Big Vote, Big Projects, Tax Increase For Asheville?

By DOUG FEINBERG MIAMI  — Unrivaled shined brightly on its opening night last week. The 3-on-3 women’s basketball league co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier debuted Friday night. The two squared off in the opening game and fittingly Stewart scored the first basket in league history — a baseline jumper.

By ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON, Associated Press For the first time in U. S. history, a president-elect will welcome foreign leaders for one of the most American political traditions — the peaceful transfer of power. Related Articles National Politics | Trump-allied group’s warnings may signal legal blueprint to attack ‘sanctuary’ jurisdictions National Politics | Chicago prepares for deportation arrests targeting hundreds after Trump takes office National Politics | Trump promotes new meme coin before taking office on pro-crypto agenda National Politics | Then and now: What has changed as Trump returns to the White House National Politics | Donald Trump has sweeping plans for a second administration.

By ALAN SUDERMAN, Associated Press President-elect Donald Trump has launched a new cryptocurrency token that is soaring in value – and potentially boosting his net worth – just before his inauguration. It’s the latest norm-defying promotion by Trump, who has also helped sell branded bibles, gold sneakers and diamond-encrusted watches. “It’s time to celebrate everything we stand for: WINNING!

By JILL COLVIN, Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — When Donald Trump arrived in Washington in 2017 just before his first inauguration, he was a stranger to most in town. As the only president in history without prior experience in public office or the military, it was unclear how he would govern. Not this time. After four years in the Oval Office, the once and future president returns to power with know-how and a very different team.

By BILL BARROW, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has promised sweeping actions in his second administration. The president-elect has outlined a wide-ranging agenda that blends traditional conservative approaches to taxes, regulation and cultural issues with a more populist bent on trade and a shift in America’s international role. Trump’s agenda also would scale back federal government efforts on civil rights and expand presidential powers. A look at what Trump has proposed: Immigration “Build the wall!” from his 2016 campaign has become creating “the largest mass deportation program in history.” Trump has called for using the National Guard and empowering domestic police forces in the effort. Still, Trump has offered few details of what the program would look like and how he would ensure that it targeted only people in the United States illegally. He has pitched “ideological screening” for would-be entrants and ending birthright citizenship, which almost certainly would require a constitutional change.

By ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON, Associated Press Donald Trump’s inauguration as the country’s 47th president was expected to be an extravagant break from tradition — before it got moved indoors due to cold weather. There will still be well-known performers, influential billionaires as guests and foreign heads of state. Unlike his first inauguration eight years ago, Trump will be welcomed back to office by business titans and global leaders, groups that often shunned him in his first term. Country music star Carrie Underwood will sing “America the Beautiful” before Trump is sworn in.