TikTok edged closer to being banned in the United States after it lost an appeal on Friday against a law requiring the video-sharing app to divest from its Chinese parent company by January 19. The potential ban could strain US-China relations just as president-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office on January 20. TikTok said it would now appeal to the Supreme Court, which could choose to take up the case or let the circuit court's decision stand. "The Supreme Court has an established historical record of protecting Americans' right to free speech, and we expect they will do just that on this important constitutional issue," the company said. TikTok will also be looking to Trump, who has emerged as an unlikely ally, arguing that a ban would mainly benefit Facebook parent company Meta's platforms, owned by Mark Zuckerberg. Trump's stance reflects broader conservative criticism of Meta for allegedly suppressing right-wing content, including the former president himself being banned from Facebook after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot by his supporters. The US government alleges TikTok allows Beijing to collect data and spy on users. It also says TikTok is a conduit to spread propaganda, though China and app owner ByteDance strongly deny these claims. The law, signed by President Joe Biden in April, would block TikTok from US app stores and web hosting services unless ByteDance sells the platform by January 19. While recognizing that "170 million Americans use TikTok to create and view all sorts of free expression," the three-judge panel unanimously upheld the law's premise that divesting it from China's control "is essential to protect our national security." They found that the law did not hinder free speech as it was "devoid of an institutional aim to suppress particular messages or ideas." The judges also disagreed with the idea that less drastic alternatives than a sale by ByteDance would solve the security issues. US Attorney General Merrick Garland welcomed the decision saying "the Justice Department is committed to defending Americans' sensitive data from authoritarian regimes that seek to exploit companies under their control." Trump's support for TikTok marks a reversal from his first term, when the Republican leader tried to ban the app over similar security concerns. That effort got bogged down in the courts when a federal judge questioned how the move would affect free speech and blocked the initiative. Among those who helped Trump to the White House in this year's election was Jeff Yass, a major Republican donor with ByteDance investments. "Donald Trump could be a lifeline for TikTok once he takes office, but halting the enforcement of the ban is easier said than done," said Emarketer lead Analyst Jasmine Enberg. "And even if he does manage to save TikTok, he's already flip-flopped on his stance toward the app and there's no guarantee he won't go after it later." The president-elect launched his own TikTok account in June, gaining 14.6 million followers, but has not posted since Election Day. Despite the uncertainty, TikTok's presence in the United States continues growing. The platform reported $100 million in Black Friday sales for its new shopping venture, and Emarketer projects US ad revenue will reach $15.5 billion next year, accounting for 4.5 percent of total digital ad spending in the country. But Enberg warned a ban would significantly disrupt the social media landscape, benefiting Meta, YouTube, and Snap while harming content creators and small businesses dependent on TikTok. Gautam Hans, professor at Cornell Law School, said the judges treated the government's national security argument "with great deference... while undervaluing the radical effects this unfortunate decision will have for individual speakers and First Amendment doctrine." But given the unanimous ruling and the short timeline before the law's date of taking effect, it was "unlikely that the Supreme Court will take the case, which will almost certainly lead to TikTok's demise in just a handful of weeks," he added. In contrast, Carl Tobias, of the University of Richmond, said that given the "critical implications" of the issues in question -- national security and free speech -- the apex court would likely take the case. arp/aha
Chargers running back room takes a big hit for playoff push | Sporting News
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A fight broke out at midfield after Michigan stunned No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 on Saturday as Wolverines players attempted to plant their flag and were met by Buckeyes who confronted them. Police had to use pepper spray to break up the players, who threw punches and shoves in the melee that overshadowed the rivalry game. Ohio State police said in a statement “multiple officers representing Ohio and Michigan deployed pepper spray.” Ohio State police will investigate the fight, according to the statement. After the Ohio State players confronted their bitter rivals at midfield, defensive end Jack Sawyer grabbed the top of the Wolverines' flag and ripped it off the pole as the brawl moved toward the Michigan bench. Eventually, police officers rushed into the ugly scene. Ohio State coach Ryan Day said he understood the actions of his players. “There are some prideful guys on our team who weren't going to sit back and let that happen,” Day said. The two Ohio State players made available after the game brushed off questions about it. Michigan running back Kalel Mullings, who rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown, didn't like how the Buckeyes players involved themselves in the Wolverines' postgame celebration. He called it “classless.” “For such a great game, you hate to see stuff like that after the game," he said in an on-field interview with Fox Sports. “It’s just bad for the sport, bad for college football. But at the end of the day, you know some people got to — they got to learn how to lose, man. ... We had 60 minutes, we had four quarters, to do all that fighting.” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said everybody needs to do better. “So much emotions on both sides," he said. "Rivalry games get heated, especially this one. It’s the biggest one in the country, so we got to handle that better.” Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
AP News Summary at 2:48 p.m. ESTThe Nasdaq index has soared spectacularly over the last two years, recording remarkable growth of over 43% last year and is now on track for a staggering 33% rise in 2024. This remarkable performance is fueled by the explosive growth of the artificial intelligence (AI) market. Some of the most significant players in the Nasdaq’s upper ranks are deeply entrenched in this burgeoning industry, which is projected to expand from $200 billion today to over $1 trillion by the decade’s end. The AI Revolution at Work AI has captivated market interest due to its potential to transform business operations, increasing efficiency and driving earnings growth. This optimism could signal even further Nasdaq success in the upcoming year, with history suggesting a favorable pattern—since 1990, the Nasdaq has often experienced more than two consecutive years of gains. But what if there’s an unexpected stock ready to lead the charge? Enter Nvidia, the computing powerhouse renowned for its unparalleled graphics processing units (GPUs) that drive essential AI tasks. Nvidia’s GPUs are in high demand, illustrating its dominance in the AI sector. Unveiling Nvidia’s Next Big Move Nvidia’s upcoming release of its Blackwell architecture is igniting excitement, as the company enhances production of this advanced AI platform with customizable options. The anticipation for Blackwell is monumental, and Nvidia expects it to significantly boost earnings, adding to its already impressive revenue leap of 94% to $35 billion last quarter. While Nvidia’s stock trades at 47 times forward earnings estimates, its robust market position and high profitability ensure it remains a promising long-term investment, poised to drive further Nasdaq gains in 2025. The Surprising Forces Driving Nasdaq’s Staggering Growth The Nasdaq index has captured significant attention recently with its impressive upward trajectory, including a 43% increase last year and predictions of a 33% rise in 2024. Much of this growth can be attributed to the rapid expansion and transformative potential of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. Traditional drivers are now joined by new technologies, pushing the market value of AI from $200 billion currently to a forecasted $1 trillion by the decade’s close. Understanding AI’s Market Impact Artificial Intelligence is not just a buzzword; it represents a profound shift in how businesses operate, providing efficiencies that translate into enhanced earnings. This underpinning belief in AI’s transformative capabilities fuels ongoing investor optimism, contributing to the Nasdaq’s strong prospects, continuing a historic pattern of growth seen since the early 1990s. Spotlight on Nvidia: Pioneering the AI Era A key player in the AI-driven growth narrative is Nvidia, a company renowned for its cutting-edge graphics processing units (GPUs) that are fundamental to AI applications. Nvidia is gearing up to release its much-awaited Blackwell architecture, a platform heralded as a game-changer for AI technology. Blackwell is expected to further cement Nvidia’s market leadership and considerably boost its earnings, which already saw a staggering 94% increase to $35 billion last quarter. What’s Next for Nvidia and the Nasdaq? As Nvidia prepares for the Blackwell launch, the company’s stock, despite trading at 47 times forward earnings estimates, remains a strong candidate for long-term growth in the AI sector. This positions Nvidia as a potential driver of additional gains for the Nasdaq heading into 2025. Nvidia’s Role in Shaping the Future With its dominant market position and high profitability, Nvidia stands as a key player in the future landscape of AI technology, likely to continue influencing and elevating the Nasdaq index. Investors and tech enthusiasts alike keep a watchful eye on its innovations and developments, anticipating the next big leap in AI capabilities. For more on the Nasdaq and technological advancements in finance and tech, visit Nasdaq . This article highlights the underpinning forces behind Nasdaq’s rise, underscoring Nvidia’s strategic positioning and its potential to lead future gains amid the AI revolution.
188 drones barrage Ukraine as missile tensions seethe
AP News Summary at 2:48 p.m. ESTFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Looking for hard-to-find bottles of Kentucky bourbon to toast the holidays or add to a collection? Get your bids ready as the Bluegrass State launches its first online auction of confiscated alcohol. Whiskeys up for sale include two bottles of Old Rip Van Winkle, a Blanton’s Single Barrel Gold in box with Japanese markings and a bottle of Four Roses Small Batch Barrel Strength 2011. The sale is the result of a new Kentucky law, which allows alcohol confiscated from closed criminal investigations by the state's alcoholic beverage control agency to be auctioned. Online bidding opens Wednesday and closes at midnight on Dec. 11. Proceeds will support programs promoting responsible alcohol use by adults and awareness programs for youths. “This is a really good auction,” Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, said by phone Tuesday. “There are some hard-to-find and rare bottles on there.” No estimate has been given on how much the auction might raise. “We look forward to seeing the response to this auction and have started planning additional auctions for 2025,” said Allyson Taylor, commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The auction features 32 bottles of alcohol and includes a “stock the bar” bundle with bottles of wine, vodka, rum and whiskey, the agency said. But the stars are the hard-to-find and rare bourbons up for sale. “It’s not every day you go to a liquor store and find a bottle of Blanton’s Gold," Gregory said. “You never go to a liquor store and find a bottle of Four Roses 2011.” The lineup includes bottles of E.H. Taylor bourbon, Blanton’s Single Barrel, Eagle Rare 10 yr., Weller Antique 107, Willett Family Estate Single Barrel Rye, Michter’s, an Old Forester gift set and more. A link to the online auction is available at ABC.ky.gov . Auction items cannot be shipped, so winning bidders must pick up items in Frankfort, the state said. The auctions will become a “can't miss opportunity” for bourbon connoisseurs, Gregory said. Previously, confiscated bourbon or other spirits could end up being destroyed, he said. “We don't like to see good bourbon poured down the drain,” Gregory said. Kentucky distillers produce 95% of the global bourbon supply, the Kentucky distillers’ group says.MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said he was caught off guard by reports early Tuesday that linebacker Shaq Barrett wants to unretire. The two-time Super Bowl winner signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins in March, then abruptly announced his retirement on social media in July, just days before the start of Miami's training camp. “Just to be candid, obviously there's a reason why you target and sign somebody," McDaniel said Tuesday afternoon. “I was fully caught off guard, or caught by surprise this morning as I found out.” McDaniel indicated the Dolphins have not had any conversations with Barrett recently. Miami holds the 32-year-old’s contractual rights. ESPN first reported the news. “It was kind of news as you guys got it,” McDaniel said. He also said he hasn't had a chance to think about Barrett potentially rejoining the team, and that his immediate focus is on Miami's Thursday night game at Green Bay. “The team is counting on me to think about the Packers,” he said. "I'll get with (GM) Chris (Grier), and we'll work through that. There's a ton of implications that go along with it in terms of team and roster stuff, so we'll work through that as we just got the news today.” Barrett has 400 tackles, 59 sacks, 22 forced fumbles and three interceptions in nine seasons — four with Denver and five with Tampa Bay. He was a second-team All-Pro with the Buccaneers in 2019, with a league-high 19 1/2 sacks. The Dolphins waived veteran safety Marcus Maye on Tuesday and activated rookie safety Patrick McMorris from injured reserve. Maye, who signed with the Dolphins in June, played in 11 games with three starts for Miami this season. He had 30 tackles and a tackle for loss. He could re-sign to the team's practice squad if he clears waivers. Maye previously played for New Orleans, but was cut in a money-saving move in March after two seasons with the Saints. Maye's release made room on the roster for McMorris, who was drafted in the sixth round by Miami in April. He began the season on injured reserve because of a calf injury. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Christmas is just around the corner so storing up on your favourite tipple - or trying something completely new - is almost a must-do before the festive period hits us. The good news is that Amazon has cut the price of some very popular whiskies and tipples for Black Friday - and now might be the time to pull the trigger on this Leidaig 10-year-old single malt scotch . According to price tracker CamelCamelCamel, it's currently the second lowest price it has ever been. The only time it was cheaper was back in July, when a mere £2 was knocked off the price, so the current £33.95 price tag isn't something to be sniffed at - especially just before Christmas. It comes from the Tobermory Distillery which brings the spirit of the Isle of Mull to life, crafting whisky inspired by the island’s rugged beauty and vibrant character. It comes with some very boldly peated with smoky undertones and coastal minerals, balanced by a hint of sweet spice. It has also comes with robust smokiness is complemented by ten years in oak casks. The wood acts as a filter, softening the spirit and infusing it with delicate notes of spice and vanilla, while the island’s salty air leaves a subtle, briny edge. One reviewer said: "Always a great fan of single malts from the Scottish Islands, Tobermory from Mull being no exception, but I am also a lover of peated whisky, so this is a perfect malt for me. All the subtle flavours of a classic Tobermory malt, but with that added phenolic peated smoke flavour. "Nothing like as heavily peated as Ardbeg, Lagavulin or Laphroaig but that is not a bad thing, it allows the other flavours of the malt to come through. On the nose, you are not hit by the heavy Islay peat, just a soft smoke aroma, with the malted barley being apparent. "On the palate, it is deep and rich, again only a slight smoke, but after a few seconds, that smoke character develops with slight spice notes." But a warning to whisky lovers. Many reviewers have called the whisky 'dirtier' than most, meaning if you're not a fan of the peatier whiskies, you'll want to avoid it. One reviewer added: "Too heavily peated in my opinion and not much else going on. A little sweet maltiness comes after the first hit of peat nose/taste, but finishes with the feeling you've just swallowed an ashtray, not good unless you like peat smoke to dominate the whole experience?" There are some other choices out there, Master of Malt has a huge number of Black Friday deals on including Johnnie Walker, Ardbeg and more. Alternatively, Tesco stocks the The Glenlivet French Oak Reserve 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl for £52. Also available at Tesco is the LAPHROAIG Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 10 Year Old 70cl for £41.Magnetoresistive (MR) Sensors Market to Reach US$ 764.39 Mn by 2034, Growing at a CAGR of 5.57% | TMR
House Speaker Mike Johnson called on President Joe Biden and other Democrats to "speak up" after Donald Trump 's transition team said his Cabinet picks had been targeted by "violent" threats. Trump-Vance transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in a statement shared Wednesday morning to X (formerly Twitter ) that "several" of the president-elect's nominees had been "targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them" on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. "These attacks ranged from bomb threats to 'swatting,'" said Leavitt, referring to the practice of sending police rushing to a target's home by falsely reporting a crime or emergency. "Law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted." Johnson shared Leavitt's statement to his X account later on Wednesday while tying the incidents to assassination attempts on Trump earlier this year. He accused the current president of failing to fulfill an "obligation" to "condemn" threats against potential members of the incoming administration. "This year, there was not just one but TWO assassination attempts on President Trump," Johnson wrote. "Now some of his Cabinet nominees and their families are facing bomb threats. This is dangerous and unhinged. It is not who we are in America. Joe Biden and all Democrat leaders have an obligation to speak up and condemn this now." One hour later, NBC News digital reporter Kathryn Watson shared on X quotes from a White House spokesperson who said that Biden had been informed of the threats and that he and the rest of his administration "unequivocally" condemned the incidents. "The president has been briefed," the spokesperson reportedly said. "The White House is in touch with federal law enforcement and the president-elect's team and continues to monitor the situation closely. "Federal law enforcement's response, alongside state and local authorities, remains ongoing," the spokesperson added. "The president and the administration unequivocally condemn threats of political violence." Newsweek reached out for comment to the offices of Johnson and Trump via email on Wednesday. The Associated Press reported on Wednesday that Trump nominees targeted with the threats included congresswoman Elise Stefanik , who was nominated as the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations , and former congressman Lee Zeldin, Trump's choice for administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. A statement posted to Stefanik's X account said that the congresswoman had been informed of a "bomb threat" at her residence on Wednesday morning. "This morning, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, her husband, and their three year old son were driving home to Saratoga County from Washington for Thanksgiving when they were informed of a bomb threat to their residence," the statement reads. "New York State, County law enforcement, and U.S. Capitol Police responded immediately with the highest levels of professionalism," it continues. "We are incredibly appreciative of the extraordinary dedication of law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe 24/7." Zeldin said in an X post that his family was unharmed after being targeted with a "pipe bomb" that was purportedly sent to his home alongside "a pro-Palestinian themed message." "A pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home today was sent in with a pro-Palestinian themed message," Zeldin wrote. "My family and I were not home at the time and are safe." "We are working with law enforcement to learn more as this situation develops," he added. "We are thankful for the swift actions taken by local officers to keep our family, neighbors, and local community secure." Former congressman Matt Gaetz , who was nominated as Trump's initial pick for U.S. attorney general but withdrew amid concerns that he would not be confirmed in the Senate , was also reportedly targeted and wrote "same" in a response to Zeldin's post.
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Bad Axe: Wisconsin wary of rival Minnesota with bowl bid in perilSHERIDAN — President-elect Donald Trump’s Agenda 47 campaign pledged to close the Department of Education in Washington, D.C., in an effort to send all education work back to the states. Although eliminating the department would not only require congressional approval but also a supermajority of 60 votes in the Senate, according to a Washington Post article, local school superintendents recently shared their thoughts on the possible future of education. “It would take time. This is not something that immediately would take place, even if Congress were to vote to basically dissolve the department,” Sheridan County School District 2 Superintendent Scott Stults said. “I don’t believe that the suggestion is that not only you dissolve the Department of Education, but you also dissolve the money and the money doesn’t go to education. I think the premise behind that is that there should be more local control of where that money goes. I’m always a proponent of local control.” Agenda 47 is a collection of formal policy plans of Trump, many of which would rely on executive orders and significantly expanded executive power in order to be executed, according to USA Today. “We want (the states) to run the education of our children because they’ll do a much better job of it. You can’t do worse,” Trump said in an Agenda 47 September 2023 video, which was posted on his platform page. “We’re going to end education coming out of Washington, D.C..... We’re going to send it all back to the states.” In the September 2023 video, Trump announced his 10 educational principles for Agenda 47, which included project-based learning, freedom to pray in school, universal school choice and other principles shared on his platform page. Trump also announced he plans to cut federal funding for any school or program pushing critical race theory, gender ideology or “other inappropriate racial, sexual or political content onto our children,” in his January 2023 video regarding education. Established in 1980, the U.S. Department of Education’s mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. The department establishes policies relating to federal financial aid for education, administers distribution of those funds and monitors their use. It also enforces federal statutes prohibiting discrimination in programs and activities receiving federal funds and ensures equal access to education for every individual, according to its website. The department has no say in developing curriculum, determining requirements for enrollment and graduation, and much of the structure of education finance in the U.S. reflects the primary state and local role, according to the department’s website. Sheridan County School District 1 Superintendent Jeff Jones said he was open to the idea of localizing control of educational decisions. “This ‘help’ over the last century (from the DOE) has turned into one-size-fits-all mandates for all schools across the country. We have more than enough information at our fingertips in 2024 to know what does and doesn’t work in education. We also have ways to access new information that doesn’t involve traveling in a horse and buggy,” Jones said in an email to The Sheridan Press. “I am much more confident in the people in our state and local communities knowing what is best for students in our school district than those working in Washington D.C.” Sheridan County School District 3 Superintendent Chase Christensen said he could see a situation where the department could go away and the states would then be granted the funding streams to decide how and where to allocate them. What concerns Christensen on potentially seeing funding streams move from the federal level to the state level is the possibility of allocation on a per pupil basis, he said. “As the smallest district in the state, I often see situations where, when we’re funded on a per pupil basis, the dollars just don’t add up to be enough that they’re able to make the difference that we would hope that they do,” Christensen said. Stults said there can be some advantages to local and state control on federal money, if the department were to be removed and the money were to go directly to the states. “If money is given, then there needs to be expectations as to what that should look like and how it should be spent, and there should be some guidance in regards to that,” Stults said. “If the U.S. Department of Education goes away, the money goes directly to the states and the money is still there as far as quantity or more, and then the state gets to dictate how that works and we have some say in that? I think there’s some advantages to that because we know where the money would be best spent and how it would have the greatest impact on student learning.” Fremont County School District 6 Superintendent Troy Zickefoose said although he is anxious about the proposed changes, he does not feel fearful. “For me, if it helps eliminate some bureaucracy and some of the requirements, the burdens that are put on districts, I’m game to see what happens. It does make people nervous, but the path that we’re on right now just doesn’t seem as beneficial as it could be. I think there’s some things that can be done to streamline things,” Zickefoose said. “The consolidated grant — which is Title I, Title II, Title III — it is anything but consolidated. It’s numerous mini grants piled into one program. So if some things like that could be addressed and streamlined, give the money to the state or to districts and then let them decide how best to spend it, instead of all the stipulations (and) requirements, I’m game to see what happens.” Ultimately, Christensen said schools need to continue to meet diverse needs. “We’re going to continue to see students that need to be prepared in different ways for the workforce and meeting them where they’re at and making sure that they’re ready for the future is going to take some preparation on our part,” Christensen said. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, sports, arts & entertainment, state legislature, CFD news, and more.
Pay first, deliver later: Some women are being asked to prepay for their babyBy Jill Colvin and Alanna Durkin Richer, The Associated Press NEW YORK — A number of President-elect Donald Trump ‘s most prominent Cabinet picks and appointees have been targeted by bomb threats and “swatting attacks,” Trump’s transition team said Wednesday. The FBI said it was investigating. “Last night and this morning, several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them,” Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. She said the attacks ranged from bomb threats to swatting, in which attackers initiate an emergency law enforcement response against a target victim under false pretenses. The tactic has become a popular one in recent years. Leavitt said law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted and Trump and his transition team are grateful. Among those targeted were New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump’s pick to serve as the next ambassador to the United Nations ; Matt Gaetz, Trump’s initial pick to serve as attorney general ; and former New York congressman Lee Zeldin, who has been tapped to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. President-elect Donald Trump arrives to speak at a meeting of the House GOP conference, followed by Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP Law enforcement officials are also looking into whether Susie Wiles, Trump’s incoming chief of staff, and Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general whom Trump has chosen as Gaetz’s replacement, and other incoming administration officials were also victims — as well as how each was targeted, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity as the investigation continues. Wiles and Bondi did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The FBI said in a statement that it was “aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees” and was investigating with its law enforcement partners. The FBI added: “We take all potential threats seriously, and as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement.” White House spokesperson Saloni Sharma said President Joe Biden had been briefed and the White House is in touch with federal law enforcement and Trump’s transition team. Biden “continues to monitor the situation closely,” Sharma said, adding the president and his administration “condemn threats of political violence.” Stefanik’s office said that, on Wednesday morning, she, her husband, and their 3-year-old son were driving home from Washington for Thanksgiving when they were informed of a bomb threat to their residence in Saratoga County. Her office said “New York State, County law enforcement, and U.S. Capitol Police responded immediately with the highest levels of professionalism.” The New York State Police said a team was dispatched to sweep Stefanik’s home on Wednesday morning in response to the bomb threat but did not locate any explosive devices. The agency directed further questions to the FBI. Zeldin said in a social media post that he and his family had been threatened. “A pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home today was sent in with a pro-Palestinian themed message,” he wrote on X . “My family and I were not home at the time and are safe. We are working with law enforcement to learn more as this situation develops.” Police in Suffolk County, Long Island, said emergency officers responded to a bomb threat Wednesday morning at an address listed in public records as Zeldin’s home and were checking the property. In Florida, the Okaloosa County sheriff’s office said on Facebook that it “received notification of a bomb threat referencing former Congressman Matt Gaetz’s supposed mailbox at a home in the Niceville area” around 9 a.m. Wednesday. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., is seated before President-elect Donald Trump arrives at a meeting of the House GOP conference, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP While a family member resides at the address, the office said, Gaetz “is NOT a resident.” No threatening devices were found. Gaetz was Trump’s initial pick to serve as attorney general, but he withdrew from consideration after allegations that he paid women for sex and slept with underage women. Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and said last year that a Justice Department investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls had ended with no federal charges against him. The threats follow a political campaign marked by disturbing and unprecedented violence. In July, a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazing the then-candidate in the ear with a bullet and killing one of his supporters. The Secret Service later thwarted a subsequent assassination attempt at Trump’s West Palm Beach, Florida, golf course when an agent spotted the barrel of a gun poking through a perimeter fence while Trump was golfing. Trump was also the subject of an Iranian murder-for-hire plot , with a man saying he had been tasked with planning the assassination of the Republican president-elect. Also this week, authorities arrested a man they say posted videos on social media threatening to kill Trump, according to court documents. In one video posted on Nov. 13, Manuel Tamayo-Torres threatened to shoot the former president while holding what appeared to be an AR-15 style rifle, authorities said Among the other videos he posted was one from an arena in Glendale, Arizona on Aug. 23, the same day Trump held a campaign rally there, according to court papers. An attorney for Tamayo-Torres did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday. Public figures across the political spectrum have been targeted in recent years by hoax bomb threats and false reports of shootings at their homes. About a year ago the FBI responded to an uptick in such incidents at the homes of public officials, state capitols and courthouses across the country around the holidays. Many were locked down and evacuated in early January after receiving bomb threats. No explosives were found and no one was hurt. Some of those targeted last year were Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. In Wu’s case, a male caller told police he had shot his own wife and tied another man up. When police and EMT responders arrived at the address given by the caller, they quickly realized it was the Boston mayor’s home. Wu, a Democrat, has also been targeted by many swatting calls since she took office in 2021. The judges overseeing the civil fraud case against Trump in New York and the criminal election interference case against him in Washington were both targeted earlier this year. Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who recently abandoned the two criminal cases he brought against Trump, was also the subject of a fake emergency call on Christmas Day last year. Earlier this year, schools, government buildings and the homes of city officials in Springfield, Ohio, received a string of hoax bomb threats after Trump falsely accused members of Springfield’s Haitian community of abducting and eating cats and dogs. And in 2022, a slew of historically Black colleges and universities nationwide were targeted with dozens of bomb threats, with the vast majority arriving during the celebration of Black History Month. The U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement Wednesday that anytime a member of Congress is the victim of a swatting' incident, “we work closely with our local and federal law enforcement partners.” The force declined to provide further details, in part to “minimize the risk of copy-cats.” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson called the threats “dangerous and unhinged.” “This year, there was not just one but TWO assassination attempts on President Trump,” he wrote on X . “Now some of his Cabinet nominees and their families are facing bomb threats.” He added: “It is not who we are in America.” Richer reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Colleen Long and Eric Tucker in Washington, Scott Bauer in Madison, Wisconsin, and Anthony Izaguirre in Albany, New York, contributed to this report. Read more political news Ohio governor signs bill limiting bathroom use by transgender students Pa. legislators’ base pay to crack $110K for first time after latest round of raises Walmart’s DEI rollback signals a profound shift in the wake of Trump’s election victory