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While President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth , is beginning the process to undergo an FBI background check , the intensive review may not provide the answers that either Democrats or Republicans are seeking. That’s because a nominee doesn’t “pass” a background check, and the FBI doesn’t approve applicants. Instead, the FBI’s investigative files on nominees are sent to the White House, which makes the final decision on whether they can hold the positions to which the president appointed them. FBI background checks have been lightning rods during previous contentious confirmation fights. After sexual misconduct allegations nearly tanked Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination in 2018, for example, Democrats said the FBI background investigation was politically constrained and did not follow proper procedures. Hegseth’s confirmation has been in jeopardy amid a series of allegations related to drinking and sexual misconduct, which he has denied. As calls for additional vetting have mounted, Hegseth’s attorney told CNN this week that his name has been submitted to the FBI for the background check. The FBI is gearing up to conduct detailed background checks on thousands of appointees for Trump’s incoming administration. While the president-elect has been moving quickly to name his Cabinet and key administrative picks, his use of the FBI system had been in question until the Trump transition team signed a memorandum of understanding with the Justice Department in recent days. The agreement will now allow the FBI to conduct at least some investigations, but it remains unclear how many of Trump’s candidates to lead various agencies and departments will be submitted for those checks, as the transition team also has been using private companies to conduct some vetting. Despite Trump’s qualms about the FBI and complaints from his allies that the bureau shouldn’t be trusted to screen his appointees, the FBI system does enjoy bipartisan support from members of Congress. Senators of both parties have said they want political appointees to undergo FBI background investigations as part of the confirmation process. Dozens of FBI agents and contractors at the bureau’s headquarters in Washington and in field offices around the country are involved in background investigations with the goal of helping to prepare the new administration to take the reins of government and allow appointees to have access to classified and other sensitive information as soon as the new president is inaugurated on January 20. The background checks aren’t criminal investigations, and the FBI investigators’ role is to conduct investigations for a client – in this case the White House or government agency that requests them. In each administration, the White House typically provides questions, in addition to the standard ones listed on the application forms, that agents are told to ask. While FBI background investigations have access to government criminal databases, that typically wouldn’t include allegations of wrongdoing that don’t result in an arrest or charges. In Hegseth’s case, that means investigators wouldn’t necessarily see details from a California incident that included an investigation of alleged sexual assault but didn’t result in charges. It’s unclear whether investigators would be able to seek information from the accuser, who was paid in a settlement agreement with Hegseth that included a confidentiality clause and has the option to decline to speak to the FBI. The scope of the FBI’s investigation of Kavanaugh is still under scrutiny. In releasing a report this fall, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, called the bureau’s supplemental background probe into Kavanaugh a “sham.” Background checks include long forms where candidates must detail past employment, biographical information, as well as criminal and financial records. Investigators probe each applicant’s personal history back to their 18th birthday, with FBI security specialists examining credit histories and criminal backgrounds and conducting interviews of associates dating back years. The investigations also include an in-person FBI interview where an agent reviews information gathered and sometimes challenges applicants to explain discrepancies. “I compare it to a colorectal examination while you’re awake,” a former FBI security specialist who conducted background investigations for years told CNN. The investigations for Cabinet members can include as many as 60 interviews, the former FBI specialist said. Agents and contractors spend 10 days to two weeks on the highest-profile investigations. Applicants are asked to provide contacts with employers dating back to age 18. The FBI develops its own intelligence to supplement the list of people who may know an applicant to ensure it doesn’t miss information that an applicant may leave out. In some cases, agents will walk up and down the street where someone lived to ask neighbors about them. For appointees who previously served in government jobs, the investigations tend to be shorter since agents don’t need to duplicate the investigation of earlier parts of the background. The incoming Trump administration has a tortured past with the government’s security clearance system after dozens of people he picked to serve in his first administration struggled to complete the background investigations process. Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, was among several appointees whose foreign contacts and potential conflicts posed issues as they sought to receive security clearances. In Kushner’s case, incomplete information he provided in filing out the government form, known as SF-86, caused delays. Trump ordered high-level clearances be granted to about 25 people, including to Kushner and his daughter Ivanka, dismissing questions raised during the background investigations, according to congressional testimony.Published 6:37 pm Friday, December 6, 2024 By Data Skrive We have best bets recommendations as the Philadelphia Eagles (10-2) enter a matchup against the Carolina Panthers (3-9) on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at Lincoln Financial Field on an eight-game winning streak. BetMGM is one of the most trusted Sportsbooks in the nation. Start with as little as $1 and place your bets today . Don’t miss a touchdown this NFL season. Catch every score with NFL RedZone on Fubo. What is Fubo? 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EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The game had suddenly gone sideways for the Minnesota Vikings , their 11-point lead on the Chicago Bears having evaporated in the closing seconds. They straightened it out in overtime, no sweat, because Sam Darnold simply hasn't been fazed. Save for his occasional rash of turnovers, in games the Vikings still managed to win, Darnold proved again on Sunday in defeating the Bears that he's directing a passing attack with the potential to be one of the NFL 's most potent. “I think he’s a mentally tough guy. I think he’s a physically tough guy. I think he’s confident in the guys around him, and I think he’s confident in our system,” coach Kevin O'Connell said after the 30-27 victory. “I think when he just continues to play quarterback at a high level, I think we’re a tough team.” After the defense forced the Bears to punt on the opening possession of overtime, Darnold led the Vikings on a 68-yard drive to set up the game-ending field goal while overcoming a 7-yard sack on the first play and two subsequent setbacks with a false start and a holding penalty. On third-and-10 from the 21, he hit Jordan Addison near the sideline for 13 yards. On first-and-15 from the 29, Darnold threaded a throw to Justin Jefferson for 20 yards after he'd muscled his way through Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson on a post route for the clutch catch after he'd been all but silenced all afternoon by a defense determined to constantly bracket him with double coverage. On second-and-11 from the 48, Darnold connected with a wide-open T.J. Hockenson underneath for 12 yards. Then two plays later off a second-and-8 play-action fake, he found Hockenson again on a deep corner route for 29 yards to put Parker Romo in prime position for the walk-off winner. “Just execute. It’s as simple as that. Just one play at a time," said Darnold, who went 22 for 34 for 330 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. “I think I tell the guys that every single time in the huddle, but that’s my mindset every single time I’m out there on the field, especially in that situation.” Even when Jefferson continues to draw an extraordinary amount of coverage , the Vikings with Addison, Hockenson, Aaron Jones and the rest of their crew running O'Connell's system have proven they have an offense that can go win a game when it's required. That wouldn't be possible without Darnold, whose career rebirth has helped spark the Vikings (9-2) become one of the league's biggest surprises in what's now its most difficult division. “He’s cool, calm, collected,” Hockenson said. "That’s what you want as the leader of the huddle.” What's working The Vikings' defense ranks ninth in the league on third downs, allowing a conversion rate of 34.5% after limiting the Bears to a 6-for-17 performance. The Vikings are tied for first on fourth downs with an allowance of 36.4% after the Bears went 2 for 3. Both conversions came in the fourth quarter during touchdown drives. The Vikings also rank fourth in the NFL in opponent points per drive (1.52). What needs help The Vikings had seven possessions that crossed the 20-yard line in Chicago, but only three of them yielded touchdowns. Their lone turnover was the type of game-altering giveaways they've struggled to eliminate this month, a fumble by Aaron Jones at the 1-yard line that ruined a promising first drive. The Vikings are tied for 20th in the league in red zone touchdown rate (53.9%) and are 17th in goal-to-go touchdowns (72%). Stock up Addison had eight catches for 162 yards, both career highs, and a touchdown on nine throws from Darnold. The second-year wide receiver has had a quieter season than his rookie year, but he stepped up in a significant way on an afternoon when Jefferson was as smothered by the opposing secondary as ever. Stock down TE Johnny Mundt had the onside kick glance off his shin as he charged toward the coverage, and the first kicking team recovery in the NFL this season helped the Bears extend the game. Mundt also had the false start on the overtime drive. His lone catch was a 7-yard gain when he was stopped short of the goal line, one play before the lost fumble. Mundt played 33 of 71 snaps and Hockenson took 48 snaps with Oliver out. Injuries The Vikings lost LT Cam Robinson (foot) and LB Ivan Pace (hamstring) to injuries in the first quarter against the Bears, and O'Connell said on Monday those players were still in "evaluation mode." Oliver (ankle) will have an opportunity to return after being sidelined last week. Key number 101.7 — Darnold's passer rating, which ranks ninth in the NFL. Darnold has posted a 100-plus passer rating in nine of 11 games this season. He had only 12 such performances in 56 career starts before joining the Vikings. Up next The Vikings have four of their next five games at home, starting with Arizona (6-5) this week, Atlanta (6-5) on Dec. 8 and a rematch with Chicago (4-7) in a Monday night game on Dec. 16. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Dave Campbell, The Associated PressInquirer files MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday reminded candidates running in next year’s midterm polls that they have less than a week to register their online campaign platforms. Comelec Chair George Garcia, in a Viber message to reporters, said 27 out of 66 senatorial aspirants and 117 out of 156 party list groups have registered their online campaign platforms using a portal set up by the poll body’s Education and Information Department (EID). There are also 4,359 local aspirants who have registered their online campaign platforms. READ: Over 3,900 online registrations for digital poll campaign received, so far At total of 2,372 national and local aspirants have also so far transmitted hard copies of their registrations as required by Comelec. Speaking to the media while attending a voter’s education program in Davao City, also on Saturday, Garcia said the poll body is “serious” about registering and monitoring online campaigning, especially through social media. “This is the first time we are going to regulate, at least social media [campaigning], even if it’s not that widespread, by political parties and candidates. At the same time, we will definitely fight fake news, misinformation and disinformation,” Garcia said. Under Comelec Resolution No. 11064 issued last September, all official social media accounts and pages as well as websites, podcasts, blogs, vlogs and other online and internet-based campaign platforms of candidates and parties intending to participate in the 2015 elections must be duly registered with the EID by Dec. 13. Failure to register online media platforms shall result in the filing of a complaint as well as the Comelec’s requesting technology companies and law enforcement bodies to remove, take down or block such platforms. The Comelec earlier created a task force to monitor online campaigning, including the use of artificial intelligence, deep fakes and false amplifiers, in spreading disinformation or misinformation to endorse or campaign against a candidate or political party. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy .

Shape Up or Ship Out By Alex Eaton-Salners Alex Eaton-Salners, of Lake Forest, Calif., works as an in-house lawyer for a technology company. In addition to making crosswords, he is a prolific variety-puzzle maker for The Times, including the Puns and Anagrams found in this issue. He also invents new puzzle types, such as Hop Cross Fun, which ran in the magazine on Sept. 15. ‘‘I like to stretch my limits with different constructing experiences,’’ he says. Puzzles Edited by Joel Fagliano Across 1 Penalty assessors 5 ‘‘Be that way!’’ 9 Black Friday destination 13 Touch-tone phone abbr. 17 Anatomical part from the Latin for ‘‘grape’’ 18 Mashhad’s country 19 Portrayer of Mrs. Smith in 2005’s ‘‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’’ 20 Cheer for a diva 21 Filipino meat dish 23 Sumatran swinger 24 Shoelace protector 25 Citrusy breakfast treat 26 Sue Bird or Larry Bird 28 Part of a certain chain 30 Sound from a cappuccino maker 32 Tikka masala go-with 33 The Tabard, in ‘‘The Canterbury Tales’’ 34 Echelon 38 Former roles for Kamala Harris and Arlen Specter, for short 39 Component of an old PC tower 42 Avocado toast topper, perhaps 43 Like the main character in ‘‘Memento’’ 45 Pension alternative, in brief 46 ____ Dingbats (icon-filled font) 48 Layer of a 42-Across 49 Hardly any 50 Paging device 53 One may be called on to give, informally 55 Queequeg’s figurine in ‘‘Moby-Dick,’’ e.g. 56 Texter’s vociferous agreement 57 Fair-hiring inits. 58 Like Hadrian’s Wall in northern England 60 Creates a new account? 62 Divest 64 Nickname 66 El ____ (Castilian hero) 67 Sloth, for one 72 Greek H 73 Was of service to 75 Classic candy company 76 Like 79 Follows 82 Figure (out) 83 Japan’s legislature 84 Swaths of land 86 N.S.A.’s home 89 J. Cole’s ‘‘____ Knows’’ 90 Guitar’s resting place, often 91 Snickering sound 92 One writing wrongs? 93 Fifth note 94 Thinks highly of 97 Get stuck 98 Ja’s opposite 99 Estadio Azteca cheer 100 Carriage, in Cambridge 101 Of all time 103 Symbol of the National Audubon Society 105 Imprimatur 110 Finds 114 One of 30+ million Americans 115 Elizabeth’s house 116 Midair collision of sorts 119 What Kwanzaa’s first principle, Umoja, means 120 Mosque officials 121 Clicking sounds? 122 Mathematician/historian Neugebauer 123 Where Molson Coors is TAP 124 Beer buy 125 Epithet for a G.O.P. moderate, maybe 126 Invite letters Down 1 Spice blend 2 One raising Cain 3 In a state of shock, say 4 Containers that can be cracked 5 Pet name derived from the Latin for ‘‘faithful’’ 6 Element No. 26 7 Scores unexpectedly, as tickets 8 Cain raised him 9 Messy situation 10 ‘‘Woe is me!’’ 11 Protagonist of the Zelda games 12 Absolutely epic 13 Put together 14 Gloomy mood 15 First name in daredevilry 16 ‘‘Phooey!’’ 19 Bipartisan 2012 stimulus bill 20 Pachyderm of kid-lit 22 ‘‘The Joy Luck Club’’ author 27 Tiny bit 28 Never-give-up sort 29 ‘‘Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ’fore I Diiie’’ poet 31 Individual speech patterns 35 Online commenter’s qualification 36 Unabridged 37 Newspaper subscriber 39 Mountain goat’s perch 40 Use an e-cig 41 Fencing option 44 Book return spot 45 Some classic PCs 47 To’s counterpart 51 N.B.A. coach Steve 52 Digitally endorse 54 Bull or buck 56 Ancient 59 Fireworks ingredient 61 What crossed fingers behind one’s back might indicate 63 Monopoly holding 65 ‘‘Peter Pan’’ pooch 67 Make an appearance 68 Win for a marketing team 69 Barbershop offerings 70 Winter fishing spot 71 Small card for a short message 73 Meeting, informally 74 Boneheaded 76 Try to find out 77 Moon over Miami, to many a Miamian 78 Undercover? 80 Circuit diagram 81 Four Corners tribe 85 PowerPoint starting point 86 Listing at an ice cream shop 87 ‘‘Ad majorem ____ gloriam’’ (Jesuit motto) 88 Chemistry Nobelist Rutherford 95 Twisted humor? 96 Battle of Britain grp. 97 Powell of the Federal Reserve 102 Wirelessly driven toy, for short 104 Eva of ‘‘Green Acres’’ 105 Floor 106 Itsy 107 Alliance of powers 108 Patagonia prowler 109 Smartphone predecessors, for short 111 ‘‘Didn’t see ya there!’’ 112 Uncharitable 113 Fuel brand with a blue oval in its logo 117 ‘‘Jersey Shore’’ airer 118 Corny sound effect?

North Carolina Republicans close in on enacting bill that weakens incoming Democratic governorNone

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