social security system, they say. Remember what it’s called, because it is sure to crop up in the future, and not in a good way: “Fraud, Error and Debt Bill.” The government plays not only on people’s natural aversion to fraud but also on sensibilities around spending taxpayer money – the sponsors promise not to waste £1.6 billion ($2.1 billion) of public money over the next five years, just thanks to this bill. But, to get there, they need to “extend and modernize DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) powers.” Like this: “Better investigate suspected fraud and new powers of search and seizure so DWP can take greater control investigations into criminal gangs defrauding the taxpayer. (…) Require banks and financial institutions to share data that may show indications of potential benefit overpayments.” Hold the phone, rights groups are basically saying at this point. And then some are blasting this as (PM) Keir Starmer’s “benefits bank spying plans.” “A financial snoopers’ charter targeted to automate suspicion of our country’s poorest is intrusive, unjustified, and risks Horizon-style injustice on a mass scale,” said Big Brother Watch, adding that his was “an assault on the presumption of innocence.” If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The post Big Brother Banking? UK’s New “Fraud Bill” Sparks Fears of Financial Snooping appeared first on Reclaim The Net.

Scorched: Javier Milei Brings Cleansing Fire of Truth to UN Snek Den

MSNBC’s ethically challenged 11th Hour host Stephanie Ruhle scored a softball-filled interview Wednesday with Vice President Kamala Harris and, despite even Ruhle admitting Harris didn’t really answer her questions, the “Big Three” of ABC, CBS, and NBC rushed to celebrate Harris “drilling down on her vision” and “detailing plans” they hope will lead to voters trusting her more on the economy. While the interview aired on NBC’s sister network MSNBC, ABC had to use Good Morning America to fawn over their Dear Leader. Co-host Michael Strahan sounded like a Harris surrogate in his tease: “Vice President Harris laying out her vision for the economy, detailing plans to boost the middle class as she gains ground on former President Trump on the top issue for voters.”     He doubled down in tossing to chief White House correspondent and the Biden/Harris regime’s own North Korean news lady, Mary Bruce: “We’re going to turn now to the race for the White House and Kamala Harris laid out what she calls her pragmatic approach for the economy, the top issue for voters while Donald Trump attacked Harris on the trail and Ukraine’s president.” Bruce laid on thick, celebrating Harris “closing the gap” and “detailing her plan” for the economy with “what she calls a pragmatic approach”. Of course, she hawked the “82-page plan” as proof of substance (click “expand”): BRUCE: Well, both campaigns know the economy is the top priority for voters, the candidates have been hammering each other on the issue. Now, Donald Trump has had the advantage. but polls do show that Kamala Harris is closing the gap and now she is detailing her plan hoping to further erode Trump’s lead. In must-win Pennsylvania, the Vice President outlining her plan to create what she calls an opportunity economy, taking what she calls a pragmatic approach. HARRIS: I’m a capitalist. I believe in free and fair markets. [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] I believe in consistent and transparent rules of the road to create a stable business environment. BRUCE: Harris, well aware that voters favor Donald Trump on the economy. The polls show she’s gaining ground. Pitting her vision directly against his, Harris says the former President is looking out for his wealthy friends not working Americans. HARRIS: Donald Trump, our economy works best if it works for those who own the big sky scrapers, not those who actually build them. Not those who wire them. Not those who mop the floors. BRUCE: Harris laying out her vision in an 82-page plan, pledging to cut taxes for 100 million Americans, boost small businesses by increasing tax deductions for startups, help first time home buyers with down payments, provide a $6,000 tax credit for parents of newborns, and invest in manufacturing at home. To pay for the plan, Harris proposing to raise corporate tax rates, saying in an interview overnight that she will make billionaires pay their fair share. HARRIS: I’m not mad at anyone for achieving success, but everyone should pay their fair share. It’s not right that the teachers and the firefighters that I meet every day across the country are paying a higher tax than the richest people in our country. Bruce only allowed a single Trump soundbite on the economy, calling out Harris for having had the last nearly four years to implement her plans. Naturally, the ABC tool didn’t let Trump’s criticisms stand like she did Harris’s babbling: Trump is promising to bring business back to the U.S. by slashing tax and regulations and by imposing sweeping tariffs on foreign imports. But many economists and Harris argue those tariffs will raise prices on Americans. Not to be outdone, NBC’s Today obviously was warm and fuzzy over the interview that aired on MSNBC. “Money matters. The battle over the economy taking center stage in the race for the White House. Vice President Harris laying out her vision,” trumpeted co-host Hoda Kotb in a tease. Later, co-host Craig Melvin boasted of Harris’s “first high-profile one-on-one interview since becoming the Democratic nominee”, which was followed by more laudatory words from chief White House correspondent Peter Alexander. Noting the economy has been “a vulnerability for her”, Alexander proclaimed to viewers that “polls do show that Harris is cutting into Trump’s advantage on that issue” as she spent Wednesday “looking to put more meat on the bones of her proposals[.]” “Vice President Harris in battleground Pennsylvania drilling down on her vision for the economy in her first one-on-one national TV interview since becoming the Democratic nominee. Speaking with MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle,” he added. Before ending with bashing Trump for criticizing Zelenskyy (as the latter had thrown a rhetorical broadside days earlier against the Trump/Vance ticket), Alexander painted Harris as thorough and had zero pushback outside of a lone Trump soundbite (click “expand”): HARRIS [on MSNBC’s All In special, 09/25/24]: And I’m not mad at anybody for being rich, but they should pay their fair share. ALEXANDER: On campaign trail, pushing her economic policy, Vice President Harris slammed former President Trump as a friend of billionaires, not hard-working Americans. HARRIS: He’s only interested in making life better for himself and people like himself. The wealthiest of Americans. ALEXANDER: Polls show most likely voters still believe Trump is better equipped to handle the economy. Trump in North Carolina blasting Harris, saying prices remain way too high. TRUMP: Kamala goes to work every day in the White House, families are suffering now, so if she has a plan, she should stop grandstanding and do it. Just do it. ALEXANDER: Responding to calls for more policy specifics, the Harris campaign released an 80-page economic blueprint Wednesday, including child tax credits and housing payments. Harris was asked how she would pay for those elements. RUHLE [on MSNBC’s All In special, 09/25/24]: If you can’t raise corporate taxes, or if the GOP takes control of the Senate, where do you get the money to do that? Do you still go forward with those principals and borrow? HARRIS: Well — but we’re going to have to raise corporate taxes and we’re going to have to raise — we’re going to have to make sure that the biggest corporations and billionaires pay their fair share. CBS Mornings had more of the same, but at least ended with the Iranian threats on Trump’s life. Co-host Nate Burleson was the most syrupy: In the race for the White House, the two major candidates visit [sic] battleground states yesterday making dueling speeches on the economy and how they say their programs would help the average American....Democratic nominee Kamala Harris is trying to capitalize on polls showing voters are opening up to her ideas. White House and campaign correspondent Ed O’Keefe implicitly acknowledged the latest time Harris was in Pittsburgh for debate prep when he said she was “back...this time focused on matters of dollars and cents.” “Her speech came with an 80-page economic agenda, including plans to restore an expanded child tax credit and new one for families with newborns. Increased access to paid leave, a new federal ban on price gouging, and federal assistance for first-time home buyers, new rental units, and new small businesses,” he added before wondering how she’ll pay for it. After a soundbite of her insistence she’d raise taxes on businesses and the rich, that was good enough for O’Keefe, who moved onto saying Harris thinks “voters should reconsider” their support of Trump when it comes to the economy. To see the relevant transcripts from September 26, click here (for ABC), here (for CBS), and here (for NBC).

Former first lady Melania Trump sat down with Ainsley Earhardt of "Fox & Friends" at Trump Tower for her first sit-down interview in two years. During their conversation, Melania demonstrated unwavering support for her husband, former President Donald Trump, and castigated those who wish him harm.Earhardt asked Melania several questions about Trump's political career, which began in 2015. Though she admitted that the office of first lady carries "extra responsibility," she appears eager to undertake it once again.'Nobody should be putting up with that kind of stuff.'"I support him," she said about her husband's 2024 campaign. "I know how passionate he is to make America great again."She argued that under the Trump administration, "the border was safer than ever before. We didn't have any wars. People were prospering. They had jobs. They could support their families."She further noted that her husband brought "peace through strength" back to America. Then, under the "weak leadership" of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, American soldiers were once again "dying" because of the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan."The record[] speaks for itself," Melania stated.Though Melania flashed her trademark smile throughout the interview, her countenance grew more solemn as she discussed the multiple assassination plots against her husband."They were miracles, really," she said."I think something was watching over him. I think it's almost like [our] country really needs him."Melania explained that within minutes of the Butler shooting, she tried desperately to call her husband and, when those attempts failed, to reach the Secret Service to hear news about Trump's condition."Nobody really knew yet because ... you see him on the floor, and you don't know, you don't know what really happened," she recalled."After that, I got the Secret Service on the phone, and they said that he's OK."Melania praised the Secret Service agents, calling them "great" and "fantastic."She grew visibly angry, however, when Earhardt pressed her about possible security failures. Melania responded by taking aim at members of the media and the Democratic Party for the vitriol they spew about Trump."Is it really shocking that all this egregious violence goes against my husband? ... We hear the leaders from the opposition party and mainstream media branding him as a threat to democracy, calling him vile names."They're only fueling a toxic atmosphere and giving power [to] all of these people that ... want to do harm to him. This needs to stop."Melania — who recently penned an eponymous memoir to correct the "misinformation and falsehoods" about her — also went into detail about the August 2022 raid on Mar-a-Lago, calling the experience of strangers rifling through her personal belongings remarkably "unpleasant." "Nobody should be putting up with that kind of stuff," she insisted.Other aspects of their conversation were much more uplifting. Melania recollected the "energy" of the troops she and Trump surprised overseas at Christmas in 2018. She also made passing reference to her husband's infamous "strong tweets."Finally, she demonstrated optimism about the upcoming election."He wants to make this country prosperous, safe for everybody. He wants to make [the] American dream possible again," she said."It's all in [the American] people's hands on November 5."Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

If you haven’t heard, Sean “Diddy” Combs — and likely much of Hollywood — is in hot water after the U.S. Justice Department unsealed charges against the famous rapper. The charges allege that he abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct. Diddy reportedly accomplished this by relying on the employees and influence of the multifaceted business empire that he led and controlled. Under his leadership, this business empire became a “criminal enterprise” that allegedly included sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice. Prosecutors have alleged that Diddy “engaged in persistent and pervasive patterns of abuse towards women and other individuals.” Diddy also threw and engaged in “sex parties” that were referred to as “freak offs” — which apparently could last for days. At these parties, commercial sex workers allegedly were transported across state and international lines, women allegedly were forced to engage in extended sex acts with male commercial sex workers, and heavy drug use allegedly was involved. Since these allegations came to light, many celebrities have begun deleting their social media feeds. “Suddenly now, a bunch of big-time musicians have deleted their Twitter accounts. Usher’s Twitter account has disappeared,” Dave Rubin of “The Rubin Report” tells Clay Travis, noting that Pink’s account disappeared as well. “The whole thing sounds like a honeypot,” he adds. Travis believes it “feels Epstein-esque.” “There was video being made of sex acts that may have been used for blackmail going forward, and the fact that he has not been able to get out on bail,” he continues, adding, “I think Diddy’s going to get killed.” Want more from Dave Rubin?To enjoy more honest conversations, free speech, and big ideas with Dave Rubin, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.

As weve recently learned, massive changes are on their way for Ubisoft after a recent wave of failures hit their company, causing both their stock prices to fall and a call for internal investigations to improve the quality of their products.