Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 217
February 5, 2025
First Valentine’s Day together? Here’s how to find the right gift
If you’re in a new relationship, you probably feel excited to share Valentine’s Day with a significant other and are likely eager to express your feelings with a special gift. Choosing a present that pairs well with the time frame you’ve been together leaves the right impression, but it can be challenging to decide on the perfect item.
To help you choose, we’ve put together a guide with gift suggestions for various phases in a relationship that’s less than a year old.
Valentine’s Day gifts for different phases of a new relationshipDating less than 3 monthsCelebrating Valentine’s Day together can be hard when your relationship is this new. To better understand your partner’s expectations, it’s important to talk about how they usually celebrate the day and to find out how much emphasis they place on it.
The usual chocolates or flowers can work here, as will a date night in, to take some of the pressure off. A small gift that shows them you care without coming on too strong is a good choice.
Mina Victory Shag Heart Throw Pillow
This heart pillow is simple, but it conveys the warm thoughts you have for your newly found companion. It’s also an affordable way to give a special gift on the holiday of love.
Barnett’s Chocolate Biscotti Cookies
Made with quality ingredients, including delicious chocolate, Barnett’s biscotti cookies make an excellent treat for Valentine’s Day or any occasion. They are a nice alternative to traditional boxes of chocolates.
Gloveleya Valentine’s Day Plush Teddy Bear
Teddy bears are hard to resist, especially this smiling cutie that can help you deliver a heartfelt message on Feb. 14.
Dating 3-6 monthsAt this point in the relationship, you likely know a solid amount about the other person, and you should be able to put a little more thought into your partner’s gift. Whether it’s a gift based on an inside joke, a particular interest, their favorite dessert or something traditional, use your judgment to find a gift that’s meaningful yet reasonably priced.
Godiva Chocolatier Valentine’s Day Assorted Chocolate Gift Box
Who can resist chocolate for Valentine’s Day? These chocolates are crafted by a celebrated chocolatier, and they’re a delicious gift for a relationship that’s progressing past the 3-month point.
The Bouqs Co. Valentine’s Day Arrangement
Flowers are classic for Valentine’s Day. This beautiful arrangement of roses, carnations and alstroemeria is the perfect way to show your partner you appreciate them.
A Gift Inside Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Strawberries and chocolate are a win-win. This pack of chocolate-covered strawberries shows how much you care and that you thought about something as sweet as them when you picked this special gift.
Dating 6-9 monthsOnce you’ve been dating for over 6 months, you should know what your partner likes and doesn’t. Are they a practical person? Do they love splurging? It’s best to base your gift on their personality rather than sticking to traditional Valentine’s Day rules.
Feel free to shop for sentimental gifts at this point in the relationship, as well as those that celebrate your special moments. Letting them know you’ve paid attention to the time you’ve spent together and that you’re looking forward to the future is important at this stage.
Since you’re looking forward to new experiences and celebrating old ones, sentimental gifts like this ticket stub diary are thoughtful. It’s designed to hold ticket stubs and other keepsakes from the memorable times you share together.
Something elegant like a high-end perfume isn’t too sentimental but is great for this stage of your relationship. It shows you’re invested in your partner’s likes and dislikes when it comes to personal things like a signature fragrance.
If your Valentine loves gaming, give them something they’ll not only love but will love you for thinking of. This NES Classic gaming system will spark fond childhood memories.
Simple yet stylish, this pair of natural stone bracelets shows that you were thinking of your new relationship when you shopped for Valentine’s Day. Drop your favorite essential oils on the lava rocks for a pleasant all-day scent.
Dating 9-12 monthsIf it’s your first Valentine’s Day and you’re coming up on a year of being together, the stakes are slightly higher. You’ll want to impress your partner and search for a gift that not only shows how much you care but also shows you’re planning to spend the near future with them.
Gifts don’t necessarily need to cost more at this stage, but they should mean more. A piece of jewelry, an experience (think concert or sports tickets) or a shared class together shows you’re invested in them and want to nurture the relationship.
One Year of Love Couple’s Game
After almost a year together, the One Year of Love game is sure to entertain. It’s a card game that includes fun ideas for couples and date night suggestions that will inspire new adventures as you embark on another year together.
Pavoi 14-Karat Gold-Plated Opal Necklace
This minimalist necklace is understated and attractive and comes in two different colors and a choice of four shapes that they’ll absolutely love.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera
This Fujifilm camera is inspiring for someone who loves documenting memories and likes the idea of having traditional photographs that appear with the touch of a button. It’s available in several fun colors, too.
PlayMakar MVP+ Percussion Massage Gun
Percussive therapy is trending for its ability to relieve pain and tension. When we tested the MVP+ Percussion Massage Gun, we were impressed with the results. Giving this device as a Valentine’s Day gift will show that you’ve been thinking of your love’s well-being.
Anne Klein Women’s Bracelet and Watch Set
Show how you really feel with a gift that will have them smiling and thinking of you every time they glance at it. This Anne Klein bracelet and watch set is elegant and versatile, which makes it as special as your 1-year partnership.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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Must-have pizza stones for home chefs
Whether you like pineapple or anchovies as a topping, making pizza from scratch is a fun and satisfying way to get your perfect pie every time. It’s also cheaper and usually healthier than pizza delivery or restaurant pizza.
While you could just use a regular baking sheet to cook your pizza, using a pizza stone is superior because it produces an evenly baked and crispy crust, just like your favorite pizzeria. For a versatile pizza stone that’s a favorite among professional chefs, the Heritage Black Ceramic Pizza Stone is our top pick.
What to know before you buy a pizza stoneHow a pizza stone worksA pizza stone mimics the effect of a traditional brick pizza oven, primarily by absorbing large amounts of heat and spreading it evenly across the entire surface. The porous material of the pizza stone can draw water out of the dough, resulting in a dish that’s evenly cooked and crispy. If you preheat your pizza stone, the burst of extreme heat can also make the dough puffier.
How to use a pizza stone 
First, preheat the oven with your pizza stone already inside. Once the oven is ready, slide your pizza onto the stone with a pizza peel. Cook the pizza until the cheese is bubbling and the crust begins to turn a golden brown. Once it’s ready, remove the cooked pizza from the stone and wait for it to cool!
Tips for using a pizza stoneDon’t add cold dough to a hot pizza stone. This can sometimes cause a thermal shock that can crack the stone’s surface. Wait for your crust to become room temperature, or microwave it for 30 seconds.You can use a pizza stone as a replacement for a traditional baking pan. Try using the extreme heat provided by the stone to bake bread or roast vegetables.If you bake pizzas often, some users recommend leaving your pizza stone in the oven at all times. That prevents the risk of breaking the stone or causing thermal shock.Pizza stones are usually rather porous, so avoid using the platform to prepare any dishes with high amounts of oil or water.What to look for in a quality pizza stoneMaterialsDespite their name, pizza stones can be constructed from a wide variety of materials. Just like stone, many of these alternative materials are great at retaining heat and absorbing moisture.
Clay: Perhaps the most traditional material used for pizza stones is lead-free clay, which produces a crispy crust but takes a long time to preheat.Ceramic: This material absorbs heat quickly and easily but is more fragile than other pizza stone types.Cast iron: You shouldn’t heat this heavy metal beyond 400 degrees Fahrenheit, but it’s a particularly durable and versatile material.Cordierite: This mineral is extremely durable and can absorb massive amounts of heat. It’s also commonly used for pizza stones because it’s resistant to thermal shock.Pizza peelMany pizza stones come with a special tool called a pizza peel. Resembling a large spatula with a wide end, this simple tool is typically made of wood and the easiest way to insert and remove a pizza from the oven.
How much you can expect to spend on a pizza stoneThe price of a pizza stone can vary depending on the size of the stone and the quality of the materials used. Most consumers can expect to spend $20-$50 for a mid-tier stone, with high-end platforms costing up to $200.
Pizza stone FAQDo I need to wash my pizza stone?A. Just like a cast-iron skillet, pizza stones shouldn’t be washed after each use. Simply use a slightly wet brush to scrape the surface of your stone. Avoid soap and excessive water, as the stone can absorb these, affecting the flavor of your pizza.
Can I put a pizza stone on a grill?A. Yes! Pizza stones heat up exceptionally well when placed on a grill, just like the brick ovens in professional pizzerias.
What’s the best pizza stone to buy?Top pizza stone 
Heritage Black Ceramic Pizza Stone
What you need to know: This popular stone heats up extremely fast and comes with a free-wheeled pizza cutter.
What you’ll love: Made from ceramic with a durable cordierite coating, this pizza stone preheats twice as fast as similar products and is completely resistant to grease and burns. The nonstick glaze means you can use this stone again and again without any issues.
What you should consider: Although this stone is popular, some users are confused by the maintenance instructions.
Top pizza stone for the money
What you need to know: This glazed pizza stone is affordable and great for baking restaurant-style pizzas.
What you’ll love: The product is made with cordierite, which means you can cut the pizza directly on the surface. It heats up quickly and cooks pizzas evenly.
What you should consider: Some users feel this pizza stone is particularly fragile.
Worth checking out 
Honey-Can-Do Old Stone Rectangular Baking Stone
What you need to know: This large, rectangular pizza stone uses the same old stone material as traditional brick ovens.
What you’ll love: The rectangular shape is convenient for larger pizzas, and the stone is made from durable, lead-free clay that absorbs heat and distributes it evenly. This stone also features a raised-edge design, so it’s much easier to remove from the oven.
What you should consider: It’s too heavy for some users to easily maneuver, while a few others report a distinct chemical smell.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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Superstar rapper set to tip off NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco
Here’s your chance to see Chance.
And, yes, we’re talking about the Rapper.
Chance the Rapper will be tipping off the NBA All-Star Weekend festivities in a musical fashion as he headlines the NBA on TNT American Express Road Show on Feb. 13.
The show takes place at Pier 48 — not far away from where the Golden State Warriors will be hosting the NBA All-Star Game itself on Feb. 16 at Chase Center in San Francisco.
Hailing from Chicago, Chance the Rapper rose to mainstream fame with the release of the mixtape “Acid Rap” in 2013. The follow-up mixtape, 2016’s “Coloring Book,” was a smash hit that peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard 200. It also became the first mixtape to win a Grammy — in this case for best rap album — in 2017. That same year, Chance the Rapper took home the best new artist trophy.
The event will also feature TNT’s Inside the NBA studio team of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal, who will be providing live pre-game/halftime/postgame coverage of Oklahoma City Thunder/Minnesota Timberwolves game that same night. There will also be other basketball-related attractions.
Doors open at 3:30 p.m. PT.
For details and to access free tickets (while supplies last), visit https://bit.ly/nbaontntroadshowsanfran.
Pier 48 is also hosting the NBA All-Star Weekend Concert Series Feb. 14-16, featuring Noah Kahan — who is headlining BottleRock Napa Valley as well — and other acts.
Senate confirms Pam Bondi as US attorney general, putting Trump ally at Justice Department’s helm
By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and STEPHEN GROVES
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed Pam Bondi as U.S. attorney general Tuesday evening, putting a longtime ally of Donald Trump at the helm of a Justice Department that has already been rattled by the firings of career employees seen as disloyal to the Republican president.
Related ArticlesNational Politics | Trump picks former chief entangled in ‘Sharpiegate’ to lead NOAA National Politics | In Trump’s quest to close the Education Department, Congress and his own agenda may get in the way National Politics | Still locked out of federal funding, several Head Start preschools may need to close temporarily National Politics | Democrats confront limits of their power in bid to stop Trump and Musk National Politics | Families and doctors sue over Trump’s order to halt funding for gender-affirming care The vote fell almost entirely along party lines, with only Sen. John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, joining with all Republicans to pass her confirmation 54-46.
Bondi, a former Florida attorney general and corporate lobbyist, is expected to oversee a radical reshaping of the department that has been the target of Trump’s ire over the criminal cases it brought against him. She enters with the FBI, which she will oversee, in turmoil over the scrutiny of agents involved in investigations related to the president, who has made clear his desire to seek revenge on his perceived adversaries.
Republicans have praised Bondi as a highly qualified leader they contend will bring much-needed change to a department they believe unfairly pursued Trump through investigations resulting in two indictments.
“Pam Bondi has promised to get the department back to its core mission: prosecuting crime and protecting Americans from threats to their safety and their freedoms,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D.
But Bondi has faced intense scrutiny over her close relationship with the president, who during his term fired an FBI director who refused to pledge loyalty to him and forced out an attorney general who recused himself from the Justice Department’s investigation into potential ties between Russia and his 2016 presidential campaign.
While Bondi has sought to reassure Democrats that politics would play no part in her decision-making, she also refused at her confirmation hearing last month to rule potential investigations into Trump’s adversaries. And she has repeated Trump’s claims that the prosecutions against him amounted to political persecution, saying the Justice Department “had been weaponized for years and years and years, and it’s got to stop.”
Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., praised Bondi as “accomplished and competent” but said his “grave concern is really about President Trump and what he is clearly demanding.”
“That clearly is a loyalty oath to him as opposed to a demand for straightforward, candid advice, including if the president is asking for something to be done like the prosecution of a political adversary,” Welch said.
Bondi’s confirmation vote came just hours after FBI agents sued the Justice Department over efforts to develop a list of employees involved in the Jan. 6 prosecutions, which agents fear could be a precursor to mass firings.
Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove last week ordered the acting FBI director to provide the names, titles and offices of all FBI employees who worked on the Jan. 6 cases — which Trump has described as a “grave national injustice.” Bove, who defended Trump in his criminal cases before joining the administration, said Justice Department officials would carry out a “review process to determine whether any additional personnel actions are necessary.”
Justice Department officials have also recently forced out senior FBI executives, fired prosecutors on special counsel Jack Smith’s team who investigated Trump and terminated a group of prosecutors in the D.C. U.S. attorney’s office who were hired to help with the massive Jan. 6 investigation.
Bondi repeatedly stressed at her confirmation hearing that she would not pursue anyone for political reasons, and vowed that the public, not the president, would be her client. But her answers at times echoed Trump’s campaign rhetoric about a politicized justice system.
“They targeted Donald Trump,” Bondi told lawmakers. “They went after him — actually starting back in 2016, they targeted his campaign. They have launched countless investigations against him.” She added, “If I am attorney general, I will not politicize that office.”
Trump nominated Bondi for attorney general after it became clear that his initial pick, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, could not win enough support from Republican senators to be confirmed.
Bondi has been a fixture in Trump’s orbit for years, and a regular defender of the president-elect on news programs amid his legal woes. In a 2023 Fox News appearance, she suggested that “bad” Justice Department prosecutors would be investigated under the Trump administration.
“The investigators will be investigated,” she said.
Smith has said politics played no part in his decisions and the evidence his team gathered was sufficient for Trump to have been convicted at trial on charges of scheming to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Smith dropped that case and a separate one charging Trump with illegally hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, after Trump’s election win in November, citing longstanding Justice Department policy prohibiting criminal cases against a sitting president.
Trump picks former chief entangled in ‘Sharpiegate’ to lead NOAA
By SETH BORENSTEIN
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has nominated Neil Jacobs to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, turning to the man who was his acting NOAA chief in 2019 when Trump altered an expected hurricane impact map in what became known as the “Sharpiegate” scandal.
Related ArticlesNational Politics | Senate confirms Pam Bondi as US attorney general, putting Trump ally at Justice Department’s helm National Politics | In Trump’s quest to close the Education Department, Congress and his own agenda may get in the way National Politics | Still locked out of federal funding, several Head Start preschools may need to close temporarily National Politics | Democrats confront limits of their power in bid to stop Trump and Musk National Politics | Families and doctors sue over Trump’s order to halt funding for gender-affirming care After Alabama meteorologists had contradicted an earlier Trump tweet warning of Alabama being in a storm’s path, the Jacobs-led agency chastised them. That eventually drew criticism of Jacobs and his political higher-ups in a Department of Commerce inspector general’s report on Sharpiegate.
NOAA oversees the National Weather Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, the National Ocean Service and other offices. Along with many other federal agencies, NOAA was targeted in Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for change in a second Trump administration. That document called to “break up NOAA,” criticizing the agency as “one of the main drivers of the climate change alarm industry.”
Jacobs is a scientist at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, where he has spearheaded efforts to for weather and climate into a single system. He was chief atmospheric scientist at Panasonic Avionics Corporation and is a fellow at the American Meteorological Society.
His appointment was first reported by Axios.
In 2019, when Hurricane Dorian was bearing down on the U.S. East Coast, forecasters at the National Hurricane Center gave it a zero or minimal chance of hitting Alabama. But then-President Trump tweeted the state “will most likely be hit (much) harder than anticipated.”
Forecasters in Birmingham, Alabama, tweeted that ”Alabama will NOT see any impacts from #Dorian.” They said they didn’t know about the president’s tweet at the time and were responding to worried residents.
Dorian never made landfall in the United States, skirting the coast of North Carolina, and had no major impact on Alabama, about 600 miles (965 kilometers) away.
Three days after Dorian’s landfall, President Trump displayed an earlier National Hurricane Center warning map that had been altered with a black marker to include Alabama in the potential path of the storm. The president is known for his use of Sharpies.
FILE – President Donald Trump talks with reporters after receiving a briefing on Hurricane Dorian in the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington on Sept. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)Political back-and-forth went on for days, often in the early hours of the morning, according to the inspector general’s report. That included one text at 1:08 a.m. that said the Commerce secretary wanted “a chronology of who said what about Alabama from first briefing to the last,” followed by a 2:30 a.m. phone call to Jacobs that went unanswered. A Jacobs aide sent a 3:48 a.m. email with a chronology.
Jacobs told the inspector general that “things went crazy in the middle of the night” and that when he woke up to read all the messages his “anxiety level went through the roof.” He said some of the suggested statements from his bosses “doesn’t sound like something I want my name on.”
The next day, Jacobs’ agency issued an unsigned statement saying the Birmingham weather office’s statements “were inconsistent with probabilities from the best forecast products available at the time.”
Days later, Jacobs went to a meteorologists convention in Alabama and, appearing almost in tears, thanked the criticized Birmingham forecasters, saying “No one’s job is under threat — not mine, not yours.”
He later added: “Weather should not be a partisan issue. I’ve known some of you for 25 years. I haven’t changed. I’m the same Neil I was last Thursday,” referring to the day before the NOAA statement was issued.
The Commerce Department’s watchdog agency blasted agency and department leaders over Sharpiegate, saying they “unnecessarily rebuked NWS forecasters for issuing a public safety message about Hurricane Dorian in response to public inquiries — that is, for doing their jobs.”
A 2020 outside report from a group of academics was also critical of Jacobs over the incident. At the time, NOAA’s acting chief scientist, Craig McLean, criticized the lack of discipline against Jacobs and his communications chief.
“While there may be found causes of sympathy for the oppressed and meek subordinates of domineering autocratic ogres, I hardly can find sympathy in this scintilla of an argument for clemency,” McLean wrote. “If not the single highest person in NOAA, who will stand for the Scientific Integrity of the agency and the trust our public needs to invest in our scientific process and products?”
Despite that history, Jacobs drew support last month from several weather professionals at the American Meteorological Society meeting in New Orleans. They told The Associated Press they hoped Trump would bring Jacobs back to lead NOAA, especially compared to some other rumored choices.
“I think the Neil Jacobs appointment is a strong pick,” Victor Gensini, a professor of meteorology at the Northern Illinois University said.
Jacobs also attended the convention. In a session about his main project — the unified weather forecast system — he recounted to his fellow meteorologists how he had testified a few years earlier at a congressional hearing on a bill reauthorizing NOAA.
Jacobs said then that there was bipartisan support for what the meteorologists were doing.
“All they did was say how awesome it is, how important weather forecasting is for the country,” Jacobs said. “If you read the news and don’t watch that (hearing) you wouldn’t believe that ever happens in D.C.”
The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
In Trump’s quest to close the Education Department, Congress and his own agenda may get in the way
By COLLIN BINKLEY and BIANCA VÁZQUEZ TONESS
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is preparing to gut the U.S. Education Department to the full extent of his power, directing his administration to slash spending while pressuring employees to quit. Yet his promise to close the department is colliding with another reality: Most of its spending — and its very existence — is ordered by Congress.
Related ArticlesNational Politics | Senate confirms Pam Bondi as US attorney general, putting Trump ally at Justice Department’s helm National Politics | Trump picks former chief entangled in ‘Sharpiegate’ to lead NOAA National Politics | Still locked out of federal funding, several Head Start preschools may need to close temporarily National Politics | Democrats confront limits of their power in bid to stop Trump and Musk National Politics | Families and doctors sue over Trump’s order to halt funding for gender-affirming care An executive order in preparation by the White House appears to recognize the limits of the president’s power. The planned order would direct his education chief to start winding down the agency but urge Congress to pass a measure abolishing it, according to sources familiar with the plan.
At a White House press conference Tuesday, Trump quipped about the first task for Linda McMahon, his nominee for education secretary.
“I want Linda to put herself out of a job,” Trump said.
Trump campaigned on a pledge to close the department, saying it has been infiltrated by “radicals, zealots and Marxists.” In the nearly five decades since the agency was created, conservatives have made occasional attempts to shut it down, with critics saying it wastes taxpayer money and inserts the federal government into local education decisions.
Trump is expected to give his education chief a deadline to deliver a plan for the agency’s winddown. Yet even some of his allies question how far he can go without Congress. Some of the department’s most significant programs are required by federal legislation, including Title I money for low-income schools and federal student loans.
That was a source of frustration during Trump’s first term in office, when his education chief repeatedly sought budget cuts but instead saw Congress increase the agency’s spending each year.
What’s more, Trump’s quest to shut down the department could be complicated by his own agenda. Already, he has created new work for the department, including plans to promote “patriotic” education and efforts to go after schools that teach controversial lessons on race and gender. The agency also has opened new investigations into colleges, after Trump ordered a crackdown on campus antisemitism.
What Trump can actually do to cut spending could be limited to tiny fractions of the budget, according to one source with knowledge of the plan. It would hardly dent the department’s $79 billion annual budget.
The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the plan publicly.
Getting support from Congress would provide another test of Trump’s sway. Some Republicans have raised doubts about the popularity of closing the department or slashing its programs, which support Republican and Democratic states alike.
The House considered amending a bill to close the agency in 2023, but 60 Republicans joined Democrats in opposing it. Last week Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Kentucky, against introduced legislation to close the agency. The one-sentence proposal said the Education Department “shall terminate on December 31, 2026.”
Yet there are signs that Trump is determined to deliver his promise.
Dozens of Education Department employees were put on paid leave on Friday in response to an executive order banning diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the federal government. Most of the workers don’t work in DEI but had taken an optional diversity course promoted by the department, according to a union that represents department staff. Trump’s order called for government DEI officials to be fired to the “maximum extent allowed by law.”
The White House has also pressured federal workers to quit. Education Department workers were among those who received an offer to leave their jobs by Feb. 6 and receive a buyout worth seven months of salary.
A fresh wave of angst enveloped the agency when a team from Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency showed up at the department’s offices this week. An Education Department spokesperson confirmed a team was on site Monday but did not provide details on the nature of its work. Musk’s colleagues have already sought to close the U.S. Agency for International Development and to gain access to sensitive payment systems at the Treasury Department.
Trump’s comments at his press conference raised alarms among schools and states that rely on federal money. Federal funding makes up a small portion of public school budgets — roughly 14% — but it adds targeted support for low-income schools and special education, among other grant programs.
In Minnesota, Democrats in the state assembly warned about the potential impact of Trump’s order on Tuesday. Sen. Mary Kunesh said she was worried the order could disrupt funding and called for more clarity on the plan.
“Imagine if we have billions of dollars frozen at the federal level,” Kunesh said at a press conference. “How are we going to make sure they have the curriculum they have to learn?”
Some Republicans in Minnesota’s Legislature said there was no reason to panic without full details of the order.
Those details are expected to be sorted out by Trump’s education chief, and the president didn’t immediately say whether he would look to preserve the department’s core work.
One potential model is found in Project 2025, a blueprint for Trump’s second term created by the conservative Heritage Foundation. The proposal calls for many of the department’s biggest programs to be parceled out to other agencies.
Under the Project 2025 plan, Title I funding, the largest source of federal money to public schools, would be moved to the Department of Health and Human Services and given as block grants to states for them to spend as they please, with no strings attached. The Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights would shift to the Justice Department.
Trump has sought distance from Project 2025, though he has hired some of the staff behind it, and on some issues there’s considerable overlap with his own platform.
Democrats in Congress were quick to jump on Trump’s plan. Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, called it an “attack on educators, families and students.” He vowed to fight it.
Trump’s plan could complicate the confirmation hearing for McMahon, a billionaire professional wrestling mogul and longtime Trump ally. Some advisers had asked the White House to keep the order quiet to avoid thorny questions, and others are pushing for it to be signed after her confirmation. No date has been set yet for her Senate hearing.
Associated Press writer Steve Karnowski contributed from Minneapolis.
The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find the AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
Still locked out of federal funding, several Head Start preschools may need to close temporarily
By MORIAH BALINGIT
WASHINGTON (AP) — Some Head Start preschools around the country could be at risk of closing temporarily because they remain locked out of their federal funding, a problem that first surfaced last week during President Donald Trump’s aborted effort to freeze federal grants.
Related ArticlesNational Politics | Senate confirms Pam Bondi as US attorney general, putting Trump ally at Justice Department’s helm National Politics | Trump picks former chief entangled in ‘Sharpiegate’ to lead NOAA National Politics | In Trump’s quest to close the Education Department, Congress and his own agenda may get in the way National Politics | Democrats confront limits of their power in bid to stop Trump and Musk National Politics | Families and doctors sue over Trump’s order to halt funding for gender-affirming care Center directors around the country last week were locked out of the online payment management system where they submit invoices and access grant money for Head Start, which serves some of the nation’s neediest kids and families. Medicaid administrators reported similar problems.
The website went back online for many operators. But a week later, some administrators said they continued to experience intermittent outages of the website that led to significant delays in payments. Dozens of centers are affected, according to the National Head Start Association.
Already, problems accessing federal grants have led 17 Head Start centers in Michigan and Wisconsin to close temporarily.
Other centers in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania are also contemplating shutting down if they can’t access funding soon.
“If this situation is not resolved immediately, I am anticipating seeing more centers having to close,” said Jennie Mauer, executive director of the Wisconsin Head Start Association.
As of Tuesday afternoon, a half dozen Head Start programs in Wisconsin were still locked out of their funding. One center in Waukesha that serves more than 200 kids shut down a day after the website went down, and remained closed for a week. It is set to reopen Wednesday morning after getting access to the federal money.
The disruption coincided with a far-reaching directive from the Trump administration to halt federal grants, which sparked chaos throughout the federal government. The White House later clarified that the order was not supposed to include Head Start and Medicaid. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt last week called the Medicaid problems an outage and has not said whether the Head Start payment system was purposefully taken offline.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
CSU leaning into AI with first dedicated platform for students
The California State University, the largest public university system in the country, will establish the nation’s first and largest artificial intelligence-powered platform for students, staff and faculty, announced Chancellor Mildred García on Tuesday.
The 23-campus system is partnering with several tech companies including Adobe, NVIDIA, OpenAI and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office to create a dedicated educational AI platform, according to a message sent out to the CSU community. The platform will be available in the next few weeks.
“This initiative, which surpasses any existing university model in both scale and impact, positions the CSU as a global leader among higher education systems in the impactful, responsible and equitable adoption of artificial intelligence,” said García in the message.
The AI platform will include research, professional development and teaching tools, and will be available to the entire CSU community at no cost. ChatGPT, one of the most popular generative AI tools, will also work with the CSU to deploy ChatGPT Edu, which offers advanced tools, security and controls for educational institutions.
CSUMB’s Business and Information Technology Building (Courtesy of David Wakely Photography)The partnership between the CSU and these companies will allow students hands-on training with AI tools and assist both faculty and students in research, said CSUMB President Vanya Quiñones. The tools that will become available “have the potential to help us streamline processes across the system and universities,” she said.
“Cal State Monterey Bay prides itself on its ability to provide social mobility to our students and their families, and to be an economic driver for our region,” said Quiñones in a statement. “As such, we are continuously looking at how we can provide our students with the most relevant experiences and skills that will allow them to be successful across their lifetimes and careers by working closely with industry partners to develop programs that meet both the needs of our students and the community.”
The CSU has established an AI Workforce Acceleration Board to work alongside students and faculty in order to identify pressing issues such as housing affordability that can be addressed through AI technology.
The board will include representatives from nearly a dozen leading tech companies as well as Gov. Newsom’s office. CSU representatives will also work with the board to drive applications of AI in schools, according to a news release. More tech companies are expected to join the advisory board in the coming months.
“At Google, we’re incredibly excited to partner with the CSU on this groundbreaking initiative,” said Drew Sidel, head of North America, Google Workspace for Education in the news release. “On the Google for Education Team, we’re committed to providing tools that are trustworthy, tailored for education and ever-evolving in an AI powered future … we’re proud to support the CSU in its mission to empower the next generation of AI leaders.”
The CSU has placed an emphasis on the importance of recognizing AI as a tool to assist students in a variety of career fields as the technology continues to evolve and enter different workforces.
“This comprehensive strategy will elevate our students’ educational experience across all fields of study, empower our faculty’s teaching and research and help provide the highly educated workforce that will drive California’s future AI-driven economy,” said García.
This push toward AI-assisted education is reflected in local schools, as many districts have been pursuing ways to implement AI technologies in classrooms. Schools have been designing AI policies to assist both students and educators while keeping an eye on the ethical implications of the technology.
“The CSU public-private initiative is the latest move that will provide our students with access to a rapidly evolving technology that is sure to be a force for the future of work across our state – AI” Quiñones said. “I am excited that Cal State Monterey Bay is part of this new initiative and I look forward to seeing what our students, faculty and staff achieve.”
Horoscopes Feb. 4, 2025: Oscar De La Hoya, monitor and direct your energy with finesse
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Oscar De La Hoya, 52; Gabrielle Anwar, 55; Clint Black, 63; Alice Cooper, 77.
[image error] Gabrielle AnwarHappy Birthday: Monitor and direct your energy with finesse. You must keep tabs on what others do and say while ensuring you maintain your status quo. Changes may not meet your expectations, causing you to fall short. Leave nothing to chance or in someone else’s hands or jurisdiction. Set your goals, build your base and use intelligence, optimism, incentives and compliments to climb onward and upward. Your numbers are 4, 12, 20, 27, 32, 36, 48.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Emotions will complicate making wise choices. A change may be necessary, but uncertainty will throw your timing off if you don’t act. Look for a safety net or clause that will put your mind at ease and keep you in the game. You can slow things down, but refrain from appearing indecisive. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Follow the money. Keep your thoughts to yourself and barrel ahead until you feel comfortable with the results. Speed and accuracy are compulsory to getting your way. Take an honest but bold approach regarding helping others and fulfilling your obligations, and you’ll have no regrets. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Learn all you can, double down and strike while the iron’s hot. Control situations, and you’ll deter others from taking you for granted. Discipline, dedication and purpose will help you persuade others to see things your way. Use your charm, do your research and proceed with compassion and the intent to complete your mission. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): You are the glue that holds everything together. Use your imagination, and you’ll develop solutions that will help you gain respect from those you love and the help you require to get things done your way. Change may not be welcome, but it will be insightful and beneficial. 4 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Put your best foot forward. How you look and present yourself to others will determine how events unfold. Sport a smile and loving attitude, and the reception will be overwhelmingly in your favor. Partnerships look promising, and the opportunity to do something good for someone you love will bring you closer together. 2 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Incorporate change into your routine. Follow your heart, and you’ll discover something about yourself and those you encounter. Put the effort in, and you’ll stabilize your life and the relationships that are meaningful to you. Let your actions speak for you. Kindness and consideration will make a lasting impression. 5 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Opportunity knocks; open the door and let it in. Today is not the time to waffle; take control and make things happen. Network, charm and share your vision with someone you want to work alongside. Build your dreams and put your skills to good use, and your vigor will entice others to participate. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Let your feelings, intuition and experience guide you. Refuse to let the jibber-jabber you encounter from those trying to enforce their agenda get in your way or cost you your dreams, hopes and wishes. Participate in networking functions, talk to experts and put your energy and enthusiasm toward achieving your goal. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Refuse to drag your feet when there is much to do. Letting someone sidetrack you will cause anxiety and regret. Look for opportunities and forge ahead instead of waiting for approval. Do what works for you. There is money and self-respect to gain if you act on your own behalf. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A change will spark your imagination and get you back on track. Discovering what makes you happy and implementing it into your routine will encourage lively new connections with people who value similar life goals. Being open about what you want with those you love will put your mind at ease. 5 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Take your time, or you’ll miss something that can set you back or point you in the wrong direction. You will flourish if you question everything and look for opportunities that fit your criteria. It’s all about choice, astuteness and follow-through. Don’t trust anyone trying to get you to make unnecessary changes. 2 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Simplify your life. Walk away from instability and focus on what you can achieve. Get involved in pastimes that ease stress and give you something to look forward to, and you’ll meet people who share life’s little pleasures. A creative outlet will encourage you to expand your skills and qualifications. 4 stars
Birthday Baby: You are intuitive, thoughtful and disciplined. You are emotional and outspoken.
1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.
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The quintessential at-home Valentine’s Day checklist
There’s a lot of pressure when it comes to making Valentine’s Day plans, but taking your valentine to a posh restaurant isn’t your only option. Spending Valentine’s Day at home can be just as romantic or as fun as a night out on the town.
Whether you want an intimate celebration with your partner, a cozy, relaxed night with a significant other, or a fun, anti-romance night with friends, check out these essentials for celebrating Valentine’s Day from the comfort of your home.
Romantic at-home Valentine’s Day essentials 
Light In The Dark Votive Candles
Set the perfect mood for a romantic Valentine’s Day at home with these votive candles. Each box contains 72 red candles that are perfect for the holiday. They’re also made of high-quality wax that burns cleanly and lasts for up to 10 hours. They fit in most standard votive holders, too.
Benevolence LA Highly Scented Candles for the Home
These scented candles can create the perfect vibe for a romantic night. They’re infused with natural essential oils and made of natural soy wax. They come in various scents, but the rose and sandalwood fragrance is ideal for Valentine’s Day. These candles also burn for up to 45 hours.
Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker
Play your favorite romantic songs for Valentine’s Day with this portable Bluetooth speaker. It’s made of durable materials and is waterproof, making it perfect for use around the bathtub. It has a long-lasting battery, too, so it can run for up to six hours on a single charge.
Artestia Swiss Design 2-QT Electric Fondue Pot
There’s a reason fondue is such a popular choice for romantic dinners, and this electric pot makes it easy to prepare at home. It comes with a 2-quart pot and fondue forks with heat-resistant handles. The ceramic inner pot is also removable for easy cleaning.
Godiva Chocolatier Signature Truffles Assorted Chocolate Gift Box
Chocolates are essential for a romantic Valentine’s Day celebration, and these chocolate truffles offer an assortment that can appeal to nearly everyone. The box includes 24 candies with fillings, including fruit, caramel and more. The striking black-and-gold packaging is perfect for gifting, too.
This lightweight, vanilla-scented oil is perfect for giving your partner a soothing massage. It absorbs quickly and glides effortlessly across the skin for smooth, frictionless massaging. The easy-to-use pump dispenser allows you to dispense the right amount of oil every time, too.
Cozy at-home Valentine’s Day essentials 
NY Threads Women’s Fleece Bathrobe
Get cozy for a relaxed Valentine’s Day at home in this super-soft fleece bathrobe. It has a long hem for added coverage and an adjustable belt for the perfect fit. The front also has two pockets to carry your phone and other essentials.
Fruit of the Loom Men’s Signature Fleece Raglan Sleep Top and Plaid Pants Set
This comfy pajama set is ideal for a relaxed Valentine’s Day at home. The top is made of soft, skin-friendly fabric and features long raglan sleeves. Both the top and bottoms are lined with fleece, too, so they’re perfect for cold weather.
Cuddle up with your partner under this luxurious faux fur throw. It’s extremely soft and thick, so it’s ideal for winter. It’s also machine washable to make cleaning easier. You can choose from multiple sizes and colors, too, making it easy to match your existing decor.
Spend Valentine’s Day watching your favorite romantic movies with this easy-to-use streaming device. It offers extremely quick operation with its quad-core processor that supports 4K HDR. It also boasts a simple, user-friendly interface that makes it easy to find your favorite streaming services and movies. Its remote has a “lost” feature that helps you track it down if you misplace it, too.
You and your valentine can whip up homemade pizzas with this convenient countertop pizza maker. It heats up in just five minutes and takes only 10 minutes to cook the pizza. You can also use it to make flatbreads, quesadillas, cookies and more.
Anti-Valentine’s Day at-home essentials 
Single and Happy Coloring Book for Adults
Celebrate your single status this Valentine’s Day with this fun adult coloring book. It includes 25 geometric patterns to color in and is suitable for all skill levels. It also features sarcastic and funny quotes about being single on each page.
Cards Against Humanity Party Game
This adult fill-in-the-blank game is perfect for an anti-Valentine’s Day party. It has simple rules that lead to plenty of silly, raunchy jokes. It also lends itself to replaying again and again because the base game comes with 600 cards. You can purchase expansion packs, too.
Instead of celebrating Valentine’s Day, host a video game tournament for your friends with this top-of-the-line gaming console. It offers 4K and 8K HDR gaming with near-instant loading times. It also comes with a controller and is compatible with games for previous models, such as the Xbox One and Xbox 360.
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