Trump transition says Cabinet picks, appointees were targeted by bomb threats, swatting attacks

This week comes with the last payment of the month for all Americans who qualify for SSDI checks from the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, which will reach beneficiaries within hours. These disability benefits from Social Security offer insured people whose conditions meet a tight and limited definition of disability a monthly income. It’s crucial to understand that “insured” does not relate to your position as a Medicare, Medicaid, or other health coverage provider. It indicates that you have worked for a sufficient amount of time and lately enough to have contributed to Social Security. Payroll taxes are the source of funding for the SSDI program. Based on a report from The Kaiser Family Foundation, in 2021, over 8.3 million adults, or 4.1% of the US population aged 18 to 64, received SSDI checks. SSDI checks will reach millions of disabled people’s bank accounts within hours When discussing the development of SSDI checks, which was initially put into effect in July 1956, designers purposefully drew tight lines around what constitutes a “disability.” This is due to their desire to eliminate applicants who were able to work but were unemployed as a result of the Great Depression. According to the original planners, a qualifying disability was defined as a physical or mental handicap that consistently prevents the disabled person from engaging in any significant, profitable work, which is likely to persist throughout the individual’s lifetime. Even though that definition has changed a bit over the past fifty years, its essence remains the same. You have to be living with a total impairment to qualify for impairment insurance or SSDI checks today. In other words, this means that beneficiaries health conditions should: To put it simply, a qualifying impairment is one that considerably impairs your capacity to perform fundamental work-related tasks like lifting, standing, walking, sitting, or remembering for a minimum of 12 months. Although the Social Security Administration keeps a list of qualifying requirements , it’s crucial to remember that every situation is unique. You will be assisted in determining your eligibility by a representative from your state’s Social Security office. Additionally, surviving spouses, divorced spouses, children of deceased SSDI beneficiaries, and those who are blind or have impaired eyesight are subject to specific regulations. How does the Social Security Administration schedule SSDI checks nowadays? Each month, the SSA schedules four rounds of SSDI checks for eligible recipients who meet all disability requirements. To start, and according to the Social Security payment schedule , disabled people will get their SSDI checks on the following dates: Can beneficiaries receive any more benefits besides SSDI checks? Most people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are eligible for Medicare insurance coverage 24 months later. Additionally, you might qualify for other important financial assistance programs, like SNAP benefits, which can assist with paying for household utilities, prescription drugs, food, and other expenses.

Knight stops 20 shots, Florida rolls past Carolina 6-0 for 2nd win over 'Canes in as many days

By ERIC TUCKER WASHINGTON (AP) — A ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans, a top White House official said Friday. Biden administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies , as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But Anne Neuberger, the deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technologies, told reporters Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks. The update from Neuberger is the latest development in a massive hacking operation that has alarmed national security officials, exposed cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the private sector and laid bare China’s hacking sophistication. The hackers compromised the networks of telecommunications companies to obtain customer call records and gain access to the private communications of “a limited number of individuals.” Though the FBI has not publicly identified any of the victims, officials believe senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures are among those whose whose communications were accessed. Related Articles National News | Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case National News | US homelessness up 18% as affordable housing remains out of reach for many people National News | Most Americans blame insurance profits and denials alongside the killer in UHC CEO death, poll finds National News | Another jackpot surpasses $1 billion. Is this the new normal? National News | Man indicted in burning death of woman inside a New York City subway train, prosecutors say Neuberger said officials did not yet have a precise sense how many Americans overall were affected by Salt Typhoon, in part because the Chinese were careful about their techniques, but a “large number” were in the Washington-Virginia area. Officials believe the goal of the hackers was to identify who owned the phones and, if they were “government targets of interest,” spy on their texts and phone calls, she said. The FBI said most of the people targeted by the hackers are “primarily involved in government or political activity.” Neuberger said the episode highlighted the need for required cybersecurity practices in the telecommunications industry, something the Federal Communications Commission is to take up at a meeting next month. “We know that voluntary cyber security practices are inadequate to protect against China, Russia and Iran hacking of our critical infrastructure,” she said. The Chinese government has denied responsibility for the hacking.Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune Members of the Madera Coyotes football team spray water into the air to celebrate last Friday’s come-from-behind 56-49 victory over the Kennedy Thunderbirds in the Div. III Central Section semifinals. The Coyotes earned a berth into the Div. III championship game, which they will host for the first time in Memorial Stadium. Editor’s note: Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, The Madera Tribune’s publishing schedule had to change. Thus, last Friday’s game will appear after the championship game is played. The Madera Tribune apologizes for any inconvenience it may have caused. • • • In a game that saw both teams combine for more than 1,300 yards of offense, more than 100 points, 52 first downs and 29 total possessions, it took a touchdown with 10.8 seconds left to send the Madera Coyotes football team to the Div. III Central Section Championship, which they will host for the first time in school history. “These guys just don’t have any quit in them,” head coach Kenny Paolinelli said. “It means everything. The community put a lot of money into this place. To be able to host a Valley title game, this was their vision. Hopefully, we can fill it up and get the community involved.” Madera quarterback Joel Arellano hit a wide-open Emanuel Soliz for a 65-yard touchdown with 10.8 seconds left in the game to cap a come-from-behind victory over the third-seeded Kennedy Thunderbirds, 56-49, last Friday in Memorial Stadium.No. 7 Tennessee 78, UT Martin 35

Samuelson’s Olympic marathon win was a game-changer for women’s sports

AP News Summary at 3:42 p.m. ESTBOWIE: Liberal Party of Nova Scotia the latest casualty of Justin Trudeau

NoneIf you’re new to snowboarding, you may not realize the importance of a solid pair of snowboard bindings. In reality, this piece of gear does more than just secure your boots to the snowboard. Bindings are responsible for transferring the power from your legs to the board, allowing improved control and comfort. A quality pair of bindings could last for years, so the decision to buy is a big one. For snowboard bindings that are durable, lightweight and comfortable, check out the BURTON Malavita Snowboard Bindings . Some snowboard bindings are better suited for certain riding styles. Consider how you plan to use your snowboard before settling on a specific pair of bindings. If you’re not sure, try renting some gear for a day and see how the bindings feel on the slopes. Many snowboard manufacturers include a 1 to 10 flexibility rating with their bindings. A high number indicates stiff bindings, while a low number is assigned to bindings that are particularly soft and flexible. Most snowboard bindings have straps that secure the ankle and toe sections of your boots to the board. The ankle straps keep you in a flexible yet fixed position when you lean forward onto your toes, while the toe straps keep your feet in place when you lean back. Padding is used on snowboard bindings to absorb some of the shock caused by bumpy runs. Think about your riding style when deciding how much padding you need. Mounts secure the bindings to the board. You can use mounting screws to attach the bindings and adjust the foot positioning to your preference. Just like a snowboard, snowboard bindings come in a wide variety of different colors and patterns. If you want a cohesive look, pick out bindings that match the rest of your gear. When shopping for snowboard gear online, try to purchase from well-known brands like Burton, Salomon or Rossignol. Cheap snowboard bindings from an obscure manufacturer might be tempting, but you could find yourself with an inferior product once you hit the slopes. The cost of snowboard bindings can vary depending on the brand name and the quality of the parts. Beginner and intermediate snowboarders can expect to pay around $100-$250 for a quality pair of bindings, while advanced snowboard bindings regularly exceed $300. A. Most snowboard bindings are sold in two to five size options. Look at the model’s sizing chart and compare it with your boot size to find bindings that fit you. A. Yes. Although there are women’s snowboard bindings that advertise particular design features, snowboard bindings are universal. This means you can choose any pair you want, as long as they’re the right size. BURTON Malavita Snowboard Bindings What you need to know: Despite being advertised as men’s snowboard bindings, these bindings use advanced technology to deliver quality support and performance for any rider. What you’ll love: Backed by Burton’s legendary reputation, these snowboard bindings offer an advanced level of performance, control and comfort in a stylish package. The padding has a gel to absorb extra shock, and the bindings come in five color options. What you should consider: These bindings might be too expensive for beginner and intermediate riders. Salomon Pact Snowboard Bindings What you need to know: These versatile bindings are durable and affordable enough for almost any rider. What you’ll love: A solid choice for beginners, these snowboard bindings have a rear-entry design with high-quality straps for fine adjustments. Many users note their durability and comfort during long days of riding. What you should consider: These bindings have a limited number of size options, and the mounting discs may not attach to every board type. BURTON Grom Snowboard Bindings What you need to know: Designed for kids and small snowboarders, these popular bindings have a solid construction and reasonable price tag. What you’ll love: Perfect for young riders hitting the slopes for the first time, these beginner bindings are compatible with most snowboard mounting systems and feature a single-component baseplate for consistent control and responsiveness. They’re also available in two sleek color options, black and white. What you should consider: Some users questioned the quality and longevity of the bindings’ highback. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

When Brighton produced a stirring comeback to here at the start of November and move into the top four, Fabian Hürzeler could have been forgiven for thinking that being a Premier League manager is a pretty straightforward business. But after another disappointing performance from his side that made it six matches without a victory and allowed Brentford to pick up only their second away point of the season, the 31-year-old may have a different opinion now. Despite creating a plethora of chances, Brighton could not find a way past Thomas Frank’s battling side, who lost their goalkeeper Mark Flekken to injury in the first half and handed a Premier League debut to Hakon Valdimarsson. In the absence of their top scorer, Danny Welbeck, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury, and for all their positivity and possession under Hürzeler, Brighton lack a cutting edge in attack that was exposed again by Brentford. They have not won at home since beating City and it was the travelling supporters who finally had something to celebrate at the final whistle. Brighton announced plans this week to move away supporters in an attempt to boost their fortunes here, with Russ Wood – the club’s head of commercial – admitting that their prominent position behind the goal is “not ideal”. But with that not due to take place until 2027 as part of a £40m development of their home, Hürzeler has acknowledged that performances need to improve quickly in the short term after their slide down the table. Ever the optimist, Frank said beforehand that this game offered another opportunity to end Brentford’s dismal run on the road. But while their owner, Matthew Benham, would have loved to get one over his Brighton counterpart, Tony Boom, given their feud that dates back more than 20 years to when they worked together, there seemed like only being one winner in the first half as the hosts tore out of the blocks. Defending the goal where Brentford’s fans sang tributes to Benham, Flekken was almost embarrassed when he passed straight to Carlos Baleba but Julio Enciso’s shot came off a post after he was expertly set up by João Pedro. But the Brentford goalkeeper came to his side’s rescue with saves from Baleba and then a point-blank header from Enciso after he was set up Kaoru Mitoma. The ball was in the net 30 seconds later when Yoane Wissa finished off a cross for Mads Roerslev in a rare foray forward for Brentford, only for VAR to rule it out for offside. Brighton’s onslaught continued as Brajan Gruda was next to test Flekken with a powerful free-kick before Matt O’Riley’s shot was tipped around a post by the Dutchman. He needed treatment on his groin after awkwardly clearing a cross from Mitoma and he was unable to continue. That meant a baptism of fire for his replacement, Valdimarsson, whose only previous appearances for Brentford have been in the Carabao Cup. But despite the relentless pressure, the Iceland goalkeeper and his defence somehow stood firm until the break as – much to Hürzeler’s frustration –too many of Brighton’s attacks broke down without any end product. Some nifty footwork from Valdimarsson even helped to create Brentford’s best chance of the half when he picked out Roerslev but Bryan Mbeumo was wasteful with the finish. Increasingly misty conditions in the second half made things tricky for both sides and Frank could not believe his luck when the referee, Andy Madley, got in the way of another promising Brentford attack. The visitors were much more of a match for Brighton after the break and it needed a block from Jan Paul van Hecke to deny Wissa inside the area. Brighton continued to press forward but João Pedro should have done much better with a shot that dribbled harmlessly into Valdimarsson’s arms. Yet the longer they waited for a breakthrough the more anxious the home crowd became and Brentford grew in confidence and an acrobatic volley from Christian Norgaard was deflected wide for a corner. Hürzeler threw on Simon Adingra, Yankuba Minteh and Yasin Ayari in an attempt to wrestle back the initiative but it was Brentford who almost found a way through after a mistake from Baleba allowed Mbeumo to set up Wissa on the break. João Pedro was fortunate to escape punishment after VAR looked at his attempted elbow on the Brentford substitute Yehor Yarmoliuk that didn’t make contact before Ayari blazed over from close range. There was a warm reception for Solly March as the forward made his first appearance since October 2023 after injury but his wayward effort in injury-time summed up Brighton’s fortunes in front of goal.WASHINGTON – For years, Pat Verhaeghe didn’t think highly of Donald Trump as a leader. Then Verhaeghe began seeing more of Trump’s campaign speeches online and his appearances at sporting events. Recommended Videos There was even the former president’s pairing with Bryson DeChambeau as part of the pro golfer’s YouTube channel series to shoot an under-50 round of golf while engaging in chitchat with his partner. “I regret saying this, but a while ago I thought he was an idiot and that he wouldn’t be a good president,” said the 18-year-old first-time voter. “I think he’s a great guy now.” Verhaeghe isn't alone among his friends in suburban Detroit or young men across America. Although much of the electorate shifted right to varying degrees in 2024, young men were one of the groups that swung sharply toward Trump. More than half of men under 30 supported Trump, according to AP VoteCast , a survey of more than 120,000 voters, while Democrat Joe Biden had won a similar share of this group four years earlier. White men under 30 were solidly in Trump’s camp this year — about 6 in 10 voted for Trump — while young Latino men were split between the two candidates. Most Black men under 30 supported Democrat Kamala Harris, but about one-third were behind Trump. Young Latino men’s views of the Democratic Party were much more negative than in 2020, while young Black men’s views of the party didn’t really move. About 6 in 10 Latino men under 30 had a somewhat or very favorable view of the Democrats in 2020, which fell to about 4 in 10 this year. On the other hand, about two-thirds of young Black men had a favorable view of the Democrats this year, which was almost identical to how they saw the party four years ago. “Young Hispanic men, and really young men in general, they want to feel valued," said Rafael Struve, deputy communications director for Bienvenido, a conservative group that focused on reaching young Hispanic voters for Republicans this year. “They're looking for someone who fights for them, who sees their potential and not just their struggles.” Struve cited the attempted assassination of Trump during a July rally in Pennsylvania as one of the catalyzing moments for Trump’s image among many young men. Trump, Struve said, was also able to reach young men more effectively by focusing on nontraditional platforms like podcasts and digital media outlets. “Getting to hear from Trump directly, I think, really made all the difference," Struve said of the former president's appearances on digital media platforms and media catering to Latino communities, like town halls and business roundtables Trump attended in Las Vegas and Miami. Not only did Trump spend three hours on Joe Rogan's chart-topping podcast, but he took up DeChambeau's “Break 50” challenge for the golfer's more than 1.6 million YouTube subscribers. Trump already had an edge among young white men four years ago, although he widened the gap this year. About half of white men under 30 supported Trump in 2020, and slightly less than half supported Biden. Trump's gains among young Latino and Black men were bigger. His support among both groups increased by about 20 percentage points, according to AP VoteCast — and their feelings toward Trump got warmer, too. It wasn’t just Trump. The share of young men who identified as Republicans in 2024 rose as well, mostly aligning with support for Trump across all three groups. “What is most alarming to me is that the election is clear that America has shifted right by a lot,” said William He, founder of Dream For America, a liberal group that works to turn out young voters and supported Harris’ presidential bid. With his bombastic demeanor and a policy agenda centered on a more macho understanding of culture , Trump framed much of his campaign as a pitch to men who felt scorned by the country’s economy, culture and political system. Young women also slightly swung toward the former president, though not to the degree of their male counterparts. It's unclear how many men simply did not vote this year. But there's no doubt the last four years brought changes in youth culture and how political campaigns set out to reach younger voters. Democrat Kamala Harris' campaign rolled out policy agendas tailored to Black and Latino men, and the campaign enlisted a range of leaders in Black and Hispanic communities to make the case for the vice president. Her campaign began with a flurry of enthusiasm from many young voters, epitomized in memes and the campaign's embrace of pop culture trends like the pop star Charli XCX's “brat” aesthetic . Democrats hoped to channel that energy into their youth voter mobilization efforts. “I think most young voters just didn’t hear the message,” said Santiago Mayer, executive director of Voters of Tomorrow, a liberal group that engages younger voters. Mayer said the Harris campaign’s pitch to the country was “largely convoluted” and centered on economic messaging that he said wasn’t easily conveyed to younger voters who were not already coming to political media. “And I think that the policies themselves were also very narrow and targeted when what we really needed was a simple, bold economic vision,” said Mayer. Trump also embraced pop culture by appearing at UFC fights, football games and appearing alongside comedians, music stars and social media influencers. His strategists believed that the former president’s ability to grab attention and make his remarks go viral did more for the campaign than paid advertisements or traditional media appearances. Trump's campaign also heavily cultivated networks of online conservative platforms and personalities supportive of him while also engaging a broader universe of podcasts, streaming sites, digital media channels and meme pages open to hearing him. “The right has been wildly successful in infiltrating youth political culture online and on campus in the last couple of years, thus radicalizing young people towards extremism,” said He, who cited conservative activist groups like Turning Point USA as having an outsize impact in online discourse. “And Democrats have been running campaigns in a very old fashioned way. The battleground these days is cultural and increasingly on the internet.” Republicans may lose their broad support if they don't deliver on improving Americans' lives, Struve cautioned. Young men, especially, may drift from the party in a post-Trump era if the party loses the president-elect's authenticity and bravado. Bienvenido, for one group, will double down in the coming years to solidify and accelerate the voting pattern shifts seen this year, Struve said. “We don’t want this to be a one and done thing,” he said. ___ Associated Press writer Joey Cappelletti in Lansing, Michigan, and AP polling editor Amelia Thomson-DeVeaux contributed to this report.

CBB Fans Shocked as No. 3 Gonzaga Upset by Unranked WVU in Battle 4 AtlantisIn joint reporting with the Investigative Journalism Foundation, CBC News dug into who's behind social media advertising targeting the carbon tax. Turns out, several former Saskatchewan Party staffers are involved.

Trump asks Supreme Court to delay TikTok ban so he can weigh in after he takes office

Lehigh Valley star quarterback Peyton Falzone decommits from Virginia Tech