Before Crown Point senior Bri DeJesus could take her next step forward, she needed to take a step back.
That meant taking time away from volleyball.
“After my junior year, I was so burned out,” DeJesus said. “It had never happened to me before with sports, so it was a weird experience for me. But once I got my mind off of volleyball and on to other things, it really helped me get through that little mental break.”
DeJesus didn’t play club volleyball following her junior season, and that break helped her recharge for a senior season that continues Saturday, when the Bulldogs will play Fort Wayne Carroll in the Class 4A Huntington North Semistate semifinals.
With a win against Carroll (30-3), Crown Point (28-6) would advance to the semistate championship match. Bishop Noll (33-3), the other local team still alive in the postseason, will play Angola (30-4) in the Class 3A Plymouth Semistate semifinals.
DeJesus has guided the Duneland Athletic Conference champion Bulldogs to this point as their setter, racking up a team-high 558 assists. She also has 199 digs and 41 aces.
Crown Point coach Alison Duncan said DeJesus’ performance this season is part of a steady upward trajectory.
“It just demonstrates the number of reps she’s taken over the course of her career,” Duncan said. “With the fast-paced offense that we like to run, it takes a lot of time to develop, and she’s continuously gotten better on her four-year path here at Crown Point.”
Junior outside hitter Elle Schara
, a Purdue commit who has team highs with 557 kills and 57 aces, said DeJesus has provided consistent sets all season and has embraced additional responsibilities that are often part of the job for seniors.
“She runs the court, and she’s the person setting up our team for success,” Schara said. “And she’s really stepped up as a leader. Watching her work is pushing us to be a better team.”
Crown Point’s Bri DeJesus (7) sets the ball for teammate Ivy Henderson during a Duneland Athletic Conference match against Chesterton in Crown Point on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. (Kyle Telechan / Post-Tribune)
DeJesus said she tries to keep her teammates focused.
“All I’ve been telling myself is that I need to make sure that everyone knows what they’re doing and make sure that everyone’s calm and collected,” she said. “If someone makes a mistake, I’m always making sure that they know they’ve got the next one. I’m always encouraging them.”
DeJesus didn’t feel so encouraged toward the end of her junior season, when Crown Point lost to LaPorte in the regional final.
“I was still playing with my friends, but I wasn’t as happy as I used to be when I was playing,” she said. “It felt like a chore to go to practice, and I wasn’t having fun at practice or in games or anywhere else. I needed to take a mental break, and that felt like the right choice for me.”
Instead of devoting the winter and spring months to club volleyball, DeJesus found other ways to occupy her time.
“I focused on myself more and started focusing on school more,” she said. “Taking a break from club really helped me. I started to miss volleyball.”
Duncan agreed that DeJesus’ time away from the sport benefited her.
“She came back rejuvenated once the summer hit and has had a good, successful run for us,” Duncan said.
That run will include at least one more match. DeJesus said the Bulldogs have taken time to celebrate their first regional title since 2019 but also want to play in their first state championship match since 2017.
“We’re really proud that we’ve made it this far,” DeJesus said. “We’re all taking it seriously, even though we’re all dressed up for Halloween right now. We’re working really hard in practice this week, and we’re all confident that we can win our matches this weekend.”
As the presidential candidates’ positions on cannabis policy make the headlines, it’s important to remember that the real power to shape cannabis laws doesn’t reside in the Oval Office.
Over the years, advocates have fought for patients’ rights to access medical cannabis under numerous presidencies. Yet, the biggest strides in protecting medical cannabis patients haven’t come from the White House — they’ve come from Congress.
Yes, the president can sign legislation, influence federal agencies and set policy priorities. Both
Kamala Harris and
Donald Trump have expressed support for moving cannabis to Schedule III and even hinted at legalization.
But here’s the reality: Neither has the authority to make these changes. Even the rescheduling process is out of their influence, in the hands of a Drug Enforcement Agency that is resisting the move to Schedule III.
There are a few things a president can do to alleviate some of the challenges medical cannabis patients face, like directing HUD to stop evicting medical cannabis users in federal housing. The president could also direct the VA to allow its doctors to recommend cannabis to veterans or end drug testing for federal employees.
But these are temporary fixes — band-aids on a much larger problem.
The most significant progress in protecting medical cannabis patients has come from Congress. The Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment
(also known as the CJS Amendment) halted federal raids on medical cannabis providers, even when President Obama couldn’t. That same amendment protected patients under Trump’s attorney general, Jeff Sessions, a staunch opponent of cannabis
.
These actions underscore where the real power lies: in Congress.
Only Congress has the authority to fundamentally change cannabis laws. Yet, as we approach the 2024 elections, the media’s focus remains largely on the presidential race, while the 468 congressional and Senate races that will ultimately decide the future of cannabis in America are not being pressed on the issue.
At present, medical cannabis patients are denied basic protections under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act
and the Fair Housing Act
. They can be drug-tested at work, kicked out of housing and forced to choose between their health and their basic rights.
Congress is the only body that can integrate cannabis into our national healthcare system, restoring Second Amendment rights to medical cannabis patients, their ability to travel, relocate or pursue education, and ensuring that hospitals, hospices and assisted living facilities can’t deny them care.
These aren’t just policy talking points — they’re life-or-death issues for millions of Americans. Over 6 million
patients rely on medical cannabis to manage chronic pain, PTSD, seizures and other debilitating conditions. Millions more want access to cannabis as medicine but fear losing their housing, jobs or government assistance.
These patients — and their families — deserve advocates in Congress who will not only protect their access but will fight to treat cannabis as the legitimate medicine it is.
As Election Day approaches, it’s vital to remember: When it comes to medical cannabis, the power for change lies in Congress, not the presidency. Join us in asking those running for Congress if they will stand up for medical cannabis patients. Because if we don’t ask, no one else will.
Christmas is a big event. In fact, it is so big that people celebrate not only the holiday itself but also the anticipation of the holiday as well. Besides putting up lights, decorating and buying presents, many people countdown the days leading up to Dec. 25. To do this, they use an Advent calendar.
The best Advent calendar for kids will be one that has a theme that excites the recipient. If it is a child, for instance, the LEGO Friends Advent 2024 Calendar
is an excellent choice. This surprise-a-day calendar allows your child to assemble an entire festive playset one piece at a time until Christmas arrives.
What to know before you buy an Advent calendar for kids
What is an Advent calendar?
An Advent calendar
is a special calendar designed to build anticipation as you count down the days until Christmas. These calendars often feature a number of compartments that are opened, one each day, for 24 days. Inside the compartment, you will find a treat or a little toy surprise.
When is the first day of Advent?
While most commercial Advent calendars simply begin on the first day of December, Advent actually begins four Sundays before Christmas. So, if you get a calendar specific to the year, it may begin anywhere between Nov. 27 and Dec. 3.
One-time-use vs. refillable advent calendar
Not all Advent calendars offer a surprise each day. Some merely provide a way to countdown the days until Christmas. However, when considering the Advent calendars that do offer a treat, you will find that there are two types: one-time-use and refillable ones.
One-time-use: Advent calendars that are made to be used once are often manufactured using flimsy materials, such as cardboard, and have perforated compartments that you must tear to open. Because of this, they may be more affordable than refillable Advent calendars. However, as indicated by the name, you can only use these calendars once, and you must buy a new calendar the following year. Hence, you will have an annual expense.
Refillable: A refillable Advent calendar is made of durable materials, such as wood, so it can be used year after year. Because of this, it is often more expensive than a one-time-use Advent calendar. Although you will not have to buy a new refillable Advent calendar every year, you will have to purchase the treats, which go inside the compartments.
What to look for in a quality Advent calendar for kids
Size
Some Advent calendars are small, lightweight items made of fabric that can be hung on a wall. Other models are larger items that must be placed on a table for display. The larger an Advent calendar is, the larger the prizes it can accommodate. Consider the amount of room you have in your home so you can purchase an Advent calendar of the proper size.
Order
While this may seem like a minor feature, some kids love hunting for the next surprise and prefer an Advent calendar that is not laid out in sequential order. If you have a model with removable drawers, and all the drawers are the same size, you can arrange them in whatever order you prefer.
Themes
Advent calendars are such popular items that they have extended beyond use for religious purposes and can be used to celebrate the winter season in general. Because of this, you can purchase Advent calendars that have a wide variety of themes.
Religious advent calendars: These calendars are for Christians who want to celebrate the birth of Jesus. They may feature figures from the nativity scene, Bible verses, iconic religious symbols and more.
Christmas Advent calendars: For the individual who celebrates a secular Christmas, these Advent calendars may feature Santa Claus, Christmas trees, presents, toys, candy and other traditional holiday themes.
Winter Advent calendars: There are Advent calendars with a number of winter themes available for individuals of other faiths or people who just want to enjoy the season.
How much you can expect to spend on an Advent calendar for kids
While the general price range for a kids’ Advent calendar is between $12 and $50, it is possible to find ones with more expensive surprises that cost as much as $150 or more.
Advent calendar FAQ
Are there adult advent calendars?
A. Of course! Advent calendars for adults can feature ornaments, tea, makeup, wine, collectibles, chocolate, fruit spreads, bath bombs, jewelry, socks and more.
Is a typical Advent calendar 24 or 25 days?
A. While an Advent calendar featuring 24 days is common because Christmas is the day you are anticipating, some calendars also feature a surprise for Dec. 25.
What are the best Advent calendars for kids to buy?
What you need to know: If your child likes LEGO, this smartly designed kit contains enough items to assemble a seasonal wonderland by Christmas.
What you’ll love: With 272 pieces, this LEGO kit helps ensure your child will have something to look forward to each day in December. Hidden behind the doors, your child will find LEGO toys such as micro figures, pet figurines, a mini snow catapult, Christmas cookies, a station to write letters to Santa and more. Many of these buildable toys have moving parts, making them even more fun.
What you should consider: While not every day is a stellar surprise, the pieces of this Advent calendar for kids do combine to create an impressive set.
What you need to know: If your child is a fan of Bluey, this affordable Advent calendar is the best you can get.
What you’ll love: It includes a mini Christmas tree that kids can put together as part of the calendar. It’s great for families who love to watch “Bluey” and want to put the set together. It has five stickers and 16 accessories, including toy figurines of different characters from the show.
What you should consider: Not all the prizes are toys. Some are stickers, which may disappoint some kids.
What you need to know: This educational Advent calendar for kids is perfect for the inquisitive child who has a thirst for knowledge and wants to better understand the world around them.
What you’ll love: There are 24 activities in this Advent calendar along with a full-color instruction book and a board game. Each experiment comes packaged in its own colorful little box to help you keep things organized. The activities included in this Advent calendar are suitable for kids ages 6 and up.
What you should consider: Some activities require a few common household items that do not come with the Advent calendar.
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Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan says he does not accept former President Donald Trump’s endorsement for Senate, clarifying his stance after a report said he was saying one thing in public and another in private.
Iran’s top military leaders are vowing an overwhelming response to Saturday’s Israeli airstrikes that hit Tehran’s air defenses and ballistic missile production facilities.
This story is part of a series
of state-by-state previews of the 2024 election.
Wisconsin is no stranger to close presidential elections. The margin of victory was less than a percentage point in the state’s 2020, 2016, 2004, and 2000 elections. So it might be again this Election Day.
Both Republican Donald Trump
and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris
are competing hard for the 10 electoral votes at stake in Wisconsin, making frequent stops
in the Badger State—including several in the vote-rich Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay areas.
Wisconsin was one of three “blue wall” states (Michigan and Pennsylvania are the others) that went narrowly for Trump in 2016 after almost 30 years of voting for Democratic presidential candidates. Four years later, Democrat Joe Biden
won all three states back for Democrats with a margin in Wisconsin of about 20,000 votes out of nearly 3.3 million votes cast.
In the state’s U.S. Senate race, Democratic incumbent Tammy Baldwin
seeks a third term against Republican Eric Hovde
. Baldwin is one of five vulnerable Senate Democrats defending a seat against a well-funded, Trump-backed challenger
in a campaign cycle when a defeat for even one would likely cost the party control of the chamber.
Wisconsin Senate candidates Republican Eric Hovde and Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin are seen before a televised debate on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin.
Both the Baldwin and Hovde campaigns and their allies have blanketed the state
with more than $160 million in advertising, according to data from the campaign ad tracking firm AdImpact.
In the state Legislature, Democrats hope that new district maps
will help them chip away at the lopsided majorities
Republicans have enjoyed in both chambers for more than a decade. Almost half of Wisconsin’s 33 state Senate seats and all 99 state Assembly seats are up for election this year. In the state Assembly, Democrats have their most competitive campaign cycle
in years, thanks in large part to the newly redrawn districts and the retirements they helped bring about.
Wisconsin voters will also consider a statewide ballot measure that would amend the state constitution to specifically ban noncitizens from voting in state elections. Noncitizens are already barred from participating in federal elections nationwide, and no state permits them to vote in state elections. However, some municipalities in a handful of states allow noncitizens to vote in local elections. The issue has prompted efforts by Republicans
in Congress and several states to ban the practice entirely.
Here’s a look at what to expect in the 2024 election in Wisconsin:
Election Day
Nov. 5.
Poll closing time
9 p.m. ET.
Presidential electoral votes
10 awarded to statewide winner.
Key races and candidates
President: Harris (D) vs. Trump (R) vs. Randall Terry (Constitution) vs. Chase Oliver (Libertarian) vs. Jill Stein (Green) vs. Claudia De la Cruz (Party for Socialism and Liberation) vs. Cornel West (Justice for All) vs. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (We the People).
U.S. Senate: Baldwin (D) vs. Hovde (R) and two others.
Ballot measures: Question 1 (require citizenship to vote).
In Wisconsin, the first vote results reported on election night tend to be a mix of ballots cast on Election Day and in advance. In the April presidential primaries, more than a third of counties reported most or all of their vote results in their first vote report of the night—including in-person Election Day votes as well as mail-in and early votes.
But larger counties, including the Democratic strongholds of Milwaukee and Dane, took much longer. Their first vote update of the night included only a small share of the total votes cast. In a close race, that likely means waiting for final results in both places to know who has won the state.
Voters wait in line outside a polling center on Election Day 2020 in Kenosha, Wisconsin
In 2016, Democrat Hillary Clinton lost to Trump despite winning Milwaukee County with 66% of the vote; Dane County, the home of Madison, with 70%; and LaCrosse County with 51%. Four years later, Biden won Milwaukee with 69% of the vote, Dane with 76%, and LaCrosse with 56%, eking out a narrow statewide victory.
Trump carried Brown County, the home of Green Bay, in 2016 and 2020 with about 52% of the vote, but Biden improved upon Clinton’s showing there by about 4 percentage points on his way to a win.
Along with support in the more rural parts of the state, Trump will likely need to post big numbers in the “WOW” counties of Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington in suburban Milwaukee to counter the heavy Democratic support Harris will likely claim in Milwaukee and Dane.
The Associated Press doesn’t make projections and will declare a winner only when it has determined there is no scenario that would allow the trailing candidates to close the gap. If a race hasn’t been called, the AP will continue to cover any newsworthy developments, like candidate concessions or declarations of victory. In doing so, the AP will make clear it hasn’t declared a winner and explain why.
Recounts are not automatic in Wisconsin, but candidates may request and pay for one if the vote margin is less than a percentage point. The AP may declare a winner in a race that is eligible for a recount if it can determine the lead is too large for a recount or legal challenge to change the outcome.
