Republicans and Democrats blasted FBI Director Chris Wray and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Thursday after they refused to publicly testify before the Senate Homeland Security Committee.  The two Biden administration officials wanted to give lawmakers a closed-door briefing, saying they could not publicly testify. This request was slammed by lawmakers who said it would damage trust in the government and break precedent.  Mayorkas was expected to be asked about FEMA’s guidance to skip homes showing support for Donald Trump during relief operations in Florida. Multiple Republicans, including Sens. Rand Paul (KY) and Katie Britt (AL), have already demanded answers from Mayorkas about the instructions, which led to at least 20 homes being skipped.  Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), who chairs the committee, said the officials’ request for the briefing to be classified was “without merit” and the first time in 15 years that the head of the FBI and DHS have refused to testify publicly.  “Americans deserve transparent, public answers about the threats we face. Secretary Mayorkas and Director Wray’s refusal to speak publicly about their department’s work will only increase the concerns that many Americans have about our nation’s security at a challenging time, flout the Committee’s efforts to conduct responsible oversight, and will deal a serious blow to trust in our government,” he said.  Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) called for Wray to resign and suggested that the Senate hold the two in contempt. “Secretary Mayorkas and Director Wray’s refusal to testify publicly today in the Senate is an outrage — and a brazen attempt to avoid oversight for the political abuses at FEMA, the FBI and more. I look forward to Director Wray’s resignation,” Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) said.  MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ NOW STREAMING ON DAILYWIRE+ “This is Mayorkas & Wray giving the middle finger to the American people. They are REQUIRED BY LAW to testify. And now they’re saying it’s good enough to post something on a website? Both are unfit for office. The Senate should subpoena them immediately and hold them in contempt,” Hawley said in another post.  The FBI and DHS released statements saying that the officials could only meet with lawmakers behind closed doors.  “FBI leaders have testified extensively in public settings about the current threat environment and believe the Committee would benefit most from further substantive discussions and additional information that can only be provided in a classified setting,” the FBI said.  In a statement, DHS said that Mayorkas had already “testified 30 times during his tenure” and that it “takes seriously its obligation to respond to Congressional requests for testimony.” 

The 2024 election season uncovered a major shift as Asian American voters turned towards conservative ideologies, redefining political expectations. Exit polls show a 9-point shift to Republicans among Asian Americans compared to 2020. Will the shift last? A Turning Point in Asian American Politics The 2024 elections marked a considerable realignment among Asian American voters, traditionally seen as a Democrat-leaning demographic. In 2024 there was a pivotal shift towards the Republican Party, evidenced by precinct-level data revealing a staggering 31-point rightward movement in places like New York City. In crucial states such as Nevada and Texas, the trend was unmistakable as Donald Trump reportedly swayed the Asian vote. Exit polls across the nation signal this growing conservatism, indicating a nine-point swing compared to the 2020 elections. This pronounced shift challenges previous assumptions about voter tendencies within the Asian American community and calls for an examination of the underlying motivations behind this significant political change. Here’s Why Asian Americans Shifted Right https://t.co/FAUlaNsHUG — RealClearPolitics (@RCPolitics) November 19, 2024 Economic Concerns and Public Safety Economic interests, particularly rising inflation and contentious energy policies, play a central role in this electoral shift. Many in the Asian American community express discontent, as Nevada voter Lisa Noeth revealed, stating that “Biden’s energy policies skyrocketed the costs of grocery prices and gas prices,” alienating traditional Democratic supporters. Concerns over public safety and crime have further driven Asian American voters away from the Democratic Party, particularly in urban centers grappling with rising crime rates. Pennsylvania voter Teesta Dasgupta bluntly remarked, “You only understand what you signed up for after they [Democrats] win and you have to put up with crime and squalor.” My take is that Asian Americans are the smartest and most successful demographic. I'll follow their lead any day. https://t.co/go1YNFQhfE — JC (@cunninghamjeff) November 20, 2024 Cultural Values and Affirmative Action Another key factor contributing to this political recalibration is the existing cultural values within the Asian American community, which align more closely with conservative platforms emphasizing family structures and educational excellence. The controversial issue of affirmative action has exacerbated these tensions, with some Asian Americans feeling disadvantaged by these policies. This, compounded with dissatisfaction towards racial equity agendas, has contributed to the fissure between Democrats and the Asian electorate. Future trends suggest that while this movement is significant, it may not be permanent. Party messaging, adaptability in addressing complex policy issues, and genuine engagement with Asian American voters remain crucial for both parties in future electoral battles. Sources: Asian-Americans shift rightward. More Asian-Americans voting GOP The post Asian-Americans shifting right appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

The FBI has arrested a Florida man accused of plotting a deadly attack on a pivotal American financial landmark. Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, 30, was apprehended for allegedly planning to bomb the NYSE. Yener sought to “reboot” the government and garner public support. The Investigation and Arrest Harun Abdul-Malik Yener was detained in Florida following an investigation triggered by a tip-off about potential bomb-making materials. Law enforcement discovered schematics, electronic components, and other items typically associated with explosive device constructs in Yener’s storage unit. The investigation, initiated in February, progressively unraveled Yener’s intention to damage or destroy the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) during the week leading up to Thanksgiving. Yener’s goal to cause mass casualties drew the attention of federal investigators after he expressed to undercover agents plans for a bomb attack that could be comparable to the impact of a “small nuke.” The arrest highlights ongoing concerns about similar domestic threats, as mentioned by federal authorities. A homeless Florida man has been arrested and charged with plotting to bomb the New York Stock Exchange to force a "reboot" or "reset" of the U.S. government, according to a criminal complaint. https://t.co/DRdwzeCxRn — NBC News (@NBCNews) November 21, 2024 Plot Details and Motivation Yener’s alleged scheme to target the NYSE was part of a radical attempt to “wake people up,” leveraging public dissatisfaction over perceived financial injustices. Describing his plan, he stated, “The Stock Exchange, we want to hit that because it will wake people up,” reflecting a desire to disrupt and challenge the government structure through violence. Yener reportedly prepared extensively, modifying two-way radios to function as remote triggers and plotting to disguise himself during the operation. The documents and sketches recovered in his possession confirmed his dedication to the terror endeavor, dating back online research to 2017. Yener expressed anti-government sentiments, describing his mission as akin to the attack carried out by the infamous terrorist Osama bin Laden. This makes his purposes unwaveringly clear, as highlighted by communications recovered from his seized digital channels and statements made during his interactions with undercover FBI operatives. Florida man arrested in alleged plot to bomb New York Stock Exchangehttps://t.co/B2IggLR8HE — Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) November 20, 2024 Further Proceedings and Legal Action Yener has now had his first court appearance and will be held in custody while awaiting trial. The severity of the charges against him underscores the success of the FBI’s efforts to thwart what could have been a catastrophic event. His attempt to channel significant public grievances through violent extremism places the urgency of national security measures into perspective, marking a critical catch for law enforcement. Yener currently has no legal representation listed, and attempts to reach him have been unsuccessful. The documentation of Yener’s activities serves as a reminder of existing threats that exploit economic inequality and societal anxiety to radicalize individuals. This case, alongside similar threats previously thwarted, reflects the ongoing vigilance needed to safeguard American interests and civilians from domestic terrorism plots. Sources: NYSE bomb plot Florida man bomb plot The post Florida Man’s BOMB plot – NYSE targeted appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

In a stunning twist, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledges military efforts to reclaim Crimea are not feasible, hinting at a shift from confrontation to diplomacy. He admits regaining Crimea by force is impossible and stresses diplomatic solutions. Concerns over potential impacts of future U.S. military aid reductions loom large. Zelensky’s Pivotal Admissions Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has openly admitted that Ukraine cannot retake Crimea through military force, urging instead for a diplomatic approach to restoring sovereignty over the region. This acknowledgment reflects a critical strategic shift given Russia’s entrenched military presence and the immense sacrifices such military endeavors would demand. The stark reality of the situation echoes the 2014 annexation by Russia, reminding us that military solutions hold dire consequences. During an interview with Fox News, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine must avoid unnecessary loss of life, a cost that cannot justify any military campaign to reclaim Crimea. He underscored Ukraine’s firm stance: “cannot legally acknowledge any occupied territory of Ukraine as Russian.” The implication is clear—diplomacy and strengthened alliances are vital to addressing the Crimean predicament. Today, a conference took place focused on a key point of the Peace Formula: one of the fundamental conditions for ending the war and preventing future aggression—the withdrawal of the occupying forces from Ukraine. This is essential to restoring justice. Representatives from over… pic.twitter.com/BD7lQzIKze — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 25, 2024 The Geopolitical Tensions and U.S. Support The current escalation also brings the U.S.’s role in the conflict into stark relief. Zelensky voiced trepidation over the impact that reduced military aid from the United States, under the impending Trump administration, might have on Ukraine’s ability to withstand Russian advances. Currently, the Biden administration’s substantial $275 million arms package symbolizes continued support, however, Zelensky remains rightly cautious about future uncertainty. While U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan points out that it’s more about manpower than just advanced weaponry, Western allies are pressuring Ukraine to potentially lower conscription ages—a notion fraught with internal controversy. It’s a delicate balancing act that Ukraine must navigate with precision and diplomacy. All these cities in Ukraine were destroyed by Russia.All the Ukrainian people killed in these cities were killed by Russia.All the homes shattered were shattered by Russia. Russians at war committed all of this. pic.twitter.com/zqj6K7AxZd — MFA of Ukraine (@MFA_Ukraine) September 20, 2024 Diplomatic Ventures Amidst Unsettling Relations Zelensky’s criticism of German Chancellor Scholz for engaging directly with Vladimir Putin showcases the complex web of diplomacy characterizing this fraught geopolitical issue. Ukraine is eager to reaffirm its sovereignty without ceding ground politically or geographically, advocating for a coalition of international allies to exert coordinated pressure on Russia. Zelensky’s approach signals an awareness that conversations, not confrontations, are seminal to navigating this geopolitical maelstrom. The shift into diplomacy marks a critical point for Ukraine. Clear-eyed realism leads Zelensky to leverage diplomatic channels while building robust international alliances to exert sustained political and economic pressure on Russian interests. It’s a strategy built on long-term resilience and the unequivocal support of global stakeholders dedicated to an enduring peace. Sources: Zelensky changes tune Zelensky: ‘Through diplomacy’ Ukraine must end war with Russia next year The post Zelensky Shifts Strategy on Crimea appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

It’s been quite a year for country music, making last night’s Country Music Awards one to remember. While there were quite a few lucky artists, Cody Johnson in particular stole the show multiple times. For starters, both Johnson and Carrie Underwood delivered a surprise performance of I’m Gonna Love You. Then, Johnson snagged the coveted Album of the Year with Leather. After a night like that, it’s no wonder the press had quite a few questions for the country star. While he had much to say about his career as an artist, including what country music means to him, it’s fitting that he started off by talking about Brandi, his wife. Turns out, she changed the singer’s life in ways that we’ll never fully understand. Hear what Johnson had to say about her at the start of the video below! Cody Johnson Shines a Spotlight on His Supportive Wife, Brandi, After Winning Album of the Year at the CMAs “If it wasn’t for Brandi, I wouldn’t be here. I’m being dead serious when I say that if it weren’t for Brandi, I would probably be dead or in jail,” Johnson admits. “She’s the woman that encouraged me to be the man I am as a husband, as a father, as a CEO of a company, as a leader — and I owe everything I have to that woman sitting right there.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cody Johnson (@codyjohnson) Brandi’s relationship with Johnson began long before he became the country icon that he is today. In fact, the two first met in high school, though, their romantic relationship didn’t develop until years later. Now, this sweet couple has two kids, Clara Mae and Cori. It goes to show that you never know where life will take you! “To my beautiful wife Brandi: I love you more and more every day, and I couldn’t imagine raising our two sweet little girls without you,” Cody wrote in a social media post this last Mother’s Day. “You’re such a wonderful example for them, and we’re all lucky to have you in our lives!!” You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post “If It Weren’t For Brandi I Would Probably Be Dead Or In Jail” Cody Johnson Issues Touching Tribute To Wife After CMA Awards Win appeared first on InspireMore.

It seems she's actually high-tailing it out of here

'America Last policy'

He cannot be tried on this case again

He's crashing out

'I look forward to Director Wray’s resignation'