By PETER SMITH A social-media tribute to Coptic Christians. A billboard in Amish country. A visit to a revered Jewish gravesite. While Donald Trump’s lock on the white evangelical vote is legendary, he and his campaign allies also wooed smaller religious groups, far from the mainstream. As it turned out, Trump won by decisive margins, but his campaign aggressively courted niche communities with the understanding that every vote could be critical, particularly in swing states. Voter surveys such as exit polls, which canvass broad swaths of the electorate, aren’t able to gauge the impact of such microtargeting, but some backers say the effort was worth it. Just one week before the election, Trump directed a post on the social-media platform X to Coptic Christians in the United States —- whose church has ancient roots in Egypt. He saluted their “Steadfast Faith in God, Perseverance through Centuries of Persecution and Love for this Great Country.” “This was the first time seeing a major U.S. presidential candidate address the community in this manner,” said Mariam Wahba, a Coptic Christian and research analyst with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based research institute. “It was really a profound moment.” She said many Copts share the conservative social views of other Christian groups in the Republican constituency, and they may already have been Trump supporters. But the posting reinforced those bonds. Coptic bishops sent the president-elect congratulations after his victory and cited their “shared social and family values.” Some Assyrian Christians — another faith group with Middle Eastern roots — similarly bonded with Trump, whose mispronunciation of “Assyrian” at a rally created a viral video moment and drew attention to their support. Sam Darmo, a Phoenix real estate agent and co-founder of Assyrians for Trump, said many community members cited the economy, illegal immigration and other prominent voter issues. They echoed other conservative Christians’ concerns, he said, on issues such as abortion, gender identity and religious expression in public. But he said Trump supported various Middle Eastern Christians recovering from the Islamic State group’s oppressive rule. Darmo also credited Massad Boulos, father-in-law to Trump’s daughter Tiffany, for mobilizing various Middle Eastern Christian groups, including Chaldean Catholics, and other voters, particularly in Michigan, such as Muslims. “He brought all these minority groups together,” he said. “We’re hoping to continue that relationship.” But members of Middle Eastern-rooted Christian groups, and their politics, are far from monolithic, said Marcus Zacharia, founder of Progressive Copts, a program of Informed Immigrants, an organization that promotes dialogue on sensitive topics among such groups in the United States and Canada. He said many younger community members question Trump’s stances on issues such as immigration, and sense that conservatives sometimes tokenize them by focusing on the plight of persecuted Christians in the Middle East while neglecting wider issues of repression in countries there that the U.S. supports. He said there needs to be more informed dialogue across the political divide in these communities. “There is no more high time than these next four years to have that way of conducting conversations,” he said. Republicans also made an aggressive push for Amish voters , particularly in the swing state of Pennsylvania, where they are most numerous at about 92,000 (many below voting age). The GOP has made similar efforts in the past, even though researchers have found that less than 10% of them typically vote, due to their separatism from society. But Republicans used billboards, mailers, ads and door-to-door campaigner to drive turnout in Lancaster County, home base to the nation’s largest Amish settlement. On Election Day, Amish voters Samuel Stoltzfus and his wife Lillian Stoltzfus said they were supporting Trump, citing their anti-abortion beliefs. “We basically look at it as murder,” Stoltzfus, 31, said outside a polling center in the Lancaster County community of New Holland, where dozens of other members of the local Amish community voted. Trump has wavered on the issue, dismaying some abortion opponents, though many have said Republicans still align more closely to their views. Stolzfus added: “Make America great again and keep the moral values,” he said. “Let’s go back to the roots.” Steven Nolt, a history professor at Elizabethtown College in Lancaster College who studies the Amish and their voting patterns, said that while it’s too early to say definitively without further research, he doesn’t see evidence of a larger turnout this year. Lancaster County as a whole — most of which is not Amish — is a GOP stronghold that Trump won handily, though both parties’ votes edged up from 2020, according to unofficial results posted by the Pennsylvania Department of State. Trump’s biggest increases were in urban or suburban areas with few Amish, while some areas with larger Amish populations generally saw a modest increase in the Trump vote, said Nolt, director of the college’s Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies. “Bottom line, percentage-wise, not much change in the parts of Lancaster County where the Amish live,” he said. Trump directly reached out to members of the Chabad Lubavitch movement, a prominent and highly observant branch of Orthodox Judaism. Related Articles National Politics | Attorneys want the US Supreme Court to say Mississippi’s felony voting ban is cruel and unusual National Politics | Trump convinced Republicans to overlook his misconduct. But can he do the same for his nominees? National Politics | Trump gave Interior nominee one directive for a half-billion acres of US land: ‘Drill.’ National Politics | Trump’s team is delaying transition agreements. What does it mean for security checks and governing? National Politics | Judge delays Trump hush money sentencing in order to decide where case should go now On Oct. 7, the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel that triggered the Gaza war, Trump made a symbolically resonant visit to the “Ohel,” the burial site of the movement’s revered late leader, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson. Wearing a yarmulke, the traditional Jewish skullcap, Trump, who has Jewish family members, brought a written prayer to the Ohel and laid a small stone at the grave in keeping with tradition. The site in New York City, while particularly central to Chabad adherents, draws an array of Jewish and other visitors, including politicians. About two-thirds of Jewish voters overall supported Trump’s opponent, Democrat Kamala Harris, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters. But the Trump campaign has made a particular outreach to Orthodox Jews, citing issues including his policies toward Israel in his first administration. Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowitz of Chabad Lubavitch of Southwest Florida said it was moving for him to see images of Trump’s visit. “The mere fact that he made a huge effort, obviously it was important to him,” he said. Associated Press journalist Luis Henao contributed.

Beam Therapeutics Presents New Non-human Primate (NHP) Data Demonstrating Proof-of-concept for ESCAPE, a Non-genotoxic, Antibody-based Conditioning Approach to Treating Sickle Cell Disease, at American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (abdominal) was limited at Monday’s practice , the first session for the club heading into Wednesday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Fields sustained an abdomen injury in the second quarter of the team’s Week 15 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He was initially questionable to return before being downgraded to out . Fields got hurt on his sole play of the game, which was a designed run for eight yards. Fields took a big shot from Eagles free safety Reed Blankenship as he was sliding. Blankership was called for unnecessary roughness. Fields along with strong safety DeShon Elliott, cornerback Donte Jackson, defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi and wide receiver George Pickens all did not play against the Ravens, but head coach Mike Tomlin said they all will have a shot to play on Wednesday. “Some guys that didn’t play yesterday who have a real chance this week — Justin Fields, DeShon Elliott, Donte Jackson, George Pickens and Larry Ogunjobi — all have an opportunity to play this week,” Tomlin said during his Sunday press conference. “We’ll see where the week leads us from their inclusion.” Fields was running on his own at Monday’s practice, so it appears that he’s on the right track to be active on Wednesday. It is a short week, however. #Steelers QB Justin Fields (abdominal) running on his own at practice. pic.twitter.com/Lw3ZTmDOwE Since the Steelers’ Week 11 win over the Baltimore Ravens, the offense has begun implementing more and more of Fields into their offensive game plan. Fields has proven to be a difference maker with his legs, rushing for 69 yards on eight carries (8.6 yards per carry) in the three games before Week 15. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has also acknowledged that it forces their opponents to spend some extra time preparing for Fields. “It’s a component of what we do. I’ve been pretty clear about that,” Tomlin said. “Once Justin got healthy, he’s a viable and capable dude, and it’s something that our opponents have to be aware of. When we use it and how much we utilize it will be dependent on plans week to week.” When he was the starter in the early portion of the year, Fields was proficient in the red zone. His skill set is something that Tomlin values. “You know, this is a component of what we do. Justin has been here all year, and we always want to highlight individual skill-sets,” Tomlin said. “So I don’t know that the things we’re running present day regarding his package is anything new for us. Most of these concepts we’ve been working since the spring, and so it is not a significant endeavor for us. It’s just simply getting them into the game and identifying a package of plays relative to the opponent that we want to execute.” PITTSBURGH STEELERS INJURY REPORT STEELERS INJURED RESERVE Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh. This article first appeared on Steelers Now and was syndicated with permission.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Blake Horvath set a Navy record with a 95-yard touchdown run and then scored a go-ahead 6-yarder with 4:34 left as the Midshipmen overcame an early two-touchdown deficit and stopped a late 2-point conversion attempt to beat Oklahoma 21-20 in the Armed Forces Bowl on Friday. The Sooners (6-7) got a 10-yard touchdown pass from Michael Hawkins Jr. to Jake Roberts with six seconds left. They then went for the win, but Hawkins was sacked by Justin Reed on the conversion try. Just two weeks after a dominating win over Army for the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy, the Midshipmen (10-3) reached 10 wins for the sixth time. The last 10-win season had been in 2019, which had been their last winning season. Horvath's record run on a sprint down the middle of the field tied the game at 14 late in third quarter. He then put Navy ahead for the first time on his 6-yard TD run, one play after he converted a fourth-and-3 with a 16-yard pass to Eli Heidenrich. Horvath ran 18 times for 155 yards, and completed 7 of 12 passes for 92 yards. Alex Tecza had an 11-yard TD run for the Midshipmen. Oklahoma went up after Gavin Sawchuk’s 21-yard TD on the opening drive, when he had 37 yards after only 61 in his other eight games this season. It was 14-0 with 5:56 left in the first quarter after Hawkins rolled left, reversed field and got almost to the other side of the field before throwing to Zion Kearney for a 56-yard catch-and-run TD. Oklahoma wrapped up its first season in the Southeastern Conference with their second 6-7 record in coach Brent Venables' three seasons. The Sooners had a much different-looking roster than the regular season. More than two dozen players went into the transfer portal, and the Sooners were also without standout linebacker Danny Stutsman and safety Billy Bowman, who bypassed playing to begin preparation for the NFL draft. Hawkins completed 28 of 43 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns in his first start for the Sooners in more than two months. Hawkins started three games in the middle of the season, and was the first Sooners true freshman quarterback to win his first road start at Auburn on Sept. 28. Jackson Arnold returned to the starting role the final five regular-season games. But Arnold then left in the portal to go to Auburn. Oklahoma: While the Sooners played in a bowl for the 26th consecutive season, they had 23 winning seasons in a row before Venables took over as head coach. ... Hawkins was hampered by at least six dropped passes while throwing to a group whose only scholarship receivers were freshmen. Navy: The Midshipmen are 2-0 against Oklahoma, the only other meeting a 10-0 win at Norman in 1965. They beat an SEC team for the first time since a 21-0 win over Mississippi in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day 1955. Oklahoma opens Venables’ fourth season at home Aug. 30 against FCS team Illinois State. Venables has a 22-17 record. Navy returns Horvath and all of its offensive skill starters next season, which begins Aug. 30 at home against VMI. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballHarris Dickinson toys with ambiguity in ‘Babygirl,’ and keeps a secret from Nicole Kidman

Since 2021, I’ve been to 123 museums in New York City in an attempt to see every one. (If you’re a Gothamist regular, you may recall my article from last year .) Now, wrapping up my fourth year of this project, I’m starting to wonder if this will ever end. Museums and “museum experiences” keep opening. When I began, I estimated there were about 150 museums in the city. Since then, smaller ones have come to my attention and new ones have opened, bringing the total close to 190. This has me wondering: What, exactly, is a museum? Does it have to have “museum” in the title? Does it have to be in a traditional gallery space? Could it be in someone’s home? Does it have to be permanent? What about for-profit museums? While I have not yet landed on a rigid definition of “museum,” I’ve learned I’m drawn to ones that promote or serve their communities. I’ve had the privilege of visiting museums started by everyday people. The Woodside Heights Art Museum (WHAM!), for example, was created by a curator-artist couple as a way to celebrate the history of their neighborhood. It's located in the front window and side yard of their home in Woodside, and presents exhibitions by local artists and hosts events. So while it's not as big as the Met or MoMA, in a way, it may have a more tangible impact for those it serves. If you’re looking to expand your museum savvy in the city, here are nine of my favorite museums I visited in 2024. The Salvator Mundi Museum of Art asks, “What if the 'Salvator Mundi' [an iconic painting by Leonardo Da Vinci] was a brand?” With that comes "Salvator Mundi" pasta sauce, "Salvator Mundi" coffee and a "Salvator Mundi" museum located in an apartment vestibule. The entire project is a remarkable piece of conceptual art and study of what makes a museum a museum. It has all the components you’d find at a “typical” museum: rotating exhibits (earlier this year it had one about Barbie’s ties to "Salvator Mundi"), a little gift shop and now a museum café (the restaurant next door). The museum is open daily. It also offers private tours and host events. More details can be found on its website . In the center of Staten Island, you’ll find Historic Richmond Town, one of the most unique spaces in the city. It’s a collection of more than 30 historic buildings, many of which were relocated from other parts of the island. Walking through Historic Richmond Town, I learned more about the American experience from the Colonial period to the present. They host so many different tours and events that change throughout the seasons as well as the annual county fair. This place feels like a village of its own, with a visitor center located in a former courthouse at the center of the town. Its existence has me a bit jealous of the Staten Island residents who get to visit often. It seems like the most exciting time to visit is in the warmer months because of their Open Village immersive experience, which includes costumed interpreters and demonstrations in houses across the campus. But my visit in March was quite spectacular. I took the Two Centuries tour, visiting four of the historical buildings on campus. You can learn more about Historic Richmond Town here . The only 24-hour museum I’ve gone to so far, WHAM!, is a charming museum. The main exhibition is in the front window of a Queens house. There are sculptures and art in the side yard. While learning the history of their neighborhood, the founders realized that few, if any, museums in the city were sharing Woodside stories and decided to do it themselves. You can view the museum any time of day or visit exhibition openings (usually Memorial Day and Labor Day), which feature free seltzer, a popcorn bar and the world’s first Dollar Store Museum Gift Shop, which sells little pieces of art and tchotchkes — everything costs $1. This is a charming hidden gem and you can learn more here . I have a fondness for museums that exist in active spaces, like the New York Sign Museum, which is located in Noble Signs’ studio in Brooklyn. Some highlights include the neon sign from Brooklyn’s Queen Italian Restaurant, the main sign from Broadway’s beloved Star Lite Deli and another from the Lower East Side restaurant Bongos, all which have closed. When Noble's crew isn’t making new signs for businesses around the city, they are rescuing old ones to preserve for the collection. The museum doesn't have public hours, and appointments to view the collection are available on a limited basis by emailing [email protected] . You can learn more about the museum’s work on its website . One of the gifts of this project is the opportunity to learn incredible stories I wouldn’t have sought out on my own, like the life story of inventor Lewis H. Latimer, the namesake of the recently remodeled Lewis H. Latimer House Museum. Lewis Howard Latimer, who lived in the house, was the son of self-emancipated enslaved people, as well as an inventor, a self-taught draftsman, a U.S. Navy landsman and a father. He contributed to the invention of the lightbulb and the telephone, arguably some of the most important inventions ever. Through photographs, mementos and interactive installations, the museum tells the stories of his remarkable life and honors him by presenting STEAM programming to visitors of all ages. It is a wonderful intersection of Black history, Queens pride and innovation. Learn more here Like many millennials, I watched hours of TV every day after school, so I think my life changed when I went to the Paley Center for Media for the first time because so much American TV and radio history was suddenly at my fingertips. Formerly the Museum of Television & Radio and the Museum of Broadcasting, the center is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of TV, radio and emerging media. It has new exhibitions every month or so, screenings every day, a full gaming center and the goldmine that is the Paley Archive, where the center has digitized thousands of TV and radio programs that you can easily watch with your museum admission. I immediately returned here after my first visit so I could spend hours in their archive. It contains some rare treasures, such as an unaired pilot of “The Muppet Show” and an unaired documentary about the making of “West Side Story.” To learn more, visit the website . Every day I see another video about a new New York City pop-up, typically a big brand trying to get you to buy things. It’s exciting when there is a pop-up that separates itself from capitalism, like the Climate Museum. It has been operating through pop-up exhibitions as it searches for a permanent space, and is the first museum in the country dedicated to climate education. This year, the museum showcased “The End of Fossil Fuel” at a storefront in SoHo, which educated visitors about the dangers of the fossil fuel industry and taught them how they can start making changes. While the museum doesn't have an exhibition open right now, you can learn more about its work here . Two very exciting things I must share about this museum are that this is the oldest building in New York City AND they let me feed chickens here. The Wyckoff House Museum tells the story of the Wyckoff family that lived here over generations, but it’s also a fully operating farm and community space. As such, the museum provides agricultural education and resources to the neighborhoods of East Flatbush and Canarsie. It hosts Free Family Days every month, a farm stand and many events and workshops. Check out all of the great work happening at the Wyckoff House here . This museum had been on and off my list a few times because I did not think it was real. And even after I called the curator to make an appointment, Venmo-ed him a deposit and received an email with the address of an apartment building, I had no clue what to expect. A visit to the Museum of Interesting Things is kind of a show. Founder Denny Daniel takes you on a tour of more than a century of invention and innovation that led us to the technologies we have today. You get to hold and interact with the museum’s unique collection, which includes a camera obscura, a mutoscope and other fun inventions. And to wrap up the visit, I got to unbox a new museum acquisition. What other museum includes a mystery item reveal? Mine was 16mm film reels and glass slides of Central Park. A visit here is so joyous and makes you feel like a kid again. To book a tour, call 212-274-8757 or email [email protected] . The museum also hosts a Secret Speakeasy event every Sunday where it screens 16mm films. Learn more at the website .Heat say Jimmy Butler will miss 2 more games before rejoining team next week

Survey: Small businesses feel optimistic about the economy after the election