Northern Lights Festival illuminates Incline Village and Crystal Bay for holiday season

Some quotations from We have a tendency to exalt ourselves and to dwell on the weaknesses and mistakes of others. I have come to realize that in every person there is something fine and pure and noble, along with a desire for self-fulfillment. Political and religious leaders must attempt to provide a society within which these human attributes can be nurtured and enhanced. — from 1975 book “Why Not the Best?” Our government can express the highest common ideals of human beings — if we demand of government true standards of excellence. At this Bicentennial time of introspection and concern, we must demand such standards. — “Why Not the Best?” I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry. — “Why Not the Best?” Christ said, “I tell you that anyone who looks on a woman with lust has in his heart already committed adultery.” I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do — and I have done it — and God forgives me for it. But that doesn’t mean that I condemn someone who not only looks on a woman with lust but who leaves his wife and shacks up with somebody out of wedlock. — Interview, November 1976 Playboy. This inauguration ceremony marks a new beginning, a new dedication within our Government, and a new spirit among us all. A President may sense and proclaim that new spirit, but only a people can provide it. — Inaugural address, January 1977. It’s clear that the true problems of our nation are much deeper — deeper than gasoline lines or energy shortages, deeper even than inflation and recession. ... All the legislation in the world can’t fix what’s wrong with America. ... It is a crisis of confidence. — So-called “malaise” speech, July 1979. But we know that democracy is always an unfinished creation. Each generation must renew its foundations. Each generation must rediscover the meaning of this hallowed vision in the light of its own modern challenges. For this generation, ours, life is nuclear survival; liberty is human rights; the pursuit of happiness is a planet whose resources are devoted to the physical and spiritual nourishment of its inhabitants. — Farewell Address, January 1981. We appreciate the past. We are grateful for the present and we’re looking forward to the future with great anticipation and commitment. — October 1986, at the dedication of the Carter Presidential Library and Museum. War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other’s children. — December 2002, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. Fundamentalists have become increasingly influential in both religion and government, and have managed to change the nuances and subtleties of historic debate into black-and-white rigidities and the personal derogation of those who dare to disagree. ... The influence of these various trends poses a threat to many of our nation’s historic customs and moral commitments, both in government and in houses of worship. — From 2005 book “Our Endangered Values.” I think that this breakthrough by Barack Obama has been remarkable. When he made his speech (on race) a few months ago in Philadelphia, I wept. I sat in front of the television and cried, because I saw that as the most enlightening and transforming analysis of racism and a potential end of it that I ever saw in my life. — August 2008, commenting on then-Sen. Barack Obama’s candidacy. I think it’s based on racism. There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president. ... No matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect. — September 2009, reacting to Rep. Joe Wilson’s shout of “You lie!” during a speech to Congress by President Barack Obama. I’m still determined to outlive the last guinea worm. — 2010, on The Carter Center’s work to eradicate guinea worm disease. You know how much I raised to run against Gerald Ford? Zero. You know how much I raised to run against Ronald Reagan? Zero. You know how much will be raised this year by all presidential, Senate and House campaigns? $6 billion. That’s 6,000 millions. — September 2012, reacting to the 2010 “Citizens United” U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting unlimited third-party political spending. I have become convinced that the most serious and unaddressed worldwide challenge is the deprivation and abuse of women and girls, largely caused by a false interpretation of carefully selected religious texts and a growing tolerance of violence and warfare, unfortunately following the example set during my lifetime by the United States. — From 2014 book “A Call to Action.” I don’t think there’s any doubt now that the NSA or other agencies monitor or record almost every telephone call made in the United States, including cellphones, and I presume email as well. We’ve gone a long way down the road of violating Americans’ basic civil rights, as far as privacy is concerned. — March 2014, commenting on U.S. intelligence monitoring after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks We accept self-congratulations about the wonderful 50th anniversary – which is wonderful – but we feel like Lyndon Johnson did it and we don’t have to do anything anymore. — April 2014, commenting on racial inequality during a celebration of the Civil Rights Act’s 40th anniversary. I had a very challenging question at Emory (University) the other night: “How would you describe the United States of America today in one word?” And I didn’t know what to say for a few moments, but I finally said, “Searching.” I think the country in which we live is still searching for what it ought to be, and what it can be, and I’m not sure we’re making much progress right at this moment. — October 2014 during a celebration of his 90th birthday. The life we have now is the best of all. We have an expanding and harmonious family, a rich life in our church and the Plains community, and a diversity of projects at The Carter Center that is adventurous and exciting. Rosalynn and I have visited more than 145 countries, and both of us are as active as we have ever been. We are blessed with good health and look to the future with eagerness and confidence, but are prepared for inevitable adversity when it comes. — From 2015 book, “A Full Life.”'Unbelievable' Odegaard transforms Arsenal and gets Saka smiling againFacing far-right ultimatum, French finance minister says budget can still be improved(BPT) - Tech gifts are consistently some of the most popular presents to give and receive during the holidays. In fact, according to the annual Consumer Technology Holiday Purchase Patterns report , a record 233 million U.S. adults (89%) will buy tech products during the 2024 holiday season. But with so many devices out there, it can be hard to decide on the perfect option for the loved one on your list. A tablet like the new Fire HD 8 from Amazon offers the versatility of an all-in-one device, with access to streaming, gaming, video chatting, reading or writing all at your fingertips. Fire HD 8 also features a vibrant 8-inch HD display and lightweight, portable design, for high-quality entertainment on the go. Plus, Fire HD 8 comes with three new AI features that can help you get the most out of your tablet experience. Check them out below and learn how they can help you with daily tasks this holiday season and beyond. 1. Meet your personal writing assistant Do you struggle with writing a heartfelt message or finessing a tricky email? Fear not! Writing Assist is here to help. Writing Assist works as part of your Fire tablet's device keyboard and compatible apps, including email, Word documents and social media. In just a few taps, you can transform your writing from good to great. Try Writing Assist's pre-set styles to turn a simple email into a professionally written note. Or, you can ask Writing Assist for grammar suggestions to make your writing more concise, or elaborate on your ideas. You can even "emojify" your writing to add more fun and personality. 2. Learn more in less time Say goodbye to scrolling through pages of information. The new Webpage Summaries feature allows you to learn pertinent information as quickly as possible. Available on the Silk browser on Fire tablets, Webpage Summaries provides quick insights on web articles. In a matter of seconds, this feature will distill the key points in an article or on a webpage into a clear, concise summary of what you need to know. 3. Get creative with your device wallpaper With Wallpaper Creator, you can easily add a touch of creative flair and customization to your tablet's home screen. You can choose from one of the curated prompts to get started on creating a unique background. Or, if you're ready to let your imagination run wild, type a description of what you'd like to see. For example, you can ask for an image of a tiger swimming underwater or a watercolor-style image of a desert landscape in space. Wallpaper Creator will then turn your vision into a reality, delivering a high-resolution image that you can use as your tablet's wallpaper. Celebrate an AI-powered holiday season Writing Assist, Webpage Summaries, and Wallpaper Creator are now available on Amazon's new Fire HD 8 and other compatible Fire tablet devices, including the latest Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11 tablets. To learn more, or to order a new Fire tablet this gift-giving season, visit Amazon.com .

B.C. Premier David Eby says his party has reached an agreement in principle with the B.C. Greens to ensure "stable governance" for the next four years. The agreement, subject to annual reviews, spells out the basis on which B.C. Greens provide "confidence" to the B.C. NDP and areas where the parties will work together. They include healthcare, where the B.C. NDP will support the growth of Community Health Centres, a key proposal of the B.C. Greens during the election campaign. Other key elements include housing with the government actively supporting efforts by various groups to "protect, purchase and build 30,000 units of non-market housing" over the next four years with 7,500 units as a goal by the end of 2025. Electoral reform also makes a return with the establishment of a special commitment to "review and consider preferred methods of proportional representation" as part of deliberations designed to "increase democratic engagement, address increasing political polarization, and improve the representativeness of government." The agreement does "not lay out the full program" of government "nor does it presume support" for "initiatives and other matters not addressed within this agreement" but gives Eby's government more stability once the legislature returns next year. The agreement echoes without replicating the confidence-and-supply agreement of 2017 that allowed the B.C NDP to return after 16 years in opposition as a minority government with the help of three B.C. Greens. The B.C. NDP currently holds 47 seats, enough for a bare majority, while the B.C. Greens hold two seats. More to come...

Trump risks legal clashes in plans to not spend appropriations

Ravens' running game was crucial in a big win over the Chargers, especially on 4th downReady to make all your athleisure dreams come true? Cyber Monday specials have arrived, and they are good. Today only, shoppers can snag best sellers like , and . And that's not all; more than 750 great finds are up for grabs that will take your wardrobe to the next level. You shouldn't wait a moment longer to shop — sizes and colors are already selling out! Like so many others out there, Yahoo's crew of shopping editors are huge fans of Lululemon's elevated athleisure pieces. Many of us the popular regularly and we pretty unanimously give the viral high marks. Cyber Monday is a rare opportunity to stock up on the Lululemon items you've been eyeing all year, so don't wait to see what's up for grabs. Of course, you'll find cute and , but you can also snag and a new . Keep scrolling to check out more of our favorite Lululemon holiday finds under $100. lululemon AlignTM High-Rise Wide-Leg Pant Scuba Oversized Half-Zip Hoodie Everywhere Belt Bag Mini Ripstop Scuba Oversized Full-Zip Hoodie Classic-Fit Cotton-Blend T-Shirt Scuba Mid-Rise Oversized Cargo Jogger lululemon AlignTM High-Rise Ribbed Mini-Flare Pant Scuba High-Rise Jogger Full Length Base Pace High-Rise Tight 25" Scuba High-Rise Short 5" Everywhere Belt Bag 1L Fleece Women's Daily Stride Quarter Socks Back to Life Sport Bottle 24oz Straw Lid Large Claw Hair Clip Everyone knows Lululemon's Align leggings, but did you know there are other silhouettes available? This wide-leg pant is a great option for anyone who loves that signature, buttery soft material, but wants a looser fit. Choose from brown, navy, black and gray, all down to $60 for Cyber Monday. I own this hoodie in more colors than I care to admit, and I can tell you it's worth every penny. If you like a truly oversized fit, then consider ordering a size up. If you prefer something closer to the body, then go with your regular size. This item will go quickly, so don't wait to buy it! Spacious enough for a full day's worth of essentials, this extra-large belt bag is great for anyone who's often out and about or on the go. Not only can it easily accommodate a wallet, smartphone, keys and a few cosmetics, but the fabric is lightweight and water-repellent and the strap is adjustable. The half-zip Scuba is probably the most popular, but the full-zip design is my personal favorite. It's easier to get in and out of and I just think it hangs better on the body. The white color is already sold out in two sizes, so it won't be long before the light purple is gone, too. Comfy cotton tees aren't just for the summer season, you know? This perfect pick from Lululemon looks good on its own, but it's also great for layering under a sweater (or a , hint hint). Grab it in all four colors while it's under $30 for today. Did you know Lululemon also makes sweats and joggers from its famous Scuba material? This cargo style is trendy now, but not so much that you won't be able to still wear them in a year or two. The black and gray are still available in all sizes, but the seasonal green is almost sold out. Didn't I tell you popular picks were going to go quick? Another fun Align style to try? These super flattering flare-leg pants that have a cool ribbed texture. The wider opening at the bottom of the leg makes these pants feel slightly less like leggings, so you can totally dress them up with ankle boots and a beautiful sweater, These days, lots of sweatpants are baggy, oversized and let's face it, kind of unflattering. That's why I didn't think twice about grabbing these Scuba joggers. They have a slightly more fitted look so they don't look sloppy, but they're still just as comfy. Lululemon's leggings are popular for a reason — they're stretchy, comfy and incredibly well-made. Shoppers who own this style rave about them. "Lightweight and stays in place," one fan wrote. Another added, "I love these tights. I have them in three different lengths and they are perfect year-round." Put simply, Lululemon's Scuba material is cult. The hoodies are probably the most popular pieces, but the shorts and sweatpants are just as comfy and flattering. The longer inseam on this pair ensures you won't show off too much and the drawstring waistband allows for a custom fit. All sizes are currently available in the blue color, but probably not for long. If you're one of those people who loves all things fleece the second the weather gets cold, then this is the belt bag for you. The gorgeous green color and textured fabric will make any outfit you're wearing look instantly more fun. Wear this style across your chest or around your waist — whatever's most comfortable for you. If you're team "look at my socks," then follow my lead and grab this soft, supportive pair in all three colors. They have 360° arch support, cushioning that extends to your toes and they're made from a breathable cotton-yarn blend. "Favorite pair of socks!" one fan raved. "Perfect texture and feel." Stay hydrated in style with this insulated water bottle in a statement mint green hue. The straw cap offers easy access to refreshing sip whenever you need it and there's a handy hook that means you can carry this baby around on a single finger. Important note: To preserve the shiny finish, don't put this product in the dishwasher. Hand wash it with warm soap and water instead. Need a stocking stuffer that will steal the show? Surprise someone you love with this beautiful tortoise hair clip. It's strong enough to tame even the thickest strands and it will look cute clamped on your bag.

President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday nominated Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as the US ambassador to France, in the latest of several controversial picks. Kushner "is a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our Country & its interests," Trump said on his Truth Social website, adding that Jared "worked closely with me in the White House." The choice is in keeping with Trump's pattern, so far, of selecting people, often wealthy, who are close to his family or of proven loyalty. Kushner is a multimillionaire real estate executive and former attorney; his son was a senior adviser during Trump's first term. Trump did not mention, however, that the elder Kushner once served jail time -- a two-year sentence, most of it served in a federal prison. Kushner, who is now 70, pleaded guilty in 2004 to 18 counts of tax evasion, witness tampering and making illegal campaign contributions. The case, which was prosecuted by then US attorney Chris Christie, included sordid details, to which Kushner admitted: that he had hired a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law, a man cooperating in a campaign finance inquiry, and then videotaped the encounter and sent it to the man's wife, Kushner's sister, to dissuade her from testifying against him. Christie, who worked on Trump's first presidential transition team and then opposed him in this year's Republican primary contests, later said Kushner had committed a "loathsome" and "disgusting crime." In 2020, Trump issued a pardon to Kushner, whose conviction had resulted in him being disbarred in three states. Nominees for key ambassadorships are often business associates of a president-elect, or major political donors. But it is rare, if not unprecedented, to name a convicted felon. The first two men to fill the prestigious Paris post were famed inventor and statesman Benjamin Franklin and a future president, Thomas Jefferson. If confirmed, Kushner would succeed Denise Bauer, a former ambassador to Belgium who was a major Democratic fundraiser and donor. md/bbk/mdLife expectancy in the U.S. varies by more than 20 years depending on an individual's race and ethnicity and where they live. These widespread and persistent life expectancy disparities have divided the country into "ten Americas," according to new research examining inequities in US life expectancy between 2000 and 2021, published in The Lancet . "The extent and magnitude of health disparities in American society are truly alarming in a country with the wealth and resources of the U.S.," said senior author Professor Christopher JL Murray, Director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington, Seattle, U.S. "These disparities reflect the unequal and unjust distribution of resources and opportunities that have profound consequences on well-being and longevity, especially in marginalized populations. "Policymakers must take collective action to invest in equitable health care, education, and employment opportunities and challenge the systemic barriers that create and perpetuate these inequities so that all Americans can live long, healthy lives regardless of where they live and their race, ethnicity, or income." The findings come nearly two decades after the landmark "Eight Americas" study, which examined the interacting drivers of health inequities in the U.S. by dividing the US population into eight groups based on geography, race, urbanicity, income per capita, and homicide rate . In this new study, researchers update and expand the original Eight Americas study, dividing the US population into ten mutually exclusive populations, or "Americas," based on race and ethnicity and other variables such as geographic location, metropolitan status, income, and residential segregation. Analyzing death records from the National Vital Statistics System and population estimates from the National Center for Health Statistics, researchers estimated trends in life expectancy at birth—an important indicator of a population's health—from 2000 to 2021 for each of the ten Americas by year, sex, and age group. Stark differences in life expectancy have widened over two decades Despite efforts to reduce health inequalities, the life expectancy gap between the Americas was 12.6 years in 2000 and grew even larger during the 2000s and 2010s (reaching 13.9 years in 2010 and 15.6 years by 2019), and accelerated to 20.4 years after the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2000, Black Americans living in rural, low-income counties in the South (America 9) and Black Americans living in highly-segregated cities (America 7) had the lowest life expectancy (around 70.5 years for both populations), while Asian Americans (America 1) had the highest life expectancy, living on average 83.1 years. Between 2000 and 2010, life expectancy increased for every America except for American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) people living in the West (America 10), who had the shortest lifespan in 2010 after a one-year drop in life expectancy from 72.3 years in 2000 to 71.2 years in 2010. During this time, the three Black Americas (6, 7, and 9) showed some of the largest gains in life expectancy, increasing by as much as 3.7 years, with Black Americans living in other counties (America 6) exceeding the life expectancy of white Americans living in low-income counties in Appalachia and the lower Mississippi Valley (America 8) from 2010 onward, except in 2020. "The gap between life expectancy at birth for Black and white Americans may never have been narrower than it was in the mid-2010s," said co-author Thomas Bollyky from the Council of Foreign Relations, Washington DC, U.S. "It's likely that long-term improvements in education available to Black children and young adults in recent decades, as well as reductions in homicide rates and deaths from HIV/AIDS—causes of death that have disproportionately impacted Black Americans—may have contributed to these noteworthy gains for Black Americans." However, in the following decade (2010–2019), improvements in life expectancy at birth for the three Black Americas (Americas 6, 7, and 9)—as well as all the other Americas—largely stalled. This pattern may be explained by an increase in drug overdose deaths and homicides as well as a slowdown in reductions in cardiovascular disease deaths, likely related to increases in obesity. Widening racial life expectancy gap during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated a staggering drop in life expectancy for all the Americas and substantially widened racial disparities in lifespan. For example, while Black Americans living in highly segregated cities (America 7) and Black Americans living in rural, low-income counties in the South (America 9) were expected to live an average 74.9 years and 72.5 years, respectively, in 2019, this fell by approximately 4.0 years in 2020. For white (the majority), Asian, and AIAN people living in other counties (America 3), the corresponding decline was only 1.4 years—from 79.3 years in 2019 to 77.9 years in 2020. Marginalized groups already had lower life expectancy, and the pandemic further increased the gap. By 2021, Asian Americans (America 1) still had the longest life expectancy at birth, living on average 84 years—a striking 20.4 years longer than AIAN people living in the West (America 10), who had the lowest life expectancy at 63.6 years. Alarming health crisis for American Indian and Alaska Native people in the West AIAN people living in the West (America 10) were the only group to experience a drop in their life expectancy between 2000 and 2010 and again between 2010 and 2019—falling from the already relatively low 72.3 years in 2000 to 70.2 years in 2019. COVID-19 set them even further behind the other Americas, with a 6.6-year drop in life expectancy between 2019 and 2021. These findings suggest that AIAN people are living much shorter lives than any other population due to systemic barriers that have perpetuated social, economic, and health inequities. For example, inadequate health care access and chronic underfunding of Indigenous health services, together with high rates of unemployment and low rates of educational attainment, and the legacy of systemic discrimination, are factors that likely contribute to AIAN people dying at higher rates from highly preventable causes like chronic diseases, smoking, and drug overdose, as well as COVID-19. What is driving these disparities in life expectancy? The findings suggest that differences in educational attainment and income likely explain some of the disparities in life expectancy. For example, Black Americans living in rural, low-income counties in the South (America 9) and AIAN individuals living in the West (America 10) had the lowest income per capita and percentage graduating college as well as the lowest life expectancy in most years between 2000 and 2021. However, the authors note some unexpected disparities, which indicate that other factors beyond income and education can contribute to differences in longevity. For example, white (the majority), Asian, and AIAN people living in other counties (America 3) had the highest income in most years, as well as the highest proportion graduating high school and the second highest percentage of college graduates but was ranked only fourth or fifth in life expectancy prior to 2020. According to co-author Professor Ali Mokdad from IHME, "More research is needed to fully understand why life expectancy is worse for some Americans, so we can better tackle the root causes of poor health for the most disadvantaged. "America's life expectancy gap is unlikely to diminish until a comprehensive, coordinated approach that includes preventive measures and public health initiatives that transcend political divides and fosters collaboration and accountability between state, local, and national entities is developed. "Only then can we hope to create a more equitable and healthier society for all the Americas—and all Americans." The authors point out that the grouping of the US population based on county, race and ethnicity is not the only division that could be used to understand the large inequalities in US life expectancy, and different choices of factors would lead to different results. The authors also note some important study limitations, including that there is a well-known misreporting of race and ethnicity on death certificates, and although they corrected for this misclassification, it increased the uncertainty around the estimates. They also note that data on income per capita and educational attainment from the America Community Survey and 2000 decennial census used different racial and ethnic groups compared to those used in the analysis, which could lead to a mismatch in the estimates of income and educational attainment for three groups (combined AIAN, Asian and NHPI, and Black) and the corresponding Americas. Additionally, while this analysis shows large disparities in life expectancy between the ten Americas, the authors note that there will also be large disparities within these Americas. For example, research shows considerable differences in life expectancy among counties, even for the same racial and ethnic group. Finally, while the ten Americas is defined based on data from a single point in time (primarily 2020), some of the characteristics these definitions are based on are time-varying (eg, income per capita), so it is likely that some county and race and ethnicity combinations would be included in different Americas if data from a different year were used to define the Americas. Writing in a linked Comment, Professor Steven H Woolf from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, U.S. (who was not involved in the study), says that the study confirms the continued existence of different Americas in the U.S., adding that, "The study also underscores the value of investigating intersectionality. Disaggregated data can inform policy decisions about which geographic regions and populations to prioritize in efforts to reduce disparities in life expectancy. "Understanding the root causes of disparate mortality rates and meaningful efforts to address the social and environmental determinants of health are essential to close the gap." More information: Ten Americas: a systematic analysis of life expectancy disparities in the USA, The Lancet (2024). DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01495-8

Zelensky demands response from allies as Putin threatens West with new missileWASHINGTON (AP) — In the two weeks since Donald Trump won the presidency, he's tried to demonstrate his dominance by naming loyalists for top administration positions, even though many lack expertise and some face sexual misconduct accusations. It often seems like he's daring Congress to oppose his decisions. But on Thursday, Trump's attempt to act with impunity showed a crack as Matt Gaetz , his choice for attorney general, withdrew from consideration. Trump had named Gaetz, a Florida congressman, to be the country's top law enforcement official even though he was widely disliked by his colleagues, has little legal experience and was accused of having sex with an underage girl, an allegation he denied. After being plagued by investigations during his first presidency, Trump wanted a devoted ally in charge of the Justice Department during his second. However, it was never obvious that Gaetz could win enough support from lawmakers to get confirmed as attorney general. Trump chose for a replacement Pam Bondi, a former Florida attorney general who defended him during his first impeachment trial and supported his false claims of voter fraud. Now the question is whether Gaetz was uniquely unpalatable, or if Trump's other picks might exceed his party's willingness to overlook concerns that would have sunk nominees in a prior political era. The next test will likely be Pete Hegseth, who Trump wants to lead the Pentagon despite an allegation of sexual assault that he's denied. So far, Republicans are rallying around Hegseth , an Army veteran and former Fox News host. Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican who serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the controversy over Gaetz would have little bearing on Trump’s other choices. He said they would be considered “one at a time.” Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, suggested otherwise, claiming “the dominoes are falling.” “The drip drip of evidence and truth is going to eventually doom some others,” he said. Trump's election victory was a sign that there may not be many red lines left in American politics. He won the presidential race despite authoritarian, racist and misogynist rhetoric, not to mention years of lies about election fraud and his role in sparking the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He was also criminally convicted of falsifying business records to pay hush money, and he was found liable for sexual abuse in a civil case. Empowered by voters who looked past his misconduct and saw him as a powerful agent of change, Trump has shown no deference to Washington norms while working to fill his second administration . The transition team hasn't pursued federal background checks for Trump's personnel choices. While some of his selections have extensive experience in the areas they've been chosen to lead, others are personal friends and Fox News personalities who have impressed and flattered Trump over the years. Several have faced allegations involving sexual misconduct . Hegseth is facing the most scrutiny after Gaetz. Once Trump announced Hegseth as his nominee for Pentagon chief, allegations emerged that he sexually assaulted a woman in California in 2017. The woman said he took her phone, blocked the door to the hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a police report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing, the report said. However, he paid the woman a confidential settlement in 2023. Hegseth's lawyer said the payment was made to head off the threat of a baseless lawsuit. Trump’s choice for secretary of health and human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has faced allegations of misconduct too. A woman who babysat for him and his second wife told Vanity Fair magazine that Kennedy groped her in the late 1990s, when she was 23. Kennedy did not deny the allegation and texted an apology to the woman after the article was published. That isn't the only hurdle for Kennedy; he's spent years spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories about vaccines, raising fears about making him a top health official in the new administration. Linda McMahon, chosen by Trump to be education secretary, is fighting a lawsuit connected to her former company, World Wrestling Entertainment. She’s accused of knowingly enabling sexual exploitation of children by an employee as early as the 1980s, and she denies the allegations. Tulsi Gabbard is another person who could face a difficult confirmation battle, but for very different reasons. The former Democratic representative from Hawaii has been a vocal Trump ally, and he chose her to be national intelligence director. But there's grave concern by lawmakers and national security officials over Gabbard’s history of echoing Russian propaganda. Critics said she would endanger relationships with U.S. allies. Gaetz was investigated by federal law enforcement for sex trafficking, but the case was closed without charges and Republicans have blocked the release of a related report from the House Ethics Committee. However, some allegations leaked out, including that Gaetz paid women for sex. One of the women testified to the committee that she saw Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old girl, according to a lawyer for the woman. As Gaetz met with senators this week, it became clear that he would face stubborn resistance from lawmakers who were concerned about his behavior and believed he was unqualified to run the Justice Department. “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction,” Gaetz wrote on social media when announcing his withdrawal. Sen. Mike Braun, an Indiana Republican, said he believed there were four to six members of the caucus who would have voted against Gaetz, likely dooming his nomination, and “the math got too hard.” He said some of the issues and allegations around Gaetz were “maybe beyond the pale." “I think there were just too many things, it was like a leaky dike, and you know, it broke," Braun said. Trump thanked Gaetz in a post on Truth Social, his social media website, without addressing the substance of the allegations against him. “He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect,” Trump wrote. Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Stephen Groves and Lisa Macaro contributed from Washington. Jill Colvin in New York and Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, also contributed.Semona scores 15 as Stonehill takes down Lafayette 70-65(BPT) - Tech gifts are consistently some of the most popular presents to give and receive during the holidays. In fact, according to the annual Consumer Technology Holiday Purchase Patterns report , a record 233 million U.S. adults (89%) will buy tech products during the 2024 holiday season. But with so many devices out there, it can be hard to decide on the perfect option for the loved one on your list. A tablet like the new Fire HD 8 from Amazon offers the versatility of an all-in-one device, with access to streaming, gaming, video chatting, reading or writing all at your fingertips. Fire HD 8 also features a vibrant 8-inch HD display and lightweight, portable design, for high-quality entertainment on the go. Plus, Fire HD 8 comes with three new AI features that can help you get the most out of your tablet experience. Check them out below and learn how they can help you with daily tasks this holiday season and beyond. 1. Meet your personal writing assistant Do you struggle with writing a heartfelt message or finessing a tricky email? Fear not! Writing Assist is here to help. Writing Assist works as part of your Fire tablet's device keyboard and compatible apps, including email, Word documents and social media. In just a few taps, you can transform your writing from good to great. Try Writing Assist's pre-set styles to turn a simple email into a professionally written note. Or, you can ask Writing Assist for grammar suggestions to make your writing more concise, or elaborate on your ideas. You can even "emojify" your writing to add more fun and personality. 2. Learn more in less time Say goodbye to scrolling through pages of information. The new Webpage Summaries feature allows you to learn pertinent information as quickly as possible. Available on the Silk browser on Fire tablets, Webpage Summaries provides quick insights on web articles. In a matter of seconds, this feature will distill the key points in an article or on a webpage into a clear, concise summary of what you need to know. 3. Get creative with your device wallpaper With Wallpaper Creator, you can easily add a touch of creative flair and customization to your tablet's home screen. You can choose from one of the curated prompts to get started on creating a unique background. Or, if you're ready to let your imagination run wild, type a description of what you'd like to see. For example, you can ask for an image of a tiger swimming underwater or a watercolor-style image of a desert landscape in space. Wallpaper Creator will then turn your vision into a reality, delivering a high-resolution image that you can use as your tablet's wallpaper. Celebrate an AI-powered holiday season Writing Assist, Webpage Summaries, and Wallpaper Creator are now available on Amazon's new Fire HD 8 and other compatible Fire tablet devices, including the latest Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11 tablets. To learn more, or to order a new Fire tablet this gift-giving season, visit Amazon.com .

BERLIN (AP) — Tech entrepreneur caused uproar by backing Germany’s far-right party in a major newspaper ahead of key parliamentary elections in the Western European country, leading to the resignation of the paper’s opinion editor in protest. Related Articles Germany is to vote in an early election on Feb. 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalize the country’s stagnant economy. Musk’s guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag — a sister publication of POLITICO owned by the Axel Springer Group — was published over the weekend. It was the second time this month he supported the Alternative for Germany, or AfD. “The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is the last spark of hope for this country,” Musk wrote in his translated commentary. He went on to say the far-right party “can lead the country into a future where economic prosperity, cultural integrity and technological innovation are not just wishes, but reality.” The Tesla Motors CEO also wrote that his investment in Germany gave him the right to comment on the country’s condition. The AfD is polling strongly, but its candidate for the top job, Alice Weidel, has no realistic chance of becoming chancellor because other parties refuse to work with the far-right party. An ally of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, the technology billionaire challenged in his opinion piece the party’s public image. “The portrayal of the AfD as right-wing extremist is clearly false, considering that Alice Weidel, the party’s leader, has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka! Does that sound like Hitler to you? Please!” Musk’s commentary has led to a debate in German media over the boundaries of free speech, with the paper’s own opinion editor announcing her resignation, pointedly on Musk’s social media platform, X. “I always enjoyed leading the opinion section of WELT and WAMS. Today an article by Elon Musk appeared in Welt am Sonntag. I handed in my resignation yesterday after it went to print,” Eva Marie Kogel wrote. The newspaper was also attacked by politicians and other media for offering Musk, an outsider, a platform to express his views, in favor of the AfD. Candidate for chancellor, Friedrich Merz, of the Christian Democratic Union, said Sunday that Musk’s comments were “intrusive and presumptuous”. He was speaking to the newspapers of the German Funke Media Group. Co-leader of the Social Democratic Party, Saskia Esken said that “Anyone who tries to influence our election from outside, who supports an anti-democratic, misanthropic party like the AfD, whether the influence is organized by the state from Russia or by the concentrated financial and media power of Elon Musk and his billionaire friends on the Springer board, must expect our tough resistance,” according to the ARD national public TV network. Musk’s opinion piece in the Welt am Sonntag was accompanied by a critical article by the future editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Jan Philipp Burgard. “Musk’s diagnosis is correct, but his therapeutic approach, that only the AfD can save Germany, is fatally wrong,” Burgard wrote. Responding to a request for comment from the German Press Agency, dpa, the current editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Ulf Poschardt, and Burgard — who is due to take over on Jan. 1 — said in a joint statement that the discussion over Musk’s piece was “very insightful. Democracy and journalism thrive on freedom of expression.” “This will continue to determine the compass of the “world” in the future. We will develop “Die Welt” even more decisively as a forum for such debates,” they wrote to dpa.NonePHILADELPHIA (AP) — Corey McKeithan scored 28 points as La Salle beat Temple 83-75 on Saturday night. McKeithan shot 10 of 19 from the field, including 3 for 6 from 3-point range, and went 5 for 5 from the line for the Explorers (6-2). Demetrius Lilley added 13 points while shooting 5 for 12, including 2 for 4 from beyond the arc while he also had six rebounds. Jahlil White shot 3 of 13 from the field and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line to finish with 11 points, while adding 12 rebounds. Quante Berry led the Owls (4-3) in scoring, finishing with 18 points, 15 rebounds and two blocks. Temple also got 15 points from Jamal Mashburn Jr.. William Settle had 13 points and seven rebounds. La Salle took the lead with 14:45 to go in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 42-33 at halftime, with McKeithan racking up 16 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Trump's threat to impose tariffs could raise prices for consumers, colliding with promise for reliefWilliams Cos. stock rises Tuesday, still underperforms market

NoneThe is offering some of the retailer's best deals of the year. Everything is up to 50% off, making this a buy-a-whole-new-wardrobe kind of sale. Admittedly, it takes a lot to impress us shopping editors (since we shop and research deals for a living), but Old Navy is doing just that with its major discounts. You can find items for as little as $5, and you don't even have to dig. From cozy sweaters and warm puffer coats to soft pajamas and basic T-shirts — these are some good savings. SoSoft Crop Cable-Knit Sweater High-Waisted Wow Wide-Leg Jeans Oversized Double-Breasted Pea Coat High-Waisted PowerSoft Full-Length Leggings Quilted Puffer Jacket Cozy Crew-Neck Sweater EveryWear Slub-Knit T-Shirt Soft Knit Beanie For Women Flannel Pajama Set 3-Pack Text-Friendly Gloves for Women That said, there are hundreds of items on sale, so we scrolled for hours to find the best Old Navy Black Friday deals for women. Here, we're listing the things you can wear again and again and the items you can gift to someone on your holiday shopping list. Some stuff we're eyeing: The brand's were just marked down to $18, and this is just $30. You can also stock up on , and , starting at just $5 each. Keep scrolling for the best Old Navy Cyber Monday deals. And if you're looking for more savings on clothing, we've compiled a big list of from across the web. This cable-knit sweater will become your festive go-to for work, dinners out and more. It has a slightly cropped cut that's meant to hit just below the waist of your jeans for a more flattering cut (without showing any skin). These jeans have over 10,000 five-star reviews, so you know they're good. The high waist helps suck everything in for a slimming fit, but the wide leg gives the illusion of mile-long legs. They're slightly stretchy, lightweight and come in seven shades. This pea coat features oversized lapels on the front with double-breasted buttons for an effortlessly cool style. It comes in four colors, all on sale for just $40. Don't sleep on Old Navy's athletic wear! Its leggings are super soft, and these have a little bit of compression to suck everything in. They're also available in three lengths so you can find your ideal full-length fit. Looking for a sporty puffer? This one is just $35 and comes in black, pink, taupe and light gray. It has a double closure that zips and snaps to keep the wind out — and a slightly elevated neck if you want to leave your scarf at home. Just like the name says, this sweater is cozy! With a relaxed fit and soft knit fabric, it will surely become your go-to sweater on chilly days. In fact, at this price, you may want to get more than one — it comes in four neutral colors you can rotate on a regular basis. You can never have enough T-shirts! Grab this 100% cotton one for just $8 to layer under sweaters, wear with jeans, pair with leggings and more. It comes in eight colors. You can always use a new beanie in the wintertime. Pick up one or a few while they're on sale for just $5! This one comes in gray, black, white, orange, blue, hot pink, neon green and camel. Christmas jammies just make every day feel more festive leading up to the big day. This flannel set comes in a few holiday and winter prints. And if you're the type of family that likes matching sleepwear, you'll be glad to know these are part of a family set (sold separately). Every year, we buy these gloves and every year, we lose at least one pair. Restock your home with this soft knit set with built-in text-friendly fingers (so you can still use your phone). Just an idea — these are also great stocking stuffers!

PARKER — Magic may have touched Fairview football’s Class 5A quarterfinal game at EchoPark Stadium during last week’s stunner over No. 2 Mountain Vista, but on Saturday afternoon in the same location, it was the No. 7 Knights who were spellbound. Sixth-seeded Legend just proved too much to handle in the 35-21 finish, especially during the third quarter. The Knights played the Titans toe-to-toe, save for that 12-minute blip to start the second half. And with it, their 12-1 season came to a grinding halt as the Titans now move on to play No. 1 Cherry Creek in the title game next week. Prior to the start of this season, the Knights hadn’t won a playoff game since 2019. They made up for it by winning three. “We’ve had really good seasons the last few years, and so there was a hunger,” head coach Tom McCartney said. “The guys just didn’t want to be denied. They wanted to win their home playoff game. They wanted to show that they could beat one of the elite teams, so that kind of hunger and that kind of belief in each other carried us.” The Knights’ stars shined even in defeat, as they had through every victory leading up to the finale. Sophomore quarterback Ki Ellison put together a strong performance with 231 passing yards and touchdown passes to junior defensive back Toray Davis, who finished his afternoon with 49 offensive yards, and senior wide receiver Jordan Rechel. Rechel added another 123 yards. The score from Rechel down the stretch handed him his 29th touchdown of the season. He entered the contest tied for No. 1 in the state in that category. “Obviously with Jordan, the guy’s been a four-year starter,” McCartney said. “He led the state with touchdowns last year. He’s now leading the state again this year as a senior. He just finds ways to get in the end zone. He never comes off the field. He’s had a special four years and he’s going to be hard to replace, meaning you can’t replace someone like him. He’s a once-in-a-generation type player. He’s phenomenal.” Davis, he said, has an equally bright future ahead of him as he’s fielding Division-I offers left and right. He showcased why from the first snap. Davis kicked the game off with a 15-yard reception from Ellison in the corner of the end zone, but the Titans were quick to respond every time the Knights passed the pylon in the first half. Legend’s Ryken Banks put together his own receiving touchdown, this time on a monster 48-yard gain, just two minutes after the Knights first altered the scoreboard. Fairview's Toray Davis reaches for the ball as Legend's Freddie Burke defends against him during the Knights' Class 5A semifinal game against Legend at EchoPark Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024. (Alissa Noe/BoCoPreps.com) Fairview's Max Vieth drops Legend's Jaden Lawrence during the Knights' Class 5A semifinal game against Legend at EchoPark Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024. (Alissa Noe/BoCoPreps.com) Fairview's Jordan Rechel flies past Legend's defense during the Knights' Class 5A semifinal game against Legend at EchoPark Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024. (Alissa Noe/BoCoPreps.com) Fairview's Ki Ellison makes a pass during the Knights' Class 5A semifinal game against Legend at EchoPark Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024. (Alissa Noe/BoCoPreps.com) A legion of Titans takes down Fairview's Jordan Rechel during the Knights' Class 5A semifinal game against Legend at EchoPark Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024. (Alissa Noe/BoCoPreps.com) Fairview's Ryder Villareal battles with Legend's Champ Jones during the Knights' Class 5A semifinal game against Legend at EchoPark Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024. (Alissa Noe/BoCoPreps.com) Fairview's Ki Ellison escapes the grasp of Legend's Tatum O'Donnell during the Knights' Class 5A semifinal game against Legend at EchoPark Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024. (Alissa Noe/BoCoPreps.com) Fairview's Bo Waldo (45) and Enzo Pulte (52) lead the team out onto the field ahead of the Knights' Class 5A semifinal game against Legend at EchoPark Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024. (Alissa Noe/BoCoPreps.com) Fairview's Toray Davis reaches for the ball as Legend's Freddie Burke defends against him during the Knights' Class 5A semifinal game against Legend at EchoPark Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024. (Alissa Noe/BoCoPreps.com) Davis turned his opening score into a heroic effort on defense to save the Knights from their first big error of the game. Legend’s Aaron Carlson, having picked off Ellison’s short pass, sprinted 75 yards back toward the end zone. But just before he touched the line, Davis knocked the ball out of his hands, then recovered it in the end zone himself. “I looked back and I just saw he had the ball,” Davis said. “I knew I was the only one that would be able to catch him. I just had to hawk him down and punch the ball out.” Brock Kolstad pushed the Knights back into the lead with a short run into the end zone four minutes into the second quarter, but as the popular saying goes, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” That’s exactly what Legend did. Derek Neuenschwander made Ellison pay for his second mistake midway through the second, taking the interception a short distance back to score and draw the two teams at 14-14 going into the half. The Titans secured that disadvantage with a major defensive stop within the 5-yard line in the closing seconds of the first half, then flipped the script in the third quarter. Legend turned up the physicality coming out of the break, and punished the Knights for every missed tackle en route to a 28-14 lead heading into the final quarter. Ellison and Rechel helped stop the bleeding with a 35-yard connection in the final eight minutes, but the Knights couldn’t stop the Titans from touching the scoreboard one more time. Fairview’s season ended just one stop short of its first title game appearance since 2013, but this band of Knights achieved a feat that hadn’t been done in five years. Rechel, who said he’ll make his college decision in the next few months, wouldn’t trade the experience. “This team is very special,” he said. “I’ve never been a part of a team like this team. Things didn’t end the way that we wanted to, but just to be able to come out here and be on this field with this team, there’s just no other feeling compared to it. It’s just the brotherhood and the camaraderie and just everyone having each other’s backs. We never gave up to the very last whistle.” View a list of Prep sports and high school teams we cover.

President-elect wants to turn the lights out on daylight saving time. In a post on his social media site Friday, Trump said his party would try to end the practice when he returns to office. “The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn’t! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation,” he wrote. Setting clocks forward one hour in the spring and back an hour in the fall is intended to maximize daylight during summer months, but has long been subject to scrutiny. Daylight saving time was first adopted as a wartime measure in 1942. Lawmakers have occasionally proposed getting rid of the time change altogether. The most prominent recent attempt, a now-stalled bipartisan bill named the , had proposed making daylight saving time permanent. The measure was , whom Trump has tapped to helm the State Department. “Changing the clock twice a year is outdated and unnecessary,” Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida said as the Senate voted in favor of the measure. Health experts have said that lawmakers have it backward and that standard time should be made permanent. , including the American Medical Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine, have said that it’s time to do away with time switches and that sticking with standard time aligns better with the sun — and human biology. do not observe daylight saving time. For those that do, the date that clocks are changed varies, creating a complicated tapestry of changing time differences. Arizona and Hawaii don’t change their clocks at all.