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Bus that transported Whitefish students to speech and debate event catches fire in Ronan
Headed South for Winter? 5 Tips for Snowbirds About to Take FlightFormer Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson returns to San Francisco on Monday, leading the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers, owners of the NBA's best record, into a showdown with the host Warriors. Atkinson, in his first season at the helm for Cleveland, spent three seasons working alongside Golden State head coach Steve Kerr, including in the Warriors' 2021-22 championship-winning campaign. Atkinson introduced a high-tempo offensive approach in Cleveland akin to Golden State's signature style, and it has paid immediate dividends for the Cavaliers. They come into Golden State on a six-game winning streak and winners in 10 of 11 after opening a four-game, Western Conference road swing on Friday with a 149-135 win over the Denver Nuggets. The 149 points marked the season high for a Cleveland offense producing 122.7 points per game, second-most in the league. Friday's victory also showcased the Cavaliers' scoring balance, with Donovan Mitchell's 33 points leading four players who notched at least 22. Mitchell's 23.6 points per game lead Cleveland, Darius Garland is putting up 20.6 ppg, and Evan Mobley is averaging 18.8. A key to Cleveland's potent offense -- and a quality similar to that of the Golden State teams which Atkinson coached -- has been the Cavaliers' 3-point shooting. They hit 23 triples in Denver and head into Monday's contest making 16.3 attempts per game. "Don't leave me open. Don't leave nobody open on our team," Mobley told Cleveland.com . "(With) the depth of our team, everybody can shoot. Also, our shot quality is one of the tops so we're not just forcing 3s, we're taking the good ones night in and night out." That shot quality shows up in Cleveland averaging a league-leading 40.9 percent from beyond the arc. Golden State comes into Monday's contest not far behind Cleveland in 3-pointers made per game with 15, but the Warriors' percentage lingers around the middle of the NBA at 36.2. Two-time Most Valuable Player Steph Curry is shooting 40.6 percent from outside, but his 4.2 made per game are on pace to be his fewest in a full season since 2017-18. But with Curry averaging a team-leading 22.5 points per game, Golden State is seeking more scoring options to step up alongside him in the Warriors' push for the postseason. Following the Warriors' 109-105 win over Phoenix on Saturday that put them above .500 after a stretch losing six of seven, Draymond Green told reporters that Golden State is looking for more contributions from Buddy Hield in particular. "We need Buddy Hield to play great, we need Buddy Hield to make shots," Green said. "It's simple. We're 16-15. We don't love this. So do we just keep doing the same thing and sit back on our hands, 'Oh, it's going to change at some point.' Or do we make a change?" Hield went from Philadelphia to Golden State in an offseason trade and is scoring 12.9 points per game while shooting almost 40 percent from behind the arc. Jonathan Kuminga has provided offensive punch for Golden State in the last two outings, improving his season scoring average to 16.7 ppg with back-to-back 34-point efforts on Friday against the Clippers and in the win over Phoenix. "This is exactly what we're looking for, and it's fun to see him deliver," Kerr said of Kuminga. --Field Level Media
Darnold gives Vikings another gem with career-high 377 yards in 27-25 win over PackersFARGO — When Jimmy Carter emerged on the national stage during his 1976 presidential campaign, he captured the curiosity of many in North Dakota and Minnesota with his humble roots as a peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia. Carter, who passed away Sunday at 100, holds the distinction of living longer than any other president after leaving office — a remarkable 44 years. Renowned for extensive humanitarian efforts following his presidency, Carter was often regarded as a more impactful former president than commander-in-chief. Over the last 44 years, we've learned a lot about Carter as a politician, president and social reformer. However, in the late 1970s, people here knew little about him. Still, when reporters asked for their thoughts, they had plenty to say. WDAY-TV News often conducted what reporters called "Man on the Street" interviews. Longtime WDAY-TV anchorman Marv Bossart did a series of interviews in 1976 and 1977 as Jimmy Carter ran for and eventually won the White House. Bossart chatted with regular people about various issues, asking questions such as "What would you ask the new president?" and "What do you think of the president's controversial brother, Billy Carter?" Fortunately, all those years ago, WDAY shared these films with the State Historical Society of North Dakota. Thanks to the hard work of archivist Greta Beck, you can now see them in their entirety. The clips are fascinating for several reasons. First, it's interesting to note how civil the discourse was. The people who disagreed with Carter didn't seem angry or hostile when expressing their opinions. There appeared to be a level of respect and an "agree to disagree" mindset that we don't often see today. For those not interested in 1970s-era politics, it's also enlightening to see what everyone wore and what West Acres looked like back then. In the background, you can often see old restaurants and stores that no longer exist. Here are the clips in chronological order.
Dejan Kulusevski cannot wait to play Man City again after Tottenham run riotFootball legend Alex Scott bravely opens up about harrowing online threats, revealing how vile trolls have escalated their attacks on her following rumours related to her television career. The former Lioness and seasoned broadcast presenter, who has shone on-screen for BBC programmes like The One Show and served as a trusted football pundit, has faced a barrage of racist abuse and chilling threats, including horrifying claims they would harm her with acid. At 40, Scott is not only a familiar face in sports broadcasting but also known for her relationship with chart-topper Jess Glynne; the pair has reportedly been together since 2023. However, her ascent in television was marred by cruelty online, especially during speculation that she would succeed Sue Barker as the host of A Question Of Sport - claims which were doused as Paddy McGuinness eventually took the reigns. Speaking with The Times, Alex revealed the extent of the terror she felt, confessing: "I was scared to go out of the house because these trolls were saying they were going to throw acid in my face." She further commented on the downside of public life, sharing: "There are negatives to fame. I've had plenty of racism, abuse and even death threats." Read more TOWIE's Georgia Kousoulou gives birth and shares unusual name of baby girl Alex opened up about the negative attention she's faced since hanging up her boots in 2017, revealing: "People were saying, 'She's only on TV because she's black, female and younger. She's just ticking boxes'... Luckily there are other people who keep me smiling. They'll come up to me in my local shop and say, 'Keep going,' and that's what I do." When Paddy McGuinness took the helm of A Question of Sport, he was met with a wave of criticism from viewers questioning his lack of sporting background. This controversy seemed to take its toll on the programme's viewership, leading to a significant drop in ratings. Ultimately, the BBC decided to cancel the iconic quiz show in 2023, ending its impressive 55-year run. The decision to end A Question of Sport came just two years after Paddy assumed hosting duties. In a landmark move for Football Focus, Alex was announced as the new host in May 2021, becoming the first woman to permanently present the show in its 46-year history. Upon her appointment to Football Focus, an ecstatic Alex shared: "When I was a kid, I would never have watched television and thought someone like me could be presenting a programme like Football Focus. For the BBC to trust me with this role and allow me to be my true, authentic self means a lot. To say I'm the Football Focus presenter feels surreal. I've had some amazing messages and an incredible reaction on social media - I want to thank everyone for their support."
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — A large number of mysterious drones have been reported flying over New Jersey and across the eastern U.S., sparking speculation and concern over where they came from and why. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and U.S. Sen. Andy Kim have both gone out on drone hunts, hoping for answers. The FBI, Homeland Security, state police and other agencies are investigating. Murphy and law enforcement officials have stressed that the drones don’t appear to be a threat to public safety , but many state and municipal lawmakers have nonetheless called for stricter rules about who can fly the unmanned aircraft — and to be allowed to shoot them out of the sky. What's the deal with the drones in New Jersey? Dozens of witnesses have reported seeing drones statewide since mid-November, including near the Picatinny Arsenal, a military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. Murphy, a Democrat, said Monday that equipment supplied by the federal government has yielded little new information. He declined to describe the equipment except to say it was powerful and could even “mitigate” the drones, though he added that’s not currently legal on U.S. soil. The state tallied 12 sightings Saturday and just one on Sunday. Murphy urged Congress to give states more authority to deal with the drones. Do the drones pose a threat? The growing anxiety among some residents is not lost on the Biden administration, which has faced criticism from Trump for not dealing with the matter more aggressively. White House national security spokesman John Kirby on Monday said the federal government has yet to identify any public safety or national security risks from reported drone sightings in the northeast, saying officials believe they were lawfully flown drones, planes or even stars. “There are more than 1 million drones that are lawfully registered with the Federal Aviation Administration here in the United States,” Kirby said. “And there are thousands of commercial, hobbyist and law enforcement drones that are lawfully in the sky on any given day. That is the ecosystem that we are dealing with.” The federal government has deployed personnel and advanced technology to investigate the reports in New Jersey and other states, and is evaluating each tip reported by citizens, he said. The FBI received more than 5000 tips in recent weeks, he added, with only “about 100” deemed credible enough to require additional investigation. Who is operating the drones? Authorities say they do not know. The Department of Homeland Security and FBI said they have no evidence that the aircraft pose “a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.” Speculation has nevertheless raged online, with some expressing concerns that the drones could be part of a nefarious plot by foreign agents. Officials stress that ongoing investigations have found no evidence to support such concerns, but U.S. Rep Chris Smith, a Republican, on Saturday echoed such speculation. “The elusive maneuvering of these drones suggests a major military power sophistication that begs the question whether they have been deployed to test our defense capabilities — or worse — by violent dictatorships, perhaps maybe Russia, or China, or Iran, or North Korea,” he said. On Monday, Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder cast doubt on the idea that the drones are engaged in intelligence gathering, given how loud and bright they are. He said about 1 million drones are registered drones in the U.S. and about 8,000 flying on any given day. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh has said the aircraft are not U.S. military drones. Drone operators arrested In Boston, city police arrested two men accused of operating a drone “dangerously close” to Logan Airport on Saturday night. Authorities said an officer using drone monitoring technology detected the aircraft and the location of the operators. A third man fled police and remains at large. Authorities said the two men face trespassing charges and could face more charges and fines. Ohio Air Force base closes airspace Drones flying around Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, forced base officials to close its airspace for about four hours late Friday into early Saturday, said Robert Purtiman, a base spokesperson. It was the first time drones had been spotted at the base, one of the largest in the world, and no sightings have been reported since, Purtiman said Monday. He said the drones had no impact on any facilities on the base. Officials urge action against the drones Trump has said he believes the government knows more than it’s saying. “Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!” he posted on Truth Social. Kim said he’s heard no support for the notion the government is hiding anything. He said a lack of faith in institutions is playing a key part in the saga. “Nothing that I’m seeing, nothing that I’ve engaged in gives me any impression of that nature. But like, I get it, some people won’t believe me, right? Because that’s the level of distrust that we face," Kim said Monday. Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut last week called for the drones to be “shot down." Rep. Smith urged the Pentagon to authorize the use of force to bring down one or more drones to try to figure out who deployed them. The objects could be downed over the ocean or in an unpopulated area on land, Smith said Saturday. “Why can't we bag at least one of these drones and get to the bottom of it?” Smith said. Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden said members of the public must not try to shoot down drones, as that would violate state and federal laws. Drones spotted over New York City Drone sightings were also reported in New York, where a permit is required. Mayor Eric Adams said the city was investigating and collaborating with New Jersey and federal officials. The runways at Stewart International Airport — about 60 miles (100 kilometers) north of the city — were shut down for about an hour Friday night because of drone activity, Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “This has gone too far,” she said in a statement. The governor called on Congress to strengthen the FAA’s oversight of drones and give more investigative authority to state and local law enforcement. Associated Press writers John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; Bruce Schreiner in Shelbyville, Kentucky; and Aamer Madhani in West Palm Beach, Florida, contributed.Save 55% on this rich-mom-style sweatshirt that 'rivals Lululemon,' down to $24 for Black Friday
Mystery drone sightings continue in New Jersey and across the US. Here's what we knowA wild first season of the expanded Big 12 is down to what should be a chaotic final weekend. Through all the upsets, unexpected rises and falls, there are nine teams still in the mix to play in the conference championship game. No. 14 Arizona State and No. 17 Iowa State have the best odds, yet a multitude of scenarios could play out — 256 to be exact. There's even the possibility of an eight-team tie. It may take a mathematician to figure out which teams are in the Dec. 7 game in Arlington, Texas — even for the ones who win. Travis Hunter, Colorado. The Buffaloes' two-way star has excelled on both sides of the field, making him one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. Cam Skattebo, Arizona State. The senior running back can do a little of everything, but excels at punishing would-be tacklers. He's one of the nation's leaders in yards after contact and the focal point of the Sun Devils' offense. Shadeur Sanders, Colorado. If it weren't for Hunter, Sanders might be the Heisman favorite. The son of coach Deion Sanders, Shedeur is fifth nationally with 3,488 yards passing and has been a big part of the Buffaloes' turnaround. DJ Giddens, Kansas State. The Wildcats' running back is one of the nation's most versatile players. He is ninth nationally with 1,271 rushing yards and has added 21 receptions for 258 yards. Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona. The Wildcats have struggled this season, but McMillan has not. He is third nationally with 1,251 receiving yards with seven touchdowns on 78 catches. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech. The Red Raiders' junior linebacker leads the Big 12 with 68 tackles, averaging 10.2 per game. He also has four sacks. Brendan Mott, Kansas State. He's a menace to opposing quarterbacks, leading the Big 12 with 8 1/2 sacks. The Big 12 has nine teams already bowl eligible and two more a win away. The winner of the Big 12 championship game will be in the mix for a College Football Playoff spot. Arizona State, Iowa State, No. 19 BYU, Colorado, Kansas State, Baylor, TCU, Texas Tech and West Virginia have already clinched bowl berths. Kansas and Cincinnati can get into the postseason with wins this weekend. Gus Malzahn, UCF. Despite successes in recruiting, the Knights are 10-14 in two seasons since moving to the Big 12. Maybe not enough to get shown the door this year, but another mediocre season could lead UCF to make a change. Kyle Whittingham, Utah. Whittingham was one of the Pac-12's best coaches, leading the Utes to consecutive conference titles. Utah was expected to contend for the Big 12 title its first year in the league, but enters the final weekend 1-7 in conference play, which could push Whittingham toward retirement since it's doubtful he'd be fired. Neal Brown, West Virginia. The Mountaineers' coach was in a precarious spot at the end of last season and West Virginia hasn't lived up to expectations this season. The Mountaineers are eligible to go to a bowl game for the second straight season, but Brown could be on the hot seat even after signing a contract extension before the season. Josiah Trotter, West Virginia. The redshirt freshman is the latest Trotter to have success at the linebacker position, following the footsteps of his father, former Philadelphia Eagles player Jeremiah Trotter, and brother Jeremiah Trotter Jr., a current Eagles linebacker. Sam Leavitt, Arizona State. The Michigan State transfer has been just what the Sun Devils' needed: an agile quarterback who extends plays with his legs and rarely makes bad decisions. Bryson Washington, Baylor. The Bears' running back has rushed for 812 yards — 196 against TCU — and 10 TDs. TCU has the Big 12's highest rated 2025 recruiting class with six four-star players among 26 commitments, according to the 247 Sports composite. Receiver Terry Shelton of Carrollton, Texas, is the highest-rated recruit at 71st nationally. Baylor is next with five five-star players among its 20 commitments, including running back Michael Turner, rated 13th at his position out of North Richland Hills, Texas. Texas Tech is ranked seventh in the Big 12, but has four four-star recruits. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Acting President and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok speaks during a National Security Council meeting at Government Complex in Seoul, Friday, following the National Assembly's impeachment of former acting President Han Duck-soo. Yonhap By Lee Yeon-woo Korea's bond market has remained stable, even in the aftermath of a brief imposition of martial law that rattled other exchanges, leading to a sharp weakening of the won against the U.S. dollar and increased volatility in the domestic stock market . However, with projections indicating an inevitable supplementary budget next year, concerns are growing over the potential spillover of economic uncertainties into the bond market. "Currently, the bond market's focus is on the supplementary budget," Eugene Securities analyst Kim Ji-na said. "Next year's supplementary budget is expected to further strain the supply of long-term bonds." The amount of government bond issuance anticipated next year already reached a record-high of 197.6 trillion won. In addition, the government plans to issue up to 20 trillion won in won-denominated foreign exchange stabilization bonds to bolster external credibility and stabilize the currency market. As a significant portion of the supplementary budget will be financed through government bond issuance, this additional supply is expected to place further pressure on the bond market. The increase in government bond issuance could drive up bond yields, raising borrowing costs for businesses and households in need of essential funds. Kim noted that while a supplementary budget itself is not unprecedented and would not surprise the market, the key issues are the amount and the timing of its implementation. "The upcoming supplementary budget could exceed 10 trillion won, driven by the political imperative of stabilizing livelihoods and the need to defend against economic growth falling below 1 percent. Depending on the next ruling party, it may not be limited to a single round," Kim said. Calls for a supplementary budget in 2025 gained momentum as the country's economy continues to struggle. Some indicators, including the won weakening to the 1,480 level against the dollar, are reminiscent of the global financial crisis of 2008. The finance ministry is projecting just 1 percent economic growth next year. The finance ministry has officially opposed a supplementary budget, citing concerns over fiscal sustainability. Instead, it plans to front-load 75 percent of the total budget , or 431 trillion won, in the first half of next year. "I agree with the perception that the government needs to take an active role given the struggles of the public and uncertainties both at home and abroad," acting President and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok said at a press meeting, Dec. 23. "However, the current budget must be executed first, so I will prioritize its execution ." Many experts believe a super supplementary budget worth tens of trillions of won will ultimately be implemented to support the sluggish economy. "Given the domestic economic uncertainties and external tariff risks, a supplementary budget amounting to 1.1 percent of gross domestic product will be necessary to ease fiscal shortages in 2025," Citi Korea Chief Economist Kim Jin-wook said. "We expect 10 to 15 trillion won to be allocated in the first quarter of next year, with an additional 15 to 20 trillion won following a presidential election in the second half of next year."
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Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who won the US presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, has died. He was 100 years old. The longest-lived American president died on Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023, spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said. “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” the center said in posting about his death on the social media platform X. It added in a statement that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. Businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, woodworker, citizen of the world — Carter forged a path that still challenges political assumptions and stands out among the 45 men who reached the nation’s highest office. The 39th president leveraged his ambition with a keen intellect, deep religious faith and prodigious work ethic, conducting diplomatic missions into his 80s and building houses for the poor well into his 90s. “My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference,” Carter once said. A president from Plains A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. His no-frills campaign depended on public financing, and his promise not to deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter repeated before narrowly beating Republican incumbent Gerald Ford, who had lost popularity pardoning Nixon. Carter governed amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over racism, women’s rights and America’s global role. His most acclaimed achievement in office was a Mideast peace deal that he brokered by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at the bargaining table for 13 days in 1978. That Camp David experience inspired the post-presidential center where Carter would establish so much of his legacy. Yet Carter’s electoral coalition splintered under double-digit inflation, gasoline lines and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His bleakest hour came when eight Americans died in a failed hostage rescue in April 1980, helping to ensure his landslide defeat to Republican Ronald Reagan. Carter acknowledged in his 2020 “White House Diary” that he could be “micromanaging” and “excessively autocratic,” complicating dealings with Congress and the federal bureaucracy. He also turned a cold shoulder to Washington’s news media and lobbyists, not fully appreciating their influence on his political fortunes. “It didn’t take us long to realize that the underestimation existed, but by that time we were not able to repair the mistake,” Carter told historians in 1982, suggesting that he had “an inherent incompatibility” with Washington insiders. Carter insisted his overall approach was sound and that he achieved his primary objectives — to “protect our nation’s security and interests peacefully” and “enhance human rights here and abroad” — even if he fell spectacularly short of a second term. Ignominious defeat, though, allowed for renewal. The Carters founded The Carter Center in 1982 as a first-of-its-kind base of operations, asserting themselves as international peacemakers and champions of democracy, public health and human rights. “I was not interested in just building a museum or storing my White House records and memorabilia,” Carter wrote in a memoir published after his 90th birthday. “I wanted a place where we could work.” That work included easing nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, helping to avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiating cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, The Carter Center had declared at least 113 elections in Latin America, Asia and Africa to be free or fraudulent. Recently, the center began monitoring U.S. elections as well. Carter’s stubborn self-assuredness and even self-righteousness proved effective once he was unencumbered by the Washington order, sometimes to the point of frustrating his successors. He went “where others are not treading,” he said, to places like Ethiopia, Liberia and North Korea, where he secured the release of an American who had wandered across the border in 2010. “I can say what I like. I can meet whom I want. I can take on projects that please me and reject the ones that don’t,” Carter said. He announced an arms-reduction-for-aid deal with North Korea without clearing the details with Bill Clinton’s White House. He openly criticized President George W. Bush for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He also criticized America’s approach to Israel with his 2006 book “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.” And he repeatedly countered U.S. administrations by insisting North Korea should be included in international affairs, a position that most aligned Carter with Republican President Donald Trump. Among the center’s many public health initiatives, Carter vowed to eradicate the guinea worm parasite during his lifetime, and nearly achieved it: Cases dropped from millions in the 1980s to nearly a handful. With hardhats and hammers, the Carters also built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The Nobel committee’s 2002 Peace Prize cites his “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” Carter should have won it alongside Sadat and Begin in 1978, the chairman added. Carter accepted the recognition saying there was more work to be done. “The world is now, in many ways, a more dangerous place,” he said. “The greater ease of travel and communication has not been matched by equal understanding and mutual respect.” Carter’s globetrotting took him to remote villages where he met little “Jimmy Carters,” so named by admiring parents. But he spent most of his days in the same one-story Plains house — expanded and guarded by Secret Service agents — where they lived before he became governor. He regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined and the coronavirus pandemic raged. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world to the small sanctuary where Carter will receive his final send-off after a state funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral. The common assessment that he was a better ex-president than president rankled Carter and his allies. His prolific post-presidency gave him a brand above politics, particularly for Americans too young to witness him in office. But Carter also lived long enough to see biographers and historians reassess his White House years more generously. His record includes the deregulation of key industries, reduction of U.S. dependence on foreign oil, cautious management of the national debt and notable legislation on the environment, education and mental health. He focused on human rights in foreign policy, pressuring dictators to release thousands of political prisoners. He acknowledged America’s historical imperialism, pardoned Vietnam War draft evaders and relinquished control of the Panama Canal. He normalized relations with China. “I am not nominating Jimmy Carter for a place on Mount Rushmore,” Stuart Eizenstat, Carter’s domestic policy director, wrote in a 2018 book. “He was not a great president” but also not the “hapless and weak” caricature voters rejected in 1980, Eizenstat said. Rather, Carter was “good and productive” and “delivered results, many of which were realized only after he left office.” Madeleine Albright, a national security staffer for Carter and Clinton’s secretary of state, wrote in Eizenstat’s forward that Carter was “consequential and successful” and expressed hope that “perceptions will continue to evolve” about his presidency. “Our country was lucky to have him as our leader,” said Albright, who died in 2022. Jonathan Alter, who penned a comprehensive Carter biography published in 2020, said in an interview that Carter should be remembered for “an epic American life” spanning from a humble start in a home with no electricity or indoor plumbing through decades on the world stage across two centuries. “He will likely go down as one of the most misunderstood and underestimated figures in American history,” Alter told The Associated Press. James Earl Carter Jr. was born Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains and spent his early years in nearby Archery. His family was a minority in the mostly Black community, decades before the civil rights movement played out at the dawn of Carter’s political career. Carter, who campaigned as a moderate on race relations but governed more progressively, talked often of the influence of his Black caregivers and playmates but also noted his advantages: His land-owning father sat atop Archery’s tenant-farming system and owned a main street grocery. His mother, Lillian, would become a staple of his political campaigns. Seeking to broaden his world beyond Plains and its population of fewer than 1,000 — then and now — Carter won an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1946. That same year he married Rosalynn Smith, another Plains native, a decision he considered more important than any he made as head of state. She shared his desire to see the world, sacrificing college to support his Navy career. Carter climbed in rank to lieutenant, but then his father was diagnosed with cancer, so the submarine officer set aside his ambitions of admiralty and moved the family back to Plains. His decision angered Rosalynn, even as she dived into the peanut business alongside her husband. Carter again failed to talk with his wife before his first run for office — he later called it “inconceivable” not to have consulted her on such major life decisions — but this time, she was on board. “My wife is much more political,” Carter told the AP in 2021. He won a state Senate seat in 1962 but wasn’t long for the General Assembly and its back-slapping, deal-cutting ways. He ran for governor in 1966 — losing to arch-segregationist Lester Maddox — and then immediately focused on the next campaign. Carter had spoken out against church segregation as a Baptist deacon and opposed racist “Dixiecrats” as a state senator. Yet as a local school board leader in the 1950s he had not pushed to end school segregation even after the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision, despite his private support for integration. And in 1970, Carter ran for governor again as the more conservative Democrat against Carl Sanders, a wealthy businessman Carter mocked as “Cufflinks Carl.” Sanders never forgave him for anonymous, race-baiting flyers, which Carter disavowed. Ultimately, Carter won his races by attracting both Black voters and culturally conservative whites. Once in office, he was more direct. “I say to you quite frankly that the time for racial discrimination is over,” he declared in his 1971 inaugural address, setting a new standard for Southern governors that landed him on the cover of Time magazine. His statehouse initiatives included environmental protection, boosting rural education and overhauling antiquated executive branch structures. He proclaimed Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the slain civil rights leader’s home state. And he decided, as he received presidential candidates in 1972, that they were no more talented than he was. In 1974, he ran Democrats’ national campaign arm. Then he declared his own candidacy for 1976. An Atlanta newspaper responded with the headline: “Jimmy Who?” The Carters and a “Peanut Brigade” of family members and Georgia supporters camped out in Iowa and New Hampshire, establishing both states as presidential proving grounds. His first Senate endorsement: a young first-termer from Delaware named Joe Biden. Yet it was Carter’s ability to navigate America’s complex racial and rural politics that cemented the nomination. He swept the Deep South that November, the last Democrat to do so, as many white Southerners shifted to Republicans in response to civil rights initiatives. A self-declared “born-again Christian,” Carter drew snickers by referring to Scripture in a Playboy magazine interview, saying he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times.” The remarks gave Ford a new foothold and television comedians pounced — including NBC’s new “Saturday Night Live” show. But voters weary of cynicism in politics found it endearing. Carter chose Minnesota Sen. Walter “Fritz” Mondale as his running mate on a “Grits and Fritz” ticket. In office, he elevated the vice presidency and the first lady’s office. Mondale’s governing partnership was a model for influential successors Al Gore, Dick Cheney and Biden. Rosalynn Carter was one of the most involved presidential spouses in history, welcomed into Cabinet meetings and huddles with lawmakers and top aides. The Carters presided with uncommon informality: He used his nickname “Jimmy” even when taking the oath of office, carried his own luggage and tried to silence the Marine Band’s “Hail to the Chief.” They bought their clothes off the rack. Carter wore a cardigan for a White House address, urging Americans to conserve energy by turning down their thermostats. Amy, the youngest of four children, attended District of Columbia public school. Washington’s social and media elite scorned their style. But the larger concern was that “he hated politics,” according to Eizenstat, leaving him nowhere to turn politically once economic turmoil and foreign policy challenges took their toll. Carter partially deregulated the airline, railroad and trucking industries and established the departments of Education and Energy, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He designated millions of acres of Alaska as national parks or wildlife refuges. He appointed a then-record number of women and nonwhite people to federal posts. He never had a Supreme Court nomination, but he elevated civil rights attorney Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the nation’s second highest court, positioning her for a promotion in 1993. He appointed Paul Volker, the Federal Reserve chairman whose policies would help the economy boom in the 1980s — after Carter left office. He built on Nixon’s opening with China, and though he tolerated autocrats in Asia, pushed Latin America from dictatorships to democracy. But he couldn’t immediately tame inflation or the related energy crisis. And then came Iran. After he admitted the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979 by followers of the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Negotiations to free the hostages broke down repeatedly ahead of the failed rescue attempt. The same year, Carter signed SALT II, the new strategic arms treaty with Leonid Brezhnev of the Soviet Union, only to pull it back, impose trade sanctions and order a U.S. boycott of the Moscow Olympics after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. Hoping to instill optimism, he delivered what the media dubbed his “malaise” speech, although he didn’t use that word. He declared the nation was suffering “a crisis of confidence.” By then, many Americans had lost confidence in the president, not themselves. Carter campaigned sparingly for reelection because of the hostage crisis, instead sending Rosalynn as Sen. Edward M. Kennedy challenged him for the Democratic nomination. Carter famously said he’d “kick his ass,” but was hobbled by Kennedy as Reagan rallied a broad coalition with “make America great again” appeals and asking voters whether they were “better off than you were four years ago.” Reagan further capitalized on Carter’s lecturing tone, eviscerating him in their lone fall debate with the quip: “There you go again.” Carter lost all but six states and Republicans rolled to a new Senate majority. Carter successfully negotiated the hostages’ freedom after the election, but in one final, bitter turn of events, Tehran waited until hours after Carter left office to let them walk free. At 56, Carter returned to Georgia with “no idea what I would do with the rest of my life.” Four decades after launching The Carter Center, he still talked of unfinished business. “I thought when we got into politics we would have resolved everything,” Carter told the AP in 2021. “But it’s turned out to be much more long-lasting and insidious than I had thought it was. I think in general, the world itself is much more divided than in previous years.” Still, he affirmed what he said when he underwent treatment for a cancer diagnosis in his 10th decade of life. “I’m perfectly at ease with whatever comes,” he said in 2015. “I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.” AP
WhatsApp is one of the most popular texting apps in the world. Until recently, it was very difficult to use it on a computer. That has now changed. In this guide, we will cover how to install and use WhatsApp on your Windows device using built-in Windows apps and browser tools. While WhatsApp app bundles are available on several third-party websites, for security purposes, you should always download it from the following Microsoft sources. This leads to two separate installation methods. The easiest way to install WhatsApp on your Windows PC is to download and install it from the Microsoft Store . It won’t take long, and you can launch the app on your Windows device at any time. Once the installation is complete, click Open to launch it. Next, you’ll find a familiar WhatsApp launch screen and even your customized notification sounds , just like they’re commonly seen on Android or iPhones. The Phone Link app on your Windows PC offers another reliable way to access WhatsApp on your Android device. It should come preconfigured on Windows 11/10, but if it is not, you can download it here . Currently, iPhones do not support WhatsApp, but you can still download the app for using SMS. Once the main app is installed, the next task is to link it to your original WhatsApp account. Consequently, you can connect Windows WhatsApp with your WhatsApp on your smartphone device using either of these methods. The first method with the Microsoft Store works with both iPhone and Android. The second method with the Phone Link app currently supports WhatsApp on a limited number of Android devices only, but you can still use the Phone Link app for SMS, photos, and other activities. Launch WhatsApp on Windows. Tap on Get Started to proceed. You will come across a setup screen where you can do the linking in two ways. Click Link with phone number , which means correctly entering your country code and phone number. Despite its simplicity, I usually don’t choose above method as my phone number and device change frequently. As a matter of fact, the below QR code trick is easier to use. Launch WhatsApp on your phone. On Android, tap Menu followed by the three-dot icon. On iPhone, click Settings directly. Subsequently, on both phones, click Linked devices followed by Link a device . Scan the QR code on the Windows PC. For this, WhatsApp needs to already have access to your phone camera, which you would have granted when you installed the app on your smartphone. Scan the QR code to log into your WhatsApp account. The WhatsApp on your phone will display a Syncing. Keep app open status. The devices will now link together. You can link up to four devices to a WhatsApp account using this method. After this, you can start using WhatsApp on the connected Windows PC. In fact, you can even turn off the Internet on your phone and still be able to send and receive messages on your Windows device, as well as make phone calls. Did you know? You can message yourself on WhatsApp as shown in the screen above. Once you install Phone Link, it will further allow you to install WhatsApp on your Windows devices. For this, select your Android device to begin the linking process. Microsoft might ask you to enter your Windows PC sign-in credentials. In the next step, it’s necessary to link your mobile device to your Microsoft account using a QR code. Alternatively, you can link directly on a phone browser by visiting the address: “aka.ms/linkpc.” Make sure to scan the code within 10 minutes to begin account syncing In the next step, the QR code will generate a URL which will further require you to install the Link with Windows app on Google Play or App Store . Once it installs properly, click Continue to proceed. On the next screen, you will need to enter a six-letter code, which will be visible on the Phone Link app on your Windows screen. You must enter this within three minutes, after which you have to sign in to your Microsoft account. Enter the email and password associated with your Windows device. After that, grant all the required permissions. You should see a Device linking complete status on your phone once the syncing is finished. On the PC, you’re ready to use your phone and just need to click Continue to access phone features. You should now be able to view the Phone Link app and all its messages history on your Windows PC device. Click Get started to begin. For using WhatsApp with Phone Link on a Windows PC, you need to have a compatible Android device model listed on this guide . Currently, iPhones are not supported. Click Use a mobile app on my PC to begin. Go to Apps -> All Apps and select “WhatsApp” from the list of apps in Phone Link. You have to provide notifications access to “Link to Windows” app on your smartphone. The WhatsApp app on your phone should be clearly visible on your Windows computer. You can use it as you normally would on your phone. However, unlike the WhatsApp available from the Microsoft Store, you cannot send WhatsApp messages through the Phone Link app when the internet is switched off on the paired phone. Also read : schedule your WhatsApp messages using one of these methods. You don’t always have to install WhatsApp on Windows. If your Windows device is not compatible with WhatsApp, you can still access it on the web . For sign-in, you’ll use a unique QR code for your browser and device. This method is quick and accurate, displaying all your WhatsApp chats in a browser window, which you can easily sign out from. It’s very useful for temporary access on a new Windows, Linux or Mac device. WhatsApp is a very common and popular app worldwide. But if you’re not using it, don’t feel left out as you’re not alone . In fact, many people prefer WhatsApp alternatives as they’re better geared to protect your privacy. All images are by Sayak Boral. Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox Sayak Boral is a technology writer with over eleven years of experience working in different industries including semiconductors, IoT, enterprise IT, telecommunications OSS/BSS, and network security. He has been writing for MakeTechEasier on a wide range of technical topics including Windows, Android, Internet, Hardware Guides, Browsers, Software Tools, and Product Reviews.Stock indexes drifted to a mixed finish on Wall Street Thursday, as some heavyweight technology and communications sector stocks offset gains elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 fell less than 0.1% after spending the day wavering between small gains and losses. The tiny loss ended the benchmark index’s three-day winning streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, slipped 0.2%. Meta Platforms fell 0.7%, and Amazon and Netflix each fell 0.9%. Tesla was among the biggest decliners in the S&P 500, finishing 1.8% lower. Some tech companies fared better. Chip company Broadcom rose 2.4%, Micron Technology added 0.6% and Adobe gained 0.5%. Health care stocks were a bright spot. CVS Health rose 1.5% and Walgreens Boots Alliance added 5.3% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. Several retailers also gained ground. Target rose 3%, Ross Stores added 2.3%, Best Buy rose 2.9% and Dollar Tree gained 3.8%. Traders are watching to see whether retailers have a strong holiday season. The day after Christmas traditionally ranks among the top 10 biggest shopping days of the year, as consumers go online or rush to stores to cash in gift cards and raid bargain bins. U.S.-listed shares in Honda and Nissan rose 4.1% and 16.4%, respectively. The Japanese automakers announced earlier this week that the two companies are in talks to combine. All told, the S&P 500 fell 2.45 points to 6,037.59. The Dow added 28.77 points to 43,325.80. The Nasdaq fell 10.77 points to close at 20,020.36. Wall Street got a labor market update. U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years, the Labor Department reported. Treasury yields mostly fell in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.58% from 4.59% late Tuesday. Major European markets were closed, as well as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Trading was expected to be subdued this week with a thin slate of economic data on the calendar. Still, U.S. markets have historically gotten a boost at year’s end despite lower trading volumes. The last five trading days of each year, plus the first two in the new year, have brought an average gain of 1.3% since 1950. So far this month, the U.S. stock market has lost some of its gains since President-elect Donald Trump’s win on Election Day, which raised hopes for faster economic growth and more lax regulations that would boost corporate profits. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation, a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Even so, the U.S. market remains on pace to deliver strong returns for 2024. The benchmark S&P 500 is up 26.6% so far this year and remains near its most recent all-time high it set earlier this month - its latest of 57 record highs this year. Wall Street has several economic reports to look forward to next week, including updates on pending home sales and home prices, a report on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity. ___ AP Business Writers Elaine Kurtenbach and Matt Ott contributed. Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC.
(BPT) - Every year, roughly 20-30% of older Americans head to warmer climates for the colder winter months. Snowbirds are often retirees on fixed incomes, though flexible work environments now provide more opportunities for anyone to spend several months escaping the chill. Whether on a fixed income or an empty nester with disposable income, consumers are interested in saving money where they can. With this in mind, snowbirds can look to their AARP membership to take advantage of relevant discounts and offerings as they fluff their feathers and get ready for takeoff. From savory breakfast options while driving to your seasonal destination, to home and auto protection, and even resources to support mental and physical health, AARP member benefits offer deals and savings that will help snowbirds take flight this winter. "Spending winters in warmer places has so many benefits that come with being able to be outside more often. Warmth and sunlight not only increase serotonin levels , which can result in more positive moods and a calm, focused mental outlook, but they also stimulate vitamin D production and may even boost immunity ," said Elvira Christiansen, Director of Retail and Loyalty for AARP Services. "An AARP membership makes it even better by offering savings as you plan your trip, as well as at many dining, entertainment and retail locations you will come across in your winter getaway destination, helping you to enjoy it to the fullest." 1. Order Up Road trips are often the preferred way to travel to a winter home for the flexibility of having a car once there. Whether your drive will have you behind the wheel for hours or days, you'll want to make sure you have your meals planned out. Fill up with a tasty breakfast or lunch with a stop at Denny's, which is easy to spot from most major highways. AARP members can save when heading to Denny's . With over 1,500 locations nationwide, members save 15% on everything from diner classics to breakfast items every day; maximum discount not to exceed $10. Restrictions apply. 2. Primary Care from Almost Anywhere Feeling under the weather can put a damper on your winter travels, so it's a good idea to make sure you can access quality healthcare even when you're at your winter destination. If you are on Medicare, you can check whether there is an Oak Street Health primary care clinic near you. Oak Street Health , the only primary care provider to carry the AARP name, provides primary care for adults on Medicare and focuses on prevention with personalized care to help keep you healthy — physically, mentally and socially. Benefits include same-day/next-day appointments where available, convenient locations, a dedicated care team and a 24/7 patient support line. AARP membership is not required to visit an Oak Street Health clinic. 3. Wellness Checklist Once you check off primary care needs for your winter destination, don't overlook other priorities like maintaining your prescriptions and protecting your vision. Start by making sure your prescriptions are up to date before you head out of town. If you do need a refill while you're away, you have access to a free prescription discount card from AARP ® Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx ® that can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on FDA-approved medications. You do not need to be an AARP member to take advantage of these benefits, though AARP members receive additional perks, including deeper discounts on medications, home delivery, coverage for your dependents and more. If you're having trouble with your vision, want to update your sunglass prescription, or simply want to maintain your annual visits to an optometrist or ophthalmologist while away, AARP members have access to information on vision insurance options that offer individual and family plans, featuring a large doctor network, savings on frames, lens enhancements, progressives and more. 4. Home (Safety) Away from Home One thing that should always be a priority is keeping your home safe while you're away for the winter. While Neighborhood Watch is always helpful, long periods away from a home require additional security systems. With an AARP membership, homeowners can secure their homes for less. Members save 5% on monthly home security monitoring with ADT Home Security , which covers smart home security systems including intrusion monitoring, connected smoke and CO detection, and smart automation for video doorbells, security cameras and smart locks. 5. Pack Auto Coverage in Your Luggage Driving south for the winter? Utilize AARP member benefits to save on auto care so you can road trip worry free. AARP members save up to 20% on annual membership fees for Allstate Roadside Assistance plans, which provides access to assistance for towing, jump-starts, tire changes, lockout assistance, fuel delivery and more. Allstate Roadside plan benefits can be used 24/7 in any car you drive, including rented and borrowed ones. And, if you want to bring any personal items with you but don't have room to squeeze them in your car, Budget Truck Rental has a variety of trucks for you to choose from. AARP members can save 20% on local or one-way truck rentals on Sunday through Thursday and 10% on Friday and Saturday, plus receive a $10-per-day Physical Damage Waiver. Regardless of how you're traveling or spending your winter months, AARP member benefits can help you maximize your budget while you prioritize the things that matter. To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members to help you prepare for your relaunch, please visit aarp.org/save . AARP member benefits are provided by third parties. AARP receives a royalty fee for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions.
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