Luxury retailer Nieman Marcus has quietly cancelled “Christmas” from its annual holiday catalog. This is the first time this has happened in its 117-year history and never would have happened under its three founders, all of whom were Jewish. Not coincidentally, the last founding member, Richard Marcus, died in February 2023.  The beginning of Neiman-Marcus […]

Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds was shot in the arm and back of his head after he said he was followed leaving a strip club in the city on October 18. On Thursday, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that 29-year-old Reynolds is “said to be OK after being the victim in a shooting Friday in Denver.” According to documents obtained by 9News, Reynolds and two other men made several calls in the early morning hours into 911 saying that there had been a shooting. The first call came in from the driver, who said he’d been shot. A second person called and said they were being followed and that two people he was with had been shot. A third call came in and said he was with people who had been shot.  The documents noted that all three calls, via GPS tracking, came from the same basic location. When police arrived, they located the victims, with Reynolds being listed as shot twice, once in the back of his head and once in his arm, the report noted. Broncos receiver Josh Reynolds shot after leaving Denver-area strip club https://t.co/GYWOBwqdO4 pic.twitter.com/cVz0pIkLTV — New York Post (@nypost) October 24, 2024 The other man had been shot in the back, and a third man was injured by shattered glass. The documents show police spoke to three men about what happened before the shooting, and when asked if there had been any problem at the club earlier in the evening, all three said no. MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ COMING TO DAILYWIRE+ OCT. 28 The three described how after they left the club, they were followed by several vehicles before they were shot at. Their vehicle was later located with “numerous bullet defects in the back driver-side and front windshield,” the report noted. Two men have since been arrested in the case. Reynolds — who was already on the injured reserve list for an injured finger — had remained in Denver and did not fly out with the rest of the team to New Orleans for the Broncos game against the Saints last Thursday. On October 12, he suffered an injury against the Las Vegas Raiders. “Josh Reynolds was a victim of a shooting on Friday in Denver and received treatment for minor injuries,” a statement from the NFL team read. “Out of respect for the legal process, we will defer further comment on this matter to the authorities.” Reynolds was picked up in the fourth round of the NFL draft by the Los Angeles Rams in 2017. Two years later, he signed on with the Tennessee Titans before he joined the Detroit Lions. In March 2024, he joined the Broncos after signing a two-year, $9 million contract. The wide receiver has 12 catches for 183 yards and one touchdown so far this season, the New York Post noted. Related: Report: Russell Wilson To Denver Broncos In Blockbuster Trade

A new survey conducted by a mainstream polling firm found that the overwhelming majority of Americans want key new tools to protect the integrity of U.S. elections, including measures championed for decades by Republicans. The new poll from Gallup, conducted the first two weeks of October, found that 84% of Americans favor requiring all voters to provide photo identification at their polling place in order to vote. The poll also found that 83% of Americans favor requiring people who are registering to vote for the first time to provide proof of citizenship. X owner Elon Musk highlighted the poll in post asking, “why do ‘Democrats’ oppose the will of the people?” Then why do “Democrats” oppose the will of the people? https://t.co/nEVSwGBpcp — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 24, 2024 Support for both measures received strong majority support from Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. Among Democrats, 66% supported providing citizenship documents and 67% supported providing a photo ID when voting. MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ COMING TO DAILYWIRE+ OCT. 28 Among Republicans, those two measures received 98% and 96% support, respectively. Among Independents, the two measures each received 84% support. Early voting was supported by 76% of all voters, including 95% support from Democrats, 76% support from Independents, and 57% support from Republicans. The most polarizing measure that was proposed was “sending absentee ballot applications to all eligible voters prior to an election,” with 87% of Democrats supporting while only 36% of Republicans also favored it.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Traditionally, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was diagnosed through behavioral evaluations and psychiatric interviews. However, an exciting new technology is about to change that. Researchers at Taiwan’s National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) have created a user-friendly brain-computer interface (BCI) headset that, when combined with a game, can identify ADHD with an amazing 95 percent accuracy. This novel methodology could simplify ADHD diagnosis for both children and adults, providing a faster, more fun alternative to standard procedures. A new approach to ADHD diagnosis Current ADHD diagnostic procedures are mostly based on interviews, behavioral assessments, and questionnaires, which can be time-consuming and biased. ADHD is a broad disorder with symptoms that range greatly between hyperactive, inattentive, and mixed. Traditional approaches can fail to capture the intricacies of combined ADHD, where individuals may disguise their symptoms, resulting in underdiagnosis, particularly among high-achieving persons and women. This is where the new BCI device comes in. At Taiwan’s Innotech Expo, one of the researchers, Jo-Wei Lin, noted, “It’s convenient and time-saving—it only takes 10 minutes to put on this device.” This wireless headset streamlines the diagnosis process by recording both resting and task-based electroencephalography (EEG) signals. When combined with a game-based test, it allows physicians to conduct more objective assessments of ADHD in a shorter period. How does the BCI headset work? The BCI headset is designed to fit comfortably on the patient’s head and uses dry EEG electrodes to detect brainwave activity. The patient’s brain responses to visual and aural stimuli are recorded as they play a specially tailored game or take a video test. The data is then sent to an AI-powered platform, which assesses brain patterns associated with attention, stress, and fatigue levels. “We use this to detect the EEG and transport the data to the platform that the doctor can see,” Lin explained. “The AI-assisted system then helps determine whether the patient has ADHD or not.” This real-time analysis is a game changer in ADHD diagnosis, providing a more entertaining way to evaluate patients’ attention and hyperactivity levels. Improving diagnosis for children and adults While the research initially focused on detecting ADHD in kids, the BCI headset is also applicable for adult diagnoses. This adaptability is especially essential because many individuals with ADHD have gone untreated due to the subjective character of previous assessments. The game-based test allows both children and adults to engage with the diagnostic process in a more participatory and less clinical manner. Working with facilities such as Hsinchu Ton Yen General Hospital and Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, the research team was able to decrease the diagnostic period from three to one month. Li-Wei Ko, the team’s leader, said, “At the same time, we analyze their brainwave changes to determine whether they tend to hyperactivity, which can shorten the traditional diagnostic process.” While the gadget is not intended to replace clinicians, it serves as a valuable tool for providing more objective data, allowing doctors to make more accurate diagnoses. This technology’s early success has sparked interest, with possible applications ranging from ADHD diagnosis to other neurological treatments. The future of ADHD diagnostics This BCI headset, which is currently in the development stage, promises to revolutionize ADHD diagnostics. By streamlining the process and incorporating a pleasant, engaging test, technology provides a brighter, more accurate future for people looking for answers to their ADHD symptoms. With its amazing accuracy rate and the versatility to modify for adult diagnostics, this technology could quickly become a standard in clinics worldwide. For the time being, the NYCU study team is refining their findings, but one thing is certain: diagnosing ADHD may never be the same again.The post This revolutionary ADHD headset and game identify cases with 95% accuracy first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Every day on the Optimist Daily, we report on solutions from around the world. Though we love solutions big and small, it is often the ones right in our communities that make the largest impact. Today we are excited to publish the third 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.   Lahaina Restoration Foundation: restoring the past, inspiring the future Lahaina, a beautiful coastal town in Maui, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and deep historical significance. Once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Lahaina is home to many historically and culturally significant sites that reflect the region’s rich heritage. The Lahaina Restoration Foundation (LRF), founded in 1962, has dedicated itself to preserving this legacy for decades. However, the devastating fires of August 2023 dealt a severe blow to the historic town, with many of Lahaina’s cherished landmarks destroyed or heavily damaged. Yet, in the face of this tragedy, the LRF’s unwavering commitment to restoration has ignited a renewed sense of hope. The Foundation’s mission—to protect and share Lahaina’s cultural heritage—remains stronger than ever, as they spearhead efforts to rebuild these landmarks and help the community heal. courtesy of The Lahaina Restoration Foundation A legacy of preservation For over 60 years, LRF has been the steward of Lahaina’s history, diligently restoring and maintaining more than a dozen historic sites, including the Baldwin Home Museum, Old Lahaina Courthouse, Wo Hing Museum, and more. These landmarks are not only buildings but pieces of Hawai’i’s soul—testimonies of the Hawaiian Kingdom, its people, and their stories. Beyond preserving structures, LRF has curated vast collections of artifacts, photographs, and documents that shed light on Lahaina’s vibrant past. These resources are invaluable for both researchers and the public, offering glimpses into a bygone era. Rebuilding after the fires: a community-driven effort The fires in 2023 caused unprecedented destruction, erasing much of what the Foundation had fought so long to preserve. Still, LRF has responded with resilience and optimism. Their current efforts focus on rebuilding key historic sites, with plans to restore them to their former splendor. “We are fortunate to have recently documented these historic properties through new photos and videos,” LRF shares, which now serve as essential references for the restoration process. These images, along with generous donations and the passionate efforts of volunteers, form the backbone of their recovery initiatives. LRF has launched extensive fundraising efforts to support this restoration, and the response from the local and international community has been overwhelmingly positive. With donations pouring in, the Foundation is set on ensuring that Lahaina’s history will not just survive but thrive once again. More than just buildings: a cultural revival While restoring buildings is a key part of LRF’s mission, the foundation’s work extends far beyond that. The Lahaina Restoration Foundation plays a critical role in educating the public and fostering a deep appreciation for Hawaiian culture. Through the years, they have hosted cultural events, like the Hawaiian Music Series, which bring the community together to celebrate their shared heritage. Even now, LRF continues to organize events to uplift spirits and keep cultural traditions alive. These events provide moments of unity and hope, as the community works collectively to rebuild not just physical structures, but the cultural heart of Lahaina. Looking forward: the future of Lahaina’s legacy As the LRF rebuilds, they are looking to the future with optimism. The Foundation envisions a Lahaina that not only recovers from the fires but emerges stronger, with its cultural and historical assets preserved for future generations. The task ahead is daunting, but with continued support from donors, volunteers, and the broader community, Lahaina’s past will not be lost. The rebuilding efforts are about more than historical preservation—they represent resilience, hope, and the enduring spirit of Hawai’i. As LRF moves forward, they invite everyone to be part of this remarkable journey of restoration, ensuring that Lahaina’s unique and treasured history continues to inspire generations to come. How you can help The Lahaina Restoration Foundation is accepting donations to support the restoration of Lahaina’s historic sites. Contributions will help bring back the landmarks that make this town a unique treasure of Hawaiian history. Visit their website here to learn more about how you can get involved. In the face of loss, the Lahaina Restoration Foundation stands tall, determined to preserve the past and inspire a future where the history of Lahaina lives on.     The Montana Institute: transforming communities through the power of positivity In a world where problems often take center stage, The Montana Institute offers a refreshing and solutions-focused approach to community health and safety. Rooted in their Science of the Positive framework, the Institute shifts attention from merely addressing challenges to nurturing and amplifying the positive aspects that already exist in individuals and communities. This innovative method has transformed how communities approach complex issues like substance abuse, mental health, child safety, and more. The Science of the Positive: changing perspectives At the heart of The Montana Institute’s work is the Science of the Positive, a research-based framework developed by Dr. Jeff Linkenbach, the Institute’s founding director. Dr. Linkenbach’s groundbreaking research focuses on understanding and promoting the positive factors that impact individuals and cultures. Rather than viewing problems in isolation, this approach focuses on identifying and growing the good that already exists in a community. “The Positive Exists,” is the core assumption of the framework. Even in communities facing trauma, injustice, or other difficulties, the positive aspects—such as resilience, hope, and supportive relationships—can be unearthed and cultivated. This shift from problem-solving to strength-building offers a hopeful outlook that can inspire real change. Positive Community Norms: a ripple effect of good One of the Montana Institute’s key offerings is its Positive Community Norms (PCN) approach. This framework helps communities address issues such as substance abuse, child maltreatment, traffic safety, and youth suicide by reshaping perceptions and strengthening protective behaviors. The Institute trains community leaders to challenge misperceptions, increase awareness of healthy norms, and inspire behaviors that promote health and safety. By focusing on the healthy behaviors that are already practiced by most people, PCN strengthens communities from within. This method doesn’t just create short-term solutions—it generates lasting change that grows over time as healthier norms spread across entire social networks. Leadership that inspires change In addition to community-wide approaches, The Montana Institute also focuses on empowering individuals through Transformational Leadership workshops. These programs equip leaders with the tools needed to guide their teams and organizations through positive change. By aligning leadership with the Science of the Positive, these workshops teach leaders how to nurture the strengths of their teams while maintaining a hopeful, proactive mindset. Participants at a Montana Institute Workshop; courtesy of The Montana Institute For leaders looking to take their work to the next level, the Institute’s flagship event, the Montana Summer Institute, offers a deep dive into these frameworks. Leaders from all over the world come together to share ideas, explore new research, and find innovative ways to implement the Science of the Positive in their communities. Creating solutions, building hope The work of The Montana Institute is a beacon of optimism in a world often weighed down by its challenges. By focusing on positivity and fostering community strengths, they have created a replicable model of growth and health that can be applied to a wide range of social issues. From rural towns to large urban communities, the Institute’s approach has helped people rethink their problems and embrace a more hopeful, proactive way forward. Through its wide array of services—including workshops, consulting, and leadership development programs—The Montana Institute is helping communities not only solve problems but thrive in the face of them. Their work reminds us that, even in the most difficult situations, there are always opportunities to grow the good. For more information about The Montana Institute and its transformational approach to community health, visit their website here.The post Changemakers of the week: Lahaina Restoration Foundation and The Montana Institute first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

'I don't give a fuck about anything'

THE CENTER SQUARE—Americans—Democrats, Republicans, and independents—support both early voting policies as well as photo ID and proof of citizenship requirements for elections, according to a new poll. Despite the ongoing divide between elected Republicans and Democrats over requiring photo ID to vote, a whopping 86% of Americans support it. The poll comes just days from the presidential election with voting underway across the country. Support varied by political party, with 98% of Republicans, 67% of Democrats, and 84% of independents supporting requiring photo ID to vote. Another 83% of Americans support “requiring people who are registering to vote for the first time to provide proof of citizenship.” By party, 96% of Republicans, 66% of Democrats, and 84% of independents agree. Voter ID hits at the intersection of Republican concerns about election integrity and illegal immigration, which has soared in recent years. Many Republicans argue that illegal immigrant voting is a major issue and that those voters trend toward Democratic candidates. Some Democrats have pushed back on voter ID efforts, saying they are an attempt to suppress or discourage certain groups from voting and that illegal immigrants are not allowed to vote. Republicans have pushed back saying Democrat officials have found workarounds to not enforce restrictions on illegal immigrants voting. “Partisans’ views of most of the election law policies are generally stable; however, Democrats’ and Republicans’ opinions have each shifted significantly on one of them,” Gallup said. “Democrats are now 14 points more likely than they were in 2022 to support requiring photo identification to vote, and Republicans’ current 57% support for early voting—while not significantly different from 2022—is down from 74% in a 2016 survey.” The poll asked about other election policies as well: “Smaller majorities of Americans—60% each—favor automatic voter registration, whereby citizens are registered when they do business with state agencies such as the Department of Motor Vehicles, and sending absentee ballot applications to all eligible voters,” Gallup said. “In contrast, majorities of Americans oppose removing people from voter registration lists if they haven’t voted in any elections in five years (64%) and limiting the number of drop boxes or locations for returning absentee ballots (58%).” Originally published by The Center Square The post Poll: Most Americans Support Requiring Photo ID, Proof of Citizenship to Vote appeared first on The Daily Signal.

China benefits over America in a recent agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius over the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, seven atolls comprising about 60 islands in the Indian Ocean. The agreement’s end result is a strategic loss for the U.S. that releases the U.K.’s sovereign control over the archipelago to Mauritius, including the island of Diego Garcia—home to a key military base. The agreement includes U.K. support to Mauritius for economic welfare and maritime security in the archipelago. By maintaining an economic relationship with Mauritius, some British soft power is preserved. However, the deal leaves the Chagos Archipelago vulnerable to Chinese influence after over half a century of the U.K.’s stabilizing control over the islands in the Indian Ocean. Of most concern is the increased vulnerability of the strategically important U.S.-U.K. military base on Diego Garcia, the largest of the islands in the Chagos Archipelago. Known formally as the Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, it is a joint base used by the U.K. Royal Navy as well as the U.S. Navy, Air Force, and Space Force. The base’s location makes it valuable for U.S. operations in the Indo-Pacific theater. Diego Garcia is about 1,000 miles south of the nearest land mass (Sri Lanka) and about halfway between East Africa and Indonesia, making the base a military asset for both the Middle Eastern and Asian areas of operation. Diego Garcia allows access so that ships and aircraft may be serviced as well as for intelligence-gathering on nearby adversaries. The military base there served as a logistical hub for U.S. intervention in Afghanistan, housing bomber aircraft that directly supported American operations. The island’s relatively small population also has allowed a veil of secrecy in military strategy, which now is threatened. The new sovereignty agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius doesn’t mean the end of U.K. and U.S. access to the military base on Diego Garcia. The deal allows the U.K. to exercise control of the base for the next 99 years, with Mauritius having sovereignty over the island. The U.K. officially says the agreement means that “the status of the base will be undisputed and legally secure” for the first time in 50 years and argues that “without today’s agreement, the long-term, secure operation of the military base would be under threat.” However, the claim that access to the base was under threat before the agreement is dubious at best, and false at worst. Relinquishing access requires the U.K.’s consent, and Mauritius is incapable of denying access by force. Although the agreement may secure U.S. and U.K. military interests, it doesn’t deny the fact that Mauritius receives hefty subsidies from China that inevitably will creep into the Chagos Archipelago. In the past decade, Chinese investments in Mauritius have exceeded $1 billion. In 2019, Mauritius and China struck a Free Trade Agreement giving China economic access to accounting, architectural services, education, medical services, research and development, energy, real estate, port development, and artificial intelligence. Now that the Chagos Archipelago is under the sovereign control of Mauritius, Chinese influence inevitably will infiltrate the island chain, making it an important concern for the U.S. Should China control the islands’ infrastructure, energy, and ports, among other things, the communist regime would have improved access to gather intelligence on U.S. military assets. The U.S. should take keen notice of this likely possibility. In fact, the U.S.-U.K. military presence on Diego Garcia is the reason for lessened Chinese involvement on the island. A withdrawal of forces and a turnover of the base to Mauritius could create a vacuum that China likely would fill. Besides being a concern for U.S. national security, Chinese influence on the islands certainly will harm the Mauritian economy. Past examples of heavy dependence on China leading to economic and social disaster are seen throughout Latin America, including in Costa Rica, Argentina, and Ecuador. China uses economic coercion in the form of trade agreements to advance its own national interests, including military espionage, and abandons such deals as soon as its interests no longer align. The U.S. and U.K. must be wary of this fact. For the sake of national security, the United States must take appropriate measures to ensure that Mauritius reduces its dependence on China. The goal is to mitigate the risks posed by the boost to Chinese soft power in the U.K.-Mauritius agreement and to prevent future agreements that threaten U.S. interests, including U.K. control of Gibraltar. The post Why America Must Care About UK’s Deal With Mauritius in the Indian Ocean   appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Gallup: 84% of Americans Want This Protection for Democracy

Joe Rogan might be the most popular podcaster on the planet. He might be filthy rich and have connections in all the best places. He might be a certified bada** due to his long history of practicing martial arts and his heavy involvement in the UFC. But that doesn’t mean he’s not afraid of anything. On a recent episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Rogan admitted that he’s actually terrified of something. Dave Rubin plays the clip. “The world scares the s**t out of me right now,” Rogan told his guest, retired mixed martial artist and Olympic wrestler Dan Henderson. Any person with the slightest inkling of what’s going on in the world surely agrees with that, but then, Rogan got more specific. “All it takes is one person to f***ing launch a nuke, and the world changes forever,” he said, pointing to the chaos in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. However, when Trump was in office, Rogan insinuated that he didn’t have the same fear. Not only was Trump this “wheeling, dealing billionaire character that everybody enjoyed,” his regulations “certainly helped the economy.” “I feel like we were in a lot better spot then than now, for sure,” added Henderson. “Without a doubt,” Rogan agreed. “That's just one of the many examples where [Rogan] basically is like, ‘Trump would be better about that stuff,'” says Dave, adding that Rogan is indirectly pointing out that “we had peace in the Middle East under Donald Trump” largely because “he scared Iran a little bit and dropped the mother of all bombs.” But under the Biden regime, “Iran has been at it, the Middle East is hot, [and] Russia went into Ukraine.” To see the footage of Rogan and hear more of Dave’s commentary, watch the clip above. 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.