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Today in History: November 14, journalist Nellie Bly begins trip around the world
Today is Thursday, Nov. 14, the 319th day of 2024. There are 47 days left in the year.
Today in history:On Nov. 14, 1889, journalist Nellie Bly began an attempt to travel around the world in 80 days; she would successfully complete the journey in a little more than 72 days.
Also on this date:In 1851, Herman Melville’s novel “Moby-Dick; Or, The Whale” was published in the United States, almost a month after being released in Britain.
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In 1940, during World War II, German bombing raids destroyed much of the English city of Coventry.
In 1960, 6-year-old Ruby Bridges became the first Black child to desegregate William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans.
In 1965, the U.S. Army’s first major military operation of the Vietnam War began with the start of the five-day Battle of Ia Drang.
In 1969, Apollo 12 blasted off for the moon, three months after Apollo 11 became the first manned mission to land on it.
In 1970, a chartered Southern Airways plane crashed while trying to land in West Virginia, killing all 75 people on board, including the Marshall University football team and its coaching staff.
In 1972, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above the 1,000 level for the first time, ending the day at 1,003.16.
In 1993, Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula became the NFL’s all-time winningest coach with a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
In 2020, supporters of President Donald Trump unwilling to accept Democrat Joe Biden’s election victory gathered in cities across the country including Washington, D.C., where thousands rallied.
Today’s Birthdays:- Britain’s King Charles III is 76.
- Filmmaker Zhang Yimou is 74.
- Musician Yanni is 70.
- Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is 70.
- Five-time Tour de France winner Bernard Hinault is 70.
- Basketball Hall of Famer Jack Sikma is 69.
- Former presidential adviser Valerie Jarrett is 68.
- Rapper Joseph Simmons (Reverend Run of Run-DMC) is 60.
- News anchor Bill Hemmer is 60.
- Actor Josh Duhamel is 52.
- Rock drummer Travis Barker is 49.
- Actor-comedian Vanessa Bayer is 43.
- Tennis player Sofia Kenin is 26.
Republicans win 218 US House seats, giving Donald Trump and the party control of government
By STEPHEN GROVES and LISA MASCARO
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans have won enough seats to control the U.S. House, completing the party’s sweep into power and securing their hold on U.S. government alongside President-elect Donald Trump.
A House Republican victory in Arizona, alongside a win in slow-counting California earlier Wednesday, gave the GOP the 218 House victories that make up the majority. Republicans earlier gained control of the Senate from Democrats.
With hard-fought yet thin majorities, Republican leaders are envisioning a mandate to upend the federal government and swiftly implement Trump’s vision for the country.
The incoming president has promised to carry out the country’s largest-ever deportation operation, extend tax breaks, punish his political enemies, seize control of the federal government’s most powerful tools and reshape the U.S. economy. The GOP election victories ensure that Congress will be onboard for that agenda, and Democrats will be almost powerless to check it.
When Trump was elected president in 2016, Republicans also swept Congress, but he still encountered Republican leaders resistant to his policy ideas, as well as a Supreme Court with a liberal majority. Not this time.
When he returns to the White House, Trump will be working with a Republican Party that has been completely transformed by his “Make America Great Again” movement and a Supreme Court dominated by conservative justices, including three that he appointed.
Trump rallied House Republicans at a Capitol Hill hotel Wednesday morning, marking his first return to Washington since the election.
“I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say, ‘He’s good, we got to figure something else,’” Trump said to the room full of lawmakers who laughed in response.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who with Trump’s endorsement won the Republican Conference’s nomination to stay on as speaker next year, has talked of taking a “blowtorch” to the federal government and its programs, eyeing ways to overhaul even popular programs championed by Democrats in recent years. The Louisiana Republican, an ardent conservative, has pulled the House Republican Conference closer to Trump during the campaign season as they prepare an “ambitious” 100-day agenda.
“Republicans in the House and Senate have a mandate,” Johnson said earlier this week. “The American people want us to implement and deliver that ‘America First’ agenda.”
Trump’s allies in the House are already signaling they will seek retribution for the legal troubles Trump faced while out of office. The incoming president on Wednesday said he would nominate Rep. Matt Gaetz, a fierce loyalist, for attorney general.
Meanwhile, Rep. Jim Jordan, the chair of the powerful House Judiciary Committee, has said GOP lawmakers are “not taking anything off the table” in their plans to investigate special counsel Jack Smith, even as Smith is winding down two federal investigations into Trump for plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate.
Still, with a few races still uncalled the Republicans may hold the majority by just a few seats as the new Congress begins. Trump’s decision to pull from the House for posts in his administration — Reps. Gaetz, Mike Waltz and Elise Stefanik so far — could complicate Johnson’s ability to maintain a majority in the early days of the new Congress.
Gaetz submitted his resignation Wednesday, effective immediately. Johnson said he hoped the seat could be filled by the time the new Congress convenes Jan. 3. Replacements for members of the House require special elections, and the congressional districts held by the three departing members have been held by Republicans for years.
With the thin majority, a highly functioning House is also far from guaranteed. The past two years of Republican House control were defined by infighting as hardline conservative factions sought to gain influence and power by openly defying their party leadership. While Johnson — at times with Trump’s help — largely tamed open rebellions against his leadership, the right wing of the party is ascendant and ambitious on the heels of Trump’s election victory.
The Republican majority also depends on a small group of lawmakers who won tough elections by running as moderates. It remains to be seen whether they will stay onboard for some of the most extreme proposals championed by Trump and his allies.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, meanwhile, is trying to keep Democrats relevant to any legislation that passes Congress, an effort that will depend on Democratic leaders unifying over 200 members, even as the party undergoes a postmortem of its election losses.
In the Senate, GOP leaders, fresh off winning a convincing majority, are already working with Trump to confirm his Cabinet picks. Sen. John Thune of South Dakota won an internal election Wednesday to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell, the longest serving party leader in Senate history.
Thune in the past has been critical of Trump, but praised the incoming president during his leadership election bid.
“This Republican team is united. We are on one team,” Thune said. “We are excited to reclaim the majority and to get to work with our colleagues in the House to enact President Trump’s agenda.”
The GOP’s Senate majority of 53 seats also ensures that Republicans will have breathing room when it comes to confirming Cabinet posts, or Supreme Court justices if there is a vacancy. Not all those confirmations are guaranteed. Republicans were incredulous Wednesday when the news hit Capitol Hill that Trump would nominate Gaetz as his attorney general. Even close Trump allies in the Senate distanced themselves from supporting Gaetz, who had been facing a House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use.
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Meanwhile, Trump’s social media supporters, including Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, clamored against picking a traditional Republican to lead the Senate chamber. Thune worked as a top lieutenant to McConnell, who once called the former president a “despicable human being” in his private notes.
However, McConnell made it clear that on Capitol Hill the days of Republican resistance to Trump are over.
Daily Horoscope for November 14, 2024
General Daily Insight for November 14, 2024
Our desire to present a polished image might conflict with our natural passionate expression at the moment. The primal Moon moves into earthy Taurus, grounding us in the physical realm. When uptight Venus recoils from animalistic Mars at 3:02 am EST, however, we’ll likely want some limits. Luna goes on to square Mars and trine Venus, trying to moderate between these competing longings. Whatever feels easy is what we should go for — we shouldn’t push ourselves to embody one extreme or the other.
AriesMarch 21 – April 19
A quirky hobby or interest of yours could presently command your attention. However, you may not want everyone to know that you’re into this because you think it would harm your reputation. As the careful Moon in your money zone clashes with bold Mars in your 5th House of Pleasure, you’d be wise to keep an eye out for any legitimate threats to your financial well-being. Otherwise, anything that makes you feel good about yourself without hurting others probably can’t be that bad!
TaurusApril 20 – May 20
Getting a lot done at home could appeal to you now. Still, as aspirational Venus in your 9th House of Adventure disagrees with energetic Mars in your domestic zone, you might believe that you’re supposed to be doing something more interesting with your time. Unmet expectations can block you from experiencing the pleasure readily available to you, so try to be conscious of the pressure you’re putting on yourself. Look at your expectations of yourself realistically — everyone needs to handle the boring stuff sometimes!
GeminiMay 21 – June 20
Throwing yourself into conversations with the people around you could be stimulating right now. Knowing when to stop might be difficult, though. As appeasing Venus in your 8th House of Intimacy misreads pushy Mars in your communication sector, you may be tempted to spill private information just to keep things flowing. However, that has the potential to be too much for your audience. Try relaxing your approach to building new relationships — you don’t have to do it all in one day!
CancerJune 21 – July 22
Improving your long-term finances might currently be a high priority for you. While pleasure planet Venus in your relationship sector challenges ambitious Mars in your 2nd House of Resources, a companion who’s more interested in enjoying the moment could seem to hold you back from this goal. You don’t have to give in to every request they make, but it’s potentially worthwhile to consider the idea that you’re being too rigid. Protecting your future matters, but enjoying the journey there also has its place.
LeoJuly 23 – August 22
Shifting your schedule might be necessary today. You probably have a lot of raw physical energy, but the task you were planning to take care of may not be the most compelling outlet for it, particularly because relaxed Venus in your 6th House of Responsibilities shoves motivated Mars in your sign. You’re equipped to make valuable progress toward a goal you’re personally aligned with, so be honest about what’s really calling to you now. Embrace your authority to change things up!
VirgoAugust 23 – September 22
Figuring out what feels good could be difficult at this moment. As sensual Venus in your 5th House of Fun agitates unsettled Mars in your sleepy 12th house, your usual hobbies might not connect with you — for reasons you can’t quite pin down. Feeding your intellectual side will likely get you on the right track, but you’re not guaranteed to agree with whatever you learn immediately. Being challenged often means you’re growing, so make an effort to look at any provocations with internal honesty.
LibraSeptember 23 – October 22
An opportunity to socialize could ring hollow at this time. Since peaceful Venus in your domestic 4th house is drawing you in a different direction from demanding Mars in your 11th House of Networking, you might be happier hanging out at home. Even if you don’t plan on doing anything special, sometimes you need to just sit back and relax. When you’re enjoying that vibe, you can easily build intimacy without making an effort, so consider sharing the moment with a loved one.
ScorpioOctober 23 – November 21
Your ability to sweet-talk others might find its limit today. While appealing Venus in your 3rd House of Communication provokes desirous Mars in your authority zone, it’s likely to become obvious to your audience if you’re just looking for power or control. Realistically, the heart wants what it wants, but not everyone is going to agree with it. When you put it honestly like that, a reluctant collaborator may become open to negotiation. They know what’s up, so don’t insult their intelligence.
SagittariusNovember 22 – December 21
You’re potentially drawn to a bold and ambitious adventure at present. Unfortunately, you can’t have your money and spend it too. With the perceptive Moon in your practical 6th house supporting cautious Venus in your finance sector, you can look for ways to can make your journey more affordable. This may involve doing things yourself instead of paying others for goods and services. Perhaps a trip that doesn’t quite satisfy every whim of yours is better than not getting out at all!
CapricornDecember 22 – January 19
You may currently wish that you could shape how people see you. While image-focused Venus in your sign agitates intrepid Mars in your intimacy zone, you’ll potentially have some opportunities to launch your preferred narrative into the world. If you’re building a serious bond with someone, though, the truth is likely to eventually come out. You’d be better off making sure your presentation doesn’t veer too far from reality. You probably have a few good qualities that you don’t need to exaggerate!
AquariusJanuary 20 – February 18
Someone may be pestering you for an immediate answer on a current matter that’s important to them. The situation is likely notable to you too — and that’s why you might feel drawn to go off by yourself to think it through as idealistic Venus in your contemplative 12th house disagrees with impatient Mars in your relationship sector. Although you’re potentially making things more complicated than they need to be, you’re better off coming to that conclusion on your own terms.
PiscesFebruary 19 – March 20
Figuring out your priorities could be a challenge today. Perhaps you’ll receive a tempting social invitation — even though you’d planned on finally tackling a stubborn item on your to-do list. Although you probably care for your friends, it might also feel wasteful to squander a rare moment when your heart is really in the task that you know you need to do. The way you tell your pals will be key. Make it clear that this is about you, not them.
Who has the edge? Dolphins vs. Raiders, looking to build toward a season comeback
Here’s a look at how the Miami Dolphins (3-6) and Las Vegas Raiders (2-7) match up in six key areas ahead of Sunday’s Week 11 game at Hard Rock Stadium (1 p.m., CBS):
When the Dolphins run: Miami had been running the ball well of late, but Monday night’s win over the Los Angeles Rams produced the team’s lowest rushing output since Week 3 at Seattle. The Dolphins had just 67 rushing yards. De’Von Achane got the bulk of the work, with 37 yards on 12 carries, but Raheem Mostert went without a carry and rookie Jaylen Wright had just 3 yards on five attempts.
Coach Mike McDaniel also showed a willingness to bring his wide receivers to the outside on end-around runs. One worked splendidly, for the Dolphins’ opening-drive touchdown against the Rams, with rookie Malik Washington scoring on the ground. Miami’s offensive line has stood out run-blocking, especially left tackle Terron Armstead and center Aaron Brewer. But right tackle Austin Jackson is now out for the season, and left guard Robert Jones’ status is in question with a knee injury.
Christian Wilkins’ foot injury spoils his return to Miami with the Raiders, but in his absence, Las Vegas has another pair of former Dolphins defensive linemen in John Jenkins and Adam Butler. As the Raiders rank 22nd against the run, linebacker Robert Spillane leads the team with 86 tackles. If Miami fullback Alec Ingold can return from the calf injury that sidelined him Monday, that should swing this in the Dolphins’ favor. Edge: Dolphins
When the Raiders run: Las Vegas is dead last in the NFL in rushing offense. The Raiders will give a trio of backs — Alexander Mattison, Zamir White and Ameer Abdullah — carries, but none of them possess major game-changing abilities with their opportunities. On top of that, two of their better offensive linemen — left tackle Kolton Miller and center Andre James — were hobbled early in the practice week.
The Dolphins run defense is ranked 12th and did another fine job against the Rams with defensive tackle Zach Sieler back to lead the unit. Los Angeles workhorse tailback Kyren Williams was held to 62 yards on 15 carries. Da’Shawn Hand forced a fumble on him. Fellow defensive tackle Calais Campbell has been sensational all around for Miami, and the insertion of Anthony Walker Jr. into the starting lineup at linebacker has produced sound results. Edge: Dolphins
When the Dolphins pass: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa took a little bit of a step back Monday night after his remarkably efficient performance against the Buffalo Bills the previous week. He turned the ball over twice as part of a run of a few mistakes in the first half, but he did bounce back in the second half in his third game back from concussion.
Tagovailoa has largely had to spread the ball out deep into his corps of pass-catchers as opponents play their two-high shells to limit big plays to wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. They try to get going against a Raiders pass defense that ranks 11th. The Dolphins are familiar with former Patriots cornerback Jack Jones in their secondary, and safety Tre’von Moehrig has a pair of interceptions back there.
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But the biggest concern for the Dolphins will be in containing edge rusher Maxx Crosby in pass protection. With Jackson now done for the year, Miami may stick with veteran tackle Kendall Lamm on the right side of the line. As the Raiders move Crosby and his 6 1/2 sacks around, watch out for coach Antonio Pierce to try to exploit Lamm on the right side with him. That’s Tagovailoa’s blind side as a left-handed thrower, so he’ll need to be mindful and consistently get the ball out quickly. Edge: Even
When the Raiders pass: Pierce opted for Gardner Minshew to get the start at quarterback. This year for Las Vegas, he is completing 67 percent of passes for 1,501 yards, six touchdowns and eight interceptions in seven starts. He has led the Raiders to their only two wins this season. And he may have to throw plenty, if they’re not going to run the ball much, especially if they play from behind.
With former All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams traded to the New York Jets midseason, rookie tight end Brock Bowers leads Raiders pass-catchers with 57 receptions for 580 yards. Expect Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver to give him different looks, between safeties, tight ends and maybe even elite cornerback Jalen Ramsey in coverage. Ramsey can also take on wide receiver Jakobi Meyers for a cornerbacks unit that should be without Kendall Fuller (concussion). That could mean action for Cam Smith again or for Storm Duck behind Ramsey and Kader Kohou.
The Miami pass rush finally got going as best it has this season with four sacks Monday night at SoFi Stadium. Rookie Chop Robinson had one for a second consecutive week. Campbell had one. Quinton Bell got his first of the season off the edge, while forcing a fumble, and safety Jevon Holland had another on a blitz. Linebacker Jordyn Brooks also could’ve been credited with one that didn’t count officially as a sack because of a Matthew Stafford fumble. Campbell and Sieler are getting their hand up to bat balls at the line of scrimmage when they can’t get home — a Campbell deflection led to a Walker interception Monday. Edge: Dolphins
Special teams: Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders has gone three consecutive games without missing a kick. Punter Jake Bailey has had back-to-back games with short punts that may not have been connected on correctly, though. Miami special teams, which ranks at the bottom of the league by advanced metrics, could get a boost in the return of Dee Eskridge in the return game after missing one outing.
Raiders punter AJ Cole is one of the more highly regarded at his position in the league. Kicker Daniel Carlson has made 16 of 18 field goals and all his extra points. Edge: Raiders
Intangibles: The Raiders come off their bye week before the long west-to-east travel to play the 10 a.m. kickoff for their time zone. But Miami has an opportunity to get back on track with its playoff hopes and build off a needed win at Los Angeles. A return home to face two teams with a combined five wins — the Patriots to follow next week — should be just what the Dolphins need to get to 5-6 heading into Thanksgiving, but they can’t look ahead. Edge: Dolphins
PREDICTION: Dolphins 24, Raiders 13
Dolphins Deep Dive: Prediction time — will Raiders be a get-right game for Miami? | VIDEO
DJ Lagway moves ‘closer and closer’ to playing against LSU
GAINESVILLE — UF quarterback DJ Lagway is making strides to play when the Gators host LSU on Saturday in what would be a rapid return from a left hamstring injury.
Coach Billy Napier said Lagway practiced Wednesday, though his workload is modified to prevent a setback. The true freshman remains listed an questionable on the SEC’s availability report, a similar status a week ago as the Gators prepared to visit Texas.
“He’s getting closer and closer to getting ready to play,” Napier said.
Florida quarterback DJ Lagway scrambles for yards against Georgia before injuring his left hamstring in the Nov. 2 game. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP)Veteran defensive back Trikweze Bridges said Lagway looked like his old self before a Grade 2 strain during the second quarter of a Nov. 2 loss to Georgia. Lagway found receiver Ja’Quavion Fraziars deep down the middle during 11-on-11.
“Today he threw one of those balls where you’re like, ‘Oh, yeah, He’s back,’” Bridges said. “It was nice.”
Redshirt junior left tackle Austin Barber praised the grit of the 19-year-old Lagway.
“He’s a gamer,” Barber said. “It’s crazy to see how much effort he’s putting to play.”
Lagway’s steady progress give the Gators (4-5, 2-3 SEC) hope he will return to elevate the passing offense against LSU (6-3, 3-2).
The injury forced on third-string walk-on quarterback Aidan Warner into action even though he did not join the team until fall camp after he transferred from Yale. The redshirt freshman from Winter Park is 19 of 47 for 198 yards with 3 interceptions since taking over for Lagway.
“I have a ton of respect for Aidan Warner and how he’s been playing,” Barber said. “He’s comes in here and works every single day. He went to some big stages and played some football. I’m just really, really proud of him.
“It’s tough, but next man up and he knew that.”
UF quarterback Aidan Warner passes under pressure during his first career start for the Gators, a 49-17 loss at No. 5 Texas last weekend. (Tim Warner/Getty)Napier said Lagway will be monitored closely, with every resource available devoted to his return.
“They’re using it all, every gadget we got down here,” Napier said of medical personnel. “He felt better today than he felt yesterday. We’re hopeful that’ll be the case tomorrow.”
Lagway’s injury, though, is sure to limit his dual-threat abilities, something the Tigers have struggled to handle.
During LSU’s consecutive losses, Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed rushed for 3 touchdowns on 9 carries. That was followed by 185 yards and 4 TDs on 12 carries by Alabama’s Jalen Milroe.
Even in a Sept. 14 victory at South Carolina, quarterback LaNorris Sellers ran for 88 yards and 2 touchdowns on 10 carries.
“Given their structure and the way they play defense, obviously one of the ways to neutralize that is to use the quarterback,” Napier said. “You’ve seen a number of teams do that. Obviously our situation is a little bit different, but overall we’re going to do what we need to do to manage DJ in his injury situation.”
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
Up next …LSU at Florida
When: 3:30, Saturday, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
TV: ABC
Map: Will Tropical Storm Sara hit Florida? Here’s the latest track
A weather system in the western Caribbean Sea is expected to form into Tropical Storm Sara and has the potential to take a turn toward Florida by the middle of next week, forecasters said.
Although it’s far too early to be certain of what, if any, impacts will be felt in the Sunshine State, some computer models have indicated Sara could be something to watch. The system is currently off the coast of Central America and may interact with land before entering the Gulf of Mexico, diminishing its potential intensification and making it too soon to determine if the storm will become a hurricane.
Here’s the latest forecast path:
Spaghetti models, an ensemble of the tracks predicted by the various storm forecasting systems, show the potential turn back toward Florida.
Forecasting models, known as “spaghetti models,” show the potential long-range forecast track of a weather system that is forecast to become Tropical Storm Sara. (tropicaltidbits.com)Matt Gaetz once faced a sex trafficking investigation by the Justice Department he could now lead
By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and FARNOUSH AMIRI, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, was once embroiled in a sex trafficking investigation by the Justice Department he’s been tapped to lead, and has been under scrutiny by the House Ethics Committee over allegations including sexual misconduct.
That probe effectively ended Wednesday, though, when Gaetz resigned from Congress.
Gaetz, a staunch Trump defender, has spent years enmeshed in scandals that threaten to derail his confirmation as the nation’s top federal law enforcement officer by the Republican-led Senate.
Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, and said last year that the Justice Department’s investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls had ended with no federal charges against him.
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Trump’s attorney general is expected to oversee radical changes to the Justice Department, which has been the target of Trump’s ire over two criminal cases it brought accusing him of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election and hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Trump, who cast himself as the victim of politically motivated prosecutions, vowed repeatedly on the campaign trail to carry out retribution against his political enemies if returned to the White House.
It’s unlikely Gaetz would be confirmed in time to oversee special counsel Jack Smith, who brought two federal indictments against Trump that are both expected to wind down before the incoming president takes office. Smith is expected to leave his post before Trump takes office, but special counsels are expected to produce reports on their work that historically are made public, and it remains unclear when such a document might be released.
In a statement Wednesday announcing his pick, Trump said Gaetz would root out “systemic corruption” at the Justice Department and return the department “to its true mission of fighting crime and upholding our democracy and constitution.”
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Gaetz wrote, “It will be an honor to serve as President Trump’s Attorney General!”
Hours before the announcement, Gaetz said in a social media post that there needs to be a “full court press against this WEAPONIZED government.” He added, “And if that means ABOLISHING every one of the three letter agencies, from the FBI to the ATF, I’m ready to get going!” If confirmed as attorney general, he would oversee both the FBI and the ATF, formally known as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Inside a private meeting of House Republicans, the news that Trump had chosen Gaetz to lead the Justice Department sent a shock. Republican Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho said he has a hard time believing Gaetz will be able to get through the Senate confirmation process. Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said she didn’t believe Gaetz was a serious candidate.
Some of Gaetz’ allies in the House defended him as Trump’s pick, pointing to his experience as a member on the House Judiciary Committee. Asked Wednesday whether she thinks Gaetz could be confirmed, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a fellow Florida Republican, told reporters that many will try to “smear him,” but “the evidence will speak for itself.”
The federal sex trafficking investigation that began under Attorney General Bill Barr during Trump’s first term focused on allegations that Gaetz and onetime political ally Joel Greenberg paid underage girls and escorts or offered them gifts in exchange for sex.
Greenberg, a fellow Republican who served as the tax collector in Florida’s Seminole County, admitted as part of a plea deal with prosecutors in 2021 that he paid women and an underage girl to have sex with him and other men. The men were not identified in court documents when he pleaded guilty. Greenberg was sentenced in late 2022 to 11 years in prison.
Federal investigators scrutinized a trip that Gaetz took to the Bahamas with a group of women and a doctor who donated to his campaign, and whether the women were paid or received gifts to have sex with the men, according to people familiar with the matter who were not allowed to publicly discuss the investigation. Prosecutors also investigated whether Gaetz and his associates tried to secure government jobs for some of the women, and scrutinized Gaetz’s connections to the medical marijuana sector, including whether his associates sought to influence legislation Gaetz sponsored, the people have said.
Gaetz had remained under investigation by the House Ethics Committee over allegations that he was part of a scheme that led to the sex trafficking of a 17-year-old girl.
The committee began its review of Gaetz in April 2021, deferred its work in response to a Justice Department request, and renewed its work shortly after Gaetz announced that the Justice Department had ended a sex trafficking investigation.
Over the summer, the committee provided an unusual public update into its long-running investigation, saying its review now includes whether Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, accepted improper gifts and sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct. Gaetz has categorically denied all the allegations before the committee.
Rep. Michael Guest, the Republican chair of the House Ethics Committee, had told The Associated Press that Gaetz’s nomination did not change the panel’s ongoing probe. But Gaetz’s resignation means the committee will no longer have jurisdiction to continue its probe.
Associated Press writers Eric Tucker, Lisa Mascaro, Michael Balsamo and Stephen Groves contributed from Washington.
Plaintiffs drop lawsuits alleging fraud in petitioning for failed abortion amendment
After a proposed constitutional amendment on abortion rights failed to pass last week, abortion opponents are dropping lawsuits alleging fraud in the petition-gathering process that helped get the measure on the ballot.
Opponents filed the lawsuits last month in various parts of the state and sought to invalidate what appeared as Amendment 4 on the Nov. 5 ballot.
A notice filed Wednesday in Orange County circuit court said plaintiffs were dismissing a lawsuit filed in Orange County. Alan Lawson, a former Florida Supreme Court justice who represents the plaintiffs, confirmed to The News Service of Florida that similar notices were filed in the lawsuits in other parts of the state.
The lawsuits relied heavily on a 388-page report that the Florida Department of State’s Office of Election Crimes and Security released in October accusing some petition gatherers of fraud.
The report also accused Floridians Protecting Freedom, a political committee that sponsored the constitutional amendment, of illegally paying workers based on the number of signatures they collected.
The report and lawsuits came as Gov. Ron DeSantis, whose administration includes the Department of State, led efforts to defeat the proposed amendment.
Floridians Protecting Freedom Campaign Director Lauren Brenzel last month called the lawsuits “a deeply troubling anti-democratic effort” to keep voters from weighing in.
The amendment, which would have enshrined abortion rights in the Constitution, received support from 57.16 percent of voters. That was short of the 60 percent required for passage.
Protests erupt in Paris over pro-Israel gala organized by far-right figures
By TOM NOUVIAN, Associated Press
PARIS (AP) — Protests erupted in Paris on Wednesday against a controversial gala organized by far-right figures in support of Israel. The event, intended to raise funds for the Israeli military, included Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich among its invited guests.
The demonstrations came on the eve of a high-stakes soccer match at France’s national stadium against the Israeli national team, overshadowed by tensions around the wars in the Middle East. Authorities in Paris announced that more than 4,000 police officers and 1,600 stadium staff will be deployed for the game.
Smotrich, a vocal advocate of Israeli settlements, had been expected to attend Wednesday’s gala, dubbed “Israel is Forever,” which was planned by an association of the same name. The group’s stated goal is to “mobilize French-speaking Zionist forces.”
After days of growing criticism of the event, Smotrich’s office confirmed Wednesday that the minister would not travel to Paris to participate.
Show Caption1 of 9ExpandBut the invitation to Smotrich drew sharp criticism from local associations, unions and left-wing political parties, prompting two protests in the French capital. The minister, a hard-line settler leader, has been accused of inflaming tensions in the West Bank and drew international condemnations this week by saying he hopes the election of Donald Trump will clear the way for Israeli annexation of the West Bank — a step that would extinguish Palestinian statehood dreams.
The French Foreign Ministry called Smotrich’s remarks “contrary to international law” and counterproductive to efforts to reduce regional tensions.
“France reiterates its commitment to the implementation of the two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, which is the only prospect for a just and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” the ministry said in a statement.
Critics also pointed at Nili Kupfer-Naouri, president of the “Israel is Forever” association, who sparked outrage in 2023, after the Israel-Hamas war started, when she tweeted that “no civilian in Gaza was innocent.”
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On Wednesday night, several hundred protesters marched through central Paris, denouncing the event as a “gala of hatred and shame.”
“Imagine if an association were hosting a gala for Hezbollah or Hamas — there’s no way the police would allow that,” said Melkir Saib, a 30-year-old protester. “The situation is just unfair.”
The march was largely peaceful, but some demonstrators broke windows at a McDonald’s along the route.
A separate group, including Jewish leftist organizations opposed to racism and antisemitism, gathered near the Arc de Triomphe chanting slogans against the gala and Smotrich.
French authorities defended the event, with Paris police chief Laurent Nunez stating that the gala posed “no major threat to public order.”
The protests came days after tensions flared in Paris and Amsterdam related to the conflicts in the Mideast. A massive “Free Palestine” banner was displayed during a Paris Saint-Germain Champions League match against Atletico Madrid, while violence broke out in Amsterdam last week targeting fans of an Israeli soccer club.
Explosions outside Brazil’s Supreme Court leave 1 dead, force justices to evacuate
By MAURICIO SAVARESE
SAO PAULO (AP) — Two explosions on Wednesday outside Brazil’s Supreme Court killed a man and forced the justices and staff to evacuate the building in the capital of Brasilia.
The court said in a statement that two very strong blasts were heard at about 7:30 p.m. local time, shortly after Wednesday’s session finished. It added that all the justices and staff left the building safely after the incident.
A police statement had earlier said that an artifact exploded outside the court. Local firefighters confirmed that one man died at the scene, but did not identify him.
Local media reported that the two blasts outside the court took place with 20 seconds between the first and the second explosions.
The blasts took place in Brasilia’s Three Powers Plaza, an area where Brazil’s main government buildings are located.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was not in the neighboring presidential palace at the time of the blasts, spokesman José Chrispiniano said.
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Brazil’s federal police said it is investigating and did not provide a motive.
The Supreme Court in recent years has become a target for threats by far-right groups and supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro due to its crackdown on the spread of false information. In particular, Justice Alexandre de Moraes has been a focus for their ire.
Earlier, another explosion was heard outside Brazil’s Congress, but it apparently did not cause damages.
Today in History: November 13, 130 die in Paris terror attacks
Today is Wednesday, Nov. 13, the 318th day of 2024. There are 48 days left in the year.
Today in history:On Nov. 13, 2015, Islamic State militants carried out a set of coordinated attacks in Paris at the national stadium, in a crowded concert hall, in restaurants and on streets, killing 130 people in the worst attack on French soil since World War II.
Also on this date:In 1775, during the Revolutionary War, American troops captured Montreal under the command of Continental Army Gen. Richard Montgomery.
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In 1956, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed a lower court ruling which found Alabama bus segregation laws were illegal.
In 1971, the U.S. space probe Mariner 9 went into orbit around Mars, becoming the first spacecraft to orbit another planet.
In 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
In 1985, some 23,000 residents of Armero, Colombia, died when a volcanic mudslide buried the city.
In 2001, U.S.-backed Northern Alliance fighters in Afghanistan entered Kabul as Taliban forces retreated from the capital city.
Today’s Birthdays:- Actor Joe Mantegna is 77.
- Hockey Hall of Famer Gilbert Perreault is 74.
- U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland is 72.
- Actor Frances Conroy is 72.
- Actor Chris Noth is 70.
- Actor-comedian Whoopi Goldberg is 69.
- Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska is 60.
- Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel is 57.
- Actor Steve Zahn is 57.
- Actor Gerard Butler is 55.
- Olympic swimming gold medalist Dana Vollmer is 37.
- Actor Devon Bostick is 33.
- Tennis player Emma Raducanu is 22.
Mass deportations will hurt the economy | Letters to the editor
I have a suggestion to President-elect Donald Trump that might help him deport up to 11 million illegal immigrants.
Trump should have his military experts ask who the hardest-working, lowest-paid people are in any community, and you will find most of them.
Say goodbye to farmworkers, people who care for the frail elderly, landscaping and construction workers, and just about anybody working in jobs that “Anglos” disdain.
Good luck finding people to replace them.
Bruce Rocheleau, Delray Beach
Trump’s costly agendaTrump’s agenda of tariffs and tax cuts for corporations and billionaires (who spent $1.9 billion in the 2024 election) will cause higher prices.
Health care coverage could be rolled back for pre-existing conditions. Social Security could become insolvent. Deporting millions of immigrant workers would make food and housing more expensive.
If trickle-down economics really did work, grocery prices would get lower — it doesn’t work! A few companies control food markets and the airlines, so they can gouge consumers. More offshore oil drilling will not lower gas prices (OPEC would just cut production).
Republicans don’t want universal health care, clean air and water, gun safety measures or public education. They tanked a bipartisan border agreement, too.
Project 2025 will give us a moneyed ruling class and more working poor.
Karen Lassman, Weston
More bang for the buckI have read that the Kamala Harris campaign spent more than $1 billion and have a debt of about $20 million, according to reports in Politico and elsewhere. Sounds like they were not very good at handling other people’s money.
The good thing is, Trump is coming to the rescue and he will “Make America Great Again” for everyone. In this election, Trump supporters got a lot more for their money.
Mark Goldstein, Boca Raton
Job creatorsKamala Harris and Joe Biden predicted economic strength for America.
New jobs are a key ingredient of economic strength, but October killed the dream of job growth, as the predicted 113,000 new jobs came in at just 12,000.
And while government jobs grew by 40,000, our manufacturing sector lost jobs. This data proved that the Democrats are inept at handling our economy.
Worse was the fact that illegal immigrants grabbed a large number of low-skilled jobs, which hurts Black and brown Americans. During Trump’s term, jobs grew by more than 6 million (before the pandemic hit). Inflation and a shortage of new jobs are hurting us badly.
Richard Klitzberg, J.D., Boca Raton
(Editor’s Note: Many economic experts say that measuring job growth by presidential terms is risky. The independent site FactCheck.org said the economy lost 2.7 million jobs under Trump’s four years in office.)
No more deniersI would like to know what sweeping changes were made to the voting process that made the 2024 election “free and fair,” compared to 2020.
Where did all of the election deniers go?
Fernando Sereix, Cooper City
Submit a letter to the editor by email to letterstotheeditor@sunsentinel.com or fill out the form below. Letters should be less than 150 words and must be signed. Include your email address, city of residence and daytime phone number for verification. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length.
[contact-form]A new indoor pickleball facility is set to rise at former Boca Raton golf course
A two-story indoor pickleball facility is coming to Boca Raton, becoming one of the first assets rising on a rare undeveloped plot of land in the city.
Boca Raton’s former Ocean Breeze golf course, or North Park, at Boca Teeca between Dixie Highway and Interstate 95, has sat untouched for several years as the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District determines what to put on the more than 200 acres of land. One decision has now become final: a paddle and pickleball facility.
The more than 77,000-square-foot facility, dubbed Boca Paddle Club, will have 14 indoor courts, two indoor paddle courts and nine outdoor courts. The site will also offer food and drinks and rooms to reserve for parties, meetings and corporate events.
Food options will be provided by the same chef behind Farmer’s Table, a Boca Raton-restaurant focused on locally sourced ingredients and healthy dining options.
“It’s not just like a soda machine and frozen pizza and nachos or whatever they have these days,” said Malcolm Butters, the developer behind Boca Paddle Club.
Butters said the vision for the facility is to curate a more elevated experience and provide people with a sense of community.
“You feel like you’re really in a club versus you’re just in a warehouse,” he said.
The project will cost around $16 million and is expected to be completed by February of 2026.
A rendering shows the outside of a pickleball facility called Boca Paddle Club coming to Boca Raton in 2026. (Courtesy/CityPickle)Once open, people will be able to buy monthly memberships for about $150, which will allow advance court booking, use of the courts from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and access to happy hours, tournaments and leagues. Day passes will also be available for $40, or $35 for Boca Raton residents.
These are not the only pickleball courts coming to Boca Raton. In August of 2023, the city approved a plan to bring 18 covered courts to Patch Reef Park.
New pickleball centers have popped up in other parts of South Florida, too. Last year, a pickleball center opened in Coconut Creek on the north campus of Broward College, joining Pick A Ball Sports Complex in Deerfield Beach and downtown Palm Beach Gardens’ indoor pickleball at Life Time gym.
What else is coming to North ParkBeyond the pickleball and paddle facility, North Park plans to welcome other features for people to use over the next several years. According to the beach and park district’s master plan for the site, the area will one day include:
— Trails for mountain biking, hiking and walking
— A dog park
— Playground
— A butterfly and botanical garden
— Splash pad
— Boardwalk
— Competition and practice pool
— Community garden
In August, beach and parks district executive director Briann Harms had said the district was working to pay off debt to the city owed for 170 acres of land on the west side of North Park, which is expected to be paid off around 2026. Once that goal is checked off, community input will again be gathered for what else could come to the site.
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