Biden Admin Leaves Nigeria, World’s Most Dangerous Place to Be a Christian, off Religious Freedom List

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) immediately criticized Secretary of State Antony Blinken for once again leaving Nigeria off the State Department’s annual list of “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPC) for religious oppression.

In the 2023 edition of its World Watch List, religious freedom group Open Doors estimated that nearly 90 percent of the Christians killed for their faith last year were killed in Nigeria. The Christian aid group International Christian Concern (ICC) identified Nigeria as “the world’s most dangerous place to be a Christian in the world” in 2023.

USCIRF said there was “no justification” for leaving Nigeria and India off the list, especially since the State Department’s own “reporting and statements” suggest both countries should be on it.

The bipartisan USCIRF thought this omission was so egregious that its leaders, Chairman Abraham Cooper and Vice Chair Frederick A. Davie, called for a Congressional inquiry:

Days before Christmas, hundreds of Christians were killed in Nigeria, along with their Pastor. This is just the latest example of deadly violence against religious communities in Nigeria that even the State Department has condemned. The majority of Commissioners have traveled to Nigeria and noted the threats to freedom of religion or belief and the deadly implications to religious communities.

In India, in addition to perpetrating egregious religious freedom violations within its borders, the government has increased its transnational repression activities targeting religious minorities abroad and those advocating on their behalf.

USCIRF rejects the State Department’s decision to omit Nigeria and India as CPCs. We met with the State Department on many occasions to sound the alarm about these countries, but not all of our recommendations have been followed. We will not be deterred and will continue our role as a congressionally mandated watchdog to ensure the U.S. government prioritizes religious freedom as a key component of U.S. foreign policy.

(Read more from “Biden Admin Leaves Nigeria, World’s Most Dangerous Place to Be a Christian, off Religious Freedom List” HERE)

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Trump Calls for Firing of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Over Secret Hospitalization

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Former President Donald Trump has publicly demanded the immediate firing of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, citing “improper professional conduct” and a “dereliction of duty” related to the delayed announcement about Austin’s hospitalization. Trump issued the call for action from his Truth Social account on Sunday.

In his statement, Trump asserted, “Failed Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin should be fired immediately for improper professional conduct and dereliction of duty. He has been missing for one week, and nobody, including his boss, Crooked Joe Biden, had a clue as to where he was, or might be.” The former president further criticized Austin’s overall performance, suggesting that he should have been dismissed long ago, along with General Mark Milley, for various reasons, with a particular focus on the “catastrophic surrender in Afghanistan.”

The controversy surrounding Lloyd Austin’s hospitalization unfolded when it was revealed that he had hidden his admission to the hospital’s intensive care unit for several days. This lack of disclosure raised serious questions about Austin’s judgment and also prompted scrutiny of President Biden’s awareness of his defense secretary’s health status. The situation became even more concerning given the escalating tensions between U.S. troops and Iran-backed proxy groups in the Middle East.

The revelation of Austin’s hospitalization occurred against the backdrop of recent U.S. warnings to Houthi rebels and a drone strike in Iraq targeting an Iran-backed militia leader. The lack of clarity about Austin’s medical condition, coupled with the Pentagon’s decision to cite “privacy” for not providing explicit details, contributed to the confusion surrounding the situation.

In response to the growing controversy, Austin issued a statement on Saturday acknowledging that he could have done a “better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed.”

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Guarding Your Mind: Everyday Habits to Reduce Dementia Risk Revealed

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Dementia, often associated with people over 65, can impact memory, language, and problem-solving abilities, with Alzheimer’s being a common culprit. While certain risk factors like genetics are beyond control, lifestyle habits play a crucial role, providing an opportunity to mitigate the risk of dementia, according to experts.

Blair Steel, a psychologist at Carrara Treatment, Wellness & Spa, emphasizes that it’s never too early to adopt behaviors that can safeguard cognitive health. Dementia manifests as impairment in at least two brain functions, such as memory loss and judgment, leading to symptoms like forgetfulness, limited social skills, and thinking impairment.

Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, is highlighted as a powerful tool in the fight against dementia. Steel underscores the negative impact of a sedentary lifestyle on the brain, emphasizing the adage, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” Individuals approaching their 60s are encouraged to prioritize regular physical activity to reduce their dementia risk.

Isolation, often exacerbated by excessive social media use, is identified as another risk factor. Steel highlights the significance of in-person socializing, as it provides a more enriching experience for the brain compared to virtual interactions.

Establishing good sleep habits is crucial, regardless of age. Limiting screen time before bedtime and avoiding disruptions during sleep contribute to better overall brain health.

Stress, identified by the Alzheimer’s Society as a major trigger for dementia, necessitates effective management. Engaging in physical exercise, pursuing hobbies, spending time with family and friends, and adopting a flexible mindset are effective ways to combat stress.

Moderating alcohol consumption is advised, as the Alzheimer’s Society associates regular drinking over an extended period with a specific type of dementia.

Lastly, dietary choices play a pivotal role. Processed foods, prevalent in the American diet, are considered potential triggers for dementia in adults. Embracing a diet rich in nutrient-dense, whole foods contributes to better brain health.

Photo credit: Flickr

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Alleged Altercation Between Rep. Lauren Boebert and Ex-husband Under “Active Investigation”: Police

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Police have launched an “active investigation” into an alleged altercation Saturday night between Republican Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert and her ex-husband in a Colorado restaurant, according to the Denver Post.

The congresswoman allegedly struck Jayson Boebert, her ex-husband, twice at the Miner’s Claim in Slit, according to the outlet. This claim has been denied by the congresswoman.

An investigation by the Slit Police Department is ongoing, Chief Mike Kite confirmed, according to the outlet. Police reportedly arrived at the scene after the incident, after which neither party was arrested.

“This is a sad situation for all that keeps escalating and another reason I’m moving,” Boebert said in a statement from her campaign manager to the outlet. “I didn’t punch Jason in the face and no one was arrested.”

The Colorado Republican’s ex-husband told police Sunday he and Lauren Boebert were having heated talks, the outlet reported. He reportedly does not plan to press charges. (Read more from “Alleged Altercation Between Rep. Lauren Boebert and Ex-husband Under “Active Investigation”: Police” HERE)

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr

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Poll Reveals Record Low Satisfaction With Democracy Under Biden’s Presidency

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A recent Gallup poll has uncovered a notable decline in the satisfaction of Americans with the state of democracy under President Joe Biden’s administration. According to the survey, only 28 percent of U.S. adults express contentment with the “way democracy is working,” marking a record low compared to the 35 percent recorded after the events of January 6, 2021.

Gallup’s analysis, conducted by Jeffrey Jones, points to various factors contributing to this decline in satisfaction. Economic concerns, disapproval of the current leadership’s performance, heightened political polarization, the enduring influence of former President Donald Trump, and apprehensions about election security, voting rights, and the independence of the courts all play a role in shaping public sentiment.

Breaking down the data by political affiliation, Republicans exhibit the lowest satisfaction at 17 percent, while Democrats register the highest at 38 percent. Independents fall in between at 27 percent. Interestingly, all three groups are less satisfied than they were in 2021, shortly after Biden assumed office.

Jones notes the typical trend where partisans tend to express greater satisfaction when a president from their own party is in office. However, recent surveys have consistently shown Democrats being more content than Republicans during Democratic presidencies.

Gallup’s historical perspective reveals that the highest satisfaction levels were recorded in the initial 1984 poll, with 61 percent of Americans expressing contentment. A similar figure of 60 percent was observed in 1991. The recent survey, conducted between December 1-20, 2023, sampled 1,013 U.S. adults, with a margin of sampling error of ±4 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr

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How TikTok Killed the Preteen Era

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In a now-viral TikTok video, former Sephora employee Rianna Smith recounted the time a nine-year-old walked into her store looking for Babyfacial, a chemical exfoliant from the high-end brand Drunk Elephant marketed to minimize “the look of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.”

Smith asked the child whether she had used a chemical exfoliant in the past, to which the child responded that she uses the Ordinary Peeling Solution, an anti-aging acid peel, “daily.” According to Smith, this wasn’t a unique experience, revealing that while working at Sephora she encountered “15-year-olds… com[ing] in with chemical burns” caused by harsh skincare products. . .

Anti-aging retinoids and chemical exfoliants for children sound utterly absurd on their face, but dermatologists are having to step in and clarify the obvious for one reason: influencers.

More chronically online than even Gen Z, Gen Alpha, or the iPad generation, is uniquely susceptible to social media consumerism. Twenty-year-old influencers with beauty brand deals go TikTok and Instagram viral showing off their skincare routines and OOTDs (outfit of the day), causing their impressionable preteen followers to act, look, and shop like young adults.

In one TikTok, a mother recorded her daughters showing her what’s on their “Christmas wish list” at Sephora, which included luxury fragrances and a $68 Drunk Elephant moisturizer.

@nishanoelleandfam They’ve been thinking about this for a while! @sephora #fyp #kidsbelike #kidssaythedarnestthings #preppy #sephora ♬ original sound – Nishanoelleandfam

(Read more from “How TikTok Killed the Preteen Era” HERE)

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State to Cover Sex Changes for Illegal Aliens

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The Golden State is expanding its massive health care system this year, which means more taxpayer dollars will fund sex change surgeries for state residents, regardless of their citizenship status.

According to a memo first circulated in May 2022 and reported by the Daily Caller Foundation, California’s Medi-Cal covers costs for hormone therapy and procedures “that bring primary and secondary gender characteristics into conformity with the individual’s identified gender, including ancillary services, such as hair removal, incident to those services.”

Nearly 700,000 illegal immigrants between the ages of 26 and 49 qualify, as of Jan. 1, for these federal health care services, which will cost California taxpayers an estimated $3.1 billion. For those living in California illegally within this age range, it translates to approximately $4,058 per year in medical coverage subsidies funded by the state’s general fund.

“Gender affirming care is a covered Medi-Cal benefit when medically necessary,” the memo states. “Requests for gender affirming care should be from specialists experienced in providing culturally competent care to transgender and gender diverse individuals and should use nationally recognized guidelines.” (Read more from “State to Cover Sex Changes for Illegal Aliens” HERE)

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Prince Andrew Vows to Resist Eviction Amidst Epstein Scandal Fallout

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Prince Andrew will reject any efforts to get him evicted from his royal mansion in the aftermath of the Jeffrey Epstein document dump, in which his name featured prominently, according to a new report.

The disgraced Duke of York has reportedly vowed to fight any attempt by his brother, King Charles III, to force him out of the 30-room Royal Lodge in Windsor, which he currently shares with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.

The 63-year-old royal and his ex-wife are not “going nowhere,” a source close to Andrew said in an interview with The Mirror.

“The King can’t force him out. He has a cast iron lease that he has absolutely every intention of honoring,” the source said, referring to the 75-year lease Andrew signed on the Windsor Castle property in 2003.

Other allies of Andrew’s said he was adamant he would not be moving, even after Charles reportedly offered him Harry and Meghan’s former home, the nearby four-bedroom Frogmore Cottage. (Read more from “Prince Andrew Vows to Resist Eviction Amidst Epstein Scandal Fallout” HERE)

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Mike Johnson and Chuck Schumer Reach Government Funding Deal, but Some Republicans Are Reportedly ‘Pissed’

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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson reached a deal on the federal budget on Sunday, and the agreement is already raising the ire of some fiscal conservatives, according to several reports.

The $1.6 trillion deal sets defense spending at about $886 billion for the current fiscal year, a number that the White House and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy had reached while negotiating over the debt ceiling in the summer of 2023, according to Politico. The agreement will reportedly allow for $773 billion for spending not related to defense, a victory for Democrats that is already angering some members of the Republican caucus as the extended funding deadlines draw closer on the calendar.

Legislators now have 12 days to conduct further negotiations and lock in the final bill text, as available cash for numerous federal agencies will run out on Jan. 19, according to Politico. The funding for the military and several of the largest government programs will expire on Feb. 2, while Sunday’s breakthrough may reduce the chances of an eventual shutdown, a host of contentious issues, including potential reforms to address the crisis unfolding at the southern border, remain unresolved.

Beyond the border, questions still remain about the form that military aid packages to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan could take, according to Politico. (Read more from “Mike Johnson and Chuck Schumer Reach Government Funding Deal, but Some Republicans Are Reportedly ‘Pissed’” HERE)

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Record Number of Police Officers Shot in 2023, Report Reveals

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A disturbing report from the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) has unveiled a record-breaking number of law enforcement officers shot in the line of duty in 2023. According to the data, there were 378 officers shot, marking a staggering 60% increase since the FOP began tracking such incidents in 2018. Additionally, the report highlighted that 46 police officers lost their lives in these incidents.

The FOP expressed deep concern, emphasizing these statistics as a stark reminder of the ongoing “War on Cops” in the country, branding it a “stain on our society.” FOP President Patrick Yoes lamented the rising numbers, stating, “Last year, over 330 police officers were shot in the line of duty. With the COVID-19 pandemic behind us and after so many Americans have seen the tragic consequences of the defund the police movement, it was our hope that these numbers would be a high-water mark. We were wrong.”

While there was a decrease in fatalities compared to the previous year, attributed to advancements in medical trauma science and anti-ballistic technology, the alarming rise in the number of officers shot is a grave concern for the FOP.

The report highlighted that police officers faced targeted ambush-style attacks, with 115 such incidents in 2023. These attacks resulted in 138 officers being shot, and tragically, 20 officers lost their lives. The report, while focusing on fatal incidents, did not measure the instances where officers were shot at but not struck.

FOP President Yoes called for immediate action, urging Congress to pass the Protect and Serve Act, which aims to establish a new criminal offense for knowingly assaulting a law enforcement officer and causing serious bodily injury.

Yoes emphasized the human aspect of these statistics, stating, “Many will often look at this data and just see numbers, but we must remember that they represent heroes — fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters. This scale of violence against our officers is horrifying and simply unsustainable. It is no wonder that our profession is facing a recruitment and retention crisis.”

The FOP concluded the report by featuring the names and pictures of all the officers who lost their lives due to gunfire in 2023, urging elected officials and community leaders to take a stand against the violence targeting law enforcement officers.

Photo credit: Flickr

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