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10 surprising facts you may not know about Hanukkah

Menorahs lit for Hanukkah.
Menorahs lit for Hanukkah.

Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images

  • Hanukkah means "dedication" in Hebrew.
  • It's usually in December, but the dates change every year since Judaism follows a lunar calendar.
  • The national menorah lit in Washington, DC, is 30 feet tall and requires a lift from a cherry picker to light.

The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, takes place from December 25 through January 2 this year.

Hanukkah celebrates the victory of a small group of Jewish rebels over an enormous Greek army to defend their heritage, and a miraculously long-lasting flame that continues to serve as a symbol of hope and perseverance. 

Here are 10 facts you may not have known about Hanukkah.

Hanukkah means "dedication" in Hebrew.
Members of Jewish community ignite a menorah in Mumbai, India, on the last night of Hanukkah.
A public menorah lighting in Mumbai, India.

Rafiq Maqbool/AP

Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the ancient Jewish Temple in Jerusalem after a small Jewish army called the Maccabees reclaimed it from the Greek leader Antiochus IV Epiphanes in 164 BC.

According to tradition, while the Jews were living under the Greek empire around 167 BC, King Antiochus IV outlawed Judaism and desecrated the Holy Temple that stood in Jerusalem. A small Jewish army called the Maccabees led a rebellion against the Greeks and won.

When they returned to the Temple to relight the ritual menorah or candelabra, they found only enough oil to last one day, but it miraculously lasted eight.

Jewish people commemorate the Maccabees' victory and the miracle of the oil by lighting a menorah for eight nights and eating fried foods.

It is not a major religious holiday in the Jewish calendar.
A Jewish family lights candles for the holiday of Hanukkah.
A Jewish family lights candles for the holiday of Hanukkah.

Ronen Zvulun/Reuters

The Books of the Maccabees are not included in the Jewish biblical canon, and the Babylonian Talmud only briefly explains the holiday's origins, citing the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days.

Other lesser-known biblical Jewish holidays, such as Sukkot and Shavuot, carry much more religious significance than Hanukkah. Still, Hanukkah became absorbed into the widespread culture of gift-giving and holiday cheer because of its proximity to Christmas.

Hanukkah usually takes place in December, but the dates change every year.
Yeshiva students clear snow at the menorah ahead of the lighting ceremony marking the start of Hanukkah in Prague.
A snowy Hanukkah in Prague.

CTK, Michal Kamaryt/AP

Hanukkah begins on the 25th of the Hebrew lunar month of Kislev every year, but the date in the Gregorian calendar varies.

The lunar calendar is shorter than the solar one, so an extra month is added to the Jewish calendar every two to three years to keep the holidays within certain agricultural seasons and times of year.

This year, Hanukkah began on the evening of December 25.

Hanukkah occasionally overlaps with Thanksgiving and Christmas.
President Barack Obama holds a turkey-shaped menorah known as a "Menurkey."
President Obama spoke about the "menurkey," a combination of a menorah and turkey honoring Thanksgiving and Hanukkah, during a Hanukkah reception at the White House in 2013.

BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

Because the dates for Jewish holidays vary on the Gregorian calendar, sometimes an early Hanukkah coincides with Thanksgiving.

When the two holidays overlapped in 2013, the phenomenon became known as "Thanksgivukkah" complete with turkey-shaped menorahs playfully dubbed "menurkeys." The next Thanksgivukkah will take place in 2070.

In 2024, Hanukkah began on Christmas Day, another unusual overlap that has only occurred five times since 1900.

The word "menorah" actually refers to the candelabra with seven branches that was lit in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.
A full-size recreation of the seven-branched menorah used in the ancient Temple on display in Jerusalem.
A full-size recreation of the seven-branched menorah used in the ancient Temple on display in Jerusalem.

Reza/Getty Images

The menorah lit by the Maccabees in the ancient Temple had seven branches — three on each side and one in the middle. The menorahs lit on Hanukkah today have nine branches, four candles on each side for all eight nights of the holiday, and one middle candle used to light the others.

The proper term for these nine-branched candelabras is "hanukkiot," but many people still call them "menorahs."

The White House hosts a Hanukkah reception every year.
Doug Emhoff lit the official White House menorah at the White House Hanukkah party.
Doug Emhoff, the first Jewish spouse of a vice president, lit the official White House menorah at the 2023 White House Hanukkah party.

DOUG MILLS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Christmas celebrations at the White House date back to 1800, but Hanukkah wasn't acknowledged until much later.

President Jimmy Carter was the first president to recognize Hanukkah with a menorah lighting in 1979 on the Ellipse, a lawn south of the White House. President George W. Bush was the first to hold a menorah lighting inside the White House residence.

In 2022, carpenters created the first official White House menorah for the White House holiday decorations, using leftover wood from a Truman-era White House renovation circa 1950.

The national menorah is 30 feet tall and requires a cherry picker to reach high enough to light.
The annual national Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremony outside the White House in 2010.
The annual national Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremony takes place outside the White House.

MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

The secretary of the interior under Carter initially refused to issue a permit for a menorah on the White House lawn, citing the First Amendment.

Stu Eizenstat, one of Carter's advisors, argued that the permit for the national Christmas tree should also be denied on the same grounds, and the event was allowed to proceed.

Sufganiyot, or jelly doughnuts, can contain fillings other than jelly.
Sufganiyot for sale at a market in Jerusalem.
Sufganiyot for sale at a market in Jerusalem.

THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images

Jelly doughnuts called sufganiyot are a classic Hanukkah treat, but some chefs get creative with decadent toppings and fillings like chocolate or custard.

There are more traditional Hanukkah foods than just latkes and sufganiyot.
A father and daughter fry bimuelos, a traditional Sephardic Hanukkah food.
A Sephardic family fries bimuelos.

Sarah Aroeste

Fried foods are traditionally eaten on Hanukkah to commemorate the miracle of the long-lasting oil.

Jews of Sephardic ancestry make fried doughnut fritters called bimuelos on Hanukkah. A Ladino variation on the Spanish buneolos, they were a popular dish with Spanish Jews known as Marranos in the 15th to 17th centuries, according to My Jewish Learning.

Dreidels — spinning tops with Hebrew letters on them used to play a Hanukkah game — contain different letters depending on where you are in the world.
A collection of colorful dreidels (tops) in a pile.
A collection of dreidels.

Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post via Getty Images

"Dreidel" is Yiddish for "spinning top." It has four sides, each with a different Hebrew letter. Players start with a supply of coins, chocolate or otherwise, and take turns spinning. Depending on which letter the top lands on, they put a coin in the middle, skip their turn, win half of the coins, or take home the entire pot.

The four letters on a dreidel each stand for a Hebrew word. Outside Israel, the letters represent a sentence that means "a great miracle happened there." In Israel, the last letter is changed, altering the meaning to "a great miracle happened here."

Read the original article on Business Insider

Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos are expecting their first child. Here's a timeline of their relationship.

Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos at the Republican National Convention.
Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos at the Republican National Convention.

Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

  • Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos met in Mykonos in July 2018 and wed at Mar-a-Lago in 2022.
  • Boulos grew up in Nigeria, where his family owns an automotive company, and he works in business.
  • Donald Trump announced that Tiffany Trump is pregnant at a campaign event in Michigan in October.

Tiffany Trump and her husband, Michael Boulos, are expecting their first child.

President-elect Donald Trump shared the news at a campaign event in Michigan in October. 

Michael Boulos began dating Tiffany Trump in 2018 and reportedly proposed to her with a $1.2 million engagement ring at the White House, shortly before Donald Trump left office. The couple wed at Mar-a-Lago in 2022.

Boulos' father, Massad Boulos, is CEO of the Nigerian automotive business SCOA Nigeria and will serve as a senior advisor on Middle Eastern affairs in Trump's second White House administration.

The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

Here's a timeline of Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos' relationship.

July 2018: Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos began dating after meeting at Lindsay Lohan's beach club in Mykonos, Greece, according to People magazine.
lindsay lohan 2019
Lindsay Lohan.

Andy Kropa/Invision/AP

Boulos grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, where his family owns the automotive conglomerate SCOA Nigeria. He was studying project management at City, University of London, when he met Tiffany, then a law student at Georgetown, on vacation in Mykonos.

"I wasn't there when they met," Lohan told People magazine at the premiere party for her MTV series, "Lindsay Lohan's Beach Club," in 2019, adding that she knew both Tiffany Trump and Boulos but didn't know exactly how they met.

September 2018: They made their first public appearance together at New York Fashion Week.
Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos at New York Fashion Week in 2018
Michael Boulos and Tiffany Trump at New York Fashion Week.

Noam Galai/Getty Images

Boulos joined Tiffany Trump in the front row of the Taoray Wang show during New York Fashion Week.

November 2018: Page Six reported that the two were dating, and that Tiffany Trump had introduced Boulos to her family over Thanksgiving at Mar-a-Lago.
The Trump family at Thanksgiving at Mar-a-Lago in 2018
The Trump family celebrated Thanksgiving at Mar-a-Lago in 2018.

MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

"Tiffany is happy she has so far been able to keep things with Michael under the radar," an unnamed source told Page Six. "But she introduced him to her family at Thanksgiving, and he comes across as a very intelligent young man from a great family. There was no mention of the president's unfortunate comment about African nations."

In January 2018, Donald Trump reportedly referred to African nations and Haiti using an expletive during a meeting with lawmakers. He denied the reports, writing on X that the language he used was "tough" but that the widely reported remark was "not the language used."

January 2019: Boulos made his first appearance on her Instagram.
Tiffany Trump pictured in 2020.
Tiffany Trump.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Trump posted an Instagram photo of her and Boulos in the Red Room of the White House at Christmastime. Boulos also shared a photo with her at a White House Christmas party, captioned, "Christmas vibes are the best vibes," in a post that no longer appears on his page.

February 2019: They attended New York Fashion Week with Tiffany Trump's mother, Marla Maples.
tiffany michael boulos
Michael Boulos, Tiffany Trump, and Marla Maples at New York Fashion Week.

Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for Taoray Wang

As they had the year before, Tiffany Trump and Boulos sat in the front row of the Taoray Wang show.

April 2019: Boulos joined the Trump family for Easter services at the Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Palm Beach, Florida.
Donald Trump and Melania Trump with Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos on their way to church for Easter services
Donald Trump and Melania Trump with Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos on Easter.

Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP

Tiffany Trump shared a photo of herself and Boulos, as well as snapshots with her father, Donald Trump Jr., and Kimberly Guilfoyle, on Instagram. The photos are no longer available on her Instagram page.

May 2019: They stepped out together at the Cannes Film Festival.
Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019
Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos at Cannes Film Festival.

Pierre Suu/GC Images

Public records showed that the three-night trip to France, during which the couple stayed at the Marriott Jesta Fontainebleau hotel, cost taxpayers at least $20,000, Quartz reported.

"For operational security reasons, the Secret Service cannot discuss specifically nor in general terms the means, methods, resources, costs, or numbers we utilize to carry out our protective responsibilities," a Secret Service spokesperson told Quartz.

June 2019: They flew to Orlando for a rally kicking off Donald Trump's 2020 campaign.
The Trump children at President Trump's 2020 campaign kickoff rally in Orlando, Florida
Members of the Trump family at Donald Trump's 2020 campaign kickoff rally.

MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

"With every ounce of heart and mind, and sweat and soul, we're going to keep making America great again, and then we will indeed keep America great," Donald Trump said in his speech. "I will keep it so great. Better than ever before. We're going to keep it better than ever before. And that is why tonight, I stand before you to officially launch my campaign for a second term as president of the United States."

August 2019: Tiffany Trump wished Boulos a happy birthday on Instagram, writing that he fills her life with "so much joy, kindness and laughter!"
Michael Boulos and Tiffany Trump tied the knot on Saturday.
Michael Boulos and Tiffany Trump.

Mandel Ngan/Getty Images

"Happy Birthday, @michaelboulos," she captioned a photo of her and Boulos. "You fill my life with so much joy, kindness and laughter! Thank you for always putting a smile on my face!"

September 2019: Boulos joined his girlfriend to hear Donald Trump speak at the UN.
Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos (sitting behind her) listen to Donald Trump's speech at the UN
Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos at the UN.

Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

Boulos sat behind Tiffany, who was seated beside Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle.

November 2019: They greeted guests at the national Thanksgiving turkey pardoning event in the Rose Garden of the White House.
Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos at the White House turkey pardoning event before Thanksgiving
Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos at the national Thanksgiving turkey pardoning.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

How the turkey pardoning tradition started is still a bit of a mystery, but the White House traces it all the way back to President Abraham Lincoln in 1863.

December 2019: They celebrated New Year's together at Mar-a-Lago.
Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos at Mar-a-Lago for New Year's
Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos at a New Year's celebration at Mar-a-Lago.

JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

Trump's other children were in attendance, as well as his then-lawyer Rudy Giuliani.

July 2020: Trump and Boulos waved to crowds gathered at Mount Rushmore for Independence Day fireworks.
Tiffany Trump, her boyfriend Michael Boulos, Eric Trump and his wife Lara Trump at Mount Rushmore
Michael Boulos, Tiffany Trump, Eric Trump, and Lara Trump at Mount Rushmore.

Tom Brenner/Reuters

They were joined by Eric Trump and Lara Trump.

August 2020: They attended the funeral of Donald Trump's brother, Robert.
President Donald Trump's children at his brother's funeral
Members of the Trump family on the White House North Portico following the funeral of Robert Trump.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Robert Trump died on August 15, 2020, at the age of 71.

"He was not just my brother, he was my best friend," Donald Trump said in a statement. "He will be greatly missed, but we will meet again. His memory will live on in my heart forever. Robert, I love you. Rest in peace."

August 2020: Tiffany Trump and Boulos attended the Republican National Convention, where she gave a speech.
Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos at the RNC in 2020
Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos at the 2020 Republican National Convention.

Evan Vucci/AP

Tiffany Trump spoke on the second night of the RNC in support of her father and mentioned her recent graduation from Georgetown Law School.

"Like so many students across the world, I graduated from law school during the pandemic," she said. "Our generation is unified in facing the future in uncertain times. And many of us are considering what kind of country we want to live in. As a recent graduate, I can relate to so many of you who might be looking for a job. My father built a thriving economy once and believe me, he will do it again."

October 2020: They arrived in Nashville to watch the final presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos arrive in Nashville in October 2020
Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos at the Nashville International Airport.

Tom Brenner/Reuters

The debate featured plexiglass barriers between the candidates to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and a mute button to prevent them from talking over each other.

November 2020: They joined Donald Trump at the White House to watch the election results come in.
Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos at the White House on election night in 2020
Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos at the White House on election night.

MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

The Trumps watched election results in the East Room of the White House.

January 2021: The couple announced their engagement on Instagram the day before Trump left office.
Tiffany Trump, center, and her fiance Michael Boulos wait for President Donald Trump at Andrews Air Force Base
Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos departed Washington, DC, on Inauguration Day.

Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

The day before Biden's inauguration, Tiffany Trump shared an Instagram photo of her and Boulos standing in the White House Colonnade.

"It has been an honor to celebrate many milestones, historic occasions and create memories with my family here at the White House, none more special than my engagement to my amazing fiancé Michael!" she wrote. "Feeling blessed and excited for the next chapter!"

Boulos also announced their engagement on Instagram, writing, "Got engaged to the love of my life! Looking forward to our next chapter together."

Boulos proposed in the White House Rose Garden with a diamond ring worth $1.2 million, People magazine reported.

July 2021: Trump and Boulos, who moved to Miami after her father's presidency, were spotted in Mykonos.
Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos in Miami
Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos in Florida.

Sam Navarro/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters

Tiffany Trump and Boulos vacationed in Mykonos, where their relationship began, over the summer.

May 2022: Tiffany Trump and Boulos chose Mar-a-Lago as their wedding venue.
Aerial shot of Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach, Florida.
Mar-a-Lago.

Steve Helber/AP

Page Six reported that Donald Trump and his ex-wife, Tiffany's mother Marla Maples, would host the wedding at Mar-a-Lago with over 500 people expected to attend.

November 2022: Tropical Storm Nicole made landfall north of Palm Beach days before the wedding, putting their wedding plans in jeopardy.
Tropical Storm Nicole floods streets in Fort Pierce, Florida
Tropical Storm Nicole floods streets in Florida.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Days before the wedding, Mar-a-Lago and its surrounding coastal residential areas were under mandatory evacuation orders because of the storm.

A Mar-a-Lago employee confirmed to Business Insider that the club had reopened on Friday, November 11, just in time for Trump and Boulos' welcome dinner.

November 2022: Tiffany Trump and Boulos' wedding proceeded as planned.
Flowers outside Mar-a-Lago before Tiffany Trump's wedding
Preparations at Mar-a-Lago ahead of Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos' wedding.

MEGA/GC Images

Tiffany Trump wore a sparkling long-sleeved wedding dress from Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab, a likely nod to Boulos' Lebanese heritage. The couple exchanged vows under a gazebo decorated with cascading bouquets of pastel-colored flowers.

In an Instagram post, Tiffany Trump described the wedding as "The most magical day."

May 2024: Tiffany Trump and Boulos attended the closing arguments of Donald Trump's hush-money trial in New York City.
Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos with other Trump family members at the courthouse in New York City.
Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos with other Trump family members at the Manhattan Criminal Court.

Julia Nikhinson-Pool/Getty Images

Donald Trump was found guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 hush-money payment to adult film actor Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election. The former president denies ever having sex with Daniels and has called the trial a "witch hunt."

July 2024: They attended days two and four of the Republican National Convention.
Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos at the RNC.
Corey Lewandowski with Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos at the Republican National Convention.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Unlike in 2020, Tiffany Trump did not speak at the 2024 Republican National Convention.

October 2024: While speaking at a campaign event, Donald Trump announced that Tiffany Trump and Boulos are expecting their first child.
Donald Trump speaks at the Detroit Economic Club.
Donald Trump at the Detroit Economic Club.

Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Speaking to a crowd at the Detroit Economic Club, Donald Trump shared the news while acknowledging the presence of Michael Boulos' father, businessman Massad Boulos, at the event.

"He happens to be the father of Tiffany's husband Michael, who's a very exceptional young guy, and she's an exceptional young woman," he said. "And she's going to have a baby, so that's nice."

November 2024: In the days leading up to the presidential election, Tiffany Trump and Boulos appeared at campaign events in Michigan and Pennsylvania.
Tiffany Trump shakes Donald Trump's hand as Michael Boulos looks on.
Donald Trump with Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Tiffany Trump delivered a rare speech in Reading, Pennsylvania, telling the crowd, "Hello, we love you, we support you, and my father's here fighting for you and he's never gonna let you down, so please vote. Let's get this country back on track."

November 2024: Tiffany Trump and Boulos celebrated Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election.
Trump family members on election night.
Trump family members on election night.

JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

Tiffany Trump and Boulos joined other Trump family members and associates at the campaign's election night watch party in West Palm Beach, Florida.

December 2024: Trump chose Boulos' father, Massad Boulos, to serve as a senior advisor on Middle Eastern affairs.
Michael Boulos in New York City.
Michael Boulos.

Jeenah Moon for The Washington Post via Getty Images

In a Truth Social post, Donald Trump described Massad Boulos as "an accomplished lawyer and a highly respected leader in the business world."

"He has been a longtime proponent of Republican and Conservative values, an asset to my Campaign, and was instrumental in building tremendous new coalitions with the Arab American Community," he wrote in part.

Trump's description of Massad Boulos as an "accomplished lawyer" may not be accurate. Although Massad Boulos listed a law degree from Texas Southern University on his LinkedIn profile, a Business Insider investigation found that he does not appear to be licensed to practice law in any of the countries where he's lived.

Massad Boulos was also widely reported to be the billionaire owner of Boulos Enterprises and told The New York Times in December that his company was worth billions. However, Boulos Enterprises is owned by a different Boulos family. The small automotive company Massad Boulos runs, SCOA Nigeria, is worth about $865,000.

Massad Boulos later told The New York Times that he was referring to his father-in-law's companies when asked about his business. Massad Boulos' wife, Sarah Fadoul Boulos, is the daughter of wealthy Lebanese businessman Michel Zouhair Fadoul, who runs The Fadoul Group's conglomerate.

In an email to Business Insider, Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt called media reports examining Boulos' credentials "fake news."

"The truth is Mr. Boulos is a highly respected businessman who has proudly served as the CEO of some of his family's group of companies based in West Africa for more than 27 years, and his family has employed tens of thousands of people around the globe," Leavitt said.

Read the original article on Business Insider

I shopped at Kohl's to see how stores are taking 'aggressive action' to boost plummeting sales

kohl's
Kohl's.

John Raoux / AP Images

  • Sales at Kohl's fell in Q3, which CEO Tom Kingsbury called "frankly disappointing."
  • I visited a Kohl's store in New Jersey to see how the chain plans to bounce back.
  • The store's layout showed how Kohl's is centering its partnership with Sephora to boost sales.

In 2018, Kohl's was hailed as a "winner of the retail apocalypse," boasting strong sales over its struggling counterparts like Sears and JCPenney.

Now, Kohl's is feeling the strain. Its third-quarter earnings report found that net sales decreased 8.8% and comparable sales fell 9.3%.

"We are not satisfied with our performance in 2024 and are taking aggressive action to reverse the sales declines," CEO Tom Kingsbury said in the report.

Kingsbury also announced that he would step down as CEO effective January 15 and will be replaced by Ashley Buchanan, a Kohl's board member and CEO of Michael's.

I visited a Kohl's store ahead of the holidays in December, one of the busiest shopping seasons, to see what kind of "aggressive action" Kohl's was taking to boost sales.

Representatives for Kohl's did not respond to a request for comment.

At the Kohl's store I visited in Clifton, New Jersey, Sephora was prominently advertised with its own branded entrance.
A Kohl's store.
Kohl's.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Kohl's has more than 1,100 locations in 49 states. While there are Kohl's stores in the greater New York City area, including in Brooklyn and Yonkers, there aren't any in Manhattan.

Kohl's announced its partnership with Sephora in 2020. By 2023, 910 Kohl's locations had added Sephora stores, and the retail chain built 140 more Sephora stores at Kohl's in 2024.

In 2023, Sephora sales at Kohl's totaled $1.4 billion, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. Sales are projected to hit $2 billion by 2025.

A sign advertised an ongoing customer appreciation event with extra sales.
Sales at Kohl's.
Sales at Kohl's.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Kohl's Rewards members and Kohl's cardholders received extra discounts.

The entrance I chose led me into the juniors section, which was strategically located right in front of Sephora.
The junior's section at Kohl's.
The junior's section at Kohl's.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The juniors section sold flared leggings, bralettes, and other styles popular with Gen Z.

Sephora seemed to serve as the centerpiece of the store with prominent placement in the middle of the aisles.
A Sephora location at Kohl's.
A Sephora location at Kohl's.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The Sephora was constructed like a store within a store, similar to smaller shops located in a mall.

With celebrity beauty brands laid out in colorful displays under bright lighting, I felt drawn into the small-format Sephora like a moth to a flame.
Inside the Sephora at Kohl's.
Inside the Sephora at Kohl's.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The aisles were full of makeup brands like Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty and Fenty Beauty by Rihanna.

An assortment of fine jewelry with lab-grown diamonds was displayed around the corner from Sephora.
Jewelry at Kohl's.
Jewelry at Kohl's.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

On a June earnings call, Kingsbury said the retailer had removed some jewelry from stores to make room for Sephora locations since jewelry sales had been steadily declining.

He said Kohl's planned to add more accessories like jewelry back into stores in time for the holidays and place them near Sephora in an effort to boost sales.

There were also cheaper jewelry options nearby, such as Lauren Conrad's LC line.
Lauren Conrad's jewelry line at Kohl's.
Lauren Conrad's jewelry line at Kohl's.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The items ranged between $7 and $15, while most of the fine jewelry items displayed nearby cost around $100.

I was impressed by the wide selection of dresses at Kohl's, ranging from office looks to black-tie gowns.
Dresses at Kohl's.
Dresses at Kohl's.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Kingsbury told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in September that Kohl's locations with more space for dresses were "performing better" than other locations.

To me, the black-tie dresses in particular made Kohl's feel more like a department store than a big-box retailer.

Kohl's featured inclusive sizing, with sections for women's plus size, women's petite, and men's big and tall.
The big and tall men's section at Kohl's.
The big and tall men's section at Kohl's.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Kohl's also carries a line of adaptive clothing designed for accessibility. I appreciated how the store catered to a wide customer base.

However, much of the store felt understated in comparison to Sephora.
Flannel shirts at Kohl's.
Flannel shirts at Kohl's.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Women's flannel shirts were on sale for $24.99 — the same as they cost at Target, but more expensive than Walmart, where similar shirts cost between $5 and $15. I also didn't find the clothing displays particularly engaging compared to Sephora's luminous shelves and eye-catching photos.

The selection of home decor at Kohl's didn't seem as large as I've seen at big-box retailers like Walmart and Target.
Home decor at Kohl's.
Home decor at Kohl's.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The items were organized by color, which I found visually appealing. I also enjoyed the wooden roof displayed over the home decor section, which made it easy to spot and identify from a distance.

Kohl's Q3 earnings report found that home decor was a "key growth area" that experienced a "strong collective performance" despite the overall slump.

I was puzzled by a housewares section that featured aisles of slow cookers, vacuums, and suitcases next to each other.
Housewares at Kohl's.
Housewares at Kohl's.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Centering the juniors and jewelry sections around Sephora's beauty products made sense to me, but these items all seemed like they belonged in different parts of the store. Perhaps it was a space issue, or maybe Kohl's is still playing around with store layouts that drive more sales.

Kohl's hopes to replicate the success of its Sephora partnership through another partnership with Babies "R" Us.
The baby section at Kohl's.
The Babies "R" Us baby registry at Kohl's.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

In October, Kohl's launched a digital baby registry service through Babies "R" Us to boost sales of baby gear, which has been a top seller.

On the Q3 earnings call, Kingsbury said that while Kohl's had "benefited" from opening Babies "R" Us shops in 200 stores, these additions were still "unable to offset the declines in our core business."

In a section titled "The Toy Box," boxes of Hot Wheels tracks, Lego sets, and Mr. Potato Heads were piled on the floor.
Toys at Kohl's.
Toys at Kohl's.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

This could have been a stylistic choice, but it did make me think of Business Insider senior correspondent Emily Stewart's piece about how store aisles crowded with boxes are a sign of the retail apocalypse.

As I headed toward the checkout counters, I saw a self-pickup section full of orders — another method of increasing sales.
Self-pickup at Kohl's.
Self-pickup at Kohl's.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Kohl's launched self-pickup in all of its locations in 2022.

The line for staffed checkout counters was about 10 customers deep, but there was no line for self-checkout.
The checkout line at Kohl's.
The checkout line at Kohl's.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The staffed checkout counters may have had a longer line because of people making returns.

It remains to be seen if Kohl's strategies will help the brand avoid further decline.
kohl's
Kohl's trading post at the New York Stock Exchange.

Richard Drew/AP

By leaning into partnerships with Sephora and Babies "R" Us and thinking strategically about store layouts, Kohl's hopes to drive enough business to sustain its core brand and reverse its sales slump.

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The most powerful news photos of the year

Donald Trump holds his fist in the air while bleeding after an assassination attempt.
Butler, Pennsylvania.

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

  • Getty Images released its top 100 most powerful news photos of the year.
  • Photos show key moments in the 2024 presidential election and conflicts in the Middle East.
  • Photographers captured the aftermath of natural disasters and phenomena like the solar eclipse.

Getty Images released a compilation of the most powerful news photos taken by their photographers in 2024.

Throughout the year, photojournalists captured the defining images of the biggest news stories related to politics, military conflicts, natural disasters, and other global issues.

"Regardless of the assignment, Getty Images photographers and videographers produced honest, moving, and gripping images of humanity at its highest and lowest moments and painted a picture of the world in all of its complexity without bias or manipulation, producing a trusted and memorable historic document of 2024," Sandy Ciric, senior director of news photography at Getty Images, told Business Insider.

Here are 30 of the best news photos of the year.

On January 10, Ukrainian soldiers fired an 82mm mortar in Kreminna.
Ukranian soldiers on a combat mission.
Kreminna, Ukraine.

Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images

Mortar platoon soldiers endured temperatures of -15 degrees Celsius while holding their positions.

Palestinian children played in the ruins of Rafah in Gaza on January 31.
Children play in ruins in Rafah, Gaza.
Rafah, Gaza.

Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images

Mahmoud Al-Durra and his children were displaced from Gaza City amid the Israel-Hamas war.

On February 8, Pakistani citizens attended an event at the Pakistan Muslim League party office ahead of the general elections.
People celebrate a speech in Lahore, Pakistan.
Lahore, Pakistan.

Elke Scholiers/Getty Images

The elections were held two years after Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote.

San Francisco Drag Laureate D'Arcy Drollinger officiated the wedding of a same-sex couple on Valentine's Day at San Francisco City Hall.
San Francisco Drag Laureate D'Arcy Drollinger marries a same-sex couple.
San Francisco, California.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The event marked 20 years since the first same-sex marriages in San Francisco.

Multimillion-dollar mansions were left precariously perched on a cliff on February 27 after a landslide in Dana Point, California.
Mansions on a cliff.
Dana Point, California.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

On February 4, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties after heavy rainfall caused flooding and mudslides.

Around 65 migrants crossed the English Channel on an inflatable dinghy on March 6.
An inflatable dinghy carrying migrants crosses the English Channel.
The English Channel.

Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

According to data released by the UK's Home Office, 33,684 migrants arrived in the UK on small boats in 2024 as of December 1.

A cargo ship struck Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, causing it to collapse.
The cargo ship Dali sits in the water after running into and collapsing the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
Baltimore.

Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

Six maintenance workers died as a result of the bridge collapse.

On April 8, a solar eclipse was visible above the Washington Monument in Washington, DC.
A solar eclipse is seen above the Washington Monument.
Washington, DC.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Many traveled to watch the solar eclipse in the "path of totality" in parts of the US, Mexico, and Canada.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators barricaded themselves inside a building at Columbia University amid rising campus tensions on April 30.
Demonstrators supporting Palestinians in Gaza barricade themselves inside Hamilton Hall at Columbia University.
New York City.

Alex Kent/Getty Images

In April, Columbia University's then-president Nemat Minouche Shafik announced that the institution would not divest from Israel and said students remaining in a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus would be suspended. Student protesters then barricaded themselves inside the university's Hamilton Hall, resulting in 300 arrests.

Employees at the Hidden Sanctuary Resort in the Philippines dumped blocks of ice into the water during a heat wave on May 4.
Workers prepare to dump blocks of ice at a pool amid extreme heat at the Hidden Sanctuary Resort in the Philippines.
Marilao, Bulacan province, Philippines.

Ezra Acayan/Getty Images

Temperatures in the Philippines hit 53 degrees Celsius, or around 127 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mourners attended the funeral of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran on May 22.
Mourners attend the funeral of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
Tehran, Iran.

Majid Saeedi/Getty Images

Raisi died in a helicopter crash in the mountains near the border with Azerbaijan. Iran's foreign minister and a provincial governor also died in the crash.

A wind turbine in Prescott, Iowa, lay toppled after tornadoes ripped through the area on May 22.
A toppled wind turbine after tornadoes in Prescott, Iowa.
Prescott, Iowa.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

Iowa experienced a record-high number of 122 tornadoes in 2024.

The Sundhnúkur volcano near Grindavik, Iceland, erupted on May 29.
A volcano erupts in Iceland.
Grindavik, Iceland.

John Moore/Getty Images

Iceland's famous Blue Lagoon was evacuated ahead of the eruption.

June 6, 2024 marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
A soldier's silhouette in a D-Day anniversary display.
Ver-sur-Mer, France.

Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

The Normandy British Memorial hosted an installation titled "Standing with Giants" as part of the official D-Day commemoration.

On June 27, President Joe Biden faced off against former President Donald Trump during the first presidential debate in Atlanta.
President Joe Biden at the first presidential debate with Donald Trump.
Atlanta, Georgia.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The presidential debate proved disastrous for Biden. His poor performance panicked Democrats, ultimately leading to his withdrawal from the 2024 election.

On July 13, former President Donald Trump narrowly survived an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Donald Trump holds his fist in the air while bleeding after an assassination attempt.
Butler, Pennsylvania.

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Photographers on the campaign trail captured images of Trump's bloodied face as he held a fist in the air, which quickly became iconic photos.

Oil slick from the sunken tanker MT Terra Nova muddied the waters of Manila Bay in the Philippines on July 29.
An oil spill from the sunken tanker MT Terra Nova in the Philippines.
Bulacan province, Philippines.

Ezra Acayan/Getty Images

The oil tanker was carrying 1.4 million liters, or around 400,000 gallons, of fuel when it sank during Typhoon Gaemi.

One year after the Maui wildfires, damage remained visible in an aerial photo taken of Lahaina on August 4.
Regrowth from the Lahaina wildfire in Maui.
Lahaina, Hawaii.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

The Maui wildfires killed 102 people.

A firefighter battled flames from the Park Fire in Mill Creek, California, on August 7.
A firefighter pours a drip torch on a wildfire in California.
Mill Creek, California.

Ethan Swope/Getty Images

The Park Fire, the fourth-largest fire in California's history, burned over 400,000 acres.

Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden embraced at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on August 19.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris embrace at the Democratic National Convention.
Chicago.

Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Biden endorsed Harris after he dropped out of the race.

In his speech at the Democratic National Convention, Biden spoke highly of Harris, saying that choosing her as his vice president was "the best decision" he's made in his career.

"I've made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you," he said in his speech.

Debris from Chimney Rock, North Carolina, littered the shores of Lake Lure in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28.
Damage from Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.
Lake Lure, North Carolina.

Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images

Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, left 3 million homes in five states without power and caused widespread flooding and damage.

Israelis marked the first anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attacks in which Hamas militants killed around 1,200 people and took 254 hostages.
A man and a woman embrace at the site of the Nova Festival on the anniversary of October 7.
Re'im, Israel.

Leon Neal/Getty Images

Around 60 hostages remain in Gaza, though it is unknown how many are still alive.

Israel's counteroffensive airstrikes and military actions in Gaza have resulted in over 45,000 Palestinian fatalities, according to figures provided to the United Nations by the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces reported that 17,000 of these fatalities were Hamas militants.

Two weeks after Hurricane Helene, another storm pummeled the region when Hurricane Milton made landfall on October 9.
Boat washed ashore from Hurricane Milton.
Punta Gorda, Florida.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Hurricane Milton slammed into southwest Florida with winds of up to 120 mph and left 3.3 million homes and businesses without power.

Trump worked the drive-thru at McDonald's on the campaign trail in Pennsylvania on October 20.
Donald Trump works the drive-thru line at McDonald's.
Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania.

Win McNamee/Getty Images

Pennsylvania was a crucial battleground state in the 2024 election where both Harris and Trump campaigned heavily.

October 31 was the latest date in 130 years that Japan's Mount Fuji had not received any snowfall.
Mount Fuji with no snow.
Yamanakako Village, Japan.

Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images

Mount Fuji's snowless top raised concerns about the impact of the climate crisis on weather patterns.

Trump won the 2024 election and declared victory in the early hours of the morning on November 6 in Palm Beach, Florida.
Donald Trump walks onstage in Palm Beach, Florida, after winning the 2024 election.
Palm Beach, Florida.

Win McNamee/Getty Images

Trump won 312 electoral votes to Harris' 226. Republicans also won majorities in the House and the Senate.

Harris delivered her concession speech at Howard University on November 6.
Kamala Harris concedes the 2024 election.
Washington, DC.

Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

"In our nation, we owe loyalty not to a president or a party but to the Constitution of the United States," Harris said in her speech. "And loyalty to our conscience and to our God. My allegiance to all three is why I am here to say, while I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign."

A door at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, was damaged when South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law on December 3.
A broken door at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea.
Seoul, South Korea.

Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

Members of South Korea's Parliament convened for an emergency vote to reverse Yoon's declaration, barricading themselves inside the National Assembly as soldiers forced their way in.

Lawmakers voted to end martial law, and Yoon relented after six hours of chaos.

Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old suspect in the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in court in Pennsylvania on December 10.
Luigi Mangione is led into court.
Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.

Jeff Swensen/Getty Images

Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania and agreed to be transferred to New York, where he faces federal charges of stalking, murder through the use of a firearm, and a related gun charge.

On December 11, a woman took a selfie in front of a destroyed tank after Syrian rebels deposed longtime ruler Bashar Assad.
A woman takes a selfie in front of a destroyed tank in Damascus, Syria.
Damascus, Syria.

Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Assad fled Syria and has reportedly taken refuge in Moscow.

Read the original article on Business Insider

I shopped at Walmart in the Midwest and on the East Coast. Here are 7 surprising differences I noticed.

A Walmart store with the Walmart logo and gardening products on display.
Walmart stores vary by region.

Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

  • I visited Walmart in Wisconsin and New Jersey to compare stores in the Midwest and the East Coast.
  • Milk was less expensive in Wisconsin, but a dozen eggs cost the same at both locations.
  • New Jersey's Walmart had a food hall startup, Wonder, founded by a former Walmart executive.

As a Midwesterner who moved to New York City a decade ago, I still find myself surprised by regional differences in national brands.

As part of an ongoing series comparing nationwide retailers in the Midwest and on the East Coast, I visited Walmart locations in Wisconsin and New Jersey to compare their prices, offerings, and store amenities.

First, I visited a 200,000-square-foot Walmart store in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

The following week, I visited a Walmart in Teterboro, New Jersey, around 8 miles from Manhattan. Unions and politicians have long blocked Walmart stores from opening in New York City due to concerns about its potential impact on local businesses.

The 150,000-square-foot Teterboro store is one of 12 flagship Walmart stores in the country, offering technologies and amenities unavailable in all locations.

Here are the most surprising differences I noticed.

At Walmart in Manitowoc, Wisconsin's state flag was displayed at the checkout counters.
American and Wisconsin flags at Walmart in Wisconsin.
American and Wisconsin flags at Walmart in Wisconsin.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Wisconsin's state flag features a coat of arms and a badger flanked by a sailor and a yeoman.

New Jersey's state flag was displayed at the Walmart I visited in Teterboro.
American and New York state flags at Walmart.
American and New Jersey state flags at Walmart.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

New Jersey's flag depicts its state seal in the official state colors George Washington chose during the Revolutionary War: buff and Jersey blue.

"In almost all stores, a US and state flag are displayed near the storefront as a show of support to the communities the company serves," a Walmart spokesperson told Business Insider.

The Walmart store in Wisconsin had an entire aisle of beer including many local brews.
Spotted Cow beer at Walmart in Wisconsin.
Spotted Cow beer at Walmart in Wisconsin.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Wisconsin is known for its beer, and New Glarus Brewing's Spotted Cow is one of the state's most beloved brews.

In New Jersey, Walmart didn't sell alcohol because of the state's liquor licensing laws.
Ginger beer at Walmart in New Jersey.
Ginger beer at Walmart in New Jersey.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The Teterboro Walmart had plenty of ginger beer, sparkling grape juice, and non-alcoholic cocktail mixes, but I was surprised it didn't sell any alcohol.

New Jersey's liquor laws dictate that only two locations of corporately owned supermarkets can sell beer, wine, and spirits in the state, NJ.com reported.

In the Midwest store, toiletries like CeraVe face wash were stocked on open shelves.
CeraVe products at Walmart in Wisconsin.
Skincare products at Walmart in Wisconsin.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

In Wisconsin, the only personal care products kept on locked shelves were sexual wellness items like condoms, emergency contraceptives, and pregnancy tests.

In the East Coast store I visited, the same items were kept behind lock and key.
Skincare products at Walmart in New Jersey.
Skincare products at Walmart in New Jersey.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

I noticed the same phenomenon when I compared Target stores in the Midwest and New York City. On the East Coast, more items were kept in locked cases to prevent theft.

A Walmart spokesperson told Business Insider that "some products are subject to additional security," determined "on a store-by-store basis."

A gallon of store-brand skim milk cost $2.96 at Walmart in Wisconsin.
Skim milk at Walmart in Wisconsin.
Skim milk at Walmart in Wisconsin.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

In February, the government benefits resource website HelpAdvisor analyzed findings from the 2023 US Census Household Pulse Survey and determined that Wisconsin had the lowest average grocery costs out of any state.

The same gallon of milk cost $3.29 in New Jersey, a price difference of 33 cents.
A gallon of skim milk at Walmart in New Jersey.
A gallon of skim milk at Walmart in New Jersey.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Milk at New Jersey's Walmart costs 11.2% more than it did in Wisconsin.

Grocery prices often vary by state due to differences in labor costs, food distribution costs, and the overall cost of living.

"We're committed to meeting our customers' shopping needs wherever they shop with us and understand in-store pricing can differ due to regional operating costs, extensive supplier networks, strict regulatory compliance, and competition," a Walmart spokesperson said.

In Wisconsin, a dozen large eggs were priced at $3.97 and came in Styrofoam cartons.
A dozen eggs at Walmart in Wisconsin.
A dozen eggs at Walmart in Wisconsin.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The grade-A eggs were also from Walmart's Great Value brand.

At Walmart in New Jersey, the eggs were also $3.97 but came in paper cartons.
A dozen eggs at Walmart in New Jersey.
A dozen eggs at Walmart in New Jersey.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Styrofoam food service products have been banned in New Jersey since 2022, although egg cartons were exempt from the ban until earlier this year.

I was surprised that eggs cost the same at both locations even though they were packaged differently.

In Wisconsin, an outdoor services counter offered assistance with hunting and fishing licenses.
An outdoor services counter at Walmart in Wisconsin.
An outdoor services counter at Walmart in Wisconsin.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The store also stocked pellet guns and air rifles for small game hunting.

I didn't see an outdoor services counter at the Walmart in New Jersey.
The sports and outdoors section at Walmart in New Jersey.
The sports and outdoors section at Walmart in New Jersey.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

A Walmart spokesperson confirmed that outdoor sporting licenses are not offered at the Teterboro location, though they are available at other store locations in New Jersey.

The Teterboro store also didn't stock any guns other than toys and water guns.

The Wisconsin Walmart sold a variety of prepared foods in the grocery section.
Bakery and deli sections at Walmart in Wisconsin.
Bakery and deli sections at Walmart in Wisconsin.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The Walmart store in Manitowoc featured a bakery and deli. It also sold packaged salads and take-and-bake pizzas.

In New Jersey, the Teterboro Walmart featured a Wonder food hall, a startup founded by former Walmart executive Marc Lore.
A Wonder food hall at Walmart in New Jersey.
A Wonder food hall at Walmart in New Jersey.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Lore previously served as Walmart's president of e-commerce. His startup, Wonder, offers dine-in, delivery, and takeout meals from restaurants by celebrity and Michelin-star chefs.

Teterboro is the third Walmart store to open a Wonder location. The others are at Walmart stores in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, and Ledgewood, New Jersey.

Wonder has continued to grow, acquiring the meal-kit company Blue Apron for $103 million in 2023 and GrubHub for $650 million in November.

Read the original article on Business Insider

I tried Ina Garten's and Martha Stewart's latke recipes, and Garten's buttery potato pancakes won me over

Ina Garten's latkes.
Ina Garten's latkes are fried in butter.

Coren Feldman

  • I made both Ina Garten's and Martha Stewart's latke recipes to see which one I liked better.
  • I preferred Garten's recipe — the simple ingredients and butter gave them a lighter flavor.
  • Stewart's recipe with oil results in a more classic latke, but they were harder to flip.

Ina Garten and Martha Stewart are both known for their delicious recipes. But whose latkes are the tastiest?

As someone who has grown up celebrating Hanukkah, I've eaten my fair share of the holiday's traditional fried potato pancakes. I was curious to see how two of my favorite celebrity chefs have made latkes their own.

You can read Ina Garten's full latke recipe here and Martha Stewart's full recipe here.

I taste-tested both recipes. Here's how they turned out.

I began with Ina Garten's recipe, which calls for relatively simple ingredients.
The ingredients for Ina Garten's latkes: potatoes, an egg, butter, salt, and pepper.
The ingredients for Ina Garten's recipe.

Coren Feldman

The recipe lists potatoes, an egg, flour, salt, and pepper. I was surprised to find that the recipe called for frying the latkes in clarified butter instead of oil. Eating foods fried in oil is part of Hanukkah tradition, so I was a bit skeptical about this change.

I began by peeling and grating the potatoes, then squeezing out the excess liquid.
Talia Lakritz grates potatoes while making latkes.
Grating potatoes.

Coren Feldman

I managed to cut myself almost immediately. Grate with caution.

I mixed in the egg, flour, salt, and pepper.
Mixing Ina Garten's latke ingredients.
Mixing Ina Garten's latke ingredients.

Coren Feldman

The resulting batter had the consistency of oatmeal.

I then started on the clarified butter for frying.
Melting butter for Ina Garten's latkes.
Melting butter for Ina Garten's latkes.

Coren Feldman

The recipe includes instructions for how to make clarified butter. You can also just buy ghee at a grocery store and skip this step.

Making clarified butter involves melting butter, waiting for milk solids to settle, and skimming them off the top.
Clarifying butter.
Clarifying butter.

Coren Feldman

It reminded me of skimming the fat off the top of chicken soup. It was easy, but took extra time waiting for the solids to settle.

With the butter all clarified, it was time to fry.
Frying Ina Garten's latkes.
Frying Ina Garten's latkes.

Coren Feldman

Garten's recipe instructs using a tablespoon of the potato mixture for each latke.

The small pancakes finished cooking in minutes, and they were easy to flip.
Ina Garten's latkes.
Ina Garten's latkes are fried in butter.

Coren Feldman

I also loved that frying the latkes in butter didn't make my entire apartment and person smell like oil. It's a strong scent that tends to linger. These just smelled mildly like melted butter, which was amazing.

The finished products came out perfectly crispy even though they weren't fried in oil.
latke taste test
The finished latkes.

Courtesy of Coren Feldman

Because there weren't any other added ingredients to the batter, the potato flavor shone through and the buttery crust was delicious.

Paired with some applesauce — my latke topping of choice — Garten's recipe became the one to beat for me.
Ina Garten's latke topped with applesauce.
Ina Garten's latke topped with applesauce.

Coren Feldman

It didn't have the oily taste of a traditional latke, but I actually preferred the milder taste of butter.

Next, I started on Martha Stewart's latke recipe, which called for some extra ingredients.
Ingredients for Martha Stewart's latkes.
Ingredients for Martha Stewart's latkes.

Coren Feldman

Stewart's recipe involved twice the amount of potatoes and eggs that were in Garten's, as well as additions like grated onion and beer.

I grated the potatoes and squeezed them out with a kitchen towel.
Squeezing out potato liquid as part of a latke taste test.
Squeezing out potato liquid.

Coren Feldman

Stewart's recipe says to reserve this potato juice, let the milky starch sink to the bottom, and pour off the liquid — similar to the clarified butter I made for Garten's recipe.

I then added the eggs, a grated onion, and a quarter cup of beer.
Martha Stewart's latke recipe included beer and grated onion.
Martha Stewart's latke recipe included beer and grated onion.

Coren Feldman

Grated onions are standard in latke recipes — beer, not as much. I was curious to see how it would affect the flavor and texture.

After mixing everything, I scooped half a cup of batter at a time into a pan of hot oil as the recipe instructed.
Frying Martha Stewart's latkes.
Frying Martha Stewart's latkes.

Coren Feldman

The larger latkes took much longer to fry than Garten's, and they were a little more unruly to flip. I'm still trying to get a resulting oil splash out of my favorite jeans.

As that classic oily Hanukkah smell filled the kitchen, I became nostalgic for the latkes of my youth.
Martha Stewart's latkes.
Martha Stewart's latkes.

Coren Feldman

I could already tell that these latkes were going to be the more traditional of the two.

Stewart's recipe tasted like the standard latke you can get at any Hanukkah party.
Tasting Martha Stewart's latkes.
Tasting Martha Stewart's latkes.

Coren Feldman

I couldn't taste the beer, but the grated onion and the crispy, oily goodness created a sharper flavor that screamed Hanukkah to me.

Personally, I preferred Garten's take on the potato pancake, but Stewart's recipe is great if you're looking for a classic latke.
latke taste test
Martha Stewart's latkes are on the left, Ina Gargen's on the right.

Courtesy of Coren Feldman

Even though they're not fried in oil — which is kind of the point of eating them on this holiday — I enjoyed Garten's latkes more because they were easier and faster to make, and they had a mild, buttery flavor that I loved. But Stewart's recipe is perfect for traditionalists.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Donald Trump Jr. has spoken out on rumors of his breakup with Kimberly Guilfoyle. Here's a timeline of their relationship.

Kimberly Guilfoyle and Donald Trump Jr.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle are outspoken supporters of President-elect Donald Trump.

Mandel Ngan/Getty Images

  • Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle began dating in 2018 and became a GOP power couple.
  • Page Six reported their breakup in December after Trump Jr. was seen with a Florida socialite.
  • Donald Trump chose Guilfoyle to serve as ambassador to Greece in his administration.

Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle have reportedly broken up after six years of dating.

Trump Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's oldest son, and Guilfoyle, a Trump campaign advisor and former Fox News host, began dating in 2018. Guilfoyle confirmed their engagement in 2022.

Once called "the prom king and queen of MAGA land," the pair bolstered Donald Trump's 2024 presidential run with primetime addresses at the Republican National Convention and appeared at rallies across the US in support of Trump's campaign.

In December, Trump Jr. was photographed holding hands with Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson. He stopped short of confirming that his relationship with Guilfoyle had ended, but said in a statement to Page Six that "Kimberly and I will never stop caring for each other and will always keep a special bond."

Guilfoyle will remain in the Trump orbit as the president-elect's pick for ambassador to Greece.

Trump Jr., Guilfoyle, and Anderson did not respond to Business Insider's requests for comment.

Here's a timeline of Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle's relationship.

November 2007: Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle ran in the same circles before they started dating.
Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump (left) posed with Kimberly Guilfoyle (second from right) at an event in New York City in November 2007.
Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump (left) with Kimberly Guilfoyle (second from right) at an event in New York City.

NEIL RASMUS/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Guilfoyle and Trump Jr. were photographed together at events in New York City in 2007 and 2008. At the time, they were in other relationships.

Guilfoyle was married to Democratic politician Gavin Newsom from 2001 to 2006, and she was first lady of San Francisco during his time as mayor. After they divorced, she married businessman Eric Villency in 2006 and had a son in 2007. The couple divorced in 2009. 

Trump Jr. married model Vanessa Haydon in 2005. They divorced in March 2018 and share five children.

June 2008: They posed for another photo with their then-spouses at an event in New York City.
Donald Trump Jr. (second from left), Vanessa Trump (middle), Eric Villency (third from left) and Kimberly Guilfoyle (right) in June 2008.
Donald Trump Jr. (second from left), Vanessa Trump (middle), Eric Villency (third from left), and Kimberly Guilfoyle (right).

Johnny Nunez/WireImage/Getty Images

The Washington Post reported that Guilfoyle and Trump Jr. became friends when her son, Ronan, went to the same private school in Manhattan as his oldest daughter, Kai.

May 2018: Three months after Trump Jr.'s wife Vanessa filed for divorce, Page Six reported that he and Guilfoyle were dating.
A split image of Donald Trump Jr. (left) and Kimberly Guilfoyle.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle.

Steven Ferdman/Getty Images, Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Taoray Wang

Guilfoyle started as a legal analyst at CNN and eventually became a co-host on the Fox News show "The Five." She left Fox News in 2018 amid reports of sexual harassment, for which the network paid her former assistant a multimillion-dollar settlement, and joined the pro-Trump super PAC America First Action.

Guilfoyle had been connected to the Trump family for years and was in talks to become the White House press secretary, USA Today reported.

Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle began dating in April 2018. That May, Page Six reported that they made their debut as a couple at a send-off party for the Trump administration's ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell.

June 2018: They made their relationship Instagram official.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle in 2018.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle at a rally.

Bob Levey/Getty Images for Left/Right TV

Trump Jr. posted their first Instagram photo together with Bret Michaels of the band Poison. Guilfoyle also shared the image on her profile.

June 2018: Guilfoyle accompanied Trump Jr. to the Montana Republican Convention.
Kimberly Guilfoyle in 2018.
Kimberly Guilfoyle in Montana.

Win McNamee/Getty Images

Trump Jr. thanked Guilfoyle in his convention speech as his "significant other," Vanity Fair reported.

"We're going to take her fishing tomorrow, then shooting," he said. "This is a miniature test to see if she really likes it, or if she's going to pretend to like it, but either way we're going to have a good time — or at least I will."

August 2018: Page Six reported that they had nicknamed each other "Pooh Bear" and "Junior Mint."
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle at a film premiere in August 2018.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle at a film premiere.

Shannon Finney/Getty Images

Guilfoyle and Trump Jr. were overheard calling each other pet names during a weekend in Southampton, New York, Page Six reported. Guilfoyle reportedly called Trump Jr. "Junior Mint," which Page Six speculated was a reference to his bank account, and Trump Jr. dubbed Guilfoyle "Pooh Bear."

September 2018: They returned to Montana to campaign for Matt Rosendale, the Republican challenger of incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle at a campaign rally for Montana Senate candidate Matt Rosendale in Bozeman, Montana, in September 2018.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle at a campaign rally for Montana Senate candidate Matt Rosendale.

William Campbell-Corbis via Getty Images

Rosendale lost the 2018 midterm election, and Tester was reelected to a third term in the US Senate.

November 2018: Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle walked arm-in-arm at the National Christmas Tree lighting on the National Mall in Washington, DC.
Donald Trump, Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle arrive for the lighting of the National Christmas Tree in November 2018.
Donald Trump, Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle at lighting of the National Christmas Tree.

BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

The tree lighting featured performances from Abby Anderson, "The Voice" contestant Spensha Baker, and "American Idol" contestant Gabby Barrett, according to the event's official website.

February 2019: They attended New York Fashion Week together.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle in February 2019.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle at New York Fashion Week.

Theo Wargo/Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows

Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle sat in the front row at a Zang Toi runway show.

May 2019: After joining the Trump campaign as a senior advisor in April, Guilfoyle made several appearances at rallies.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle in May 2019.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle at a Trump rally.

Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call

Guilfoyle spoke at a rally at the Williamsport Regional Airport in Montoursville, Pennsylvania, in May 2019, and Trump's 2020 campaign kick-off rally in Orlando that June. She and Trump Jr. were side-by-side at the events.

"She's definitely made Don Jr. more serious," R. Couri Hay, a New York publicist, told Business Insider as part of a profile on Guilfoyle. "She's had years and years on TV. She's helped guide and train and been very influential in Don's increasingly very secure, very formidable, very opinionated television personality."

"They are like the prom king and queen of MAGA land," a senior Trump advisor told Business Insider.

October 2019: Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle embraced onstage while speaking at the University of Florida.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle speak at the University of Florida in October 2019.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle at the University of Florida.

Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle were paid $50,000 from student activity fees for their appearance, The Washington Post reported. The event drew hundreds of student protesters outside the auditorium.

November 2019: Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle were asked about their marriage plans during a joint appearance on "The View."
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle on "The View" in November 2019.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle on "The View."

Lou Rocco/ABC via Getty Images

"You and your family have hurt a lot of people and put a lot of people through a lot of pain," co-host Meghan McCain said to Trump Jr., naming Trump's attacks on a family whose son was killed while serving in the US Army in Iraq. "Does all of this make you feel good?"

Trump Jr. replied, "I don't think any of that makes me feel good, but I do think that we got into this because we wanted to do what's right for America."

In an attempt to "end on a light note," co-host Abby Huntsman asked Guilfoyle and Trump Jr. about when they're getting married.

"Oh my God," Guilfoyle said, grinning at Trump Jr. and saying they were more focused on getting Trump reelected.

August 2020: Trump Jr. watched Guilfoyle record her heated speech for the Republican National Convention.
Donald Trump Jr. watches Kimberly Guilfoyle as she pre-records her address to the Republican National Convention in August 2020.
Donald Trump Jr. watched Kimberly Guilfoyle at the Republican National Convention in 2020.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

"President Trump is the leader who will rebuild the promise of America and ensure that every citizen can realize their American dream!" Guilfoyle said in her RNC speech. "Ladies and gentlemen, leaders and fighters for freedom and liberty and the American dream, the best is yet to come!"

August 2020: They kissed onstage at a rally in Coplay, Pennsylvania.
Donald Trump Jr, and Kimberly Guilfoyle kiss during the Sportsmen for Trump launch in August 2020.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle at a Sportsmen for Trump event.

Preston Ehrler/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle — both avid hunters — marked the launch of a coalition called Sportsmen for Trump.

October 2020: Guilfoyle joined Trump Jr. for a signing of his self-published book, "Liberal Privilege."
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle at a book signing to promote his book "Liberal Privilege" in October 2020.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle at a book signing to promote his book "Liberal Privilege."

Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Trump Jr. held the book signing at a Marriott Hotel in Long Island, New York.

December 2020: Guilfoyle appeared in a Facebook Live video on Trump Jr.'s Facebook page wishing followers a merry Christmas.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle snap a selfie.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle snap a selfie.

Paul Morigi/Getty Images

As they expressed their gratitude to veterans and members of the military, Trump Jr. also joked on the Facebook Live stream that he was "reasonably thankful for Kimberly."

He also called Guilfoyle the "voice of reason" who makes sure that his tweets stay in check.

January 2021: They showed some PDA while campaigning before the Senate runoff in Georgia.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle campaign in Dalton, Georgia, in January 2021.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle campaign in Dalton, Georgia, in January 2021.

Alex Wong/Getty Images

Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle kissed during a Republican National Committee Victory Rally at Dalton Regional Airport in Georgia.

Democratic candidates Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock beat respective Republican challengers David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler in the runoff election.

January 2021: Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle skipped President Joe Biden's inauguration and began looking for homes in Florida.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle exit Air Force One at the Palm Beach International Airport in January 2021.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle exit Air Force One.

Noam Galai/Getty Images

Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle skipped Biden's inauguration along with most of the Trump family, instead flying to Mar-a-Lago on Air Force One.

Upon arriving in Palm Beach, the couple began looking for waterfront homes in Admirals Cove, a gated community in Jupiter, Florida, The Palm Beach Post reported. They were reportedly in contracts to buy an $11 million seven-bedroom, 12-bathroom home that featured a wine room, theater, chef's kitchen, and guest wings. Guilfoyle herself was also looking at the $9.5 million two-story home next door that had six bedrooms and 11 bathrooms.

February 2021: Guilfoyle introduced Trump Jr.'s address at the Conservative Political Action Conference.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle at CPAC in 2021.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle at CPAC.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Trump Jr.'s speech, titled "Reigniting the Spirit of the American Dream," covered cancel culture, Liz Cheney, and "the MAGA movement as the future of the Republican Party."

March 2021: As their search for a Florida property continued, Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle sold their house in the Hamptons for $8 million.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle's former seven-bedroom home in the Hamptons.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle's former home in the Hamptons.

Rise Media

The 9,200-square-foot Bridgehampton home sits on nearly 4 acres in a private gated community. It has seven bedrooms plus a heated outdoor pool, spa, and waterfall. 

April 2021: The couple purchased a $9.7 million home in the gated Admirals Cove neighborhood of Jupiter, Florida, about 20 minutes from Mar-a-Lago.
Donald Trump Jr and Kimberly Guilfoyle at Mar-a-Lago in 2019.
Donald Trump Jr and Kimberly Guilfoyle at Mar-a-Lago.

NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images

The 11,300-square-foot waterfront estate features six bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, People magazine reported.

January 2022: Guilfoyle posted a photo with Trump Jr. where she appeared to be wearing a diamond ring on her left ring finger, sparking reports that the two had gotten engaged.
Kimberly Guilfoyle wearing a diamond engagement ring.
A close-up of Kimberly Guilfoyle's engagement ring.

Celal Gunes/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

"Tonight was extra special celebrating @donaldjtrumpjr's birthday," Guilfoyle captioned the Instagram photo. "Don, you are strong, smart, courageous, funny and the love of my life. I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together. Love you."

An unnamed source told The Daily Mail in January 2022 that the pair quietly got engaged on New Year's Eve in 2020, but neither Trump Jr. nor Guilfoyle had confirmed their engagement publicly.

"Kim has been wearing her engagement ring and both are very excited about blending their families," a source told People magazine.

February 2022: Guilfoyle confirmed their engagement in an Instagram post calling Trump Jr. her fiancé.
Kimberly Guilfoyle and Donald Trump Jr. at CPAC in 2021.
Kimberly Guilfoyle and Donald Trump Jr. at CPAC.

Octavio Jones/Reuters

"Falling in love with my fiancé more and more every day," Guilfoyle wrote in a Valentine's Day Instagram post. "@donaldjtrumpjr, you're my best friend, my support system and my forever guy. Happy Valentine's Day, I love you and can't wait for the adventures that lie ahead."

November 2022: Guilfoyle and Trump Jr. attended Trump's 2024 campaign launch event.
Kimberly Guilfoyle with members of the Trump family in November 2022.
Kimberly Guilfoyle with members of the Trump family.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Eric Trump, Lara Trump, and Jared Kushner were also in attendance, but Ivanka Trump skipped the event, saying in a statement that she was stepping back from politics.

December 2022: In an interview with Metropolitan Palm Beach magazine, Guilfoyle said she is "very traditional" in her relationship with Trump Jr.
Kimberly Guilfoyle and Donald Trump Jr. sit at a desk with a photo of the White House in the background.
Kimberly Guilfoyle and Donald Trump Jr. at CPAC.

Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images

"I love taking care of Don, the way I saw my mother lovingly take care of my father," Guilfoyle told Metropolitan Palm Beach magazine. "I go out of my way to make sure he has everything he needs — making coffee in the morning, cooking our favorite meals, doing our families' laundry, and caring for our home."

Guilfoyle also said that Trump Jr. loves that she is "traditional yet fiercely independent."

November 2023: Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle hit the campaign trail for Trump, appearing at a rally in Hialeah, Florida.
Kimberly Guilfoyle and Donald Trump Jr. watch Donald Trump speak at a Trump rally in Florida.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle at a rally in Florida.

Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

"America is Trump country!" Guilfoyle said in her speech.

April 2024: Trump Jr. marked their six-year anniversary on Instagram.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle leave a restaurant in London.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle in London.

Justin E Palmer/GC Images

"Thanks for always being there no matter what the haters are throwing our way," Trump Jr. wrote on Instagram. "I love you."

The caption was accompanied by photos of Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle engaged in their hobbies of fishing and shooting, as well as a photo of them at the White House.

July 2024: Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle both spoke on the third night of the Republican National Convention.
Kimberly Guilfoyle and Donald Trump Jr. at the Republican National Convention.
Kimberly Guilfoyle and Donald Trump Jr. at the Republican National Convention.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Guilfoyle delivered a forceful RNC speech, warning viewers that the country is "closer to World War III than any time in my life."

Trump Jr. was introduced by his daughter, 17-year-old Kai Trump. He praised his father's bravery after the Pennsylvania shooting, calling him "Trump tough."

September 2024: Trump Jr. was spotted with Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson, sparking speculation that his relationship with Guilfoyle had ended.
Bettina Anderson.
Bettina Anderson.

John Parra/Getty Images

In September, the Daily Mail reported that Trump Jr. was seen eating brunch with Bettina Anderson, a model, socialite, and founder and executive director of the wildlife conservation nonprofit Project Paradise. The outlet reported that Anderson was seen kissing Trump Jr. during their meal, raising questions about his relationship status with Guilfoyle.

Anderson did not respond to a request for comment.

November 2024: Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle appeared together at Trump's election night celebration after he won the race.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle with Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos.
From left to right: Tiffany Trump, Michael Boulos, Kimberly Guilfoyle, and Donald Trump Jr.

JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

Amid rumors about their relationship, Guilfoyle and Trump Jr. continued to appear publicly together. They joined other Trump family members in celebrating Trump's victory on election night in Palm Beach.

December 2024: The day after Trump Jr. was seen holding hands with Anderson in Palm Beach, Trump announced Guilfoyle as his pick for ambassador to Greece.
Kimberly Guilfoyle at Mar-a-Lago.
Kimberly Guilfoyle at Mar-a-Lago.

Carlos Barria/Reuters

Trump Jr. and Anderson were photographed leaving a Palm Beach restaurant while holding hands on Anderson's birthday, the Daily Mail reported. Anderson also tagged Trump Jr. in a photo on her Instagram story of a bouquet of flowers with a card reading, "Many have said you're aging out but I think you're perfect...happy birthday!"

The following day, Donald Trump announced he'd chosen Guilfoyle to serve as ambassador to Greece in his second White House administration.

"For many years, Kimberly has been a close friend and ally," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Her extensive experience and leadership in law, media, and politics along with her sharp intellect make her supremely qualified to represent the United States, and safeguard its interests abroad."

Trump Jr. congratulated Guilfoyle in a post on X.

"I am so proud of Kimberly," he wrote. "She loves America and she always has wanted to serve the country as an Ambassador. She will be an amazing leader for America First."

December 2024: In a statement to Page Six, Trump Jr. did not confirm his breakup with Guilfoyle but said that they "will never stop caring for each other."
Donald Trump Jr. at Mar-a-Lago wearing a tuxedo.
Donald Trump Jr. at Mar-a-Lago.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Trump Jr. told Page Six that he and Guilfoyle "will always keep a special bond" and that he "could not be more proud of her and the important role she'll continue to play in my father's administration."

"She's been an undefeated prosecutor, national TV news star, a leader of the MAGA movement and close advisor to the president," he added. "The people of Greece are getting an absolute star and now the whole world will see it more than ever."

Guilfoyle did not share a statement with Page Six and did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider

I spent the night on a World War II submarine Airbnb that can sleep 65 people in sailors' bunks. Take a look inside.

The USS Cobia.
I spent a night sleeping in a bunk aboard the USS Cobia.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

  • Guests can sleep on the USS Cobia, a World War II submarine, at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.
  • The submarine is listed on Airbnb and can sleep up to 65 people in sailors' bunks.
  • My stay was a memorable experience that gave me a newfound respect for US Navy submariners.

At the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc, you can descend a steep staircase into the USS Cobia, a US Navy submarine that sank 13 ships and earned four battle stars in World War II. You can walk through the rooms and learn about its history in combat from a US Navy veteran or self-guided audio tour.

Unlike other museums, you can also sleep there.

Through the museum's "Sub Bnb" experience, guests can book a stay on the USS Cobia via Airbnb and spend the night in the same bunks where submariners once slept during their wartime service.

For years, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum hosted Boy Scout troops and other large groups on the submarine, which can sleep up to 65 people. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and large groups could no longer visit, the museum pivoted to hosting individual families. The experiences proved so popular that the museum has continued to offer overnight stays for large and small groups alike.

"The Sub Bnb was a business move in many ways for the sustainability of the museum," Wisconsin Maritime Museum director Kevin Cullen told Business Insider.

The cost of the Sub BnB starts at $500 per night, plus a $100 cleaning fee and an $85 Airbnb service fee for a total of $685. Business Insider paid a discounted media rate of $200 to report this story.

The funds earned from Sub Bnb stays help support the museum.

"Just by staying there, you get that authentic experience, but you're also supporting preservation for generations to come," Cullen said.

In December, I visited the Wisconsin Maritime Museum for an overnight stay on the USS Cobia accompanied by my dad, a maritime enthusiast.

Here's what it's like to spend a night on a World War II submarine.

The USS Cobia was visible from the parking lot when we arrived at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum for our submarine stay.
The USS Cobia visible from the parking lot of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.
The USS Cobia.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider.

The USS Cobia was docked outside the museum in the Manitowoc River. The freshwater river has helped preserve the submarine over the years since it's less corrosive than saltwater.

Inside the museum, we were greeted by Mark Becker, a US Navy submarine veteran and museum volunteer who served as our tour guide.
Mark Becker.
Mark Becker.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Becker served on the USS Silversides during the Cold War.

Becker took us outside for our first proper look at the USS Cobia.
The USS Cobia at night.
The USS Cobia at night.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The USS Cobia sank 13 ships during its six patrols in World War II, earning four battle stars. The submarine also rescued seven downed American pilots.

After the war, the USS Cobia was brought to Manitowoc to serve as a memorial for submariners. The Wisconsin Maritime Museum acquired it in 1986. That same year, the USS Cobia became a National Historic Landmark and was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

It's not the first submarine to grace the shores of Manitowoc. The Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company, which was located just miles from the museum, built 28 submarines during World War II.

Standing on the deck, I was amazed by the size of the submarine.
The deck of the USS Cobia at night.
The deck of the USS Cobia at night.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Becker told us that the USS Cobia actually spent most of her patrols on the surface of the water, not underwater.

"Cobia is basically a gunboat that can submerge if she has to, not like a true submarine like I was on," he said. "Cobia was better on the surface. Faster, more maneuverable, and way more firepower."

The smell of diesel fuel became stronger as I walked down a set of stairs into the submarine.
The entrance to the USS Cobia.
The entrance to USS Cobia.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The stairs didn't exist during the USS Cobia's wartime service. Sailors used ladders to enter and exit the sub through narrow hatches.

Becker said we were free to sleep in any of the bunks on the USS Cobia that we saw along the tour.
The forward torpedo room on the USS Cobia.
The forward torpedo room.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The first stop on the tour, the forward torpedo room, featured pull-out bunks where torpedomen slept.

The only exception was the captain's stateroom, which remained off-limits.
The captain's stateroom on the USS Cobia.
The captain's stateroom on the USS Cobia.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The captain's stateroom was not available to overnight guests out of respect for the rank.

Walking through the USS Cobia, the hallways were so narrow that I could barely lift my arms to my sides.
Talia Lakritz stands in a narrow hallway on the USS Cobia.
A narrow hallway on the USS Cobia.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

I couldn't believe that a crew of 80 men once navigated the submarine's narrow spaces for months at a time.

The hatches required some clambering to navigate from room to room and could have painful consequences if one forgot to duck.
Talia Lakritz on board the USS Cobia.
On board the USS Cobia.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Instead of doorways that could be walked through, the hatches required me to duck and climb through the small openings.

Becker said that during his submarine service in the Navy, he once hit his head while running through the ship after a call rang out for crew members to report to their battle stations.

"I didn't duck far enough, and, pow, I hit my head at the top of that thing," he said. "I damn near knocked myself out."

A perk of staying on the submarine overnight was the personalized tour, which included spaces not usually open to the public like the pump room.
A shaft on the USS Cobia.
A shaft on the USS Cobia.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

In the control room, which contained the ship's navigational equipment and controls, Becker opened a hatch in the floor that led to the pump room. I climbed down the ladder to take a look.

The pump room featured air compressors, cooling systems, and pumps that removed accumulated water.
Pumps on the USS Cobia.
Pumps on the USS Cobia.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

A laminated set of directions included 54 steps to operate the machinery. Becker said that crew members would have been working here all day and all night.

Becker also let us tinker around with some of the switches in the control room.
Talia Lakritz in the control room of the USS Cobia.
In the control room.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The USS Cobia has been so well maintained that many of its controls still work. The museum staff instructed us not to touch any of the buttons or switches while staying on the submarine to prevent any technical mishaps.

In the control room, Becker showed my dad how to pull the lever that sounded the "battle stations" alarm. I was surprised by how loud it was, but it needed to be heard over the roar of the submarine's four diesel engines.

After we finished our tour, we picked up our seabags containing all of our linens for the evening.
Talia Lakritz holds a seabag on the USS Cobia.
With my seabag.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Each seabag provided by the museum included a pillow, a pillowcase, a fitted sheet, a top sheet, and a microplush blanket.

Sailors received similar seabags during their submarine service.

My dad chose a bunk in the forward torpedo room at the front of the submarine.
The forward torpedo room.
The forward torpedo room.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The night we visited the USS Cobia, temperatures in Manitowoc reached a low of 16 degrees Fahrenheit. Thankfully, the submarine was heated, and the forward torpedo room was the warmest on the ship.

I set up my bed down the hall in the "goat locker," where chief petty officers slept.
The "goat locker" on the USS Cobia.
The "goat locker."

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

When the rank of chief petty officer was established in 1893, the officers' duties included managing the goats that were kept on ships to produce fresh milk. The goats were kept in the chief petty officer's quarters, which then became known as the "goat locker," according to the Naval History and Heritage Command.

Becker said that the nickname also poked fun at the senior officers, who were referred to as "old goats" since they had been in the Navy for a long time.

The goat locker contained five beds, and the mattress was surprisingly comfortable. The confined quarters reminded me of the night I once spent in a Dolly Parton-themed RV in Tennessee. Journalism is fun, kids.

My bunk featured its own light and a few drawers for storage — benefits that high-ranking officers enjoyed.
A bunk in the "goat locker."
A bunk in the "goat locker."

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Most crew members only received one cubic foot of space for their personal belongings, but higher-ranking officers had access to more storage in their bunks.

We ate dinner in the ward room, where officers took their meals, held meetings, and spent their downtime.
Dining in the ward room on the USS Cobia.
Dining in the ward room.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

We brought our own food and ate on the submarine, but there are several restaurants located near the museum for visitors who want to dine out.

It was surreal to step inside an active museum exhibit and eat dinner alongside the fake food displayed on real US Navy tableware.

Since the USS Cobia does not have working bathrooms, I went back into the museum to get ready for bed.
The walkway to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.
The walkway from the deck of the USS Cobia to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

When guests sleep on the USS Cobia, the museum stays open for them all night. A staff member also sleeps at the museum to be available if guests need anything.

Staying on the submarine required going up and down its stairs and outside for every bathroom trip, which could prove difficult for those with mobility challenges or inconvenient for those who make frequent nighttime trips. The museum can also accommodate overnight guests inside the building if needed.

While brushing my teeth, I charged my phone since there were no easily accessible outlets on board.
Talia Lakritz takes a selfie in the bathroom at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.
A bathroom at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

There was no phone service on the submarine, either.

"You are in an entirely metal encapsulated vessel, therefore cell phone service and internet is not available on board," the email with our check-in instructions read.

Walking through the dark, empty museum at night was just as cool as I imagined it would be.
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum after hours.
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum after hours.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Ever since I watched "Night at the Museum," a 2006 film in which exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History come alive at night, I've wondered what it would be like to visit a museum after hours.

All of my "Night at the Museum" dreams came true at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. We were given free rein to wander as we pleased.

Walking around the museum at night did feel different, similar to the way that watching a scary movie in the dark adds a certain gravitas.

We had the entire museum to ourselves, which allowed us to take our time looking through the exhibits.
Exhibits at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.
Exhibits at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

I particularly enjoyed the exhibits about shipwreck artifacts discovered off the coasts of Wisconsin and the history of the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company. Even though I grew up in Wisconsin, I had no idea of the extent of its maritime history.

In my bunk that night, I thought about all of the soldiers who left their families and homes to spend months on board the USS Cobia.
Talia Lakritz sleeping on the USS Cobia.
Sleeping on the USS Cobia.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

It's one thing to walk through a World War II submarine on a guided tour and imagine what life was like on board. It's another to fully immerse yourself in the experience by eating where they ate and sleeping where they slept.

I thought about what Becker told us during our tour as we walked through the crew's quarters — no matter how tough sailors seemed, the sound of tearful sniffles would always be audible at night.

"I don't care what ship it is — aircraft carrier, submarine — you're going to hear it," he said.

The next morning, I watched the sunrise from the deck.
Sunrise from the deck of the USS Cobia.
Sunrise on the deck of the USS Cobia.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

I'd been a little bit worried about getting seasick on the sub, but I didn't notice much movement and felt fine the whole time. I slept from around 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. then found it difficult to fall back asleep due to the chilly temperature on board.

I took advantage of the early hour and watched the sun's pink glow start to peek through the clouds.

As the sun came up, I got a better look at the guns atop the deck.
A gun on the deck of the USS Cobia.
A gun on the deck of the USS Cobia.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The USS Cobia was equipped with three guns: a 50-caliber deck gun, a Bofors 40 mm gun, and an Oerlikon 20 mm cannon.

I noticed other details that I'd missed in the dark, like the name "Cobia" inscribed on the side of the submarine.
The USS Cobia.
The USS Cobia.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Cobia, pronounced KOH-bee-uh, is a species of fish.

I stepped back onto the walkway connecting the submarine to the museum to take in the full view, once again marveling at its enormity and history.
The USS Cobia at sunrise.
The USS Cobia at sunrise.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

At 312 feet, the USS Cobia was almost as long as the Green Bay Packers' Lambeau Field.

The Wisconsin Maritime Museum provided us with breakfast in one of its meeting rooms.
Breakfast provided by the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.
Breakfast was provided by the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Breakfast included instant oatmeal packets, granola bars, muffins, bagels, orange juice, and coffee.

After breakfast, we took a bit more time to walk through the museum, including an in-depth look at the USS Cobia.
An exhibit about the USS Cobia at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.
An exhibit about the USS Cobia at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The USS Cobia exhibit inside the museum featured an immersive audiovisual presentation set in a model of the submarine's control room. Voice actors and animated crew members reenacted the USS Cobia's sinking of a Japanese ship loaded with 28 tanks headed to Iwo Jima in 1945.

I commemorated my stay with a magnet from the museum gift shop that read "I stayed the night on the USS Cobia."
A magnet that reads "I stayed the night on USS Cobia."
A souvenir.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The magnet cost $5.95.

Spending the night on the USS Cobia was a memorable experience that gave me a newfound respect for US Navy submariners.
In the forward torpedo room on the USS Cobia.
In the forward torpedo room.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Cullen, the museum director, hopes that when guests stay on the USS Cobia, it sparks "a moment of recognition of the tremendous sacrifice that submariners in World War II underwent."

"That's what museums really are here for," he said. "The objects are witness to history — witness to tremendous tragedy as Cobia was in wartime efforts, but also witness to the tremendous humanity of those moments in time that I think connect us as people cross-culturally and cross-generationally."

I also asked my dad for his take.

"Sleeping in the forward torpedo room with the gentle movement of the floating sub and the ever-prevalent smell of old diesel fuel long expired gave me a small taste of what life on a submarine must have been like," he said. "Truly a unique experience and a must for all militaria aficionados."

Indeed, the smell of diesel fuel lingered in my hair and on my clothes after our stay — a souvenir of its own.

Read the original article on Business Insider

I toured the USS Cobia, a World War II submarine that sank 13 ships and received 4 battle stars. Take a look inside.

The USS Cobia.
The USS Cobia.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

  • The USS Cobia submarine sank 13 ships and rescued seven downed American pilots during World War II.
  • The US Navy submarine is open to the public for tours at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc.
  • Visitors can walk through its torpedo rooms, control room, and bunks that held its crew of 80 men.

The USS Cobia, a US Navy submarine exhibited at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc, has been remarkably well-preserved and painstakingly restored to offer visitors an authentic look into its World War II combat service.

The USS Cobia sank 16,835 tons of shipping during the war, including a Japanese ship loaded with 28 tanks in a move credited with helping the US win the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. The submarine received four battle stars for its wartime service.

"She made six war patrols, sank 13 enemy ships, and rescued seven downed American pilots that were forced to ditch in the ocean," Mark Becker, a US Navy submarine veteran and volunteer at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, told Business Insider of the USS Cobia. "So she's not only a life taker, she's a life saver."

Thanks to the efforts of the museum's staff and volunteers, two of its engines still run, many of the switches and buttons still work, and its radar is one of the oldest operational radar systems in the US. It's in such good condition that the Wisconsin Maritime Museum even allows guests to stay overnight on the USS Cobia in a "Sub Bnb" experience.

"Maintaining the vessel itself is a huge undertaking for a nonprofit like us," museum director Kevin Cullen told BI, adding that it costs around $100,000 a year to keep the submarine in working order. "These vessels weren't supposed to be here this long."

I visited the museum in December to tour the USS Cobia. Take a look inside.

The USS Cobia is exhibited at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc.
The USS Cobia.
The USS Cobia.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

In 1970, the USS Cobia was turned into a memorial for submariners in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, a town known for the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company, which built 28 submarines during World War II.

In 1986, the USS Cobia was designated as a National Historic Landmark, added to the National Register of Historic Places, and permanently docked for exhibition at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.

General admission to the museum costs $20. Veterans pay $17, and active military service members receive free admission.

Tickets can be purchased on the Wisconsin Maritime Museum's website.

My tour guide, Mark Becker, served on a US Navy submarine during the Cold War.
Mark Becker.
Mark Becker.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Becker worked as a cook on the submarine USS Silversides.

The museum also offers self-guided audio tours through an app, but I was excited to walk through the vessel with someone who had experience living and working on a submarine.

The USS Cobia measures 312 feet long, nearly the length of a football field.
The deck of the USS Cobia.
The deck of the USS Cobia.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The front and middle of the deck were made of teak wood, which the Navy frequently used on submarines because it doesn't rot and doesn't float. If a piece of wood broke off, it wouldn't float to the surface and give away a submarine's position.

The back of the deck was made of steel since it was above the engines, which ran at high temperatures.

At the base of its periscope, an upside-down broom indicated that the submarine sank an enemy ship, a Navy symbol still in use today.
An upside-down broom on the USS Cobia.
An upside-down broom on the USS Cobia.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

"Any US Navy ship that is flying that broom has made a clean sweep of the enemy from the sea. So in other words, they sunk an enemy ship," Becker said.

Becker indicated patched holes on the top of the submarine that were caused by enemy fire.
A patched hole on the USS Cobia.
A patched hole on the USS Cobia.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

While bullets would bounce off the submarine, heavier artillery could punch holes in its surface.

A plaque on the deck paid tribute to Ralph Clark Huston Jr., a 19-year-old crew member who died in battle.
A plaque memorializing crew member Ralph Clark Huston Jr on the USS Cobia.
A plaque memorializing crew member Ralph Clark Huston Jr.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Huston Jr. was fatally wounded in a firefight with Japanese warships in 1945 and buried at sea. He was the only USS Cobia crew member who died during the submarine's six war patrols.

The first stop on the tour inside the submarine was the forward torpedo room.
 The forward torpedo room on the USS Cobia.
The forward torpedo room.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Torpedomen, crew members who were in charge of loading and firing the torpedoes, slept in the room on pull-out bunks.

Each torpedo weighed over 3,000 pounds.

Metal poles on either side of the door were part of the USS Cobia's sonar system.
A doorway on the USS Cobia.
Part of the submarine's sonar system.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Sonar, an acronym for "sound navigation and ranging," uses sound pulses to detect and measure distances to targets.

We proceeded through the hatch to a narrow hallway leading to the officers' quarters.
A hallway on the USS Cobia.
A hallway on the USS Cobia.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Each section of the submarine could be sealed off from the others with watertight doors.

In the officers' pantry, food from the galley was reheated and plated on fancier dinnerware for higher-ranking crew members.
A kitchen attached to the ward room on the USS Cobia.
The officers' pantry.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Officers ate the same meals as the rest of the crew.

Officers ate, held meetings, and spent their free time in the ward room.
The ward room on the USS Cobia.
The ward room.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The room was laid out like a restaurant booth, with benches on either side and a table in the middle. Food was served through a window connecting the ward room to the officers' pantry.

The executive officer, who was second-in-command under the captain, shared a room with two other officers.
A room where officers slept on the USS Cobia.
A room where officers slept.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The more bunks in the room, the lower the officer's rank.

Another room featured bunks for four officers.
Officers' quarters on the USS Cobia.
Officers' quarters.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The room included a small pull-out bench and folding table and a closet to hang uniforms.

Chief petty officers slept in a room known as the "goat locker."
The "goat locker" on the USS Cobia.
The "goat locker."

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

According to the Naval History and Heritage Command, the nickname dates back to 1893, when the officers' rank was established. Chief petty officers were in charge of the goats kept on ships to produce milk, and the animals were kept in their quarters.

Becker offered an alternative colloquial explanation.

"By the time a man makes a chief petty officer, he's been in the Navy for a while — at minimum 10, 15 years," he said. "So they called this the goat locker, as in, old goats."

Only the captain enjoyed the privilege of a private stateroom with a phone that could call any room on the submarine.
The captain's stateroom on the USS Cobia.
The captain's stateroom on the USS Cobia.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The photo on the desk showed the USS Cobia's actual captain, Captain Albert Becker, who earned the Navy Cross and Silver Star Medal for his five war patrols with the submarine.

The yeoman served as the submarine's secretary in a small office called the yeoman's shack.
The yeoman's shack on the USS Cobia.
The yeoman's shack.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The yeoman handled all of the submarine's paperwork, including crew personnel records and order forms for food and mechanical parts.

The control room acted as the brain of the submarine with crucial equipment that controlled and measured the ship's direction and function.
The navigation station in the USS Cobia.
The navigation station in the USS Cobia.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The control room was staffed around the clock.

The brass steering wheel in the control room functioned as the backup steering wheel, known as the auxiliary helm.
A steering wheel in the control room of the USS Cobia.
A steering wheel in the control room.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The main helm, or steering wheel, was located in the captain's conning tower located above the control room.

"Everything on a submarine has a backup," Becker said.

Other wheels in the room controlled the submarine's depth by moving bow and stern dive planes.
A steering wheel and instruments in the control center on the USS Cobia.
Instruments in the control center.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Dive planes acted like the fins of a whale, shifting the submarine's angle while diving or surfacing.

The nickname "bubbleheads" for submarine sailors comes from this tool in the control room, an inclinometer.
A level in the control room on the USS Cobia.
An inclinometer in the control room.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The inclinometer functioned like a carpenter's level, using a bubble to measure the submarine's tilt and slope.

The USS Cobia's radio room still works thanks to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum's restoration efforts.
The radio room on the USS Cobia.
The radio room.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Becker said that the submarine's SJ-1 radar is the oldest operational radar in the US.

"Not that I'm bragging, but we have the most awesome volunteers who come and work on the Cobia just because they love her," he said. "Those are 80-something-year-old radios with the big old tubes in them and stuff. These men will go to junk stores and scrap places and look for tubes."

The radar is so powerful that Becker said it can interfere with phone service in the surrounding town when it's turned on, which can elicit "nasty notes from the phone company" telling them to "turn that thing off."

The submarine's small kitchen fed its 80 crew members three meals plus a midnight snack every day.
The galley of the USS Cobia.
The galley.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Becker, a former submarine cook, said that food was key to the crew's morale, especially on holidays like Christmas when service members often felt homesick.

"When they catch a whiff of turkey or ham or cakes baking or anything like that, they catch that smell, it'll pop them out of it like that," he said.

The crew's mess was a multipurpose room where sailors ate meals, watched movies, read books, and took classes.
The crew's mess on the USS Cobia.
The crew's mess.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Crew members ate in shifts since the room could only seat 24 people at a time.

The crew's quarters had 36 bunks, which wasn't enough for each person to have their own designated bed.
Crew's quarters on the USS Cobia.
Crew's quarters.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Using a system called "hot racking," crew members shared bunks by rotating their use with people assigned to different shifts.

Each crew member was allotted one cubic foot of space for their personal items.

The crew's washroom featured two showers, four sinks, and two toilets for 72 people.
The crew's washrooms on the USS Cobia.
The crew's washrooms.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Showers were rare for sailors on the USS Cobia due to the submarine's limited supply of fresh water. Crew members could use one sinkful's worth of fresh water per day.

Using the bathroom on the USS Cobia was not a simple task — it took nine steps to flush the toilet correctly.
A bathroom on the USS Cobia.
A bathroom on the USS Cobia.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

If the procedure was not properly followed, the contents would shoot back out, leading crew members to nickname the toilets "freckle-makers."

The USS Cobia had four 16-cylinder diesel locomotive engines, two in the forward engine room and two in the after engine room.
The after engine room on the USS Cobia.
The after engine room on the USS Cobia.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The two engines in the forward engine room still work.

With all of the heat from the engines trapped inside the submarine's steel frame, the average temperature on board was 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Most crew members wore cutoffs and sandals instead of uniforms.

The diesel engines charged the submarine's battery banks, which powered its electric motors.

The water purifying system in the forward engine room could produce up to 1,000 gallons of fresh water each day.
The water purifying system in the forward engine room of the USS Cobia.
The water purifying system in the forward engine room.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Most of the freshwater supply went toward maintenance, not hygiene. The submarine's batteries required fresh water since they ran so hot that they evaporated their electrolyte fluid.

In the maneuvering room, crew members monitored the USS Cobia's electricity use and speed.
The maneuvering room on the USS Cobia.
The maneuvering room.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The USS Cobia could only charge its batteries while surfaced, so it usually moved slowly, around 2 to 3 miles per hour, to conserve battery power. Its maximum speed was 9 knots, or about 10 miles per hour.

"The faster we go underwater, the quicker the batteries are going to be depleted," Becker said. "Then you got to surface that much sooner."

The last stop was the after torpedo room in the back of the submarine.
The after torpedo room on the USS Cobia.
The after torpedo room.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

During World War II, submarines had two torpedo rooms, one in the front and one in the back, so that torpedoes could be fired offensively and defensively, Becker said.

The torpedo launch tube featured an image of the cobia fish from the USS Cobia's battle flag.
The USS Cobia's battle flag.
The USS Cobia's battle flag.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Walt Disney Studios designed over 30 submarine battle flags featuring cartoon-like sea creatures during World War II. While Disney didn't draw the cobia depicted on the USS Cobia's flag, it was likely inspired by the studio's other designs.

I exited the USS Cobia in awe of its intricate systems and the service members who kept it running during World War II.
The USS Cobia.
The USS Cobia.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

When I looked at my watch at the end of Becker's tour, I couldn't believe that nearly two hours had passed. The time flew by.

As I said goodbye and thanked him for the tour, I asked Becker about his favorite recipes from his service as a submarine cook. He said that the captain of the USS Silversides was a fan of his chocolate-chip cookies and once called the kitchen to ask for a plate when he smelled them baking.

"For the rest of the time he was on that boat, every morning when he woke up, there was a little plate of chocolate-chip cookies on his desk," Becker said. He pointed to his shoulder, indicating the spot where Navy uniform stripes indicate rank. "I got promoted."

Correction — December 13, 2024: A previous version of this article incorrectly listed the cost of adult admission to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. It is $20, not $22.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Eric Trump and Lara Trump have emerged as a new GOP power couple. Here's a timeline of their relationship.

Eric Trump and Lara Trump applaud in front of American flags
NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE - JANUARY 23: Eric Trump (L) and his wife, Lara Trump, applaud for Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump, during a primary night party at the Sheraton on January 23, 2024, in Nashua, New Hampshire. New Hampshire voters cast their ballots in their state’s primary election today. Former President Donald Trump won the primary, finishing ahead of former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

  • Eric Trump and Lara Trump got married in 2014, have two children, and live in Jupiter, Florida.
  • Lara left her TV producer job at Inside Edition to work for President Donald Trump's campaign.
  • She stepped down as cochair of the RNC amid speculation of her filling Marco Rubio's Senate seat.

With Eric Trump as a trusted advisor to Donald Trump's campaign and Lara Trump's ascent to cochair of the Republican National Committee, there's a new GOP power couple in town.

Eric is the youngest of Donald Trump's three children from his first marriage to Ivana Trump. He serves as the executive vice president of the Trump Organization, managing the Trump family's luxury real-estate ventures.

Lara could gain even more power in Washington if she is appointed to the Senate. In December, she stepped down as cochair of the RNC amid speculation that she could fill Sen. Marco Rubio's Senate seat after Donald Trump nominated Rubio for secretary of state.

Here's a timeline of Eric and Lara's relationship.

2008: Eric Trump and Lara Yunaska met while out with friends and began dating three months later.
Eric and Lara Trump at Mar-a-Lago in 2008
Eric Trump and Lara Trump.

Davidoff Studios/Getty Images

When they met, Eric was working for his father at the Trump Organization and Lara was a producer at Inside Edition.

Lara spotted Eric from across the room and was "immediately intrigued," she told Ainsley Earhardt in an interview on "Fox & Friends" in 2016.

2010: They adopted a beagle named Charlie.
Eric and Lara Trump pose with their dog
Eric Trump and Lara Trump with their dog Charlie.

Mike Coppola/Getty Images

"After about two years together, I finally convinced Eric, and it took a lot of convincing, and still to this day I think he'll tell you it was one of the best things that we've ever done," Lara said on "Fox & Friends."

2013: Eric proposed to Lara five years and two days after their first date.
Eric and Lara Trump in 2013
Lara Trump and Eric Trump.

Robin Marchant/Getty Images

Eric proposed at the Trump Seven Springs estate in Bedford, New York, with a diamond platinum ring from the now-defunct Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry collection.

2014: The couple wed at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida.
Eric and Lara Trump in 2014
Eric Trump and Lara Trump in 2014.

Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images

Donald Trump Jr. was the best man for his brother while Ivanka's husband, Jared Kushner, officiated the wedding, the New York Daily News reported. Their dog, Charlie, also served as the ring bearer.

Lara broke both of her wrists in a horseback-riding accident a few weeks before the wedding, forcing her to wear casts on both arms.

"I had to get creative with a way to make casts look bridal," she told People magazine. "Fortunately, my wedding planner, Jennifer Zabinski, and my designer, Preston Bailey, came up with some fabulously bedazzled gloves to try and blend these casts."

June 2015: Eric and Lara joined the rest of the Trump family as Donald Trump announced his presidential run.
The Trump family at Donald Trump's campaign announcement
Donald Trump announced his first candidacy for president in 2015.

Christopher Gregory/Getty Images

Eric became an active member of his father's campaign, making regular appearances at events and talk shows while serving as an advisor and fundraiser.

August 2016: The couple adopted another beagle named Ben from a shelter in San Antonio.
Eric and Lara Trump with their dogs
Lara Trump and Eric Trump with their dogs, Charlie and Ben.

Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

The Trumps fostered the dog before deciding to adopt, an outcome affectionately known as a "foster failure."

"It's official: we are foster failures!!!" Lara wrote on Instagram. "Ben & Charlie are now brothers forever. Welcome to your furever family, Ben! We love you so much!!! Thank you @rescuedogsrocknyc #AdoptDontShop."

July 2016: Eric mentioned Lara in his speech at the 2016 Republican National Convention.
Eric Trump speaks at the 2016 Republican National Convention (RNC)
Eric Trump spoke at the 2016 Republican National Convention.

Win McNamee/Getty Images

"I'm incredibly honored to be part of this journey on which he's invited me, Don, Ivanka, Tiffany, Melania, my beautiful wife Lara, our entire family, to play such an integral part," he said in his RNC speech. "Dad, you have once again taught us by example, you are my hero, you are my best friend, you are the next president of the United States."

October 2016: Lara took a two-month hiatus from her job at Inside Edition to join her husband in supporting Trump's campaign.
Lara Trump and Eric Trump on their phones at a campaign event before the 2016 election
Lara Trump and Eric Trump at a campaign rally in 2016.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Lara made campaign stops speaking to women voters, traveling with Trump spokesperson Katrina Pierson and "The Apprentice" alum Omarosa Manigault Newman in order to focus on "minority communities and people who might not traditionally think Donald Trump is their candidate," Lara told Star News Online.

"I wasn't going to have the time to adequately dedicate to this," Lara told the North Carolina newspaper Port City Daily in 2016 of her decision to take time off work. "When they're reporting on your family on the show you work for, it's a little challenging. We managed to keep everything pretty even-keeled for the duration of this whole thing, but certainly it's nice to not have to worry about that from day-to-day."

January 2017: Eric and Lara attended Trump's inauguration and danced together at the Freedom Ball.
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner dance in the foreground and Eric and Lara Trump dance in the background at an inaugural ball
Eric Trump and Lara Trump danced onstage with Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump at inaugural balls.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

They were joined onstage by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump.

March 2017: Lara was officially hired as a senior consultant for the Trump reelection campaign.
Lara Trump speaks at a Trump rally
Lara Trump at a campaign rally.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

The Trump campaign's digital vendor, Giles-Parscale, hired Lara as a liaison to the campaign.

Giles-Parscale president Brad Parscale told AP that Lara is an "incredibly talented person with the right experience for us."

In 2017, she also started producing and hosting the weekly "Real News Update," which gave updates on the Trump presidency on Facebook.

March 2017: That same month, Eric and Lara announced they were expecting their first child, a boy.
Eric and Lara Trump, who is pregnant, walk to Marine One on the White House lawn
Eric Trump and Lara Trump on the White House lawn.

Win McNamee/Getty Images

"Eric's going to be an amazing dad," Lara told People magazine. "The nieces and nephews love hanging with him. He's the cool uncle. He's watched 'Frozen' many times."

September 2017: Eric and Lara welcomed their son, Eric "Luke" Trump.
Lara Trump holds son Luke at a Trump gold club event
Lara Trump with her son, Luke.

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Eric announced the news on X, formerly known as Twitter, along with a photo of the new baby.

August 2019: Lara gave birth to the couple's second child, Carolina Dorothy Trump.
Lara Trump gestures at her pregnant belly during a Women For Trump event in 2019
Lara Trump in 2019.

Matt Rourke/AP

".@LaraLeaTrump and I are excited to welcome Carolina Dorothy Trump into the world," Eric wrote on X. "We love you already!"

August 2020: Lara spoke about her husband's family in an address at the Republican National Convention, calling them "warm and caring."
Lara Trump speaks at the 2020 RNC
Lara Trump spoke at the 2020 Republican National Convention.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

"Never in a million years did I think that I would be on this stage tonight, and I certainly never thought that I'd end up with the last name Trump," she said in her RNC speech.

She continued: "My seventh-grade English teacher, Mrs. Bee, used to tell us, 'Believe none of what you hear, half of what you read, and only what you're there to witness firsthand.' The meaning of those words never fully weighed on me until I met my husband and the Trump family. Any preconceived notion I had of this family disappeared immediately. They were warm and caring. They were hard workers and they were down to earth. They reminded me of my own family. They made me feel like I was home."

January 2021: They skipped President Joe Biden's inauguration, flying with Trump to his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, instead.
Eric and Lara Trump at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on the day of Biden's inauguration.
Lara Trump and Eric Trump skipped Joe Biden's inauguration.

ALEX EDELMAN/AFP via Getty Images

Donald Trump did not attend Biden's inauguration, breaking a long-standing norm in US democracy.

March 2021: Eric and Lara bought a $3.2 million estate in Jupiter, Florida, inside the Trump National Golf Club gated community.
The entrance sign to Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida
Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida.

BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle, as well as Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, have also purchased properties in Florida since Trump returned to Mar-a-Lago after the 2020 election.

Eric and Lara's five-bedroom, seven-bathroom Florida mansion features two primary bedrooms, a safe room, and a backyard with a pool, kitchen, and a full cabana bath.

April 2021: They returned to New York City to visit Trump Tower and the offices of Fox News, where Lara began working as a contributor.
Eric and Lara Trump at Trump Tower in 2017
Lara Trump and Eric Trump at Trump Tower.

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

On a March 2021 episode of "Fox & Friends" announcing her new position, Lara said she's long felt like part of the Fox team because she's appeared on the network so frequently over the last several years. 

"I'm so excited, first of all, to be joining the Fox family," she said. "I sort of feel like I've been an unofficial member of the team for so long. You guys know, it was kind of a joke over the past five years, I would come there so often that the security guards were like, 'Maybe we should just give you a key.'" 

Eric accompanied Lara to the Fox News offices during their New York visit. He remains a frequent contributor to the network himself.

November 2021: They wished each other a happy seven-year anniversary on Instagram.
Eric Trump and Lara Trump in Maine
Lara Trump and Eric Trump in Maine.

Brianna Soukup/Portland Portland Press Herald via Getty Images

"Not only was this day the beginning of an amazing life together, two years later (and tens of thousands of hours worked and miles traveled on the campaign trail for both of us), November 8th, 2016 would come to represent one of the greatest political victories in US history," Eric captioned a carousel of photos on Instagram. "I am incredibly proud of the family we have created, the way we have both developed and all that we have accomplished and stood for in these incredible 7 years. Thank you for being an incredible Wife, Mother and Friend."

Lara paid tribute to Eric with an Instagram post of her own.

"Seven years, 2 kids, 2 Presidential campaigns, 1 additional dog, 2 broken wrists, 1 broken collarbone, 1 major move and we're just getting started..." she wrote. "Happy Anniversary to my partner in it all, @erictrump."

November 2022: Eric and Lara attended Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign launch at Mar-a-Lago.
Kimberly Guilfoyle, Jared Kushner, Eric Trump, and Lara Trump at Donald Trump's 2024 campaign announcement
From left to right: Kimberly Guilfoyle, Jared Kushner, Eric Trump, and Lara Trump attended Donald Trump's 2024 campaign announcement in 2022.

Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Ivanka Trump did not attend the campaign event, saying in a statement that she did not plan to be involved in politics moving forward. Tiffany Trump also skipped the launch.

December 2022: Fox News ended Lara's employment due to her involvement in her father-in-law's campaign.
Lara Trump
Lara Trump at a Fox News event.

Omar Vega/Getty Images

Company policy does not allow those running for office or working for active political campaigns to be employed by Fox News. However, she can still make unpaid appearances on the network.

"We appreciate Lara's valuable contributions across FOX News Media programming," a Fox News representative told Business Insider's Joshua Zitser in a statement.

February 2024: Lara was voted cochair of the Republican National Committee after receiving Donald Trump's endorsement.
Lara Trump speaks at an RNC meeting in 2024
Lara Trump at the Republican National Committee spring meeting.

CECILE CLOCHERET/AFP via Getty Images

In a statement, Donald Trump endorsed Lara's bid for RNC cochair, calling her "an extremely talented communicator" who is "dedicated to all that MAGA stands for." He also endorsed North Carolina GOP chair Michael Whatley.

Both Lara and Whatley were formally elected as cochairs of the RNC in February, cementing the former president's hold over the party.

"Truly humbled and honored to serve our party alongside @WhatleyNCGOP - now it's time to work, time to fight and time to win BIG LEAGUE this November!" Lara wrote on X.

July 2024: Eric and Lara attended the Republican National Convention.
Eric Trump and Lara Trump at the RNC in 2024.
Eric Trump and Lara Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention.

Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Eric and Lara both delivered speeches at the Republican National Convention.

Eric addressed Donald Trump's legal battles, saying that his election victory would be the "greatest retribution" after being "persecuted."

Lara echoed Eric's sentiments in her speech, saying, "I have seen this man dragged through hell and back, in and out of courtrooms, indictments, impeachments, mugshots, and even an assassination attempt. And yet, he has never backed down."

November 2024: Eric and Lara celebrated Donald Trump's election victory.
Eric Trump and Lara Trump with Susie Wiles at Donald Trump's victory party.
Eric Trump and Lara Trump with Susie Wiles at Donald Trump's victory party on election night.

Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Eric and Lara joined other Trump family members and associates at the campaign's election night watch party held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.

December 2024: Lara announced she was stepping down as RNC cochair amid speculation that she could fill Sen. Marco Rubio's Senate seat.
Lara Trump.
Lara Trump.

Bryan Dozier/Variety via Getty Images

Lara told the AP that after Donald Trump's election win, "what I intended to do has been done" at the RNC. Among the considerations for her next steps in politics is filling Sen. Marco Rubio's Senate seat, whom Donald Trump nominated for secretary of state.

"It is something I would seriously consider," Lara said of stepping in for Rubio in the Senate.

Rubio's replacement will be chosen by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Read the original article on Business Insider

The funniest wildlife photos of the year

A lioness appears to yell at a lion.
"Nagging is a Universal Concept" by Scott Frier.

© Scott Frier/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

  • The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards recognize the funniest images in wildlife photography.
  • The 2024 contest benefits the Whitley Fund for Nature, a wildlife conservation charity.
  • Photos show bears, otters, seals, zebras, penguins, and other animals striking hilarious poses.

The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards announced the winners of its 2024 photography contest on Tuesday.

The photos feature a variety of animals striking amusing poses in the wild and spotlight the photographers' skills and ingenuity.

In September, 40 finalists were chosen out of 9,000 entries from 98 countries. A panel of judges chose the winning photos in categories highlighting mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and aquatic animals, as well as 10 "highly commended" photos and an overall winner. Fans of the contest also voted for their favorite image to win the People's Choice award.

The photography contest benefits the Whitley Fund for Nature, a UK charity that awards grants to environmental and wildlife conservation leaders.

Take a look at the funniest wildlife photos of the year. Photographers' captions have been condensed and edited for clarity.

Finalist: "Holding On for a Ride" by Alexander Fine
Two brown bear cubs hang on to their mother as she walks along sandy ground.
"Holding On for a Ride."

© Alexander Fine/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"After a nap, the mother brown bear wanted to go for a walk, but the cubs wanted a ride," Fine wrote.

Finalist: "Peekaboo" by Alexander Fine
A Blenni fish peeking out from a hole in coral.
"Peekaboo."

© Alexander Fine/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Fine photographed a blenny fish peeking out from a hole in a coral reef.

Finalist: "Hello World" by Alexander Pansier
A red ant looking down through a hole in a leaf.
"Hello World."

© Alexander Pansier/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"It was hard to take this image because of the fast-moving ant, but with a little help from a flashlight, I was able to freeze the motion," Pansier wrote.

Finalist: "In Love" by Andrea Rosado
Two brown bears in water, appearing to hug each other.
"In Love."

© Andrea Rosado/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Rosado photographed two bears embracing in Sitka, Alaska.

Finalist: "England Cricket's Latest Secret Weapon" by Andy Rouse
A sifaka leaping with one of its arms raised.
"England Cricket's Latest Secret Weapon."

© Andy Rouse/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"I took this photo of a dancing sifaka in Madagascar," Rouse wrote. "As it ran toward us, it created all sorts of funny shapes, but this one was the best. It looks to me like it is practicing its bowling action ready for an England call-up!"

Finalist: "Otter Guru" by Charles Janson
An otter floating in water with its paws raised.
"Otter Guru."

© Charles Janson/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"In a kayak with my camera balanced precariously on the gunnel, I stayed very still while floating by this resting sea otter," Janson wrote. "It stayed relaxed (you can tell because it is still floating on its back) and kept on grooming its fur. With its peaceful face and upturned paws, it reminded me of a Guru meditating."

Finalist: "Saying My Prayers" by Christine Haines
An otter floats on its back with its eyes closed and its paws clasped together.
"Saying My Prayers."

© Christine Haines/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"Otters hold their food with their paws, making it appear like they are praying," Haines wrote.

Finalist: "Monday Again" by Christopher Arnold
A nutria puts its face in its paws.
"Monday Again."

© Christopher Arnold/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"I photographed this nutria directly from the canoe," Arnold wrote. "It was busy grooming itself."

Finalist: "Cold Shower" by Corentin Revel
Snow falls from a tree onto a deer's head.
"Cold Shower."

© Corentin Revel/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"This doe got up on her hind legs to grab some leaves from the tree to eat, but when she got back up on all fours, she suddenly let go of the branch and took a cold shower on the head," Revel wrote.

Finalist: "The Pavarotti of Owls" by Fred Amico
An owl standing on a branch with its head thrown back, its eyes closed, and its mouth wide open.
"The Pavarotti of Owls."

© Fred Amico/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"This area has always been a nesting place for burrowing owls, so I visit frequently," Amico wrote." When I saw this image on the computer, it just looked like this little owl was singing his heart out."

Finalist: "Smiley Elephant Seal" by Gabriel Rojo
An elephant seal appears to smile.
"Smiley Elephant Seal."

© Gabriel Rojo/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"These multi-ton giants fight to keep their harem of females," Rojo wrote.

Finalist: "I Am Coming" by Inés Godínez
A razorbill attempting to land while other razorbills watch.
"I Am Coming."

© Inés Godínez/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Godínez's photo shows razorbills watching as one of their peers attempts a wobbly landing.

Finalist: "Laughing Out Loud" by Ingo Hamann
A newborn seal lying on the floor and looking as thought it's laughing, with one paw raised in the air.
"Laughing Out Loud."

© Ingo Hamann/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"This newborn seal seems to be laughing at a good joke," Hamann wrote.

Finalist: "Where Do You Think You Are Going?" by Jörn Clausen
Two puffins on a rock, with one of them appearing to slide a foot down the side of the rock.
"Where Do You Think You Are Going?"

© Jörn Clausen/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"This picture was taken in 2015 during my first visit to the Farne Islands in the UK," Clausen wrote. "The islands were full of puffins, kittiwakes, shags, guillemots, and razorbills, and I never before and never since have taken so many photos in such a short time."

Finalist: "Song of the Zeisel" by Kath Aggiss
A ground squirrel standing straight and holding a dandelion while opening its mouth, appearing to sing into a microphone.
"Song of the Zeisel."

© Kath Aggiss/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Aggiss photographed a ground squirrel, also known as a zeisel, calling to its family that it had found food.

Finalist: "The Speed Skater" by Mark Meth-Cohn
A Steller's sea eagle on ice, appearing to skate forward.
"The Speed Skater."

© Mark Meth-Cohn/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Meth-Cohn photographed a Steller's sea eagle on ice off the coast of Rausu, Japan.

Finalist: "Gecko Fashion Model" by Michela Bordoli
A gecko in sand.
"Gecko Fashion Model."

© Michela Bordoli/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"As we walked on the sands of the Namib Desert, a gecko suddenly appeared, emerging out of nowhere with a smile on its face," Bordoli wrote. "It positioned itself perfectly, posing for a portrait worthy of a National Geographic cover. It seemed to say: 'Take my picture, I'm ready for my cover!'"

Finalist: "Easy Fellas" by Philippe Ricordel
Three polar bears in the arctic.
"Easy Fellas."

© Philippe Ricordel/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"'Hajime!' This is the term used by the referee in judo to invite opponents to start fighting," Ricordel wrote. "Here, the standing bear seems to be saying this to the other two, adopting the gesture that referees use when they say this word."

Finalist: "Wait … Which Zebra Is In Front?" by Sarosh Lodhi
Two zebras.
"Wait ... Which Zebra is In Front?"

© Sarosh Lodhi/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"I was expecting them to interact, nuzzle, or maybe fight, but they coincidentally got aligned in a way that caused this beautiful optical illusion," Lodhi wrote of the zebras in the photo.

Finalist: "Nagging Is a Universal Concept" by Scott Frier
A lioness appears to yell at a lion.
"Nagging Is a Universal Concept."

© Scott Frier/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Frier took this photo on a safari in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

"I have this image printed and hung on a wall of my home, and everybody who sees it laughs at it," Frier wrote.

Finalist: "Parrotfish Likes To Be Washed" by Wim Bellemans
A parrotfish with two other fish cleaning it.
"Parrotfish Likes To Be Washed."

© Wim Bellemans/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"I saw this parrotfish with two other fish cleaning him," Bellemans wrote. "The smile on his face shows that he really loves it."

Finalist: "Time to Cool Off" by Zikri Teo
A penguin stands over its chick as the chick lays flat on a rock to cool off.
"Time to Cool Off."

© Zikri Teo/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"An Adelie penguin stands over its chick as it lays flat on the rock to cool off," Teo wrote. "Due to their high level of insulation, penguin chicks can sometimes overheat and lay on the rocks with their feet out to lower their body temperature."

Highly Commended: "I'll Tell You a Secret" by Jan Piecha
Three raccoons are looking out of a hole in a tree trunk, with one of them appearing to whisper into the ear of another.
"I'll Tell You A Secret."

© Jan Piecha/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"A tiny raccoon is telling a secret to its mom while whispering in her ear," Piecha wrote.

Highly Commended: "Are You Kidding?" by Marti Phillips
Two cape fur seals appear to laugh together.
"Are You Kidding?"

© Marti Phillips/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Phillips photographed two cape fur seals having a laugh.

Highly Commended: "The Contemplative Chimpanzee" by Arvind Mohandas
A chimpanzee sits in a forest, scratching its chin.
"The Contemplative Chimpanzee."

© Arvind Mohandas/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Mohandas photographed a chimpanzee in Uganda who was "obviously contemplating an important issue."

Highly Commended: "Gang of Four" by Ralph Robinson
Four penguins walk together.
"Gang of Four."

© Ralph Robinson/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"On the penguin highway, these rockhoppers are moving into town, and this town ain't big enough for all of them!" Robinson wrote.

Highly Commended: "I'm Too Sexy for My Love" by Artur Stankiewicz
A hippo emerging from water covered in duckweed. The hippo has duckweed on its head.
"I'm Too Sexy for My Love."

© Artur Stankiewicz/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Stankiewicz wrote that it looked like the hippo "just got out of the hairdresser with a big smile on his face."

Highly Commended: "Mafia Boss" by Takashi Kubo
A flying squirrel in a tree.
"Mafia Boss."

© Takashi Kubo/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Kubo wrote that this flying squirrel looked like it was "sucking a cigar" like a mafia boss.

Highly Commended: "The Rock Star" by Sanjay Patil
A fan-throated lizard stands upright.
"The Rock Star."

© Sanjay Patil/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"Here is a female lizard standing upright to escape the summer heat," Patil wrote.

Highly Commended: "You're Not My Mother" by Randy Herman
An owl appears surprised by the presence of a woodpecker.
"You're Not My Mother."

© Randy Herman/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"This female red-bellied woodpecker had been investigating this screech owl nest for a couple of days — perhaps it was her nest last year?" Herman wrote. "This little owlet was definitely startled and didn't seem to know what to make of this intruder."

Highly Commended: "Alright Mate Back Off — This is My Bird" by Andy Rouse
Three penguins on a beach. A female stands behind a male has he extends his wing toward another male, appearing to push him away.
"Alright Mate Back Off — This is My Bird."

© Andy Rouse/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"This image was taken in South Georgia," Rouse wrote. "It really does show a male king penguin trying to make a move on a female who has already paired up with her male. The body position and wing posture make the message clear — 'back off!'"

Rouse's image was also highly commended in the 2006 BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest.

Highly Commended: "Hide and Seek" by Leslie McLeod
A cheetah stands with its front paws against a tree while a topi stands in the background behind the tree.
"Hide and Seek."

© Leslie McLeod/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"We were on safari in Kenya and happened upon this beautiful female who was looking for a mate," McLeod wrote. "A group of topi were also keeping a pretty close eye on her as she left messages for a potential partner on various trees. This shot makes me think that the cheetah is just about to shout out, 'Ready or not, here I come!'"

People's Choice category winner: "Shake Ruffle Rattle and Roll" by Tapani Linnanmäki
A white-tailed eagle ruffles its feathers.
"Shake Ruffle Rattle and Roll."

© Tapani Linnanmäki/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"In the picture, a white-tailed eagle is ruffling its feathers," Linnanmäki wrote.

Nikon Young Photographer category winner: "Awkward Smiley Frog" by Kingston Tam
A frog appears to smile shyly.
"Awkward Smiley Frog."

© Kingston Tam/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"My goal for my images is to bring attention to our scaly or moist friends, showing that not only fluffy animals can be cute and beautiful," Tam said.

Nikon Junior Category Winner: "Smooching Owlets" by Sarthak Ranganadhan
Three owlets on a tree branch.
"Smooching Owlets."

© Sarthak Ranganadhan/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"Our parents always find a way to embarrass us — I guess that's also true in the case of spotted owlets," Ranganadhan wrote. "It was truly a funny sight to see two owlets trying to get some privacy as their little offspring stood next to them with a grin and shut eyes."

Fish and Other Aquatic Animals category winner: "Unexpected Role Swap" by Przemyslaw Jakubczyk
A fish appears to chase a bald eagle.
"Unexpected Role Swap."

© Przemyslaw Jakubczyk/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"Every annoyed and overtired fish needs to destress by hunting for a bald eagle," Jakubczyk wrote.

Bird category winner: "Whiskered Tern Crash Landing" by Damyan Petkov
A whiskered tern crashes headfirst into the ground.
"Whiskered Tern Crash On Landing."

© Damyan Petkov/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Petkov photographed a whiskered tern crash-landing on a rock in Bulgaria.

Reptile category winner: "Frog in a Balloon" by Eberhard Ehmke
A frog swimming with its head in a bubble.
"Frog in a Balloon."

© /Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

"During a photo shoot at the pond, I discovered this frog with its head in a bubble," Ehmke wrote.

Insect category winner: "Mantis Flamenca" by Jose Miguel Gallego Molina
A Flemish mantis with its front legs raised.
"Mantis Flamenca."

© Jose Miguel Gallego Molina/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Molina lay down on the side of the road to take this photo of a Flemish mantis with its front legs in the air.

Overall winner: "Stuck Squirrel" by Milko Marchetti
A squirrel stuck in a tree.
"Stuck Squirrel."

© Milko Marchetti/Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

Marchetti's photo shows a squirrel with its feet sticking out of a hole in a tree. It won first place in the Mammals category and the contest's grand prize.

"I have taken many, many photographs of squirrels in many situations over the years in Italy, but this one struck me as really funny and such a strange position because it is that exact moment when the squirrel is detaching its back legs from the trunk to enter its hide," Marchetti said of the photo. "Whenever I show this image at the nature seminars at my local photography club, the audience always explodes with raucous laughter, so I had to enter it!"

Correction: September 26, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misspelled the surname of the photographer who took the photo titled "Wait Which Zebra Is In Front?" He's Sarosh Lodhi, not Sarosh Iodhi.

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Gavin Newsom and Kimberly Guilfoyle were once a political power couple dubbed 'the new Kennedys.' Here's a timeline of their relationship.

gavin newsome
Gavin Newsom and Kimberly Guilfoyle in November 2003.

Lou Dematteis LD/HB/Reuters

  • Kimberly Guilfoyle and Gavin Newsom were married for five years, from 2001 to 2006.
  • As the mayor and first lady of San Francisco, they were dubbed "the new Kennedys."
  • Guilfoyle went on to work in the Trump White House and is engaged to Donald Trump Jr.

Kimberly Guilfoyle and Gavin Newsom, who were married from 2001 to 2006, were once a high-profile political couple dubbed "the new Kennedys."

Their paths have diverged significantly since their time as mayor and first lady of San Francisco.

Newsom, whose push for marriage equality cemented him as a national figure in the Democratic party, is now the governor of California and was floated as a 2024 Democratic presidential candidate. He married documentary filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom in 2008.

Guilfoyle, a former assistant district attorney turned Fox News host, became a conservative influencer and advisor to President Donald Trump. She is engaged to Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr.

Despite their political differences, Guilfoyle and Newsom remained friends for years until things began to deteriorate around the 2020 presidential election.

Here's a timeline of their relationship.

Circa 1994: Kimberly Guilfoyle and Gavin Newsom met at a Democratic fundraiser.
Gavin Newsom and Kimberly Guilfoyle.
Kimberly Guilfoyle and Gavin Newsom.

Deanne Fitzmaurice/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

San Francisco attorney Art Groza introduced the couple at a fundraiser for John Burton, who was then a member of the California State Assembly and went on to be elected to the House of Representatives, The San Francisco Chronicle reported.

December 2001: Guilfoyle and Newsom got married seven years after they met.
Kimberly Guilfoyle and Gavin Newsom at home
Kimberly Guilfoyle and Gavin Newsom in their California home.

Christina Koci Hernandez/San Francisco Chronicle by Getty Images

Newsom and Guilfoyle wed at St. Ignatius Church in San Francisco. At the time, Newsom worked as a county supervisor, and Guilfoyle was an assistant district attorney.

January 2004: Newsom was sworn in as mayor of San Francisco, and Guilfoyle moved to New York to host "Both Sides" on Court TV.
Kimberly Guilfoyle Gavin Newsom
Kimberly Guilfoyle held the Bible for Gavin Newsom's oath of office.

AP

Months later, Newsom told the San Francisco Chronicle that living on different coasts had "taken a huge toll personally."

"The transcontinental marriage is tough — the only godsend is that we don't have kids," he said. "You give up your life in the traditional sense."

September 2004: A feature in Harper's Bazaar magazine dubbed them "the new Kennedys."
Gavin Newsom and Kimberly Guilfoyle in 2003
Gavin Newsom and Kimberly Guilfoyle.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

One image from the Harper's Bazaar spread showed Guilfoyle and Newsom lying together in formalwear on a rug at Ann and Gordon Getty's house.

In the accompanying article, Newsom described their relationship as "a wonderful combination of being in love and extraordinarily proud."

January 2005: The couple jointly filed for divorce.
Kimberly Guilfoyle and Gavin Newsom in 2004
Kimberly Guilfoyle and Gavin Newsom.

Michael Springer/Getty Images

Newsom and Guilfoyle released a joint statement announcing the end of their marriage "with great sadness," The San Francisco Chronicle reported.

"Unfortunately, the demands of our respective careers have made it too difficult for us to continue as a married couple," the statement said. "Over the past 10 years, we have developed a tremendous bond of love and respect for each other. That will never change. We will remain close friends. We ask for your understanding and consideration during this difficult time."

November 2005: Newsom and Guilfoyle reunited for a series of events, sparking reports they had gotten back together.
Gavin Newsom and Kimberly Guilfoyle meet Prince Charles and Camilla in 2005
Kimberly Guilfoyle and Gavin Newsom with King Charles (then Prince of Wales) and Queen Camilla (then Duchess of Cornwall).

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

After the two were spotted together at Newsom's birthday party, a golf championship, and an outing with then-Prince Charles and Camilla during their royal visit, The San Francisco Chronicle described their marriage as "on-again, off again."

When former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown asked about his marital status at the royal gathering, Newsom replied, "I have a very confusing life," the Chronicle reported.

Guilfoyle gave a vague answer to the Chronicle when asked if she and Newsom had gotten back together.

"If I was standing back and looking at the situation, I would say it went great — these two people obviously love each other and get along very well," she said. "But I don't have an answer for you. We are not back together."

February 2006: Their divorce was finalized.
gavin newsom kimberly guillfoyle
Gavin Newsom and Kimberly Guilfoyle.

Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Images

Guilfoyle told The San Francisco Chronicle that the divorce was amicable, and that she and Newsom shared a lawyer throughout the proceedings.

"We're very close, and we're going to remain that way," she said.

Guilfoyle and Newsom did not have any children together during their marriage.

May 2006: Guilfoyle married businessman and furniture heir Eric Villency.
Kimberly Guilfoyle and Eric Villency
Eric Villency and Kimberly Guilfoyle.

Erik T. Kaiser/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Villency and Guilfoyle welcomed a son in October 2006. They divorced in November 2009.

January 2007: Newsom admitted to having an affair with his campaign manager's wife in 2005 while he and Guilfoyle were in the midst of their divorce.
Gavin Newsom speaks at a press conference in 2007
Gavin Newsom.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

After Newsom's campaign manager, Alex Tourk, abruptly resigned for "personal" reasons, Newsom publicly apologized for the affair the next day, the Los Angeles Times reported.

"I want to make it clear that everything you've heard and read is true, and I'm deeply sorry about that," he said at a press conference. "I've hurt someone I care deeply about — Alex Tourk, and his friends and family. And that is something I have to live with."

July 2008: Newsom married documentary filmmaker and actor Jennifer Siebel.
Gavin Newsom and Jennifer Seibel on their wedding day
Gavin Newsom and Jennifer Siebel.

Meg Smith via Getty Images

Newsom and Siebel wed in Stevensville, Montana, on a ranch belonging to Siebel's parents, People magazine reported. Nancy Pelosi, former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown, and actor Jason Lewis were in attendance.

The couple now shares four children.

August 2017: Guilfoyle spoke highly of Newsom during his 2018 gubernatorial campaign, which he went on to win.
Gavin Newsom speaks at a campaign rally in 2018.
Gavin Newsom.

Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images

In a profile of Newsom in The Sacramento Bee, Guilfoyle described him as "an amazing 'ideas guy' in terms of having an idea, developing it and seeing it to fruition."

She also recalled his dedication to an array of small businesses he operated, including wine shops, bars, and cafés. Guilfoyle told The Sacramento Bee that Newsom handled "everything from food selection and menus" to "all of the personnel decisions."

Newsom won the race for California governor in the 2018 midterm elections and took the oath of office in 2019.

May 2018: Guilfoyle and Donald Trump Jr. went public as a couple.
don jr kimberly guilfoyle
Kimberly Guilfoyle and Donald Trump Jr.

William Campbell-Corbis via Getty Images

Guilfoyle told The Washington Post that she joked with Newsom about directing Trump Jr. to campaign against his bid for governor, and that the two men discussed the hair products they use to keep their styles intact.

"Gav's hair is slicked back, and Don's hair is slicked back," she said.

September 2018: Newsom publicly addressed Guilfoyle's relationship with Trump Jr. for the first time.
Gavin Newsom.
Gavin Newsom.

Scott Varley/Digital First Media/Torrance Daily Breeze via Getty Images

Newsom told KQED host Lily Jamali that he was "still trying to come to grips with all of it."

"I wish her well, and them well," he said of Guilfoyle and Trump Jr. "And we see the world, clearly, with a different set of eyes politically."

March 2019: When asked about his past with Guilfoyle, Newsom said, "Life's interesting."
Gavin Newsom.
Gavin Newsom.

Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

In an interview on PROFILE by BuzzFeed News, Newsom was asked if then-President Trump had ever mentioned Newsom's past marriage to Guilfoyle in their conversations.

"We may have had a private moment on that conversation, which in and of itself, makes life just interesting," Newsom said.

When host Ben Smith asked Newsom for details, he simply said, "Life's interesting."

August 2020: Newsom declined to comment after Guilfoyle attacked California in her speech at the Republican National Convention.
Kimberly Guilfoyle RNC
Kimberly Guilfoyle at the Republican National Convention.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

"If you want to see the Socialist Biden Harris future for our country, just take a look at California," Guilfoyle said in her speech. "It is a place of immense wealth, immeasurable innovation, and immaculate environment, and the Democrats turned it into a land of discarded heroin needles in parks, riots in streets, and blackouts in homes."

Fox News host Elex Michaelson asked the California governor if he had a response. Newsom opted to "respectfully defer to the next question."

September 2022: Newsom said he and Guilfoyle weren't in touch anymore.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Gavin Newsom.

Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images

When MSNBC host Alex Wagner asked if he and Guilfoyle still spoke, Newsom replied, "Nope. Not lately."

"It must be weird for you," Wagner said.

"Yeah, of course," Newsom replied.

December 2022: Guilfoyle appeared to reference Newsom's rumored White House aspirations, saying, "He ain't making it to the White House."
Kimberly Guilfoyle speaks at CPAC in 2023
Kimberly Guilfoyle.

Sarah Silbiger/Reuters

As speculation swirled that Newsom might run for president in 2024 if President Joe Biden didn't seek a second term, Guilfoyle appeared to allude to her past with Newsom in a speech at Turning Points USA.

"In California, they have vowed to get rid of gas-powered cars with no explanation of how they are going to fund and power alternatives," Guilfoyle said. "A bunch of winners over there, folks. Ask me how I know."

"He ain't making it to the White House," she added, seemingly referring to Newsom.

February 2023: Newsom said Guilfoyle was a "different person" when they were married and that she "fell prey" to the culture at Fox News.
Gavin Newsom Bill Clinton Kimberly Guilfoyle
Bill Clinton at a campaign rally with Gavin Newsom and Kimberly Guilfoyle.

Justin Sullivan / Staff

On an episode of CNN's "The Axe Files" podcast, Newsom said Guilfoyle was "spending a lot of time in Democratic circles" while they were married, citing her work for a progressive district attorney and former friendship with fellow California attorney Kamala Harris, who went on to become vice president.

"She fell prey, I think, to the culture at Fox in a deep way," Newsom said of Guilfoyle. "She would disagree with that assessment, she would perhaps suggest that she found the light."

February 2023: Guilfoyle hit back, saying that Newsom was "unrecognizable" and had "fallen prey" to the "radical left."
Donald Trump Jr. and fiance Kimberly Guilfoyle
Kimberly Guilfoyle and Donald Trump Jr.

John Bazemore/AP

On an episode of "The Charlie Kirk Show" later that week, Guilfoyle called Newsom's comments "absurd," adding that she was a registered Republican while they were married and that it was Newsom who had changed drastically.

"I didn't change, he did," she said. "He used to be so proud to fight for small business, for entrepreneurs, for those hardworking men and women. And he's fallen prey to the left, the radical left, that is pushing him so far to the left that it's unrecognizable."

Guilfoyle also said that she thought Newsom would run for president in 2024 and that it's something he "wants very badly."

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Details you may have missed in the White House Christmas decorations

The official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room.
Holiday decorations are lighting up the White House's historic rooms.

Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post via Getty Images

  • First lady Jill Biden decorated the White House for the 2024 holiday season.
  • She chose the theme of "A Season of Peace and Light."
  • Hidden details in the Christmas decorations reference the theme and pay tribute to fallen soldiers.

The White House is decked out for the holidays once again.

For her final White House Christmas decorations as first lady, Jill Biden chose the theme of "A Season of Peace and Light," writing in the 2024 White House Holiday Guide that she and President Joe Biden hope for "the Nation to be blessed with the peace and light of the holiday season."

Hidden details in the decorations include symbols of peace and tributes to Hurricane Helene relief efforts and fallen soldiers.

Take a look at the 2024 White House Christmas decorations.

A beaming starlight sculpture above the East entrance referenced the theme of "A Season of Peace and Light."
The East Entrance of the White House decorated for the holidays.
The East entrance of the White House.

Susan Walsh/AP

Wreaths with matching gold ornaments were mounted on the White House gates.

The gingerbread White House featured a similar starlight design on its roof.
The gingerbread White House in the State Dining Room.
The gingerbread White House.

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

White House executive pastry chef Susan Morrison constructed the gingerbread White House out of 25 gingerbread sheets, 10 sugar cookie sheets, 45 pounds of chocolate, and 50 pounds of royal icing, according to the White House Holiday Guide.

The official White House Christmas tree was sourced from North Carolina in a tribute to those affected by Hurricane Helene.
Jill Biden receives the official White House Christmas tree.
Jill Biden received the official 2024 White House Christmas tree on the North Portico of the White House.

Mark Schiefelbein/AP

The Fraser fir was grown at Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm in Newland, North Carolina, which was impacted by the storm.

"The Cartner family lost thousands of trees to the storm," Jill Biden said in her speech while receiving the tree at the White House. "But this one remained standing — and they named it 'Tremendous' for the extraordinary hope that it represents."

The 18-and-a-half-foot tree, which was displayed in the Blue Room, is decorated with the names of every US state and territory.
The official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room.
The official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room.

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The official White House Christmas tree was also surrounded by a carousel and featured candy-shaped ornaments.

The Gold Star tree in the East Entrance was made of six stacked stars, representing the six branches of the military.
The Gold Star tree at the White House.
The Gold Star tree.

The White House

The names of fallen soldiers appeared on gold star ornaments hanging on the other East entrance trees.

The families of service members on two Navy ships that Jill Biden sponsors made paper-chain garlands for the State Dining Room.
Paper chain garlands on a White House Christmas tree.
Paper chain garlands on a Christmas tree in the State Dining Room.

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The first lady is a sponsor of two Navy ships, the USS Delaware and the USS Gabrielle Giffords. The Navy families contributed to the White House holiday decorations as part of her Joining Forces initiative.

The decorations in the State Dining Room also included self-portraits drawn by students across the US.
A hand-drawn self-portrait on a White House Christmas tree.
A hand-drawn self-portrait on a White House Christmas tree.

Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post via Getty Images

According to the White House Holiday Guide, the self-portraits were included so that "children see themselves reflected in this year's holiday display."

The official White House menorah was displayed in the Cross Hall.
The White House menorah.
The official White House menorah.

Susan Walsh/AP

The menorah, which first appeared in the White House holiday decorations in 2022, was constructed using leftover wood from a White House renovation during Harry Truman's presidency.

In the Red Room, Christmas trees featured dove-shaped ornaments in keeping with the theme of "A Season of Peace and Light."
Dove ornaments on Christmas trees in the Red Room at the White House.
Dove ornaments on a Christmas tree in the Red Room at the White House.

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The dove cutouts held red envelopes that read "peace."

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5 things to know about Brian Thompson, the UnitedHealthcare CEO fatally shot in New York City

Brian Thompson, UnitedHealthcare CEO, in headshot
Brian Thompson was the CEO of UnitedHealthcare.

UnitedHealthcare

  • UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed by a gunman in New York City on Wednesday morning.
  • Thompson worked at UnitedHealthcare for 20 years and was named its CEO in 2021.
  • He grew up in Iowa and is survived by his wife and their two sons.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson died on December 4 after he was shot by a gunman in New York City in what the New York City Police Department called a "brazen, targeted attack." He was 50 years old.

The shooting took place at 6:46 a.m. outside a Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan, where Thompson was scheduled to speak at the company's investor conference.

A "person of interest," 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, was arrested in connection with Thompson's death in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on Monday.

UnitedHealth Group said in a statement that the company was "deeply saddened and shocked" by Thompson's death.

Here are five things to know about Thompson's life and career, and the homicide investigation.

Early life and education
A sign for the University of Iowa.
The University of Iowa.

University of College/Shutterstock

Thompson attended South Hamilton High School in Jewell, Iowa, where he was named valedictorian. The school district released a statement memorializing him as "a star student, athlete, homecoming king, and a respected leader."

Thompson graduated from the University of Iowa in 1997 with a Bachelor's degree in business administration and accounting.

Accounting career
PwC, or Pricewaterhousecoopers.
A PwC office.

Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto/Getty Images

Thompson worked at the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, or PwC, from 1997 to 2004 as a manager in the firm's audit and transaction advisory services groups, according to his LinkedIn profile.

CEO of UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare corporate headquarters in Minnesota.
UnitedHealthcare's corporate headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Thompson worked at UnitedHealthcare for 20 years, joining as a director on UnitedHealth Group's corporate development team in 2004. He rose through the ranks, becoming the CEO of the company's Medicare and retirement business in 2017 and of its government programs in 2019.

He was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare in 2021.

Thompson was one of four UnitedHealthcare executives named in a lawsuit filed by the City of Hollywood Firefighters' Pension Fund in May regarding allegations of insider trading. The suit alleges that Thompson sold $15 million of his shares in company stock before news of the Department of Justice's antitrust investigation into UnitedHealth became public, tanking its shareholder value.

UnitedHealthcare did not respond to a request for comment.

Shooting in New York City
Reward flyer posted on lamppost in front of the Hilton Hotel.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed in New York City, where he was set to speak at an "investor day" event.

Stefan Jeremiah/AP Images

Thompson was shot on Wednesday morning outside a Hilton hotel in New York City, where he was scheduled to speak at UnitedHealth Group's investor conference.

New York City Police Department commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a press conference on Wednesday that the shooting "does not appear to be a random act of violence."

"We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare," the company said in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement continued: "Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian's family and all who were close to him."

At a press conference on Monday, the New York Police Department named Luigi Mangione as a "person of interest" in the shooting.

Mangione was arrested on firearms charges at a Pennsylvania McDonald's after an employee recognized him from surveillance images shared by authorities, police said.

Mangione was found to be in possession of a firearm and a suppressor that were "both consistent with the weapon used" in the shooting, the NYPD said.

Wife and family
Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
Brian Thompson.

Business Wire/AP

Thompson is survived by his wife, Paulette Thompson, and their two sons. The couple lived in separate homes in Maple Grove, Minnesota, The Wall Street Journal reported.

"We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian," Paulette Thompson told Minnesota affiliate Fox 9. "Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives. Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed. We appreciate your well wishes and request complete privacy as our family moves through this difficult time."

Paulette Thompson told NBC News that her husband had received "some threats" but that she didn't know the details.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Photos show Jill Biden's final White House Christmas decorations as first lady

The East Room of the White House decorated for the holidays.
The White House is decked out for the holidays

Susan Walsh/AP

  • On Monday, Jill Biden unveiled her final White House Christmas decorations as first lady.
  • The theme of the decor was "A Season of Peace and Light."
  • The decorations feature tributes to fallen soldiers, a gingerbread White House, and paper doves.

Jill Biden unveiled her final White House Christmas decorations as first lady on Monday, centered on the theme "A Season of Peace and Light."

"As we celebrate our final holiday season here in the White House, we are guided by the values we hold sacred: faith, family, service to our country, kindness towards our neighbors, and the power of community and connection," the president and first lady wrote in the 2024 White House Holiday Guide.

Next holiday season, former first lady Melania Trump is expected to once again oversee the White House holiday decor during President-elect Donald Trump's second term.

Take a look at how the White House is decked out for the holidays.

A starlight hanging above the East Wing entrance welcomes guests to the White House.
The East Entrance of the White House decorated for the holidays.
The East entrance of the White House.

Susan Walsh/AP

The entire display features 83 Christmas trees, 9,810 feet of ribbon, 28,125 ornaments, and 165,075 holiday lights.

Visitors are greeted by a horse-drawn sleigh in the East Garden Room.
The East Garden Room of the White House decorated for the holidays with a horse-drawn sleigh.
The East Garden Room.

Susan Walsh/AP

The East Entrance also features the Gold Star Tree, which pays tribute to fallen soldiers. A tree constructed from six gold stars represents the six branches of the military, and gold star ornaments on the surrounding Christmas trees feature the names of fallen soldiers.

The East Colonnade is draped in sleigh bells and brass bells.
The East Colonnade of the White House decorated for the holidays.
The East Colonnade.

Susan Walsh/AP

The bells are meant to evoke "the peaceful sounds of the holiday season," according to the 2024 White House Holiday Guide.

Vintage ceramic Christmas trees adorn the White House Library.
The Library of the White House decorated for Christmas.
The Library.

Susan Walsh/AP

As first lady, Jill Biden added a collection of children's books to the Library, which holds 2,700 books.

The China Room is full of artisanal loaves of bread amid bunches of holly.
The China Room in the White House decorated for the holidays.
The China Room.

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The China Room holds tableware sets from past presidents.

The Diplomatic Reception Room features holiday-themed floral displays and fruit, symbols of hospitality.
The Diplomatic Reception room of the White House decorated for the Holidays.
The Diplomatic Reception Room.

Susan Walsh/AP

Jill Biden opened the Diplomatic Reception Room to the public for the first time as part of her reimagined White House tours.

The decorations on the ceiling of the East Room evoke falling snow.
The East Room decorated for the holidays.
The East Room.

Susan Walsh/AP

The East Room also features a Nativity scene with figurines dating back to the 1700s.

In the Blue Room, the official White House Christmas Tree stands surrounded by a carousel with the names of every US state and territory.
The White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room.
The Blue Room.

Susan Walsh/AP

This year, the official White House Christmas tree is an 18-and-a-half foot Fraser fir from North Carolina.

The Blue Room's chandelier has to be removed every year to accommodate the giant trees.

The paper chain garlands in the State Dining Room were created by families of service members aboard two Navy vessels, USS Delaware and the USS Gabrielle Giffords.
The State Dining Room in the White House decorated for the holidays.
The State Dining Room.

ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images

Jill Biden is a sponsor of both Navy ships.

The State Dining Room also houses the gingerbread White House created by White House executive pastry chef Susan Morrison.
The gingerbread White House in the State Dining Room.
The gingerbread White House in the State Dining Room.

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

In keeping with the "Season of Peace and Light" theme, a starburst shines above the gingerbread house.

White paper doves hang on the Christmas tree in the Red Room, symbolizing peace.
The Red Room of the White House decorated for the holidays.
The Red Room.

Susan Walsh/AP

The room is also decorated with children's drawings sent to the Bidens from across the US.

The Cross Hall features more doves leading into the Grand Foyer.
Trees in the East Room frame the Cross Hall of the White House  decorated for the holidays.
The Cross Hall.

Susan Walsh/AP

The official White House Menorah is also on display in the Cross Hall.

In the Grand Foyer, a vintage red truck is loaded with presents.
The Grand Foyer in the White House decorated for the holidays.
The Grand Foyer.

ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images

A teddy bear sits in the front seat.

It takes 300 volunteers working over one week to decorate the White House for the holidays.
The Center Hall in the White House decorated for the holidays.
The Center Hall.

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

"It has been the honor of our lives to serve as your President and First Lady," the Bidens wrote in the White House Holiday Guide. "Our hope is for the Nation to be blessed with the peace and light of the holiday season."

Read the original article on Business Insider

Photos show Black Friday crowds at retailers across the US even as more shoppers move online

Crowds of shoppers on the eve of Black Friday.
Black Friday shoppers at Citadel Outlets in Commerce, California.

Jae C. Hong/AP

  • Even as online Black Friday shopping increases, people still formed lines at stores across the US.
  • Crowds descended on stores like Best Buy and shopping centers like the American Dream mall.
  • Target attracted in-person Black Friday shoppers with exclusive in-store Taylor Swift merchandise.

The ease of online shopping and the disruption of in-person events at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic have continued to impact attendance at Black Friday doorbuster sales, but shoppers still turned out at stores in large numbers this year.

In 2023, Black Friday online shopping hit a record high with a total of $9.8 billion spent — a 7.5% increase from 2022, according to an Adobe report.

Even so, shopping in person the day after Thanksgiving hasn't completely died out. Of the 131.7 million people expected to shop on Black Friday in 2024, 65% said they planned to shop at stores in person, according to the National Retail Federation's annual survey.

Retailers like Target also drew customers to brick-and-mortar locations by releasing exclusive Taylor Swift merchandise in-store on Black Friday before making it available online the following day.

Take a look at Black Friday crowds across the US.

The parking lot at Citadel Outlets in Commerce, California, was already packed on Thursday night.
A crowded parking lot on the eve of Black Friday.
Citadel Outlets in Commerce, California.

Jae C. Hong.AP

Shoppers lined up outside retailers like H&M, Kate Spade, and Tory Burch at Citadel Outlets to await their turn.
Crowds of shoppers on the eve of Black Friday.
Black Friday shoppers at Citadel Outlets in Commerce, California.

Jae C. Hong/AP

Lines formed outside Macy's flagship store in New York City early in the morning on Black Friday.
Shoppers outside Macy's on Black Friday.
Macy's flagship store in New York City on Black Friday.

Adam GRAY/AFP via Getty Images

Target's exclusive Taylor Swift merchandise attracted a line of Swifties in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Shoppers lined up outside Target on Black Friday.
Black Friday lines outside Target in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images

Fans picked up copies of "The Eras Tour Book" and exclusive versions of Swift's latest album, "The Tortured Poets Department."
A shopper with Taylor Swift items at Target on Black Friday.
Exclusive Taylor Swift products at Target in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images

Shoppers also waited outside Best Buy in Downey, California, in the early hours of the morning on Black Friday.
A line of shoppers outside Best Buy on Black Friday.
A Best Buy store on Black Friday in Downey, California.

ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP/Getty Images

At the American Dream Mall in New Jersey, shoppers were drawn to experiences like its Nickelodeon Universe theme park, not just its stores.
People wait in line to get into Nickelodeon Universe park as they visit the American Dream Mall on Black Friday.
People waited in line to get into Nickelodeon Universe theme park at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Kena Betancur/Getty Images

Of course, the American Dream mall's retail offerings still proved popular.
Black Friday shoppers wait outside a Pandora store.
A line outside a Pandora store at the American Dream Mall.

Kena Betancur/Getty Images

Read the original article on Business Insider

Photos show Taylor Swift fans lining up for 'The Eras Tour Book' at Target on Black Friday

A Taylor Swift fan at Target on Black Friday.
Target stocked exclusive Taylor Swift merchandise on Black Friday.

Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images

  • Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour Book" was released exclusively at Target on Black Friday.
  • Swift self-published the book, which shows a behind-the-scenes look at her record-breaking tour.
  • Shoppers lined up outside Target stores to buy the book and other Taylor Swift merchandise.

Taylor Swift fans lined up to purchase "The Eras Tour Book," a behind-the-scenes look at the singer's blockbuster tour that was released exclusively at Target on Black Friday.

The 256-page book retails for $39.99 and features over 500 photos of rehearsals, costumes, set pieces, and performances from her record-breaking Eras Tour, which became the highest-grossing tour of all time when it surpassed $1 billion in revenue.

"The Eras Tour Book" at Target.
"The Eras Tour Book" by Taylor Swift.

Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images

Instead of working with a larger publisher, Swift self-published the book through her own imprint, Taylor Swift Publications, which printed 2 million copies, The Wall Street Journal reported.

A representative for Target told Business Insider that as of 10 a.m. ET on Black Friday, "The Eras Tour Book" was already the retailer's No. 1 new release and its highest-selling book of 2024.

In addition to "The Eras Tour Book," Target also stocked exclusive vinyl record and CD versions of "The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology," Swift's latest 35-track, two-part album. The vinyl retails for $59.99, and the CD costs $17.99.

Black Friday shoppers shop for Taylor Swift merchandise at Target.
Black Friday shoppers purchasing Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour Book" at Target.

Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images

Taylor Swift fans waited outside Target stores in the early hours of the morning on Black Friday for a chance to purchase the book and other exclusive merchandise. One location even created separate lines for the general public and Swifties who were just there to buy the book and album, a shopper wrote on X.

Shoppers lined up outside Target on Black Friday.
Black Friday shoppers lined up outside Target stores.

Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images

The Black Friday sales event comes after Target's disappointing third-quarter earnings. Both sales and earnings missed estimates, and the retailer cut its guidance.

The Eras Tour began on March 17, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona, and will conclude in Vancouver on December 8.

November 29, 2024: This story has been modified with updated sales information provided by Target.

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See aboard the USS Beloit, the Navy's new $500 million littoral combat ship upgraded to fight near coastlines

The USS Beloit decorated with ribbons.
USS Beloit is the US Navy's newest Freedom-class littoral combat ship.

US Navy photo by EJ Hersom

  • USS Beloit, the US Navy's new littoral combat ship was commissioned on Saturday.
  • Known as LCS 29, the warship is designed for operations in both shallow waters and open seas.
  • The Navy has retired several Freedom-class ships due to maintenance costs and mission capability.

The US Navy commissioned its newest $500 million littoral combat ship, USS Beloit, in Milwaukee on Saturday.

The new Freedom-class warship is named for Beloit, Wisconsin, where defense manufacturer Fairbanks Morse has long built engines and military technology for Navy vessels.

Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro touted the Beloit's improved engineering and advanced combat capabilities, upgrades necessary to surmount the challenges that have dogged the Freedom-class ships.

"USS Beloit reflects many of the engineering and weapons improvements that the littoral combat ship has gained since the Navy first began operating these ships," he said, adding that "when it receives new capabilities, such as the Naval Strike Missile, it will sail even more confidently in contested waters."

The new vessel's commissioning comes as the Navy pushes to scrap some of its extremely young fleet of littoral combat ships plagued by propulsion issues, design flaws, and costly maintenance.

An embattled legacy
US Navy crewmembers board USS Beloit at Veterans Park in Milwaukee.
US Navy crewmembers board USS Beloit at Veterans Park in Milwaukee.

US Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Diana Salgado

The Navy operates two types of littoral combat ships: the Independence-class and the Freedom-class. The former class of ships has suffered from structural flaws, while a litany of maintenance issues has plagued the latter, and several of both classes have been deactivated before their time.

For example, USS Milwaukee, a $750 million Freedom-class ship, was decommissioned last year after just eight years in service. The LCS was originally meant to serve for 25 years. It is one of about half a dozen littoral combat ships — most being from the Freedom class — that have been pulled from active service.

Retired Navy Vice Adm. Dirk Debbink told Business Insider that the Navy has made improvements to the class since then.

"There's a lot of confidence in the engineering plant now, for example, which is a problem with some of the earlier ships of the class," he said of the USS Beloit. "I'm excited about this ship because I think it's going to hopefully redeem the class in general."

Whether the full range of issues with the LCS have been addressed remains to be seen. There have long been concerns about cost, performance, and survivability, and key questions persist regarding the LCS's suitability in a high-end fight against a near-peer adversary like the US military's pacing challenge — China. The Navy has since put some of its hopes for the LCS into the new class of frigate in development.

15th Freedom-class LCS
The USS Beloit in the water with rocks and a dock in the foreground.
The Navy described the USS Beloit as a "fast, agile" vessel.

US Navy photo by EJ Hersom

Built by Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine, the Navy describes USS Beloit, its 15th Freedom-variant LCS, as a "fast, agile" vessel that can operate in shallow waters near shore and in the open ocean. It has a much smaller crew than a destroyer and is armed with fewer weapons for sustained combat.

After it was christened in May 2022, the Beloit completed sea trials the following year and was delivered to the Navy in late September.

The warship will be homeported at Mayport Naval Station in Jacksonville, Florida.

Spacious flight deck and hangar
The USS Beloit warship floats in Milwaukee.
USS Beloit's hangar can accommodate up to two MH-60 helicopters.

US Navy photo by EJ Hersom

The ship measures 387 feet long and can reach speeds of over 46 miles per hour — outpacing the rest of the fleet with its waterjet propulsion.

Its hangar can accommodate two MH-60 helicopters or one helicopter and one drone, and its flight deck is 50% larger than that of traditional surface combatants, according to the ship's commissioning committee.

A versatile fighter
Inside the USS Beloit warship.
The Navy said USS Beloit will be equipped with long-range anti-surface missiles.

US Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Diana Salgado

LCSs are designed to support maritime security and deter enemy attacks. The Freedom-class ships are armed with a SeaRAM close-in weapon system that fires intercept missiles and a 57mm gun capable of firing up to 220 rounds per minute.

USS Beloit will also be equipped with Naval Strike Missiles, a long-range anti-ship weapon system capable of striking with high precision.

USS Beloit also includes an automated radio room, a decoy launching system, and a gunfire control system.

A history-making ship sponsor
US National Guard soldiers fire a salute during a commissioning ceremony rehearsal for USS Beloit.
US National Guardsmen fire a salute during a commissioning ceremony rehearsal for USS Beloit.

US Navy photo by EJ Hersom

Retired Maj. Gen. Marcia Anderson, the first Black woman to achieve that Army rank in 2011, was chosen to sponsor USS Beloit.

Navy secretaries choose sponsors based on their relationship to the vessel's namesake or mission, and Anderson's hometown is Beloit.

"It is important to recognize that small cities like Beloit have had an outsized impact on our National Security for over 100 years and also have a significant role in the history of our country," Anderson wrote in a statement on the ship's commission committee website.

"We must never forget that the reason our country is so admired around the world is because we have always been a nation that honors and recognizes the devotion and courage of ordinary people," she continued. "The USS Beloit exemplifies and continues that tradition."

Personnel
The crew of USS Beloit stands in formation ahead of the ship's commissioning ceremony.
The crew of USS Beloit stands in formation ahead of the ship's commissioning ceremony.

US Navy photo by Cpl. Diana Salgado

The ship's core crew consists of 50 sailors, and its spaces can accommodate up to 98 sailors.

Rocky the Badger
The flag of the USS Beloit warship featuring a badger.
USS Beloit's battle flag features Wisconsin's state animal, the badger.

US Navy photo by EJ Hersom

USS Beloit's battle flag features a badger, Wisconsin's state animal. The ship's mascot is named Rocky, after the Rock River in Beloit.

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The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is turning 100. Photos show how the tradition has evolved since 1924.

Pokémon characters Pikachu and Eevee were featured in the 2023 parade.
Pokémon characters Pikachu and Eevee.

Macy's

  • The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was first held on November 27, 1924.
  • It's been a hallmark of the holiday season since then, featuring celebrities and character balloons.
  • This year's parade airs on Thursday, November 28 at 8:30 a.m. ET on NBC.

On Thursday, November 28, Macy's will kick off its 98th Thanksgiving Day Parade.

But what's extra special about this year's parade is that it's also the 100-year anniversary of the first Macy's parade — then called the Macy's Christmas Parade — which was held on November 27, 1924. (The company skipped the event from 1942-1944 because of World War II.)

Since then, the parade has grown into a spectacle of giant helium balloons, extravagent floats, marching bands, Broadway performances, celebrity appearances, and more.

"Every single year, we really try to deliver the best in entertainment," Kathleen Wright, director of production operations for Macy's studios, told the "Today" show on Monday.

So, as more than 5,000 volunteers, 32 balloons, and 22 floats prepare to grace the streets of New York City, here's a look back at Macy's first parade and how the tradition has evolved over the last 100 years.

1924: Macy's held its first parade on November 27, 1924; it was called the Macy's Christmas Parade.
The first Santa Claus float featured in the Macy's Christmas Parade in 1924.
Even Macy's first Christmas Parade featured a Santa Claus float.

Macy's

The first parade featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo.

1927: Live animals were replaced with the now classic helium balloons.
Happy Dragon was the second balloon featured in the 1927 parade.
Happy Dragon was the second balloon featured in the 1927 parade.

Macy's

Happy Dragon (pictured above) and Felix the Cat were two balloons on display that year.

1930s: Walt Disney helped design the first Mickey Mouse balloon.
A Mickey Mouse balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in 1934.
A Mickey Mouse balloon was featured in 1934.

Macy's

The balloon handlers were also dressed as Mickey Mouse.

1940s: The parade was canceled from 1942 to 1944 due to rubber and helium shortages during World War II, but it was back on for the rest of the '40s.
An Uncle Sam balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in the 1940s
An Uncle Sam balloon was included in a parade during the 1940s.

Macy's

An Uncle Sam balloon graced the streets of New York City in the 1940s.

1950s: The Radio City Rockettes have been perfectly aligned since their first performance at the parade in 1957.
The Radio City Rockettes perform at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1958.
The Radio City Rockettes performed at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1958.

John Lindsay/AP Photo

The Rockettes were founded in 1925.

1960s: Miss Teenage America 1961 Diane Lynn Cox rode a float in the parade.
Miss Teenage America at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in the 1960s.
Miss Teenage America Diane Lynn Cox waved to the crowd.

Anthony Camerano/AP

She was accompanied by her "Prince Charming," actor Troy Donahue.

1968: Snoopy, the beloved beagle from the "Peanuts" comics, made his balloon debut.
The "Peanuts" character Snoopy was debuted as a balloon for the first time in 1968 as "Flying Ace Snoopy."
The "Peanuts" character Snoopy had its balloon debut in 1968.

Macy's

The balloon was named "Flying Ace Snoopy."

According to Macy's, Snoopy is the "longest-running character balloon" in the parade's history.

1970s: Kermit the Frog made his debut in 1977.
A Kermit the Frog balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1977.
Kermit the Frog's balloon debuted in 1977.

Macy's

The balloon handlers were also dressed as Kermit, with green outfits and yellow collars.

1980: The Sesame Street float followed a marching band.
A Sesame Street float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1980.
A Sesame Street float was featured in the parade in 1980.

Ken Howard/Getty Images

Sesame Street began airing in 1969.

1982: Woody Woodpecker flew high above Macy's.
A Woody Woodpecker balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1982.
A Woody Woodpecker balloon flew in 1982.

Macy's

The Woody Woodpecker show aired between 1940 and 1972.

1984: Raggedy Ann waved to onlookers.
A Raggedy Anne balloon in the Macy's Thanskgiving Day Parade in 1984.
1984's parade included a Raggedy Anne balloon.

Macy's

Raggedy Ann was a character created by author and artist Johnny Gruelle in 1915.

1985: The Betty Boop balloon was 67 feet tall.
A Betty Boop balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1985.
In 1985, a Betty Boop balloon was paraded through the city.

Macy's

The ballon also held over 15,000 cubic feet of helium.

1986: Olive Oyl and Swee'Pea were preceded by a group of clowns.
An Olive Oyl and Swee'Pea balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1986.
An Olive Oyl and Swee'Pea balloon was featured in 1986.

AP Photo

Olive Oyl and Swee'Pea were characters from "Popeye."

1988: The Pink Panther was on the case.
A Pink Panther balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1988.
A Pink Panther balloon in the 1986 parade.

Macy's

The first Pink Panther film was created in 1963.

1989: A Ronald McDonald-shaped balloon carried balloons of its own.
A Ronald McDonald balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1989.
Ronald McDonald made an appearance in 1989.

Tim Clary/AP Photo

An estimated 1.8 million people attended the chilly parade.

1990: Clifford the Big Red Dog lived up to his name.
A Clifford the Big Red Dog balloon at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1990.
Clifford the Big Red Dog was included in 1990.

Macy's

The first "Clifford" story was published in 1963 by Norman Bridwell.

1991: Spider-Man made his first appearance at the parade.
A Spider-Man balloon at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1991.
Spider-Man made his first Macy's parade appearance in 1991.

Macy's

It was fitting for a Spider-Man balloon to fly over New York City, just as the character does in the comics and movies.

1992: Bart Simpson cruised through town on his skateboard.
A Bart Simpson balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1992.
Bart Simpson in 1992.

Bebeto Matthews/AP Photo

"The Simpsons" remains the longest-running scripted sitcom in television history.

1993: Members of America Sings!, a performing arts nonprofit organization for young amateur singers, belted out American classics.
A crowd of singers and an American flag at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1993.
America Sings! performed in 1993.

Stringer/Getty Images

The singers wore red sweaters with white scarves as they waved American flags.

1994: The Cat in the Hat premiered as a new balloon in Times Square.
The Cat in the Hat balloon at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1994.
The Cat in the Hat balloon debuted in 1994.

Stringer/Reuters

A billboard for the Tony Award-winning musical "Kiss of the Spider Woman" can be seen in the background.

1995: Beethoven was big. Like, really big.
A Beethoven balloon at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1995.
Beethoven the dog in 1995.

Jeff Christensen/Reuters

There are eight "Beethoven" movies in total.

1996: Betty Boop reappeared.
A Betty Boop balloon at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1996.
Betty Boop's 1985 balloon made an appearance.

Jeff Christensen/Reuters

She was sitting on a crescent moon again.

1997: Winds gusting up to 43 miles per hour caused many of the 17 balloons in the parade to rip and deflate.
A Pink Panther balloon fell to the ground at the 1997 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
A Pink Panther balloon deflated in 1997.

Jeff Christensen/Reuters

One of the balloons blew into a lamppost, knocking it into the crowd and injuring two people, The New York Times reported in 1997.

1998: "Rugrats" were all the rage.
"Rugrats" balloons in the 1998 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
A "Rugrats" balloon was featured in 1998.

Adam Nadel/AP Photo

"Rugrats" characters Chuckie and Tommy rode their dog Spike in the 1998 parade.

1999: Before "Googling" became a verb, internet search engine Ask Jeeves was the way to go.
An Ask Jeeves float in the 1999 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Miss America winner Heather French rode the Ask Jeeves float in 1999.

Jeff Christensen/Reuters

The Ask Jeeves float was accompanied by Miss America winner Heather French.

2000: A marching band led the way for Arthur.
A marching band preceded an Arthur balloon during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2000.
Arthur was led by a marching band in 2000.

Craig Blankenhorn/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

The animated children's series "Arthur" aired from 1996 to 2022.

2001: The trauma of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center was still raw.
Firefighters in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2001.
Macy's continued with the parade in 2001.

Chris Hondros/Getty Images

Members of the New York City fire department carried an American flag.

2002: Justin Guarini, the runner-up on season one of "American Idol," crooned a Christmas song.
Justin Guarini of "American Idol" sings at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2002.
Justin Guarini of "American Idol" in 2002.

Matthew Peyton/Getty Images

Guarini placed second to Kelly Clarkson on the show's first season.

The "100 Christmases" sign behind him was a nod to the age of Macy's iconic storefront in Herald Square, which opened in 1902.

2003: Simple Plan rocked out on the M&M float.
Simple Plan posed on an M&M float during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2003.
Simple Plan performed at the parade in 2003.

Matthew Peyton/Getty Images

The band released the singles "Addicted" and "Perfect" in 2003.

2004: A news ticker shared stories about "Desperate Housewives" and the war in Iraq.
Performers on stilts and unicycles at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2004.
People performed on stilts and unicycles at the 2004 parade.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

Performers followed the parade route on stilts and unicycles.

2005: Charlie Brown was part of the fun.
A Charlie Brown balloon was featured in the 2005 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Charlie Brown chased his football in 2005.

Jeff Christensen/AP Photo

The "Peanuts" character chased after his football.

2006: It rained on this parade. Poor Big Bird.
The Big Bird balloon sank to the ground at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2006.
The parade continued as usual despite the rain.

Stephen Chernin/Getty Images

The Big Bird balloon sank to the ground due to inclement weather.

2007: Shrek floated above the city in all of his glory.
A Shrek balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2007.
Shrek was featured in the 2007 parade.

Hiroko Masuike/Getty Images

The third "Shrek" movie, "Shrek the Third," came out in 2007.

2008: Miley Cyrus was at the height of her Disney stardom.
Miley Cyrus waved from a "Bolt" float at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2008.
Miley Cyrus waved and performed on a float for the movie "Bolt."

Yana Paskova/Getty Images

Cyrus appeared on a float for the 2008 animated Disney movie "Bolt," in which she was the voice of Penny. 

2009: Keke Palmer blew a kiss to adoring fans.
Keke Palmer blew a kiss to the crowd at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2009.
Keke Palmer blew a kiss to the crowd in 2009.

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Palmer sang her song "Top of the World" on a Build-A-Bear float. At the time, she was the star of Nickelodeon's "True Jackson, VP."

2010: Miranda Cosgrove rode with the Minions from "Despicable Me."
Miranda Cosgrove at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2010.
Cosgrove and the Minions rode on a float with a model of the Statue of Liberty.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Cosgrove voices Margo in the "Despicable Me" franchise.

2011: Members of the NYPD marched through Times Square.
NYPD officers march in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2011.
NYPD officers in the 2011 parade.

Michael Nagle/Getty Images

Spider-Man followed closely in the background.

2012: US Olympic gymnasts Kyla Ross, Aly Raisman, Jordyn Wieber, McKayla Maroney, and Gabby Douglas of the "Fierce Five" sported their gold medals from the London Olympics.
The Fierce Five (Kyla Ross, Aly Raisman, Jordyn Wieber, McKayla Maroney, and Gabby Douglas) at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2012.
The Fierce Five attended the parade in 2012.

Desiree Navarro/Getty Images

The Fierce Five led Team USA to gold in the team all-around for the first time in more than a decade.

2013: Despite the cold and concerns about the wind, the parade continued as planned.
Performers huddled for warmth at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2013.
It was a cold November.

Kena Betancur/Getty Images

The National Weather Service reported that the high in Central Park that day was 35 degrees. Despite cold temperatures, the New York Daily News reported that 3.5 million people attended the event.

2014: Spider-Man flew past Macy's.
A Spider-Man balloon at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2014.
A Spider-Man balloon flew through the sky in 2014.

Brad Barket/Getty Images

In "The Amazing Spider-Man 2," which was released in 2014, the titular character was played by Andrew Garfield.

2015: A record number of police officers patrolled the parade in the wake of terrorist attacks in Paris.
A Pikachu balloon at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2015 is in the background, while NYPD officers stand in the foreground.
Pikachu floated through Midtown as officers stood by in 2015.

Kena Betancur/Getty Images

For the first time, the parade featured 200 officers from the NYPD Counterterrorism Bureau's Critical Response Command, The New York Times reported.

2016: Macy's celebrated its 90th Thanksgiving Day Parade.
A marching band at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2016. Their drums read, "Macy's 90 Thanksgiving Day Parade."
A marching band assembled in the parade in 2016.

Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images

Marching band drums marked Macy's 90th parade.

2017: The red Power Ranger balloon flew down the streets of New York.
A red Power Ranger balloon at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2017.
Saban's Mighty Morphin Power Ranger balloon in 2017.

Noam Galai/Getty Images for Saban Brands

The balloon handlers wore matching red outfits.

2018: SpongeBob SquarePants flew down the street sporting a Santa hat.
A Spongebob Squarepants balloon was included in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2018. The balloon's handlers wore matching Spongebob outfits.
A SpongeBob SquarePants balloon traveled through New York City in 2018.

Atilgan Ozdil/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Perhaps SpongeBob was paying tribute to the original "Christmas Parade."

2019: Disney's Olaf from "Frozen" made his third consecutive parade appearance after debuting in 2017.
An Olaf balloon at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2019.
An Olaf balloon from "Frozen" was included in 2019's celebration.

Ralph Bavaro/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

"Frozen 2" came out in 2019.

2020: Santa Claus and his elves wore face masks to the parade in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Santa and his elves wore masks at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2020.
There were no crowds at the parade.

Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Macy's Inc.

Despite there being no live crowds, the parade still featured performances from the Goo Goo Dolls, Sofia Carson, CNCO, Pentatonix, and more.

2021: Broadway's cast of "Wicked" performed "One Short Day."
The cast of "Wicked" on Broadway performing "One Short Day."
The cast of "Wicked" at the parade.

Eric Liebowitz/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

Broadway performances have been a parade staple for decades.

2022: NBC has been the parade's official broadcast partner since 1952.
Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb posed while hosting the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC.
Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb hosting the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2022.

Cara Howe/Contributor/NBC via Getty Images

In 2022, NBC's Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker were part of the show.

2023: Pokémon character Pikachu has appeared in every parade since 2001.
Pokémon characters Pikachu and Eevee were featured in the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Pokémon characters Pikachu and Eevee.

Macy's

According to Macy's, each blade on Pikachu and Eevee's Poké Ball sleigh is about the same length as a semi-trailer truck.

2024: This year's parade will include six new balloons and seven new floats.
The Tom Turkey float at the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Macy's star balloon follows behind as crowds of people watch and march with the parade.
The Tom Turkey float will return in 2024.

Macy's

While there will be more than 10 combined new balloons and floats, Macy's still leaves room for the classics like Tom Turkey, which is "the longest running title float in the Parade," according to the brand.

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Photos show how Camp David, the president's private escape, has changed through the years

Ronald Reagan in a lounge chair at Camp David.
Ronald Reagan at Camp David.

Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

  • President Franklin D. Roosevelt turned a Maryland camp into a presidential retreat in 1942.
  • President Dwight Eisenhower changed the name to "Camp David" after his grandson.
  • Subsequent presidents added amenities including a pool, a chapel, and "Golf Cart One."

Located in Maryland's Catoctin Mountains, Camp David serves as an escape for US presidents to unwind away from the White House and meet with world leaders in a more relaxed setting.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the presidential retreat when his preferred vacation, cruises aboard a presidential yacht, became too risky during World War II, according to the White House Historical Association.

Over the years, various presidents have enhanced the rustic mountain getaway with amenities such as a heated pool, a non-denominational chapel, and the president's own "Golf Cart One" to drive around the 180-acre retreat.

Take a look at how Camp David has changed through the years.

Camp David was known as Shangri-La when President Franklin D. Roosevelt established it as a presidential retreat in 1942.
A soldier stands in front of a sign reading Shangri-La, now known as Camp David.
Shangri-La, now known as Camp David.

Byron Rollins/AP

The name "Shangri-La" was the name of a fictional kingdom in the book "The Lost Horizon" by James Hilton.

President Harry Truman had the cabins updated with heating so that Camp David could also function as a winter retreat.
Camp David Aspen Lodge Snow Sledding
Aspen Lodge at Camp David in the winter.

Robert Knudsen/White House Photo/John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

The retreat center was originally built in 1938 as a summer camp for use by government employees as part of The New Deal's Works Progress Administration, so it wasn't equipped for chilly weather.

In 1953, President Dwight Eisenhower changed the name from "Shangri-La" to "Camp David" after his grandson.
A Camp David sign in the woods.
Camp David.

AP

David Eisenhower was 5 years old when his grandfather named the presidential retreat after him. Today, David Eisenhower works as the director of the Institute for Public Service and a lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg School for Communication.

Mamie Eisenhower added the name "Aspen" to the main presidential cabin.
Dwight Eisenhower in front of the Aspen presidential cabin at Camp David.
Dwight Eisenhower with Colombian President Alberto Lleras outside Aspen.

AP

Aspen has four bedrooms, a kitchen, an office, and a patio.

Eisenhower became the first president to travel by helicopter in 1957, so he had a landing site installed at Camp David.
Dwight Eisenhower boards a helicopter in front of the White House.
Dwight Eisenhower with the presidential helicopter on the White House lawn.

AP

The helicopter flight from the White House to Camp David takes around 30 minutes, according to Eisenhower's presidential library.

President Richard Nixon added a swimming pool near the presidential cabin in the 1970s.
The swimming pool at Camp David.
The swimming pool at Camp David during Richard Nixon's presidency.

Nixon Library

There is also a second pool further out on the grounds.

Nixon also had the gravel paths paved to make it easier to drive around on golf carts.
Camp David in 1973.
Camp David in 1973.

Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

Camp David measures 180 acres and includes miles of walking trails through the Catoctin Mountains.

Camp David served as the setting for groundbreaking diplomatic agreements such as President Jimmy Carter's Camp David Accords in 1978.
Menachem Begin, Jimmy Carter, and Anwar Sadat at Camp David.
President Anwar Sadat of Egypt, President Jimmy Carter, and Prime Minister Menachem Begin of Israel at Camp David.

Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

President Jimmy Carter convened Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at Camp David in 1978, where the leaders negotiated a peace treaty between the two countries.

During Carter's presidency, Camp David interiors featured plaid couches and wicker chairs.
Jimmy Carter at Camp David.
Camp David during Jimmy Carter's presidency.

HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Plaid and wicker furniture were popular decor trends in the 1970s.

Presidents who gave weekly radio addresses did so from the presidential office in Laurel Lodge.
Bill Clinton reads his radio address at Camp David.
Bill Clinton at Camp David.

The White House/Getty Images

FDR was the first US president to deliver fireside chats over the radio in 1933. Reagan brought them back in 1982, and every president since has continued the tradition except for President-elect Donald Trump, who stopped recording weekly addresses about two years into his first term.

Ronald Reagan designed Easter Chapel, a non-denominational space that opened during George H.W. Bush's presidency.
The Bush family in the chapel at Camp David.
The Bush family in Evergreen Chapel at Camp David.

Eric Draper/White House via Getty Images

Reagan held a groundbreaking ceremony for the chapel at Camp David in 1988, and George H.W. Bush dedicated the space during his presidency in 1991.

George H.W. Bush revisited the chapel to celebrate Easter in 2006 during the presidency of his son, President George W. Bush.

Golf carts have long been the vehicle of choice to get around Camp David.
George W. Bush drives a golf cart at Camp David.
George W. Bush on Gold Cart One.

Mark Wilson/Getty Images

President George W. Bush had a placard made for his golf cart labeling it "Golf Cart One," a reference to Air Force One. He drove it during visits to Camp David in 2006, 2007, and 2008.

President Barack Obama hosted the G8 Summit in Laurel Cabin in 2012.
Barack Obama meets with world leaders in the Laurel Cabin at Camp David.
World leaders at the G8 Summit at Camp David.

Pete Souza/The White House via Getty Images

Leaders from the UK, Russia, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada, and France joined Obama at Camp David in 2012 to discuss the European debt crisis.

He also took advantage of the pool table in Holly Cabin.
Barack Obama Pool Camp David
Barack Obama in Holly Cabin at Camp David.

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

Camp David also has a bowling alley and a movie theater.

President Donald Trump only made occasional visits to Camp David and seemed to prefer his own luxurious residences.
Donald Trump receives a briefing in Camp David.
Donald Trump with senior White House staff at Camp David.

Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead

Trump described Camp David as "very rustic" and told reporters in 2017 that they would tire of it after 30 minutes.

He spent more time at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, which became known as his "winter White House."

Camp David features more modern decor today.
Joe Biden at Camp David.
Joe Biden at Camp David.

Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz

The wicker dining set and plaid couches have been replaced with sleek leather chairs and recessed lighting.

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