The chilling Islamic terrorist attack has left the community in shock and sparked widespread outrage at this sign of a growing threat to public safety by Muslim migrants in Ireland. The outrage should be directed at the Irish government which has taken in so many unvetted Muslim invaders. 

We love a good duet. Hearing two different voices come together to create beautiful music warms our hearts. If the artists perform a romantic song, sometimes they’re so good we actually start to believe they’re really in love. And then, of course, there are the real-life couples who sing together and give us all the feels. Chris Stapleton and his wife, Morgane, sang a beautiful duet during the CMAs on November 20th, and their love shone through. As they sang What Am I Gonna Do, the pair looked at one another with the passion only two people in love can. Friends, we are here for it. Chris Stapleton And Morgane’s Duet Was A True Love Song Chris and Morgane married in 2007 and share five children. That kind of love is special, and as musicians, they express it in the most endearing way. The lyrics of What Am I Gonna Do share the fear a person feels when they lose the love of their life. It’s a cautionary tale, and the way Chris and Morgane sing it, you can tell neither plans to go anywhere. Their lives would genuinely be broken without each other. Fans love it. One wrote, “The way they just stare in each other’s eyes while they’re singing together just about brings a tear to my damn eye.” This person agreed, “Should be illegal Chris for a person to sling words that smack me on the inside of my head! You are the absolute best country artist of all time! I know without all the rest of the artists from the past you wouldn’t be who you are but man you are the man. I thank God to be living in a time when my heart could experience such a voice. God Bless Chris .” You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Chris Stapleton & Wife Morgane’s Romantic CMA Duet Has Fans Swooning appeared first on InspireMore.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a world where bad news about the environment routinely outweighs good news, scientists have discovered an incredible exception: the world’s largest coral. Nestled in the pristine seas of the Solomon Islands, this huge marine monster is 34 meters broad and stands over five meters tall, dwarfing even the giant blue whale. It’s even visible from space. “Just when we think there is nothing left to discover on planet Earth, we find a massive coral made of nearly one billion little polyps, pulsing with life and color,” said Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and founder of the Pristine Seas team that discovered the surprising find. The mega coral, a species called Pavona clavus, is considered to be around 300 years old—a living time capsule that provides invaluable insights into past ocean conditions. Despite its majesty, scientists warn that it is not indestructible, with global warming and human activity posing immediate risks. A discovery like no other The coral was discovered during an expedition by the National Geographic Pristine Seas team, which works to advance ocean conservation. While exploring the southwest Pacific Ocean, they came across what looked to be a giant rock beneath the water. A closer look revealed that it was far more astonishing. Even the local community was ignorant of its existence, which surprised the research team given its proximity to the ocean’s surface. This oversight demonstrates how much remains unexplored and unknown in the great blue depths of the ocean. “This is a significant scientific discovery, like finding the world’s tallest tree,” Sala remarked. “But there is cause for alarm. Despite its remote location, this coral is not safe from global warming and other human threats.” Solomon Islands: a coral wonderland The Solomon Islands are renowned for their biodiversity, with the world’s second-largest number of coral species. The region’s seas are teeming with marine life, which includes over 490 different types of hard and soft coral. This particular coral is not an exception. Its dome-like shape provides a safe haven for reef fish, crabs, and shrimp, helping to preserve the marine ecosystem. “Large adult coral colonies like this contribute significantly to the recovery of coral reef ecosystems due to their high reproductive potential,” noted Eric Brown, coral scientist for the Pristine Seas expedition. Despite warmer seas damaging surrounding shallow reefs, this coral has survived as a “beacon of hope,” growing in somewhat deeper waters with more stable circumstances. What makes this coral so special? The coral’s age and size are impressive, but its true worth is in the knowledge it contains. “It now stores information on how to survive throughout the centuries,” said Manu San Félix, an underwater cinematographer and expedition member who discovered the coral. “The genetic code of these simple polyps is an enormous encyclopedia that has written how to survive multiple climatic conditions, and until now, it does so in the face of ocean warming.” This coral has endured centuries of change, from the entrance of European explorers to today’s environmental difficulties. Its resiliency teaches important lessons about conserving marine ecosystems in a warming world. Protecting the giants of the ocean Currently, just 8.4 percent of the world’s oceans are protected in any way. Scientists say that findings like this highlight the importance of increasing marine conservation efforts. The Pristine Seas team hopes that by studying this coral and others like it, they can uncover secrets that will help reefs around the world adapt to changing climates. Their research, which uses cutting-edge technology, has the potential to inform worldwide initiatives for protecting marine biodiversity. Conservation, however, involves more than just science. It necessitates international collaboration, local participation, and public awareness. Discoveries like the giant coral highlight the ocean’s beauty, resilience, and vulnerability. As the climate crisis worsens, this coral serves as both a beacon of hope and a sobering reminder of what is at stake. “It is a natural monument that has seen the arrival of the first Europeans to these waters,” San Félix said with pride. If we can protect these ancient giants, we will preserve not only marine biodiversity but also a piece of our shared legacy. With the right action, this coral—and many others—can live for generations to come.The post The giant beneath the waves: world’s largest coral found in the Pacific first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Every day on the Optimist Daily, we report on solutions from around the world. Though we love solutions big and small, the ones that emerge from our local communities often have the greatest impact. We are pleased to present the penultimate round of The Optimist Daily’s Local Changemakers series! This is our way of expressing gratitude to our Optimist Daily community. We hope you enjoy learning about these solutions-oriented individuals and organizations as much as we did.   Cultivating connection: GRuB plants seeds for a healthier community In a small corner of Olympia, Washington, a nonprofit organization is proving that good food and good company can lead to great change. GRuB (Garden-Raised Bounty) is more than just a farm—it’s a place where people of all ages and backgrounds come together. Since its founding in 1993, GRuB has been turning soil into solutions, using agriculture as a tool to nurture people, empower communities, and plant seeds of equity and resilience, quietly revolutionizing the way communities approach food security, education, and connection. More Than a Garden At GRuB, the mission is straightforward yet profound: “Growing healthy food, people, and community.” Through innovative programs and deep community engagement, GRuB has become a light of hope in Olympia and beyond. Greg, a community member who nominated the organization for the local change maker series, captured its impact perfectly: “GRuB provides a wide variety of community outreach programs, ranging from building raised-bed gardens for people’s homes to training military veterans to become beekeepers and farmers. Its deep roots in our community are far-reaching.” Participants of GRuB’s garden programs; courtesy of GRuB   Growing connections across generations One of GRuB’s standout initiatives is the Growing Home Collective, which Greg describes as a program that “uplifts the leadership and voices of Black people, many of whom are still experiencing the impacts of the legacy of American oppression and slavery.” By creating sacred spaces for rest, relaxation, and resilience, the initiative fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment, amplifying voices that have historically been marginalized. Another transformative effort is GRuB’s Veteran Programs, which provide veterans with opportunities to heal, connect, and contribute through agriculture. “GRuB creates a non-confrontational environment where veterans work shoulder to shoulder, immersed in the healing nature of the outdoors, agriculture, and dirt work,” Greg says. This hands-on approach helps veterans rediscover purpose and community, allowing them to continue serving in ways that nourish both themselves and those around them. Sowing the seeds of education GRuB’s work with youth and education is equally impactful. The organization has a long history of empowering young people through hands-on learning and leadership development. By teaching skills like gardening, teamwork, and community engagement, GRuB is shaping a generation of changemakers who understand the importance of food systems and environmental stewardship. But GRuB’s reach doesn’t stop there. “Its powerful youth and community development programs have directly benefited folks in Thurston County for years,” Greg notes. “Now, it provides coaching and training, or what it calls ‘pollination,’ to support communities that wish to develop their own GRuB-like programs.” This approach extends GRuB’s mission far beyond Olympia, inspiring similar initiatives in other areas. A team rooted in purpose Behind GRuB’s success is a dedicated team that believes wholeheartedly in the organization’s mission. Together with countless volunteers, they bring GRuB’s vision to life, cultivating not just food but also hope and opportunity. At its core, GRuB’s work is about creating an equitable world where everyone is nourished—by food, by relationships, and by opportunities to learn and grow. Whether it’s building gardens for families, offering veterans a place to heal, or creating spaces for underrepresented voices to thrive, GRuB proves that a garden can be so much more than just a patch of soil. It’s where they are cultivating a movement—one garden, one community, one life at a time. For more information on GRuB’s work and how you may get involved, visit their website here.   SparkNJ: empowering local changemakers through trust and equity Sometimes, the most transformative solutions come from reimagining the way we give. That’s exactly what SparkNJ is doing in northern New Jersey, where their trust-based philanthropic model is reshaping how support reaches Black-led organizations. By offering unrestricted funding and amplifying the work of local changemakers, SparkNJ is building bridges across communities and sparking real change. Ruth, who nominated SparkNJ as a local changemaker, says it best: “SparkNJ is making a real difference in our local area by highlighting the work that small, local, Black-led organizations are doing for our entire community, Black and white. SparkNJ is promoting racial equity by supporting these organizations and also by making what they do visible to all.” A trust-based approach At the heart of SparkNJ’s work is its innovative trust-based funding model. Instead of asking grassroots organizations to jump through bureaucratic hoops, SparkNJ relies on the community to nominate Black-led nonprofits doing impactful work. By cutting out red tape, they provide leaders with the flexibility and resources to focus on creating change. Trust-based funding allows SparkNJ to support organizations that are closest to the challenges and solutions. This approach ensures that funding goes where it’s needed most while honoring the expertise of local leaders. Promoting racial equity SparkNJ’s mission is rooted in a commitment to racial equity. In the interest of promoting racial equity, they strive to build a diverse community that provides trust-based funding to Black-led nonprofit organizations. By uplifting these organizations, SparkNJ addresses systemic inequities and helps ensure all communities have the resources they need to thrive. The organization doesn’t just fund change—it highlights it. By making the work of Black-led groups visible to a broader audience, SparkNJ fosters understanding and unity across racial and cultural lines. Empowering local changemakers SparkNJ’s impact extends far beyond financial support. Their work strengthens the capacity of organizations that tackle everything from education and housing to community building and justice reform. As Ruth notes, “SparkNJ is making what these organizations do visible to all.” This visibility amplifies their influence and inspires broader support for their initiatives. SparkNJ’s vision is bold yet simple: They envision a world where funding and support are equitably available to all nonprofits, sparking change so that all communities in NJ have the resources they need to thrive. A positive ripple effect When SparkNJ empowers Black-led organizations, the benefits reverberate throughout the entire community. By trusting local leaders and providing unrestricted funding, they enable these groups to innovate, expand, and deepen their impact. The result is a ripple effect of positive change that uplifts everyone in northern New Jersey. As SparkNJ continues its work, it serves as a powerful reminder that equity, trust, and community collaboration can spark incredible transformation. Their efforts aren’t just about funding—they’re about fostering hope, visibility, and a brighter future for all. To learn more about SparkNJ’s impact and how you can support them, visit their website here.  The post Changemakers of the week: GRuB and SparkNJ first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

'The trade was four circuit nominees — all lacking the votes to get confirmed'

'She knows what she's doing about immigration'

Vice President Kamala Harris is raising money for a recount, but doesn’t appear likely to ask for one since deadlines have passed for such requests in most battleground states. The Harris campaign raised more than $1 billion in the Democratic presidential nominee’s bid to defeat former President Donald Trump, but reportedly ended up with $20 million in debt.  Raising money for a recount without any apparent intent to ask for one is likely acceptable under campaign laws, according to the Federal Election Commission.  Some on the Left have clamored for a recount in the Harris-Trump contest. The liberal organization Free Speech for People and at least one national liberal talk host, Thom Hartman, pushed for a recount. So have Democrats on social media, as a last gasp of hope of preventing Trump from beginning a second term Jan. 20. Harris, who became the nominee after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race, lost both the popular vote and electoral vote to Trump. He defeated her in all seven swing states. The vice president conceded the race Nov. 6.  The Harris Victory Fund reportedly is a joint fundraising committee authorized by the Harris campaign, the Democratic National Committee, and state Democratic parties. “The first $41,300/$15,000 from a person/multicandidate committee (“PAC”) will be allocated to the DNC,” the Harris Victory Fund says. It then adds: “The next $3,300/$5,000 from a person/PAC will be allocated to Harris for President’s Recount Account.” Last week, a group of cybersecurity experts and someone from Free Speech for People asked Harris to seek a recount, alleging a data breach in voting systems. Their letter specifically asked the vice president to seek a recount in the most closely contested states—Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.  However, the deadline to request a recount in Wisconsin—the closest state, where Trump won by less than 1%—passed on 5 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Wisconsin Elections Commission.  Nevada law requires a recount to be requested within 14 days after an election, a deadline that also passed Tuesday, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.  In Pennsylvania, where a recount of the Senate race occurred, a petition for a recount must be filed within 20 days after an election, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Harris technically would have until Monday to request one.  Michigan recount deadlines aren’t specified, according to the NCSL. But a website on election procedures, Verified Voting, says that Michigan law requires that a campaign’s recount petition must allege a candidate is “aggrieved on account of fraud or mistake in the canvass of the votes by the inspectors of election or the returns.” The candidate also must be “able to allege a good-faith belief that but for fraud or mistake, the candidate would have had a reasonable chance of winning the election.”  Harris was vacationing in Hawaii this week after her loss to Trump. The vice president’s office didn’t respond to inquiries from The Daily Signal for this story.  The Harris campaign and the Democratic National Committee also didn’t respond to inquiries for this story.  A campaign that establishes a recount fund isn’t required to seek a recount under Federal Election Commission guidelines or campaign finance laws.  Asked whether a campaign or candidate may redirect such funds raised for a recount for other purposes, an FEC press officer directed The Daily Signal to a March 2019 advisory opinion for the campaign of former Sen. Bill Nelson, a Florida Democrat who lost a close 2018 race to Republican challenger Rick Scott.  The FEC determined that it wouldn’t violate the Federal Election Campaign Act if Nelson’s campaign donated excess money from a recount fund to a charity, or to a national party committee. “The commission concluded that the proposed disposal of surplus recount funds is consistent with the act since neither the charitable donation nor the donation to the national party’s recount account would be made to influence a federal election,” the FEC advisory opinion said. “Therefore, the use would not constitute a contribution or expenditure under the act or regulations.” The post Harris Raises Money for Recount as Deadlines Pass to Seek One appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Second Time the Charm? Bondi Gets AG Nod