Matt Gaetz says he is removing himself from consideration to be the next attorney general.
In a stunning announcement, Gaetz said on Thursday, "It was clear my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance transition."
President-elect Donald Trump nominated Gaetz to be the attorney general last week. The nomination was immediately met with pushback from Democrats and Republicans.
Gaetz has faced serious allegations involving his personal life. In 2021, Gaetz was accused of having sex with a 17-year-old girl and violating federal sex trafficking laws, but the Department of Justice said it would not bring charges against him last year after a multi-year investigation into the allegations. Gaetz has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, however, his actions have also been subject to a bipartisan House Ethics Committee.
It's unclear what Gaetz's future holds as he resigned from Congress as he was nominated for the attorney general job.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
Matt Gaetz has withdrawn as President-elect Donald Trumps pick for attorney general following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation.
The Florida Republican made the announcement Thursday on X.
"While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition. There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I'll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General," Gaetz said in a statement.
Members of the House Ethics Committee met this week and voted against releasing the panel's investigation into Gaetz. The House panel expects to meet again Dec. 5 to reconsider releasing its findings.
"There was no consensus on this issue," said Rep. Susan Wild of Pennsylvania, the panel's ranking Democrat, who said the vote fell along party lines on the evenly split committee.
Trump has in Gaetz a valued ally who is bringing wide-ranging proposals to rid the Department of Justice of those perceived to have weaponized their work against the president-elect, his allies and conservatives in general.
At least one Republican senator decried the scrutiny as a lynch mob forming against Gaetz.
Im not going to legitimize the process to destroy the man because people dont like his politics, said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., as he left the private senators meeting.
Our Grant Me Hope child this week is 14-year-old Jaheim, who said he wants to be a surgeon or a lawyer when he grows up.
According to the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange, Jaheim's favorite subject in school is health class.
If he had three wishes, he's wish for wealth, happiness and most of all, a family.
Jaheim has a big heart and has a strong desire to be part of a family, says an adult close to him.
Jaheim also loves playing video games, playing basketball and football, and is part of a reading club.
According to one of the adults who knows him best, Jaheim is an outgoing young man who values connection and relationships. Jaheim is very resilient. He has a big heart and carries a lot of emotions. He has a contagious laugh and a smile that can make anyone feel better.
Jaheim would do best with two parents who are experienced, and trauma informed. Hed do best in a stable and structured home environment. His new forever family must advocate for the services that will help Jaheim excel. He would do best as the only child in his new family. Jaheim loves animals, so hed love a family with pets. Lastly, his family must support ongoing communication with his sister.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Matt Gaetz withdrew Thursday as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general following continued scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on the former congressman’s ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer.
The Florida Republican’s announcement came one day after meeting with senators in an effort to win their support for his confirmation to lead the Justice Department.
“While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz said in a statement announcing his decision. “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1.”
Gaetz’s withdrawal is a blow to Trump’s push to install steadfast loyalists in his incoming administration and the first sign that Trump could face resistance from members of his own party.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
FILE—Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., appears before the House Rules Committee at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
Every parent knows about the dreaded silence that falls when children get into things they shouldn’t be while you aren’t looking. You can avoid this by using a playpen. Playpens can also help keep toys from being scattered everywhere by containing everything to a designated play area in addition to occasionally doubling as barriers and fences to make an entire room a playpen.
The best playpen for many occasions and needs is the Baby Care Funzone Play Pen. This highly durable and incredibly safe playpen has an effortless setup and takedown. It’s pretty expensive but well worth it.
What to know before you buy a playpen
Types of playpens
Standard: Standard playpens have no floor and generally come in adjustable sizes, with four to 14 individual panels. They typically include gates for easy entrance and exit and are often secured to the floor using suction cups or balanced on feet.
Portable: Portable playpens are meant for when you’re on the go. They have a floor to protect your child from the uncomfortable ground and are typically collapsible or at the very least have a carrying case to store panels and the floor.
Playpen materials
Plastic: Plastic playpens are generally thick, though lightweight. They’re durable, easy to clean and often come in a wide range of bright colors. They’re less likely to scratch hardwood flooring, and they sometimes come with activity panels to help entertain your child. They don’t last very long in the sun as sunlight will bleach out the color and weaken the plastic.
Wood: Wood playpens are thinner than plastic but also heavier. They generally don’t have any activity panels and last even shorter outside, thanks to absorbing moisture. This also means they don’t hold up to chewing. They sometimes have feet to add to stability and limit scratching of hardwood floors. They tend to have a more refined look over plastic.
Panel quantity
Where you plan on using your playpen and how often affect how many panels you typically need. You might want extras in case of damage or to adjust the play space as required. Certain configurations of panels are also sturdier.
What to look for in a quality playpen
Safety
Playpens generally have a Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association certification label, which shows compliance with all safety standards set by the Consumer Products Safety Commission. If your prospective playpen doesn’t have this, look for a different playpen.
Height
Playpens are generally 20 inches tall at a minimum, so children can’t climb out, but many playpens are taller than this. If you want your playpen to last as long as possible, choose one that has a lot of extra height so your child won’t be able to grow and escape for a long time.
Gate
Some playpens include a gate for easy entrance and exit. These are often usable with one hand to make using the gate and holding your child easy. A playpen without a gate means you’ll have to lift your child in and out when in use.
How much you can expect to spend on a playpen
Playpens can be quite expensive with higher quality and a larger play area space. You can find most average playpens for $100 or a bit less, but some can be well over $150.
Playpen FAQ
Can you buy extra panels if you need to without buying an entire extra playpen?
A. Many playpen manufacturers sell extra panels in extension packs. If you think you’ll need more later, check if extension packs are available before purchasing. Otherwise, you might find yourself needing to repurchase the full playpen.
Do standard playpen types fold up for storage?
A. No, standard playpens don’t fold up for storage. The panels can be taken apart and stacked out of the way to take up less space when not needed, but if easy storage is high on your list of what to look for, purchase a portable playpen.
What you need to know: This versatile playpen can act both as a bassinet for younger babies and a playpen or crib for older babies.
What you’ll love: It has a foldable bassinet insert you can put on the top for younger babies. It’s affordable and easy to open and close with just one button. It’s also easy to take on the go and comes with a travel bag. It has a fun toy bar for babies to play with, too.
What you should consider: You can only use the bassinet insert when your baby is small.
What you need to know: This dual-purpose mesh playpen can function as a fence or barrier.
What you’ll love: The mesh provides excellent visibility and folds down very easily for maximum storage capability.
What you should consider: It has a smaller play area and corners that seem weak, which doesn’t match up to the slightly high cost.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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By BRIAN SLODYSKO, JOSHUA GOODMAN and ALAN SUDERMAN
WASHINGTON (AP) — As incoming White House chief of staff, one of Susie Wiles ’ vexing challenges will be policing the buffet line of powerful interests who want something from Donald Trump.
It’s a world she knows well. During Trump’s first presidency, she lobbied for many of them.
Trump was first elected on a pledge to “drain the swamp” in Washington. But his transactional approach to the presidency instead ushered in a lobbying boom that showered allies, including Wiles, with lucrative contracts, empowered wealthy business associates and stymied his agenda after his administration was ensnared in a series of influence-peddling scandals.
Now, as Trump prepares to return to power, his victory is likely to embolden those who think they can get his ear, raising the prospect that his second administration could face many of the same perils as his first. That will test the ability of Wiles to manage a growing number of high-powered figures — including Trump’s children, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and billionaires like Elon Musk — who will not be dependent on her for access to him.
The appointment of a former lobbyist to such an important job “bodes very poorly for what we are about to see from the next Trump administration,” said Craig Holman, himself a registered lobbyist for the government watchdog group Public Citizen. “This time around, Trump didn’t even mention ‘draining the swamp.’ … He’s not even pretending.”
In a statement, Brian Hughes, a spokesman from the Trump transition effort, rejected any suggestion that Wiles’ past as a lobbyist would make her susceptible to pressure.
“Susie Wiles has an undeniable reputation of the highest integrity and steadfast commitment to service both inside and outside government,” Hughes said. “She will bring this same integrity and commitment as she serves President Trump in the White House, and that is exactly why she was selected.”
FILE – Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump sits with Susie Wiles as he attends the New York Jets football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium, Oct. 20, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
FILE – Susie Wiles watches as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Lititz, Pa., Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
Senior strategist’s for former President Donald Trump, Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles stand outside after Trump arrived at the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Federal Courthouse, Aug. 3, 2023, in Washington, to face a judge on federal conspiracy charges alleging Trump conspired to subvert the 2020 election. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
FILE – Susie Wiles watches as Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a caucus night party in Des Moines, Iowa, Jan. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
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FILE – Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump sits with Susie Wiles as he attends the New York Jets football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium, Oct. 20, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
Wiles’ selection as chief of staff was Trump’s first announced hire after his win. Wiles co-led the former president’s campaign and was widely credited with having run an operation that was far more disciplined than his two previous efforts. Even so, she will have her work cut out for her. Though the job has traditionally entailed policing who has access to the president, Trump chafed at such efforts during his first presidency as he churned through four chiefs of staff.
During his recent victory speech, Trump called Wiles an “Ice Maiden” while praising her as a consummate behind-the-scenes player. She will be the first woman to hold the position.
What is also clear is that Wiles, 67, has successfully managed headstrong men across a lengthy career in politics, government and lobbying. The daughter of NFL player and sportscaster Pat Summerall, Wiles worked for U.S. Rep. Jack Kemp, a conservative icon, in the 1970s, followed by stints on Ronald Reagan’s campaign and as a scheduler in his White House.
She later headed to Florida, where she advised two Jacksonville mayors and is credited with helping businessman Rick Scott, now a U.S. senator, win the governor’s office. After briefly managing Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman’s 2012 presidential campaign, she oversaw Trump’s 2016 campaign in Florida, when his win in the state helped him clinch the White House.
Wiles represented a Venezuelan TV network
Wiles was a partner at Ballard Partners, a regional firm that lobbied for Trump’s companies in Florida. Shortly after Trump’s election, Ballard set up shop in Washington and quickly became a dominant player, pulling in more than $70 million in lobbying fees during Trump’s presidency, representing a who’s who of corporate America, lobbying disclosures show.
Many of Wiles’ clients were plain vanilla entities with obvious aims — General Motors, a trade group for children’s hospitals, homebuilders, and the City of Jacksonville.
One in particular stood out that speaks to the ways, subtle or otherwise, that foreign interests seek to influence U.S. policy. In 2017, Wiles registered as a lobbyist for Globovisión, a Venezuelan TV network owned by Raúl Gorrín, a businessman charged in Miami with money laundering.
Gorrín bought the broadcast company in 2013 and immediately softened its anti-government coverage. He hired Ballard to advise on “general government policies and regulations,” lobbying disclosures show. But rather than working with the agencies that oversee telecommunications, Ballard’s lobbying was trained on the White House, which would have little say in regulating a foreign broadcaster in the U.S. Globovisión paid Ballard $800,000 for a year of work.
Gorrín worked to help Venezuelan leaders
Brian Ballard, president of the firm, said that it’s clear to him that Gorrín’s aims weren’t limited to the media business. Gorrín, who owns several luxury properties in Miami, had long positioned himself as a bridge between Venezuela’s socialist government and U.S. officials.
By the time Wiles and a team of Ballard lobbyists represented Globovisión, Gorrín was leading a quiet charm offensive for Nicolás Maduro’s government that sought closer ties with Trump at a time when the country was facing food shortages, violent crime and hyperinflation. It started before Trump took office when Citgo, a subsidiary of Venezuela’s state-owned oil company, kicked in a $500,000 donation for Trump’s inauguration.
“He was a fraud and as soon as we learned he was a fraud, we fired him,” said Ballard. “He would ask us to set up a lot of things, in LA and D.C., and then nothing would happen. It was all a fantasy. He just wanted to use our firm.”
A few days after Ballard dropped Gorrín in 2018, federal prosecutors unsealed charges against the businessman for allegedly using the U.S. finance system to supply Venezuelan officials with private jets, a yacht and champion show-jumping horses as part of a fake loan scheme perpetrated by insiders to pilfer the state’s coffers. Last month, he was charged a second time, also out of Miami, in another scheme to siphon $1 billion from the state oil company, PDVSA.
Wiles is described as a ‘straight shooter’
Ballard said Wiles had almost no role in managing the relationship with Gorrín or several other clients for which she is listed as a lobbyist. But he praised her as someone who is a highly organized “straight shooter” and “tough as nails” despite her soft demeanor.
“She’s the type of person who you want in a foxhole,” he said. “She will serve the president well.”
During Trump’s first term, Maduro engaged in a peacemaking offensive that included attempts to hire at least two other lobbyists. It fizzled out, however. In 2019, the White House slapped crushing oil sanctions on the OPEC nation, closed the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and recognized the head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly as the country’s legitimate ruler. Maduro was then indicted in 2020 by the U.S. Justice Department on federal drug trafficking charges out of New York.
Gorrín has long denied any wrongdoing and remains a fugitive. In a brief interview with The Associated Press, he called Wiles a “lady” and said she always acted professionally and humanely.
Ballard called the firm’s work for Gorrín a “big mistake.” Going forward, Ballard expects access to the White House to be more tightly controlled just as his firm, after a steep learning curve during the first Trump administration, will do a better job vetting potential clients to make sure their interests align with the president’s agenda.
“We learned a lot,” he says, “and so did the president.”
Foreign clients
Globovisión wasn’t Wiles’ only client with foreign ties.
In early 2019, she registered with the Justice Department as a foreign agent working for one of Nigeria’s main political parties for two months. Another client was an auto dealership owned by Shafik Gabr, a wealthy businessman who was in a financial dispute related to selling cars in Egypt with a subsidiary of the German automaker Volkswagen.
Wiles was also a registered lobbyist for the subsidiaries of a multinational gaming company and a Canadian company looking to build a massive copper and gold mine near Alaska’s salmon-rich Bristol Bay.
Wiles was hardly an outlier in Trump’s Washington, where his eponymously named hotel served as a hub for lobbyists, business leaders and foreign governments looking to rub shoulders with Trump World figures as they sought the president’s favor.
Though much of it was part of the normal course of business in Washington, a number of Trump allies and advisers were investigated and charged with crimes linked to their work on behalf of foreign countries and entities.
After becoming Trump’s de facto campaign manager in 2022, Wiles kept on lobbying, this time for Mercury, a multinational public affairs and lobbying firm. Most recently she was representing the maker of Swisher Sweets cigars.
Goodman reported from Miami and Suderman from Richmond, Virginia.
FILE – Trump co-campaign manager Susie Wiles is seen at Nashville International Airport as Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump arrives, July 27, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
The nine finalists have been announced for the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of Year (NACTOY) awards.
Those awards will be announced at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show. We will stream the results of the awards live as they are announced at the Auto Show.
Here are the nine 2025 vehicles:
Car of the Year Finalists
Honda Civic Hybrid Kia K4 Toyota Camry
Truck of the Year Finalists
Ford Ranger Ram 1500 Toyota Tacoma
Utility Vehicle of the Year Finalists
Chevrolet Equinox EV Hyundai Santa Fe Volkswagon ID. Buzz
These vehicles were voted on 50 automotive journalists across the U.S. and Canada. Jurors will evaluate the finalist vehicles in the coming weeks before the Auto Show announcement.
You can purchase tickets to the Auto Show at this link.
RELATED: Taylor Decker shares his car story with Detroit Auto Show Lions OL Taylor Decker shares his car story with Detroit Auto Show
Office desks should be productive workspaces, but if they’re cluttered, it can be hard to concentrate and get work done. Desk organizers will help you maintain a tidy desk so you can be as professional as possible and stay on track with your workflow.
Desk organizers store small office supplies in compartments, shelves or drawers. If you’re looking for a design with visual appeal, the Victor Desktop Organizer is a top choice for its fine wood craftsmanship.
What to know before you buy a desk organizer
Do I need a desk organizer?
Desk organizers, also called desk caddies, come in handy if your desk and drawers lack organization and storage options. These caddies keep essential office supplies literally within arm’s reach, which is extremely convenient on busier days. They’re also popular investments for home offices and remote learning spaces.
However, a larger desk organizer may not be ideal if you’re pressed for space. Smaller desks may be overwhelmed by some desk organizers, and in some situations, they can obstruct access to devices or other office supplies. Desk organizers may be distracting to some individuals, in which case drawer organizers may better serve them.
What can I store inside a desk organizer?
To some extent, desk organizers are considered quick-access stations that store frequently-used essentials to save on frequent trips to the supply closet. Desk organizers typically store small office essentials, such as pens, notebooks and sticky notes. However, many people also keep personal items inside them, like hand sanitizer, lotion or snacks.
Desk organizer sizes
Because desk organizers come in a variety of sizes, it’s easy to find one that suits your setup. Smaller designs are ideal for compact computer desks. If you have a sprawling desk with room to spare, there are plenty of medium and large options that provide a higher level of organization.
What to look for in a quality desk organizer
Wooden desk organizer
One of the most important features to compare in desk organizers is their material. Wooden desk organizersare well-received for their fine craftsmanship. They complement most offices, especially when matching the wooden finish of your desk organizer to the room or desk itself. However, wood desk organizers are usually the most expensive option.
Mesh desk organizer
Mesh desk organizers tick a lot of boxes. They’re affordable, easy to clean and have contemporary visual appeal. They’re made with metal that is often covered with stain- or corrosion-resistant coatings. Depending on usage, some mesh organizers aren’t as durable as other options.
Plastic and acrylic desk organizers
Plastic or acrylic desk organizersare both simple and versatile. Some of these organizers have stacking or modular designs, so you can customize your organization setup. Make sure to clean these with gentle cleansers as more abrasive cleaners can leave plastic and acrylic with a dull or cloudy appearance.
Types of compartments
At the very least, desk organizers have compartments for pens and paper clips. Some have dedicated drawers or trays for sticky notes, while others have longer shelves or slots to accommodate paper, notebooks or files. Newer desk organizers may have built-in cable management for devices.
Nonslip bases on desk organizers
Several desk organizers, including many wood and mesh designs, have nonslip bases or feet with silicone or rubber pads. These bases do more than prevent desk organizers from sliding across desks. They also prevent the bottom of the organizer from scratching or damaging desks and other surfaces.
How much you can expect to spend on desk organizers
Smaller desk organizers with limited organization cost $20 and below. Those with more storage options, including built-in filing systems, run between $25-$50. High-end desk organizers with fine craftsmanship range from $50-$100.
Desk organizer FAQ
Ink leaked in my desk organizer. How do I clean it?
A. There are a few ways to handle this. You should always begin by wiping away any wet ink before deep cleaning. Next, dilute a towel with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer and wipe the unit down. If the ink doesn’t come off, use a heavy-duty cleaner.
Is it worth getting a desk organizer with drawers?
A. Some people gravitate toward desk organizers with drawers because they’re effective at keeping office supplies dust-free. Others feel drawers get in the way, including smaller ones that don’t slide out easily.
What you need to know: Appreciated for its sleek design, this organizer has four shelves and a drawer to hold paperwork and small office supplies.
What you’ll love: The boxy design, available in five finishes, integrates seamlessly with most desk setups. The sprawling shelves are long enough to hold standard-size paper and notebooks. It also has nonslip feet to protect the desk from scuffs.
What you should consider: Because the shelves are narrow, it’s somewhat challenging to clean or dust inside them.
What you need to know: A budget-friendly option, this mesh caddy has five large and two mini compartments.
What you’ll love: The caddy has a small notched drawer that holds standard-sized sticky notes. Because it has a mesh design, it’s easy to clean either with alcohol wipes or compressed air and is available in black or silver.
What you should consider: There are occasional reports that the caddy arrived with damage.
What you need to know: This space-savvy desk organizer has an all-in-one design that holds stationery, notebooks and small office supplies.
What you’ll love: It has five vertical sections that can hold papers easily and keep them organized and two horizontal sections for smaller things. The included sliding drawer is divided into nine smaller compartments for easy organization.
What you should consider: Some people thought it wasn’t very sturdy.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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The Detroit Auto Show announced on Thursday it is partnering with the Detroit Grand Prix for "Racing Day" during one day of the show.
According to auto show officials, racing day will take place on Friday, Jan. 17 at Huntington Place, and is the collaboration of two iconic Detroit brands.
During racing day, the auto show will feature interactive Detroit Grand Prix display areas both on the floor of the auto show itself and in the concourse area of Huntington Place, which is free and open to the public.
This year, the auto show will also feature two indoor tracks for ride-and-drives. On racing day, the Detroit Grand Prix-themed track will be active and dedicated to Racing Day programming.
The Detroit Grand Prix embodies innovation and the spirit of Detroit, Detroit Auto Show Co-Executive Direct Sam Klemet, Co-Executive Director of the Detroit Auto Show. We are thrilled to have a partnership with the Detroit Grand Prix and bring this amazing experience of Racing Day to the 2025 Detroit Auto Show.
Were excited to partner with the Detroit Auto Show and bring together two great Detroit traditions, Detroit Grand Prix President Michael Montri added in a statement. For many years, Racing Day was a popular attraction at the Detroit Auto Show and we look forward to bringing this tradition back to the Motor City with some of the high-powered stars and cool race cars that take center stage every summer at the Detroit Grand Prix.
Attendees will also have a chance to interact with some of the top drivers from the NTT IndyCar Series and Indy NXT by Firestone.
More announcements are expected in the coming weeks regarding Racing Day.
Media Day, Friday, Jan. 10 Charity Preview - Friday, Jan. 10 Public Show - Saturday, Jan. 11 through Monday, Jan. 20 Industry Days and AutoMobili-D, Wednesday, Jan. 15 and Thursday, Jan. 16 Mobility Global Forum, Wednesday, Jan. 15 and Thursday, Jan. 16 Future Leaders Forum, Wednesday, Jan. 15 and Thursday, Jan. 16
With so much of our lives spent in bed, we all must get a restful night’s sleep so we’re ready to start the day energized. While our bodies naturally cool down as we wind down, some sleep much colder than others. The right mattress can help cold sleepers stay warm and cozy throughout the night.
Most mattresses target your sleep position and not your temperature, which makes shopping around tricky. This guide can help you understand what makes the right mattress for cold sleepers and everything you need to know to sleep well. Our top pick, the DreamCloud Premier Rest 16-inch Mattress, is designed to regulate temperature for a comfortable sleep.
What to know before buying a mattress for cold sleepers
Type
Cold sleepers should look to any mattress containing foam or latex, as these two materials trap heat more than other options, particularly breathable innerspring mattresses. While trapping in heat is a turnoff for some sleepers, those who are cold embrace the warmth kept within.
Hybrid mattresses are increasingly popular. They feature a combination of foam or latex and innerspring layers to provide a balance of comfort and support. The foam or latex layers are typically the uppermost layers and help regulate temperature.
Firmness
How soft or firm the right mattress is for you is influenced mainly by your sleep position and size. Those who sleep on their stomach should avoid a soft mattress so that they don’t sink into the bed and strain their spine, but they should also avoid an extra-firm mattress that doesn’t support their hips and shoulders. Side sleepers should be cradled by a softer mattress with a bit of resistance for their shoulders and head. Back sleepers find firmer options most comfortable.
Heavier individuals should avoid softer mattresses as they can sink in and not receive the proper support. Conversely, slighter persons may enjoy less firm mattresses since they can cradle them.
What to look for in a quality mattress for cold sleepers
Gel foam
For some people, gel foam is a much-desired feature; however, cold sleepers should avoid foam or hybrid mattresses incorporating gel foam. This is because the gel helps offset the heat trappings of foam by adding cooling technology, making the mattress a good choice for those who sleep warm, not cold.
Motion transfer
Most mattresses that include foam or latex are adept at lessening motion transfer, meaning that one person’s rustling or movement won’t disturb the other person in bed. What’s more, foam and latex options tend to be quiet.
How much you can expect to spend on a mattress for cold sleepers
Foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses are pricier, especially those with multiple layers. Cold sleepers can expect to pay between $600 and $1,200 for a queen-size mattress.
Mattress for cold sleepers FAQ
How do I take care of my mattress?
A. Investing in a mattress protector is wise, especially for a densely made mattress that traps heat. A mattress protector prevents dust, mites, and, in some cases, liquids from penetrating the mattress, which can cause an odor and lead to slow deterioration. Rotate your mattress every few months so it’s used evenly, especially if you have foam layers that may conform to your body.
Does mattress size or thickness influence heat?
A. Size and thickness don’t necessarily influence a mattress’s heat retention. Mattresses for cold sleepers come in all standard sizes. That choice should be made based on your size, available space and whether you sleep with a partner. Thickness ranges from around 6 to 14 inches.
What’s the best mattress for cold sleepers to buy?
What you need to know: This mattress offers both comfort and support at a reasonable price.
What you’ll love: It includes layers of low-toxin foam that help maintain the temperature as you sleep. It’s also infused with green tea extract, which helps to fight against unwelcome odors.
What you should consider: While it does say it includes cooling gel, it’s still too hot for some people.
What you need to know: This adaptable mattress adjusts to your shape and temperature to create the most comfortable sleeping experience.
What you’ll love: It’s a hybrid mattress that cradles the body while still supporting the shoulders and hips and lacks motion transfer. The top layers provide warmth and comfort.
What you should consider: It may be too soft for heavier individuals.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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Circle K is offering a 40-cent discount on all types of gas for National Fuel Day, but there's a catch: the discount is only available for three hours.
Drivers must visit Circle K between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday to get the discount, which will be applied directly at the pump.
Circle K has thousands of locations across the country. Click here to find your nearest location.
The discount comes as people prepare for one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.
An estimated 79.9 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the week of Thanksgiving, according to the auto club AAA. Most of them 71.7 million will be traveling by car, AAA estimates.
Lower gas prices appear to be helping drive the travel boom. As of Thursday, the average price for a gallon of gas in the U.S. is $3.06, a drop of 20 cents from this time last year.
People in Oklahoma are currently paying less for gas than others across the country. The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in the state is $2.56. Unfortunately, there are no Circle K locations in Oklahoma.
California and Hawaii have the highest average gas prices, at around $4.50 per gallon of unleaded. There are Circle K locations in both states.
Dearborn Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud pledged that his city would arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and his former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, after the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for both men for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. “Dearborn will arrest Netanyahu & Gallant if they step within Dearborn city limits,” Hammoud said on X. “Other cities should declare the same.
As President-elect Donald Trump named his nominee for the United States' ambassador to Canada, Canada's provincial and territorial leaders are calling for a new trade pact.
On Wednesday, Trump said he will nominate former U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra as his ambassador to Canada. Hoekstra was an 18-year member of Congress representing Michigan and chaired the House Intelligence Committee for two terms. He was also the United States ambassador to the Netherlands under Trump from 2018-2021.
With the U.S. and Canada sharing the world's longest international border, the two nations are key trade partners. The North American Free Trade Agreement came to an end during the first Trump administration, and was replaced by the United StatesMexicoCanada Agreement. That agreement is subject for renegotiation during Trump's second term.
The agreement kept much of the same language as NAFTA, but allowed the U.S. to export more dairy products into Canada. In exchange, Canada could export peanuts, processed peanut products, and a limited amount of products made with sugar into the U.S.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford agreed on Thursday it is time for Canada to renegotiate the agreement.
"As everyone here knows, there is no partnership more important to the economic success of Ontario and Canada than our close ties with the United States," Ford said. "As we head into the review of the USMCA, our government is doing everything we can to strengthen and grow our historic partnership. We are continuing to build relationships with our U.S. counterparts at all levels of government and all political stripes driving home the message that we need to reject protectionism and promote a buy Can-AM approach. Because while free-trade is essential to economic growth, free trade has to be fair."
Ford accused Mexico of becoming a backdoor for cars made in China, which he says is hurting manufacturing in the U.S. and Canada. Ford said he and other provincial leaders are wanting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to consider ending the USMCA in lieu of a direct, one-on-one agreement with the U.S.
"We must prioritize our deepest economic partnership by working directly with the U.S. on a bilateral free-trade agreement that puts Canadian and American workers first with separate discussions for a bilateral agreement with Mexico," Ford said.
Ford's comments come as Trump has proposed massive tariffs on goods imported from China.
Trump has also said he would like to renegotiate the USMCA.
"There are always things that you can do better. I got a clause that gives me the right to re-negotiate [the USMCA]. Who else would think of that except a business person?" Trump told Fox News told host Maria Bartiromo before the 2024 election. "We've been screwed by Mexico and by China and by Canada and by the European Union."
Michigan House Democrats have introduced a series of police reform bills to set uniform standards for law enforcement across the state when it comes to things like use of force.
Under one of the bills, departments would have to come up with their own use-of-force policies that cover items like standards for when to use physical or deadly force instead of a verbal warning.
Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Director Robert Stevenson said he doesn’t see a major need for the bill. But he says his group could back it anyway.
“Before, it was policy, and it wasn’t in law. But if you’re going to put something into law, that needs to be very clear exactly what it is that you expect from the departments. So, we just have some minor suggestions. And if they’ll make those changes, then we would support the bill,” Stevenson said.
He said he would like to see the bill amended to clarify that chokeholds would be considered lethal force.
A bill would allow so-called “no-knock” warrants if a life is in danger, there’s evidence that a person is aware law enforcement is there, or if announcing police presence would hurt an investigation.
Stevenson said that would be a shift from current policy.
“The way the search warrant statute is written right now in Michigan, it says police must knock and announce. There are no exceptions. So actually, this legislation that they’re proposing allows no-knocks. It just defines when you can use them. So, it’s actually an expansion for us,” he said.
Again, Stevenson said his group would support the bill with some wording changes, like clarifying the difference between refusing entry and not granting entry.
The legislation has a tough journey ahead. It would need to get through the committee process and both chambers of the Legislature in fewer than 10 session days to make it to the governor and become law.
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The Oakland County Prosecutor's Office said it will work with the Michigan Attorney General's Office to start an investigation into the Oxford High School shooting.
On Wednesday night, Chief Assistant Prosecutor David Williams told 7 News Detroit that the office will provide Attorney General Dana Nessel "whatever is necessary" to get an investigation started.
It comes just days after the families of the victims of the shooting held a press conference renewing their call for an independent investigation into the deadly Nov. 30, 2021 shooting.
The AG's office said in a statement to 7 News Detroit on Thursday that they are in discussions with the legislature and governor's office to ensure they have adequate resources for an investigation.
"We look forward to working with the Oakland County Prosecutors Office and Oakland County Sheriffs Department on a timeline for them to provide all the necessary materials relevant to this review," a spokesperson said.
WATCH BELOW: Oxford families renew call for independent investigation nearly 3 years after school shooting Oxford families renew call for investigation 3 years after school shooting
Four students were killed during the shooting: Tate Myre, Justin Shilling, Hana St. Juliana and Madisyn Baldwin. Seven other people were injured.
"We'll fight. We'll fight to our grave. I'm never going to give up this fight," Buck Myre, the father of Tate Myre, said at the press conference.
Related Video: Watch the interview with Buck Myre after the press conference Full interview: Buck Myre talks about the need for an independent investigation into Oxford shooting
The families say they continue the fight in order to make schools safer.
When my kids have kids, I want schools to be better. I want it to be safer for my grandkids, said Buck Myre. "We want the full truth to come out. I know we kind of sound like a broken record but how do we know what to change if we dont do a legit investigation that our state funded schools will recognize."
Steve St. Juliana, Hana's father, said: What were here today trying to drive is looking at the big picture and how do we fix the broken pieces of the system itself. We know theres a lot more there."
In a press conference later on Monday, Nessel said her office has offered the Oakland County Sheriff's Office and Oakland County Prosecutor's Office several times to assist in their investigations, and that their offers were "soundly rejected."
"We offered immediately to help the Oakland County Sheriff's office in their investigation. They declined the sheriff flat-out refused. I asked the Oakland County Prosecutor if they desired or were interested in our help. I offered it over and over and over again and each time the Oakland County Prosecutor refused," said AG Dana Nessel.
Nessel said that they've never withdrawn the offer and that neither the prosecutor's office or sheriff's office has asked the AG's office to help in the investigation. She says per policy her office will not supersede any criminal investigations being handled at the local level without a formal request.
Nessel also said that she doesn't have any more subpoena power than the sheriff's office or prosecutor's office.
"We dont have some specific statute on the books that allows us to have civil authority to launch a civil investigation. We just have the criminal authority. Thats exactly what they have," said Nessel. "So I guess my question is to Sheriff Bouchard: If there are additional things you think need to be investigated and specifically Im talking about any crimes being committed by members of the school board, administration or staff, why didnt you investigate it?"
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard released a statement later on Monday that reads in part, "As we have said from the beginning, we are more than willing to participate in any state review or investigation, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. I told the victims of this tragedy I would support any effort that would answer all questions they have. If the attorney general would like access to our investigative reports or our people, I will happily provide them."
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald then released a statement, saying that her office doesn't have the authority to conduct the investigation the families have asked for.
"We are not aware of any mechanism for our office to refer a matter to the Attorney Generals office when it has not been presented to our office. And what the families are asking for is much broader. We are not aware of any action needed by my office to activate the Attorney Generals authority, but we will do everything possible to enable such an investigation. And my office will fully cooperate with any such investigation," McDonald said in the statement.
Oxford did hire Guidepost Solutions to conduct an investigation, however, the families said that many people refused to cooperate and left key questions unanswered because they didn't have subpoena power.
While the report says the district's actions did help save lives and keep students safe with its training and safety protocols, there were certain areas where the district failed.
"... in certain critical areas, individuals at every level of the District, from the Board to the Superintendent and his cabinet to the OHS administration and staff, failed to provide a safe and secure environment. Although only the Shooter is guilty of murder and assault, and his parents will be tried for their alleged gross negligence with respect to their son, the District was responsible for keeping Madisyn, Tate, Justin, Hana and all of the other OHS survivors and students safe and secure at OHS on November 30, 2021, but failed to do so," part of the report said.
The report also said the "tragedy was avoidable" and that district officials often denied responsibility and shifted it elsewhere.
The firm says the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office provided everything they requested.
As it did just three and half months ago at the Pine Knob Music Theatre, Creed brought the fire to Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday night, Nov. 20.
And it had some brimstone to go with it this time.
The Grammy Award-winning hard rock group has been on the road much of this year, breaking a 12-year hiatus with a sea cruise, an amphitheater tour during the summer and now an arena run to close the year. It’s been wildly successful, reminding fans both new and old of just how major a player Creed was during the late 90s and early 2000s thanks to chart-topping hits such as “Higher,” “With Arms Wide Open” and “My Sacrifice” — all of which weigh in as relevant today as when they were released.
So the group, including Detroit-born guitarist Mark Tremonti, sounded not surprisingly confident before about 13,000 at Little Caesars, accenting its 100-minute, 16-song set with abundant effects — primarily fire, and a pyrotechnic shower during “What’s This Life For?” — and a combination of prepared and live video on a five-panel screen behind the stage.
Creed’s Detroit-born guitarist Mark Tremonti, left, and frontman Scott Stapp perform Wednesday, Nov. 20, at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena (Photo by Mike Ferdinande)
For frontman Scott Stapp, meanwhile, it was also an opportunity to reclaim a kind of rock ‘n’ roll pulpit during much of the show, and in a more explicit manner than he did during Creed’s July 31 stop at Pine Knob.
The spiritual grounding of Stapp’s lyrics have never been a secret, and his outspoken fervor was partly responsible for Creed’s initial breakup back in 2004. On Wednesday, Stapp — whose black tank top revealed a torso that’s spent many an hour in the weight room — was clearly comfortable stepping back into that role, promising “a journey in music through the human condition” and invoking praise and other religious affirmations during lengthy introductions to songs such as “Say I,” “Unforgiven” and “Don’t Stop Dancing.” Recalling that the former was inspired by the concept of Original Sin, Stapp explained that “you have to know the absence of God to know the presence of God.”
He offered a call for unity before Creed played “One” from its 1997 debut album “My Own Prison,” but in response to crowd chants of “USA!” afterwards Stapp stepped into post-election political terrain by declaring, “We’ve got to rediscover what that means, because we’ve lost our way…And we’re going to.”
That ministry, undeniably sincere but unquestionably didactic, went over well with the crowd, and if Stapp’s bandmates were bothered by them it was not noticeable. The frontman and Tremonti were particularly warm with each other throughout the concert, introducing each other and embracing on a couple of occasions. And Tremonti was a proud homeboy, noting that he was “born 30 minutes from here” and adding that, “if you come from Detroit, you’re proud of Detroit, and I love this city.”
And when it was playing, Creed gave its Little Caesars audience — a cross-generational gathering from old school fans to their younger siblings and children — every reason to love the band again.
Mammoth WVH’s Wolfgang Van Halen performs Wednesday, Nov. 20, at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena (Photo by Mike Ferdinande)
Following solid opening sets from Mammoth WVH and 3 Doors Down — whose frontman Brad Arnold offered his own religious commentary and prayer at one point — Creed came out literally smoking with “Bullets,” bolstering its subsequent parade of brawny, arena-sized anthems bolstered by second guitarist Eric Friedman from Tremonti’s solo band. The set list came from the first three of Creed’s four studio albums (nothing from 2009’s “Full Circle”), swapping in three different songs from the Pine Knob show and happily digging into deeper selections such as “Freedom Fighter,” “What If” and “Never Die.” “Don’t Stop Dancing” was added to the set just this week for the first time since 2002, while “Unforgiven,” also from the “My Own Prison” album, made its tour debut on Wednesday night.
The group also brought a young fan named Noah on stage to receive one of Tremonti’s signature guitars as a reward for being the “hardest rocking” member of the crowd.
Whether, and how, Creed continues with its current reunion is up in the air, though Tremonti has said the band plans to play shows during 2025. And after drawing 28.000 to its pair of fairly close-together metro area shows, it’s clear Creed will always find a welcome and receptive crowd in its guitarist’s home town.
3 Doors Down performs Wednesday, Nov. 20, at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena (Photo by Mike Ferdinande)
Creed performs Wednesday, Nov. 20, at Detroit's Little Caesars Arena (Photo by Mike Ferdinande)
The live larvae of a rare fruit fly was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection earlier this year, according to the department's Office of Public Affairs.
The larvae was seized off of a traveler arriving from Italy with fresh caper flowers who customs says refused to answer agriculture questions back in June and was referred for a baggage examination.
Officials identified the larvae as a caper fruit fly. Customs says it's only been seized one other time, 20 years ago, in Tampa, Florida.
Authorities say that the larvae belongs to a family of flies that includes the Mediterranean fruit fly, Oriental fruit fly, melon fly, and Mexican fruit fly, considered to be the most dangerous pests in the world.
Our CBP officers and agriculture specialists work hand-in-hand to stop potential threats before they have potential to cause economic damage, said Port Director Fadia Pastilong. Pests like this may be the next introduced species of concern if they go undetected.
The Illinois Supreme Court on Thursday overturned actor Jussie Smollett's conviction on allegations that he staged a racist and homophobic attack against himself in downtown Chicago in 2019 and lied to police.
Smollett's appeal argued that a special prosecutor should not have been allowed to intervene after the Cook County state's attorney initially dropped charges. The state's highest court heard arguments in September.
Smollett, who is Black and gay, claimed two men assaulted him, spouted racial and homophobic slurs and tossed a noose around his neck, leading to a massive search for suspects by Chicago police detectives and kicking up an international uproar. Smollett was on the television drama "Empire," which filmed in Chicago, and prosecutors alleged he staged the attack because he was unhappy with the studio's response to hate mail he received.
A jury convicted him of five counts of disorderly conduct in 2021. Smollett has maintained his innocence.
His attorneys have argued that the case was over when the Cook County state's attorney's office dropped an initial 16 counts of disorderly conduct after Smollett performed community service and forfeited a $10,000 bond.
A grand jury restored charges after a special prosecutor took the case.
Testimony at his trial indicated Smollett paid $3,500 to two men whom he knew from "Empire" to carry out the attack. Prosecutors said he told them what slurs to shout, and to yell that Smollett was in "MAGA country," an apparent reference to the Donald Trump's presidential campaign slogan.
Smollett testified that "there was no hoax" and that he was the victim of a hate crime in his downtown Chicago neighborhood.
He was sentenced to 150 days in jail six of which he served before he was freed pending appeal 30 months of probation and ordered to pay about $130,000 in restitution.
A state appellate court ruling upheld Smollett's conviction, declaring that no one promised Smollett he wouldn't face a fresh prosecution after accepting the original deal.
His attorneys have argued that Smollett has been victimized by a racist and politicized justice system.
Lake Superior’s top predator fish is at a sustainable population. The lake trout population has recovered to the point it no longer has to be stocked. The fish had dropped to extremely low levels.
Ever since European settlement, overfishing took a vast toll on lake trout in Lake Superior. Then the invasive sea lamprey, a parasite, nearly wiped out the population by the 1990s. It took the states, tribes, Ontario, and the two nations decades to come to an agreement that would eventually restore the lake trout.
A parasitic sea lamprey attached to a lake trout. Untold numbers of lake trout were killed until the Great Lake Fishery Commission was established to control the sea lamprey.
“We have the largest freshwater lake in the world, the top species in that freshwater lake that was driven down 95 percent because of overfishing and lamprey predation, today declared restored,” said Marc Gaden, executive secretary of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. That organization is primarily known for controlling the invasive sea lamprey population.
The Lake Superior Committee made the announcement about the milestone. That committee, coordinated under the auspices of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, consists of fishery managers from three of the Great Lakes states that border Lake Superior (Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota), the Province of Ontario, and the U.S. Tribes represented by the 1854 Treaty Authority, Chippewa-Ottawa Resource Authority, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, and the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, according to a news release by the committee.
The lake trout has increased in overall numbers, but subspecies are also sustainable.
Not just number, but diversity
Gaden said the sustainability milestone is not just about the increased number of lake trout; it’s also about diversity. He said the different subspecies — lean trout, humper trout, and siscowet — have all recovered to sustainable levels.
Between 1920 and 1950, an annual commercial harvest of 4 million pounds was taken, according to the fishery commission. By 1964, the harvest was down to 210,000 pounds.
The Lake Superior Committee estimates the current abundance of naturally reproduced lake trout is at or above the estimates prior to the sea lamprey invasion that reached Lake Superior in 1938.
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Dearborn Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud pledged that his city would arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and his former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, after the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for both men for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. “Dearborn will arrest Netanyahu & Gallant if they step within Dearborn city limits,” Hammoud said on X. “Other cities should declare the same.
