Biden heads out on public events blitz as White House pushes back on pressure to leave the race

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By COLLEEN LONG

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House announced Tuesday that President Joe Biden will meet with Democratic lawmakers and governors, sit for a network TV interview and hold a press conference in the coming days as he pushes back against growing pressure to step aside in the 2024 race after his disastrous performance in last week’s debate with Republican Donald Trump.

“We really want to turn the page on this,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said of the intensifying calls for Biden to bow out of the race. She added that the 81-year-old president had no intention of stepping aside, characterizing his debate failings as simply evidence of “a bad night” when he had a cold.

The White House was also holding an all-staff meeting on Wednesday, billed as a morale-booster following the debate and a chance for the senior team to keep the staff focused around governing, according to three people familiar with the details who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss a private meeting.

But Democratic leaders were increasingly signaling that they were not buying White House attempts to brush off Biden’s performance in the face-off, when he gave halting and nonsensical answers, as just a momentary lapse.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told MSNBC that she believes “it is a legitimate question” whether Biden’s halting performance is just “an episode or is this a condition.”

“When people ask that question, it’s legitimate — of both candidates,” Pelosi said.

Pelosi said she had not spoken with Biden since the debate, but she emphasized that the president is on “top of his game, in terms of knowing the issues and what is at stake.”

Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas became the first Democratic member of Congress to publicly call for Biden to step down. He said Biden should “make the painful and difficult decision” to withdraw, citing the president’s inability to “effectively defend his many accomplishments” in the debate.

Rep. Jared Golden, a moderate Democrat from Maine, said in a local newspaper column Tuesday that the debate “didn’t rattle me as it has others, because the outcome of this election has been clear to me for months: While I don’t plan to vote for him, Donald Trump is going to win. And I’m OK with that.”

Jean-Pierre said Biden, who has not taken questions from reporters since Thursday night’s debate, would meet with Democratic governors and top congressional leaders on Wednesday. And Biden also agreed to sit for an interview Friday with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos that will air Friday. He has planned trips to Wisconsin on Friday and Philadelphia on Monday. And will hold a press conference during the NATO summit in Washington next week.

The president’s stepped-up schedule comes after a private discussion within Biden’s campaign about what can be done to counteract the damaging impression left by last week’s debate.

“We’re going to get out there, across the country. Americans are going to see him for themselves,” Jean-Pierre said at a White House briefing, rejecting any suggestion that the president undergo cognitive testing or provide additional information on his medical condition.

When asked whether the president had a degenerative illness or dementia, Jean-Pierre said: “No. And I hope you’re asking the other guy the same question,” she said, referring to Trump, who is 78 and once challenged Biden to a cognitive test, only to confuse who administered the test to him in the next sentence.

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Associated Press writers Stephen Groves and Zeke Miller contributed to this approach.

What to stream: Dive into earlier movies of scream queen Mia Goth

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While actress Mia Goth has become a full-blown star in Ti West’s “X” trilogy, in which she stars as both Maxine in “X” and “MaXXXine,” and Pearl in “X” and “Pearl,” the fascinating British actress has delivered memorable turns in other films since she was a teenager.

If you plan to catch up with “X” (2022) and “Pearl” (2022) before the release of “MaXXXine,” check out the ‘70s slasher “X,” inspired by “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” on Netflix or for rent on other digital platforms, while “Pearl,” a prequel inspired by Technicolor musicals, is on Prime Video or for rent on other platforms. In both films, Goth delivers a bravura performance of two different women who are hellbent on stardom.

But take a spin through the rest of her filmography to find more gems, from her work with international art-house legends, to more offbeat genre fare, and even a Jane Austen rom-com.

Goth made her movie breakthrough in Lars Von Trier’s controversial two-part film “Nymphomaniac” (2013), in a section in “Vol. II” titled “The Gun,” opposite Charlotte Gainsbourg and Willem Dafoe. The film is the third installment in Von Trier’s Depression Trilogy, following “Antichrist” and “Melancholia.” Rent “Nymphomaniac: Vol. II” on iTunes.

She also appeared in Gore Verbinski’s fascinating German spa horror thriller “A Cure for Wellness” (2016), opposite Dane De Haan. This stylish, moody and evocative film didn’t quite hit when it came out, so give a chance if you’re looking for something in the horror genre that’s a bit off the beaten path. Rent “A Cure for Wellness” on all digital platforms.

Goth also popped up in Luca Guadagnino’s 2018 “remake” of “Suspiria” with Dakota Johnson and Tilda Swinton playing multiple roles — perhaps she was inspired by Swinton’s turn to take on the role of Maxine and older Pearl in “X”? Guadagnino takes the classic Dario Argento giallo film about a German ballet school run by a coven of witches and gives it a political Cold War-era twist, and his own take on dance-based body horror. Goth plays one of the dance students whom Johnson encounters when she arrives at the school from America. Stream “Suspiria” on Prime Video or rent it on Amazon or iTunes.

Mia Goth, left, and Anya Taylor-Joy in “Emma.” (Focus Features/TNS)

For something a bit lighter, Goth co-starred opposite Anya Taylor-Joy in Autumn de Wilde’s gorgeous and whimsical Jane Austen adaptation “Emma.” (2020). Taylor-Joy stars as Miss Emma Woodhouse, a high-society matchmaker and fixer-upper who finds surprising love with the boy next door. Goth plays Harriet, the young local girl whom Emma takes on as a project, hoping to find her a suitable match. With sumptuous costumes and a fantastic cast, “Emma.” Is utterly delightful and humorous. Stream it on Freevee or rent it on Amazon or iTunes.

Mia Goth, left, and Alexander Skarsgård in “Infinity Pool” (Neon/TNS)

Finally, Goth stole the show in Brandon Cronenberg’s audacious “Infinity Pool,” a speculative thriller about an unsuccessful writer (Alexander Skarsgård) who finds himself in legal trouble abroad, and faces a curious kind of justice. Goth plays a mercurial fan-turned-tormentor of the writer, who pulls him into her web of madness. An excoriating indictment of upper-class hedonism, “Infinity Pool” is a tricky, obsessive little number and Goth’s operatic performance is spellbinding, reaching registers she doesn’t even achieve as a scream queen in the “X” trilogy. Stream “Infinity Pool” on Hulu or rent it on Amazon or iTunes.

(Katie Walsh is the Tribune News Service film critic and co-host of the “Miami Nice” podcast.)

©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

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US cities where you’ll pay more or less for hotels versus Airbnbs

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Patrick Clarke | (TNS) TravelPulse

Travelers have plenty of accommodation choices when they travel this summer thanks to the emergence of home-sharing platforms like Airbnb, making it easier to save on their stay.

Upgraded Points recently analyzed average nightly rates for hotels and Airbnbs in 100 of the largest cities across the U.S. to reveal which places it pays to book a hotel stay over an Airbnb (entire home) or vice versa.

“Hotels have long been the go-to choice for travelers seeking comfort and convenience, but Airbnb has grown in popularity as an alternative, offering unique stays and a taste of local life,” Keri Stooksbury, editor-in-chief at Upgraded Points, said in a statement. “When choosing between comfort and uniqueness, cost plays a huge role, and we wanted to find just where you could find the best accommodation deals.”

Airbnb was determined to be the most cost-effective accommodation option in 71 out of 100 cities examined, with an average nightly rate of $156 compared to $208 for hotels. In some cities in the Midwest, the difference was roughly $200 per night.

However, the difference was minimal in other cities like San Jose, California, and McAllen, Texas, where nightly rates were separated by just $1.50.

Top U.S. cities where hotels cost more than Airbnbs

Milwaukee, Wisconsin — Hotel average: $350.50 vs Airbnb average: $138.31

Chicago, Illinois — Hotel average: $363.95 vs Airbnb average: $165.56

Omaha, Nebraska — Hotel average: $343.30 vs Airbnb average: $145.06

Cleveland, Ohio — Hotel average: $322.29 vs Airbnb average: $125.09

Charleston, South Carolina — Hotel average: $395.38 vs Airbnb average: $209.72

Boston, Massachusetts; New Haven, Connecticut; Detroit, Michigan; Providence, Rhode Island; and Seattle, Washington, also made the top 10 cities where hotels are more expensive than Airbnbs.

Top U.S. cities where Airbnbs cost more than hotels

Madison, Wisconsin — Airbnb average: $223.49 vs hotel average: $167.18

Tucson, Arizona — Airbnb average: $142.07 vs hotel average: $99.40

Bakersfield, California — Airbnb average: $163.89 vs hotel average: $123.48

Jackson, Mississippi — Airbnb average: $150.68 vs hotel average: $113.20

Scranton, Pennsylvania — Airbnb average: $185 vs hotel average: $150

Other top cities where hotels are cheaper than Airbnbs on average include Fort Myers, Florida; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Stockton, California.

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©2024 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Visit at travelpulse.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Quick Fix: Pollo con Finocchi (Chicken with Fennel)

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Linda Gassenheimer | (TNS) Tribune News Service

My Italian friend, Daniela Musio, loves to cook. So, when she mentioned that her family likes her special easy summer dish, I asked her about it. She said that she cooks chicken with fresh fennel, fragrant rosemary, garlic and wine. It’s all made in one pot.

Fresh, crisp fennel has a mild anise flavor and when cooked it adds a slight crunch to the dish. The best way to slice the fennel is to remove the fennel stems and cut the bulb in half straight through the root. Cut the halves into quarters and then cut into slices.

HELPFUL HINTS:

Chicken broth can be used instead of white wine.

2 teaspoons dried rosemary can be used instead of fresh rosemary.

2 teaspoons minced garlic can be used instead of crushed garlic.

COUNTDOWN:

Prepare all the ingredients.

Microwave the rice and place on two dinner plates.

Make the rest of the recipe.

SHOPPING LIST:

To buy: 3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 1 fennel bulb, 1 bunch fresh rosemary, 1 bottle white wine, 1 container cherry tomatoes and 1 package microwaveable brown rice.

Staples: olive oil, onion, garlic, salt and black peppercorns.

Pollo con Finocchi (Chicken with Fennel)

Recipe by Linda Gassenheimer

Microwaveable brown rice to measure 1 1/2 cups

1 small fennel bulb, about 2 cups sliced

4 teaspoons olive oil, divided use

1 cup thinly sliced onion

2 tablespoons fresh rosemary

1/2 cup dry white wine

3/4 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs. Cut into 1-inch slices

4 crushed garlic cloves

1 cup cherry tomatoes

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fennel fronds

Microwave rice according to package instructions. Measure 1 1/2-cups rice and reserve remaining rice for another time. Divide in half and place on two dinner plates. Remove the stems and fronds from the fennel. Cut the remaining fennel bulb into 1/4-1/2-inch slices. Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced fennel and onion. Saute, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes. Add the wine and bring to a boil. Cover with a lid and cook for about 3 minutes. Remove the fennel and sauce to a bowl. Return the skillet to the burner and add the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil. Add the sliced chicken, garlic, rosemary, cherry tomatoes and salt and pepper to taste. Saute about 2 to 3 minutes. Return the fennel and its liquid to the skillet. Saute about 3 to 4 minutes. A meat thermometer should read 165 degrees. Divide in half and spoon over the rice. Sprinkle the chopped fennel fronds on top.

Yield 2 servings.

Per serving: 609 calories (27 percent from fat), 18.2 g fat (3.5 g saturated, 6.8 g monounsaturated), 156 mg cholesterol, 40.2 g protein, 59.6 g carbohydrates, 8.8 g fiber, 221 mg sodium.

(Linda Gassenheimer is the author of over 30 cookbooks, including her newest, “The 12-Week Diabetes Cookbook.” Listen to Linda on www.WDNA.org and all major podcast sites. Email her at Linda@DinnerInMinutes.com.)

©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC