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By CHRIS MEGERIAN and COLLEEN LONG WASHINGTON (AP) — In the two weeks since Donald Trump won the presidency, he’s tried to demonstrate his dominance by naming loyalists for top administration positions, even though many lack expertise and some face sexual misconduct accusations. It often seems like he’s daring Congress to oppose his decisions. But on Thursday, Trump’s attempt to act with impunity showed a crack as Matt Gaetz , his choice for attorney general, withdrew from consideration. Trump had named Gaetz, a Florida congressman, to be the country’s top law enforcement official even though he was widely disliked by his colleagues, has little legal experience and was accused of having sex with an underage girl, an allegation he denied. After being plagued by investigations during his first presidency, Trump wanted a devoted ally in charge of the Justice Department during his second. However, it was never obvious that Gaetz could win enough support from lawmakers to get confirmed as attorney general. Trump chose for a replacement Pam Bondi, a former Florida attorney general who defended him during his first impeachment trial and supported his false claims of voter fraud. Now the question is whether Gaetz was uniquely unpalatable, or if Trump’s other picks might exceed his party’s willingness to overlook concerns that would have sunk nominees in a prior political era. The next test will likely be Pete Hegseth, who Trump wants to lead the Pentagon despite an allegation of sexual assault that he’s denied. So far, Republicans are rallying around Hegseth , an Army veteran and former Fox News host. Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican who serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the controversy over Gaetz would have little bearing on Trump’s other choices. He said they would be considered “one at a time.” Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, suggested otherwise, claiming “the dominoes are falling.” “The drip drip of evidence and truth is going to eventually doom some others,” he said. Trump’s election victory was a sign that there may not be many red lines left in American politics. He won the presidential race despite authoritarian, racist and misogynist rhetoric, not to mention years of lies about election fraud and his role in sparking the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He was also criminally convicted of falsifying business records to pay hush money, and he was found liable for sexual abuse in a civil case. Empowered by voters who looked past his misconduct and saw him as a powerful agent of change, Trump has shown no deference to Washington norms while working to fill his second administration . The transition team hasn’t pursued federal background checks for Trump’s personnel choices. While some of his selections have extensive experience in the areas they’ve been chosen to lead, others are personal friends and Fox News personalities who have impressed and flattered Trump over the years. Several have faced allegations involving sexual misconduct . Hegseth is facing the most scrutiny after Gaetz. Once Trump announced Hegseth as his nominee for Pentagon chief, allegations emerged that he sexually assaulted a woman in California in 2017. The woman said he took her phone, blocked the door to the hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a police report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing, the report said. However, he paid the woman a confidential settlement in 2023. Hegseth’s lawyer said the payment was made to head off the threat of a baseless lawsuit. Trump’s choice for secretary of health and human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has faced allegations of misconduct too. A woman who babysat for him and his second wife told Vanity Fair magazine that Kennedy groped her in the late 1990s, when she was 23. Kennedy did not deny the allegation and texted an apology to the woman after the article was published. That isn’t the only hurdle for Kennedy; he’s spent years spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories about vaccines, raising fears about making him a top health official in the new administration. Linda McMahon, chosen by Trump to be education secretary, is fighting a lawsuit connected to her former company, World Wrestling Entertainment. She’s accused of knowingly enabling sexual exploitation of children by an employee as early as the 1980s, and she denies the allegations. Tulsi Gabbard is another person who could face a difficult confirmation battle, but for very different reasons. The former Democratic representative from Hawaii has been a vocal Trump ally, and he chose her to be national intelligence director. But there’s grave concern by lawmakers and national security officials over Gabbard’s history of echoing Russian propaganda. Critics said she would endanger relationships with U.S. allies. Gaetz was investigated by federal law enforcement for sex trafficking, but the case was closed without charges and Republicans have blocked the release of a related report from the House Ethics Committee. However, some allegations leaked out, including that Gaetz paid women for sex. One of the women testified to the committee that she saw Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old girl, according to a lawyer for the woman. As Gaetz met with senators this week, it became clear that he would face stubborn resistance from lawmakers who were concerned about his behavior and believed he was unqualified to run the Justice Department. “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction,” Gaetz wrote on social media when announcing his withdrawal. Sen. Mike Braun, an Indiana Republican, said he believed there were four to six members of the caucus who would have voted against Gaetz, likely dooming his nomination, and “the math got too hard.” He said some of the issues and allegations around Gaetz were “maybe beyond the pale.” “I think there were just too many things, it was like a leaky dike, and you know, it broke,” Braun said. Trump thanked Gaetz in a post on Truth Social, his social media website, without addressing the substance of the allegations against him. “He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect,” Trump wrote. Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Stephen Groves and Lisa Macaro contributed from Washington. Jill Colvin in New York and Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, also contributed.How Washington outsider Jimmy Carter wooed voters tired of Vietnam and Watergate

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ star player Shohei Ohtani is about to take on another, equally important role — that of a father! The 30-year-old baseball sensation and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka , 28, made the big announcement via Instagram on Saturday, December 28, 2024. “Can’t wait for the little rookie to join our family soon!” he proudly captioned the post, alongside a photo of their dog Dekopin, a set of pink ruffled baby pajamas, and an ultrasound photo covered by a baby-face emoji. Dekopin, otherwise known as “Decoy,” appeared to be taking the news in stride, laying back with his legs in the air for the sweet snapshot. Ahead of the arrival, here’s what you should about Shohei Ohtani’s wife Mamiko Tanaka and their life together as a married couple. Who is Shohei Ohtani’s Wife? According to PEOPLE , Mamiko Tanaka, 28, is a former pro Japanese basketball player. Per the outlet, early in her career, Tanaka played for Waseeda University. She went on to play professional basketball in 2019, joining the Fujitsu Red Wave of the Women’s Japan Basketball League. She stands tall and graceful at 5’11,” and her career as a pro basketball player spanned four years before she retired in 2023. Perhaps most importantly, she’s proven that Ohtani is not the only talented athlete in the family. How Long Has Shoehei Ohtani Been Married? Without naming the date or the bride, Ohtani announced his marriage in a February 29, 2024 Instagram post . “To all my friends and fans throughout, I have an announcement to make: Not only have I began a new chapter in my career with the Dodgers but I also have began a new life with someone from my Native country of Japan who is very special to me and I wanted everyone to know I am now married,” he wrote. “I am excited for what is to come and thank you for your support.” An adorable snap of Dekopin in the corner of the announcement punctuated the good news. A post shared by Shohei Ohtani | 大谷翔平 (@shoheiohtani) Two weeks later, Ohtani and Tanaka posed with his new wife as they prepared to board a plane to Seoul, South Korea. The Dodgers were on their way to play there, and the team ultimately made the big reveal with a shot on Twitter of Ohtani and Tanaka, as well as a separate photo of Mookie Betts and wife Brianna Hammonds. “Wheels up to Seoul,” the team captioned the post. Beyond his couple of big announcements, Ohtani has kept his personal life with Tanaka private — the baseball star has shared very little information about his daily life with Tanaka on social media. Does Shohei Ohtani Have Kids? As mentioned above, Ohtani has recently announced he’s about to become a father for the first time! His Instagram post, complete with a pink ruffled onesie, indicated that his first child will be a daughter. Fans were thrilled, and took to the comments thread to share their thoughts on the impending arrival. “I am so thrilled for you two! Congratulations, and best wishes for your baby girl! Decoy is going to be such a great sibling,” remarked a follower, while another quipped, “do you need a nanny?” According to The Los Angeles Times, Ohtani’s reveal comes amid a year of change, including switching teams from the Angels to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He signed a $700 million contract with the legendary team in December of 2023. He then led the team to its eighth world series title in November of 2024.The Buffalo Bills re-signed Nicholas Morrow on Tuesday and placed fellow linebacker Baylon Spector on injured reserve. Morrow, 29, recorded three tackles in 11 games (zero starts) this season before he was waived on Dec. 7. He has totaled 468 tackles, seven sacks, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 105 career games (58 starts) with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles and Bills. Spector, 26, had 40 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 11 games (four starts) this season before sustaining a calf injury in Buffalo's 24-21 victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday. He has totaled 52 tackles to go along with those 1.5 sacks in 26 career games (four starts) with the Bills since 2022. --Field Level MediaAs we approach the year 2025, a new generation of babies is set to be born, marking the beginning of what will be known as Generation Beta. Defined as those born between 2025 and 2039, this cohort of children will follow in the footsteps of Generation Alpha, the children born from around 2010 to 2024, and will grow up in an increasingly complex and interconnected world shaped by rapid technological advances and global challenges. According to social researcher Mark McCrindle, who coined the term "Generation Alpha", Generation Beta will face a future defined by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, sustainability, and global population changes. Who are Generation Beta? Generation Beta will consist of children born from 2025 to 2039, making them the children of younger Gen Ys (Millennials) and older Gen Z s. By 2035, it is expected that they will make up 16% of the global population, a significant demographic that will influence future economies, cultures, and societies, as per McCrindle's blog post. One of the most notable characteristics of Generation Beta will be their longevity. With advances in healthcare and technology, many children born during this period are expected to live well into the 22nd century, potentially experiencing a life span much longer than previous generations. A world of transformation and challenges As these children grow, they will inherit a world grappling with numerous societal challenges. Climate change, global population shifts, and rapid urbanization will be pressing issues that influence their lives. Mark McCrindle emphasizes that sustainability will no longer be a choice but a necessity. For Generation Beta, environmental consciousness and a sustainable lifestyle will be ingrained from an early age, as they will be tasked with finding solutions to the pressing ecological concerns of the 21st century. Technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation , will be a dominant force in their daily lives. According to McCrindle, by the time Generation Beta comes of age, these technologies will be fully embedded in education, workplaces, healthcare, and entertainment. “Generation Beta will live in an era where AI and automation are fully embedded in everyday life—from education and workplaces to healthcare and entertainment,” he explained. Who will make up Generation Beta? Generation Beta will primarily consist of children born to younger Gen Ys (Millennials) and older Gen Z s. These parents, who are familiar with the digital age and the rise of social media, will raise their children in a vastly different world—one where artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and sustainability are key aspects of daily life. While Millennials and Gen Z have witnessed and adapted to significant technological shifts, Generation Beta will be born into an even more interconnected, automated, and technologically advanced world. They are the first generation to experience the full impact of AI-driven technologies, shaping not only how they learn and work but also how they interact with the world around them. A generation set for longevity Many children born in this period are expected to live well into the 22nd century, thanks to advances in healthcare and longevity technologies. This remarkable life expectancy will present unique challenges and opportunities for the generation, as they will need to navigate not only the complexities of a rapidly changing world but also potentially extended lifespans. Key characteristics of Generation Beta Global Impact: By 2035, Generation Beta is expected to make up 16% of the world’s population, highlighting their significance on a global scale. Their decisions, values, and actions will shape economies, cultures, and industries worldwide. Technological integration: Unlike previous generations, Generation Beta will be surrounded by artificial intelligence and automation from birth. These technologies will be fully integrated into their education systems, workplaces, healthcare, and entertainment. The influence of AI will be pervasive in their everyday lives, allowing them to adapt to a future where machine learning and automation are commonplace. Sustainability focus: Generation Beta will inherit a world confronted by pressing issues such as climate change and resource depletion. The emphasis on sustainability will not just be a choice but a necessity. These challenges will define their approach to living, working, and consuming, with an expectation for greater environmental responsibility. Generation Beta’s world of change While many of their Millennial and Gen Z parents grew up in a world of rapid change, Generation Beta will be born into a hyper-connected, high-tech world. They will have access to technologies and innovations that today’s generations can only imagine, from smart cities to autonomous vehicles to next-generation virtual realities. As the world continues to evolve, Generation Beta will be the key generation to harness the full potential of AI, machine learning, and blockchain technologies. They will grow up in an era where personalization and automation are a given in almost every aspect of life, from school to work to entertainment.

Military courts' verdicts announced in line with SC's judgment: FO

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