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3win WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that he will nominate former White House aide Brooke Rollins to be his agriculture secretary, the last of his picks to lead executive agencies and another choice from within his established circle of advisers and allies. The nomination must be confirmed by the Senate, which will be controlled by Republicans when Trump takes office Jan. 20. Rollins would succeed Tom Vilsack , President Joe Biden’s agriculture secretary who oversees the sprawling agency that controls policies, regulations and aid programs related to farming, forestry, ranching, food quality and nutrition. Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. Rollins previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. The pick completes Trump’s selection of the heads of executive branch departments, just two and a half weeks after the former president won the White House once again. Several other picks that are traditionally Cabinet-level remain, including U.S. Trade Representative and head of the small business administration. Rollins, speaking on the Christian talk show “Family Talk" earlier this year, said Trump was an “amazing boss” and confessed that she thought in 2015, during his first presidential campaign, that he would not last as a candidate in a crowded Republican primary field. “I was the person that said, ‘Oh, Donald Trump is not going to go more than two or three weeks in the Republican primary. This is to up his TV show ratings. And then we’ll get back to normal,’” she said. “Fast forward a couple of years, and I am running his domestic policy agenda.” Trump didn’t offer many specifics about his agriculture policies during the campaign, but farmers could be affected if he carries out his pledge to impose widespread tariffs. During the first Trump administration, countries like China responded to Trump’s tariffs by imposing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports like the corn and soybeans routinely sold overseas. Trump countered by offering massive multibillion-dollar aid to farmers to help them weather the trade war. President Abraham Lincoln founded the USDA in 1862, when about half of all Americans lived on farms. The USDA oversees multiple support programs for farmers; animal and plant health; and the safety of meat, poultry and eggs that anchor the nation’s food supply. Its federal nutrition programs provide food to low-income people, pregnant women and young children. And the agency sets standards for school meals. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, has vowed to strip ultraprocessed foods from school lunches and to stop allowing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program beneficiaries from using food stamps to buy soda, candy or other so-called junk foods. But it would be the USDA, not HHS, that would be responsible for enacting those changes. In addition, HHS and USDA will work together to finalize the 2025-2030 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. They are due late next year, with guidance for healthy diets and standards for federal nutrition programs. Gomez Licon reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Associated Press writers Josh Funk and JoNel Aleccia contributed to this report.Celebrated filmmaker Prakash Jha captivated audiences at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa as he delved into the nuances of his latest film, ‘Amar Aaj Marega’. Known for his gripping narratives and socially charged cinema, Jha described the film as a deeply relatable exploration of a pivotal human experience. “The story of ‘Amar’ is timeless,” Jha shared during an interaction with ANI. “At some point, everyone feels they’ve reached a breaking point where life needs reevaluation. This film reflects that universal sentiment.” Directed by Rajat K, ‘Amar Aaj Marega’ was unveiled at IFFI on November 24, garnering attention for its dark humor and layered storytelling. Advertisement Jha praised the director’s vision, saying, “Rajat’s approach to the narrative is unique. He’s infused humor into dark themes, creating a rich tapestry of emotions. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore such a complex character on screen.” Confident in the film’s impact, Prakash Jha added, “It’s a powerful story that will resonate with audiences. The film is not only well-made but also highly relatable.” Jha, who boasts an illustrious career with National Award-winning works such as ‘Damul’, ‘Mrityudand’, ‘Gangaajal’, ‘Apaharan’, and ‘Raajneeti’, also hinted at exciting projects in the pipeline. He revealed plans for a third installment in the ‘Gangaajal’ series and a sequel to the political drama ‘Raajneeti’. “Political narratives have evolved significantly over the last decade,” he explained. “We’re weaving these changes into compelling stories. However, my current focus is on ‘Janadesh’.” Meanwhile, IFFI 2024 continues to shine as a global cinematic platform, showcasing over 180 films from 81 countries. The festival includes 16 world premieres, 43 Asian premieres, and 109 Indian premieres. This year’s edition also features a heartfelt tribute to Indian cinema icons Raj Kapoor, Tapan Sinha, Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), and Mohammed Rafi, marking their 100th birth anniversaries. Running until November 28, IFFI 2024 offers an unparalleled celebration of storytelling, innovation, and cultural diversity. Advertisement

Dear Eric: I have an ongoing disagreement with my very polite and well-mannered husband. When we enter a venue together, he opens the door/elevator door to let me through and then holds the door so that at least two or three people and sometimes large groups can walk in ahead of him. He then follows them, and I am significantly ahead of him. Therefore, I often stand off to the side/wait or move forward/wait. For example, I often wait for a while at the hostess stand of a restaurant while he makes his way there. I would appreciate standing next to him as we enter. Should courtesy require getting the door/holding the elevator door open for strangers or moving forward with his wife so we can enter together? — Manners Dear Manners: His politeness is so extreme that it’s come around to being impolite back to you. One wonders how far he’s willing to take this. At a certain point, one stops being a random nice man and becomes a restaurant’s volunteer doorman. If he won’t stop holding the door to groups following you, you can decline to enter without him, stand next to him as he holds the door, and you could both become restaurant doormen together. Perhaps this act of polite “solidarity” will show him the mannerliness of moderation. Dear Eric: I play Mahjong with senior citizens several times a week at a local Barnes & Noble. One day our group needed two tables, and one table had stuff sitting on it, along with a backpack on the floor with no one around. I moved it to the table right next to it because we needed that specific size table and there were many other open tables around us. When the young man finally came back, he then told me it was rude to touch his stuff. Many of the ladies agreed with him, so I wonder if I was wrong. But the way I look at it is, you can’t expect someone to save a table and then walk around for an hour and expect no one to want the table. Also, I have come many times early and sat at a table to “reserve” it and never left my stuff on it expecting no one to move it if they needed the table. What do you think? — Game Play Rules Dear Rules: I think you shouldn’t have touched another person’s belongings. Coffee shops, bookstores and spaces where we gather can be catch-as-catch-can when it comes to seating. But the general rule is that if your stuff is on the table, it means you intend to come back to it in the place you left it. Your need for the table didn’t supersede his need. It would’ve been better to make-do with another table until he returned, then ask him to move. Dear Eric: One of my neighbors and I have been taking a long walk (about five miles) on most Saturday mornings since the pandemic. Recently, another woman, who also lives in the neighborhood, has expressed a desire to join us. We have both decided that we don’t enjoy this woman’s company enough to spend a couple of hours with her on a weekly basis. Any ideas what we might say to her that would not be cruel but would get the message across? — Walk Off Dear Walk Off: As this is a tradition that goes back a few years, it’s fair to tell the third neighbor that you and your friend have come to appreciate this special time together and would prefer to preserve it. Sure, it could come off as cliquish, but you’re not obligated to respond to every person who invites themselves into your plans. Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox!Trump taps Rollins as agriculture chief, completing proposed slate of Cabinet secretaries

has finally hit theaters and it's leaving some fans up in arms about its shaky plotline. Helmed by "Gladiator" director Ridley Scott, the movie stars Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen, Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal and is a follow up to the first "Gladiator" film that came out in 2000. The sequel follows Mescal's character, Lucius, who becomes a gladiator after he is taken prisoner and forced to work into the Colosseum. While winning battles for Macrinus (Washington), a well-connected Roman businessman, Lucius learns his family's history and is inspired to help Rome return to its former glory. The film was released on Friday, Nov. 22, and has a total run time of 2 hours and 28 minutes. According to , "Gladiator II" has a projected domestic opening weekend of $60 million and in the international box office arena, making it the biggest international R-rated opening weekend for Paramount Pictures. While the box office stats appear to be doing well for the sequel to the Oscar-winning film, on social media fans had mixed reactions. Some applauded the film, calling it and Others were a bit more dramatic with , “Just watched gladiator 2 and suddenly life is worth living again.” Another shared they were in tears over the film. While some felt the new film was a great follow up to the first, others on X felt differently. Some noted that "Gladiator II" just couldn't . "If you love Gladiator 1, Don’t watch Gladiator 2," . added their analysis: "While Gladiator 2 is not bad at all, it suffers from a comparison to that masterpiece that Scott directed in 2000. The first Gladiator was pure Cinema from start to finish, where the fantastic performances and visuals were complimented by an heartfelt story and a glorious score." shared their thoughts, calling "Gladiator" a "MASTERPIECE," but "Gladiator II" a "sword-and-sandals action flick you’ll forget about next week." A few questioned the film's plot with with a "forced script that didn’t add to the story in any meaningful way." Another added that they of the film. that the film's plot had nothing to with Lucius storyline, sharing a meme that read, "Me; “I’m watching Gladiator 2 for the plot,” before adding a shirtless photo of Paul Mescal next to a photo of Pedro Pascal with the headline, "The plot;" Though the social media reactions to "Gladiator II" varied online, there seemed to be an overwhelming consensus about one thing: Denzel Washington made it worth the watch. "GLADIATOR II is okay. Mescal is fine, as is everyone else," before adding, "The real star, as you’ve probably heard, is Denzel Washington, delivering one of his most magnetic performances. His contagious, electrifying presence goes a long way in elevating a painfully by-the-numbers movie." Another person predicted that Washington would get an Oscar nod for his performance. "Not going to lie I can’t stop thinking of Denzel’s performance in Gladiator 2. He has an Oscar with his name written on it," the person wrote in part. Others had similar , with one even joking that the Oscar winner . Joyann Jeffrey is a trending news reporter based in New York CityNo. 11 Tennessee crushes UTEP to enhance CFP chances

Dear Eric: I have an ongoing disagreement with my very polite and well-mannered husband. When we enter a venue together, he opens the door/elevator door to let me through and then holds the door so that at least two or three people and sometimes large groups can walk in ahead of him. He then follows them, and I am significantly ahead of him. Therefore, I often stand off to the side/wait or move forward/wait. For example, I often wait for a while at the hostess stand of a restaurant while he makes his way there. I would appreciate standing next to him as we enter. Should courtesy require getting the door/holding the elevator door open for strangers or moving forward with his wife so we can enter together? — Manners Dear Manners: His politeness is so extreme that it’s come around to being impolite back to you. One wonders how far he’s willing to take this. At a certain point, one stops being a random nice man and becomes a restaurant’s volunteer doorman. If he won’t stop holding the door to groups following you, you can decline to enter without him, stand next to him as he holds the door, and you could both become restaurant doormen together. Perhaps this act of polite “solidarity” will show him the mannerliness of moderation. Dear Eric: I play Mahjong with senior citizens several times a week at a local Barnes & Noble. One day our group needed two tables, and one table had stuff sitting on it, along with a backpack on the floor with no one around. I moved it to the table right next to it because we needed that specific size table and there were many other open tables around us. When the young man finally came back, he then told me it was rude to touch his stuff. Many of the ladies agreed with him, so I wonder if I was wrong. But the way I look at it is, you can’t expect someone to save a table and then walk around for an hour and expect no one to want the table. Also, I have come many times early and sat at a table to “reserve” it and never left my stuff on it expecting no one to move it if they needed the table. What do you think? — Game Play Rules Dear Rules: I think you shouldn’t have touched another person’s belongings. Coffee shops, bookstores and spaces where we gather can be catch-as-catch-can when it comes to seating. But the general rule is that if your stuff is on the table, it means you intend to come back to it in the place you left it. Your need for the table didn’t supersede his need. It would’ve been better to make-do with another table until he returned, then ask him to move. Dear Eric: One of my neighbors and I have been taking a long walk (about five miles) on most Saturday mornings since the pandemic. Recently, another woman, who also lives in the neighborhood, has expressed a desire to join us. We have both decided that we don’t enjoy this woman’s company enough to spend a couple of hours with her on a weekly basis. Any ideas what we might say to her that would not be cruel but would get the message across? — Walk Off Dear Walk Off: As this is a tradition that goes back a few years, it’s fair to tell the third neighbor that you and your friend have come to appreciate this special time together and would prefer to preserve it. Sure, it could come off as cliquish, but you’re not obligated to respond to every person who invites themselves into your plans. Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Jeremy Clarkson backpedals on previous claim he bought farm for tax reasons