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Skateboards, gaming consoles, instruments cool gifts for children
BROOMFIELD, Colo. (AP) — BROOMFIELD, Colo. (AP) — Vail Resorts Inc. (MTN) on Monday reported a loss of $172.8 million in its fiscal first quarter. The Broomfield, Colorado-based company said it had a loss of $4.61 per share. The results beat Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of eight analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for a loss of $5.14 per share. The ski resort operator posted revenue of $260.3 million in the period, which also topped Street forecasts. Seven analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $249.4 million. This story was generated by Automated Insights ( http://automatedinsights.com/ap ) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on MTN at https://www.zacks.com/ap/MTN1. A jar of super moisturizing O'Keeffe's cream that's basically a magic potion for brand new hands. Its blend of beeswax and glycerin will add hydration and help get your skin back to normal if increased hand-washing has wreaked havoc on your hands. For best results, you should apply the cream after washing your hands, after showering, and at bedtime. Promising review: "I thought to myself it couldn't actually work as well as it promised or people said but it works even BETTER. It is a magic formula that transforms my skin in just a few hours. It healed my rough patches and cracked skin overnight. It seriously feels almost unreal how well it works. My skin feels smooth and protected. I'm honestly amazed." — Lucy Get it from Amazon for $9.25 (also available in packs of 2 or 12). 2. The TikTok-famous Pink Stuff , which is basically the Alex Russo of cleaning products; it has tons of tricks up its sleeve. With the help of a little elbow grease, it'll completely revitalize your sink, bathtub, neglected stoves, and basically anything else that's in need of some scrubbing action. This is a mildly abrasive cleaning paste, so use with care and go slowly when testing on new surfaces. Simply apply it to the surface with a damp sponge or cloth, give it a few scrubs, and then rinse away with hot water. Promising review: "I added before and after photos of my filthy oven so you all would know this stuff is the real deal and worth it. I like that it didn't have a strong odor and it didn't use much effort at all to clean my oven. You can really see it removing the burnt-on grease after a few circular motions." — DNICEANDFAM Get it from Amazon for $5.49 . 3. Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream , because your décolletage also deserves some special skincare attention. It contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, while glycerin and aloe add some extra hydration. Consider this a special elixir for firmer skin! Promising review: "My dry neck and the annoying itchiness I used to experience have completely gone away after using this cream. It’s not only soothing, but it also feels like it’s really nourishing my skin. The firming benefits are a bonus! I highly recommend this product to anyone dealing with dryness or discomfort in their neck and chest area. It’s become a must-have in my skincare routine." — JAcosta Get it from Amazon for $11.17 (also available in a two-pack). 4. A bottle of sulfate-free biotin shampoo that 34,000+ reviewers swear by. Biotin can help provide a fuller appearance to your strands, while rosemary and coconut oil are known to nourish and moisturize the scalp. Did Professor Snape whip this concoction up?!! Maybe that's why his is so long and full of secrets... Check out a TikTok of the biotin shampoo in action. Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic . Promising reviews: "I love this shampoo! I had gastric sleeve surgery, and my hair was very, very thin. I started taking biotin and switched to biotin shampoo, as recommended by my doctor. It doesn’t make your hair grow by washing it, but it makes your hair and roots stronger. And it worked. After using the whole bottle, my hair was stronger. I had a lot of new growth that was sticking around (the previous new growth fell out early on), and my hair was getting thicker. Eight months later, my hair is back to normal. It's longer and thicker than ever." — Diane J. Huff "This shampoo is like NOTHING I've ever tried in the past. The way my 4c hair comes out after using this is INCREDIBLE. Soft, easy to comb, and super manageable. I've been using it for two years!" — Jae Maple Holistics is a small business that specializes in beauty products with all-natural ingredients. Get it from Amazon for $12.95+ (available in three scents and three sizes). 5. A jewelry-cleaning stick — no, magic wand! — to quickly add some bling back to your rings. You can use it on basically any of your accessories that need a good sprucing-up — just twist the pen to dispense some cleanser onto the brush, then gently swipe on your jewelry to let the microfine cleansers wipe away dirt and oil. Promising review: " I take my wedding rings in every six months to get cleaned professionally, but they end up looking less shiny just 1-2 months afterward. This stuff is incredible! Perfect to use in between cleans and looks just as good as when the professionals do it... seriously! Would definitely recommend!" — Amy R. Get it from Amazon for $9.48 (also available in various packs). 6. John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Air Dry Waves Styling Foam for anyone in the market for a magic spell to define their curls without spending a ton of extra time. Just scrunch this through wet hair and then air-dry your way to perfectly wavy strands. Reviewers with straighter hair types say the foam helps add voluminous waves to their hair, while those with thicker, wavier hair types say this helps add a bit more definition and shine. Promising review: "Love this stuff when I let my hair air dry! Keeps it from going frizzy. I use a lot of John Frieda products!" — JoAnn Get it from Amazon for $9 . 7. A tub of magical heavy-duty all-purpose cleaning wipes — they can remove everything from grease to ink stains almost instantly and with zero water required. The secret ingredient? Pure Witchcraft. Oh, also aloe and vitamin E, which makes them gentle on your skin but still tough enough to remove permanent marker, adhesive residue, and more. These wipes are nonabrasive so they're safe to use on smooth surfaces like car exteriors, vinyl, baseboards, and more. Promising review: "I have a small kitchen, and everything tends to get an oily, greasy film on it very quickly. I don't have a tile backsplash or a range hood, and my fridge is right next to my stove, so the paint on the wall and the textured fridge get pretty disgusting. The tiniest little oil splatter seems to cover my whole kitchen. When these wipes arrived yesterday, I attacked my kitchen with them. They worked amazingly well! I didn't realize how much grease was really sticking to everything until I saw how disgusting the wipes were getting . Luckily, they're huge, so I was able to cover a lot before I needed a new one. I have very sensitive skin, and these didn't dry my hands out at all. I also get severe migraines, which are easily triggered by chemical smells, and these have a nice, lemony scent that didn't trigger me at all. 10 stars!" — Michele West Get a 90-pack from Amazon for $14.98 . 8. A retinol body lotion , because the magic of retinol is not just for your face! This retinol in the creamy formula helps promote skin cell turnover, while the ferulic acid firms skin for a tighter appearance. Reviewers also note that this works wonders on rough, bumpy skin on their upper arms and legs after consistent use. Promising review: "I could kick myself for not trying this sooner! It is my new favorite lotion... After one night of using this, I woke up to smooth, soft moisturized skin that wasn’t itchy at all. This lotion goes on and absorbs beautifully. It’s not too thin or thick, and the scent is sensational... It’s not greasy or slick and does not have a residue that pills or transfers." — TickTokAlice Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in a pack of two). 9. A microwave steam cleaner , because the mess in there doesn't magically disappear when you close the door and walk away. But this is the next best thing — this little device uses the power of sheer anger (and steam) to eliminate dirt and stains with ease. If your microwave is covered in caked-on tomato sauce, this will take care of it in less than 10 minutes! Fill it up with vinegar and water (there are helpful fill lines inside for each!), microwave for 5–8 minutes, then remove after two additional minutes and wipe away any mess! Promising review: "This little device is great and it's super simple. Fill to the lines with vinegar and water, nuke for seven minutes, let it sit for two minutes, then wipe clean. My embarrassingly super-gross microwave wiped completely clean with a couple of paper towels. I highly recommend this." — UglyPetty Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in four colors). 10. A piercing bump solution formulated with jojoba, grape seed, and rose to keep any annoying keloids at bay! It can help shrink bumps and reduce scarring by promoting skin cell turnover and adding an extra dose of moisture. Unlike magic, this doesn't work overnight. But much like magic, the results will make your jaw hit the floor. Apply this daily two to three times a day as long as needed. Be sure to be patient as the healing process takes time! Talk to your doctor before attempting to treat your keloid on your own, and learn more about keloids from Cleveland Clinic . Promising review: "This product is amazing!! Truly a miracle product. I had an AWFUL keloid bump forming near my nose piercing about six weeks after getting it done, and it was just getting bigger and more irritated by the day; nothing was helping. I bought this stuff and started using it, and in less than two weeks, my huge keloid was completely gone! I was definitely skeptical and a little nervous when it didn’t seem to be getting noticeably smaller after a week, but then the second week, it started totally disappearing, so make sure to give it some time to work if your bump is on the larger side. If you remain patient and apply it twice a day, it should do the trick! Also smells pretty good, definitely no bothersome or overwhelming scent, which is appreciated in a product that I’m applying on the nose area." — Jordan Caprigno Get it from Amazon for $12.85 (also available in multipacks). 11. A handheld milk frother so you can try all those delicious-looking latte recipes you've seen on TikTok. For the cost of about three Butterbeers in Hogsmeade, you can whip up all the frothed milk topping you could ever want. This requires two AA batteries (not included). Promising review: "This makes the creamiest froth ever! I am completely blown away by the results of this device. I had no idea that I could make froth at home like this. This changes my whole cappuccino experience!!!" — Wells Family Get it from Amazon for $7.59+ (available in 21 colors). 12. Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel that's basically like a latte for your face. It uses the power of yerba mate to soothe the delicate skin under your eyes, and also contains three forms of hyaluronic acid to moisturize. I did not know there were several types of hyaluronic acid, but I would now like to collect all of them like horcruxes. Promising review: "I love this product and have noticed a huge difference when using it consistently. I am on the younger side and don’t have the worst under-eye bags, but on those occasional mornings when my eyes are puffy with somewhat visible dark circles, this product definitely does the trick! Honestly love all the Good Molecules products." — Hayden Smith "Saw this on TikTok and decided to give it a try since the price was amazing. OMG, buy it. I’ve always had dark circles under my eyes and now fine lines and crow's-feet. While this doesn’t completely eliminate my dark circles, the fine lines are really diminished . It wears extremely well under makeup and doesn’t feel cakey or like there’s a ton of product on ." — K. Grant Get it from Amazon for $5.99 . 13. Lumify Eye Drops — a redness-reducing solution made with pure magic (aka brimonidine tartrate) to whiten and brighten your eyes for up to 8 hours. They're a bit more expensive than traditional eye drops, but more than 26,000 reviewers swear by them, with many saying they work reliably well. Learn more about different kinds of eye drops and what they can do at Cleveland Clinic . Note that eye drops can potentially mask symptoms of eye conditions, so you should talk to your eye doctor about what's right for you. And according to Mayo Clinic , you should avoid redness-reducing drops if you're looking for dry eye relief. Promising review: "I have a big spot of blood vessels in the inner corner of my left eye. I use the expensive lubricant eye drops for moisture — I've used Visine, Clear Eyes, you name it . No eye drop has made my eyes look this great. Only Lumify! I was soo happy when I looked in the mirror." — Angela Leonard Get it from Amazon for $11.97. 14. A stain repellent — it's bound to become a lifesaver if you're roommate is a little too clumsy with their red wine. It'll create a protective barrier on your fabric so any spills will sit on the surface instead of soaking in and causing a stain. All you have to do is wipe it away, no "reparo" spell necessary! Promising review: "I put this on a brand-new cloth Thomasville sectional as soon as I purchased it. Three weeks later, I had friends over and someone spilled an entire glass of red wine on the seat. I sucked wind and got a damp white cloth and tried to look casual...while panicking on the inside. The wine just sat on top of the material. I did not rub, just blotted. Every drop came off the sofa instantly. Within a few minutes everyone was back sitting on the sofa and it was no big deal. Absolutely will buy again. I have recommended this product several times to friends and family." — Nancy Get it from Amazon for $14.68 . 15. An OGX air-dry leave-in cream — it's a must-have for anyone who is constantly running late — you can just throw it in your hair after a shower and head out the door! The coconut oil and shea butter add extra moisture, while the citrus oils help add shine to your curls. Like all the best magic potions, this one requires very little effort on your part. According to reviewers, this cream will add a slight bit of volume to thin, fine hair or enhance the waves in those with thick, curly hair. Promising review: "I'm so grateful that I found this product. My hair is wavy and frizzy. Every once in a great while, my waves resemble curls, but the frizz is always there. I've only used this product one time so far and I never want to be without it. I put some on after towel drying (no brushing) my hair, and my waves actually resembled curls! It wasn't instant, so I was skeptical, but after about 15 minutes, I caught a glimpse of my hair in the mirror, and I was amazed. It looked styled rather than a ratty mess. I slept on it, and it still looked great in the morning!!!" — mich0610 Get it from Amazon for $7.97 (also available in a pack of two). 16. A pack of cleaning tablets that'll clean your dishwasher for you, because it's probably way dirtier than you imagine. These tablets are essentialy little cleaning fairies that'll break down lime and mineral buildup in the main compartment, internal pumps, and the pump and valve — so your dishes will come out looking as sparkly as they do in all those dish soap commercials. You can place one in the detergent tray and run a normal cycle. An additional tablet can be added to the bottom of the dishwasher for a deeper clean. You can also use it while cleaning dishes by placing a tablet in the bottom of your dishwasher when running a normal cycle. Promising review: "Definitely worth trying! I moved into a new place and discovered the hard way that the previous tenant was a disgusting slob — and I mean GROSS. About six weeks in, some random grease clog happened somewhere in our plumbing/something went wrong and my sink and dishwasher began emptying (unbeknownst to me at first) into my downstairs neighbors kitchen. Long story short, everything was replaced and repaired but my dishwasher smelled horribly rotten and seemed to just make dishes dirtier. Oily and stinky, somehow, no matter how much prewash/soap/good old scrub the dishwasher on your knees I did. It was beyond useless, it was making my kitchen stink. My landlord was unconcerned at this point because the problems had *technically* been fixed. (Yeah, one of those). THIS PRODUCT WAS WORTH, FOR ME, 3X WHAT I PAID. One tablet worked wonders, and a second was probably not needed but I did one anyway, and I'm just absolutely amazed. It's better then it was when I moved in. If only this could fix up the rest of my apartment for me!!?!" — Mirwonderful Get a pack of six tablets from Amazon for $8.99 (also available in a two-pack of six-count boxes). 17. A wine-stain removing spray so you'll no longer panic when you accidentally spill the dark-red potion you recently acquired from an old witch in the woods. It even works on coffee, fruit punch, ink, and pet accidents, so you'll feel like a stain-removing wizard anytime someone spills something in your presence. To use on carpet, apply the spray and let it sit for up to 5 minutes before blotting away with a damp cloth. For use on clothing, let the spray sit for up to 5 minutes and then wash it as usual. Promising review : "Amazing cleaning power in one small bottle. When my friend told me she'd heard of this product from her wine group, I realized immediately this is something I can use even for non-wine-related spills. And immediately upon receiving this stain remover, I had the opportunity to spritz a spray on my placemat where someone had accidentally gotten some gel marker pen ink smeared all over it. With just a few quick sprays, I was able to wash the placemat, and it came out of the wash looking clean and fabulous! Food stains have also come out of the placemat just as easily, and I'm just delighted to have such a powerful cleanser available for those unplanned moments when the next stains occur. Highly recommended!" — Cynthia Sue Larson Wine Away is a woman-owned business that was founded by Staci Wanichek (the CEO), and her mom, Cheryl, over 20 years ago. Get it from Amazon for $9.99 . 18. A deeply conditioning Tgin hair mask with castor oil and biotin to help promote hair growth and papaya to reduce shedding. You can leave it on for up to an hour for maximum results, so go ahead and throw on a sheet mask and practice your Charms lessons. The mask is designed to work for both low-porosity and high-porosity hair types, so it's a great choice for anyone experiencing breakage and dryness. Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic . Promising review: "My scalp felt invigorated after applying. I left the masque on overnight, and when I rinsed the next morning, my scalp felt refreshed and clean. I actually think this product also aided in elongating my curls. Hair looks hydrated as well! I plan to use it every two weeks." — Dawn M. Tgin (aka Thank God It's Natural) is a Black woman-owned business in Chicago. Get it from Amazon for $17.89 . 19. A fast-acting plug-in fly trap that looks like a simple night-light to the unsuspecting eye but actually uses UV LED light to basically hypnotize flies, fruit flies, moths, and gnats from up to 400 feet away. The refillable glue trap is placed on the back, so you won't even have to see the flies until it's time to replace it! Check out a TikTok of the plug-in fly trap in action. Promising review: "I can’t say enough wonderful things about these handy little bug catchers! They are simple to use, cheap to refill, and catch a ton of small bugs and flies. I have eight of them now, all around my house! It’s a little gross how many tiny flying insects are around...but it makes me feel a lot better now that I have these!" — Chris H. Get the device and two refill cards from Amazon for $12.10 (also available in a two-pack; you can also pick up a refill packs separately for $5.70+ ). 20. A pair of teeth-whitening pens , which will make your dentist think you've discovered a mystical stain-removing potion. And in a way, you have! Just swipe it on and let the gel sit for 30 minutes — and eventually, you'll see years and years of stains start to disappear before your very eyes. Promising review: "I bought this on a whim when I saw someone review it on TikTok. After using it several times over the course of a week, I immediately noticed the difference in the color of my teeth. I'm a smoker and a heavy coffee drinker. I'm finding that this product will be a lifesaver in terms of what my smile looks like. I would definitely recommend!!" — Mully Get a two-pack from Amazon for $18.95 (available in two sizes and various packs). 21. A carpet spot cleaning spray (no machine required!) more than 73,000 reviewers keep on hand to clean up everything from spaghetti mishaps to iced coffee spills in your car. It also lives up to the "instant" in its name: Simply spray the stain, agitate for a few seconds, then wipe away! It's basically a time-reversing spell in a bottle. Check out this TikTok of the Folex Carpet Spot Remover to see it in action! Promising review: “There are products that you love and buy again. And then there are products that you love and can’t live without. And then, above that, are a few select products that you revere and hold with the highest honor. Folex is that product. I have used Folex for years, and it works wonders on everything from spilled coffee to wine to dog messes without any chemical smells or residue. But my love for Folex grew so much deeper when I dropped a 32-ounce jar of salsa down the stairs. My husband took one look and declared that the stairs were ruined and would need to be replaced. I took a look, grabbed the Folex, and said, 'We’ve got this.' If you have children, pets or are very clumsy with your canned goods, you need this bulk-size jug in your arsenal of cleaning supplies.” — Carobnty Get it from Amazon for $6.65+ (available in two sizes and in multi-packs). 22. An exfoliating lip scrub so you can banish dead skin to Azkaban where it belongs. The sugar granules will help buff away any crusty flakes, and the kukui oil will leave behind a touch of moisture. Promising review: "I usually suffer from chapped lips in the winter, to begin with, but now having braces makes it 100x worse. I have tried all kinds of different lip balms and moisturizers, and nothing was helping. I have used this product once (and followed up with their lip treatment ), and the dryness and peeling are gone. I wish I had tried this a lot sooner. It would have saved me from weeks of dryness and soreness! "— Kathleen M. Hanalei is a small business based in Hawaii. Get it from Amazon for $17.99 . 23. A powerful spray to break down stubborn mold and mildew stains that seem to accumulate almost instantly. Just leave it on for about 15 seconds, then exclaim "abracadabra!" while wiping away to reveal what your shower is actually supposed to look like. Promising review: "Hi. So like everyone else, I’m skeptical of products even with decent reviews. But I was looking for something to clean a small walk-in shower that was getting a little bit of mildew and whatever, so I gave this stuff a shot. It arrived this morning, and I immediately sprayed a little bit on the part with the biggest problem. I didn’t have much hope but I thought it might work a little bit, literally 12 minutes later it was gone. I was absolutely amazed. I sprayed the rest of the shower, and it’s literally gone. I didn’t scrub a thing, although if you wanted to a little bit for tight corners or small spaces in between grout, I’m sure it would clean right up. I’ve got to tell you, I’ve shot infomercials for over 25 years. A lot of the products we shoot are crap. This product deserves an infomercial, and frankly, I would do it on live TV. Because it really works. " — Brook B. Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in three sizes and a two-pack). 24. A bottle of Goo Gone foaming spray specifically designed to win the fight against the greasy nastiness that's been living on your oven door for far too long now. Yes, even cooking wizards need to clean their kitchen 😞. You can also use it to spruce up range hoods (it's probably way dirtier than you think right now), microwaves, pots and pans, and any food-prep surfaces. Just spray and wipe — or leave it on for up to two minutes for caked-on messes. Promising review: "Wow! A degreaser that actually works! I love the foam, which starts to work immediately on my stove top as well as cookware and other kitchen surfaces." — P. Webb Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in two sizes and a two-pack). 25. Mane Club One Hit Wonder , a spray that casts 10 magical spells on your hair at once: it conditions, detangles, provides heat protection up to 445 degrees F/230 degrees C, prevents breakage, hydrates, smooths, softens, controls frizz, strengthens, and boosts shine. The cannabis sativa seed oil will help add some extra luster, while glycerin pulls in moisture from the air to help reduce frizz! Check out how one user transforms their straight hair into waves using One Hit Wonder in this TikTok ! And check out our Mane Club 10-in-1 spray review for more deetz! Promising reviews: "My hair when wet tangles so easily. I couldn’t tell you how many knots I’ve tried to rage comb out, nor could I tell you how many different brands I’ve tried. I have fine, dense hair and this product doesn’t weigh it down at all. This stuff works like magic and as a bonus, it’s so affordable! I just got my new shipment today and rushed to write this as the difference between combing my wet hair yesterday and today is profound." — Mary S. Mane Club is a California-based small biz that specializes in cruelty-free, vegan haircare products. Get it from Amazon for $9.95 . 26. An all-natural scouring paste so you can fight away all the gunk in your sink and tub like they're dementors threatening to ruin your whole school year. The sodium bicarbonate will help scrub away dried-up messes, while the citrus essential oils will break through soap scum. You can even use it as a nontoxic oven cleanser! My Shopping team colleague Danielle Healy is a fan (she took the photos above!), saying: "I recently moved into a new apartment, so lately I've been cleaning A LOT. Shortly after moving in, my partner and I went to store something on the top of the kitchen cabinets, only to find them caked in a thick layer of grime 🤢. After going at it with a regular multipurpose cleaner (with little success), we broke out the scour paste as a last-ditch effort, and OH BOY, did this miracle product deliver (pics above). If it can handle that grossness, it's going to have no problem with day-to-day messes like soap scum and burnt-on food. Plus, it smells delightful and comes in minimal, low-waste packaging!" Humble Suds is a small Etsy shop based in Denver, Colorado. Get it from Humble Suds on Etsy for $15.95+ (available in two sizes). 27. A bottle of professional-grade callus-removing gel to make your feet softer than a unicorn's mane. Some callus-removing products will make the surrounding skin feel dry and irritated, but this one includes a healthy dose of glycerin to help soften and hydrate. Just presoak your feet, apply the gel, let sit for 5–10 minutes, and rinse! It's recommended you go back in afterward with a foot file just to make sure no residue or dead skin is left behind. Promising review: "I have the driest heels, and this is the ONLY product that has ever worked . Before I used this, my heels had some pretty deep cracks, and now they're almost baby soft again . BUT please follow the directions... left it on my super-dry, thick-callused heels for only three minutes, and the calluses were literally melting off ! Wonderful product! So glad I don't have to go soak my feet in those tubs at the nail salon anymore." — Kiki Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two formulas and a pack of two). 28. A rechargeable electric candle lighter that'll truly feel like brandishing a magic wand at your beloved candles. It has a flexible neck so you can easily reach down to the bottom of all your most-loved candles — and it prevents the dreaded "oh no, my lighter is out of fluid!!!" moment all my fellow candle lovers have experienced more than a few times. You can recharge this with a USB cable, and each charge lasts for 600 uses! This uses plasma flameless arc technology to create an electric spark that can ignite flammable materials, so no butane or flame is involved! Promising reviews : "I absolutely love this product. Now I’m able to light candles where the candle wax has melted down and it’s hard to reach inside the jar. I also love the fact that you charge this with a USB cable and the charge lasts for a long time. It has indicator lights to let you know how much of a charge is remaining. I’ve only had to charge it once since I purchased it. I Very durable and a great value for the price. I definitely recommend this. " — Cassandra S. "Another product I got from TikTok. It’s a necessity. No more struggling and almost burning yourself. Stays charged for days. A week at most if you use it frequently." — Nijada Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in nine colors and in two packs). 29. A wrapping paper cutter that's meant to give you that coveted scissors-gliding-through-the-paper feeling every time you use it. It'll help you achieve a perfectly straight cut as you slide it along the length of the roll, and many reviewers with arthritis and carpal tunnel say it's made wrapping gifts much easier! Unfortunately this will not make wrapping a cauldron any easier. 😩 Start by sliding the gadget over the entire roll of paper, pull the paper through the opening to your desired length, then place the gadget at the top of the roll so that the notch with the blade is at the top. Then, apply light pressure and move the gadget down across the entire length of the roll. Promising review: "I was so excited to try this, and it actually works ! I am terrible at cutting straight, and this product was incredible. It cut straight across a long roll in no time." — TOOdamnFRANK Little Elf is a small biz that sells gift-wrapping accessories. Get a pack of two on Amazon for $13.99 . Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.Formula 1 expands grid to add General Motors' Cadillac brand and new American team for 2026 season
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The UN General Assembly on Wednesday overwhelmingly adopted a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, a symbolic gesture rejected by the United States and Israel. The resolution -- adopted by a vote of 158-9, with 13 abstentions -- urges "an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire," and "the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages" -- wording similar to a text vetoed by Washington in the Security Council last month. At that time, Washington used its veto power on the Council -- as it has before -- to protect its ally Israel, which has been at war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip since the Palestinian militant group's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. It has insisted on the idea of making a ceasefire conditional on the release of all hostages in Gaza, saying otherwise that Hamas has no incentive to free those in captivity. Deputy US Ambassador Robert Wood repeated that position Wednesday, saying it would be "shameful and wrong" to adopt the text. Ahead of the vote, Israel's UN envoy Danny Danon said: "The resolutions before the assembly today are beyond logic. (...) The vote today is not a vote for compassion. It is a vote for complicity." The General Assembly often finds itself taking up measures that cannot get through the Security Council, which has been largely paralyzed on hot-button issues such as Gaza and Ukraine due to internal politics, and this time is no different. The resolution, which is non-binding, demands "immediate access" to widespread humanitarian aid for the citizens of Gaza, especially in the besieged north of the territory. Dozens of representatives of UN member states addressed the Assembly before the vote to offer their support to the Palestinians. "Gaza doesn't exist anymore. It is destroyed," said Slovenia's UN envoy Samuel Zbogar. "History is the harshest critic of inaction." That criticism was echoed by Algeria's deputy UN ambassador Nacim Gaouaoui, who said: "The price of silence and failure in the face of the Palestinian tragedy is a very heavy price, and it will be heavier tomorrow." Hamas's October 2023 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,208 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. That count includes hostages who died or were killed while being held in Gaza. Militants abducted 251 hostages, 96 of whom remain in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead. Israel's retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed at least 44,805 people, a majority of them civilians, according to data from the Hamas-run health ministry that is considered reliable by the United Nations. "Gaza today is the bleeding heart of Palestine," Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour said last week during the first day of debate in the Assembly's special session on the issue. "The images of our children burning in tents, with no food in their bellies and no hopes and no horizon for the future, and after having endured pain and loss for more than a year, should haunt the conscience of the world and prompt action to end this nightmare," he said, calling for an end to the "impunity." The Gaza resolution calls on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to present "proposals on how the United Nations could help to advance accountability" by using existing mechanisms or creating new ones based on past experience. The Assembly, for example, created an international mechanism to gather evidence of crimes committed in Syria starting from the outbreak of civil war in 2011. A second resolution calling on Israel to respect the mandate of the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) and allow it to continue its operations was passed Wednesday by a vote of 159-9 with 11 abstentions. Israel has voted to ban the organization starting January 28, after accusing some UNRWA employees of taking part in Hamas's devastating attack. abd/sst/jgcA court challenge over a Stormont vote on extending post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland has been dismissed, and the Assembly debate will go ahead as planned on Tuesday. Ruling on Monday after an emergency hearing at Belfast High Court, judge Mr Justice McAlinden rejected loyalist activist Jamie Bryson’s application for leave for a full judicial review hearing against Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn. The judge said Mr Bryson, who represented himself as a personal litigant, had “very ably argued” his case with “perseverance and cogency”, and had raised some issues of law that caused him “some concern”. However, he found against him on the three grounds of challenge against Mr Benn. Mr Bryson had initially asked the court to grant interim relief in his challenge to prevent Tuesday’s democratic consent motion being heard in the Assembly, pending the hearing of a full judicial review. However, he abandoned that element of his leave application during proceedings on Monday, after the judge made clear he would be “very reluctant” to do anything that would be “trespassing into the realms” of a democratically elected Assembly. Mr Bryson had challenged Mr Benn’s move to initiate the democratic consent process that is required under the UK and EU’s Windsor Framework deal to extend the trading arrangements that apply to Northern Ireland. The previously stated voting intentions of the main parties suggest that Stormont MLAs will vote to continue the measures for another four years when they convene to debate the motion on Tuesday. After the ruling, Mr Bryson told the court he intended to appeal to the Court of Appeal. Any hearing was not expected to come later on Monday. In applying for leave, the activist’s argument was founded on three key grounds. The first was the assertion that Mr Benn failed to make sufficient efforts to ensure Stormont’s leaders undertook a public consultation exercise in Northern Ireland before the consent vote. The second was that the Secretary of State allegedly failed to demonstrate he had paid special regard to protecting Northern Ireland’s place in the UK customs territory in triggering the vote. The third ground centred on law changes introduced by the previous UK government earlier this year, as part of its Safeguarding the Union deal to restore powersharing at Stormont. He claimed that if the amendments achieved their purpose, namely, to safeguard Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom, then it would be unlawful to renew and extend post-Brexit trading arrangements that have created economic barriers between the region and the rest of the UK. In 2023, the UK Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the trading arrangements for Northern Ireland are lawful. The appellants in the case argued that legislation passed at Westminster to give effect to the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement conflicted with the 1800 Acts of Union that formed the United Kingdom, particularly article six of that statute guaranteeing unfettered trade within the UK. The Supreme Court found that while article six of the Acts of Union has been “modified” by the arrangements, that was done with the express will of a sovereign parliament, and so therefore was lawful. Mr Bryson contended that amendments made to the Withdrawal Agreement earlier this year, as part of the Safeguarding the Union measures proposed by the Government to convince the DUP to return to powersharing, purport to reassert and reinforce Northern Ireland’s constitutional status in light of the Supreme Court judgment. He told the court that it was “quite clear” there was “inconsistency” between the different legal provisions. “That inconsistency has to be resolved – there is an arguable case,” he told the judge. However, Dr Tony McGleenan KC, representing the Government, described Mr Bryson’s argument as “hopeless” and “not even arguable”. He said all three limbs of the case had “no prospect of success and serve no utility”. He added: “This is a political argument masquerading as a point of constitutional law and the court should see that for what it is.” After rising to consider the arguments, Justice McAlinden delivered his ruling shortly after 7pm. The judge dismissed the application on the first ground around the lack consultation, noting that such an exercise was not a “mandatory” obligation on Mr Benn. On the second ground, he said there were “very clear” indications that the Secretary of State had paid special regard to the customs territory issues. On the final ground, Justice McAlinden found there was no inconsistency with the recent legislative amendments and the position stated in the Supreme Court judgment. “I don’t think any such inconsistency exists,” he said. He said the amendments were simply a “restatement” of the position as set out by the Supreme Court judgment, and only served to confirm that replacing the Northern Ireland Protocol with the Windsor Framework had not changed the constitutional fact that Article Six of the Acts of Union had been lawfully “modified” by post-Brexit trading arrangements. “It does no more than that,” he said. The framework, and its predecessor the NI Protocol, require checks and customs paperwork on goods moving from Great Britain into Northern Ireland. Under the arrangements, which were designed to ensure no hardening of the Irish land border post-Brexit, Northern Ireland continues to follow many EU trade and customs rules. This has proved highly controversial, with unionists arguing the system threatens Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom. Advocates of the arrangements say they help insulate the region from negative economic consequences of Brexit. A dispute over the so-called Irish Sea border led to the collapse of the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2022, when the DUP withdrew then-first minister Paul Givan from the coalition executive. The impasse lasted two years and ended in January when the Government published its Safeguarding the Union measures. Under the terms of the framework, a Stormont vote must be held on articles five to 10 of the Windsor Framework, which underpin the EU trade laws in force in Northern Ireland, before they expire. The vote must take place before December 17. Based on the numbers in the Assembly, MLAs are expected to back the continuation of the measures for another four years, even though unionists are likely to oppose the move. DUP leader Gavin Robinson has already made clear his party will be voting against continuing the operation of the Windsor Framework. Unlike other votes on contentious issues at Stormont, the motion does not require cross-community support to pass. If it is voted through with a simple majority, the arrangements are extended for four years. In that event, the Government is obliged to hold an independent review of how the framework is working. If it wins cross-community support, which is a majority of unionists and a majority of nationalists, then it is extended for eight years. The chances of it securing such cross-community backing are highly unlikely.Convicted Jan. 6 rioter says retired congressman invited him to Trump inauguration
After a far-right pro-Russia candidate secured a surprise lead in Romania's presidential election Monday, the eastern European NATO member is bracing for a high-stakes parliamentary vote on Sunday, amid fears it could bring about a strategic shift in the country. Calin Georgescu was in pole position with almost 23 percent after the first round of voting, a political earthquake in the country of 19 million people that has so far resisted nationalist appeals that have gained traction in Hungary and Slovakia. His victory ahead of centre-right mayor Elena Lasconi -- who scored 19.18 percent -- ended the hopes of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu to compete for the presidency in the December runoff. After coming third at 19.15, Ciolacu said his Social Democratic Party (PSD) won't challenge the narrow result, and announced his resignation as party leader. Experts say the far right's surprise success could affect the parliamentary elections later this week, and even influence the chances of forming a future government. In the runoff ballot on December 8, Lasconi will face Georgescu, a NATO critic who in the past expressed his admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Georgescu's popularity surged ahead of the vote with a viral TikTok campaign calling for an end to aid for Ukraine, which shares a 650-kilometre (400-mile) border with Romania. In a first reaction on his YouTube channel, the 62-year-old independent candidate insisted "there is no East or West", stressing that neutrality was "absolutely necessary". "I am not an extremist, I am not a fascist -- I am a Romanian who loves his country," he said in reference to media reports that "tried to portray" him in a wrongful way. For his rival Lasconi, the upcoming runoff represents "an existential battle", "a historic confrontation" between those who wish to "preserve Romania's young democracy" and those who want to "return to the Russian sphere of influence". "We must not allow anger to throw us back into the past," she said to thunderous applause from her supporters, vowing to stand up for Europe and NATO. The political earthquake comes amid soaring inflation and mounting fears of Romania being potentially dragged into Russia's war in neighbouring Ukraine, as the country has emerged as a key player on the alliance's eastern flank. Sign up to get our free daily email of the biggest stories! In Sunday's vote, another far-right contender, AUR party leader George Simion, secured nearly 14 percent. Already pounding the campaign trail for this week's parliamentary elections, Simion said Romania now has "the chance to have a sovereign government and a sovereign president". Overall, the far right won more than a third of all votes in Sunday's presidential ballot. "The far right is by far the big winner of this election," political scientist Cristian Pirvulescu told AFP, predicting a possible "contagion effect" in the parliamentary vote. Extremist forces and Lasconi's centre-right party now have "wind in their sails", sociologist Gelu Duminica said, though "it remains to be seen if they know how to capitalise" on it. The PSD, which has shaped the country's politics for more than three decades, has never before been eliminated in the first round of a presidential election. The National Liberal Party (PNL) party, with whom the PSD currently governs, also suffered a defeat. While many expressed their disbelief over the poll in the streets of the capital Bucharest, others were enthused. Maria Chis, 70, said she was surprised by Georgescu's lead in the first round but had been impressed after watching his TikTok videos. "He seems a man of integrity, serious and patriotic. He inspires seriousness. I think only someone like him can bring change," said the pensioner, who was planning to vote for him in the second round. Alex Tudose, the owner of a construction company, was gloomy. "There is sorrow, disappointment, that after so many years in Euro-Atlantic structures we voted for a pro-Russian by over 20 percent," the 42-year-old said. "There is clearly a strong fragmentation both in society and in the political class, and I think we saw that yesterday," he said. ani-anb-kym/sbk
Eagles’ star receiver throws some water on brush fire, but still not happy with passing gameISANTI, Minn. — The young Buddhist lama sat on a throne near an altar decorated with flowers, fruits and golden statues of the Buddha, watching the celebrations of his 18th birthday in silence, with a faint smile. Jalue Dorje knew it would be the last big party before he joins a monastery in the Himalayan foothills — thousands of miles from his home in a Minneapolis suburb, where he grew up like a typical American teen playing football and listening to rap music. But this was not an ordinary coming-of-age celebration. It was an enthronement ceremony for an aspiring spiritual leader who from an early age was recognized by the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan Buddhist leaders as a reincarnated lama. Young women in white long bearded masks danced, jumping acrobatically and twirling colorful sticks to wish him luck in a tradition reserved for dignitaries. Hundreds lined up to bow to him and present him with a khata, the white Tibetan ceremonial scarves that symbolize auspiciousness. From a throne reserved for lamas, he smelled the aroma of Tibetan dishes prepared by his mother over sleepless nights. He heard the monks with shaved heads, in maroon and gold robes like his own, chant sacred mantras. Behind them, his shaggy-haired high school football teammates sang “Happy Birthday” before he cut the first slice of cake. One of his buddies gave him shaker bottles for hydrating during training at the gym; another, a gift card to eat at Chipotle Mexican Grill. “I was in awe!” Dorje recalled later. “Usually, I’d be at the monk section looking up to whomever was celebrating. But that night it was for me.” Since the Dalai Lama’s recognition, Dorje has spent much of his life training to become a monk, memorizing sacred scriptures, practicing calligraphy and learning the teachings of Buddha. After graduation in 2025, he’ll head to northern India to join the Mindrolling Monastery, more than 7,200 miles from his home in Columbia Heights. Following several years of contemplation and ascetism, he hopes to return to America to teach in the Minnesota Buddhist community. His goal is “to become a leader of peace,” following the example of the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela and Gandhi “There’s going to be a lot of sacrifice involved,” Dorje said. He’s not new to sacrifices. He remembered all the early mornings reciting ancient prayers and memorizing Buddhist scriptures, often rewarded by his dad with Pokémon cards. “As a child, even on the weekend, you’re like: ‘Why don’t I get to sleep more? Why can’t I get up and watch cartoons like other kids.’ But my dad always told me that it’s like planting a seed,” he said, “and one day it’s going to sprout.” It all began with the process of identifying a lama, which is based on spiritual signs and visions. Dorje was about 4 months old when he was identified by Kyabje Trulshik Rinpoche, a venerated master of Tibetan Buddhism and leader of the Nyingma lineage. He later was confirmed by several lamas as the eighth Terchen Taksham Rinpoche — the first one was born in 1655. After the Dalai Lama recognized him at age 2, Dorje’s parents took him to meet the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism when he visited Wisconsin in 2010. The Dalai Lama cut a lock of Dorje’s hair in a ceremony and advised his parents to let their son stay in the U.S. to perfect his English before sending him to a monastery. Dorje is fluent in English and Tibetan. He grew up reading the manga graphic novel series “Buddha,” and is an avid sports fan. He roots for the Timberwolves in basketball, Real Madrid in soccer and the Atlanta Falcons in football. His teammates praised his positivity on the football field; playing as a left guard, he often reminded them to have fun and keep losses in perspective. “It’s someone to look up to,” said Griffin Hogg, 20, a former player who took Dorje under his wing. He said they learned from each other and he credits Dorje with helping him find his spirituality. “I’m more of a relaxed person after getting to know him and understanding his own journey.” While Dorje tries to never miss Monday Night Football, he’s always there to help with any event hosted by the local Tibetan community, one of the largest in the U.S. “He has one foot in the normal high school life. And he has one foot in this amazing Tibetan culture that we have in the state of Minnesota,” said Kate Thomas, one of his tutors and the teachings coordinator at Minneapolis’ Bodhicitta Sangha Heart of Enlightenment Institute. “You can see that he’s comfortable playing a role of sitting on a throne, of participating and being honored as a respected person in his community, as a religious figure. And yet, as soon as he has the opportunity, he wants to go and hang out with his high school buddies,” she said. “That’s testimony to his flexibility, his openness of mind.” For years, he followed the same routine. He wakes up to recite sacred texts and then attends school, followed by football practice. He returns home for tutoring about Tibetan history and Buddhism. Then he might practice calligraphy or run on a treadmill while listening to rap music. Though he was officially enthroned in 2019 in India, an estimated 1,000 people gathered at the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota for his recent ceremony. “He unites us — Jalue is always here for us,” said Zenden Ugen, 21, a family friend and neighbor who performed Tibetan dances at the event. Get local news delivered to your inbox!WASHINGTON: Donald Trump learned a long time ago that photo opportunities could get him attention and that slapping his name on everything from skyscrapers to steaks could make him money. As a second-time presidential candidate and now the president-elect, he is marrying the two concepts faster than ever, tying the high-profile visuals of his political life to perfumes, watches, sneakers and digital trading cards. Everything around Trump has become something to monetize, including a moment of comity with Jill Biden, the first lady, at Notre Dame over the weekend. “Here are my new Trump Perfumes & Colognes!” Trump wrote on social media Sunday, along with a picture of his interaction with the faintly smiling first lady. “I call them Fight, Fight, Fight, because they represent us WINNING. Great Christmas gifts for the family.” Under the photo was another caption, an apparent dig at Biden: “A FRAGRANCE YOUR ENEMIES CAN’T RESIST!” Trump, in essence, used a civil moment with the first lady, a frequent critic, to sell fragrances that are “curated to capture the essence of success and determination,” according to the perfume website. 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(Trump still maintained more 50 licensing deals in his name, according to an analysis by The Washington Post.) This time, there is no such presumption of distance, only the churn of a conveyor belt spitting out one Trump product after another. On Monday, officials working for Trump did not immediately reply to a question about whether Trump would continue promoting products after being sworn in. With weeks until he takes office, Trump is capitalizing on the attention of his election victory, hawking fragrances and footwear to supporters who are in the mood to celebrate. There have been $299 “Trump Crypto President” sneakers on offer, along with $119 “Victory” cologne and $299 “First Lady” shoes. There is little information available about what materials the products are made from or where they are manufactured. And according to the products’ website, sales are final. When Trump ran in 2016, several of his branded products sold through the Trump Organization were made overseas, including sport coats made in India, suits made in Mexico and neckties made in China — business practices that were and are at odds with his current embrace of tariffs against economic competitors like Beijing. Trump’s daughter Ivanka was also criticized for selling products manufactured overseas. Trump does not appear to be a manufacturer of the perfumes, watches, sneakers and other items he has lent his name to. The playbook goes like this: Trump creates companies that function like bank accounts, allowing the people or companies making the products to pay him royalties for the cost of licensing his name. On his 2023 financial disclosure form, for example, a company Trump owns called “CIC Ventures LLC” reported income of $4.5 million for a book published by conservative publishing company Winning Team, which is owned, in part, by his son Donald Trump Jr. Also according to the disclosure, the elder Trump made $300,000 from a licensing partnership with LMA Productions, a company that produced a Bible endorsed by “God Bless the USA” singer Lee Greenwood. But unlike some of Trump’s earlier efforts, the identities of his current merchandise business partners are shielded through the creation of limited liability companies, which are structured to allow those partners to remain anonymous. At least two of the companies selling recently created Trump products were formed in Wyoming, a state home to strict privacy laws that shield the identities of LLC owners. 45Footwear, the company behind the $499 “Trump Won” sneakers and the “Fight Fight Fight” fragrances, was set up in January by Cloud Peak, a law firm based in Sheridan, Wyoming, that has formed more than 100,000 such businesses around the world. In July, Cloud Peak also set up a Sheridan-based LLC called TheBestWatchesOnEarth, which hawks gold-plated watches. For $899, supporters can buy one with an etching of the president-elect’s face. Reporters who have visited the Sheridan addresses for those companies have reported finding rural strip malls or buildings populated by unrelated businesses. Jordan Libowitz, vice president of communications for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said that this practice posed several ethical issues. “It’s a bit of a black box where the money’s coming in from,” he said, adding that people hoping to influence Trump could dump money toward one of his products. “We worry a lot about all the time he spends at Mar-a-Lago, around people trying to influence policy,” Libowitz said. “You show up and show him like, ‘Hey, I spent $100,000 on Trump watches.’ That’s going to get his attention.” Another concern is the speed and frequency with which Trump has unveiled new products before he assumes the presidency in just over a month. Without more information from the president-elect and his team, there is no way to know if Trump will try to monetize big moments in his presidency and where the money to produce those goods will come from. “Whatever norms he was responsive to before,” Libowitz said, “he does not seem particularly interested in them now.” (This article originally appeared in The New York Times) (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump is telling the Supreme Court that he can make a deal that will resolve the national security dispute over TikTok and preserve the video site for 170 million Americans. All the justices need to do, he says, is to stand aside and suspend a pending law that could shut down TikTok on Jan. 19, the day before Trump takes office again. "President Trump alone possesses the consummate deal-making expertise, the electoral mandate, and the political will to negotiate a resolution to save the platform," his attorney said in a friend-of-the court brief filed Friday night. His plan might work, at least to buy more time. The justices had agreed to make a fast-track decision on the potentially momentous issue involving social media and free speech. "I think the court is likely to see great benefit in issuing a stay and little downside," said University of California, Berkeley Law Dean Erwin Chemerinsky. "The case poses a novel and very difficult First Amendment issue. Never before has the government tried to ban a medium of communication, but there also is a history of judicial deference to national security claims." Before Trump's intervention, TikTok appeared to face a difficult fight in the court. The House and Senate had passed legislation by large bipartisan majorities requiring the platform to separate itself from its Chinese owner or to shut down in this country. President Joe Biden signed the bill into law in April. And by its terms, it was scheduled to take effect in 270 days. Although the justices are not shy about striking down federal regulations, they are wary of overturning an act of Congress, particularly one that is based on threats to national security. The U.S. appeals court in Washington cited national security when it upheld the law earlier this month. In a 3-0 decision, the judges said the law did not target speech or expression. Rather, lawmakers were convinced the Chinese parent company could gather personal data on millions of Americans, the judges said. If the law took effect on Jan. 19, Apple, Oracle and other U.S. companies could have faced large civil fines if they continued to work with TikTok. Trump's attorney D. John Sauer filed a friend-of-the-court brief that differed in tone and substance from all the others. Rather than weigh in on the First Amendment question the justices had agreed to decide , he explained why Trump was better-suited to decide it. "Through his historic victory on November 5, 2024, President Trump received a powerful electoral mandate from American voters to protect the free-speech rights of all Americans — including the 170 million Americans who use TikTok," he wrote. "Moreover, President Trump is one of the most powerful, prolific, and influential users of social media in history." Noting that Trump has 14.7 million followers on TikTok, Sauer argued that the president-elect is well-positioned "to evaluate TikTok's importance as a unique medium for freedom of expression, including core political speech." He also wrote that as the founder of another social-media platform, Truth Social, Trump has "an in-depth perspective on the extraordinary government power attempted to be exercised in this case — the power of the federal government to effectively shut down a social-media platform favored by tens of millions of Americans." "In light of these interests — including, most importantly, his overarching responsibility for the United States' national security and foreign policy — President Trump opposes banning TikTok in the United States at this juncture, and seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office." In 2020, Trump had voiced alarm over TikTok because of its Chinese ownership. Lawmakers later heard classified briefings that convinced them the foreign ownership posed a danger. But by the time the law won approval, Trump had switched sides. He said he believed TikTok helped him win the support of young voters. "TikTok had an impact, so we're taking a look at it," he told reporters two weeks ago. "I have a little warm spot in my heart." A year ago, his attorney Sauer drew criticism from some legal experts for boldly asserting that Trump as a former president had an absolute immunity from criminal charges for his official acts while in office. But in July, he won a 6-3 ruling from the Supreme Court that gave him and Trump what he had sought. Sauer is now set to represent Trump and his administration before the Supreme Court as U.S. solicitor general. He did not say precisely what the court should do now, only that it "should consider staying the statutory deadline to grant more breathing space" to the incoming administration and that one provision in the law allowed for a 90-day extension before it took effect. The court asked for responses to the competing briefs by next Friday. It scheduled two hours of argument for Jan. 10. It's not certain the justices will readily comply with Trump's request. Two weeks ago, former Trump attorney Noel Francisco filed an appeal on TikTok's behalf urging the justices to put the law on hold for a brief period. But the justices brushed aside that suggestion and said they would decide whether divestiture law violated the First Amendment. "I am skeptical Trump's intervention will make a difference," said Alan Rozenshtein, a University of Minnesota law professor who has written about the pending law. He noted that the Supreme Court denied TikTok's request to stay the law because it did not think TikTok could meet the requirements for a stay: a reasonable chance of winning on the merits. "Trump's argument does not change that," he said. "It may be bad luck for TikTok (and Trump) that the law goes into effect the day before inauguration, but such is life." ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
