Competitive Balance Coming Thursday

DEAR MISS MANNERS: We have a longtime friend, and now neighbor, who cannot consume food orally due to extensive cancer surgeries and treatments years ago. They can consume very limited quantities of liquids, but they use a tube-feeding process for all nutrition, and have done so for years. We will soon host a formal, seated dinner party for a dozen neighbors to meet the newest people who have moved to our street.

SpaceX is set to send up the second launch of the year from the Space Coast on Monday afternoon. A Falcon 9 carrying 24 of the company’s Starlink internet satellites is set for liftoff during a three-hour launch window that opens at 12:21 p.m. from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 40.

By PATRICK WHITTLE and BRIAN WITTE, Associated Press A major winter blast of snow, ice, wind and plunging temperatures in the U. S. stirred dangerous travel conditions from central and southern states all the way to the East Coast early Monday, prompting schools and government offices in several states to close. Snow and ice blanketed major roads across Kansas, western Nebraska and parts of Indiana, where the state’s National Guard was activated to help stranded motorists.

What are the best smartwatches? Are you trying to improve your fitness? Do you want to boost your productivity and stay connected to your smartphone? The latest generation of smartwatches can help you get the most out of every day. They keep you connected to your messages, emails, phone calls and much more and connect to your other devices for everyday use. If you are thinking about investing in a smartwatch, you may have some questions about what features to look out for and what would fit your lifestyle the best.

By LISA MASCARO, Associated Press Congressional Correspondent WASHINGTON (AP) — As Congress convenes during a winter storm to certify President-elect Donald Trump’s election, the legacy of Jan. 6 hangs over the proceedings with an extraordinary fact: The candidate who tried to overturn the previous election won this time and is legitimately returning to power. Lawmakers will gather noontime Monday under the tightest national security level possible.

Dear Eric: I’ve been with my husband 25 years, married the last seven. We have children from prior marriages, and I have six grandchildren. Related Articles Advice | Asking Eric: My friend’s wife wanted a kiss on the lips and now I’m uncomfortable around them Advice | Asking Eric: I want him to act like a husband, not a wife Advice | Asking Eric: All I could talk about was my toxic partner, until my friend set me straight Advice | Asking Eric: I’m afraid our kids will suffer from my husband’s odd rule about guests Advice | Asking Eric: That letter was about me, the beastly wife He was abused as a child and has worked in therapy to process it, but then stopped.