Thousands of Hezbollah terrorists were injured on Tuesday during one of the most efficient large-scale military attacks in the history of warfare. Israel reportedly infiltrated Hezbollah’s supply chain and rigged thousands of pagers with pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), a highly explosive material, which was then remotely detonated simultaneously. The pagers were programmed to beep for several seconds before exploding, The New York Times reported. A tiny bit of explosive material was placed in each pager next to the battery and was detonated with a switch that allowed the bomb to be triggered remotely. The pagers were detonated at 3:30 p.m. in Lebanon when the terrorists received a message that appeared as though it was coming from Hezbollah’s leadership, The Times reported. Approximately 4,000 were injured, 500 of whom were listed in critical condition, and at least 11 were killed. Among the 11 that have so far been announced as dead, at 10 were Hezbollah terrorists. The pagers were imported months ago from a Taiwan, but were only recently given to the Hezbollah terrorists, reports said. A small amount of explosive material had been placed in each device before it ever reached Lebanon. According to Sky News Arabia; Mossad was able to Inject a Compound of Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN) into the Batteries of the New Encrypted Pagers that Hezbollah began using around February, before they even arrived in the Hands of Hezbollah Members, allowing them to… pic.twitter.com/K6CST3K2DU — OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) September 17, 2024 Israel’s original plan was to detonate the pagers in the event that it entered a full blown war with Hezbollah so that it would have a clear advantage at the outset of fighting, Al-Monitor reported. However, Israel was forced to detonate the pagers quickly after it learned that two Hezbollah members figured out that the pagers had been breached. Am I Racist? Is In Theaters NOW — Get Your Tickets Here! When the first member of Hezbollah suspected foul play several days ago, he was killed. When the second member figured out that the devices had been compromised, Israel was forced to make a decision. Hezbollah had their fighters switch to using pagers because they believed that Israel was monitoring their cell phone communications. The U.S. was not alerted to the plan, presumably because Israel cannot trust the pro-Iran Biden-Harris administration.

In his first campaign event since the apparent assassination attempt on Sunday, former President Donald Trump touted his economic policies and suggested that his “consequential” agenda could be the reason he’s been “shot at.” Trump sat down for a town hall event with Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in front of a large crowd in Flint, Michigan, and the former president said he has been saddened to see the decline of the automotive industry in the Detroit and Flint area — what was known as the car manufacturing capital of the world. The Republican nominee said the U.S. needs to manufacture more vehicles in the country instead of in Mexico and China. He then promised the crowd of Michiganders that his administration would put a 200% tariff on vehicles manufactured outside of the U.S. “They think they’re going to make their cars there and they’re going to sell them across our line and we’re going to take them and we’re not going to charge them tax. We’re going to charge them. I’m telling you right now, we’re putting a 200% tariff on them, which means they’re unsellable,” Trump said. “And then you wonder why I get shot at,” he added. “You know, only consequential presidents get shot at. … But you have to do what you have to do. You have to be brave. Otherwise, you’re not going to have a country left.” The former president was targeted in another apparent assassination attempt on Sunday when a 58-year-old man hid out for 12 hours near Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, allegedly to take a shot at him. Sunday’s assassination attempt came just two months after Trump was shot in the ear during his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump focused on the economy and trade throughout much of his town hall event in Flint. Michigan remains a vital toss-up state in the race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris with the RealClearPolitics average of polling showing Harris leading by less than 1 percentage point. The former president’s main message to Michigan voters during the town hall was clear: a vote for him meant a vote to bring industry and jobs back to the Great Lakes State. Am I Racist? Is In Theaters NOW — Get Your Tickets Here! “We are going to bring so many auto plants into our country. You are going to be as big or bigger than you were 50 years ago,” Trump said to the applause of the crowd. “I think it’s safe to say that Michigan is happy that you’re going to be president again,” Sanders told him. PRESIDENT TRUMP IN MICHIGAN: “We are going to bring so many auto plants into our country. You are going to be as big or BIGGER than you were 50 years ago.” pic.twitter.com/fBcq6NHK1e — Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) September 17, 2024

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Every year, from September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month encourages people around the United States to honor the Hispanic and Latino populations’ rich history, culture, and contributions. President Ronald Reagan extended the week-long commemoration that began in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson to a full month in 1988. Today, it is a time to recognize the amazing contribution that Hispanic Americans have made in shaping the United States. Hispanic Heritage Month allows us to commemorate the enormous achievements that Latinas and Latinos have made in business, science, public service, the arts, and more. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanics are the country’s largest ethnic or racial minority group, with a population of more than 60 million—in other words, 18.9 percent of the total population.  Their influence has been integral to U.S. history since the colonial era, and their continued contributions in modern times help fuel the economy and shape the cultural landscape. Hispanic or Latino? Understanding the terminology While “Hispanic” and “Latino” are frequently used interchangeably, the terms have distinct meanings. “Hispanic” traditionally refers to those having ancestors in Spanish-speaking countries, but “Latino” is a broader term that embraces people from Latin America, including non-Spanish-speaking countries such as Brazil. According to the National Museum of the American Latino, the term “Latino” encompasses a wide range of racial heritages, including Black, Indigenous, Asian, and European ancestry, allowing for a more inclusive view of Latin American identity. Understanding these distinctions is critical for honoring the community’s diversity this month. Why the mid-September start date? Hispanic Heritage Month is unique in that it begins in mid-September rather than at the beginning of the month. This is no coincidence; September 15 is the independence day of five Central American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico’s Independence Day falls on September 16, while Chile’s is on September 18. These dates, rooted in the spirit of independence and strength, nicely complement the month’s themes of pride and resilience. The importance of Hispanic Heritage Month Latinos and Latinas have made huge contributions to the United States, taking key roles in everything from the Revolutionary War to the Civil Rights Movement. Hispanic Heritage Month is important not only because it honors the past but also because it gives voice to the Hispanic community in the present. Representation is critical, especially because one in every four children in the United States is of Hispanic or Latino origin.  Latino history is often missing from high school texts and curricula despite their expanding numbers. This omission underscores the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month as more than just a celebration—it is an opportunity for education, representation, and recognition of the community’s tremendous effect on American history and culture. Latinos’ economic production ranks fifth in the world when considered an autonomous economy, and their impact is growing, making their history and stories more significant than ever. Contributions to sports: Latino athletes’ legacies Sports provide a unique perspective through which we may examine the influence of the Latino community. For example, Latinos have had a revolutionary impact on Major League Baseball (MLB), with roughly 30 percent of the league’s players identifying as Hispanic or Latino as of 2023. Legends such as Roberto Clemente, a trailblazer on and off the field, and current players such as Francisco Lindor and Javier Báez have built a name for themselves not only through athletics but also through advocacy and philanthropic work. Latinas have also torn down barriers in the field of sports. Linda Alvarado bought the Colorado Rockies in the 1990s, making her the first Hispanic woman to own a Major League Baseball team. Players like Margaret “Marge” Villa and sportscasters like Jessica Mendoza have helped pave the way for future generations of Latina athletes and professionals, altering the game as we know it. A celebration of legacy and impact Hispanic Heritage Month is a powerful reminder of the immeasurable contributions that Latinas and Latinos have made to the fabric of the United States. From shaping our nation’s history to transforming industries like sports, business, and the arts, their influence has been and continues to be, undeniable. Through education, celebration, and reflection, Hispanic Heritage Month encourages all of us to appreciate the diverse voices and cultures that make up the vibrant tapestry of our nation. In part II of our Hispanic Heritage Month series, we will bring even more key figures of Hispanic history and heritage to the fore.The post Hispanic Heritage Month Part I: understanding its significance first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Imagine you’re in pain and know something’s wrong, but every doctor you see dismisses it as “nothing serious.” Unfortunately, this scenario is far too prevalent and even has a name: medical gaslighting. It occurs when healthcare workers minimize or disregard your symptoms, frequently due to bias, resulting in delayed diagnosis and prolonged suffering.  Take Bastion as an example. At the age of 21, they endured significant abdominal pain, but doctors continually assured them it was nothing more than a burst cyst or “women’s problems.” After months of anguish and ER trips, a family member intervened and it was only then that Bastion discovered they had a 7.5-centimeter cystic tumor. This delayed diagnosis could have been avoided, but Bastion, like so many others, faced medical gaslighting firsthand. Medical gaslighting disproportionately impacts women, people of color, gender-nonconforming people, and the elderly. According to Chelsey R. Carter, PhD, MPH, an assistant professor at Yale School of Public Health, “Those who experience the most medical harms are always going to be on the margins.” What does medical gaslighting look like? To be frank, diagnosing specific illnesses is not always simple. Symptoms might be vague or common to multiple disorders, and clinicians frequently evaluate the most likely explanations before performing further tests. However, medical gaslighting goes a step further by completely disregarding a patient’s symptoms or attributing them to unrelated causes such as mental health or weight.  As oncologist Neil Iyengar, MD, explains, doctors tend to operate with probability. For example, if a young person reports chest pain, a clinician may not immediately consider lung cancer because it is more common in older individuals. This cautious approach is standard—but when a doctor rejects a patient’s worries or connects them to generic conditions without conducting a thorough inquiry, this is gaslighting. So what are the red flags? If your doctor regularly interrupts you, dismisses your symptoms as “just stress,” or minimizes your concerns, you may be experiencing medical gaslighting. Other tell-tale indicators include a provider who appears suspicious of your symptoms or who constantly blames them on weight, mental health, or age, despite evidence to the contrary. Who is most at risk of medical gaslighting? Particular groups are especially susceptible to medical gaslighting. Often, it happens when a patient does not fit with the expectation of what a person with a given ailment “should” look like. Dr. Carter observes that this is common among Black patients, citing a report that indicated Black people with ALS struggled to convince clinicians they had the disease. Why? Because ALS is commonly regarded as a “white man’s disease,” clinicians may fail to recognize it in persons who do not fit this stereotype. Younger patients may also experience this. Sarah Elisabeth, now 26, endured years of inexplicable bladder, digestive, and mobility concerns. Doctors diagnosed her symptoms as stress, worry, or “growing pains.” Sarah was eventually diagnosed with tethered spinal cord syndrome in 2022, after suffering numbness and dropping tools at work. This condition had been causing her neurological problems for years. How to stand up for yourself when gaslighting strikes While you cannot always control whether or not a doctor takes your symptoms seriously, you can employ techniques to gain control of your healthcare experience. 1. Do your prep work  Before you step into the session, be sure you know exactly what you want to talk about. Keisha Bentley-Edwards, PhD, of Duke University, suggests focusing on your top three symptoms. That way, you may stay focused and brief, allowing your doctor to focus on what is most important. 2. Do not be afraid to switch doctors If you feel ignored or not taken seriously, it is acceptable to seek a second opinion. Dr. Bentley-Edwards suggests requesting a referral to someone your doctor would recommend to their own family. You deserve a doctor who will listen to and respect your concerns. 3. Trust your gut feeling According to Dr. Iyengar, if you feel unheard, it’s likely that you are. Your intuition is important; if something feels off or overlooked, it may indicate that you need to argue more strongly or find a doctor who takes you seriously. 4. Bring backup Getting through appointments while in pain or feeling disregarded can be exhausting. This is where having an advocate, such as a family member, may make a huge impact. They can take notes, ask follow-up questions, and support you when the doctor dismisses your worries. If you don’t have somebody to accompany you, check with local advocacy groups or patient advocates. Many hospitals offer these services, and organizations such as the Patient Advocate Foundation can assist. Recovering from gaslighting: the importance of advocacy Bastion reflects on their own experience with medical gaslighting, recognizing how daunting it was. At 21, they were lucky to have family members who backed them up. “Part of the reason that I feel like I got through this medical gaslighting is because of the people willing to advocate for me,” Bastion tells me. “They were all just like, ‘No, this is out of bounds, this needs to be dealt with.'” Medical gaslighting is real, and it can have disastrous repercussions if left unchecked. Remember, you know your body best; don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.The post Learning how to identify and defend against medical gaslighting first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Murphy leaned in to his Irish roots for this film

'Made a lot of sense'

At least nine people were killed Tuesday when pagers that were used by hundreds of members of the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon and Syria exploded in what appeared to be a simultaneously planned attack, The Associated Press reported.CNN estimated that 2,800 were wounded in the attack that occurred at about 3:30 p.m. local time. Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon was among the wounded, according to The Associated Press.The AP reported that the pagers were recently acquired by Hezbollah after its leader told its members to stop using cellphones for fear they could be tracked by the Israelis. Hezbollah is the Lebanese Shiite Muslim political party that also has a militant faction.Lebanon’s Information Minister Ziad Makary blamed Israel for the pagers exploding, calling it an “Israeli aggression,” according to The Times of Israel.CNN posted videos of the attacks. One video showed a man standing at a market near a fruit and vegetable stand when his pager exploded. The man fell to the ground on his back with his legs pulled up. There was another man standing next to the victim when the pager exploded who appeared stunned at first and then ran away.Another video showed a man appearing to stand in a line at a cash register when his pager exploded. He fell down on his back. The woman cashier who was sitting in a chair behind a desk and across from the man got up and scurried away.The social media platform X had graphic videos of several injured men with gaping wounds covered in blood at hospitals.U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said during a press briefing that the U.S. was not involved and had not been given a warning of the attack beforehand and was now “collecting information.”A former British Army explosives expert told the BBC that the explosives were likely military grade and were between 10 to 20 grams and hidden inside a fake component inside the pager. The pagers could be armed by a signal, and then the next person to use the device would trigger the explosion, the BBC reported.Former CIA analyst Emily Harding told the BBC the attack was “extraordinary.”“A breach of this magnitude is not only physically harmful but will also make them question their entire security apparatus,” Harding said of Hezbollah. The post Hezbollah Members Targeted With Explosive Pagers appeared first on The Daily Signal.

DAILY CALLER NEWS FOUNDATION—Reports of shoplifting and vehicle theft increased considerably in Springfield, Ohio, following the arrival of thousands of Haitian refugees, according to data obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation through a records request. The town, which had a population of 58,622 in 2020, has taken in between 12,000 and 20,000 Haitian refugees over the past three years, marking a population increase of between 20.4% and 34.1%. From 2021 to 2023, Springfield also saw a 51.5% jump in motor vehicle theft reports and a 112.8% spike in reports of shoplifting, data provided by the Springfield Police Division shows. Springfield residents previously told the Daily Caller News Foundation that the influx of Haitians has resulted in an uptick in car accidents, increased housing prices, and strained public services. Bryan Heck, Springfield’s city manager, sent a letter to Democratic Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, Republican Ohio Sen. JD Vance, and Republican South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott in July requesting federal assistance to deal with the pressure migrants had placed on the housing supply. Inhabitants of the town also told the Daily Caller News Foundation that they had observed Haitians engaging in sex acts and other vices in public. The Daily Caller News Foundation was unable to verify claims made by the town’s residents about Haitians engaging in public debauchery. Springfield’s police department declined to comment on the crime data, which does not include information on the immigration status or demographics of offenders. Springfield had a higher crime rate than the nation at large even before Haitians began moving there in large numbers. In 2019, for instance, the town had a violent crime rate of 493.8 per 100,000 residents, compared to the United States’ rate of 366.7 per 100,000, according to data compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The number of motor vehicle thefts reported in Springfield increased from 324 in 2021 to 491 in 2023, according to police data. Shoplifting reports, meanwhile, jumped from 295 cases in 2021 to 628 in 2023. Large numbers of Haitians began arriving in Springfield to meet the demand for labor after the city’s chamber of commerce successfully attracted new businesses to the city, according to The New York Times. While the migrants have attracted the ire of some residents, many are paying taxes to support the community. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, has set aside $2.5 million to help Springfield deal with the migrant surge and announced last week that he would deploy the Ohio State Highway Patrol to assist with traffic enforcement in the municipality. The issue of poor driving among refugees became a flashpoint in the community after a Haitian national driving a minivan without a license swerved in front of a school bus in August 2023, killing an 11-year-old boy and injuring roughly a dozen other students. One Springfield resident, a pastor, told the Daily Caller News Foundation that the town had accidents every day as a result of the influx of Haitians. A local towing employee confirmed that there had been an uptick in wrecks. Police recorded just two reported cases of animal cruelty in 2021 and none in 2022 or 2023, failing to provide evidence for rumors of Haitians stealing and eating residents’ pets. The number of reported murders and assaults in the town went more or less unchanged between 2021 and 2023. Immigration authorities have had over 7 million encounters with migrants at the southern border since President Joe Biden took office in January 2021, according to Customs and Border Protection data. Beyond small towns like Springfield, the large number of migrants entering the country has caused budgetary strains in major cities like New York and Chicago as they attempt to accommodate the new arrivals, Bloomberg reported. The Biden-Harris administration awarded Haitians Temporary Protected Status for the first time in 2021 and later extended that designation until 2026, protecting them from deportation and allowing them to work legally. The number of people on government benefits also increased considerably as Haitians moved into Springfield, Reuters reported. As of April, the Biden-Harris administration had flown over 400,000 migrants into the United States, 154,000 of whom originated in Haiti. The administration halted the flight program after an internal report uncovered rampant fraud but has since allowed it to resume. “We’re tired—help,” one Springfield resident told the Daily Caller News Foundation when asked what message he wanted to send to the country. “Send help. Help us fix this.” Originally published by the Daily Caller News Foundation The post Shoplifting and Vehicle Thefts Soared as Haitian Migrants Poured Into Ohio Town, Police Data Shows appeared first on The Daily Signal.