Many children in New Braunfels participate in organized sports such as soccer or baseball. Soon, children will be able to join an esports team at Valhallan Esports Training. Esports is similar to conventional organized sports in that participants compete on teams to win a game. However, instead of physically playing on a field, esports athletes compete online, typically using a PC. Valhallan is a nationwide franchise that coaches children on teams to compete in different popular games such as Fortnite or Overwatch. “Competitive gaming is a huge endeavor right now, and there’s not really an environment for kids to participate and learn and get coached safely,” said franchise co-owner Summer Ray. “The majority of play goes on in their bedrooms with who knows who they’re playing with. This business gives them the opportunity to come to a place to play with other kids their own age, other kids their same competition level. They get coached, and then they compete on our Valhallan servers that are safe and secure so that we know who’s out there playing against them.” Many high schools and colleges offer esports teams, including Texas State University, Comal ISD and New Braunfels ISD. However, for elementary and middle school students, there is not really an option for competitive gaming, which is where Valhallan steps in. “There’s nothing like this anywhere, so I think that it is fulfilling a sincere want and need from the gaming community,” Ray said. “There’s a lot of excitement, and I hope that we can provide exactly what they need, because there are bigger programs here ... but it’s all high school and college level. We really kind of serve that younger age group so that they can get to that level and compete at a higher level, and just be social and learn those skills rather than being isolated at home.” Several of the coaches at Valhallan are esports competitors at local schools who are able to share their gaming expertise, and are also able to connect with the kids. Some colleges and universities offer scholarships for esports teams, allowing gamers to compete at the next level. “We have a partnership with a company called Stay Plugged In, who works with the colleges that have programs and offer scholarships,” Ray said. “It’s kind of like a showcase, so they bring in the scouts from the colleges and help showcase the kids that are looking to get into the programs. Last time I checked, there were 37 colleges that had scholarships for esports, and well over 100 that have programs.” Along with hosting after-school programs and teams, Valhallan will hold camps, tournaments and rentals for all ages that are looking to play some games with friends. Valhallan is set to open next week at 1705 S. Walnut Avenue and will hold skill assessments for those looking to join a team.FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — This was not the homecoming scenario Kirk Cousins would have scripted. Cousins' return to Minnesota, his NFL home from 2018 through 2023, on Sunday comes as he is hearing speculation about his job security in Atlanta. Cousins has thrown six interceptions with no touchdowns in the Falcons' three-game losing streak. That includes four picks in last week's 17-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, his most in a decade. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
Elway: Remorse over passing on Allen mitigated by play of NixHaynes' 18 help George Mason defeat Mount St. Mary's 64-56
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets might be dealing with an opponent even tougher to overcome than their poor play, missed opportunities and ill-timed mistakes. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson suggested last Sunday a losing “gene” might be an explanation for the Jets’ inability to pull out victories after the team dropped to 3-10 with a loss at Miami. On Wednesday, Aaron Rodgers presented another perhaps more sinister reason. “I mean, it might be something like that," the quarterback said of Wilson's theory. "It might be some sort of curse we've got to snap as well.” Generations of frustrated Jets fans have half-jokingly insisted there have been negative forces at work against the franchise since Joe Namath delivered on his Super Bowl guarantee in January 1969. It remains the team's only appearance in the NFL's biggest game. Rodgers has been there once — and won — with Green Bay. The 41-year-old quarterback came to New York hoping to finally lead the Jets back to the Super Bowl. He even commented on how lonely the team's only Lombardi Trophy looked during his introductory news conference 20 months ago. Instead, Rodgers' first season in New York was cut short by a torn Achilles tendon just four snaps in, immediately resurrecting "curse” theories among jaded Jets fans. With its loss last Sunday, New York extended its playoff drought to 14 straight years, the longest active skid among the major North American sports leagues. And the team will be looking for a new general manager and coach after this season, and Rodgers' future in New York is very much up in the air. “Whatever the case, this team, this organization is going to figure out how to get over the hump at some point,” Rodgers said. “The culture is built by the players. There’s a framework set down by the organization, by the upper ups, by the staff. But in the end, it’s the players that make it come to life. "And at some point, everybody’s going to have to figure out what that special sauce is to turn those games that should be wins into wins.” The Jets have held the lead in the fourth quarter in five games this season. They've lost each of them, including the past three games. New York's inability to come away with wins in those prompted Wilson's “gene” theory. “I’m not exactly sure what he was talking about there,” Rodgers said with a smile. "I don’t know what the proper nomenclature is for the situation where we’ve lost some leads or haven’t been able to take the lead late in the game, but that’s the way it goes sometimes. We haven’t been great in situational football. “A lot of those games come down to the plays in the first and second, even third quarter, where if you make the play the game is not in that situation. But in those situations, we haven’t been very good on offense or defense or even (special) teams.” Rodgers said “it takes a conscious effort, it takes an intentional effort” to establish a winning culture, and it includes leadership, practice habits and setting standards inside and outside of the locker room. And this year's Jets, Rodgers said, are “on the edge” of that. “We just haven’t quite figured out how to get that special sauce worked out, mixed up,” he said. “It’s close and a lot of great guys are in the locker room. There’s some good mix of veterans and young guys, but we just haven’t quite put it all together.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
How Kenya's evangelical president has fallen out with churches William Ruto's Christian faith has been a cornerstone of his personal life and his political journey William Ruto, who became Kenya's president two years ago riding on the crest of the Christian vote, has been visibly shaken to find that over the last few months church leaders of all creeds are losing faith in him - seeing him less as a saviour and more as the greedy biblical tax collector. In the run-up to his victory, some of his most ardent evangelical supporters had dubbed him "David", after the shepherd boy in the Bible who rose to become king. The opposition had baptised him "deputy Jesus", accusing him of using Christianity to gain political capital as he attended church services from Catholic masses to the gatherings of obscure sects. He would wear the appropriate religious attire for each setting, sometimes knelt in supplication and on occasion was moved to tears by sermons. Afterwards, he credited God for his electoral success, and continued this practice of criss-crossing the country to attend a different church each Sunday. But following massive opposition to the tax hikes imposed by his government, the 57-year-old gained a new nickname: "Zakayo" - which is Swahili for Zacchaeus, the... Wycliffe Muia
looks set to give Leyla Harding a tear-jerking send-off after dropping hints about her tragic fate. Leyla, played by the brilliant Roxy Shahidi since 2008, has been at the heart of it all - from drug scandals to illicit love and even surviving being shot by psycho Meena Jutla. In October, it was reported that Leyla was leaving the soap in an epic plot twist that's sure to have fans reeling. The actress, who's been smashing it with stints in Dancing on Ice and Drama Queens on , is reportedly ready for fresh challenges after growing up on set. A source told to The Sun: "Roxy has adored her time on the soap and has made so many happy memories since first joining when she was just 17. "The cast have become like family to her, and she has grown so much as an actress. But now, she feels it's the perfect time to spread her wings and try something new." And now, enthusiasts reckon the show's given a mammoth hint about how Leyla'll bow out, and it's not looking good. Things are intense over in the Dales, with Leyla recently getting stuck into Brenda Walker's (Lesley Dunlop) wedding bash plans, marrying Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell), reports . Last week's episode saw Brenda pushing for fireworks at the wedding, only to be dissuaded by Leyla, while Noah Dingle also made an appearance to sort out an electrical issue for Eric. Now, fans are speculating that these mentions of sparks and flames could be foreshadowing Leyla's dramatic exit from the village. Taking to social media, one viewer wondered: "With all the talk of electricity, fire and fireworks, I wonder if it's a hint, to do with Leyla's exit? " Another fan agreed, saying: "I've been thinking this too, so sad she's leaving! " A third worried: "Oh god I hope not [sick face emoji] but perhaps it will be a big stunt or something."
What Happens if DeSantis Gets Tapped as Trump's DOD Secretary?
Dog food recalled in 7 states for salmonella risk after puppy litter gets sick, FDA saysPete Hegseth returned to Capitol Hill on Wednesday to meet with lawmakers in an effort to protect his bid to lead the Pentagon amid growing questions about his personal conduct. "No," Hegseth said when asked if he would be dropping out. Reports indicate that the Trump transition team is considering potential replacements, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and incoming Trump national security advisor Michael Waltz, according to the Associated Press. "I believe that we need an FBI background check to evaluate the allegations," said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. The Trump transition team signed a "memorandum of understanding" allowing the Justice Department to conduct background checks on nominees and staff. This is an essential step for a smooth transition of power, enabling Trump's future administration to obtain security clearances before Inauguration Day to access classified information. "I've talked to 5 to 10 Republicans who have said to me, they're just waiting for the right moment to say no to Pete Hegseth," said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. Hegseth called the allegations "BS stories" on social media, stating he won't back down as he worked to shore up support with senators on Wednesday. "It's been a wonderful process to go through and meet with senators, especially members of the Armed Services Committee whose passion is the Defense Department," Hegseth said. "It was a frank and thorough conversation," said Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, a former combat veteran whose work has focused on trying to stamp out sexual assault in the military. The senator's support is considered critical in the tightly divided Senate. If all Senate Democrats vote against Hegseth, he can only afford four Republican defectors. Hegseth's mother, Penelope Hegseth, defended her son on "Fox & Friends" Wednesday morning, despite a controversial email she sent him chastising his character. Hegseth "is not that man he was seven years ago, and I am not that mother," Penelope Hegseth said, discussing a 2018 email where she told her son he "belittles, lies, cheats, sleeps around and uses women for his own power and ego." Penelope Hegseth said she quickly apologized for the email and said she sent it in an emotional state.
‘WHAT is his problem?’ screamed I’m a Celebrity fans as they demanded Dean McCullough is axed after his shock heated bust-up. Tensions erupted in the jungle on tonight as Dean , 32, found himself in a heated argument with Coronation Street star Alan Halsall, 42. Alan became frustrated with Dean after the Radio 1 DJ, 32, skipped his chores and opted for a nap. Dean had indulged in a feast of junk food earlier, which had been won by Maura Higgins and Reverend Richard Coles during a secret mission. Alan’s frustration boiled over when Loose Women panellist Jane Moore was left to collect firewood alone. Jane said, “I can’t do it on my own.” Alan, who plays Tyrone Dobbs in the ITV soap, attempted to wake Dean, but the presenter barely moved. Alan asked, “You don’t fancy it? No?” before walking off to help Jane himself. Dean eventually joined the pair but wasn’t pleased with Alan’s earlier approach. He said, “Listen to me. If you’re gonna wake me up, you need to give me a minute, alright? It takes a couple of minutes for my contact lenses to get back working again, alright? "So you don’t need to turn around to me and say, ‘Do you not fancy it, OK?’ And then turn around and walk away.” Alan responded, “I’ve listened to you. Jane was halfway down here, that’s why I went.” ITV viewers were left fuming as they rushed to X, formerly Twitter, to slam Dean. One wrote: "dean sir what is your problem???????" while another added: "Hopefully Dean McCullough will walk out, he’s insufferable." A third commented: "Dean screwed himself on tonight’s show going after Tyrone. #ImACeleb. He has been beyond useless in the trials and then scolds Tyrone like a bold child." One more concluded: "Well Dean can f**k the right off after talking to Alan like that! Shame you don’t put that much emotion into your trials. D**khead." Yesterday, host Ant McPartlin broke his silence after viewers accused him of being in a feud with Dean. Ant and Dec appeared on ITV2 spin-off show Unpacked on Thursday as they discussed the latest Bushtucker Trial. Ant admitted he was "annoyed" at Dean for screaming 'I'm A Celeb' and quitting the task early - and being "unprofessional" in how he dealt with it. Unpacked presenter Joel Dommett said: "It's going to be so nice seeing someone new do a trial tomorrow." Dec replied: "Also Danny is determined, he's enthusiastic, so there's no hiding for Dean - he's going to have to step up." Ant said: "You kind of hope that he's going to raise his game a little bit, I thought he was going to do that today." While Sam Thompson, who won the jungle show last year, admitted he was disappointed by Dean's efforts. He piped up saying: "Fish guts mates, he had a spider on his head." An irritated Ant responded: "I told you not to talk to me about it Sam. My annoyance came across on screen and it was quite unprofessional and I'm not happy about it." Dec sarcastically said: "I think you hid it quite well, Ant...I think you hid it quite well." Ant went on: "You get to the point when you think 'what are you doing?'" He then admitted that he's "going to be kind to him [Dean] today...I'll be good cop today." Dean returned to camp last night, announcing that he’d won just four stars after a gruesome trial. Earlier this week, viewers were convinced that Ant was secretly furious with Dean after he called time on Wednesday's challenge and failed to secure any stars. Ant, known for his playful banter with co-host Dec, appeared unusually stern, hinting at his frustration as he greeted Dean for yet another trial, Lethal Lab. He even warned Dean that he was the "bad cop" in their hosting duo. Dean’s upbeat demeanor after the trial seemed to catch Ant off guard. As the DJ bowled into the clearing, Ant quipped: "Hello, Dean. I didn’t expect that. I thought you’d be a little bit forlorn, a little bit sad. It looks like you’re loving life. Have you been to the pub?" Dean laughed it off, replying: "No, no, I’ve just had a cold shower." Ant then shifted to a more serious tone, confronting Dean about his recent failures, saying: "Now, Dean, I want to have a word with you. What happened yesterday? No stars. What happened the day before? You said, 'I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here.'" Dean admitted: "Oh, it’s not good, but that’s why I’m ready for it today, because we’re going to change the narrative." But Ant didn’t let him off the hook, firmly responding: "You can only change the narrative by sticking with it and getting on with it." The exchange left Dean momentarily stunned. "I feel like I’m being told off by Ant and Dec," he joked. Ant was quick to clarify: "Well, by me," while Dec chimed in to reassure, "I’m good cop." i'm A Celebrity is back for its 24th series, with a batch of famous faces living in the Aussie jungle. The Sun's Jake Penkethman takes a look at the stars on the show this year.. Coleen Rooney - Arguably the most famous name in the camp, the leading WAG, known for her marriage to Wayne Rooney , has made a grand return to TV as she looks to put the Wagatha Christie scandal behind her. The Sun revealed the mum-of-four had bagged an eye-watering deal worth over £1.5million to be on the show this year making her the highest-paid contestant ever. Tulisa - The popstar and former X Factor judge has made her triumphant TV comeback by signing up to this year's I'm A Celeb after shunning TV shows for many years. Known for being a member of the trio, N-Dubz, Tulisa became a household name back in 2011 when she signed on to replace Cheryl on ITV show The X Factor in a multi-million pound deal. Alan Halsall - The actor, known for playing the long-running role of Tyrone Dobbs on ITV soap opera Coronation Street, was originally signed up to head Down Under last year but an operation threw his scheduled appearance off-course. Now he has become the latest Corrie star to win over both the viewers and his fellow celebrities. Melvin Odoom - The Radio DJ has become a regular face on TV screens after rising to fame with presenting roles on Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1 and 4Music. Melvin has already been for a spin on the Strictly dancefloor and co-hosted The Xtra Factor with Rochelle Humes in 2015 but now he is facing up to his biggest challenge yet - the Aussie jungle . GK Barry - The UK's biggest social media personality, GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has transformed her TikTok stardom into a lucrative career. Aside from her popular social media channels, she hosts the weekly podcast, Saving Grace, and regularly appears on ITV talk show, Loose Women. She has even gone on to endorse popular brands such as PrettyLittleThing, KFC and Ann Summers. Dean McCullough - A rising star amongst this year's bunch of celebs , Dean first achieved notability through his radio appearances on Gaydio and BBC Radio 1. He was chosen to join the BBC station permanently in 2021 and has featured prominently ever since. He has enjoyed a crossover to ITV over the past year thanks to his guest slots on Big Brother spin-off show, Late & Live. Oti Mabuse - The pro dancer has signed up to her latest TV show after making her way through the biggest programmes on the box. She originally found fame on Strictly Come Dancing but has since branched out into the world of TV judging with appearances on former BBC show The Greatest Dancer as well as her current role on ITV's Dancing On Ice . Danny Jones - The McFly star was drafted into the programme last minute as a replacement for Tommy Fury. Danny is the second member of McFly to enter the jungle , after Dougie Poynter won the show in 2011. He is also considered a rising star on ITV as he's now one of the mentors on their Saturday night talent show, The Voice , along with bandmate Tom Fletcher. Jane Moore - The Loose Women star and The Sun columnist is braving the creepy crawlies this year. The star is ready for a new challenge - having recently split from her husband . It will be Jane's first foray into reality TV with the telly favourite having always said no to reality shows in the past. Barry McGuigan - Former pro boxer Barry is the latest fighting champ to head Down Under following in the footsteps of Tony Bellew and Amir Khan. It comes after a tough few years for Irish star Barry, who lost his daughter Danika to bowel cancer . He told The Late Late Show in 2021: "She was such an intrinsic part of the family that every day we ache." Maura Higgins - The Irish TV beauty first found fame on Love Island where she found a brief connection with dancer Curtis Pritchard . Since then, she has competed on Dancing On Ice as well as hosting the Irish version of the beauty contest, Glow Up. Since last year, she has been working on building up her career in the US by being the social media correspondent and host of Aftersun to accompany Love Island USA. She even guest hosted an episode of the spin-off, Love Island Games, in place of Maya Jama last year. Rev. Richard Coles - Former BBC radio host the Rev Richard Coles is a late arrival on I’m A Celebrity , and he's ready to spill the beans on his former employer. The former Communards and Strictly star , said the BBC did not know its a**e from its elbow last year. An insider said: "Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth."
Mors 3-4 2-3 8, Cluff 8-11 3-3 20, Garry 3-6 2-2 9, Larson 3-8 0-0 8, Sayler 1-6 2-2 5, Hadnot 3-4 1-2 7, Jackson 2-5 0-0 5, Barnhart 2-2 0-0 5, Lindsey 0-3 0-0 0, Whorton 2-3 2-2 6, Wilkinson 1-2 0-0 2. Totals 28-54 12-14 75. Osei-Bonsu 3-6 3-5 9, Hampton 2-8 1-2 6, King 3-11 0-0 8, Martin 2-9 2-2 7, White 5-13 1-1 15, Epes 1-2 0-1 2, Oba 0-1 0-0 0, Downing-Rivers 0-3 0-0 0, Valentine 1-4 3-5 6, Murray 1-2 0-0 2, Pinegar 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 18-59 10-16 55. Halftime_S. Dakota St. 36-24. 3-Point Goals_S. Dakota St. 7-20 (Larson 2-6, Barnhart 1-1, Cluff 1-1, Sayler 1-2, Garry 1-3, Jackson 1-3, Hadnot 0-1, Mors 0-1, Lindsey 0-2), Missouri St. 9-22 (White 4-7, King 2-7, Hampton 1-2, Martin 1-2, Valentine 1-3, Oba 0-1). Rebounds_S. Dakota St. 37 (Cluff 12), Missouri St. 31 (Hampton 11). Assists_S. Dakota St. 20 (Larson 7), Missouri St. 8 (Martin 2). Total Fouls_S. Dakota St. 14, Missouri St. 12.WINDSOR, N.S., Ont. — A Nova Scotia support agency for homeless people is holding a memorial service on Dec. 11 for a man found dead last week at the site of an ice fishing tent where he lived in Windsor, N.S. Leslie Porter, director of the Windsor-West Hants Caremongers, says the man in his early 50s was a regular at a warming centre her group operates, adding that her community located 55 kilometres northwest of Halifax doesn't have services, including addictions treatment, that could have helped him. Connie Pollock, a volunteer at Caremongers and a friend of the man, identified him as William (Billy) Walsh and says that prior to becoming homeless he was a welder and — as a younger man — an avid motocross racer. Pollock says Walsh was one week away from being placed in an affordable housing unit in Yarmouth, N.S., when he died. Had he lived in a "physically safer place," she said, "it would have made the world of difference to him." “He was so excited to be able to move into an apartment and to reinvent himself." In recent years, he had become receptive to receiving care, Pollock says, but services in Windsor are lacking. Porter said, “If we had a facility in our area for mental health and addictions counselling, we believe he may have been someone who could have been helped." RCMP have confirmed that a man died Nov. 26 in the community and, while the death was not considered suspicious, an autopsy to determine the cause of death is being conducted by the medical examiner's office. “He was a good citizen . ... and when COVID hit he lost his shop, he lost his apartment, he lost his dignity and ended up on the streets ... and he just turned to social services for assistance a few months ago,” Pollock said. Nova Scotia announced on Oct. 11, 2023, it was investing $7.5 million for a village of Pallet shelters — self-contained units to be used as temporary housing. Pallet shelters have been installed in Halifax and Kentville, N.S., but Pollock and Porter said these aren't available yet in their community. There are almost 530 shelter beds across the province, with about 400 of them in the Halifax Regional Municipality. Kimm Kent, director of Peer Outreach Support Services and Education in Windsor, said, "we need supported housing ... the reality is nobody should be having to sleep outside and not everybody can manage an apartment by themselves." Alyse Hand, a spokeswoman for the Department of Community Services, said in an email that the province is working with municipalities and non-profit support groups to help homeless people. "Our focus is on creating long-term, sustainable housing supports and solutions that meet people where they are," she wrote. In Windsor, she said, the province is working with the Portal Youth Outreach association, which operates six units of supportive housing, and the West Hants Family Resource Centre, where the province funds one full-time housing support worker. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 2, 2024. — Story by Michael Tutton in Halifax. The Canadian Press
Journalists in Bolivia face attacks, verbal assaultsATLANTA (AP) — Already reeling from their November defeats, Democrats now are grappling with President Joe Biden’s pardoning of his son for federal crimes, with some calling the move misguided and unwise after the party spent years slamming Donald Trump as a threat to democracy who disregarded the law. The president pardoned Hunter Biden late Sunday evening, reversing his previous pledges with a grant of clemency that covers more than a decade of any federal crimes his son might have committed. The 82-year-old president said in a statement that his son’s prosecution on charges of tax evasion and falsifying a federal weapons purchase form were politically motivated. “He believes in the justice system, but he also believes that politics infected the process and led to a miscarriage of justice,” said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who along with Biden and other White House officials insisted for months that Hunter Biden would not get a pardon . That explanation did not satisfy some Democrats, angry that Biden’s reversal could make it harder to take on Trump , who has argued that multiple indictments and one conviction against him were a matter of Biden and Democrats turning the justice system against him. “This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation,” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis wrote of Biden on the social media platform X. “When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation,” the governor continued, a reference to the president invoking fatherhood in explaining his decision. “Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a President’s son.” Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., said on X: “This wasn’t a politically motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies and was convicted by a jury of his peers.” Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet said Biden “put personal interest ahead of duty” with a decision that “further erodes Americans’ faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all.” Michigan Sen. Gary Peters said the pardon was “an improper use of power” that erodes faith in government and “emboldens others to bend justice to suit their interests.” Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., called the pardon “understandable” if viewed only as the “action of a loving father.” But Biden's status as “our nation's Chief Executive," the senator said, rendered the move “unwise.” Certainly, the president has Democratic defenders who note Trump’s use of presidential power to pardon a slew of his convicted aides, associates and friends, several for activities tied to Trump’s campaign and first administration. “Trump pardoned Roger Stone, Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort, as well as his son-in-law’s father, Charles Kushner — who he just appointed US ambassador to France,” wrote prominent Democratic fundraiser Jon Cooper on X. Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison said there “is no standard for Donald Trump, and the highest standard for Democrats and Joe Biden.” Harrison pointed to Trump's apparent plans to oust FBI Director Christopher Wray and replace him with loyalist Kash Patel and suggested the GOP's pursuit of Hunter Biden would not have ended without clemency. “Most people will see that Joe Biden did what was right,” Harrison said. First lady Jill Biden said Monday from the White House, “Of course I support the pardon of my son.” Democrats already are facing the prospects of a Republican trifecta in Washington, with voters returning Trump to the White House and giving the GOP control of the House and Senate. Part of their argument against Trump and Republican leaders is expected to be that the president-elect is violating norms with his talk of taking retribution against his enemies. Before beating Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump faced his own legal troubles, including two cases that stemmed from his efforts to overturn his defeat to Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. Those cases, including Trump’s sentencing after being convicted on New York state business fraud charges, have either been dismissed or indefinitely delayed since Trump’s victory on Nov. 5, forcing Democrats to recalibrate their approach to the president-elect. In June, President Biden firmly ruled out a pardon or commutation for his son, telling reporters as his son faced trial in the Delaware gun case: “I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him.” As recently as Nov. 8, days after Trump’s victory, Jean-Pierre ruled out a pardon or clemency for the younger Biden, saying: “We’ve been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no.” The president’s about-face came weeks before Hunter Biden was set to receive his punishment after his trial conviction in the gun case and guilty plea on tax charges. It capped a long-running legal saga for the younger Biden, who disclosed he was under federal investigation in December 2020 — a month after his father’s 2020 victory. The sweeping pardon covers not just the gun and tax offenses against the younger Biden, but also any other “offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014, through December 1, 2024.” Hunter Biden was convicted in June in Delaware federal court of three felonies for purchasing a gun in 2018 when , prosecutors said, he lied on a federal form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. He had been set to stand trial in September in a California case accusing him of failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes. But he agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor and felony charges in a surprise move hours after jury selection was set to begin. In his statement Sunday, the president argued that such offenses typically are not prosecuted with the same vigor as was directed against Hunter Biden. “The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election,” Biden said in his statement. “No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son. ... I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.” Associated Press journalists Will Weissert aboard Air Force One and Darlene Superville, Mary Claire Jalonick and Michael Tackett in Washington contributed to this report.
Aaron Rodgers suggests a 'curse' might be the reason for the Jets' losing waysIs Aamir Khan’s ‘3 Idiots’ Copied From Thalapathy Vijay’s Tamil Film ‘Nanban’? This Viral X Post Falsely Claims So – Here’s the Truth!