FIRST ON THE DAILY SIGNAL—More than 1 in 4 Democrats believe America would be better off if former President Donald Trump had been assassinated, according to a poll released Wednesday. Veteran pollster Scott Rasmussen‘s national survey of 1,000 registered voters, conducted by RMG Research for the Napolitan News Service, asked Americans about Sunday’s second assassination attempt on Trump. It included this pointed question: While it is always difficult to wish ill of another human being, would America be better off if Donald Trump had been killed last weekend?17% Yes69% No14% Not sure The poll’s crosstabs revealed a starkly divided America with a sizable number of Democrats wishing harm on Trump, who has now survived two attempts on his life in the span of two months. While 92% of Republicans say America would be worse off had Trump been killed, less than half of Democrats—48%—hold that same view. Another 28% of Democrats answered yes to the question—that America would be better off—and 24% of Democrats said they were unsure. The Napolitan News Service poll was conducted Monday and Tuesday in the wake of the assassination attempt at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. Trump blamed his Democrat opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, for inciting violence against him. “Their rhetoric is causing me to be shot at, when I am the one who is going to save the country and they are the ones that are destroying the country—both from the inside and out,” Trump told Fox News Digital. The Rhetoric, Lies, as exemplified by the false statements made by Comrade Kamala Harris during the rigged and highly partisan ABC Debate, and all of the ridiculous lawsuits specifically designed to inflict damage on Joe’s, then Kamala’s, Political Opponent, ME, has taken…— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 16, 2024 Democrats overwhelmingly believe Trump is a “major threat to democracy” by a margin of 82% to 8%, according to the poll. Harris, who issued a statement Sunday denouncing the assassination attempt, shifted gears Tuesday when she pinned the blame on conservatives. “There are far too many people in our country right now who are not feeling safe,” she said. “I mean, I look at Project 2025, and I look at, you know, the Don’t Say Gay laws coming out of Florida. Members of the LGBTQ community don’t feel safe right now, immigrants or people with an immigrant background don’t feel safe right now. Women don’t feel safe right now.” Bizarre for KamalaHQ to tweet this.Kamala Harris is asked if she feels safe from political violence after 2 assassination attempts against President Trump…And she starts talking about Project 2025? https://t.co/QGXbhJtZ7s— Matt Whitlock (@mattdizwhitlock) September 17, 2024 According to the Napolitan News Service survey, 45% of respondents said anti-Trump rhetoric was to blame for the assassination attempts, followed by 41% who cited the news media. The poll found 75% of Americans were closely following news of the second assassination attempt and a slim majority—51%—rated the U.S. Secret Service’s performance as good or excellent. More than 6 in 10 Americans support increasing Trump’s security. Despite the two attempts on Trump’s life, a majority of Americans blame him for using “overheated language” that encourages people to act violently. Respondents ranked Trump first, significantly higher than Harris. When discussing politics, have any of the following used overheated language that might encourage some people to act violently?54% Donald Trump35% CNN and MSNBC33% Kamala Harris29% Fox News9% Your close friends and family members2% Yourself Asked about the motive behind assassination attempts, 46% of survey respondents believe they were carried out by crazed individuals compared to 33% who believe it was an organized effort. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. The post Shocking Number of Democrats Say US Would Be ‘Better Off’ If Trump Had Been Killed appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Companion planting isn’t just a method; it’s also an adventure that transforms your garden into a thriving, harmonious ecosystem. By pairing plants together, you can enhance growth, ward off pests better, and boost plant health— naturally. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, we’ll walk you through the fascinating world of companion planting and help you discover the best plant pairings and their incredible benefits. A lush vegetable garden with companion plants thriving together, tomatoes growing next to basil, marigolds planted nearby for pest control. Soft sunlight filters through leaves, vibrant greens and colorful flowers creating a harmonious scene. The Basics of Companion Planting Companion planting is all about creating beneficial plant partnerships that help each other thrive. Some plants naturally support neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting pollinators, or improving soil health. By understanding these beneficial interactions, you can design a garden that’s not only beautiful but also incredibly productive. Learn more about plant interactions at the Royal Horticultural Society. Benefits of Companion Planting Companion planting is an age-old gardening practice that involves growing different plants together to enhance their growth, protect them from pests, and improve overall garden health. By carefully selecting which plants to grow side by side, you can create a more resilient and productive garden ecosystem. Natural Pest Control Some plants produce natural chemicals that deter pests. For example, marigolds emit a scent that repels nematodes and aphids, making them excellent companions for tomatoes and peppers. Enhanced Growth Certain plant combinations can improve growth and yields. For instance, beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits nitrogen-loving plants like corn. As a result, the right combinations help your garden become lusher and more productive. Improved Soil Health Deep-rooted plants like comfrey draw nutrients from deep within the soil, making them available to shallower-rooted neighbors. Consequently, this partnership creates a nutrient-rich environment that all your plants will love. Increased Biodiversity A diverse garden is more resilient against diseases and pest outbreaks. Companion planting encourages various plants to work together in creating a balanced, self-sustaining ecosystem. Pollination Support Flowering plants like nasturtiums attract pollinators. These pollinators can significantly boost the reproductive chances  of nearby fruiting plants. The more pollinators in your garden, the more bountiful your harvest will be. Top Companion Planting Pairs Companion planting is all about finding plant partners that complement and support each other, leading to healthier, more productive gardens. The following pairs showcase how different plants can work together for mutual benefit, from enhancing growth to keeping pests at bay. Tomatoes and Basil Basil enhances the flavor of tomatoes and repels pests like whiteflies and aphids. Its aromatic oils improve tomato growth and yield, making this pair a gardener's dream team. Carrots and Onions Onions deter carrot flies, while carrots help break up the soil for onions. This duo maximizes space efficiently, with onions growing vertically and carrots expanding underground. Corn, Beans, and Squash (The Three Sisters) This traditional Native American trio is a perfect example of symbiosis. Corn provides a natural trellis for beans, beans enrich the soil with nitrogen, and squash covers the ground, suppressing weeds. As a result, this method of planting the Three Sisters together has stood the test of time! Cabbage and Dill Dill attracts beneficial insects that prey on cabbage pests. Meanwhile, cabbage provides shade and shelter for dill, helping it thrive in hotter conditions. This mutual relationship keeps pests at bay while promoting healthier growth for both plants. Surprisingly, this partnership also leads to enhanced, flavors from both plants’ produce. Lettuce and Radishes Radishes mature quickly, loosening the soil for slower-growing lettuce. They also deter pests targeting the lettuce, making this pairing practical and protective. Tips for Successful Companion Planting Companion planting is more than just placing plants side by side; it involves thoughtful planning and maintenance to ensure your garden thrives. With the right strategies, you can boost your garden’s health, yield, and resilience against pests and diseases. Plan Your Garden Layout Before planting, map out your garden and assign locations for each plant pairing. For a thriving ecosystem, always consider each plant’s sunlight, water needs, and space requirements before assigning spaces. Rotate Crops Annually Crop rotation is crucial for maintaining soil fertility and reducing pest risks. Rotating your plants each year disrupts pest life cycles and keeps the soil healthy. Explore more crop rotation strategies from The Old Farmer's Almanac. Use Natural Mulches Mulching with straw or grass clippings helps suppress weeds and retain moisture. It also creates a better environment for your companion plants. As mulch breaks down, organic matter goes to the soil and improves its structure. Monitor Plant Health Regular inspections help catch signs of stress or pests early. Look for yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or unusual spots. Once you detect something wrong, act quickly to protect your garden better. Experiment and Adjust Every garden is unique, so feel free to experiment with different plant combinations. Observe how they interact and adjust your planting plan accordingly. Maintaining a gardening journal can help you track your successes and learn from your experiences. Common Companion Planting Mistakes While companion planting can enhance your garden’s productivity and health, it’s easy to make mistakes that could lead to less than ideal results. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can ensure that your plants grow harmoniously and provide mutual benefits. Overcrowding Planting seeds too closely can lead to resource competition and increased disease susceptibility. Ensure each plant has enough space to grow and thrive. Ignoring Plant Needs Pairing plants with different needs can lead to poor results. Therefore, make sure your companion plants have similar water, light, and soil requirements so they can  support each other effectively. Not Considering Growth Habits Some plants can overshadow or smother their companions. Be mindful of each plant’s growth habits. Similarly, adjust plant spacing to prevent one species from overpowering the other. Additional Companion Planting Strategies Companion planting is a time-tested gardening technique that involves strategically placing certain plants near each other to maximize their growth potential, deter pests, or enhance flavor. By utilizing the natural relationships between plants, you can create a more productive and resilient garden ecosystem. Trap Cropping Planting a “trap” crop to attract pests away from your main crops can protect your valuable plants. For example, nasturtiums planted near cucumbers lure aphids away from the latter. Intercropping Mixing different crops in the same area confuses pests and reduces their spread. Intercropping also maximizes the use of space and resources in your garden. Beneficial Insect Attractors Flowers like yarrow, fennel, and dill attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings. These insects prey on garden pests and reduce the need for chemical interventions. Learn more about attracting beneficial insects from Gardener's Supply Company. Transform Your Garden with Companion Planting Companion planting is more than just a gardening technique—it’s also a journey toward creating a vibrant, resilient, and self-sustaining garden. Understanding and applying plant partnerships can boost your productivity, improve soil health, and manage pests naturally. Companion planting is the way to go when you want to enhance growth or create a balanced ecosystem. Start adopting this time-tested practice and watch your garden flourish with vitality and abundance! For more advanced gardening tips, check out our complete guide to organic gardening.

Anti-Trumpers Want Him Dead and Keep Asking Somebody to Do It--Slyly

These tiny black holes are considered a possible candidate for dark matter.

The story that the Moon was produced by a Mars-sized object slamming into the Earth is widely accepted, but a new study highlights some stubborn problems.

The change is small but significant for a human-made structure.

Predators hate this one simple trick for hiding like a submarine.

The spacecraft landed somewhere in the South Pacific Ocean.

Senate Republicans met Tuesday for Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s weekly off-the-record members’ lunch. These meetings, along with regular Wednesday Steering Committee lunches, are among the few regular times when party senators gather in one room to set party policy and messaging. There are few clearer windows into McConnell’s priorities than these lunches, and Tuesday did not disappoint: The RAND Corporation was invited to present its report on military spending and the potential need to raise taxes to increase the military percentage of the country’s GDP. Senate-watchers can consider Tuesday’s lunch not simply a glimpse into a moment of McConnell’s priorities but a preview into his goals for this month’s spending fight — and his plans for the likely December spending deal that will follow. That’s right; that was the priority. It wasn’t the former president and Republican nominee, who over the weekend survived another assassination attempt. It wasn’t Donald Trump’s campaign focus on past tax cuts or promise of more to come. It wasn’t House Republicans’ strategic (if faltering) election play to link the SAVE Act to a six-month spending resolution or even the threat of a bloated omnibus hanging over the Senate’s own head. It was more money for the Pentagon. Keep in mind: The government runs out of funding at the end of the month, at midnight on Sept. 30 — or 12 days from now. More money for the Pentagon, once a safe Republican issue, has fallen from favor with voters and members over the past four years in particular. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Blaze News learned, pushed back, asking why the conference ought to spend time considering tax hikes (suggested in the report) to deliver billions to a politicized, incompetent Pentagon brass that has cratered recruitment numbers. To Lee’s point, Trump has vocally lashed out at unaccountable Pentagon leadership, pointing out in last week's debate that the Biden-Harris administration hadn’t fired a single person over the chaotic, deadly, and embarrassing retreat from Kabul. But McConnell doesn’t share those concerns. Indeed, he’s made clear he intends to stay on in the Senate after stepping down from leadership this fall explicitly to fight for Pentagon priorities and continued funding for the war in Ukraine. Throughout the meeting, he reportedly waxed wistful about American defense spending as a percentage of GDP during World War II and other eras. Senate-watchers can consider Tuesday’s lunch not simply a glimpse into a moment of McConnell’s priorities but a preview into his goals for this month’s spending fight — and his plans for the likely December spending deal that will follow. Keep an eye out for big promises to Pentagon brass, get ready to see South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham’s bill committing the United States to a decade of funding Ukraine’s war against Russia, and expect other moves to tie Trump’s hands on foreign policy should he win in November. Sign up for Bedford’s newsletter Sign up to get Blaze Media senior politics editor Christopher Bedford's newsletter.

New Last Epoch patch notes are here as 2024’s best new ARPG builds on its second season with a dramatic character reset. Deploying a wealth of quality-of-life upgrades alongside the arrival of the Last Epoch Imperial Uprising limited-time event, the update also implements a community-chosen cycle refresh. That means if you’ve not been keeping up but are looking for a game to play, now is a great time to jump in, as it effectively acts like an all-new Last Epoch season, and you can take advantage of all the additional features. Continue reading Last Epoch Imperial Uprising adds an essential new feature to the ARPG MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Last Epoch review, Last Epoch builds, Last Epoch tier list