NEW YORK -- Depending on who you ask, small business owners say congestion pricing could be a blessing or a curse. When Gov. Kathy Hochul initially canned the plan , she said did so in part because small business owners were afraid of losing customers who travel by car. Some business owners recently offered their take. CBS News New York spoke with four different businesses that acknowledged shipping costs could go up even with the decreased $9 congestion fee , but they differ on whether congestion pricing hurts or helps them. "We're going to probably lose at least 25% more business," said Danny Reina, general manager of Wall Street Grill. Reina said business is still struggling to come back from the pandemic, adding instead of business clientele, it has become more of a destination for family celebrations. "The dinners, it's moving along steadily, but it's not what it's supposed to be," Reina said. Even with the $9 toll, the general manager of Wall Street Grill says the restaurant may have to reduce its lunch service. The luxury upscale kosher restaurant on Pear Street had just two parties in for lunch on a recent weekday. Reina said he also fears losing employees who live in transit deserts. He commutes from the Long Island town of Westbury by car. "I don't see [the congestion roll] decreasing traffic. We're out here between 11:30 p.m.-12 a.m. When you're getting out at the time, there's no trains. It easily is going to cost me $1,200 to $1,400 a month just taking the train." The chair of the MTA has said less than 1% of people in the region drive to the Central Business District for work, and that those who do will now have a faster ride. Some business owners against congestion pricing have sued the MTA to stop it. Those who are optimistic about the plan say it can't come soon enough. Over on Varick Street, traffic leading to the Holland Tunnel backs up past Zafferano America, a lamp and tabletop store. CEO Barrett Gross said he believes it deters customers who mostly come by foot. "It'll reduce the amount of traffic that's right outside our front doors, and that'll be more pleasant for people who are shopping here," Gross said. His is one of 150 businesses that are part of the Hudson Square Business Improvement District. The organization did a 2023 study that found 93% of people ride the train, bike or walk in the area. "We actually pay for private crossing guards after 3:30 in the afternoon to help people cross Varick Street, said Samara Karasyk, the business improvement group's president and CEO. "And so, the better our transit system, the more people will take the transit system to come here." In the West Village, Aviv Brawer-Cohen, the co-owner of Nati clothing boutique on Bleeker, is optimistic congestion pricing will help the store, and another on Prince Street in SoHo. "Our stores are located right next to the Christopher Street station, West 4th Street, Bowery, Broadway, and these stations are often times filthy," Brawer-Cohen said. "Now, this city will have dedicated revenues to clean up these stations and make trains run more reliably." One could say that opinion is a diamond in the rough in the Diamond District. Diamanti NYC co-owner Kerri Lavine said she would not feel comfortable with one of her employees carrying pricey stones on the subway. "Not really, honestly. I'm uncomfortable getting on the subway," Lavine said. Lavine said customers drive in to West 47th Street from across the region. "We make women happy and we make men cry," Lavine said. Crying may be the only option for the 2,600 small businesses that are part of the Diamond District Partnership. "All the different companies, they do pickup, plus we have armored companies that are here," executive director Avi Fertig said. "You can't send it by messenger and bicycle. It needs to be done in a very careful, role-planned way." Lisa Rozner joined CBS News New York in 2017. She covers a wide range of stories.
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WASHINGTON — The House shut down Democrats' efforts Thursday to release the long-awaited ethics report into former Rep. Matt Gaetz, pushing the fate of any resolution to the yearslong investigation of sexual misconduct allegations into further uncertainty. Matt Gaetz talks before President-elect Donald Trump speaks during an America First Policy Institute gala at his Mar-a-Lago estate Nov. 14 in Palm Beach, Fla. The nearly party-line votes came after Democrats had been pressing for the findings to be published even though the Florida Republican left Congress and withdrew as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general. Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., was the sole Republican to support the effort. Most Republicans have argued that any congressional probe into Gaetz ended when he resigned from the House. Speaker Mike Johnson also requested that the committee not publish its report, saying it would be a terrible precedent to set. While ethics reports have previously been released after a member’s resignation, it is extremely rare. Shortly before the votes took place, Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill., who introduced one of the bills to force the release, said that if Republicans reject the release, they will have “succeeded in sweeping credible allegations of sexual misconduct under the rug.” Gaetz has repeatedly denied the claims. Earlier Thursday, the Ethics panel met to discuss the Gaetz report but made no decision, saying in a short statement that the matter is still being discussed. It's unclear now whether the document will ever see the light of day as lawmakers have only a few weeks left before a new session of Congress begins. It's the culmination of weeks of pressure on the Ethics committee's five Republicans and five Democrats who mostly work in secret as they investigate allegations of misconduct against lawmakers. The status of the Gaetz investigation became an open question last month when he abruptly resigned from Congress after Trump's announcement that he wanted his ally in the Cabinet. It is standard practice for the committee to end investigations when members of Congress depart, but the circumstances surrounding Gaetz were unusual, given his potential role in the new administration. Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss., the committee chairman, said Wednesday that there is no longer the same urgency to release the report given that Gaetz has left Congress and stepped aside as Trump's choice to head the Justice Department. “I’ve been steadfast about that. He’s no longer a member. He is no longer going to be confirmed by the Senate because he withdrew his nomination to be the attorney general,” Guest said. The Gaetz report has also caused tensions between lawmakers on the bipartisan committee. Pennsylvania Rep. Susan Wild, the top Democrat on the panel, publicly admonished Guest last month for mischaracterizing a previous meeting to the press. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing and said last year that the Justice Department’s separate investigation against him into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls ended without federal charges. His onetime political ally Joel Greenberg, a fellow Republican who served as the tax collector in Florida’s Seminole County, admitted as part of a plea deal with prosecutors in 2021 that he paid women and an underage girl to have sex with him and other men. The men were not identified in court documents when he pleaded guilty. Greenberg was sentenced in late 2022 to 11 years in prison. Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Kash Patel spent several years as a Justice Department prosecutor before catching the Trump administration’s attention as a staffer on Capitol Hill who helped investigate the Russia probe. Patel called for dramatically reducing the agency’s footprint, a perspective that sets him apart from earlier directors who sought additional resources for the bureau. Though the Justice Department in 2021 during leak investigations, Patel said he intends to aggressively hunt down government officials who leak information to reporters. Trump has chosen former New York Rep. to serve as his pick to lead the . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Trump said Atkins, the CEO of Patomak Partners and a former SEC commissioner, was a “proven leader for common sense regulations.” In the years since leaving the SEC, Atkins has made the case against too much market regulation. “He believes in the promise of robust, innovative capital markets that are responsive to the needs of Investors, & that provide capital to make our Economy the best in the World. He also recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. The commission oversees U.S. securities markets and investments and is currently led by Gary Gensler, who has been leading the U.S. government’s crackdown on the crypto industry. Gensler, who was nominated by President Joe Biden, announced last month that he would be stepping down from his post on the day that Trump is inaugurated — Jan. 20, 2025. Atkins began his career as a lawyer and has a long history working in the financial markets sector, both in government and private practice. In the 1990s, he worked on the staffs of two former SEC chairmen, Richard C. Breeden and Arthur Levitt. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.” Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump said Wednesday that he will nominate Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, a retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as National Security Advisor to Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence. For the America First Policy Institute, one of several groups formed after Trump left office to help lay the groundwork for the next Republican administration, Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Former Rep. Billy Long represented Missouri in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2023. Since leaving Congress, Trump said, Long “has worked as a Business and Tax advisor, helping Small Businesses navigate the complexities of complying with the IRS Rules and Regulations.” Former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler was appointed in January 2020 by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and then lost a runoff election a year later. She started a conservative voter registration organization and dived into GOP fundraising, becoming one of the top individual donors and bundlers to Trump’s 2024 comeback campaign. Even before nominating her for agriculture secretary, the president-elect already had tapped Loeffler as co-chair of his inaugural committee. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. Trump has chosen Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya is a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He promoted the idea of herd immunity during the pandemic, arguing that people at low risk should live normally while building up immunity to COVID-19 through infection. The National Institutes of Health funds medical research through competitive grants to researchers at institutions throughout the nation. NIH also conducts its own research with thousands of scientists working at its labs in Bethesda, Maryland. Makary is a Johns Hopkins surgeon and author who argued against pandemic lockdowns. He routinely appeared on Fox News during the COVID-19 pandemic and wrote opinion articles questioning masks for children. He cast doubt on vaccine mandates but supported vaccines generally. Makary also cast doubt on whether booster shots worked, which was against federal recommendations on the vaccine. Nesheiwat is a general practitioner who serves as medical director for CityMD, a network of urgent care centers in New York and New Jersey. She has been a contributor to Fox News. Weldon is a former Florida congressman who recently ran for a Florida state legislative seat and lost; Trump backed Weldon’s opponent. In Congress, Weldon weighed in on one of the nation’s most heated debates of the 1990s over quality of life and a right-to-die and whether Terri Schiavo, who was in a persistent vegetative state after cardiac arrest, should have been allowed to have her feeding tube removed. He sided with the parents who did not want it removed. Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. He announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the public’s confidence in the economy. Trump said in a statement that Greer was instrumental in his first term in imposing tariffs on China and others and replacing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, “therefore making it much better for American Workers.” Hassett, 62, served in the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. He has a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and worked at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute before joining the Trump White House in 2017. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.Starbucks barista strike expands on fifth day of closuresEuropean Commission funding for Cyprus for the programming period between 2021 and 2027 has increased by over 70 per cent compared to the previous period, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said on Friday. Addressing the monitoring committee on home affairs funds, he explained that a total of 162 projects were implemented at a total cost of €110.5 million through the European Commission between 2014 and 2020. This grew to a total of €120.7 million with additional funds secured both through the European Union and other sources. In the current period, he said, this amount has risen to €188m , while the commission has also “already directly approved additional funds amounting to €82m for the implementation of projects related to the effective management of migration”. Additionally, EU projects in Cyprus will receive a total of €41m in national funding during the current period, bringing the total amount of funding to €311m for the current period. Ioannou said that so far in the current period, a total of 66 projects have begun, with €140m of funds having been allocated to them. His comments come days after the European Court of Auditors’ Cypriot member Lefteris Christoforou announced that Cyprus ranks top of the EU in terms of its absorption rate of EU funds . “Cyprus boasts the top spot in absorbing European funds relating to social cohesion funds, the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Fund for Youth Employment, where Cyprus absorbed €745 million from the previous fiscal framework,” he said. He added that Cyprus is “35 per cent ahead of the EU average” in the current framework. President Nikos Christodoulides reacted to the news by conveying his thanks to government organs by effectively absorbing EU funds. “ Not a single cent will be lost from the assistance given by the EU ,” he added. “Essentially this is financial assistance to help us change our country, so that we can keep up with the times, so that Cypriot citizens may benefit, and so that our country’s competitiveness can be boosted.”
A baby was found on a Colorado street Christmas morning. His parents have been arrested.What's New Luigi Mangione's recent court appearance has triggered an unexpected surge in merchandise sales, with items ranging from his sweater to his backpack gaining massive online attention. Retailers and independent creators are scrambling to meet the demand, as viral buzz turns everyday products into highly sought-after collectibles. The Context Mangione, a 26-year-old accused of shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson , faces charges of gun possession and forgery. His arrest has inspired a wave of online merchandise, including keychains, mugs, and clothing, some featuring the chilling words etched on the bullets linked to the crime. Luigi Mangione's Sweater Sells Out at Nordstrom Retailers are experiencing a boom in sales of Mangione-related merchandise. A burgundy Merino crewneck sweater worn by Mangione during his court appearance sold out at Nordstrom within a day, leading the retailer to announce plans to restock. The $120 sweater gained viral fame after courtroom photos of Mangione circulated online. "It's not every day you see a legal proceeding spark a fashion craze," quipped one Reddit user, while others nicknamed the item the "Mangione Merino." Social media buzz has been a major driver behind the unexpected demand. Luigi Mangione's Peak Design Backpack Interest in Mangione's accessories has also skyrocketed, particularly his Peak Design Everyday Backpack V1. Since news of the shooting broke, searches for the discontinued model have surged, drawing attention to the cult-like fascination surrounding the case. In response to rumors that Peak Design employees assisted law enforcement in tracking Mangione through the bag's serial number, the company issued a statement. "We have not provided customer information to the police and would only do so under a subpoena," CEO Peter Dering told The Verge . He clarified that the V1 backpacks lack serial numbers, a feature introduced only in V2 models. Despite these reassurances, some social media users accused the company of "snitching" after Dering admitted to sharing details about the bag with law enforcement. The backlash highlights growing public sensitivity to privacy concerns and corporate involvement in legal matters. Etsy Sellers Report High Sales on Luigi Mangione Merch Independent creators on Etsy are also benefiting from the Mangione craze. Shops offering T-shirts, mugs, and other custom merchandise inspired by his court appearance have reported a significant boost in sales. However, the surge in demand has brought challenges. Some Etsy sellers have received takedown notices , which they suspect are part of corporate efforts to protect Mangione's image. This has led to backlash, with critics accusing larger companies of unfairly targeting small businesses. "We're just responding to demand like everyone else," one seller told Newsweek , requesting anonymity for her shop. What People Are Saying @NLCONSNL, an Internet user, on X: "It is a horror story for the relatives of the CEO. May God be with them." @Warzoid, an Internet user, on Bluesky: "Support for Luigi Mangione isn't about looks or crime. It's about decades of economic injustice & a trolley problem politicians refuse to address". What's Next Mangione is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, facing both state and federal charges, including murder and terrorism-related offenses. His next court appearance is on January 18, 2025, in federal court in New York, where he faces charges that could result in the death penalty. On February 21, 2025, he will appear in Manhattan state court, where he has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges as an act of terrorism.
NoneMARPAI ANNOUNCES PRICING OF $700,000 PRIVATE PLACEMENT
Back in 1987 local businessman Bill Fitzpatrick, wondered how Ladysmith could do something to bring more attention to what resident had available in their own community in terms of Christmas shopping. Fitzpatrick knew there was a strong business community, locally, and was disappointed with shoppers heading to larger centres on Friday nights and weekends. So he, along with a small group, decided to create an event to make folks more aware of their downtown shopping advantages: a “light up” of downtown on the last Thursday in November. The town, at that time, had only a couple of strings of light bulbs, going across First Avenue, and a Santa sleigh and a reindeer on the old Ladysmith entrance sign at Bob Stuart Park. Initially, it was a struggle, but after about six years, the town realized the group had hit on something and momentum grew. Nearly 40 years later, the Ladysmith Festival of Lights attracts thousands of visitors from up and down the Island to watch the lights go on and twinkle through the holiday season Black Press Media spoke to Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Roberta Bowman about how the message Fitzpatrick's crew wanted to share still resonates: Is the FOL an advantage to the Ladysmith Community? The Festival of Lights offers significant advantages to the Ladysmith community by boosting local businesses, fostering community engagement, and enhancing cultural pride. By attracting visitors from surrounding areas, the event stimulates economic activity in restaurants, shops, and accommodations. It also brings residents together, promoting social bonds and showcasing local talent through performances and art displays. Volunteer opportunities abound, allowing community members to participate actively, develop skills, and connect with one another. Overall, the festival cultivates a vibrant atmosphere that elevates the quality of life in Ladysmith, making it a vital asset for the community. Is there benefit to the business community from Festival? The Festival of Lights significantly benefits the business community in Ladysmith by increasing foot traffic and sales for local shops and restaurants. The event attracts visitors, encouraging businesses to extend their operating hours and offer holiday promotions, which boosts visibility and customer engagement. Additionally, the festival fosters networking opportunities among local business owners, promoting collaborations that can enhance community ties. By participating in the festival, businesses contribute to a sense of community pride, encouraging local support and tourism. Overall, the festival serves as a powerful catalyst for economic activity, benefiting the business community and enhancing the local economy. Does the actual ‘Light Up’ night help businesses on that particular day or is any advantage come after that night? The actual “Light Up” night provides immediate benefits to businesses in Ladysmith, as increased foot traffic leads to higher sales as attendees shop and dine. Many local businesses capitalize on the event by offering special promotions and extending their operating hours, enhancing customer engagement. Additionally, the positive experiences created during the festival can foster long-term advantages, encouraging visitors to return in the following days and weeks. Word-of-mouth promotion and heightened community visibility can further boost tourism and local patronage. Overall, “Light Up” night not only supports businesses on the event day but also contributes to ongoing economic activity. Is the traditional Thursday night a good night for the event, for businesses, or would it be more productive if it was on a weekend? Holding the Festival of Lights on a traditional Thursday night offers advantages, such as reduced competition with fewer events, making it a standout occasion. It can also serve as a festive kickoff to the weekend, attracting an after-work crowd and encouraging attendees to return for shopping and dining in the days that follow. However, a weekend event could potentially draw higher attendance, allowing more people to participate and enjoy extended celebrations. Ultimately, the best choice depends on community preferences, and a hybrid approach, with a Thursday kickoff followed by weekend activities, could maximize benefits for local businesses. Holding the event on a Friday or Saturday night would be challenging as the town would see an inflow of folks for the actual light up event, which could double or triple the amount of people the town sees on a Thursday Light Up. The town doesn’t have the emergency support services nor parking capacity nor volunteers for a weekend event date. What can businesses do to improve their business on Light Up night? To improve business on Light Up night, businesses can implement several strategies. Offering special promotions or discounts can entice festival-goers, while extending operating hours allows for increased sales opportunities. Creating a festive atmosphere with themed decor and unique holiday offerings can attract more customers. Engaging with the community by participating in festival activities or hosting entertainment, such as live music, enhances visibility and encourages longer visits. Utilizing social media to promote participation and sharing behind-the-scenes content can generate buzz. Finally, focusing on excellent customer service ensures a positive experience that encourages repeat visits in the future. What do you think FOL (or others) can do to attract visitors downtown for the weeks while the lights are still on? To attract visitors downtown during the holiday season, a variety of engaging strategies can be implemented. Themed nights such as “Tasty Thursdays” with food tastings and “Family Fun Nights” featuring activities for children can draw in families and food enthusiasts. Promotions and discounts can be offered in collaboration with local businesses, encouraging shoppers to explore multiple stores. Community workshops for crafting, baking, or other holiday-themed activities allow residents to engage with local artisans and learn new skills while enjoying the festive atmosphere. Utilizing social media to promote events and create engaging content can help attract both locals and tourists. Additionally, Community collaborations with local organizations, schools, or charities can host events that give back, fostering participation and a sense of community involvement. Late night shopping — folks like to come and enjoy the lights when it is dark after work, in the evening time. It would be helpful if businesses were to stay open later on even one day a week to embrace those coming to Ladysmith to enjoy Light Up and Ladysmith as a whole. Should Light Up be made even larger? Expanding the Festival of Lights could significantly benefit the community by increasing attendance, boosting local tourism, and enhancing community spirit. A larger festival would allow for a wider range of activities, such as more performances, food vendors, and family-friendly entertainment, catering to diverse interests. However, careful planning is essential to address potential challenges related to budget, logistics, and crowd management. Engaging with the community for feedback ensures the expansion aligns with local preferences and needs. Ultimately, while a larger festival could create a more immersive experience, it must be approached thoughtfully to maximize its positive impact on the community. *** This year's Ladysmith Festival of Lights is set to go Thursday, Nov. 27 in downtown Ladysmith. From 4-6 p.m. on Light Up Night, attendees are invited to Ladysmith’s 1st Avenue to experience elite live street entertainment for all ages. With backgrounds in Cirque Du Soleil, theatre and opera, these performers will bring an entertaining, unique and sophisticated style to the Light Up festivities. “We’re thrilled to have so many acts to choose from — jugglers, stilt walkers, and more — which allows us to create a truly custom, dynamic experience for Ladysmith,” said Laura Goodwin, Festival of Lights board member. "A standout act includes an LED robot circus, bringing the magic of fireworks down to street level. As one young attendee excitedly put it, 'The robots are like real-life superheroes!'" After that, Santa will flick the switch heralding the light display, then the annual light parade will meander through downtown. This year there will be no fireworks display due to fire risk concerns. There will also be two photo booths this year, at no cost to attendees. You can get your picture taken professionally and printed on a card or sent digitally to your phone or email address. There will also be an extension of Light Up called Ladysmith’s Magical Christmas LIGHT UP Tour ... Explore ... Vote ... Celebrate Contest. Everyone is encouraged to do the tour, between Nov. 29 and Dec. 18 and then vote online, on the Chamber’s website. The winner will be announced on Dec. 20. For more information on the evening's activities and beyond, check out the Festival of Lights website. — with a file from Morgan BraytonEconomic hardship: Wike reveals 1 major thing Nigerians will do for Tinubu before 2027 election
NoneIf you’re itching for a fall-colored mountain getaway, the , or the are obvious options. While these destinations are undeniably stunning, let us point you in the direction of the Smoky Mountains, which boast one of the longest fall seasons in the country, offering a picturesque escape that’s often overlooked. Known as the “Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains,” Gatlinburg, is an ideal fall retreat for those seeking more than just the typical mountain experience. Though this quaint town — with a population of just 3,650 – is known for its quirky tourist attractions and kitschy charm, it also harbors a side that’s perfect for a more refined, adult-oriented adventure. Beyond the themed restaurants and eccentric hotels, Gatlinburg offers luxury forested accommodations, unique shops, and scenic activities that make it an enchanting destination for a romantic autumn escape. Disclaimer: if late-night bar hopping is part of your fall plans, Gatlinburg... . The town’s nightlife winds down early, with most bars nestled within restaurants closing by 11 p.m. Gatlinburg isn’t a party destination, but it can be a fun-and-flirty mountain getaway with the right itinerary. Where To Stay If you’re planning an adults-only mountain getaway, you need to make sure you do it proper. This means, sleeping among the trees, luxury style, with no kids in sight. You won’t find anything better for price and accomodations than . Located right off the Great Smoky National Park highway, Treehouse Grove offers 16 treehouses that are fitted with luxury features to make your stay comfortable. The road leading to the treehouses follows a little creek into the woods about two or three miles. I absolutely loved pulling up to The Cherry treehouse, surrounded by views of the Smoky Mountains while hearing the quietness of the forest. It’s on the end of one of the little treehouse “neighborhoods,” making it a little more secluded. I was immediately greeted with the fresh smell of wood as soon as you walked in, which to me made it even more alluring and sexy. At night, it was so peaceful sitting out on the private deck overlooking base of the Smoky Mountains and hearing the coyotes howl all around you. Day 1 After waking up to the sounds of the trees in your treehouse, get your day started by exploring downtown. Parking is available all over downtown Gatlinburg, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t come with a price. Expect to pay $20-30 anywhere in Gatlinburg regardless of how long you’re parked there, so pick a spot and stay there all day to make it worth it. Gatlinburg is known for its little shops, and you won’t be disappointed by “The Village.” You can’t miss it, since there’s a wooden arching sign leading to what I can best describe as a real-life version of Shrek’s mystical town of The Land Of Far Far Away. Here you’ll find cute cobblestone alleyways mirroring an old world village full of unique boutiques, eateries, and of course, obscure attractions that will give you a good laugh. It’s also a perfect place to sit down and people watch, read a book in a little alleyway corner, or just find some shade since shade is few and far between in the rest of downtown Gatlinburg. I won’t sugarcoat it, most of the attractions in Gatlinburg are cheesy. But I’m here to tell you that the mirror maze is actually really freaking cool. Do yourself a favor and pay $1 extra for the 3D glasses. It took me 20 minutes to find my way out, but I took my time because I loved the psychedelic rock music that soundtracked my journey and it was such a vibe that I decided to take my sweet time. With the glasses on, it’s actually really hard to find your way around and it makes for a fun and flirty experience with your partner. I’ll be honest, I actually never heard of until I was on the chondola (part chair lift, part Gondola) going up to it. Little did I know this would be the highlight of the whole trip. Translating to “the place of high ground” in Cherokee, this mountaintop adventure park is very unassuming since the journey starts in downtown Gatlinburg. After a brief 15 chondola ride you enter a beautiful 70-acre mountain amusement park fit for all ages. Going at sunset is the move here as you’ll encounter less kids as the night grows darker. The first point to head to: Cliff Top Grill & Bar. If you can secure a table outside, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking dining experience with 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains. This is even better if you time it with the sunset, which paints a beautiful watercolor glow over the mountains. I was very surprised at how good the food was here, offering a little something for everyone. The 14-ounce Rocky Top Ribeye with the restaurant’s blue cheese sauce on top melted in my mouth. Going on a post-dinner walk lends great health benefits, and Anakeeskta is the perfect place for this. The Appalachian bluegrass music played over the speakers throughout the park creates a great outdoor atmosphere to explore with its treetop adventures, mountain coasters, ziplines, and more. It’s the 11pm walk though that completely turns this into a trippy adults-only experience. If you go this late, you will get the darkest landscape to fully enjoy this illuminating woods walk, but also bypass any families with little kids that can threaten the peaceful experience. The one-mile walk takes you through a heavily wooded trail where you encounter lighting, projection mapping, and ethereal sounds. I ended up doing this during a full moon, which made it even more magical. It’s truly an amazing experience to share with your lover or friends. Day 2 Inspired by Nashville’s Sun Records, Sun Diner is known as “Tennessee’s favorite diner.” While the original location sits next to the Johnny Cash Museum in Nashville, its Gatlinburg location does the trick of transporting you to a ‘50s eatery soundtracked by black and white videos of Sun Records artists and the label’s famous rockabilly sound. You never know what you’ll walk into at Sun Diner. With it being on Gatlinburg’s main strip, it gets quite a lot of foot traffic and it doesn’t take reservations. Don’t let that deter you though. The aroma of pancakes and syrup will pull you in from the street, and soon enough you’ll be sitting on one of its cherry chrome red stools watching the kitchen staff cook up your food. The boasts a great variety of southern comfort food named after Sun Records’ artists. Its biggest weakness? The syrup. You’ll find different flavored bottles of Sun Diner “maple syrup” on your table but if you take a look at the ingredients list, you’ll find it to all be high fructose corn syrup. If you can turn a blind eye to this or just order something that doesn’t need syrup, then it’s great. Remember when I said that parking in Gatlinburg was expensive? Make sure you keep your parking spot all day. After having your brunch at Sun Diner, walk 900 feet to so you can walk off the food 500 feet above Gatlinburg. Located at the top of the iconic SkyLift sitting at 1,800 feet above sea level, the Gatlinburg SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America and was a great way to overlook Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains. Depending on the time of year you go, you’ll be treated to summer’s lush greenery or fall’s colorful mountainous landscape without needing to hike to get the views. Halfway through the 700-foot-long bridge, you’ll come across a section of glass, where you get to walk across 30 feet of a see-through floor with views 500 feet below you. A ticket to the SkyPark will also grant you access to , a leisurely hike in the mountains that grants you views of the famous SkyBridge, as well as the , offering outdoor seating areas, tiered waterfall, firepit, and overall serene landscape of Gatlinburg. Believe it or not, it’s still pretty warm in Gatlinburg during the fall season. If you find yourself in need of an experience out of the sun, it’s definitely worth checking out Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Be warned, you will encounter children here. But the darkened and cool rooms of the aquarium make up for it and are a great way to spend the hotter hours of the afternoon as you gawk at 12-foot sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and underwater tropical creatures. The leafy seadragons were the coolest to see. I definitely recommend making sure you have a decently full belly before going here. The one little restaurant is overpowered by the smell of fish and has the darkest “dining room” I’ve ever seen. There aren’t many fancy restaurants in Gatlinburg, making one of the best by default. Default or not, this former mountain lodge turned “food and spirit outpost” is a local favorite due to its exquisite steakhouse dining experience boasting forested views. Get here a little early for your reservation to enjoy its outdoor patio space adorned with spiral fire lanterns and a firepit to sip on one of its 170 different bourbon labels for a pre-dinner treat. Everyone always expects fresh bread and butter to be brought to the table upon waiting on drinks and appetizers, but here they do things differently. Instead, you’re brought its acclaimed baked cornbread in a mini cast iron skillet, doused in butter. Beware though, as it’s so warm and delicious that you can easily ruin your whole dinner. I literally had to ask the waiter to take it away it was so good. I’m always a sucker for scallops no matter where I go, and I was happily treated to three hugely plump scallops that melted in my mouth and held a peppery crunch after taste. The Nashville Hot Oysters are something worth checking out as well. These spicy fried fresh shucked oysters have pickled shallot and pickle juice “caviar.” The fried component was a bit overbearing but the pickle brined flavor was a treat for the senses. The New York Strip steak is amazing. It’s cooked to a perfect medium rare. Day 3 A trip to Gatlinburg isn’t complete without spending some time in the most popular National Park in the United States. While it is a highly trafficked fall destination – greeting an average of 13 million visitors every year – there’s plenty of space to enjoy all of its incredible hiking trails and gorgeous drives without the crowds. Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers some of the most breathtaking autumn hikes, where you can immerse yourself in vibrant fall foliage through some easier hikes than those in Colorado or Maine. To fully experience the fall colors, plan your visit around mid-October when the colors are most vibrant and widespread across the park. , so I took some of her recommendations and added in my own: : Easy to moderate. The trail is paved the entire way, and the elevation gain is only about 300 feet. : The roundtrip distance is 2.4 miles. The Laurel Falls Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and for good reason. The relatively easy 2.4-mile roundtrip hike leads to a cascading 80-foot waterfall, the titular Laurel Falls. The paved trail winds through a lush forest, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and hike among fall flowers and yellow-hued trees along the way. Distance: 11 miles The Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte is a challenging but rewarding hike rated as the number 1 hike in the park on AllTrails. But with a total of 11 miles out and back, with an elevation gain of over 2,700 feet, it’s not for beginners. The first part of the trail is relatively easy but becomes steeper and more challenging as you get closer to Alum Cave, a large rock overhang that was once used to mine alum. As you ascend to Mount LeConte, you’ll pass through tunnels of rhododendron and catch panoramic views of the Smokies draped in autumn colors. From Alum Cave, the trail continues up a series of switchbacks to the top of Mount LeConte, with 360-degree panoramic views of the multi-colored surrounding mountains. Distance: 1.3 miles roundtrip Clingman’s Dome Observation Tower Trail offers a short and rewarding hike to the highest point not just in Great Smoky Mountains National Park but in all of Tennessee. Climb the 54-foot observation tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains where, on a clear day, you can see up to 100 miles into Tennessee, North Carolina, and sometimes even Georgia and Virginia. Standing at 6,643 feet, temperatures at the top can be 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than in the lowlands, and the famous Smokies’ clouds and fog are also common, so there’s a possibility of limited views. Luckily, the hike is easy if you end up in the clouds. Distance: 8 miles round trip This hike along the Appalachian Trail offers some of the best vistas in the Smokies. Charlies Bunion is a rocky outcrop with panoramic views of the mountains, which are especially vibrant during peak fall foliage. The trail also provides glimpses of diverse forest types, showcasing a rich tapestry of fall colors. Distance: 5.4 miles round trip Rainbow Falls is the tallest single-drop waterfall in the park, and the trail leading to it is lined with vibrant fall foliage. The combination of the colorful leaves and the waterfall makes this a popular autumn hike, so going earlier in the day to encounter less people is recommended. The trail continues beyond the falls to Mount LeConte for those seeking a longer adventure.
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