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hot 777 casino real money Stock market today: Rising tech stocks pull Wall Street to another recordChiefs head to Pittsburgh on Christmas hoping to lock up the top seed in the AFC

Pope Francis kicks off a yearlong Jubilee that will test his stamina and Rome's patience VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has opened the great Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. The ceremony kicks off the 2025 Holy Year. It's a celebration of the Catholic Church that is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome. And it will test the pope’s stamina and the ability of the Eternal City to welcome them. This begins the Christmas Eve Mass. The ceremony inaugurates the once-every-25-year tradition of a Jubilee. Francis has dedicated the 2025 Jubilee to the theme of hope. Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas Eve during the war in Gaza BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Bethlehem is marking another somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza. Manger Square lacked its usual festive lights and crowds of tourists on Tuesday. Instead, the area outside the Nativity Church was quiet. The church was built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. The war, the violence in the occupied West Bank it has spurred and the lack of festivities has deeply hurt Bethlehem's economy. The town relies heavily on Christmas tourism. The economy in the West Bank was already reeling because of restrictions placed on laborers preventing them from entering Israel during the war. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about one hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by an issue with a vendor technology that maintains its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled. Middle East latest: Israel expels patients from a hospital in Gaza TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The Palestinian Health Ministry says Israeli soldiers raided a hospital in isolated northern Gaza after forcing all the patients and most of the doctors to leave. The Israeli military confirmed its troops had entered the Indonesian Hospital in the town of Jabaliya on Tuesday, as part of an operation searching for Hamas fighters. Winter is hitting the Gaza Strip and many of the nearly 2 million Palestinians displaced by the devastating 15-month war are struggling to protect themselves from the wind, cold and rain. In the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian city of Bethlehem was marking a somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza, with most festivities cancelled and crowds of tourists absent. Caitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women's sports Caitlin Clark has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year after raising the profile of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels in both college and the WNBA. She led Iowa to the national championship game, was the top pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers followed her journey on and off the court. Clark's exploits also put other women's sports leagues in the spotlight. A group of 74 sports journalists from AP and its members voted on the award. Other athletes who received votes included Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif. Clark’s only the fourth women’s basketball player to win the award since it was first given in 1931. Major storm pounds California's central coast, blamed for man's death and partially collapsing pier SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — A major storm has pounded California’s central coast bringing flooding and high surf that was blamed for fatally trapping a man beneath debris on a beach and later partially collapsing a pier, tossing three people into the Pacific Ocean. The storm was expected to bring hurricane-force winds and waves up to 60 feet Monday as it gained strength from California to the Pacific Northwest. Some California cities have ordered beachfront homes and hotels to evacuate early Monday afternoon. Forecasters have warned that storm swells would continue to increase throughout the day. Medellin Cartel victims demand truth and justice as cartel boss Fabio Ochoa walks free in Colombia BOGOTÁ, Colombia (AP) — The return of the notorious drug trafficker Fabio Ochoa to Colombia, following his deportation from the United States, has reopened old wounds among the victims of the Medellin cartel, with some expressing their dismay at the decision of Colombian authorities to let the former mafia boss walk free.Some of the cartel victims said on Tuesday that they are hoping the former drug lord will at least cooperate with ongoing efforts by human rights groups to investigate one of the most violent periods of Colombia’s history, and demanded that Colombian prosecutors also take Ochoa in for questioning. Man arraigned on murder charges in NYC subway death fanned flames with a shirt, prosecutors say NEW YORK (AP) — Prosecutors say a man accused of burning a woman to death inside a New York City subway train used a shirt to fan the flames, causing her to become engulfed. The suspect, identified by police as Sebastian Zapeta, was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court on Tuesday. He faces murder charges that could put him in prison for life. Federal immigration officials say 33-year-old Zapeta is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally after being deported in 2018. The apparently random attack occurred Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Amsterdam court sentences 5 men over violence linked to Ajax-Maccabi soccer game THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An Amsterdam District Court has issued sentences of up to six months in jail against 5 men who were involved in violent disorder after a soccer match between the Dutch club Ajax and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv in November. The riots caused an international outcry and accusations of deliberate anti-Semitic attacks. The violence following a UEFA Europa League match left 5 people in hospital. More than 60 suspects were detained. The court on Tuesday sentenced one man to 6 months in prison, another to 2 1/2 months, two to 1 month and one to 100 hours of community service.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — After struggling to run the ball consistently all season, the Los Angeles Rams finally made some progress on the ground in New Orleans. Kyren Williams and rookie Blake Corum carried the Rams (6-6) to a 21-14 win that kept them squarely in the playoff race for another week. Los Angeles racked up a season-high 156 yards rushing against the Saints, with Williams going for 104 yards and a touchdown while Corum added 42 yards on a season high-tying eight carries. The game was the inverse of most afternoons this season for the Rams, who came into the week averaging fewer than 100 yards rushing per game. The running game was sturdy and productive, while Matthew Stafford and his receivers struggled to get into a rhythm at the Superdome. Coach Sean McVay always prefers to use his run game to set up the pass, and it finally worked for once this season. “I thought Kyren ran really well," McVay said. “I thought Corum ran really well. I thought our offensive line set the line of scrimmage in the run game. We really started slow in the pass game, but I thought Matthew was excellent in the second half. We were able to get some different things off of those run actions going, and that ended up being the difference in the game.” Not coincidentally, the Rams' running game worked well on the Sunday when the offensive line finally had a starting five uncompromised by injuries or suspension for the first time all season. Right tackle Rob Havenstein returned from an ankle injury, making the group whole around rookie center Beaux Limmer, who has beaten out high-priced free agent Jonah Jackson for a starting job. The Rams still had yet another slow start in a season full of them. They ran only three plays in the entire first quarter, and they were held scoreless in the first half when their other two drives resulted in a turnover on downs and a punt. But Los Angeles rebounded with an 11-play scoring drive to open the second half featuring seven runs by Williams. He eventually moved up to fifth in the NFL with 926 yards rushing despite averaging just 4.2 yards per carry — nearly a yard less than he had last season, and the lowest average among the league's top 10 rushers this season. The Rams have thrived without a strong rushing attack before: They averaged just 99.0 yards per game on the ground, ranking 25th in the NFL, during their Super Bowl championship season in 2021-22. But McVay prefers his first option to be a strong running attack, which he had during his first three seasons in charge with Todd Gurley in the backfield and Andrew Whitworth at left tackle. “Anytime the guys up front are moving them, and (Williams) is making great reads and moves on the second level, then that is a fun feeling for the offense," Stafford said. “It’s great when you can hand the ball off and get big creases. We converted when we needed to in short-yardage stuff. I thought our guys did a really great job up front, and Kyren ran it great.” The Rams have struggled in the red zone all season, but they scored touchdowns on all three trips in New Orleans. They did it by committing to the run game up the middle, setting up TD passes on the outside to Demarcus Robinson and Puka Nacua. Alvin Kamara racked up 112 yards rushing in the latest strong game by an opposing running back. Los Angeles is 28th in the league against the run, allowing 144.2 yards rushing per game — including 194 per game over the past three weeks. Rookie edge rusher Jared Verse had another outstanding game, racking up five tackles, three quarterback hits and numerous big plays that don't show up on stat sheets. He capped the performance by hitting Derek Carr from behind and forcing an incompletion from the Los Angeles 9 on New Orleans' final play. Cornerback Darious Williams gave up a touchdown pass to Marquez Valdes-Scantling and the ensuing 2-point conversion pass to Dante Pettis early in the fourth quarter, capping a second straight rough week for the free-agent signee. Williams is the Rams' best cornerback, but they haven't had an above-average shutdown pass defender since trading Jalen Ramsey. Los Angeles added cornerback depth Monday, claiming 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes off waivers from Washington. Robinson injured his hand during the game, and Stafford incurred a lateral ankle sprain. McVay said he doesn't expect either injury to affect the veterans' preparations this week. 17 — Cooper Kupp's yards receiving. That's his lowest total in a game in which he didn't get injured since Oct. 18, 2020. Kupp had only six targets, few downfield routes and curiously scant chances to make big plays. The Rams are home underdogs this week against powerhouse Buffalo, followed by a Thursday night game at San Francisco. Getting even one win out of these two matchups will be difficult, but probably necessary to keep pace with Seattle and Arizona in the NFC West. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL2024 most challenging year for Nigerian workers, says NLC

By James Royal, Ph.D., Bankrate.com Cryptocurrencies are enormously volatile, but that volatility can create opportunities for profit if you’re looking to trade these digital assets. Cryptos such as Bitcoin and Ethereum have risen a lot since their debut — but they’ve also experienced tremendous boom-bust cycles along the way. Experienced traders have been speculating on cryptocurrencies for years, but how can you get started if you’re new to the crypto market? Here’s how to start investing in cryptocurrency and the significant risks you need to watch out for. First things first, if you’re looking to invest in crypto, you need to have all your finances in order. That means having an emergency fund in place, a manageable level of debt and ideally a diversified portfolio of investments . Your crypto investments can become one more part of your portfolio, one that helps raise your total returns, hopefully. Pay attention to these five other things as you’re starting to invest in cryptocurrencies. As you would for any investment, understand exactly what you’re investing in. If you’re buying stocks, it’s important to read the annual report and other SEC filings to analyze the companies thoroughly. Plan to do the same with any cryptocurrencies , since there are literally thousands of them, they all function differently and new ones are being created every day. You need to understand the investment case for each trade. In the case of many cryptocurrencies , they’re backed by nothing at all, neither hard assets nor cash flow of an underlying entity. That’s the case for Bitcoin , for example, where investors rely exclusively on someone paying more for the asset than they paid for it. In other words, unlike stock, where a company can grow its profits and drive returns for you that way, many crypto assets must rely on the market becoming more optimistic and bullish for you to profit. Some of the most popular coins include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana , Dogecoin and Tether (a stablecoin) . So before investing, understand the potential upside and downside. If your financial investment is not backed by an asset or cash flow, it could end up being worth nothing. A mistake that many new investors make is looking at the past and extrapolating that to the future. Yes, Bitcoin used to be worth pennies, but now is worth much more . The key question, however, is “Will that growth continue into the future, even if it’s not at quite that meteoric rate?” Investors look to the future, not to what an asset has done in the past. What will drive future returns? Traders buying a cryptocurrency today need tomorrow’s gains, not yesterday’s. The prices of cryptocurrencies are about as volatile as an asset can get. They could drop quickly in seconds on nothing more than a rumor that ends up proving baseless. That can be great for sophisticated investors who can execute trades rapidly or who have a solid grasp on the market’s fundamentals, how the market is trending and where it could go. For new investors without these skills — or the high-powered algorithms that direct these trades — it’s a minefield. Volatility is a game for high-powered Wall Street traders, each of whom is trying to outgun other deep-pocketed investors. A new investor can easily get crushed by the volatility. That’s because volatility shakes out traders, especially beginners, who get scared. Meanwhile, other traders may step in and buy on the cheap. In short, volatility can help sophisticated traders “buy low and sell high” while inexperienced investors “buy high and sell low.” If you’re trading any asset on a short-term basis, you need to manage your risk , and that can be especially true with volatile assets such as cryptocurrency. So as a newer trader, you’ll need to understand how best to manage risk and develop a process that helps you mitigate losses. And that process can vary from individual to individual: Newer traders should consider setting aside a certain amount of trading money and then using only a portion of it, at least at first. If a position moves against them, they’ll still have money in reserve to trade with later. The ultimate point is that you can’t trade if you don’t have any money. So keeping some cash in reserve means you’ll always have a bankroll to fund your trading. It’s important to manage risk, but that will come at an emotional cost. Selling a losing position hurts, but doing so can help you avoid worse losses later. Finally, it’s important to avoid putting money that you need into speculative assets. If you can’t afford to lose it — all of it — you can’t afford to put it into risky assets such as cryptocurrency, or other speculative assets, for that matter. Whether it’s a down payment for a house or an important upcoming purchase, money that you need in the next few years should be kept in safe accounts so that it’s there when you need it. And if you’re looking for an absolutely sure return, your best option is to pay off high-interest debt. You’re guaranteed to earn (or save) whatever interest rate you’re paying on the debt. You can’t lose there. Finally, don’t overlook the security of any exchange or broker you’re using. You may own the assets legally, but someone still has to secure them, and their security needs to be tight. If they don’t think their cryptocurrency is properly secured, some traders choose to invest in a crypto wallet to hold their coins offline so they’re inaccessible to hackers or others. Remember that investing in cryptocurrency can be part of a broader investment strategy, but shouldn’t be your only one. While investing directly in cryptocurrency is popular, traders have other ways to get into the crypto game, some more directly than others. These include: Each of these methods varies in its riskiness and exposure to cryptocurrency, so you’ll want to understand exactly what you’re buying and whether it fits your needs. In theory it takes only a few dollars to invest in cryptocurrency. Most crypto exchanges, for example, have a minimum trade that might be $5 or $10. Other crypto trading apps might have a minimum that’s even lower. However, it’s important to understand that some trading platforms will take a huge chunk of your investment as a fee if you’re trading small amounts of cryptocurrency. So it’s important to look for a broker or exchange that minimizes your fees. In fact, many so-called “free” brokers embed fees — called spread mark-ups — in the price you pay for your cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency is based on blockchain technology . Blockchain is a kind of database that records and timestamps every entry into it. The best way to think of a blockchain is like a running receipt of transactions. When a blockchain database powers cryptocurrency, it records and verifies transactions in the currency, verifying the currency’s movements and who owns it. Many crypto blockchain databases are run with decentralized computer networks. That is, many redundant computers operate the database, checking and rechecking the transactions to ensure that they’re accurate. If there’s a discrepancy, the networked computers have to resolve it. Some cryptocurrencies reward those who verify the transactions on the blockchain database in a process called mining. For example, miners involved with Bitcoin solve very complex mathematical problems as part of the verification process. If they’re successful, miners receive a predetermined award of Bitcoins. To mine Bitcoins , miners need powerful processing units that consume huge amounts of energy. Many miners operate gigantic rooms full of such mining rigs in order to extract these rewards. As of October 2024, running the Bitcoin system burned as much energy per year as the country of Poland. If you’re looking to invest in Bitcoin, you have a variety of ways to do so, and you can work with a number of companies, including: If you’re looking to buy Bitcoin, pay particular attention to the fees that you’re paying. Here are other key things to watch out for as you’re buying Bitcoin . An altcoin is an alternative to Bitcoin. Many years ago, traders would use the term pejoratively. Since Bitcoin was the largest and most popular cryptocurrency, everything else was defined in relation to it. So, whatever was not Bitcoin was lumped into a catch-all category called altcoins . While Bitcoin is still the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization by far, it’s no longer the only game in town. Other altcoins such as Ethereum and Solana have grown in popularity, making the term altcoin somewhat outmoded. Now with a reported 15,000 or more cryptocurrencies in existence, it makes less sense than ever to define the industry as “Bitcoin and then everything else.” Cryptocurrency is a highly speculative area of the market, and many smart investors have decided to put their money elsewhere. For beginners who want to get started trading crypto, however, the best advice is to start small and only use money that you can afford to lose. Bankrate’s Brian Baker contributed to an update of this story. ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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JERUSALEM — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen on Thursday targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital and multiple ports, while the World Health Organization's director-general said the bombardment occurred nearby as he prepared to board a flight in Sanaa, with a crew member injured. "The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge — just a few meters from where we were — and the runway were damaged," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on the social media platform X. He added that he and U.N. colleagues were safe. "We will need to wait for the damage to the airport to be repaired before we can leave," he said, without mentioning the source of the bombardment. U.N. spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay later said the injured person was with the U.N. Humanitarian Air Service. The Israeli strikes followed several days of Houthi launches setting off sirens in Israel. The Israeli military said it attacked infrastructure used by the Iran-backed Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa and ports in Hodeida, Al-Salif and Ras Qantib, along with power stations, asserting they were used to smuggle in Iranian weapons and for the entry of senior Iranian officials. Israel's military didn't immediately respond to questions about Tedros' post but issued a statement saying it had "capabilities to strike very far from Israel's territory — precisely, powerfully, and repetitively." The strikes, carried out over 1,000 miles from Jerusalem, came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "the Houthis, too, will learn what Hamas and Hezbollah and Assad's regime and others learned" as his military has battled those more powerful proxies of Iran. The Houthi-controlled satellite channel al-Masirah reported multiple deaths. Iran's foreign ministry condemned the strikes. The U.S. military also has targeted the Houthis in recent days. The U.N. has noted that the targeted ports are important entryways for humanitarian aid for Yemen, the poorest Arab nation that plunged into a civil war in 2014. Over the weekend, 16 people were wounded when a Houthi missile hit a playground in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, while other missiles and drones have been shot down. Last week, Israeli jets struck Sanaa and Hodeida, killing nine people, calling it a response to previous Houthi attacks. The Houthis also have been targeting shipping on the Red Sea corridor, calling it solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The U.N. Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting Monday in response to an Israeli request that the council condemn the Houthi attacks and Iran for supplying them weapons. 5 journalists are killed in Gaza Meanwhile, an Israeli strike killed five Palestinian journalists outside a hospital in Gaza overnight, the territory's Health Ministry said. The Israeli military said all were militants posing as reporters. The strike hit a car outside Al-Awda Hospital in the built-up Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. The journalists were working for local news outlet Al-Quds Today, a television channel affiliated with the Islamic Jihad militant group. Islamic Jihad is a smaller and more extreme ally of Hamas and took part in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack in southern Israel that ignited the war. Israel's military identified four of the men as combat propagandists and said that intelligence, including a list of Islamic Jihad operatives found by soldiers in Gaza, had confirmed that all five were affiliated with the group. Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other Palestinian militant groups operate political, media and charitable operations in addition to their armed wings. Associated Press footage showed the incinerated shell of a van, with press markings visible on the back doors. Sobbing young men attended the funeral. The bodies were wrapped in shrouds, with blue press vests draped over them. The Committee to Protect Journalists says more than 130 Palestinian reporters have been killed since the start of the war. Israel hasn't allowed foreign reporters to enter Gaza except on military embeds. Israel has banned the pan-Arab Al Jazeera network and accused six of its Gaza reporters of being militants. The Qatar-based broadcaster denies the allegations and accuses Israel of trying to silence its war coverage, which has focused heavily on civilian casualties from Israeli military operations. The toll continues to mount in Gaza Separately, Israel's military said a 35-year-old reserve soldier was killed during fighting in central Gaza. A total of 389 soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the start of the ground operation. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed across the border, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250. About 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third believed to be dead. Israel's air and ground offensive has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry. It says more than half the fatalities have been women and children, but doesn't say how many of the dead were fighters. Israel says it has killed more than 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The offensive has caused widespread destruction and hunger and driven around 90% of the population of 2.3 million from their homes. Hundreds of thousands are packed into squalid tent camps along the coast, with little protection from the cold, wet winter. Also Thursday, people mourned eight Palestinians killed by Israeli military operations in and around the city of Tulkarem in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The Israeli military said that it opened fire after militants attacked soldiers, and it was aware of uninvolved civilians who were harmed in the raid. Copyright 2024 NPR

Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus WASHINGTON (AP) — A powerful government panel has failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of a nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase U.S. Steel. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States on Monday sent its long-awaited report to President Joe Biden, a longtime opponent of the deal. Some federal agencies represented on the panel were skeptical that allowing a Japanese company to buy an American-owned steelmaker would create national security risks. That's according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. Both Biden and President-elect Donald Trump opposed the merger and vowed to block it. Nippon Steel says it is confident the deal will go ahead. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Survey: Small businesses are feeling more optimistic about the economy after the election A survey shows small business owners are feeling more optimistic about the economy following the election. The National Federation of Independent Businesses’ Small Business Optimism Index rose by eight points in November to 101.7, its highest reading since June 2021. The Uncertainty Index declined 12 points in November to 98, following October’s pre-election record high of 110. NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said small business owners became more certain about future business conditions following the presidential election, breaking a nearly three-year streak of record high uncertainty. The survey also showed that more owners are also hoping 2025 will be a good time to grow. American Airlines briefly halts flights nationwide after technical issue American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue just as the Christmas travel season kicks into high gear. American flights were cleared to fly by federal regulators about one hour after the ground stop order was issued Tuesday. Just before 7 a.m. Eastern time, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered all American Airlines flights grounded in the U.S. at the airline’s request. American had reported a technical issue affecting its entire system with millions traveling for the holiday. The groundings couldn’t come at a worse time for the millions of travelers expected to fly over the next 10 days. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. Stock market today: Wall Street holds near breakeven ahead of Christmas Stock indexes are edging higher in morning trading on Wall Street as gains for some Big Tech stocks make up for weakness elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 was up 0.4% Tuesday. Chip company Broadcom was again helping to pull the index higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite was up 0.7%. American Airlines fell 1.2% after the airline briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue. Treasury yields rose. U.S. markets will close at 1 p.m. Eastern and stay closed Wednesday for Christmas. An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. American consumers feeling less confident in December, Conference Board says American consumers are feeling less confident in December, a business research group says. The Conference Board said Monday that its consumer confidence index fell back in December to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident in recent months. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled more than a dozen points to 81.1. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future. Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week Stocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda's U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market.Intro: The new food and civil supplies minister also met the chief minister on Thursday, claims someone in Oppn wants to ‘end his career’ MUMBAI: With the opposition mounting pressure for the dismissal of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, in connection with the murder of a sarpanch in Beed district, Munde took charge of his ministry on Thursday. Munde, who also called on chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, told the media that the individual responsible for the murder should be given the strictest punishment even if the latter turns out to be a close associate of him. Munde, the new food and civil supplies minister, attributed the allegations against him to people in the opposition who wanted to “end his political career”. Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch (elected village council head) of Massajog village was brutally murdered on December 9. His family as well as Opposition parties have alleged that local strongman Valmik Karad is the mastermind behind the murder. MLAs from district as well as other politicians allege that Karad, who is a close associate of Dhananjay Munde, should be arrested. Opposition parties also allege that Munde has been supporting Karad and should be sacked as a minister. Fadnavis on December 20 had announced a judicial probe into the case and a report is expected in six months. A special investigation team (SIT) has also been constituted under an inspector-general of police to investigate the killing. Fadnavis also transferred Beed district superintendent of police Avinash Bargal following the murder. Karad and his aides have been booked for extortion of ₹ 2 crore – Deshmukh had allegedly exposed an extortion attempt involving a local company – and will be charged under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crimes Act (MCOCA). It is feared that an impartial investigation cannot be conducted as long as Munde is a minister in the government, as he was elected from Parli in Beed district. Munde was a minister in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) as well as the Mahayuti governments. He is considered to be close to NCP chief Ajit Pawar, and played a role in splitting the party in 2023. All political parties except the NCP have organised a march in Beed on December 27, to demand the arrest of Karad and Munde’s removal from the state cabinet. It is against this backdrop that Munde called on Fadnavis on Thursday, soon after he took charge as food and civil supplies minister. “The persons responsible for the murder should be hanged, even if he turns out to be close to me. I have urged the chief minister to hold the trial in a fast-track court so that the guilty is punished at the earliest,” Munde told the media. Regarding the demand for his resignation, Munde said: “There are some people targeting me. They are trying to end my political career,” he alleged. He also said he was not denying that Karad is a close aide of his but added that the latter has worked with other politicians in the district as well, including BJP legislator Suresh Dhas. Significantly, Dhas has been demanding action against Karad and Munde. Damania posts picture of Munde wielding revolver Activist Anjali Damania, who has been vocal over the Beed murder case, on Thursday posted a picture on social media of Dhananjay Munde wielding a revolver. She also posted a video which showed Munde driving a vehicle with Valmik Karad, accused of being involved in the Deshmukh murder, seated next to him. Damania has also alleged that Beed district tops the districts in the state for the number of gun licences issued.

NoneYou only have a few hours left to shop Cyber Monday sales — most of the deals from our favorite retailers end at midnight. As a reporter who’s covered Cyber Monday for five years, I can say with confidence that the discounts are currently as good as they’re going to get, and the longer you wait, the greater the risk of what you want selling out or going up in price. To help you find the best Cyber Monday deals actually worth shopping , I combed through thousands of discounts and picked highly rated products that are at least 20% off. When possible, I ran deals through price trackers to make sure they’re at their lowest price in at least three months. I’ll continue to update this list live throughout Cyber Monday with new deals, price drops and additional promos. SKIP AHEAD Best Cyber Monday 2024 deals | More Cyber Monday sales | How I picked the best Cyber Monday deals | Why trust NBC Select? I found, vetted and wrote about every deal I recommend below. I worked with NBC Select editors to finalize the list, which I’m frequently updating to reflect the most up-to-date prices. For more information on our editorial team and how we choose products, check out this page . Amazon Smart Plug 4.7-star average rating from 565,695 reviews on Amazon Once you connect devices like lamps and fans to this smart plug , you can control them via a companion app and Amazon Alexa voice commands. The app also lets you set on/off schedules — I connect my Christmas lights to the smart plug so they turn on at sunrise and off at sunset. It’s compact too, so you can keep your second outlet free or stack two on top of each other. Tile Mate 4.2-star average rating from 23,553 reviews on Amazon Lowest price ever Attach the Tile Mate to your keys or put it inside bags to keep track of where they are. The device pairs with the brand’s app, which shows you its location on a map and lets you ring it so you can follow the sound. The water-resistant tracker can also help you find your phone — just press its center to make it ring, even when it’s on silent mode. Apple AirPods Pro 2 4.6-star average rating from 11,627 reviews on Amazon I use these wireless earbuds every day while running, commuting and taking calls. They offer three listening modes, including active noise cancellation, and up to six hours of battery life on a single charge, according to the brand. The water-resistant headphones come with a MagSafe USB-C charging case and four pairs of silicone tips so you can customize their size. Anker Zolo Portable Charger 4.5-star average rating from 2,553 reviews on Amazon Lowest price ever Anker’s portable charger has a built-in USB-C cable and two USB-C ports, so you can repower three devices at once. It has a digital display on the front, which shows you how much battery it has left. The charger is about the size of a credit card, making it easy to carry in your pocket. Energizer AA Batteries 4.8-star average rating from 49,443 reviews on Amazon It never hurts to have extra batteries at home, especially during the holiday season when you may be using them to power string lights, remotes, kids’ toys and kitchen gadgets. This pack comes with 32 AA alkaline batteries, which last up to 10 years in storage, according to the brand. CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream 4.4-star average rating from 6,530 reviews on Amazon Dermatologists we spoke to recommend this eye cream , which is made with ceramides , caffeine , peptides and niacinamide . Applying it daily helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, hydrate skin and brighten dark circles, according to the brand. Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Face Serum 4.6-star average rating from 75,146 reviews on Amazon Cosrx’s face serum is made with snail mucin , a hydrating ingredient that can boost the skin’s moisture levels and address fine lines, according to dermatologists we spoke to. It helps soothe dryness, reduce dullness and repair dark spots, according to the brand. The serum has a lightweight feel and gives you a dewy glow, plus it absorbs quickly so you can layer other products over it. Apple AirTag (4 pack) 4.7-star average rating from 6,803 reviews on Amazon I attach AirTags to my keys and put them in my bags to keep track of where they are via Apple’s Find My app. The little trackers are about the size of a quarter, and I can use the app to see the device’s location on a map or play a sound on its built-in speaker. You can purchase a keychain to put your AirTags on — my favorite is from Belk and it’s currently on sale. Chamberlain Smart Garage Control 4.3-star average rating from 99,458 reviews on Amazon After installing this controller, you can open and close your garage door from your phone, regardless of where you are. It pairs with the brand’s companion app, which also lets you set schedules, get real-time notifications and give loved ones control access. Chamberlain’s controller is compatible with most garage door openers made after 1993. Fullstar Vegetable Chopper 4.5-star average rating from 10,189 reviews on Amazon Using this kitchen gadget helps you speed up prep time while cooking. It comes with seven interchangeable blades to cut up ingredients, including dicers, slicers and graters. You use the lid’s lever to push food through the blades, and it falls into the attached catch tray, which you can pull out like a drawer. All parts of this tool are dishwasher-safe. Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects 4.6-star average rating from 3,592 reviews on Amazon Crest’s whitening strips are coated with hydrogen peroxide, an ingredient that helps remove tooth stains and brighten your smile, according to dentists I spoke to. They also have a non-slip grip so they stay on during treatments. This kit comes with enough strips for 22 45-minute treatments and two 1-hour express treatments. AncestryDNA + Traits Genetic Test Kit 4.6-star average rating from 27,649 reviews on Amazon This kit comes with everything you need to take a saliva sample and send it to AncestryDNA’s lab. In six to eight weeks, you’ll get your results online. They include information about your genetic origins and ethnicity, as well as your propensity for traits like cilantro aversion, hair strand thickness and the ability to remember dreams. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K 4.7-star average rating from 44,964 reviews on Amazon Lowest price ever Instead of buying a brand new TV, you can upgrade your current model by plugging Amazon’s Fire Stick into its HDMI port. Then, you’ll be able to watch shows and movies across streaming services, as well as download music apps and play Xbox games via cloud gaming. The TV stick, which you can also bring with you while traveling, comes with an Alexa Voice Remote. Kitchen Mama Auto Electric Can Opener 4.2-star average rating from 106,499 reviews on Amazon This battery-operated kitchen gadget automatically opens cans for you with the press of a button. Its sharp blades cut through the sides of cans to fully remove their lids, leaving behind smooth edges. Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner 4.5-star average rating from 90,926 reviews on Amazon The Bissell Little Green Machine is one of our favorite carpet cleaners , but you can also use it to get rid of grime and stains on furniture, auto interiors, kids car seats and pet supplies. “It’s so satisfying yet appalling to see how much dirt it pulls out of my rugs and the fabric on my couch,” says NBC Select editorial operations manager Rebecca Rodriguez . The lightweight machine, which comes with two nozzle attachments, has a built-in handle so you can tote it around your home and a long hose to reach areas like stairs. Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser 4.6-star average rating from 142,945 reviews on Amazon This water flosser cleans gums and removes plaque from teeth, similar to standard floss . It comes with seven tips that rotate 360 degrees to reach all areas of your mouth, and has a 22-ounce, dishwasher-safe water reservoir. You can choose from 10 pressure settings, and the built-in timer keeps track of how long you’ve flossed for. Mynt3D Super 3D Pen 4.3-star average rating from 19,039 reviews on Amazon This rechargeable, refillable 3D printing pen helps you or your favorite crafter bring drawings to life. It comes with plastic filament in three colors and has a clog-resistant nozzle. There’s also a speed slider on the pen, which you can move into different positions to control how much material you dispense at a time. Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray 4.3-star average rating from 90,836 reviews on Amazon “This is my go-to product when I style my hair,” says Godio. “I apply it before using a flat iron or blow dryer brush, and it leaves my hair looking smooth, shiny and frizz-free. It also doesn’t weigh down my fine hair like so many other heat protectants do.” The anti-frizz treatment also comes in a curly hair version that I use daily. LifeStraw Peak Series Personal Water Filter 4.8-star average rating from 1,444 reviews on Amazon Take this personal water filter with you while hiking and camping, or pack it in your emergency kit . It removes bacteria, parasites, microplastics and other impurities like dirt from water when you drink through it, according to the brand. You can use it to filter up to 1,000 gallons of water before needing a replacement. Hulu (with ads) Hulu's ad-supported monthly membership is usually $9.99 per month. But new and returning customers who take advantage of this Cyber Monday promotion will pay just 99 cents per month for a full year, so long as they sign up by Dec. 2. The streaming service is also offering Hulu and Disney+ (with ads) as a package deal for $2.99 a month for 12 months, after which it returns to $10.99 monthly. PicassoTiles 100-Piece Set 4.9-star average rating from 36,247 reviews on Amazon Anyone can easily create and manipulate 3D structures with these magnetic tiles. They come in a set with 100 multi-colored pieces and are suitable for kids ages 3 years old and up. TheraIce Migraine Relief Cap 4.6-star average rating from 38,940 reviews on Amazon Let this migraine relief cap get cold in the freezer for about two hours and then put it over your head and eyes, positioning it like a sleep mask. The cap’s cool, compressive feel helps soothe pain, promote relaxation, reduce puffy skin and alleviate sinus pressure, according to the brand. It’s flexible and somewhat stretchy, so it fits most people. Xbox Series S 512 GB All-Digital Console 4.4-star average rating from 4,010 reviews on Amazon “I’ve had the Xbox Series S for a few years now,” says NBC Select commerce editor Jordan Bowman . “As a casual gamer, it’s worth the price for a more compact shape and I pair it with Game Pass (Microsoft’s gaming subscription) so I can try a variety of games throughout the year.” You can also connect your favorite streaming services to this console to access movies and TV shows through platforms like Amazon, Hulu and Netflix. The Xbox comes with one wireless controller. PlayStation 5 Console 4.9-star average rating from 3,805 reviews at Best Buy Lowest price ever “The PlayStation 5 is a core part of my home entertainment set up, letting me play video games and watch my 4K Ultra Blu-rays in one simple package,” says Josh Rios, NBC commerce video producer. “I couldn’t ask for anything more.” This bundle comes with a pre-installed Astro’s Playroom game, a DualSense wireless controller, a disc drive and cables you can use to connect it to your desktop or a TV. The console supports haptic feedback, adaptive triggers and 3D audio technology. Differin Acne Treatment Gel 4.5-star average rating from 81,836 reviews on Amazon Differin is one of dermatologists’ favorite products for acne-prone skin . It’s a topical over-the-counter retinoid , which helps regulate skin turnover to avoid clogged pores and acts as an anti-inflammatory to reduce redness, according to the brand. The fragrance-free cream can also reduce scarring and hyperpigmentation by improving skin tone and texture. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask 4.6-star average rating from 47,463 reviews on Amazon I keep Lanegie’s berry lip mask on my nightstand and apply it before bed with the included applicator. While I’m sleeping, the coconut oil, shea butter and murumuru seed butter in its formula moisturize my lips so they’re soft and flake-free by the morning. You can wipe off any remaining product when you wake up, but I usually keep it on and use it as a lip balm . Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream 4.6-star average rating from 3,769 reviews on Amazon Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is one of my go-to moisturizers year round. It’s made with squalane to hydrate and soften skin, as well as strengthen the skin barrier, according to the brand. I only need to use a little bit of cream to cover my face, and it absorbs quickly, leaving behind a lightweight, non-greasy feel. The moisturizer is suitable for all skin types — I have sensitive, combination, acne-prone skin, and this cream never causes irritation. Blissy Silk Pillowcase 4.4-star average rating from 4,101 reviews on Amazon “ Blissy’s silk pillowcase is cooling, which is great since I’m a hot sleeper, and the soft fabric never irritates or tugs at my sensitive, rosacea-prone skin,” says NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio . “Compared to when I use a regular cotton pillowcase, my hair is also less frizzy when I wake up.” The silk pillowcase , which has a hidden zipper closure, comes in a variety of colors so you can choose one that matches your bedding. Dyson AirStrait Straightener 4.3-star average rating from 909 reviews on Amazon Lowest price ever This flat iron simultaneously dries and straightens your hair using air instead of hot plates, which helps prevent hair damage, according to the brand. You can use it on most hair hypes and choose between three temperature settings, and turn on boost mode if you need to style hair quickly. The tool automatically senses when hair is not between the arms and lowers its airflow. Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask 4.3-star average rating from 7,926 reviews on Amazon “This sheet mask makes my face so glowy and hydrated,” says Rodriguez. “I love watching it go opaque to transparent as the serum seeps into my skin.” It’s made with oligo- hyaluronic acid , which moisturizes skin, and collagen extract, which helps refine large pores and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, according to the brand. Apple Watch SE (2nd. Gen) 4.4-star average rating from 954 reviews on Amazon Lowest price ever Track your daily activity, workouts, sleep and other health metrics, like heart rate, with this GPS-connected smartwatch . It also lets you send and receive calls and texts, stream music and pay via Apple Pay. Siri voice assistant is built into the watch, which is water-resistant up to about 164 feet, according to the brand. It has up to 18 hours of battery life on a single charge and comes with a charging cable, too. Hicober 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station 4.3-star average rating from 1,949 reviews on Amazon Lowest price ever Unfold Hicober’s magnetic charging station when you want to use it, or fold it into a compact disc to throw in your travel bag. When you lay it flat, you can repower up to three devices at once, eliminating the need for multiple cords and organizing your space, says Harry Rabinowitz , NBC Select reporter. The charger also folds into a stand to prop up your phone. Amazon Kindle 4.4-star average rating from 352 reviews on Amazon Lowest price ever “Getting a Kindle was the best decision I ever made, and that’s coming from a book lover,” says NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider . “It has a glare-free display, so I can use it no matter the lighting conditions, which is amazing. I also appreciate that the bottom corner gives you the percentage of how far you’ve read.” Amazon’s newest Kindle e-reader is the most lightweight and compact model yet, and you get up to six weeks of battery life on a single charge, according to the brand. Blink Mini 2 4.4-star average rating from 3,982 reviews on Amazon This little camera connects to a companion app, which lets you keep an eye on your home via livestream video and receive real-time motion detection alerts. It also has two-way audio, so you can hear activity and speak to people or pets as needed. The camera also comes with a built-in spotlight and colorful night view. Plus, if you add a weather-resistant power adapter , you can install this camera outside. JBL Clip 5 4.7-star average rating from 789 reviews on Amazon Lowest price ever “This portable Bluetooth speaker goes everywhere with me because I can attach it to any bag using the built-in carabiner,” says Rodriguez. “It’s small, but it has a powerful sound.” The JBL Clip 5 has up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge, and it’s water-resistant, so you can use it at the beach or pool, as well as in the bathroom. Skylight Digital Picture Frame 4.7-star average rating from 21,881 reviews on Amazon Lowest price ever Upload your favorite photos to this digital frame via its companion app, which also lets you invite your loved ones to add their memories to your library. The Wi-Fi-enabled frame has a 10-inch touchscreen. You can prop it up vertically or horizontally using its adjustable stand. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Advanced 4.5-star average rating from 203,951 reviews on Amazon There’s 20 grams of collagen in one serving of this powder, which you can mix into hot or cold beverages like water, coffee or smoothies to support hair, nail and joint health, according to the brand. It also has vitamin C and hyaluronic acid in it, which help with skin hydration and immune health, according to Vital Proteins. The powder is made without sugars, sweeteners, gluten or dairy. (Be sure to consult your doctor before taking any supplements.) Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier 4.6-star average from 149,146 reviews on Amazon Lowest price ever Liquid I.V. is one of my favorite electrolyte powders to drink before a long run or hot yoga class. It comes in single-serve packets, making it easy to throw in my gym bag, and the powder quickly dissolves into water when I mix it well. Liquid I.V. is available in various flavors, so you can pick one that best aligns with your preferences — my favorites are Lemon Lime, Strawberry Lemonade and Tropical Punch, which are currently on sale. Theragun Mini Massage Gun 4.7-star average rating from 6,609 reviews on Amazon Anyone who has sore, tight, tense muscles needs this massage gun — I use it daily on my legs after running or on my back after hunching over my computer all day. It comes with three foam attachments, has three massage speeds and is compact enough to throw in your gym bag or suitcase. You can also connect the massage gun to Therabody’s app via Bluetooth, which walks you through guided treatments. Casper Original Pillow 4.4-star average rating from 11,475 reviews on Amazon Casper’s Original Pillow is one of our favorite options thanks to its two-layer design, which creates a medium soft feel. The pillow’s inner core is stuffed with microfiber fill, while the removable, machine-washable outer cover is made from a soft cotton material. The filling is resistant to clumping, so you can easily redistribute it as needed, according to the brand. This set comes with two standard-size pillows, but you can also buy a set with king-size pillows , as well as individual pillows . Bissell CleanView XR Cordless Vacuum 4.3-star average rating from 104,026 reviews on Amazon This cordless stick vacuum has a removable, rechargeable battery that gives you up to 35 minutes of run time, according to the brand. It converts into a handheld vacuum to clean small messes, stairs or the inside of a car, and comes with a long nozzle so you can reach high spaces like above door frames. The vacuum has a tangle-free brushroll, making it ideal for homes with pets, and its filtration system traps dirt, dust and other allergens inside. You get bristle brush and crevice tool attachments with your purchase. Levoit Core 300-P White Air Purifier 4.7-star average rating from 120,273 reviews on Amazon Lowest price ever Using an air purifier is one of the best ways to improve air quality in your home, especially if you’re concerned about allergies, smoke or odors. This Levoit model is one of our favorites. It cleans the air in rooms up to 1,095 square feet and has a HEPA-grade filter. It’s virtually silent when you turn on sleep mode, too, according to the brand. iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ 4.0-star average rating from 19,297 reviews on Amazon This robot vacuum can also mop your floors and empty itself in the included charging dock as needed. The machine connects to a companion app, which lets you set cleaning schedules, get real-time updates or start cleaning remotely. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa voice commands. Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp 4.2-star average rating from 9,407 reviews on Amazon Lowest price ever I keep this Sichuan Chili Crisp in my pantry at all times so I can drizzle it over fried eggs, fish, roasted vegetables, avocado toast and stir frys. It’s from one of our favorite women-owned , AAPI-owned brands , and is made with three types of peppers to add a flavorful kick to food. I constantly buy it for the hot sauce lovers in my life, put it in stockings and use it as a white elephant gift. Keurig K-Classic Single-Serve Coffee Maker 4.6-star average rating from 104,194 reviews on Amazon You can make between 6 and 10 ounces of coffee in less than a minute with Keurig’s single-serve machine, which has a 48-ounce removable water reservoir. Its drip tray is removable to fit taller travel mugs and it's compatible with K-Cup pods, many of which are on sale right now from brands like Peets and Illy . Our Place Always Pan 2.0 4.6-star average rating from 37,638 reviews at Our Place Lowest price ever Our Place’s Always Pan is one one my most-used pieces of cookware . The 10.5-inch pan is covered in a nonstick ceramic coating, which is oven-safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The pan comes with a steamer basket that doubles as a colander, a beechwood spatula that nests on the handle and a lid with a cool-touch knob. Here are the best Cyber Monday sales to know about. Keep in mind, not every item from a brand or retailer is discounted as described below. All of my recommendations above are based on NBC Select’s previous coverage and reporting. I also included products the NBC Select staff tested, including Wellness Award , Travel Award , Pet Award , Bed & Bath Award and Giftable Tech Award winners. All the deals I recommend are at least 20% off and highly rated with at least a 4.0-star average rating from hundreds of reviews. When possible, I ran deals through price trackers like CamelCamelCamel to ensure products are at their lowest price in at least three months. I’m a reporter at NBC Select who’s covered Black Friday and Cyber Monday since 2020. I’ve reported on the history of these holidays and spoken to experts about what you should buy and skip during major shopping events, like those happening right now. For this story, since not all deals are worth it, I sifted through hundreds of on-sale products to find the best ones actually worth buying across key categories, like tech, travel, home and kitchen. Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.After a week of rumours and misinformation, Kelowna RCMP have set the record straight about a video that's recently gone viral. A video has been circulating various social media sites showing a woman yelling in a local convenience store and along with her dog, who aggressively barked at the store attendants. Someone in the store who was "trying to buy a sandwich" filmed the whole incident. According to RCMP, the incident took place over a year ago, on Sept. 19, 2023 at the Canco gas station in the 1100-block of Ethel Street. "Officers attended where it was determined an unknown female attacked two store employees and attempted to coerce her dog into biting them," said Kelowna RCMP in a press release. The incident was captured on cell phone video which was provided to police at the time. The next day, the woman was found and arrested for assault. She was released with an undertaking scheduled for court at a later date. Just over a month later, RCMP concluded their investigation at the request of the victims affected because the woman had never returned to the store and one of the victims no longer lives in the province. “For reasons unknown, this video only recently surfaced on social media over a year after the incident was reported and investigated by police,” RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Michael Gauthier. “In this particular case, when the victims of the offence(s) are no longer interested in pursuing charges, we are obligated to cancel the Undertaking and conclude the matter as is.”Photo: Contributed Supt. Beth McAndie, centre, flanked by Randi Grady and Ken Rodger, two key members of the local RCMP team on the operations and administrative sides. The South Okanagan's RCMP leader is looking back on her first full year on the job, celebrating successes and looking forward to goals in the new year. Supt. Beth McAndie took over the local force in late 2023 and has spent the year working hard on getting to know her team, municipal leaders, community partners and tackling key problems. Community engagement, youth focus, and strategic planning were top of mind for McAndie, as well as getting to know the various detachments throughout the large region. "I'm so grateful the investment in the regional commander, Staff Sergeant Dan Pollock, who is in charge of all those regional detachments. He arrived just before I did, and that was something that my predecessor put in place," McAndie said. "That has been absolutely a game changer for engagement with those mayors and councils and making sure that they have different levels within our organization to push initiatives and priorities forward." McAndie is also pleased with community consultation in Penticton that took place in 2024, as the RCMP planned ahead for the next several years. "Really getting a sense of what was important to them as it relates to policing, public safety. Asking, if you were to say that the RCMP was doing well in the community, what would that look like to you? Hearing from them, some of the consistent messages were, we want to hear more about what you're up to, not just a reaction to an incident," Mcandie said. In response, the detachment set up a social media presence and increased media relations. "We had additional media officers trained trying to just enhance our portfolio, really being committed to making sure we're doing some sort of community engagement messaging, whether it's about crime reduction, crime statistics, public safety messaging," McAndie said. "That was a huge win for us, being better at telling our story, engaging." Also important was getting to know the Penticton Indian Band Chief and Council, finding out more about what is important to them when it comes to policing, and taking steps forward in Truth and Reconcilliation. "Making sure that we have that open and honest dialogue, whether it's real time incidents that are happening, I've seen that really grow, and obviously there's always work to be done, but I'm really feel supported by Chief and Council at Penticton Indian Band to just grow and continue that relationship," McAndie said. Another huge win was the implementation of the Integrated Crisis Response Team, formerly known as Car 40, which pairs trained nurses with police officers in incidents of mental health crisis. McAndie said her boots-on-the-ground has been incredible, and the working relationship with Interior Health a has been wonderful. She shared one particular example of a person in mental health crisis that had engaged with police over 100 times in one quarter of the year, and the ICRT was able to get the individual connected to services in the community. The next quarter, they called the police only once, and it was for a legitimate reason of a suspicious occurrence. For McAndie, that is a clear win and evidence that the ICRT was able to make a positive change. "The ripple effect is reduction in calls for service for police, because it's not appropriate that the police are called for these things necessarily," McAndie said. "Also creating that sense of safety by people in the community, because they this person's out in community, but they're connected to the rights services." McAndie is also proud of establishing a relationship with the new 24/7 winter shelter, and all the community groups involved with running it safely. That also ties into strong relationships in general with those involved in community safety measures. They implemented an " inadmissible patrons" program aimed at preventing criminal activity at businesses like restaurants and hotels by barring individuals with a known criminal history. "We're at well over 15 [establishments enrolled] and that includes hotels, licensed liquor establishments and other place that provides service of that nature to community, and it really sets the tone of, you know, ensuring public safety," McAndie said. "We are a tourist-driven industry in the summer months, and we want our tourists and our community to feel safe. The Okanagan is a place where people from organized crime or affiliation to organize like to come and spend the summer too. They're entitled to do that, but we really want to cut down on that visible display of association to organized crime, or when we have that intelligence that we know that they've been associated to organized crime by virtue of we're an intelligence driven organization, being able to take a stand and work in partnership with community and businesses to make sure that when you go for dinner with your family, that you're safe to do so." The goal is to roll that program out region-wide, not just Penticton, in 2025, which McAndie is looking forward to. More exciting news for 2025 is more community safety unit positions approved by council, which McAndie said will work on being visible during the summer months downtown, as well as reaching out to youth to engage proactively in schools. "They talk about consent in relationships, talk about intimate partner violence, but at the youth level. And really giving that knowledge and understanding of what that means and what you're entitled to as a youth," McAndie explained. "But also, if we see a youth who's maybe struggling, making sure that we get them connected to the community, to sports, whether it's through restorative justice, whether it's through partnership with the Foundry and making sure those kids that are kind of going under the radar [have help]." And McAndie has her eyes on senior safety too. She wants to ensure her Community Safety Unit team keeps an eye on the seniors in the community who may be living just above the poverty line, or may be victims of fraud, or suffering from health issues that make them vulnerable to crime. "Reaching out to them and saying, what's this dynamic that this is happening to you? You know, the early onset dementia, or they just are very vulnerable, hoping that we can make that connection with frontline officers and have our Community Safety Unit reach out to them," McAndie said. She is also thrilled to announce changes to the general frontline watches, which will allow for more on-the-job mentorship and training. "We have four frontline watches, A, B, C and D. Each of them will now have a sergeant starting in the new year. So right now, their watch commanders are corporals, so we're going to transition the corporals onto the road, and that means now we're gonna have four road supervisors, which is great, developing in real time those officers," McAndie said. "Responding for calls for service, giving them that mentorship and guidance on the road, and then having your senior sergeants running the watches, which is the administrative part of it, making sure the files are investigated the way they should be, making sure that they have resources, making sure that their teams have training. So now we have two levels of supervision. That is a huge win." And a final goal, which will stretch beyond 2025, is helping plan and implement a Child and Youth Development Centre in the South Okanagan. It is in the early feasibility study phase with community stakeholders including the RCMP, but McAndie is looking forward to keeping up the work. "I'm looking forward to working with Vernon's Oak Centre and Kelowna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, getting those tours up for city [officials] and other partners to go and see what those those facilities look like, to see what could work for us in the region," McAndie said. "We, the RCMP, would be a very willing partner in the collaboration that's required." McAndie wanted to end her 2024 reflection by expressing her sincere gratitude to the entire South Okanagan RCMP team, whether that be frontline officers or administration or operations or everyone in between, for their collaborative work that makes it all possible. "Without this team, I really couldn't lead the work that I've been able to in my first year here. Forever grateful for the support and challenges that they have navigated with me this year, and I really look forward to the year ahead."

Positive Signal: Joseph P Kelley Shows Faith, Buying $293K In Nordson Stock

Joseph P Kelley , Executive Vice President at Nordson NDSN , disclosed an insider purchase on December 23, based on a new SEC filing. What Happened: Kelley's recent move, as outlined in a Form 4 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday, involves purchasing 1,401 shares of Nordson. The total transaction value is $293,831. The latest update on Tuesday morning shows Nordson shares up by 0.11%, trading at $209.53. Get to Know Nordson Better Nordson manufactures equipment (including pumps, valves, dispensers, applicators, filters, and pelletizers) used for dispensing adhesives, coatings, sealants, and other materials. The firm serves a diverse range of end markets including packaging, medical, electronics, and industrial. Nordson's business is organized into three segments: industrial precision solutions, medical and fluid solutions, and advanced technology solutions. The company generated approximately $2.7 billion in revenue in its fiscal 2024. Key Indicators: Nordson's Financial Health Positive Revenue Trend: Examining Nordson's financials over 3 months reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 12.53% as of 31 October, 2024, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the company achieved a growth rate higher than the average among peers in Industrials sector. Key Profitability Indicators: Gross Margin: The company excels with a remarkable gross margin of 54.11% , indicating superior cost efficiency and profitability compared to its industry peers. Earnings per Share (EPS): Nordson's EPS is notably higher than the industry average. The company achieved a positive bottom-line trend with a current EPS of 2.14 . Debt Management: The company faces challenges in debt management with a debt-to-equity ratio higher than the industry average. With a ratio of 0.75 , caution is advised due to increased financial risk. Exploring Valuation Metrics Landscape: Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: The Price to Earnings ratio of 25.81 is lower than the industry average, indicating potential undervaluation for the stock. Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: A higher-than-average P/S ratio of 4.48 suggests overvaluation in the eyes of investors, considering sales performance. EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation & Amortization): With an EV/EBITDA ratio of 17.44 , the company's market valuation exceeds industry averages. Market Capitalization: Indicating a reduced size compared to industry averages, the company's market capitalization poses unique challenges. Now trade stocks online commission free with Charles Schwab, a trusted and complete investment firm. The Impact of Insider Transactions on Investments In the complex landscape of investment decisions, investors should approach insider transactions as part of a comprehensive analysis, considering various elements. Exploring the legal landscape, an "insider" is defined as any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities, as stipulated by Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This encompasses executives in the c-suite and major hedge funds. These insiders are required to report their transactions through a Form 4 filing, which must be submitted within two business days of the transaction. Highlighted by a company insider's new purchase, there's a positive anticipation for the stock to rise. But, insider sells may not necessarily indicate a bearish view and can be motivated by various factors. Unlocking the Meaning of Transaction Codes Investors prefer focusing on transactions that take place in the open market, indicated in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 indicates a purchase, while S indicates a sale. Transaction code C indicates the conversion of an option, and transaction code A indicates grant, award or other acquisition of securities from the company. Check Out The Full List Of Nordson's Insider Trades. Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves Benzinga Edge reveals every insider trade in real-time. Don't miss the next big stock move driven by insider confidence. Unlock this ultimate sentiment indicator now. Click here for access . This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Intel CEO steps down as chipmaker falters, lays off staffStock market today: Rising tech stocks pull Wall Street toward another record

By MICHAEL R. SISAK NEW YORK (AP) — Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs tried for a third time Friday to persuade a judge to let him leave jail while he awaits his sex trafficking trial, but a decision won’t come until next week. Judge Arun Subramanian said at a hearing that he will release his decision on Combs’ latest request for bail after Combs’ lawyers and federal prosecutors file letters addressing outstanding issues. Those letters are due at noon on Monday, Subramanian said. Combs’ lawyers pitched having him await trial under around-the-clock surveillance either his mansion on an island near Miami Beach or — after the judge scoffed at that location — an apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Their plan essentially amounts to putting Combs on house arrest, with strict limits on who he has contact with. But prosecutors argue that Combs has routinely flouted jail rules and can’t be trusted not to interfere with witnesses or the judicial process. “The argument that he’s a lawless person who doesn’t follow instructions isn’t factually accurate,” Combs lawyer Anthony Ricco argued. “The idea that he’s an out-of-control individual who has to be detained isn’t factually accurate.” Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he coerced and abused women for years with help from a network of associates and employees while silencing victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings. His trial is slated to begin May 5. The Bad Boy Records founder remains locked up at a Brooklyn federal jail, where he spent his Nov. 4 birthday. Two other judges previously concluded that Combs would be a danger to the community if he is released and an appeals court judge last month denied Combs’ immediate release while a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals weighs his bail request. Friday’s hearing was the second time Combs was in court this week. On Tuesday, a judge blocked prosecutors from using as evidence papers that were seized from his cell during jail-wide sweep for contraband and weapons at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. As he entered through a side door, Combs waved to relatives including his mother and several of his children in the courtroom gallery, tapping his hand to his heart and blowing kisses at them. He then hugged his lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, before taking a seat at the defense table. He was not handcuffed or shackled and wore a beige jail uniform, occasionally pulling a pair of reading glasses from his pocket as he peered at papers in front of him. Prosecutors maintain that no bail conditions will mitigate the “risk of obstruction and dangerousness to others” of releasing Combs from jail. Prosecutors contend that while locked up the “I’ll Be Missing You” artist has orchestrated social media campaigns aimed at tainting the jury pool. They allege that he has also attempted to publicly leak materials he thinks would be helpful to his case and is contacting potential witnesses via third parties. “Simply put, the defendant cannot be trusted,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik argued. Combs’ lawyer Teny Geragos countered that, given the strict release conditions proposed, “it would be impossible for him not to follow rules.”

BIG TEN ROUNDUP

Investing.com -- Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd (NASDAQ:CRDO) on Monday reported a 64% surge in second-quarter revenue, driven by robust demand for its connectivity solutions fueled by increasing AI deployments. The company also narrowed its quarterly loss Credo's shares soared 31% in after-market trading. The cable maker posted revenue of $72 million for the quarter ended Nov. 2, a substantial year-over-year increase. Its GAAP net loss was trimmed to $0.03 per share, compared to a loss of $0.04 per share in the same period a year earlier. Credo is projecting third-quarter revenue between $115 million and $125 million, with GAAP gross margin expected to range from 60.6% to 62.6%. The company anticipates operating expenses of $58.6 million to $60.6 million on a GAAP basis. Shares of the company were up 31% in the aftermarket trading. Related Articles Credo shares surge after 64% jump in revenue, narrowed quarterly loss U.S. stocks mixed at close of trade; Dow Jones Industrial Average down 0.29% Mexico stocks higher at close of trade; S&P/BMV IPC up 1.24%NFL continues ratings domination with big Saturday showing, CFP first round delivers strong numbersMiguel Vizcarrondo , Executive Vice President at Evertec EVTC , disclosed an insider sell on December 23, according to a recent SEC filing. What Happened: A Form 4 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday outlined that Vizcarrondo executed a sale of 8,123 shares of Evertec with a total value of $276,947. Evertec shares are trading down 0.0% at $33.58 at the time of this writing on Tuesday morning. Unveiling the Story Behind Evertec Evertec Inc is a transaction processing business in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its business segments are Merchant Acquiring, Payment Services - Puerto Rico & Caribbean, Latin America Payments and Solutions, and Business Solutions which derive maximum revenue. The company serves a diversified customer base of financial institutions, merchants, corporations, and government agencies with mission-critical technology solutions that enable them to issue, process, and accept transactions securely. A Deep Dive into Evertec's Financials Positive Revenue Trend: Examining Evertec's financials over 3 months reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 22.28% as of 30 September, 2024, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company stands out with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Financials sector. Navigating Financial Profits: Gross Margin: The company sets a benchmark with a high gross margin of 51.61% , reflecting superior cost management and profitability compared to its peers. Earnings per Share (EPS): Evertec's EPS is below the industry average, signaling challenges in bottom-line performance with a current EPS of 0.39 . Debt Management: With a high debt-to-equity ratio of 1.92 , Evertec faces challenges in effectively managing its debt levels, indicating potential financial strain. Financial Valuation Breakdown: Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: With a lower-than-average P/E ratio of 26.23 , the stock indicates an attractive valuation, potentially presenting a buying opportunity. Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: With a lower-than-average P/S ratio of 2.67 , the stock presents an attractive valuation, potentially signaling a buying opportunity for investors interested in sales performance. EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation & Amortization): With an EV/EBITDA ratio lower than industry benchmarks at 9.63 , Evertec presents an attractive value opportunity. Market Capitalization Perspectives: The company's market capitalization falls below industry averages, signaling a relatively smaller size compared to peers. This positioning may be influenced by factors such as perceived growth potential or operational scale. Now trade stocks online commission free with Charles Schwab, a trusted and complete investment firm. The Impact of Insider Transactions on Investments Insider transactions are not the sole determinant of investment choices, but they are a factor worth considering. Considering the legal perspective, an "insider" is defined as any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities, according to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This includes executives in the c-suite and major hedge funds. These insiders are mandated to disclose their transactions through a Form 4 filing, to be submitted within two business days of the transaction. Pointing towards optimism, a company insider's new purchase signals their positive anticipation for the stock to rise. Nevertheless, insider sells may not necessarily indicate a bearish view and can be influenced by various factors. Deciphering Transaction Codes in Insider Filings When it comes to transactions, investors tend to focus on those in the open market, detailed in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 denotes a purchase, while S indicates a sale. Transaction code C signals the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company. Check Out The Full List Of Evertec's Insider Trades. Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves Benzinga Edge reveals every insider trade in real-time. Don't miss the next big stock move driven by insider confidence. Unlock this ultimate sentiment indicator now. Click here for access . This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.UFC president Dana White, a longtime vocal supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, said recently he most likely won’t get involved in politics again. In an interview with the New Yorker after UFC 309 on Saturday in New York , White told the outlet he’s “done with politics.” In addition to receiving support from White throughout the run-up to this year’s election, Trump, often seen sitting ringside for UFC events, had the UFC frontman introduce him on the final night of the Republican National Convention in July . “He’s fighting for the future of this country, and he’s concerned about interrupting my family trip,” White said at the convention. “That’s the President Trump that I know, a man that truly cares about people.” However, that might have been the final time White, a friend of Trump for more than 25 years, helps with presidential campaigns.