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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Charlotte Hornets will be without point guard LaMelo Ball for at least two weeks because of a strained left calf. Ball felt discomfort in his calf after Wednesday night’s loss to the Miami Heat and did not play against the New York Knicks on Friday. The team said he will be reevaluated on Dec. 11, which is two weeks from the date of the original injury. Ball has been hot for the Hornets, averaging 40.3 points in his last four games. He is averaging a career-best 31.1 points and 4.7 3-pointers per game for the season, which ranks second in the NBA. He also is averaging 5.4 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.1 steals in 18 starts. Ball has had a history of injury problems, mostly to his ankles, since coming to the league as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft. The only Hornets player to ever receive a max contract extension, Ball has played in just 202 games with 182 starts in five seasons. The team also said guard Tre Mann’s lower back soreness has been diagnosed as a disk irritation. His absence from the lineup began on Nov. 23 against Milwaukee. He will continue his rehabilitation and be reevaluated in two weeks. “They are competitors and they want to be out there on the court to compete and hoop, but they also want to be out there for their teammates,” Hornets coach Charles Lee said prior to Saturday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks. "I just walked past ’Melo as I was coming in here to do media, and he’s like, ‘I’m going to take care of everything I need to do on this return to play program and I’m going to attack it with the right mindset.’ I have all the confidence in the world in our performance staff and in those guys.” AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBAMADRID (AP) — Spanish King Felipe VI used his traditional Christmas Eve speech to remember the victims of the catastrophic Valencia flash floods, and urged the country to remain calm despite public debates around hot-button issues such as immigration and housing affordability. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * MADRID (AP) — Spanish King Felipe VI used his traditional Christmas Eve speech to remember the victims of the catastrophic Valencia flash floods, and urged the country to remain calm despite public debates around hot-button issues such as immigration and housing affordability. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? MADRID (AP) — Spanish King Felipe VI used his traditional Christmas Eve speech to remember the victims of the catastrophic Valencia flash floods, and urged the country to remain calm despite public debates around hot-button issues such as immigration and housing affordability. In a pre-recorded speech that usually reviews the year’s most relevant issues, Felipe said Spain “must never forget the pain and sadness” the flood have caused. The Oct. 29 floods killed more than 225 people in eastern Spain, damaging countless homes and leaving graveyards of cars piled on top of each other. In some towns, the heavy downpours that caused the floods dropped as much as a year’s worth of rain in just eight hours. In early November, as Spaniards’ shock at the wreckage turned into frustration, a political blame game began, directed especially at regional authorities who failed to send timely emergency alerts to cell phones on the day of the floods. The frustration of residents in hard-hit Paiporta near Valencia was on display when people tossed mud and shouted insults at the king and government officials in early November when they made their first visit to the town. “We have seen — and understood — the frustration, the pain, the impatience, the demands for greater and more effective coordination,” Felipe said about how the disaster was managed, adding that he had asked that aid be sent to everyone who needed it. He also addressed the country’s housing crunch and high rents, which have become a leading concern in this European Union country that is the eurozone’s fourth-largest economy. Fast-rising rents are especially acute in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, where incomes have failed to keep up, especially for younger people in a country with chronically high unemployment. Felipe urged that “all the actors involved reflect” and “listen to each other” so that they facilitate bringing access to housing under “affordable conditions.” Spain’s immigration debate should keep in mind the country’s European partners and immigrants’ countries of origin, Felipe said, warning that “the way in which we are able to address immigration ... will say a lot in the future about our principles and the quality of our democracy.” Felipe said Spain need to remain calm in the public sphere, even in the face of a “sometimes thunderous” contest in its politics. Advertisement
Prohibition was a difficult time for those who enjoyed a tipple. In an effort to get a drink, or made moonshine at home. Many others visited speakeasies. After Repeal Day, speakeasies all but disappeared as regular pubs, bars, and clubs took their place. Speakeasies only re-emerged in the 1990s and early 2000s, acting not as a secret location to indulge in illicit drinks but a quiet, calm setting that placed cocktail artistry – and the appreciation of it — front and center. While location, décor, and a sense of discovery have all come to form a part of speakeasies over the years, craft cocktails remain a fundamental part of the speakeasy experience. However, lengthening and increasingly complicated menus mean many customers are unsure of what to order when visiting one of the nation's many speakeasies. To aid you with this decision, we have interviewed three leading mixologists based in Las Vegas who work in some most respected speakeasies in Las Vegas: Anthony Partridge, lead bartender at , Pahola Figueroa, bartender at Wax Rabbit a speakeasy located within , and Tony Arnone, lead mixologist at . Each of these experts has years of experience helping customers find their perfect speakeasy drink. We're sure they can do the same for you. Order: Manhattan As with any other bar, the quality of a speakeasy can be judged on how it makes classic cocktails; tried and tested drinks that have been enjoyed for generations such as the old fashioned, daiquiri, and martini. If a speakeasy gets these staples wrong, you can probably assume the rest of the mixed drinks will also fail to hit the mark. As Anthony Partridge told us, "Poor execution of an old-fashioned Manhattan, or even a daiquiri, would have me ordering something neat or on the rocks afterward." While as good a yard stick as any classic cocktail, our experts don't solely order Manhattans — or — to test a bartender's skills. In actual fact, many knowledgeable people, Tony Arnone included, recommend ordering this simple mixture of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters because it stands as an excellent introduction to the type of cocktails enjoyed during The Prohibition Era. Arnone said, "Personally, I would recommend the Manhattan. Not only does this classic give you a glimpse into the style of cocktails for that era but also shows the beauty of simplicity when it comes to cocktail creation." Order: Vieux Carré Those of us who visit speakeasies are easily intimidated by cocktails that have names we don't recognize. All too often, we avoid ordering these drinks no matter how enticing they sound. The Vieux Carré, a drink , is one such cocktail. Tony Arnone is on a mission to change that by championing the drink wherever possible. He told us, "The Vieux Carré is an amazing cocktail that was created as a tribute to the diversity of social groups within the French Quarter in the 1930s. It encompasses a wide range of sweetness and bitterness by using an array of different spirits and is an amazing piece of history as well as a delicious drink." It's easy to see why lead mixologists like Arnone are enamored with this drink. When made well, it presents a fantastic balance of bitterness and sweetness, wrapped in a smooth, boozy body. What's more, it was invented only a few years after Prohibition ended, making it well-suited to the traditional speakeasy setting. Avoid: Wine and beer Just about all speakeasies specialize in craft cocktails. That being said, the majority also carry a select offering of beer and wine. This gives customers a greater degree of choice and allows those who don't want a spirit-based drink to still indulge in something alcoholic. That being said, both Tony Arnone and Anthony Partridge generally don't encourage people to order beer or wine when visiting a speakeasy for the simple reason that it's not that adventurous. In our interview, Partridge said, "Pouring a beer or wine is missing the point [...] You risk defaulting to a safe and run-of-the-mill experience with beer and wine." Arnone added, "Personally, I wouldn't recommend ordering beer or wine because it's generally not the focus of a speakeasy, and there are many better options available." This touches on an important point: customers get the most enjoyment when they visit a venue that caters to their specific wants and needs. If that "need" happens to be craft beer, customers are better off visiting a taproom or craft beer bar instead of a speakeasy. This isn't to say that wine or beer lovers can't have a wonderful time in a speakeasy, rather that they will have the best time only if they choose to indulge in the speakeasy's specialties. Order: Dark spirits Although Wax Rabbit, The Barbershop, and The Laundry Room all serve a range of exceptional cocktails, our experts often give suggestions to those who would rather drink something a little simpler. In these instances, they usually suggest one of several dark spirits. Given that Wax Rabbit specializes in Mexican spirits, it's no surprise that Pahola Figueroa recommends two of the country's most famous exports. She said, "Go for something dark to match the room. Personally, I would recommend an aged tequila or mezcal [...] if you aren't feeling that adventurous, a good bourbon or scotch can also give those Prohibition vibes." Tony Arnone echoed the latter statement, adding, "The Barbershop Cuts and Cocktails, where I work, is a whiskey and rock 'n' roll-themed speakeasy, so I'd say dark [spirits]. I'd recommend drinking whiskey, not only for the venue but because it's a personal favorite as well." The Barbershop also happens to stock over 60 whiskeys, including Suntory Whisky Toki and Drambuie, making Arnone's job of recommending an exceptional whiskey that much easier. Aside from matching the dark atmosphere of speakeasies, dark spirits like aged mezcal and whiskey are also more flavorful than their light counterparts thanks to the greater maturation period they have undergone . This means that, while initially challenging for some drinkers, dark spirits hold layers of flavor that many people appreciate. Order: Something you wouldn't usually drink One of the few things all our experts mentioned in their interview was that speakeasies are places where drinkers should try something new. As Pahola Figueroa said, "I always encourage people to try something different and new, it's a great chance to broaden your horizons." Visiting a speakeasy is a great opportunity to do this thanks to the range of unique drinks that are usually on offer. For example, Wax Rabbit uses premium Mexican spirits in novel ways, creating drinks like Medusa, a blend of extra añejo tequila, raspberries, egg whites, lemon, and agave syrup. Customers will be hard pressed to find anything similar to this drink at other bars. While Figueroa encourages drinkers to try something new, Tony Arnone goes one step further. In our interview he said, "I always encourage people to step outside their comfort zone. If there is something you tell me you don't like, my response is 'You haven't found a way in which you enjoy it.' [...] If there is something you usually avoid, you could be surprised by how the bartender incorporates those flavors into a cocktail that you may end up loving." In other words, challenge the experts to change your opinion on spirits you don't often enjoy. Who knows, one such challenge may lead you to a lifetime of enjoyment. Order: Mai tai Tiki cocktails might not be the first thing customers think of when they visit a speakeasy, however many speakeasy venues across the United States include a couple of tiki-inspired drinks on their menu. Wax Rabbit is one of them, as Pahola Figueroa explained. "At Wax Rabbit we have our 'Hidden Passion' which is sweet and fruity, with subtle hints of citrus and topped off with aromatic bitters [...] it's our take on a Mai Tai with tequila." Many customers may scoff at the idea of ordering a Mai Tai, especially in a speakeasy setting. The cocktail's reputation has, after all, suffered in recent decades as substandard iterations, far removed from , have become the norm. However, craft-orientated speakeasies are the perfect place to indulge in this Tiki classic for reasons explained by Tony Arnone who said, "I feel that most people haven't had a real one. One made with fresh ingredients at a craft/mixology/speakeasy setting. It is an amazing cocktail with so much depth and flavor, and worth getting from someone who knows what they're doing." Avoid: Anything involving a blender Although it wasn't mentioned by any of our experts, a general rule when ordering drinks at a speakeasy is that drinks which require the use of a blender are off limits. In fact, the vast majority of speakeasies won't even offer blended drinks in the first place. This is for a couple of reasons. Firstly, blenders are loud, messy, and can ruin the ambiance of any bar let alone that of a chilled speakeasy. As bar owner Duggan McDonnell highlighted to : "I worked in one restaurant that did blender drinks and I'm telling you the noise, the whirring, you're going through blades in the middle of service, and craziness abounds." Secondly, the majority of drinks that are made in blenders, such as the Miami Vice, don't really conform to most people's idea of Prohibition-style cocktails. Add to this blended drinks' reputation for getting people plastered, and it is no wonder that most bartenders suggest avoiding them. Order: Paloma Known as the "lazy man's margarita," that is notoriously simple to make. Traditional recipes only call for three ingredients: tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda. The drink's simplicity has done nothing to hamper its popularity and many bartenders, including Pahola Figueroa, encourage customers to order one. She said, "A paloma is a must, especially at Wax Rabbit. It's the national drink of Mexico, and we elevate it by using a smoky mezcal to deepen its flavor profile and make it unique. Everyone loves a good paloma." One of the reasons why the drink is so popular is that these ingredients create a surprisingly complex cocktail with the spirit — whether it is tequila or mezcal — adding earthy notes that mix well with the cocktail's bright citrus flavors. Such a flavor profile ensures that the paloma offers a welcome relief from the dark, heavy cocktails that often dominate speakeasy menus. Order: Non-alcoholic aviation It has been a whirlwind few years for low and no alcohol businesses. Growing demand for non-alcoholic drinks has come in conjunction with a boom in alcohol-free spirit innovation. To put it simply, bartenders and mixologists now have the tools and demand necessary to create a host of wonderful mocktails. In our interview, Tony Arnone reflected this, saying, "It's not a question of what works and what doesn't, but how to make them work. I would build the mocktail menu around the setting and theme of the venue. For example: in a classic speakeasy setting, one may design a variation of a non-alcoholic Aviation." For those who are unaware, the aviation is a cocktail that includes gin, crème de violette, maraschino liqueur, and lemon juice. It has a wonderful, floral taste and an appetizing light blue color. It has also been served since the early 20th century, making it a popular feature of many modern speakeasies. Until a few years ago, making a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail would have been incredibly difficult as non-alcoholic gins lacked the quality and complexity of their full strength counterparts. This, however, has changed, meaning that non-alcoholic aviations are now interesting and engaging despite containing non-alcoholic gin and violet syrup in place of crème de violette. Order: Sidecar The sidecar is a Prohibition-era classic that was served in venues across Europe and the United States, including Paris' famous Harry's New York Bar. Despite being one of the premier cocktails of its time, this mixture of brandy, orange liqueur, and lemon juice is one of few classic cocktails that have failed to regain their standing in recent decades. While martinis and negronis are ordered the world over, few people ever order a sidecar. Pahola Figueroa is trying to change that. "A sidecar is always a great choice. A cognac-based cocktail that is spirit-forward and delicious, it's easy to drink and looks great served in a martini glass with sugar. You can't go wrong with it." And yet, so often bartenders manage to create a poor version that lacks the sidecar's distinct tart, dry flavor profile. Make it with too much cognac and the drink becomes overbearingly boozy; too weak and it'll quickly become sweet and flabby. That being said, the drink is truly exceptional when made well so, if you trust the bartender at your local speakeasy, take Figueroa's advice and give this underappreciated Prohibition classic a try. Order: Anything from the signature menu Drinks listed on a speakeasy's signature cocktail menu are often the bar's best work. They frequently use local ingredients and have been designed with the speakeasy's unique atmosphere, setting, and location in mind. Aside from this, the signature menu often contains the drinks bartenders and mixologists have put the most work into and are proudest of. In intimate settings, such as The Laundry Room's 22-seat space, customers have the opportunity to pick the mixologist's brains about signatures like hindsight, the speakeasy's delightful take on a rum sour. It's for these reasons that Tony Arnone turns to signature menus whenever he is ordering drinks at a speakeasy he's never been to. "I always ask to see the signature cocktail menu if one is available. I know how much passion and time goes into creating cocktails, as I've done for over 10 years. With that respect and regard, I'll order from there." Admittedly, such an approach requires nerve, a willingness to take a chance, and the courage to put your trust in the person serving you. Although daunting, the opportunity to try new things is the modern speakeasy's main appeal, and our experts encourage customers to make the most of it. Order: Non-alcoholic mojitos Given advances in non-alcoholic spirit production, many popular cocktails now retain their quality when made in a non-alcoholic format. The mojito is a shining example. Usually made with white rum, sugar, lime juice, mint, and soda water, this enormously popular cocktail loses no quality when the rum is substituted for non-alcoholic alternative such as Lyre's white cane spirit. Other recipes, which replace the rum with fruit juice, also abound. Each offers a unique but recognizable take on what is one of the most popular cocktails around. As a leading bartender and mixologist, Pahola Figueroa is more than aware of a non-alcoholic mojito's charm and encourages those looking for low and no options to order one. She said, "Mojitos are a great conversion to mocktails as they are refreshing and can be flavored or lightly adjusted to make something delicious. While not every bartender enjoys making them, I enjoy it and love how they look." Avoid: Some non-alcoholic drinks Mixologists, like everyone else, have different opinions, and while our experts agree on the majority of drinks mentioned in this article, there was one point of contention: the presence of non-alcoholic drinks in speakeasies. As we've seen, both Pahola Figueroa and Tony Arnone encourage customers to enjoy the range of non-alcoholic options speakeasies serve. Anthony Partridge has a slightly different view. In our interview, Partridge said, "I don't believe n/a's are suited to speakeasies. Speakeasies are supposed to be your seeking out the illegal alcohol experience. No one needs the cloak and dagger for juice and soda. This is not to say you can't have a fine n/a beverage, but it's missing the point." These days, just about all speakeasies put a great deal of care into their non-alcoholic options. This was not the case when speakeasies were popularized during Prohibition. As we all know, during this period speakeasies were where customers went to get drunk, not to enjoy a non-alcoholic beverage. In this regard Partridge has a point; for a modern speakeasy visit to come anywhere close to recreating the Prohibition-era experience, alcohol is a must. Order: Anything with interesting flavor combinations While each of our experts has their own personal likes and dislikes when it comes to speakeasy drinks, they all agree that customers should adopt an open and adventurous approach when ordering. One way of doing this is to look for interesting flavor combinations. As Anthony Partridge said, "I look for odd combinations in cocktails. After tasting the drink, I can piece together the measurements to understand the intent and art of the target taste values. Reading "Masala infused Peychaud's" is one thing, but experiencing it in the cocktail as a segment of its whole is another. It's like knowing that there's a cello in an orchestra but not knowing its place in a symphony." Aside from ensuring that customers try something slightly off-piste, focusing on flavor combinations also allows novice drinkers to navigate intimidating menus. While a cocktail's name might confuse them, the list of ingredients gives a tangible means of deciphering the drink's nature. Pahola Figueroa reminded us that searching for unusual flavor combinations also opens customers up to exciting possibilities, saying, "I always look for the most intricate, show-stopping cocktails that are unique to that specific speakeasy. When I go out, I'm there for the experience first and the booze second." If you remember anything from this article, make it that; it's a sure fire way to order the perfect drink when you next visit a speakeasy. Recommended
By ROB GILLIES TORONTO (AP) — Canada is already examining possible retaliatory tariffs on certain items from the United States should President-elect Donald Trump follow through on his threat to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products, a senior official said Wednesday. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico if the countries don’t stop what he called the flow of drugs and migrants across southern and northern borders. He said he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders. A Canadian government official said Canada is preparing for every eventuality and has started thinking about what items to target with tariffs in retaliation. The official stressed no decision has been made. The person spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly. When Trump imposed higher tariffs during his first term in office, other countries responded with retaliatory tariffs of their own. Canada, for instance, announced billions of new duties in 2018 against the U.S. in a tit-for-tat response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum. Many of the U.S. products were chosen for their political rather than economic impact. For example, Canada imports $3 million worth of yogurt from the U.S. annually and most comes from one plant in Wisconsin, home state of then-House Speaker Paul Ryan. That product was hit with a 10% duty. Another product on the list was whiskey, which comes from Tennessee and Kentucky, the latter of which is the home state of then-Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell. Trump made the threat Monday while railing against an influx of illegal migrants, even though the numbers at Canadian border pale in comparison to the southern border. The U.S. Border Patrol made 56,530 arrests at the Mexican border in October alone — and 23,721 arrests at the Canadian one between October 2023 and September 2024. Canadian officials say lumping Canada in with Mexico is unfair but say they are happy to work with the Trump administration to lower the numbers from Canada. The Canadians are also worried about a influx north of migrants if Trump follows through with his plan for mass deportations. Trump also railed about fentanyl from Mexico and Canada, even though seizures from the Canadian border pale in comparison to the Mexican border. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Related Articles National Politics | Trump selects longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and Russia National Politics | Trump’s tariffs in his first term did little to alter the economy, but this time could be different National Politics | Trump transition says Cabinet picks, appointees were targeted by bomb threats, swatting attacks National Politics | Southwest states certify election results after the process led to controversy in previous years National Politics | Political stress: Can you stay engaged without sacrificing your mental health? Canadian officials argue their country is not the problem and that tariffs will have severe implications for both countries. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security. “Canada is essential to the United States’ domestic energy supply,” Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said. Trump has pledged to cut American energy bills in half within 18 months, something that could be made harder if a 25% premium is added to Canadian oil imports. In 2023, Canadian oil accounted for almost two-thirds of total U.S. oil imports and about one-fifth of the U.S. oil supply. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is holding a emergency virtual meeting on Wednesday with the leaders of Canada’s provinces, who want Trudeau to negotiate a bilateral trade deal with the United States that excludes Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday that her administration is already working up a list of possible retaliatory tariffs “if the situation comes to that.”Jonah Goldberg Among elites across the ideological spectrum, there's one point of unifying agreement: Americans are bitterly divided. What if that's wrong? What if elites are the ones who are bitterly divided while most Americans are fairly unified? History rarely lines up perfectly with the calendar (the "sixties" didn't really start until the decade was almost over). But politically, the 21st century neatly began in 2000, when the election ended in a tie and the color coding of electoral maps became enshrined as a kind of permanent tribal color war of "red vs. blue." Elite understanding of politics has been stuck in this framework ever since. Politicians and voters have leaned into this alleged political reality, making it seem all the more real in the process. I loathe the phrase "perception is reality," but in politics it has the reifying power of self-fulfilling prophecy. Like rival noble families in medieval Europe, elites have been vying for power and dominance on the arrogant assumption that their subjects share their concern for who rules rather than what the rulers can deliver. Political cartoonists from across country draw up something special for the holiday In 2018, the group More in Common published a massive report on the "hidden tribes" of American politics. The wealthiest and whitest groups were "devoted conservatives" (6%) and "progressive activists" (8%). These tribes dominate the media, the parties and higher education, and they dictate the competing narratives of red vs. blue, particularly on cable news and social media. Meanwhile, the overwhelming majority of Americans resided in, or were adjacent to, the "exhausted majority." These people, however, "have no narrative," as David Brooks wrote at the time. "They have no coherent philosophic worldview to organize their thinking and compel action." Lacking a narrative might seem like a very postmodern problem, but in a postmodern elite culture, postmodern problems are real problems. It's worth noting that red vs. blue America didn't emerge ex nihilo. The 1990s were a time when the economy and government seemed to be working, at home and abroad. As a result, elites leaned into the narcissism of small differences to gain political and cultural advantage. They remain obsessed with competing, often apocalyptic, narratives. That leaves out most Americans. The gladiatorial combatants of cable news, editorial pages and academia, and their superfan spectators, can afford these fights. Members of the exhausted majority are more interested in mere competence. I think that's the hidden unity elites are missing. This is why we keep throwing incumbent parties out of power: They get elected promising competence but get derailed -- or seduced -- by fan service to, or trolling of, the elites who dominate the national conversation. There's a difference between competence and expertise. One of the most profound political changes in recent years has been the separation of notions of credentialed expertise from real-world competence. This isn't a new theme in American life, but the pandemic and the lurch toward identity politics amplified distrust of experts in unprecedented ways. This is a particular problem for the left because it is far more invested in credentialism than the right. Indeed, some progressives are suddenly realizing they invested too much in the authority of experts and too little in the ability of experts to provide what people want from government, such as affordable housing, decent education and low crime. The New York Times' Ezra Klein says he's tired of defending the authority of government institutions. Rather, "I want them to work." One of the reasons progressives find Trump so offensive is his absolute inability to speak the language of expertise -- which is full of coded elite shibboleths. But Trump veritably shouts the language of competence. I don't mean he is actually competent at governing. But he is effectively blunt about calling leaders, experts and elites -- of both parties -- stupid, ineffective, weak and incompetent. He lost in 2020 because voters didn't believe he was actually good at governing. He won in 2024 because the exhausted majority concluded the Biden administration was bad at it. Nostalgia for the low-inflation pre-pandemic economy was enough to convince voters that Trumpian drama is the tolerable price to pay for a good economy. About 3 out of 4 Americans who experienced "severe hardship" because of inflation voted for Trump. The genius of Trump's most effective ad -- "Kamala is for they/them, President Trump is for you" -- was that it was simultaneously culture-war red meat and an argument that Harris was more concerned about boutique elite concerns than everyday ones. If Trump can actually deliver competent government, he could make the Republican Party the majority party for a generation. For myriad reasons, that's an if so big it's visible from space. But the opportunity is there -- and has been there all along. Goldberg is editor-in-chief of The Dispatch: thedispatch.com . Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!None
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday questioned the Uttar Pradesh government's preparedness for the upcoming Mahakumbh and accused it of mismanagement. In a social media post, the opposition leader flagged several issues regarding security arrangements, local concerns and overall administration in Prayagraj, urging the government to take immediate corrective action. ''This is the truth of preparations for 'Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025' under the BJP government! At least the work of the police department should have been completed long ago because the management of the security circle does not wait for the last day,'' he said on X. The former chief minister of the state also drew attention to the alleged delay in addressing the needs of local residents and the fair area, stating that people in Prayagraj were questioning the government's priorities. ''The aggrieved people of Prayagraj are asking that the BJP government was very prompt in removing the statue of 'Mahadani' Emperor Harshvardhan, but why is the same speed not being shown for administrative management?'' Yadav highlighted complaints about the ''neglect'' of local issues, such as transportation and movement around the Mahakumbh area. ''Alternative arrangements should also be made to address the concerns of the residents of Prayagraj about movement and transportation in case of an emergency,'' he added. While expressing his party's support for the successful conduct of the Mahakumbh, Yadav emphasised that the local administration must act swiftly to address these gaps. ''We want the Mahakumbh to go on and Prayagraj to also remain dynamic.'' The SP president said his party is ready to assist the government as the ''BJP people would be ''busy earning money or in election planning''. ''If the government-administration has failed in the preparations for the Mahakumbh, then we propose to send our true and dedicated workers to help because the BJP people would be busy earning money or in election planning,'' he said in a dig at the ruling party. (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
BEN CHAN was unsure how to move on after his breakup. Bitter, lost and angry, Chan felt like a failure. Just three days after being dumped by his girlfriend, he found himself at his brother’s fifth wedding anniversary celebration at a luxurious hotel in Kuala Lumpur. “And I had to give a rousing speech about how I admire him for his success in life and marriage,” Chan recalls. “It was ridiculous. I gave a flat, monotonous speech because any display of joyous emotion felt hollow when my own life was in pieces.” As if the night couldn’t get worse, his car broke down on the way home – vandalised, with sugar poured into the fuel tank. “It felt like I was in a bad rom-com,” he says. Now 25 and running an online banana cracker business, Chan decided to go online in search of guidance. He wasn’t looking for pity. He wanted to rediscover his confidence and reclaim his “mojo”.” “I just needed someone to show me how to be a man again,” he admits. Soon, Chan stumbled upon male influencers on X who preached the art of “being a real man.” “At first, I found influencers talking about self-improvement – hitting the gym, reading books, or travelling. That seemed fine. “But then I saw others promoting outright hate against women.” One saying particularly disturbed him: “Men age like fine wine, but women are just milk.” Chan had unknowingly entered the “manosphere,” a collection of websites, blogs and forums focused on men’s issues and interests. Emerging in the early 2000s, this subculture began as a space for men’s rights and self-improvement but has since veered into darker territory. Manly journey: The manosphere subculture began as a space for men’s rights and self-improvement but has since veered into darker territory — TNS Today, parts of the manosphere normalise misogyny, offering toxic views on gender roles under the guise of self-empowerment. Influencers like Andrew Tate have become emblematic of this shift, often promoting polarising ideas that blur the line between confidence-building and outright bigotry. The manosphere’s influence has reached Malaysia, where some local influencers mimic the sexist rhetoric and mannerisms of figures like Tate. Based on an article by life coach Julien Florkin, the manosphere trend in Malaysia is still relatively new but gaining traction – it often focuses on traditional gender roles and the perceived erosion of these roles due to modern societal changes. These messages stray far from the concept of healthy masculinity, which encourages men to express themselves freely, pursue physical health and develop life goals. Instead, misogynistic manosphere often reinforces rigid stereotypes and criticises feminism for undermining men’s rights. Another main concern over such a misogynistic manosphere is this – the line between promoting healthy masculinity and a toxic one is often blurred, leading to a potential detriment to impressionable minds of boys looking for role models. Registered counselor Raymund Jagan sees the manosphere as a reactionary response to feminism. “In its early days, the manosphere may have been a counterbalance to feminism. It is more widespread in the United States or western world.” The manosphere in the US is more established and diverse, with various subgroups such as Men’s Rights Activists (MRAs), Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW), Pickup Artists (PUAs) and the Red Pill community. These groups often have a more pronounced presence and influence in the US, partly due to the larger population and more extensive use of social media platforms. The US manosphere, Jagan says, benefits from larger populations and greater social media reach, but this influence also brings risks; extreme ideologies, some of which advocate for radical societal changes, are not uncommon. A study by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) foundation highlights how some influencers use pseudo-science and decontextualised psychology to legitimise misogyny. They cherry-pick quotes from philosophers like Aristotle and psychologists like Carl Jung to validate harmful narratives. Jagan stresses that young people can protect themselves by cultivating healthier online environments. “Your experience depends on the echo chamber you create. If you don’t look for toxic content, you’re less likely to encounter it.” He also emphasises the importance of parenting, particularly for fathers. “Better fathers can serve as better role models, so boys won’t need to seek validation from toxic figures online.” For Chan, the manosphere offered an initial glimmer of hope, but its toxic undercurrents ultimately pushed him away. “I just wanted to regain my confidence. I’m still nervous around women. Unless I’m convincing them to buy banana crackers, I freeze up at the thought of asking someone out.” But Chan refuses to adopt the manosphere’s blanket negativity toward women. “A woman hurt me, but that doesn’t mean all women are the same. You know what I mean?” As he serves the writer a bowl of banana crackers, Chan smiles faintly. His journey to rebuild his confidence may be far from over, but he is determined to forge his path without falling into the manosphere’s toxic traps.Trump wants pardoned real estate developer Charles Kushner to be ambassador to France
NoneCHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Bryce Thompson scored 17 points, Marchelus Avery had 15 points and eight rebounds, and Oklahoma State beat Miami 80-74 on Friday in the consolation bracket of the Charleston Classic. Oklahoma State (4-1) will play in the fifth-place game on Sunday, while Miami (3-2) will try to avoid going winless in the tournament. Oklahoma State led 43-27 at halftime after making 8 of 15 from 3-point range, while Miami was just 8 of 27 overall. Four different Cowboys made a 3-pointer in the first half, with Brandon Newman making three. Thompson banked in a shot early in the second half to give Oklahoma State a 20-point lead at 49-29. Miami, which opened the game by missing 7 of 8 shots, went 1 for 8 from the field to begin the second half. Miami trailed by double figures the entire second half until Matthew Cleveland made a difficult shot in the lane while being fouled. He made the free throw to pull the Hurricanes within 75-67 with 49 seconds left. Arturo Dean restored a double-digit lead by making two free throws at 43.8. Thompson reached the 1,000 career points with the Cowboys on a shot in the lane with 13:01 left in the second half to give Oklahoma State a 55-38 lead. Nijel Pack scored 20 points and Brandon Johnson had 12 points and 10 rebounds for Miami. Cleveland finished with 11 points, and Lynn Kidd and Paul Djobet each had 10. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballVANCOUVER — A Federal Court judge has dismissed an appeal by a "deeply religious" British Columbia health executive who said he was wrongfully denied employment insurance after being fired three years ago for refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Darold Sturgeon was fired as executive director of medical affairs for Interior Health in November 2021 after refusing to get the vaccine based on his Christian beliefs. He applied for employment insurance benefits but was denied due to being fired for "misconduct," with appeals to two levels of the Social Security Tribunal also failing, leading him to seek a judicial review in Federal Court in August 2023. The ruling says Sturgeon believed the tribunal should have examined his assertion under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms that the term "misconduct" did not apply to his case "because he was exercising his freedom of religion." Justice William Pentney says "recent, abundant and unanimous case law" defined a specific and narrow role for the tribunal's appeal divisions, focusing on an employee's conduct, and not justification for and employer’s policies or compliance with the Charter. The ruling says Sturgeon's appeal fell "outside the mandate" of the tribunal and he could have challenged Interior Health's mandatory vaccine police "through other avenues." It said these included advancing a Charter claim, lodging a wrongful dismissal suit or labour grievance, or complaining to the British Columbia Human Rights Commission. The office of the British Columbia Human Rights Commissioner separately clarified that such a complaint would have to be lodged with the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal. "The point is, there were other avenues available to pursue the Charter question; this decision does not cut off the only avenue of relief," the court's ruling says. It added of Sturgeon, who represented himself, that "no one has doubted that he acted based on his understanding of his religious obligations," and that he had "ably advanced his arguments." "However, despite his sincere and thoughtful arguments, the binding jurisprudence requires that I find against him," the ruling says. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. Darryl Greer, The Canadian Press
LOS ANGELES — Considering how their seasons have ebbed and flowed so far, and the history between the stars leading their teams, it’s only appropriate that the Lakers and Golden State Warriors match up for a Christmas Day showdown on Wednesday at Chase Center. Just a month ago, the Lakers and Warriors were sitting near the top of the Western Conference standings, opening the season with 10-5 and 12-3 records, respectively, entering Nov. 23. How much a month can change things. The Lakers (16-13) have gone 6-8 since then after dropping Monday’s home game to the Detroit Pistons to end their three-game winning streak. And the Warriors (15-13) have been even worse, winning just three of their last 13 games after starting the year at the top of the conference. But Wednesday will be another matchup between Lakers star LeBron James and Warriors star Steph Curry – two all-time greats whose careers have intersected to the point they’re considered by many to have one of the defining rivalries of the league’s modern era. “Anytime you get an opportunity to be on the court and compete versus one of the greats to ever play this game, you never take it for granted,” James said. “I don’t know how many more opportunities we’re gonna get to go against each other, so it’s always fun.” Wednesday will also mark the second time the Lakers and Warriors have played each other on Christmas in the past seven years, with the Lakers beating the Warriors on Dec. 25, 2018, in James’ first season with the Lakers. In addition to the 2018 matchup , James’ and Curry’s teams squared off on Christmas for three consecutive seasons (2015-17) when James was on the Cleveland Cavaliers. Curry didn’t play in the 2017 game. But matchups between James and Curry have historically had more at stake than Christmas Day game bragging rights. Their teams matched up in four consecutive NBA Finals (2015-18), with Curry’s Warriors winning the championship in 2015, ‘17 and ‘18 and James’ Cavaliers coming out on top in ’16 after coming back from a 3-1 series. “For me, as a fan, it was an awesome stretch,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “For me as a player, it wasn’t a great stretch because I wasn’t in those Finals. But it was great to have two of the icons of this generation go head to head and have some for sure classic series and then just also some classic games and classic moments. “Throughout the history of the NBA, player and team rivalries have been good for the league and that sort of captured a moment in our generation.” The Lakers and Warriors also played each other in the 2021 Play-In Tournament and the second round of the 2023 playoffs, with the Lakers winning both matchups “It’s going to be good,” Anthony Davis said. “We always have battles with them, we’ve seen them in the playoffs a couple of years. It’s going to be fun to go up to The Bay and try to get a win on Christmas Day.” Not including the Play-In Tournament game, Wednesday will mark the 53rd matchup between a team led by James and Curry. Curry’s teams have a 29-23 record in those matchups, including a 17-11 record in the playoffs. But the relationship between James, who’s in his 22nd NBA season and will return 40 on Monday, and Curry, who’s in his 16th NBA season and will turn 37 in March, has evolved over the years since consistently playing against one another in the Finals. James and Curry teamed up this past summer, leading Team USA to a gold medal in the Paris Olympics. “It’s a fun battle because of the longevity of how long we’ve been doing this,” Curry said during an appearance on ESPN’s “NBA Today” on Tuesday. “There’s more appreciation and respect than probably back in the day because there was a lot of pettiness and resentment. The rivalry was real but it evolves and you still want to go at each other, but the respect is there.” When : Wednesday, 5 p.m. Where : Chase Center, San Francisco TV/radio : ABC/ESPN, 710 AM
TCU's TD barrage breaks open tight game vs. ArizonaThis tiny projector turned our movie nights into a cinematic event (and it's $500 off)
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MADRID (AP) — Spanish King Felipe VI used his traditional Christmas Eve speech to remember the victims of the catastrophic Valencia flash floods , and urged the country to remain calm despite public debates around hot-button issues such as immigration and housing affordability. In a pre-recorded speech that usually reviews the year's most relevant issues, Felipe said Spain “must never forget the pain and sadness" the flood have caused. The Oct. 29 floods killed more than 225 people in eastern Spain, damaging countless homes and leaving graveyards of cars piled on top of each other. In some towns, the heavy downpours that caused the floods dropped as much as a year's worth of rain in just eight hours. In early November, as Spaniards' shock at the wreckage turned into frustration, a political blame game began, directed especially at regional authorities who failed to send timely emergency alerts to cell phones on the day of the floods. The frustration of residents in hard-hit Paiporta near Valencia was on display when people tossed mud and shouted insults at the king and government officials in early November when they made their first visit to the town. “We have seen — and understood — the frustration, the pain, the impatience, the demands for greater and more effective coordination," Felipe said about how the disaster was managed, adding that he had asked that aid be sent to everyone who needed it. He also addressed the country's housing crunch and high rents, which have become a leading concern in this European Union country that is the eurozone's fourth-largest economy. Fast-rising rents are especially acute in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, where incomes have failed to keep up, especially for younger people in a country with chronically high unemployment. Felipe urged that “all the actors involved reflect” and "listen to each other” so that they facilitate bringing access to housing under “affordable conditions.” Spain's immigration debate should keep in mind the country's European partners and immigrants' countries of origin, Felipe said, warning that “the way in which we are able to address immigration ... will say a lot in the future about our principles and the quality of our democracy.” Felipe said Spain need to remain calm in the public sphere, even in the face of a “sometimes thunderous” contest in its politics. Suman Naishadham, The Associated PressCooper, Batcho lead Louisiana Tech past Richmond 65-62Big Ten slate features Indiana-Ohio State showdown and Penn State-Minnesota matchup Things to watch this week in the Big Ten Conference: Game of the week No. 5 Indiana (10-0, 7-0 Big Ten, No. 5 CFP ) at No. 2 Ohio State (9-1, 6-1, No. 2 CFP), Saturday, noon ET (Fox) This marks the 98th matchup between these two teams, but it's only the fourth time both teams have been ranked. Although Indiana is unbeaten, its soft schedule means the Hoosiers aren't assured of making the 12-team field if they lose this game. The only team with a winning record that Indiana has beaten is Washington (6-5). Ohio State needs a win to have a realistic shot at a rematch with top-ranked Oregon in the Big Ten championship game. Ohio State has beaten Indiana 28 straight times since the Hoosiers posted back-to-back victories in 1987-88. The undercard No. 4 Penn State (9-1, 6-1, No. 4 CFP) at Minnesota (6-4, 4-3), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. (CBS) This is likely Penn State's biggest obstacle on its way to a potential playoff berth. The Nittany Lions' lone remaining regular-season game is a Nov. 30 home matchup with Maryland (4-6, 1-6). Minnesota has had an extra week to prepare this game since its 26-19 loss at Rutgers on Nov. 9, which snapped a four-game winning streak. Penn State and Minnesota have split their last four meetings, with the home team winning each time. Impact players Penn State DE Abdul Carter has multiple tackles for loss in each of his last three games. He ranks second among all Bowl Subdivision players in tackles for loss (17 1⁄2). Southern California RB Woody Marks rushed for a career-high 146 yards in a 28-20 win over Nebraska. Marks has six 100-yard rushing performances this season. Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai is the first Scarlet Knight to rush for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons since Ray Rice did it three straight years from 2005-07. Monangai has run for 1,028 yards this season and rushed for 1,262 yards last year. Oregon OLB Matayo Uiagalelei recorded a sack and had a game-clinching interception as the top-ranked Ducks won 16-13 at Wisconsin last week. He has 8 1⁄2 sacks this season to rank second in the Big Ten. Inside the numbers Four of the top seven Bowl Subdivision quarterbacks in passer rating are from the Big Ten. Indiana's Kurtis Rourke is second, Ohio State's Will Howard is third, Penn State's Drew Allar is fifth and Oregon's Dillon Gabriel is seventh. ... Illinois QB Luke Altmyer has thrown 18 touchdown passes with only three interceptions. The only Power Four quarterback with a better touchdown/interception ratio while throwing at least 10 touchdown passes is Clemson's Cade Klubnik, who has 26 touchdowns and four interceptions. ... Rutgers' three Big Ten wins matches its largest total since joining the league in 2014. Rutgers also had three conference wins in 2014, 2017, 2020 and 2023. A victory Saturday over No. 24 Illinois would give Rutgers three straight Big Ten wins for the first time. ... Washington's 31-19 win over UCLA was its 20th straight home victory, representing its second-longest such streak in school history. The Huskies won 45 straight home games from 1908-17. ... Wisconsin heads to Nebraska this week having won its last 10 matchups with the Cornhuskers. Now don't get upset Penn State justifiably is favored on the road against Minnesota, but Bet MGM's 12 1⁄2-point spread seems way too big. Expect this game to have a single-digit margin.