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Several members of Donald Trump's incoming administration have received threats including bomb alerts, the FBI said Wednesday, with one nominee reporting a pipe-bomb scare sent with a pro-Palestinian message. "The FBI is aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees, and we are working with our law enforcement partners," the agency said in a statement. Swatting refers to the practice in which police are summoned urgently to someone's house under false pretenses. Such hoax calls are common in the United States and have seen numerous senior political figures targeted in recent years. Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for Trump's transition team, earlier said that several appointees and nominees "were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them." Elise Stefanik, a Trump loyalist congresswoman tapped to be UN ambassador, said her residence in New York was targeted in a bomb threat. She said in a statement that she, her husband, and small son were driving home from Washington for the Thanksgiving holiday when they learned of the threat. Lee Zeldin, Trump's pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, said his home was targeted with a pipe bomb threat sent with a "pro-Palestinian themed message." The former congressman from New York said he and his family were not home at the time. Fox News Digital quoted unidentified sources saying that John Ratcliffe, Trump's nominee to head the CIA, and Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary pick, were also targeted. Ahead of his return to the House in January, Trump has already swiftly assembled a cabinet of loyalists, including several criticized for a severe lack of experience. The Republican, who appears set to avoid trial on criminal prosecutions related to attempts to overturn his 2020 election loss, was wounded in the ear in July in an assassination attempt during a campaign rally. The shooter was killed in counter-fire. In September, authorities arrested another man accused of planning to shoot at Trump while he played golf at his course in West Palm Beach, Florida. bur/sms/bjt

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Niang 0-3 1-2 1, Salaridze 0-4 0-0 0, Guinyard 0-3 0-0 0, Trnka 0-1 0-0 0, Zuzic 2-7 0-0 6, Grullon 6-16 0-1 15, Cortijo 1-8 0-0 2, Radakovic 0-1 2-2 2, Faloppa 2-3 2-2 7, Hopkins 0-3 0-0 0, Bukumirovic 1-3 0-0 2, Williams 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 12-53 5-7 35. Milicic 4-9 0-0 9, Okpara 5-6 0-0 10, Lanier 6-16 2-2 18, Mashack 2-3 3-3 7, Zeigler 4-11 0-0 11, Gainey 3-7 1-3 8, Phillips 2-3 2-2 6, Dubar 3-6 0-0 7, Boswell 0-1 0-0 0, Hurst 1-1 0-0 2, Duncan 0-0 0-0 0, Paull 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 30-63 8-10 78. Halftime_Tennessee 35-20. 3-Point Goals_UT Martin 6-31 (Grullon 3-10, Zuzic 2-6, Faloppa 1-1, Bukumirovic 0-1, Niang 0-1, Salaridze 0-1, Trnka 0-1, Williams 0-1, Guinyard 0-2, Hopkins 0-3, Cortijo 0-4), Tennessee 10-37 (Lanier 4-13, Zeigler 3-10, Dubar 1-4, Gainey 1-4, Milicic 1-5, Mashack 0-1). Rebounds_UT Martin 21 (Radakovic, Hopkins 4), Tennessee 46 (Milicic 13). Assists_UT Martin 8 (Salaridze 4), Tennessee 22 (Zeigler 9). Total Fouls_UT Martin 14, Tennessee 8. A_17,314 (21,678).

Blockchain Revolution Why This Token Is Attracting Top InvestorsWelcome to Taste Test , where every week our critic Jonah Flicker explores the most buzzworthy and interesting whiskeys in the world. Check back each Sunday for his latest whiskey review . Hey, whisky fans, in case you haven’t heard: Old age statements aren’t just for single malt scotch anymore. Granted, this isn’t exactly a new phenomenon when it comes to Canadian whisky , but it is less common in this category and mostly applies to blends. The latest release to flaunt a hefty age statement comes from popular Canadian whisky brand Crown Royal , which dropped its oldest whisky to date this fall. That whisky is called Crown Royal Aged 31 Years, an unnecessarily polite way of referring to the fact that this whisky spent more than three decades inside of barrels. Other than that, the brand doesn’t offer a whole lot of info about what’s in the bottle. Crown Royal , which is owned by drinks giant Diageo , is produced at a large distillery in Gimli, Manitoba (and a smaller one in Quebec), where five different styles of whisky are made from grains like corn, rye, and barley on pot and column stills. Generally speaking, each whisky is aged separately in new and used oak barrels before blending. I reached out to Stephen Wilson, who holds the lofty title of director of whisky engagement, and he said that this release is just the rye mashbill (about 96 percent rye, four percent malted barley), with no other components in the blend. That might explain why this whisky is so good, based on other Crown Royal rye releases. This whisky follows two others that were bottled at 29 and 30 years old, part of what the brand calls its Higher Marques series, so presumably there’s enough stock aging at the distillery (which has about 1.5 million barrels in its inventory) that there will be even older expressions to come. Bring those old whiskies on, although I will be honest and say that I don’t generally drink a whole lot of Canadian whisky. Still, this is a bottle that I will revisit. The palate is slightly bitter in an appealing way, a nice counterpoint to the intense vanilla sweetness I often get from Canadian blends. There are also notes of stewed fruit, vanilla (of course), honey, cherry, orange, oak, espresso, and milk chocolate. The whisky is bottled at 46 percent ABV instead of the usual 40, and that higher proof goes a long way to provide a bit more flavor and some welcome heat. Crown Royal 31 isn’t exactly cheap at $600 per bottle, but compared to a single malt scotch or even a blended scotch aged for that long, it’s kind of a bargain. I get it, scotch fans, this whisky might not make your top 10 list this year, and if you’re going to spend a few hundred bucks on a bottle it’s understandable if you’d rather drop it on something else. But Crown Royal has been quietly releasing some excellent new whiskies over the past few years, stretching all the way back to Northern Harvest Rye (which was named World Whisky of the Year nearly a decade ago by whiskey clown Jim Murray back when people cared about what he thought), and more recently an 18-year-old blend and Golden Apple , a 23-year-old flavored whisky that had the audacity to be good. Add this 31-year-old whisky to that list of whisky triumphs. Score: 86

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Oregon already secured its spot in the Big Ten championship game, but the top-ranked Ducks have plenty to play for in their regular-season finale. Revenge may be on Oregon's mind when the Ducks host longtime rival Washington on Saturday in Eugene, Ore. Oregon (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten) would perhaps be closing in on its second straight College Football Playoff appearance had the Huskies (6-5, 4-4) not dealt the Ducks their only two losses last season. Washington edged Oregon 36-33 in Seattle last October, then slipped past the Ducks 34-31 in the Pac-12 title game to secure a playoff spot for the second time in school history. Both teams joined the Big Ten in August. Third-year Oregon head coach Dan Lanning is 33-5 leading the Ducks. But he remains winless against the Huskies (0-3). Oregon plots to sprint out of its late-season bye after using time to heal injuries, but Lanning doesn't believe the break should stall the flow of an undefeated season. "It's always about what we're able to do on the field. Motivation is overrated," Lanning said. "Our guys have to want to go out there and execute at a really high level. Since the beginning of the season we've talked about playing our best football at the end of November. We're there. This is our opportunity to go play our best football against a good team." The Ducks could have star wide receiver Tez Johnson back from a shoulder injury this week. Johnson has missed the past two games. That would be good news for quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who would regain the team's leader in receptions (64), receiving yards (649) and receiving touchdowns (eight). Washington, under first-year head coach Jedd Fisch, is 63-48-5 all-time against Oregon but is just 1-12-1 when facing the No. 1-ranked team in the country. The Huskies are led on offense by running back Jonah Coleman, who has racked up 1,008 yards and nine scores on the ground this season. Coleman averages 5.8 yards per carry and has 36 runs of at least 10 yards. In the passing game, wide receiver Denzel Boston is tied for the Big Ten lead with nine in touchdown catches and ranks sixth in the conference with 764 receiving yards. Whom Boston will be catching passes from is not yet known, however. Washington has not revealed whether Will Rogers or Demond Williams Jr. will start at quarterback. Rogers has started every game for the Huskies but was benched in favor of Williams two weeks ago after throwing a pair of interceptions in a 31-19 win over UCLA. Fisch said he has a "good idea" of how he will use his quarterbacks on Saturday, and while he wouldn't go as far as to name a starter, he did say Rogers responded well in practices last week. "On the same token, Demond's energy and Demond's confidence showed up. His ability to jump right in and feel really good about leading the group whenever it was his turn... he did a really nice job there as well," Fisch told Seattle Sports. "I think both guys responded well to the week of practice, and now, really, it's important for us that the guy we believe will start the game gets a significant amount of reps in practice week. But as you know, we're not afraid to play two quarterbacks." --Field Level Media

Canadian politicians have dismissed Trump’s 51st state remark as a , but he might be more serious than they think. In a with NBC News journalist Kristen Welker, which aired on December 8, Trump doubled down on tariff threats and once again suggested that Canada should become . Early in the interview, Trump emphasized that he was “a big believer in tariffs” — a sentiment that he made clear where he said he would “sign all necessary all documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25 percent tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders.” “I think tariffs are the most beautiful word. I think they’re beautiful; it’s going to make us rich,” Trump told Welker. He also stated that the US annually subsidizes Canada for US$100 million and Mexico for US$300 million. “We shouldn’t be subsidizing them. Why are we subsidizing these countries?” he asked. “If we’re going to subsidize them, let them become a state. We’re subsidizing Mexico, and we’re subsidizing Canada, and we’re subsidizing many countries all over the world.” He added that tariffs would create a “fair playing field.” Watch the interview below: Welker then asked, “Are you actually going to impose these tariffs, or are they a negotiating tactic?” Trump responded by saying that “millions of people” are pouring into the US through Canada and Mexico. He also stated that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau flew to Florida seconds after they spoke on the phone. “I spoke with Justin Trudeau; in fact, he flew to Mar-a-Lago within 15 seconds after the call ended. It was at Mar-a-Lago; we’re having dinner talking about it; I said, ‘You have to close up your borders because they’re coming in the northern border too, a lot,” said Trump. He then said that drugs have been pouring through those borders “at levels never seen before.” “They’re just pouring in. We can’t have open borders,” stated Trump. “I said to the president of Mexico and to Justin Trudeau, ‘If it doesn’t stop, I’m going to put tariffs on your country at about 25 percent.” He continued that tariffs have “many purposes.” “If properly used, [tariffs] are a powerful tool, not only economically, but also for getting other things outside of economics,” said Trump. Some netizens agreed, with one stating that Mexico and Canada should “step up and contribute.” However, many were against Trump’s suggestions, with one X user calling it “another attempt to grab headlines.” What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.Pope Francis sends pointed message to Israel with detail in Nativity scene By ALEX HAMMER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 21:49, 8 December 2024 | Updated: 22:01, 8 December 2024 e-mail 7 View comments Pope Francis unveiled the annual nativity scene at the Vatican over the weekend - raising some eyebrows in the process. A noticeable addition this year saw the seminal scene's baby Jesus draped in a keffiyeh - a traditional scarf used by Palestinians as a national symbol. Jesus was born into a Jewish family in Bethlehem some 2,000 years ago - and his death triggered the birth of Christianity. A statement from the wheelchair-bound pontiff, moreover, saw him humbly ask onlookers for peace in the Middle East, weeks after he called for an investigation into what he said may be a 'genocide' occurring in the Gaza Strip. That came in response to repeated Israeli military attacks in the region - also considered the holy land in the Catholic faith. On Sunday, the 87-year-old was gifted a 'Star of Bethlehem' plaque by two Palestinian children - paving the way for an impassioned speech. In it, the Catholic Church's leader pleaded 'Enough with wars, enough of violence!', after thousands turned out to St Peter's Basilica to see him install 21 new cardinals the day before. 'You know that one of the most profitable investments is in the weapons industry? They earn money to kill. But why?' he continued, again condemning the arms industry he has said is fueling the war effort. 'No more wars!' he again said - this time drawing cheers. As he spoke, the symbolic addition served as a poignant - yet polarizing - nod to one side's struggle, ahead of what's set to be the 2,023rd birthday of Jesus Christ. Scroll down for video: Pope Francis unveiled the annual nativity scene at the Vatican over the weekend - including one installment saw the seminal scene's baby Jesus draped in a keffiyeh - a traditional scarf used by Palestinians as a national symbol A statement from the wheelchair-bound pontiff, moreover, saw him humbly ask onlookers for peace in the Middle East, weeks after he called for an investigation into what he said may be a 'genocide' occurring in the Gaza Strip 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill to all people,' a message on the Bethlehem Star gifted to Pope Francis during the ceremony, engraved in both Latin and Arabic, read. After airing his call to put a cease to the violence, the 266th head of the Catholic Church paid somber respects to the installation. It was designed by Palestinian artists Johny Andonia and Faten Nastas Mitwasi, both of whom hail from the Palestinian town of Bethlehem. Figures of the Holy Family, meanwhile, were carved from olive wood, further connecting the scene to its place of origin. The accompanying plaque also contained an inscription asserting 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men,' again in Arabic and Latin. The plaque and nativity scene will now remain in the Paul VI Hall, the church said - as part of several nativity scenes collectively titled 'Nativity of Bethlehem 2024. It is not to be confused with the main nativity scene currently propped up in St Peter's Square, which does not include a keffiyeh. In another controversial move, the pope was joined Sunday by PLO executive committee member Ramzi Khouri, who conveyed 'warm greetings' on behalf of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. On Saturday, the 87-year-old was gifted a 'Star of Bethlehem' plaque by two Palestinian children - paving the way for an impassioned speech. The installation was designed by Palestinian artists Johny Andonia and Faten Nastas Mitwasi, both of whom hail from Bethlehem, in Palestine 'No more wars!' he again said - this time drawing cheers. As he spoke, the symbolic addition served as a poignant - yet polarizing - nod to one side's struggle, ahead of what's set to be the 2,023rd birthday of Jesus Christ The first prime minister of the Palestinian Authority, Abbas led the PLO's Negotiations Affairs Department before assuming his post in 2003. Now the president of the State of Palestine as well the Palestinian National Authority, the politician has since been subject to criticism for allegedly distorting Jewish history and engaging in Holocaust denial. Just last year, the 89-year-old claimed during a speech later condemned by the US, European Union, France, and Germany that Hitler killed Jews because of their 'social role' as moneylenders, rather than out of antisemitism. He further claimed that Ashkenazi Jews are descendants of Khazars - an obscure warlike tribe in Turkistan who fought against the Arabs starting in the 600s. Abbas's comments saw Paris's Mayor Anne Hidalgo rescind the Medal of the City she gave him back in 2015 - a mere month before the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that killed more than 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Khouri, in turn, reportedly expressed 'deep gratitude for the pope’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and his tireless efforts to end the war on Gaza and promote justice.' Meanwhile, just last month, in a collection of interviews conducted by author Hernán Reyes Alcaide, Pope Francis called for an investigation into what he framed as a potential 'genocide' occurring in the Gaza Strip. 'According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide,” Pope Francis told Reyes in his section of the book, 'Hope Never Disappoints'. That came in response to repeated Israeli military attacks in the region - also considered the holy land in the Catholic faith. Pictured, a Palestinian father wearing the traditional pattern at al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al Balah, Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territory, on Thursday 'It should be carefully investigated to determine whether it fits into the technical definition formulated by jurists and international bodies,' the pontiff continued - making history as the first pope to openly ponder the possibility of genocide in the war-torn country. Two months before, he appeared to suggest the extent of Israel’s defense in Lebanon and Gaza may be disproportionate to the threat on the country. In response to the statement made in the book, Yaron Sideman, Israel’s ambassador to the Church’s central government in the Vatican posted to X to insist “there was a genocidal massacre on [Oct. 7] of Israeli citizens, 'And since then, Israel has exercised its right of self-defense against attempts from seven different fronts to kill its citizens,' the ambassador added, The Palestinian Community of Rome, meanwhile, had a different take, saying in its own statement, 'Pope Francis has consistently voiced concern over Palestinian suffering and called for respect for international law.' Share or comment on this article: Pope Francis sends pointed message to Israel with detail in Nativity scene e-mail Add commentWinless in rivalry, Dan Lanning, No. 1 Oregon determined to tame Huskies

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