As the Christmas decorations are packed away and the last of the mince pies finally eaten, this is the ideal time to start planning your next skiing adventure. While skiing is often considered a luxury escape, it’s entirely possible to enjoy a memorable trip without breaking the bank if you plan wisely. With countless destinations to choose from, ranging from the picturesque Alpine resorts to lesser-known gems, there’s something for everyone to discover. Whether you’re a seasoned pro carving through the snow or a beginner taking to the slopes for the first time, thoughtful planning and budget-friendly travel tips can make all the difference. The key to securing an affordable ski holiday lies in being flexible, taking advantage of early-bird deals, and considering cost-saving options like self-catered accommodation . Skiing offers the chance to explore stunning, snow-covered mountains while enjoying the thrill of gliding down the slopes, no matter your level of experience. It’s a family-friendly activity that combines adventure, fitness, and the beauty of nature in a truly memorable way. European ski resorts are famous not only for their exceptional skiing but also for their lively off-piste attractions, including vibrant après-ski scenes filled with delicious food, music and entertainment. Eager to plan your next ski holiday but worried about the cost? We’ve gathered some of the best tips to help you enjoy the slopes without breaking the bank. Book early You can spread out the cost of your holiday by paying a deposit upfront when you book early. You can also get the best choice of resorts and accommodation, especially during popular times. The European ski season lasts until late March so there is still plenty of time, but being weather dependant late season ski trips may also come with less snow. If you can't find a good enough deal for this year, consider waiting a while and booking for 2026 instead. The summer months are usually known as "offer season" when ski resorts offer discounts on lift passes and hotels may add perks for early bookers Book off-peak Avoid busy holidays and weekends, including the February half term holiday period and Easter if it falls in March. If you can take advantage of last-minute deals, January can represent excellent value for money, with the colder weather likely to deter fair weather skiers on higher ground. The best European snow falls are often found in February, but do keep in mind that French schools also have a break around this time meaning some resorts can get very busy. Be flexible Flexibility with your travel dates lets you take advantage of cheaper midweek flights and reduced accommodation rates during off-peak periods. You can also find last-minute deals and align your trip with the most budget-friendly options. Departing mid week can also mean you are more likely to find cheaper travel and lodging options., as does opting for 5 or 10 day holidays, instead of the usual 7 or 14 nights stays. Choose a budget resort Being seen on the slopes at Courchevel or Val d’Isère may be a dream for the upper classes, but for those of us on a budget these resorts aren't even worth considering. Luckily enough incredible skiing can be found throughout Europe with resorts such as Bansko in Bulgaria, Jasná in Slovakia, Livigno in Italy, Les Houches in France, Andorra and Söll in Austria, amongst other, still offer first class slopes without the pretentious price tag. It's also worth noting that some smaller resorts have sky runs that connect to the more upmarket destinations, meaning you can still show of your skiing prowess with having to spend a fortune. Go self catering Self-catering is often more affordable than staying in a fully-catered hotel. You’ll save on meal costs, which can add up quickly in ski resorts where dining out is expensive. Cooking your own meals also allows you to control your food budget, and most ski resorts will have local supermarkets where you can stock up on heart warming food and beverages. Rent your equipment This is a bit obvious as most brits won't want to buy a load of skiing gear to fly around Europe with them. Hire prices can really hike up the price of your holiday, but making some clever choices could keep costs down. Always book in advance if you have time as most rental shops offer discounts for online bookings. It also pays dividends to hire off-slope as equipment in the resort can be more expensive that shops based just outside. In some cases renting for longer periods offers bigger discounts and you can always return them early, and there is no need to pay for premium brands when standard gear and 'basic' packages will serve you just as well.
AI voice cloning: How programs are learning to pick up on pitch and tone
These Could Be 3 of the Best Stocks to Own in 2025 - The Motley Fool
Young men swung to the right for Trump after a campaign dominated by masculine appeals
Jessica Kartalija, who left Channel 3 abruptly in September, has landed at Channel 6. A 6abc spokesperson said Kartalija is working at the station as a part-time reporter. At Channel 3, she was co-anchor to Ukee Washington for 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts. Kartalija’s move to Channel 6 is interesting because while personnel at most of the station’s competitors play musical chairs, “Action News” rarely takes on someone who has been on a different outlet’s air. While I can cite several notable defections from Channel 6 to other pastures — Larry Kane, Marc Howard, Dave Frankel, Steve Levy, Mike Strug — I can only think of one previous time 6abc hired someone who’d worked for a rival. That was Jillian Mele, who had been at Channel 10 and on NBC Sports Philadelphia’s “Breakfast on Broad.” Mele came and went from Channel 6 within a year. When leaving Channel 3, Kartalija said in a Facebook message that she didn’t know what was next for her but that she intended to stay in the Philadelphia area. Channel 6, with its 46-consecutive years of highest market ratings and congenial format, is a great spot for anyone in television news to find a berth. It will be interesting to see how Kartalija progresses at her new station. Meanwhile, the last person who left Channel 6 with some splash, sportscaster Jamie Apody, has surfaced periodically on Channel 29 and did well appearing recently with Fox Philly regulars Breland Moore and Jason Martinez on a “Phantastic Sports Shows” that preceded an important Eagles game (and win!). Mike Schmidt documentary Mike Schmidt, who people, and at least one Broadway play, have argued is the best third baseman in the history of baseball is the subject of a documentary, fittingly called, as Harry Kalas would say, “Michael Jack Schmidt,” and streaming at 8 p.m. Thursday on the MLB Network. The program marks the first time MLB has profiled a Phillie, or any Philadelphia athlete. Schmidt, who retired in the middle of the 1989 season, interviewed and no doubt speaks openly about his careers, which included three Most Valuable Player citations in 1980, 1981 and 1986. Subjects discussed included the love, tension, and conflict he felt towards Phillies fans. Two of Schmidt’s luminous contemporaries, catcher Johnny Bench from the Cincinnati Reds and fellow third baseman — and 1980 MVP recipient from the American League — George Brett from the Kansas City Royals, will talk about playing against Schmidt and his demeanor on the field. Like Schmidt, both Bench and Brett have been admitted to Major League Baseball’s Hall of Fame. Three Sixers veterans, Julius Erving, Charles Barkley, and Doug Collins will speak about what it’s like to be a professional athlete in Philadelphia. John Middleton, Phillies chief partner and CEO, is interviewed along with former Phils and Schmidt teammates Larry Bowa, Larry Andersen, John Kruk, Garry Maddox and Von Hayes. Schmidt’s wife of more than 50 years, Donna, and longtime baseball analyst Jayson Stark are also seen in the documentary. ‘Jackal’ getting renewed Good news on several fronts. Peacock has announced a second season for its currently unfolding hit, “The Day of the Jackal.” The best new series of the season, “Jackal” stars Eddie Redmayne as cold-bloodedly professional assassin who nonetheless wins audience support, even after the sad killing of someone who helped him in one of his more complicated assignments. It prominently features Lashana Lynch as an equally ruthless MI-6 agent in what turns out to be frustrated pursuit of the Jackal. Knowing there’s to be a second season answers one question. The Jackal survives his current skein of assassinations, unlike the outcomes in the 1971 novel by Frederick Forsyth or the 1973 movie with Edward Fox, on a mission to kill Charles DeGaulle. There is also a 1997 movie starring Bruce Willis, but that veers markedly from the tone and story of Forsyth’s thriller. “Thriller” is the perfect way to denote the Peacock series with the excellent Redmayne, who can chill and charm as needed. “Jackal” is episodic, so it keeps fans on tenterhooks awaiting each Thursday when a new hourlong program is released. The final episode of Season 1, which goes into much more than the Jackal’s murderous ways or his adversaries’ unlikeable tactics in trying to foil him, airs this week. Lynch’s agent can seem more disregarding and willing to use or expend people than the Jackal. Can’t wait. For either the ending or Season 2. ‘Before’ looking good, too Another episodic show that keeps me returning to see all of its intricacies is “Before,” on Apple TV, which is steadily becoming a outlet to keep constant track of. “Before” has so many twists and turns, it keeps you active in wondering how everything ties together. Threads include a boy, age 8 (Jacobi Jupe) who keeps hovering around the Brooklyn home of a renowned but mostly retired child psychologist (Billy Crystal) who has secrets and mysteries on his own. One involves the death of his wife (Judith Light) by alleged suicide but possible murder just before the boy begins to be seen or leave traces of himself. The psychologist is so talented, he is drawn back to practice by social workers and court officials who believe he alone can help specific children. It is in this context that he agrees to tackle a new case, one that turns out to be — you guessed it! — the troubled boy who keeps seeking his attention. The psychologist has become familiar with the boy, a frequently placed and frequently returned foster child, now in the care of a woman (Rosie Perez) who lives a few blocks from him, albeit in an apartment, in Brooklyn. The plot becomes complex when the child seems to know the psychologist and, on some level, fear him. Meanwhile, the doctor is sincere in wanting to quell the boy’s debilitating anxiety. The weekly release of each part of “Before” adds to its suspense. So many threads are dangled, so much engages your attention and starts you guessing, you look forward to Fridays and each new set of information and clues. For Crystal, an executive producer of “Before,” the psychologist’s role is a change of pace. While Crystal’s doctor gets to reel off some of the caustic bon mots for which the comedian is known, his part is serious, and he approaches it so. In fact — and this may only be me — I know I’m watching Billy Crystal, a performer I’ve enjoyed since his days as Jody on “Soap,” but I have the impression I’m seeing Dustin Hoffman. That’s a compliment. Crystal brings so much nuance and texture to the psychologist, especially when the doctor is trying to solve some conundrum in the boy’s care or is confronted with something difficult about his alleged past or relationship with his late wife, he mirrors the depth and intensity of Hoffman. Jacobi Jupe also has remarkable range for a child actor, good as that breed is these days. He makes you share his fears and apprehensions and believe there is truth behind what at first sounds like strange pronouncements or an unexpected explanation, as when he is showing the psychologist a picture he’s painted and pointing out who different figures are. Writer Sarah Thorp keeps you coming back to each episode and some key information has yet to be revealed. For instance, it would be odd for a performer of the caliber of Judith Light to accept a role that is so unfulfilled eight episodes into a 10-part series. I, for one, am waiting for the sequence in which we learn more about Light’s character and see a proven actress doing work that might daunt others. Rosie Perez is touching as the foster parent who wants a child and is keen to have Jupe’s troubled child in her life. There is also fine work by Sakina Jaffrey and Ava Lalezarzadeh. Naked appeal Six stars, five from show business, one from football, strip to bring attention to charities involved in men’s health on a two-hour special, “The Full Monty,” airing at 8 p.m. Monday on Fox (Channel 29). Lighting will mask the final moment when “black-ish’s” Anthony Anderson, James Van Der Beek, Taye Diggs, “Dancing with the Stars’ ” Bruno Tonioli, Tyler Posey, and Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones bare all in an effort to create awareness and boost gifts to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, and the Testicular Cancer Society. In addition to their strip, you’ll see footage of the men working with choreographer Mandy Moore. Van Der Beek, for one, talks about his experience with cancer. Among his and his castmates’ goals is to encourage men to be tested for illnesses that are better controlled the earlier they are found. Nick Kayal shoutout Nick Kayal, who helms the 6 to 10 a.m. weekday show on WPHT (1210 AM), impressed by having a piece he wrote about Pennsylvania politics picked up by one of my favorite news sources, Real Clear Politics (RCP). I depend on RCP and other online news outlets, such as The Free Press and Substack, to offer a panoply of stories from several publications and broadcast organizations, even X, to keep me informed about what folks on both sides of an issue. While the sites I mentioned lean toward the conservative, as do I, a down-the-line libertarian, they carry articles offering opposing and alternative points of view. They allow me to compare issues from varying angles and determine where I stand, rather than offering the outright propaganda and skewed ideology that mar most newspapers and render television news — networks, cable, or streamers — frequently unwatchable. Kayal’s sidekicks on ‘PHT are Greg Stocker and Dawn Stensland, who takes the mic from 10 a.m. to noon with her own show. Others on 1210 are my estimable friend, Dom Giordano (noon to 3 p.m.), with whom I hope to be heard again now that some of the politics has cooled down, and Rich Zeoli (3 to 7 p.m.). Cable news ratings The recent election inflated some cable news stations’ ratings. Since the Nov. 5 voting, which declared Donald Trump the winner over Kamala Harris, both CNN and MSNBC have seen diminished ratings. On some days, they look like half of what they were when Trump and Harris were vying for the presidency. ‘Good Neighbor’ award Alas, there was no Philadelphia finalist in 2024 for Kelly Clarkson’s “Good Neighbor of the Year Award,” but while listening to the stories of this year’s group of nominees, the second in which Clarkson and staff did an extensive national search to nominate local charities doing extraordinary work, I thought back to the amazing young local man I saw during Clarkson’s 2023 “Good Neighbor” cycle. Tyrique Glasgow confronted what seemed like the overwhelming adversity of his past to positively renew his life by founding the Young Chances Foundation that does a wealth of important work in his South Philadelphia community. Nominated last year by Channel 10’s Frances Wang, Glasgow used earnings and donations triggered by “The Kelly Clarkson Show” (3 p.m. weekdays on Channel 10) to obtain a 25-passenger van to transport seniors and others in his community, only one among several services Young Chances provides. Tyrique was so impressive, I recalled him as this year’s candidates were speaking. The winner and recipient of a $100,000 prize last year was A Place at the Table from Raleigh, N.C. This year’s finalists hale from Phoenix, D.C., Dallas, Atlanta, Kansas City, Cleveland and Seattle.AC Milan coach Paulo Fonseca dismissed growing speculation about his future on Sunday, stressing that he had not discussed his role with anyone and had no fear. Rumours about his possible departure dominated Italian media coverage of Milan's 1-1 draw at home against AS Roma in Serie A . Editor's Picks When does the January transfer window open and close across Europe? 7d ESPN His team have had a lukewarm season so far, eighth in the domestic table and 12th in the Champions League. "Did I have a tough meeting with Zlatan ?" Fonseca said of rumours he had spoken to the club's senior adviser and former player Zlatan Ibrahimovic. "No, I haven't spoken to anyone. I haven't seen anyone from the club. I can't say anything more. I can't make up things that haven't happened," he told a press conference. "Never in my life have I been afraid in football. And I'll continue like this. For me it's important to always have a clear conscience: I work, I'm honest with those who work with me. "I'm not afraid of anything." Fonseca said he planned to lead Milan in the semifinals of the Supercoppa Italiana after the New Year against Juventus in Riyadh. "I can expect it," he said. "I have no signs to the contrary. Now I'm going home, I'll watch the game, and then I'll think about working." He said he had no regrets about the job he had done so far at Milan since arriving in June, taking over from Stefano Pioli. At Sunday's game, Fonseca became the centre of attention just before the break, when his protests over Tijjani Reijnders going down inside the box led to his dismissal for dissent after the referee waved play on. "I was exaggerated in my protest at that moment, but I don't want to say anything. It is a very clear situation for me," Fonseca told the DAZN streaming service.It’s one thing for a president to pardon his son. It’s another to do it like this. President Joe Biden’s pardon of his son , Hunter Biden, on Monday (AEDT) is exceptional not just because of the pardon’s recipient – the closest family member to receive a pardon in history – but also for its sheer breadth, according to experts on presidential pardons. President Joe Biden accompanied by his son Hunter Biden in Nantucket over the Thanksgiving holiday. Credit: AP Biden didn’t just pardon his son for his convictions on tax and gun charges , but for any “offences against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014, through December 1, 2024”. That’s a nearly 11-year period during which any federal crime Hunter Biden might have committed – and there are none we are aware of beyond what has already been adjudicated – can’t be prosecuted. It notably covers when he was appointed to the board of the Ukrainian energy company Burisma in 2014 all the way through to Sunday, well after the crimes for which he was prosecuted. Hunter Biden hasn’t been charged for his activities regarding Burisma or anything beyond his convictions, and nothing in the public record suggests criminal charges could be around the bend. Congressional Republicans have probed the Burisma matter and Hunter Biden extensively and could seemingly have uncovered chargeable crimes if they existed, but haven’t done so. Hunter Biden after pleading guilty to federal tax charges in September. Credit: AP Even still, the scope of the pardon is remarkable. Experts say there is little to no precedent for a pardon covering such a wide range of activity over such a long period, with the closest being Gerald Ford’s 1974 pardon of Richard Nixon after Nixon resigned post-Watergate. Hunter Biden’s pardon “isn’t tied to any special counsel investigation or charging document,” Sam Morison, who spent 13 years working for the Justice Department’s Office of the Pardon Attorney, said via email. “The only pardon grant that comes close is Ford’s pardon of Nixon for any crimes he may have committed from 1969 to 1974, which on its face would have included crimes (if any) unrelated to Watergate.” Experts pointed to several broad, preemptive and blanket pardons that bear similarities to the one covering Hunter Biden. But they also feature some key differences. The language of the Nixon pardon cited crimes he “has committed or may have committed” between January 20, 1969, and August 9, 1974 – language similar to Hunter Biden’s pardon. Pardoned: Former US president Richard Nixon became infamous for the Watergate scandal. Credit: AP As noted, that is not Watergate-specific, and the dates cover Nixon’s entire presidency. But it’s a period roughly half as long as that covered under Hunter Biden’s pardon. There’s also the fact that some of Nixon’s actions might already have been exempt from prosecution by virtue of his role as president – something Hunter Biden doesn’t benefit from. In 1976 Jimmy Carter pardoned most of those who dodged the Vietnam War draft between August 4, 1964, and March 28, 1973. That covered a large group of people, but the pardon was only for violating the Military Selective Service Act and related regulations. Other presidents have also issued blanket amnesties for large groups of people tied to specific events or specific crimes. Benjamin Harrison did so in 1893 for Mormon polygamists, noting that they had “abstained from such unlawful cohabitation” by 1890. But that was, likewise, for a specific crime. US President Andrew Johnson pardoned 13,000 former Confederate soldiers. Credit: LOC Andrew Johnson issued individual pardons for 13,000 Confederate soldiers after the Civil War, granting them clemency for “all offences by him committed, arising from participation, direct or implied” in the rebellion. “These individual pardons were issued by Johnson throughout his term, and particularly during its first two years,” Frank O. Bowman III, a pardon expert at the University of Missouri School of Law, said in an email. “Hence, they reached back some 6–8 years.” George Washington did so in 1794 for participants of the Whiskey Rebellion, a tax revolt in Pennsylvania . The pardoned conduct was broad – the pardon was for those who had “directly or indirectly engaged in the wicked and unhappy tumults and disturbances lately” and encompassed residents of several counties – but it was at least tied to one event. A couple of other more recent examples that involve pardoning figures for crimes committed in high-profile scandals bear some similarities to the Hunter Biden pardon. Michael Flynn was pardoned by Donald Trump at the end of his first presidency. Credit: AP George H.W. Bush in 1992 pardoned six figures in the Iran-contra affair, including former defence secretary Caspar Weinberger, “for all offences charged or prosecuted by Independent Counsel Lawrence E. Walsh or other member of his office, or committed by these individuals and within the jurisdiction of that office”. And now-President-elect Donald Trump in 2020 pardoned former national security adviser Michael Flynn for “any and all possible offences” arising from facts or circumstances that were “in any matter related” to special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation. Broad clemency The latter went even further than the former, by pardoning Flynn for conduct even just somehow related to the special counsel’s investigation. At the time, some experts regarded it as the broadest act of clemency since Nixon’s pardon. Loading “Flynn’s pardon was broad, to be sure, but not nearly as broad as Hunter’s,” Morison said. There is some question about whether such a broad pardon for unspecified crimes is constitutional, an issue that arose when reports indicated Trump might preemptively pardon family members at the tail end of his first term. The Nixon pardon was not tested in court. But the Supreme Court said amid Johnson’s post-Civil War pardons that a president’s pardon power “extends to every offence known to the law, and may be exercised at any time after its commission, either before legal proceedings are taken or during their pendency or after conviction and judgment.” There is some subjectivity in comparing these pardons. Hunter Biden’s known actions come up well shy of the magnitude of participating in a rebellion against the United States or some of the high-profile scandals mentioned above, for example. And it’s worth emphasising how extraordinarily political many of Trump’s pardons were – granting clemency to numerous political allies and several people wrapped up in investigations involving Trump, including Flynn. Trump surely stretched the bounds of presidential pardon power. But there’s no question that Biden’s exercise of his pardon power also stretched those bounds - and on behalf of his son, no less. “The Nixon pardon is the only precedent in modern times for such a broad pardon, which purports to insulate Hunter Biden from prosecution for crimes that have not even been charged,” said Margaret Love, who served as US pardon attorney under George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. “Some of the Trump pardons were also disruptive of ongoing prosecutions,” Love said, adding that they were at least “directed to specific charged conduct”. Washington Post Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. US politics USA Joe Biden Analysis Trump's America US election Most Viewed in World Loading
The states that saw the most active attacks against election certification two years ago certified the results of this year’s races without controversy this week, prompting the Arizona secretary of state to proclaim that “election denialism” is a thing of the past. Others said they weren’t so sure. Certification proceeded normally this year in part because Donald Trump won the presidential race, quieting his supporters after he had spent the campaign making unsubstantiated claims that he could lose only through widespread cheating . The statewide certification votes Tuesday in Nevada and New Mexico follow a vote Monday to certify the results in Arizona. In all three states, the certification process was tumultuous during the 2022 midterms when Democrats won most statewide offices. Those controversies followed attempts by Trump and his allies to halt or challenge certification in Michigan, Georgia and other battleground states in 2020, disrupting what until then had been a routine administrative process. This year, some who have been the most vocal in questioning the integrity of elections have instead been celebrating Trump’s victory. “The results are being accepted in the manner that they are, in part, because those who have been eroding trust or casting doubt on the integrity of U.S. elections have a result they feel good about,” said David Levine, a former local election official in Idaho who now advises on election administration issues. “Hopefully we can get back to a place where Americans can feel confident in the results even if it’s one they disagree with.” On Tuesday, Nevada and New Mexico certified their statewide results with little discussion. During Monday’s certification in Arizona, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes reflected on the lack of controversy this year. “I think the age of election denialism, for all intents and purposes, is dead,” he said. Sitting next to Fontes, state Attorney General Kris Mayes, a fellow Democrat, said she was more skeptical. Her Republican opponent in 2022 spent two years challenging his loss . “Do I think election denialism is dead? No, I don’t,” she said. “We’ll see over the next couple of election cycles what happens, but I don’t think we’re there yet.” Public confidence in elections has dropped since Trump challenged his loss in 2020 and made false claims of widespread fraud, particularly among Republicans . Some Republicans began targeting the certification process, when local and state boards certify the results after local election officials provide them with the final tally of votes. A firestorm erupted in Georgia over the summer when the state election board, with a new pro-Trump majority, attempted to politicize the certification process with changes later blocked by the courts. While certification battles did not surface after the Nov. 5 election , a vocal segment within the Republican Party remains deeply skeptical of election processes, particularly of the availability of mail ballots and the use of ballot scanners to tally votes. During a forum Monday on the social platform X led by the group Cause of America, the group's director expressed doubt about voting equipment. Shawn Smith, who also is a retired Air Force colonel, argued the certification process suppresses legitimate concerns and goes against “the sovereignty of the people.” Although not as widespread as four years ago, this sentiment did surface sporadically at the local level this month. In Washoe County, Nevada, which includes Reno and voted narrowly for Vice President Kamala Harris, the vote to certify the results was 3-1 with one abstention. Commissioner Jeanne Herman has consistently voted against certification and did not make a public comment about her vote this year. Commissioner Mike Clark, a staunch Trump supporter who had also previously voted against certification, said he would abstain and left before the vote. “I am not an election denier and clearly the person I wanted to win, won this state,” Clark said before leaving the meeting. “However, that does not mean that all the protocols were followed and that we can truly certify the election.” Such skepticism, whether in Nevada or elsewhere, leaves the door open to certification disputes during future elections. The questioning of election results isn't limited to Republicans. Even though Harris quickly conceded after losing all seven presidential battleground states , online posts among her supporters continue to raise concerns about her loss. One Reddit community that has amassed 23,000 members features a steady drumbeat of Democrats scrutinizing a result they can’t believe is real. Some posting in the group have issued calls to contact Harris and her running mate to ask them to demand a recount or otherwise object to the outcome. Among the battlegrounds, Michigan was among those where Trump and his allies pressed to halt certification of the 2020 election for Democrat Joe Biden amid false claims of fraud and manipulation. Two Republican members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers who initially opposed certification eventually relented. The state board of canvassers eventually voted to certify, even after one Republican member abstained. This year, the state board voted unanimously on Nov. 22 in favor of certifying and praised the state’s election workers. In Georgia, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger certified his state’s results on Nov. 22. Four years ago, the Republican state official was facing immense pressure from Trump and his allies to investigate their unsubstantiated claims of fraud. Also certifying results Tuesday, and doing so unanimously, was the state Board of Elections in North Carolina. It was the only presidential battleground state won by Trump in 2020 — and the only one where he and his allies didn't make claims of fraud. Cassidy reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writers Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ken Ritter in Las Vegas, Scott Sonner in Reno, Nevada, and Ali Swenson in New York contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
DoE at 52: Powering communities through clean, sustainable energyTrump names billionaire investment banker Warren Stephens as his envoy to BritainLANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Jayden Daniels connected with Zach Ertz in overtime for his third touchdown pass of the game to get the Washington Commanders into the playoffs by beating the Atlanta Falcons 30-24 on Sunday night in a back-and-forth prime-time showdown between highly drafted rookie quarterbacks. Daniels ran for a season-high 127 yards and completed 24 of 36 passes for 227 yards and had two TD passes to Ertz and another to Olamide Zaccheaus to make the playoffs in his rookie year. In his latest comeback performance in a season full of them , Daniels shook off an interception and a 10-point halftime deficit and led the winning drive in overtime that was capped with the 2-yard pass to Ertz. The Commanders (11-5) could move up to the sixth seed in the NFC and set up a wild-card round game at Tampa Bay or the Los Angeles Rams if they win their regular-season finale at Dallas next weekend. They otherwise would be seventh and visit division-rival Philadelphia unless Green Bay loses to Chicago. The Falcons (8-8) lost control of their chances of winning the NFC South and ensuring a home playoff game. They now need to beat Carolina and for the Buccaneers to lose to New Orleans to qualify altogether. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL