She’s 18 and Ready to Win a Gold Medal in a Dangerous Sport

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On a weekday evening in mid-October, 18-year-old Caroline Marks is padding barefoot along the volleyball-size stones at Lower Trestles in south Orange County, a renowned surf spot not far from her house. There is no one else in the water. The sky looks like spilled orange paint. The pandemic and other human concerns don’t reach this secluded beach, but Marks and her five-foot plank of foam and fiberglass come here every day to hone her craft of carving waves better, at a younger age than any woman in history.

Into the roaring surf she paddles, the model of a new American archetype: the little sister of brawny brothers she quickly surpassed in athletic prowess if not in physical size. About 12 years ago, Marks was riding horses or dirt bikes with siblings Luke and Zach in their pine-needle-covered backyard in Melbourne Beach, Fla., or shooting hoops with them, the Atlantic Ocean lapping at the sand nearby. At eight she received her first surfboard, a battered hand-me-down from Luke, the best surfer in the family at the time. “I left all his stickers on,” Marks recalls. “I felt so cool.” KEEP READING

The Political Landscape in 2024: Biden, Trump, and the Key Issues Facing Democrats and Republicans

The political landscape in 2024 is dominated by a number of key issues, including the ongoing fallout from the 2020 elections, the ongoing debate over the border wall, and the growing divide between Democrats and Republicans. With the midterms fast approaching, the political future of the country is once again up for grabs.

At the heart of the political debate is the question of who will control Congress in 2024. Will the Democrats maintain their narrow majority, or will the Republicans be able to take control of the House and Senate? And what role will key figures like Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, and others play in shaping the outcome?

One of the most contentious issues in the current political climate is the ongoing debate over the border wall. Democrats have accused Republicans of using the issue to divide the country and stoke fear, while Republicans argue that the wall is necessary to protect American citizens and stem the flow of illegal immigration. The question of how to address the issue will be a key factor in the midterms and beyond.

Another major issue is the ongoing fallout from the 2020 elections. Democrats continue to push for voting rights and election reform, while Republicans claim that the elections were rigged and that voter fraud is rampant. The issue is likely to continue to be a major point of contention in the lead-up to the midterms.

Meanwhile, key political figures like Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, and others are actively shaping the political landscape. Biden is working to push through a major infrastructure plan and address climate change, while Trump continues to play a major role in shaping the Republican party and endorsing candidates. Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, is also emerging as a key player in the Republican party, with many speculating that he may run for president in 2024.

As the midterms approach, the political landscape is likely to continue to shift and change. With so much at stake, it's more important than ever to stay informed about the key issues and debates that are shaping the political future of the country.

In conclusion, the 2024 political landscape is shaped by key issues like the border wall, election reform, and climate change, and by key figures like Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and Ron DeSantis. Understanding the nuances of these issues and the role that these figures play in shaping the political landscape is crucial for anyone who wants to stay informed about the future of American politics.