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Today inour Daily Dose of Social Media , we review the most significant activities and Entertainment from ATP and WTA players. CarlosAlcaraz took advantage of his visit to New York for exhibition matches to stopby the new Louis Vuitton store and pose for photos in a casual outfit from hissponsor, while Ben Shelton surprised fans with a 'necklace cam' during hismatch against Alcaraz. Meanwhile, Elena Rybakina shared a video of herself taking driving lessons, and DariaKasatkina released a new episode of What the Vlog , this time showcasingher vacation with her girlfriend and fellow athlete Arina Rodionova . ElenaRybakina finally takes steps to get her driver’s license A videoshared on social media shows Elena Rybakina finally in the process of obtainingher driver’s license. The world No. 6 claimed the Porsche Tennis Grand Prixtitle in Stuttgart back in April, defeating Marta Kostyuk in the final (6-2,6-2). Traditionally,the tournament awards a brand-new Porsche model as part of the prize. However,the Kazakh player revealed during the trophy ceremony that she couldn’t driveit yet. “Well guys, I actually don’t have a driver’s license, so...” Rybakinajoked in her on-court interview. “I’ve wanted one for a long time, so this willbe a big motivation.” A drivingschool saw Rybakina’s situation as a great opportunity during the off-seasonand partnered with her to offer driving lessons so she could finally get herlicense to drive the Porsche she won back in April.“I’m really happy to join and practice. I have a very strict instructor, but itwas a very nice experience, and I’m looking forward to my exam tomorrow,” the25-year-old player said in the video shared on social media. Elena Rybakina has just started driving school. She can finally get her license and drive that Porsche she won earlier this year. pic.twitter.com/ebXEz18rqI A new wayto watch tennis? Ben Shelton ’s ‘necklace cam’ During theoff-season, one of the standout events was the Garden Cup, where local star BenShelton faced off against four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz , withthe Spanish player claiming victory. The exhibition, held at Madison SquareGarden, also featured Emma Navarro and Jessica Pegula in the previous match. Regardlessof the result, one of the most striking elements of the encounter was thecurious ‘necklace cam’ used by Ben Shelton during the warm-up session beforethe match. The camera, worn like a necklace, offered a first-person view of theplayer as he hit from the baseline, providing spectators with a closer and moreimmersive experience. However, due to Shelton’s movements, it was occasionallydifficult to see exactly what he was seeing. Could this be a futureinnovation on the Tour? Tennis Channel put a *necklace* cam on Ben Shelton during a practice at the Madison Square Garden! While this almost made me want to throw up, I feel it could be a revolutionary way to show tennis? pic.twitter.com/3GB6RpgHzW Victoria Azarenkagets back to training VictoriaAzarenka shared on social media that she is already training for the upcomingseason and poked fun at her physical coach, Franco Herrero, for arriving lateto her most recent training session. The two-time Grand Slam champion isgearing up for her 22nd season as a professional and displayed her disciplineby returning to training with an on-court photo. TheBelarusian also shared on her social media that, for the first time in hercareer, she arrived at practice before her coach. "For the first time inmy 20+ professional career, I’m arriving at practice before a coach.@pf.francoherrero, I don't know if I'm more professional or Franco isunprofessional," she joked on her Instagram stories. Morning pic.twitter.com/sU99Fg4t64 CarlosAlcaraz stars in a new Louis Vuitton campaign CarlosAlcaraz once again takes the spotlight in an advertising campaign, appearing ina new photoshoot for Louis Vuitton. The four-time Grand Slam champion, who isone of the French luxury brand’s ambassadors, took advantage of his visit toNew York for an exhibition match at Madison Square Garden to stop by thebrand’s new flagship store. He posed for photos in a casual outfit. “CarlosAlcaraz in Louis Vuitton. Winning his recent exhibition match at Madison SquareGarden, House Ambassador #CarlosAlcaraz visited the new #LouisVuitton 57thStreet NYC flagship store during his stay, discovering the breathtaking trunkinstallation in the soaring atrium,” read the brand’s statement. TheSpaniard is now enjoying his off-season with no upcoming commitments on thecourt. This week, he played an exhibition match against Ben Shelton in New Yorkand, two days later, competed in Charlotte, where he lost to Frances Tiafoe .Alcaraz is now set to begin his vacation before preparing for the next season,with his expected return to the court at the Australian Open in mid-January,skipping any warm-up tournaments beforehand. Carlos Alcaraz in Louis Vuitton. Winning his recent exhibition match at Madison Square Garden, House Ambassador #CarlosAlcaraz visited the new #LouisVuitton 57th Street NYC flagship store during his stay, discovering the breathtaking trunk installation in the soaring atrium. pic.twitter.com/Ldpc32ZSUo DariaKasatkina share holiday adventures in latest vlog Daria Kasatkina released a new episode of What the Vlog , the YouTubechannel she runs with her girlfriend, figure skater Natalia Zabiiako. Over thepast two seasons, the Russian athletes have captivated fans by documentingtheir travels around the globe as Kasatkina competes on the WTA Tour, offeringa behind-the-scenes look with casual interviews featuring several WTA stars. Nowenjoying her off-season, Kasatkina is taking well-deserved vacations afterclimbing back into the top 10 during the latter part of the year. She finishedthe season ranked world No. 9 and participated in the WTA Finals as analternate, stepping in for Jessica Pegula (after her withdrawal). Kasatkinalost her only Round Robin match against Iga Swiatek (0-6, 1-6). Despite that,she can be satisfied with a solid season that saw her reach five WTA 500 finalsand secure two titles, showcasing remarkable consistency throughout the year. In theirlatest vlog, Kasatkina and Zabiiako are seen enjoying a luxurious resort in theMaldives, joined by their close friend Arina Rodionova. The video offers a funglimpse of their holiday, featuring the couple relishing the comforts of theidyllic destination. However, tennis wasn’t completely left behind, asKasatkina took time to engage with local children in a tennis lesson. This article first appeared on TennisUpToDate.com and was syndicated with permission.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has sharply criticized the extension of the national debt ceiling, labeling it as 'one of the dumbest political decisions made in years.' This comes in response to a 2023 budget agreement orchestrated by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and President Joe Biden, which suspended the debt limit until January 1, 2025. Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to express his disapproval, stressing that Congress's decision jeopardizes future fiscal stability and insisting that Democrats should be held accountable for any resulting financial turmoil. Trump said, 'The Democrats must be forced to take a vote on this treacherous issue NOW, during the Biden Administration, and not in June.' While the deal allows the U.S. Treasury to honor its financial commitments for several months, the pressing concern is that lawmakers will need to revisit this issue next year to prevent a fiscal crisis. Trump's remarks underscore the contentious political atmosphere surrounding budgetary and fiscal policy debates in Washington. (With inputs from agencies.)

News Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News. Inner-city suburbs outperformed market expectations in 2024 as Cairns property prices climbed, but there are still bargains to be found heading into the new year, if you know where to look. Skyrocketing rents and low vacancy rates have pushed many buyers to enter the real estate market for the first time, according to agents, which has contributed to steady growth across the Far North. CoreLogic data shows the median house price in the Cairns local government area grew by 6.25 per cent in the year leading up to the end of the March quarter, with a median annual sales price of $595,000. Regional Queensland has also experienced the biggest net change in million-dollar suburbs across regional markets, according to the latest CoreLogic Million-Dollar Markets report, with Goldsborough ($1,067,791) and Palm Cove ($1,022,096) both making the list. But real estate agents say whether you’re renting, buying or selling there is still value to be found in the Far North. SELLERS Champions in Real Estate sales adviser and negotiator David Galloway-Penney said apartments in the previously overlooked inner-city suburbs had experienced a boom year. “If you’re a seller of an apartment, you’ve done very well in the last 12 months,” Mr Galloway-Penney said. “Some of the inner-city and surrounds such as Parramatta Park, Cairns North, Westcourt and Bungalow have seen over 30 per cent growth in their values in the last 12 months. “We’ve got such a constrained rental market that it’s just pushing people into buying as opposed to being able to rent.” House prices followed a similar trajectory with inner-city suburbs like Manunda, Mooroobool, and Westcourt all performing well. Mr Galloway-Penney said he would have his eyes set on these suburbs leading into 2025. “I would really be looking out for Bungalow and Westcourt next year, those really inner-city suburbs ... I think they are going to go nuts.” “I’ve got one property that I sold recently in Bungalow, which sold only 12 months ago for 605,000 and it’s back under contract for 699,000 in less than 12 months.” “They’ve done nothing to the property, but there’s such a strong demand.” Champions in Real Estate sales agent David Galloway-Penney, pictured at his Earlville home with his West Highland Terrier Cross Rev. Picture: Brendan Radke BUYERS For the past few years Cairns has been dealing with the hangover of a Covid property boom, during which high numbers of southern buyers looking for a sea change put pressure on supply and drove up prices. But the tide has turned somewhat and in 2024 agents say there was a larger proportion of locally-based buyers snapping up both family homes and investment properties. Twomey Schriber Property Group sales adviser Daniel Roser estimated four times as many clients were looking for an investment property compared to 2023. “A lot of people in Covid were looking to upgrade their lifestyle and move into bigger, nicer homes,” Mr Roser said. “This year, our big focus was a lot of investment properties ... I’d have to say about 40 per cent of my sales were to investors, which was a pretty large portion of the market.” South Cairns suburbs like Gordonvale are tipped to provide the best value for buyers heading into 2025. The pictured property is 29 Moller Street, Gordonvale available through Cairns Property Office. Despite competition from investors, Mr Roser said there was still great value on offer for families in the south of Cairns. “Bentley Park, Edmonton, Gordonvale, all went very well, just due to good entry and price points,” Mr Roser said. “You can still get brand new homes at around $500,000, which is just really good value for money.” Mr Galloway-Penney said those looking for an investment property should also consider broadening their scope. “Innisfail has been touted as one of the fastest-growing regional economies in Queensland from agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a big boom suburb for investors. “Next year I would be looking at potentially investing into Innisfail.” RENTERS For renters, 2024 was a grim year, with the region’s vacancy rates staying at less than 1 per cent and prices rising. But Mr Galloway-Penney was optimistic a shift away from holiday rentals could free up supply. “I feel the Airbnb market is starting to drop off a bit ... the owners that are currently owning Airbnb’s are transferring a lot of stock into permanent rentals,” Mr Galloway-Penney said. “I still think there’s good value from rents in the inner-city areas like Cairns North, even Cairns CBD, value for money-wise, you’re getting some beautiful units in the city that are renting out quite well. “Even Edge Hill and Whitfield are still quite affordable suburbs to rent in, you can still pick up a two-bedroom apartment in Edge Hill for $500 a week.” The Cairns rental market has become increasingly tight in recent years as low vacancy rates and increased Airbnb numbers have limited options. Despite the market some high end suburbs like Edge Hill still have affordable options for renters. The pictured property is 318 Pease Street, Edge Hill and is available to rent through Twomey Schriber Property Group. Despite the value in some suburbs Mr Galloway-Penney admitted the market was still tough and suggested renters be as organised as they could be to get ahead. “Look, it’s slim pickings ... we’re still under 1 per cent for vacancy rates at the moment,” Mr Galloway-Penney said. “Come ready to go with pre-written reference letters from previous landlords or property managers and come in with all your documentation .... and make sure you’re available to attend inspections. “It is really tough for a property manager to get a gauge on a viable tenant without being able to meet them.” Originally published as A year in review: Real estate agents share their thoughts on 2024 and top tips for next year More related stories News ‘Like coming to a friend’s house’: Hundreds enjoy community lunch More than 500 people from all walks of life gathered on to share a meal and a chat at the annual Cairns Community Christmas Lunch. Read more Cairns Mine worker sentenced for possession of ‘worst category’ of child abuse material A man who worked in The Cape Flattery sand mines as a cultural officer has been sentenced in Cairns District Court after he was caught multiple times with dozens of images of child sexual abuse on his phone, despite being previously convicted of the same offence. Read morePolice arrested a 26-year-old man on Monday in the Manhattan killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO after they say a Pennsylvania McDonald's worker alerted authorities to a customer who resembled the suspected gunman. The suspect, identified by police as Luigi Nicholas Mangione, had a gun believed to be the one used in Wednesday’s attack on Brian Thompson , as well as writings expressing anger at corporate America, police said. Here are some of the latest developments in the ongoing investigation: Where was the man captured? Mangione was taken into custody at around 9:15 a.m. after police received a tip that he was eating at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 85 miles (137 kilometers) east of Pittsburgh, police said. Mangione was being held in Pennsylvania on gun charges and will eventually be extradited to New York to face charges in connection with Thompson’s death, said NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. What evidence did police find? In addition to a three-page, handwritten document that suggests he harbored “ill will toward corporate America,” Kenny said Mangione also had a ghost gun , a type of weapon that can be assembled at home and is difficult to trace. Officers questioned Mangione, who was acting suspiciously and carrying multiple fraudulent IDs, as well as a U.S. passport, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference. Officers also found a suppressor, “consistent with the weapon used in the murder,” the commissioner said. He had clothing and a mask similar to those worn by the shooter and a fraudulent New Jersey ID matching one the suspect used to check into a New York City hostel before the shooting, Tisch said. What do we know about Mangione? Kenny said Mangione was born and raised in Maryland, has ties to San Francisco and that his last known address is in Honolulu, Hawaii. Mangione, who was valedictorian of his Maryland prep school, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a university spokesman told The Associated Press on Monday. He learned to code in high school and helped start a club at Penn for people interested in gaming and game design, according to a 2018 story in Penn Today, a campus publication. His social media posts also suggest that he belonged to the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi. They also show him taking part in a 2019 program at Stanford University, and in photos with family and friends at the Jersey Shore and in Hawaii, San Diego, Puerto Rico, and other destinations. The Gilman School, from which Mangione graduated in 2016, is one of Baltimore’s elite prep schools. Some of the city’s wealthiest and most prominent people, including Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., have had children attend the school. Its alumni include sportswriter Frank Deford and former Arizona Gov. Fife Symington. In his valedictory speech, Luigi Mangione described his classmates’ “incredible courage to explore the unknown and try new things,” according to a post on the school website. He praised their collective inventiveness and pioneering mindset. Mangione comes from a prominent Maryland family. His grandfather Nick Mangione, who died in 2008, was a successful real estate developer. One of his best-known projects was Turf Valley Resort, a sprawling luxury retreat and conference center outside Baltimore that he purchased in 1978. The father of 10 children, Nick Mangione prepared his five sons — including Luigi Mangione’s father, Louis Mangione — to help manage the family business, according to a 2003 Washington Post report. The Mangione family also purchased Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore in 1986. On Monday, Baltimore County police officers blocked off an entrance to the property, which public records link to Luigi Mangione’s parents. A swarm of reporters and photographers gathered outside the entrance. Luigi Mangione is one of 37 grandchildren of Nick Mangione, according to his obituary. Luigi Mangione's grandparents donated to charities through the Mangione Family Foundation, according to a statement from Loyola University commemorating Nick Mangione’s wife’s death in 2023. They donated to various causes ranging from Catholic organizations to colleges and the arts. One of Luigi Mangione’s cousins is Republican Maryland state legislator Nino Mangione. A spokesman for the lawmaker's office confirmed the relationship Monday. The shooting and a quick escape Police said the person who killed Thompson left a hostel on Manhattan's Upper West Side at 5:41 a.m. on Wednesday. Just 11 minutes later, he was seen on surveillance video walking back and forth in front of the New York Hilton Midtown, wearing a distinctive backpack. At 6:44 a.m., he shot Thompson at a side entrance to the hotel, fled on foot, then climbed aboard a bicycle and within four minutes had entered Central Park. Another security camera recorded the gunman leaving the park near the American Museum of Natural History at 6:56 a.m. still on the bicycle but without the backpack. After getting in a taxi, he headed north to a bus terminal near the George Washington Bridge, arriving at around 7:30 a.m. From there, the trail of video evidence runs cold. Police have not located video of the suspected shooter exiting the building, leading them to believe he likely took a bus out of town. Police said they are still investigating the path the suspect took to Pennsylvania. “This just happened this morning," Kenny said. "We’ll be working, backtracking his steps from New York to Altoona, Pennsylvania,” Kenny said. ___ Associated Press reporters Lea Skene in Baltimore and Cedar Attanasio in New York contributed to this report. Sean Murphy And Maryclaire Dale, The Associated Press

The death of former President Jimmy Carter on Sunday led to a swift outpouring of support and condolences from notable figures in both political parties. President Joe Biden and president-elect Donald Trump issued statements Sunday, and both said Carter was a president who worked to better Americans’ lives. “He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism,” Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said in a statement. “We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism.” Trump said Carter dealt with “enormous responsibility” that only other presidents could relate to. “The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans,” Trump said in a post to Truth Social. “For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.” ‘One of my heroes’ Fellow Georgia politicians, including Democratic Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, issued passionate statements following the news Sunday. Warnock referred to the Plains native as “one of my heroes.” “His leadership was driven by love, his life’s project grounded in compassion and a commitment to human dignity,” Warnock said. “For those of us who have the privilege of representing our communities in elected office, Jimmy Carter is a shining example of what it means to make your faith come alive through the noble work of public service.” Ossoff said Carter’s work “changed the lives of many across our state, our country, and around the world.” “The State of Georgia and the United States are better places because of President Jimmy Carter,” Ossoff said. Former Sen. Sam Nunn, from Georgia, lauded Carter for his “spine of steel and intrepid focus and determination.” “Colin Powell and I had front row seats to these unique Carter traits in Haiti in 1994,” he said in a statement. “I will never forget nervously watching President Carter negotiate every word of the Haitian military’s peaceful turnover of authority, while the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne prepared to land on the roof of the military headquarters, where we were finishing the agreement.” Brad Raffensperger, Georgia secretary of state, said Carter devoted his life to serving the U.S. “As a true servant-leader, he devoted his post-presidency to spreading the very best of American ideals across the globe,” Raffensperger said in a statement Sunday. “His commitment to peace, democracy, and human rights has left an indelible mark on the world.” The Democratic Party of Georgia’s Chair, Rep. Nikema Williams, said Carter “leaves one of the greatest legacies of humanitarianism in history.” “My husband Leslie and I named our son Carter after our 39th president because he showed us that ordinary Georgians can do extraordinary things,” Williams said. “He was one of the greatest public servants of our time – and he was also a peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia. From a southwest Georgia town of a few hundred people to the Oval Office, President Carter went from sowing crops to sowing the seeds of peace around the world.” Georgia Lt. Gov. Ines Owens said Carter “represented small towns like Plains, Georgia and never forgot where he and his family came from.” Georgia’s Carter had ‘calm spirit and deep faith’ Major national lawmakers outside the Peach State offered their thoughts too, including GOP Sen. Mitch McConnell. McConnell said Carter’s “calm spirit and deep faith seemed “unshakable” during difficulties in his presidency. “President Carter lived a truly American dream,” McConnell said. “A devoutly religious peanut farmer from small-town Georgia volunteered to serve his country in uniform. He found himself manning cutting-edge submarines hundreds of feet beneath the ocean. He returned home and saved the family farm before feeling drawn to a different sort of public service. And less than 15 years after his first campaign for the state Senate, his fellow Americans elected him leader of the free world.” Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Senate majority leader, called Carter “one of our most humble and devoted public servants.” “President Carter’s faith in the American people and his belief in the power of kindness and humility leave a strong legacy,” Schumer said. “He taught us that the strength of a leader lies not in rhetoric but in action, not in personal gain but in service to others.” This is a developing story and will be updated.Macaulay Culkin has told his children that he is working for Santa Claus. The 44-year-old actor is currently engaged to former Disney Channel star Brenda Song, 36, and has Dakota, three, as well two-year-old son - whose name has not been disclosed publicly - with her and insisted that they want to "go all out" for the festive season, even when he is away from home. He told E! News: "We want to go all out at Christmas in our house. Because right now they're at the magic age where they believe and we want to nurture that belief. I told them that I'm at Santa's workshop fixing toys, because that's what I do for them at home." I'm so good that Santa Claus called me up to the North Pole. They're totally fine with that!" The 'My Girl' star also noted that both his sons clearly take after him because of what is on their Chtismtas list and described himself as a "maestro" of certain decorations that go up on display throughout the holiday season. He said: "Dakota wants a Spider-Man truck, he wants a truck from New York City and he wants more presents. "And my youngest heard exactly what he said. He goes, 'I want a garbage truck. I want garbage bins and I want more presents.' It's like they're wishing for more wishes. I'm like, 'You guys are certainly my sons. "I guess the best word would be maestro, maybe master, of stockings. I nail the stockings every year. I'm just about to get on top of my stocking game as we speak!" Meanwhile, Macaulay became the highest-paid child actor of all time at the height of his career in the early 1990s when he starred in festive classics 'Home Alone' and 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York' and has only just learned to "embrace" the festive season for what it is following such a tumultuous time. He said: "It was a bit burdensome. I'm embracing it and at the same time, I guess the best way to put it is taking the piss out of it, too, having fun with it. It's very rare when you have something that encompasses an important day and I'm a part of that. It's more fun to embrace it than to fight it."

Letter to the Editor | 'Bidenomics' has been successful

BBC Death in Paradise fans react as 'favourite' character returns to spin-off Return to Paradise

SHAREHOLDER INVESTIGATION: Halper Sadeh LLC Investigates ALTR, MPB, CDMO, AVAV on Behalf of Shareholders1. A mini inflatable tube guy because there is *no way* they can look at this little dude and not giggle. If they're feeling extra goofy, imitating him is ~encouraged.~ Promising review: "Got this as a toy for my 7-year-old. She loves it. It's compact and is fun to watch wave around. Very similar to its full-sized big bro. Great product!" — Christell Get it from Amazon for $8.58 . 2. A screaming goat so they can express all their feelings by pressing it and letting it do the screaming for them. Needless to say, there will be a loooottt of laughing caused by this little guy. Promising review: "Hilarious and irritating — my kid loves it. It's funny, loud and cute. Great for goat lovers. As described. Great gift for people who think screaming goats are funny." — E. Hurtt Get it from Amazon for $8.18 . 3. Some dehydrated water for the times when they are packing light but know they are bound to get thirsty. Instead of carrying a heavy jug of water, they can just carry this little can and fill it with water to rehydrate it whenever they need! Promising review: "Gave this for a Christmas gift to a relative...he is still speechless...from laughing! He shows it to everyone he knows. I would give this 10 stars if possible ...yeah, a bit pricey for an empty can but more fun than giving a pair of socks for sure!" — B burton Get it from Amazon for $12.99 . 4. An anti-stress desktop punching bag so they can take out all their rage against Kevin, the office pain-in-the-butt, in a safe and controlled manner that won't end with a trip to HR. Promising review: "I bought this as a white elephant gift for Christmas in the office. I anticipated it to be thin, flimsy, and cheap. However, it was just the opposite. My coworker has it suctionned to her glass wall and people use it all the time. The suction is strong, and the item itself feels very sturdy. I was pleasantly surprised, and it was one of the favorite gifts of the day." — Vicki McClain Get it from Amazon for $23.95+ (available in two colors). 5. A giant waffle...blanket for anyone who eats waffles on the daily and has been known to scream "leggo my Eggo" if anyone tries to take a bite. Now they can finally live out their dreams of being fully surrounded by a delicious breakfast food. Promising review: "My grandson loves this waffle lightweight throw. He got up and made sure everyone could see it. Well made. Not too heavy, just right for watching TV on a cooler night. This is the third unique one I purchased. Now all three grandsons have one, each being different. Love it." — becky spinks Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in five sizes and five styles). 6. A toilet timer to help them remember there is a whole world outside of the bathroom and they shouldn't be sitting on the commode until their legs are numb. Promising review: "It was a great Father's Day gift! My 3-year-old loves playing with it. I'm not sure my husband actually uses it for its intended purpose because he still takes forever! :D" – katherine viens Get it from Amazon for $16.99 . 7. And some no-rip toilet paper that'll leave them flustered and confused when they do finally decide bathroom time is over only to realize they are stuck there a little bit longer. Be warned, once you mess with someone in their most vulnerable state, you'll certainly be in the middle of an ongoing prank war. Promising review: "I pulled this prank on my partner and it was hilarious. It really doesn't rip hahaha." — Austin C. Get it from Amazon for $13.99 . 8. And! A talking toilet paper holder so you can really scare the 💩 outta them (thankfully they're on the toilet so there won't be any mess). Record whatever message you'd like them to hear when they go to pull the paper. And they can reuse it on the prankee of their choice. It's the gift that keeps on giving. Promising review: "This thing is awesome. I don’t know how something so simple can bring so much joy in my life. Just a tip if you’re going to get this, don’t keep it on the toilet paper roll all the time. Just do it every once in a while. That way they don’t know it’s coming. The other great news is you can remind your children to wipe their butt all the way every single time they go to the bathroom." — Ecow Get it from Amazon for $15.95 . 9. A container of nothing , perfect for someone who already has everything. Or for those people who always say "nothing" when asked what they want. Now you can finally grant their wishes! Promising review: "Got a few of these for Christmas. A few people said they wanted nothing, so that's just what I got them, NOTHING. LOL. We did buy them real gifts, but they loved their nothing. Everyone who received one thought it was funny. I suggest getting this for anyone who asks for nothing. The reading part on the nothing is funny too, strongly suggest this!! Worth the laughs!!" — CatsMeow Get it from Amazon for $14.99 . 10. A dinosaur eating gnomes figurine to show them how you really feel about their extensive gnome collection in their front yard. Promising review: "I keep this on the sideboard in the dining room. I feel that’s the proper place for it considering. I get more compliments and chuckles and looks of pure merriment every time someone sees it. And it’s every time, regardless of whether they’ve seen it before. My favorite thing in the house." — Margaret W. Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in two sizes). 11. A bottle of "headlight fluid" that'll confuse all the car novices who barely even know how to fill their car up with gas. They're sure to experience a rollercoaster of emotions when they open this up — from being concerned that they've never replaced the fluid before to utter disbelief when they find out this isn't real. Note: this is just an empty bottle, because no, headlights don't need fluid. Promising review: "This will definitely make for some laughs at Christmas. It looks just like something you might buy at an auto parts store...until you think about what it really is. Ha ha ha." — teri Get it from Amazon for $14.99 . 12. A ridiculous yodelling pickle if you wanna give them the perfect ammo to irritate anyone and everyone in their life. Promising review: "This pickle rocks!!! Well, actually, this pickle yodels, and I don't care how many times you listen, you can't help but laugh, or smile, or both. I really believe every single person on planet earth needs to own one of these precious pickles." — Ken C. Get it from Amazon for $14.99 . 13. A Bob Ross Chia Pet that kinda speaks for itself. Plant and art lovers will rejoice at this completely unique gift. Go get them a Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia! Includes the themed pottery planter, plastic drip tray, and chia seed packets for three plantings. Promising review: "Ummm... this is a Bob Ross Chia... don't even think... just order. Bought this for our white elephant family Christmas exchange. Who wouldn't want this???" — SaraB Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in 10 other variations). 14. A pair of Fish flip-flops so they can up their slides game to this sweet pair that looks like a fish is swallowing their whole foot. They do always say they're a trendsetter.... Promising review: "These are some of the ugliest awesome slides I have ever had the privilege of wearing...total headturners that everyone loves, and they are surprisingly squishy and comfortable too. Love them!" — Brian Get them from Amazon for $23.99 (available in sizes 5 women/3 men—16 women/15 men and 13 colors). 15. A tin with a pair of emergency underpants , which is perfect to have on hand while they open up all these hilarious gifts as a backup in case they do in fact pee themselves from laughing so hard. Promising review: "Hey! If you're on the fence about getting this gag gift...GET IT!!! Today is my husband's birthday and he couldn't stop laughing when he opened this! Our kids kept referring to it as the 'man diaper' while laughing...BUT keep in mind that this gag gift is NOT geared only toward a man! This was worth every penny and my husband sent me a photo to make me laugh now! Apparently he carried it on him as he headed out the door LOL. He hasn't opened it...so I am unaware of how they would actually fit him. However, the purpose it was purchased for, did not let me down." — CB Get it from Amazon for $7.95 . 16. A mini violin so they can join Mr. Krabs' tiny orchestra that plays the perfect pity party soundtrack. This comes with the mini violin, stand, bow, and case. Promising review: "It looked exactly like my real violin! But a mini version. Such specific details for such a small instrument!!! It uses ACTUAL wood, little metal strings, and real pegs!!!!!!!! It has a little case that is a pretty velvet red and black color. The bow is real wood also, but the actual bow hair is plastic. If you replace the plastic bow hair with horse hair, and apply rosin, THE LITTLE VIOLIN CAN REALLY WORK!" — Michelle Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in four sizes). 17. A prank box with a spider that'll jump out when they open it. You can either use on its own or filled with a gift card, candy, or other small treat. Let's just say it may take them a little while to ever trust a box you hand to them again. Promising review: "We witnessed a good jump! My 14-year-old is not afraid of anything, well maybe except for the spiders. He got this box today as a Christmas gift. He opened it, totally freaked out, instantly jumped back, put his hand to the heart and started hyperventilating. After he pulled himself together, he said, 'You got me!!!' And believe me it is hard to 'get' him nowadays! We videotaped it. It was worth every dime!!!" — Elena Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in two sizes). 18. A fake power outlet sticker so they can stick up on a wall in an airport, restaurant, or other public place. Then, sit back and watch unassuming patrons who desperately want to charge their phones try to plug in just to realize they've been tricked! Reviewers say these are removable, but to be careful if you want to pull them off a wall as they are stickers and may cause damage. Promising review: "I was able to trick my stepson into using one for his dresser so he can plug his Alexa into it. I told him you gotta make sure it goes on straight and wait for it to grow a box. Over the course of four days he came to me and said it's not growing. So I told him hmm maybe you have to water it like a plant. So sure enough he waters it (only a little bit). He did that for a week. Then I started to put more around the house and tricked my wife and friends who came over :D Great gag item." — Shawns211 Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $6.98 . 19. And some voice-activated prank stickers they can place on their coffee maker, TV, and so much more to trick their guests into wondering why "make me some coffee" isn't magically dispensing a much-needed hot beverage!!! The pack also includes some that say "motion activated." Promising review: "We have put these things on flower pots, weed eaters, a shovel, etc....Yes, they are juvenile, but always get a smile when seen. I do not condone vandalism, but I have seen a few of these stickers on 'non-automatic' paper towel dispensers, in a few gas station bathrooms. The thought of someone talking to a paper towel dispenser, in public, makes me giggle." — Amazon Customer Get a pack of 50 from Amazon for $8.99 . 20. A classic snake-in-a-can to scare the bejesus out of them when they think you're just giving them a savory snack to go with all the candy in their stocking. Promising review: "My 6-year-old loved it and then my wife took it to the high school she teaches at and all the teens thought it was funny and played with it. Broad age gap for fun ." — Welsey Fraser Get it from Amazon for $7.99 . 21. A pack of 10 tiny hands so they can shock friends and family by reaching out to grab stuff with these little ~unsettling~ hands. The set comes with five right-handed and five left-handed finger hands. Promising review: "We’re a silly family, so when my mom mentioned wanting these, I got them for her birthday. She had a bad day yesterday, so I gave them to her a few days early to cheer her up. Her face lit up as she threw her head back in genuine laughter. She immediately went to the garage to find a wooden stick to attach the hands to each end. She uses it as a scepter and orders the household about like peasants. When we complain, she holds the tiny hand up for silence. She uses it to pet our faces while we sleep. The cat has declared the Hand her arch nemesis. It's been 24 hours now, and I regret everything." — Nesha Get a set of 10 from Amazon for $7.99 . 22. A coffee mug they'll get countless laughs out of when they hand their guests a beverage and watch as the words are slowly revealed with every sip. When the cup is empty, they may even burst out with a "mwahaha" to really seal in the dramatics. This mug is dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Promising review: "I love this mug. Served coffee to my BF in it and got a laugh out of his reaction when he got to the bottom. He had a good laugh, too. It’s also a fun mug to drink out of on those rough work days where you just kind of wish you had been poisoned, rather than sitting on another useless, never-ending conference call. Good quality. Fun gag gift. Great mug for your own personal arsenal." — R Redick Get it from Amazon for $13.98 . 23. A pair of glowing lightsaber chopsticks because no matter how much everyone tells them to, they ~still~ haven't grown out of playing with your food, and now they actually have an excuse. They have eight different color modes! BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says, "As you can see from the above GIF, I bought these for myself, and I love them to pieces. TBH, I use them as decor every bit as much as I use them to eat. Sometimes I just keep them in my work area to light them up during the day to feel fancy. They toggle back and forth between a bunch of different colors, like red, blue, yellow, purple, and multicolor, so you can either make them match *or* have a red and blue one together and bring ~balance~ to the Force." Promising review: "The chopsticks are very durable, and the glow is bright. They're a bit bigger that I expected — but very pleased nonetheless with the product because it serves the purpose and is entertaining for kids, right up to adult Star Wars nerds. It also made the perfect gift for my fellow Star Wars nerds. I've been too busy playing with them rather than using them to eat food — but hopefully that will eventually happen before the batteries need changing." — Anthony Get it from Amazon for $12.97 . 24. A set of Porta Potty shot glasses that are straight up disgusting but also so fun. Let's just hope they don't think too much about it while they're using them. Promising review : "They are a pair of shot glasses in the shape of Porta Potties so it got the expected laugh and enjoyment when picked at the White Elephant office party. They were 'stolen' a couple of times, so they turned out to be quite popular. Pick a pair for your next gag gift party...they will be a hit!" — Thor Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.99 . 25. A hard-boiled egg holder worthy of royalty because why would they wanna eat their eggs like a peasant when they could dress 'em up as knights and have an army waiting to serve? And it comes equipped with a spoon, so they truly will have everything they need basically handed to them on a silver platter. Promising review : "I bought this for my wife's birthday and she absolutely loved it! She loves whimsy and this really struck a chord with her. I put a soft-boiled egg in it and she was grinning the entire time she was eating it. As far as being 'practical'; well, what can I say, but it beats chasing a soft-boiled egg around a slick dinner plate." — UrbanDad Get it from Amazon for $13.90 . 26. A silicone crab utensil holder perfect for when they're ~in a pinch~ and need somewhere to put their spoon that doesn't end with their delicious soup all over the counter. Promising review : "Probably the coolest holder I have ever seen. Bought it for my wife and she loves it and thinks it's cute. I laugh when I look at it, just cool as all! Hangs on all of our pots and pans, and stays cool. Easy to clean and looks awesome. A great addition to any kitchen. Works great, does exactly what it is intended to do!" — Logan E. Get it from Amazon for $13.95 . 27. A stress-relieving Dammit doll so they can relieve their anger without actually causing any harm or destruction. Everyone is gonna want to get their hands on this guy so they can take out all their frustrations in an ~appropriate~ manner. The Dammit Doll comes with a little poem: "Whenever things don't go so well, and you want to hit the wall and yell, here's a little dammit doll that you can't do without. Just grasp it firmly by the legs and find a place to slam it. And as you whack the stuffing out, yell 'dammit!' 'dammit!' 'dammit!'" Promising review : "This doll is amazing! Not only did it help me through holiday shopping, it helped me survive election commercials! It's small enough to take anywhere you might experience stress: your job, grocery store, dentist, Department of Motor Vehicles, parent/teacher conferences, and waiting in line to vote! It fits right into my purse, so I can quickly grab it when someone drives too slow in front of me or when I get pulled over for my right tail-light out. I love that it fits nicely on the nightstand to conveniently grab when hubby snores! I can't think of a better gift for friends, teachers, or people you purposely annoy. And it's VERY VERY durable! I use it at least 25 times a day, and the seams are just fine! " — William Imand Get a random patterned version from Amazon for $13.59+ (available in multi-packs). 28. Socks with magnetic hands to make sure their socks always have a ~pair.~ Tell me why this inanimate object holding hands is one of the cutest freakin' things ever?! Promising review: "I bought these socks for a couple that stand next to each other all the time. It was a very cute gift and they loved it the hands actually clasp by the magnet to each other if they stand close enough." — Michelle F. Get two pairs from Amazon for $14.98 (available in three color combos). The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.

The annual "Best of What's New" Honors 50 groundbreaking products across 10 categories NEW YORK , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Popular Science is proud to announce its annual Best of What's New Awards , the most innovative and groundbreaking products that debuted the past year. Now in its 37th year, the Best of What's New Awards spans 10 essential categories: Gadgets , Entertainment , Aerospace , Personal Care , Auto , Engineering , Sports & Outdoors , Home , Emergency Services , and Health . "Since 1988, Popular Science has honored the innovations changing our world with the Best of What's New Awards. We're thrilled to celebrate the year's groundbreaking ideas that are improving our everyday lives and shaping our futures. From pioneering medical procedures to sustainable engineering solutions, and from advancements in space exploration to jaw-dropping gadgets, this year's list truly represents the Best of What's New in 2024." Each winner represents a significant technological advancement in its field and provides a service that makes our lives safer, better, or more accessible. From mosquito protection technology to the first spacewalk by a private agency and a smart hairdryer that optimizes scalp and hair health to a transparent OLED TV, this year's list highlights a dynamic and exciting collection of products and services. CATEGORY WINNERS Aerospace : Joby Aviation's Hydrogen-powered VTOL taxi Auto : Lincoln's Nautilus Emergency Services & Defense : Google Research's FireSat wildfire detection system Engineering : Electrified Thermal Solutions Joule Hive Entertainment : Zildjian Alchem-E Electronic drums Gadgets : Apple's Vision Pro (Innovation of the Year) Health : Guardant Health's Shield Home : General Electric's Indoor Smoker Personal Care : Oura Ring 4 Sports & Outdoors : Saga's HoloBike Other winners include : Olaplex's Bond ShaperTM Curl Rebuilding Treatment; Sony's A9 Mark III, Weber's Slate griddle; Ecoflow's Delta Pro 3; New York University and FDNY's C2SMARTER Digital Twin AI model; Samsung's Glare-free OLED; Limelight Steele's Limelight laser furnace; NASA/Lockheed Martin's X-59 Quiet Supersonic Jet; Ford's Superbelt; and Patagonia's M10 Collection. More information about the 2024 Best of What's New Awards can be found on popsci.com . ABOUT POPULAR SCIENCE Established in 1872, Popular Science is one of America's oldest and most trusted science brands. Popular Science has a legacy of bringing readers groundbreaking innovations and discoveries, demystifying the world, and examining everything from the marvels of deep space to the secret lives of everyday staples. Popular Science makes science and tech engaging, approachable, and inclusive to keep readers, listeners, and viewers plugged into and excited about the world around them. Popular Science is part of Recurrent Ventures, a privately held media company that includes brands such as Futurism , The Drive , Outdoor Life , and Task & Purpose . ABOUT BEST OF WHAT'S NEW Every year since 1988, the editors of Popular Science have reviewed thousands of products in search of the top innovations—breakthrough products and technologies that represent significant advancements in their categories. Best of What's New Awards are presented to five products and technologies in 10 categories: Aerospace, Automotive, Engineering, Entertainment, Gadgets, Health, Home, Personal Care, Sports & Outdoors, and Emergency Services. SOURCE Popular Science

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. — Dominic Bourgeois had never attempted a bigger field goal in his life. Lined up from 37-yards out with the game tied, and only two seconds left on the clock, Bourgeois had the chance to send the River Hawks to the national quarterfinals for the first time since 1991. He knew it wouldn’t be easy. His first attempt was negated after Saint John’s called a timeout. As he lined up again, he stared at the space in between the two uprights. He swung his leg and waited anxiously as the ball floated through the cold Midwestern air. “I knew they were going to take the timeout,” Bourgeois said. “I trusted my holder; trusted my snapper. Just another field goal.” He drilled it right down the middle to secure the 41-38 third-round win at Clemens Stadium on Saturday. The Susquehanna sideline exploded, and rightfully so. They had done what nobody expected them to do – go on the road, in the cold, and take down the top-seeded team in the nation as 13-point underdogs. “You’re damn right it does,” said SU coach Tom Perkovich when asked if defying expectations made the win feel sweeter. “I talked about it all week; I said to our guys that the only guys that think we can win are the guys in this locker room.” The River Hawks are now only two wins away from qualifying for Stagg Bowl LI, Division III football’s national championship game. SU will host Bethel at noon next Saturday. The Royals upset Wartburg 24-14 on Saturday to qualify for the quarterfinals. A fourth-down, 1-yard touchdown pass from Josh Ehrlich to Kyle Howes late in the third quarter gave the River Hawks their first lead of the day. It was followed up by a strip-sack fumble that was recovered by Jake Schultes, which SU turned into a 30-yard score by Rahshan La Mons, his third of the day. The score gave the River Hawks a two-score lead with only 9:15 left to play. The Johnnies (11-1) were the top-seeded team in the nation for a reason. Behind the outstanding play of All-American quarterback Aaron Syverson, Saint John’s stormed right back and tied the game up after touchdown receptions by Joey Gendreau and Marselio Mendez. Syverson finished with 466 yards and five scores. "I don’t think you’re stopping him,” Perkovich said. “I thought we made him throw some shorter stuff and kept it in front of us at times.” The game plan to stop Syverson was to keep the ball out of his hands. The River Hawks executed, holding the ball for nearly 40 minutes. After Mendez’s score, the River Hawks had 3:31 to drive down the field and win the game. Ten plays, 55 yards and two third-down conversions later, it was time for Bourgeois to shine. “I did not want to give (the ball) back to them,” Perkovich said. “We made some huge plays.” It felt as if every time the River Hawks were faced with a third-down conversion. SU converted on 7-of-10 third-down tries. “Every time they needed to make a big play, they were able to make it against our defense,” Saint John’s coach Gary Fasching said. If you ask Perkovich, this is the win that proves that the River Hawks (11-1) have arrived on the national stage. “People have been wondering where we’re at,” he said. “To win on the road today against a team of that caliber, I think, finally shows people where we’re at and what we do.” NCAA DIVISION III FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS THIRD ROUND at Clemens Stadium, Collegeville, MN SUSQUEHANNA 41, SAINT JOHN’S 38 SUSQUEHANNA (11-1);0;17;14;10 – 41 SAINT JOHN’S (11-1);3;14;7;14 – 38 SCORING SUMMARY First quarter SJU-FG Conor Murphy 33, 5:47. Second quarter SJU-Riley Schwellenbach 12 pass from Aaron Syverson (Murphy kick), 11:27; SU-Josh Ehrlich 1 run (Dominic Bourgeois kick), 7:54; SJU-Schwellenbach 89 pass from Syverson (Murphy kick), 7:39; SU-FG Bourgeois 43, 2:34; SU-Rahshan La Mons 2 run (Bourgeois kick), 0:10. Third quarter SJU-Dylan Wheeler 10 pass from Syverson (Murphy kick), 12:01; SU-La Mons 17 run (Bourgeois kick), 8:24; SU-Kyle Howes 1 pass from Ehrlich (Bourgeois kick), 1:22. Fourth quarter SU-La Mons 30 run (Bourgeois kick), 9:15; SJU-Joey Gendreau 16 pass from Syverson (Murphy kick), 6:39; SJU-Marselio Mendez 19 pass from Syverson (Murphy kick), 3:31; SU-FG Bourgeois 37, 0:00. TEAM STATISTICS ;SU;SJU First Downs;25;23 Rushing Yards;47-216;9-14 Passing Yards;274;466 Passing;25-37-0;37-46-0 Fumbles-lost;5-0;1-1 Penalties-yards;4-34;7-71 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING — Susquehanna: Rahshan La Mons 29-176, 3 TDs; Josh Ehrlich 16-51, TD; Christian Colasurdo 1-0. Saint John’s: Corey Bohmert 3-12; Will Blakey 1-6; Aaron Syverson 4-(-3). PASSING — Susquehanna: Ehrlich 25-37-0 for 274 yards, TD. Saint John’s: Syverson 37-46-0 for 466 yards, 5 TDs. RECEIVING — Susquehanna: Kyle Howes 10-113, TD; La Mons 7-55; Hunter Morgenroth 3-36; Michael Robbins 2-32; Chris Bookter 2-29; Matt Surtz 1-9. Saint John’s: Dylan Wheeler 10-71, TD; Riley Schwellenbach 9-167, 2 TDs; Marselio Mendez 8-113, TD; Joey Gendreau 6-98, TD; Owen Amrhein 2-17; Corey Bohmert 2-0.What happens when 'The Simpsons' join 'Monday Night Football'? Find out during Bengals-Cowboys

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins LLP reminds investors that a class action was filed on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) securities between November 16, 2023 and September 23, 2024. Visa operates one the largest digital payment platforms in the world. For more information, submit a form , email attorney Aaron Dumas, Jr., or give us a call at (800) 350-6003. The Allegations: Robbins LLP is Investigating Allegations that Visa Inc. (V) Misled Investors Regarding its Monopolization of the Debt Market According to the complaint, during the class period, defendants materially misled investors as to the risk of damaging antitrust investigations being conducted by federal regulators, choosing to downplay the risk despite its high likelihood of manifesting. On September 24, 2024, these risks came to fruition, as the United States Department of Justice sued Visa in federal court for monopolizing the debit card payment processing market. On this news, Visa’s stock price fell $1.48, or 5.38%, to close at $26.03 per share on September 24, 2024. What Now : You may be eligible to participate in the class action against Visa Inc. Shareholders who want to serve as lead plaintiff for the class must submit their application to the court by January 20, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here . All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses. About Robbins LLP : Some law firms issuing releases about this matter do not actually litigate securities class actions; Robbins LLP does. A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LLP have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002. Since our inception, we have obtained over $1 billion for shareholders. To be notified if a class action against Visa Inc. settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today. Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/72ab9093-8695-4684-b894-67f423f3ed3c

Guest Opinion: Who deserves the blame for the decline in young people’s reading habits?Syrian insurgents reach the capital's suburbs. Worried residents flee and stock up on supplies BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents’ stunning march across Syria is gaining speed with news that they have reached the suburbs of the capital of Damascus. The government on Saturday was forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The rebels’ moves around Damascus were reported by an opposition war monitor and a rebel commander. They came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including two provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions. The factions are by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. An archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on PARIS (AP) — France’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral has formally reopened its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019. The five-year restoration is widely seen as a boost for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline, and brings a welcome respite from his domestic political woes. World leaders, dignitaries, and worshippers gathered on Saturday evening for the celebrations under the cathedral's soaring arches. The celebration was attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ Trump is welcomed by Macron to Paris with presidential pomp and joined by Zelenskyy for their talks PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed Donald Trump to Paris with a full a dose of presidential pomp. And they held a hastically-arranged meeting with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a day that's mixing pageantry with attention to pressing global problems. The president-elect's visit to France is part of a global a celebration of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral five years after a devastating fire. Macron and other European leaders are trying to win Trump’s favor and persuade him to maintain support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion. Trump isn't back in office but he's already pushing his agenda and negotiating with world leaders NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is making threats, traveling abroad, and negotiating with world leaders. He has more than a month-and-a-half to go before he’s sworn in for a second term. But the president-elect is already moving aggressively to not only fill his Cabinet and outline policy goals, but also to try to achieve his priorities. In recent days, Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, two of the country’s largest trading partners. That led to emergency calls and a visit. And he's warned of “ALL HELL TO PAY” if Hamas doesn't release the hostages still being held captive in Gaza. South Korea's president avoids an impeachment attempt over short-lived martial law SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol has avoided an opposition-led attempt to impeach him over his short-lived imposition of martial law. Most of Yoon's ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. The scrapping of the motion is expected to intensify protests calling for Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea. A survey suggests a majority of South Koreans support the president’s impeachment. Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative People Power Party. But the party also apparently fears losing the presidency to liberals. Days after gunman killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO, police push to ID him and FBI offers reward NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly four days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still do not know the gunman’s name or whereabouts or have a motive for the killing. But they have made some progress in their investigation into Wednesday's killing of the leader of the largest U.S. health insurer, including that the gunman likely left New York City on a bus soon after fleeing the scene. The also found that the gunman left something behind: a backpack that was discovered in Central Park. Police are working with the FBI, which on Friday night announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. UnitedHealthcare CEO's shooting opens a door for many to vent frustrations over insurance The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's CEO has opened the door for many people to vent their frustrations and anger over the insurance industry. The feelings of exasperation, anger, resentment, and helplessness toward insurers aren’t new. But the shooting and the headlines around it have unleashed a new wave of patients sharing such sentiments and personal stories of interactions with insurance companies. Conversations at dinner tables, office water coolers, social gatherings and on social media have pivoted to the topic. Many say they hope the new amplified voices can bring about change for companies often accused of valuing profits over people. 100-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor recalls confusion and chaos during Japanese bombing 83 years ago PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) — The bombing of Pearl Harbor 83 years ago launched the United States into World War II. Two survivors are planning to return to the Hawaii military base on Saturday for a remembrance ceremony on the attack's anniversary. They are each over 100 years old. They will join active-duty troops, veterans and members of the public for a remembrance ceremony hosted by the Navy and the National Park Service. A third survivor was planning to join them but had to cancel due to health issues. The bombing killed more than 2,300 U.S. servicemen. An explosion destroys an apartment block in a Dutch city, killing at least 3 and injuring others THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An explosion and fire has rocked a neighborhood in the Dutch city of The Hague, killing three people and injuring other people and destroying several apartments. The cause of the disaster is unclear. Emergency authorities said four people were rescued from the rubble and taken to the hospital. The mayor said rescuers were no longer looking for survivors but for eventual bodies, but could not specify how many people might still be unaccounted for. Residents of the northeastern neighborhood of Mariahoeve in The Hague heard a huge bang and screams before dawn. Dutch authorities have deployed a specialized urban search and rescue team to find victims. How 'Mufasa' rose with Aaron Pierre and Blue Ivy's voices along with new Lin-Manuel Miranda music SAN DIEGO (AP) — When Aaron Pierre was cast as Mufasa, the weight of following in the late James Earl Jones’ legendary footsteps was enough to rattle any actor. But instead of letting the pressure roar too loudly, he harnessed his nerves to breathe fresh life into his young lion character. Pierre found parallels between himself and his character while filming his leading role in “Mufasa: The Lion King,” which opens in theaters Dec. 20. He took the reigns as the new voice of Mufasa after Jones played the iconic King Mufasa in both the 1994 and 2019 versions of Disney’s “The Lion King.” The prequel offers a fresh exploration into Mufasa’s origin story.

Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, remarked that 2025 will be a decisive year for the company while emphasising the need to lift the AI stakes. Speaking at the strategy meeting held on December 18, Pichai, with an undisclosed group of executives, detailed plans for the next year but did so wearing sweaters in the spirit of the holidays. “The stakes are high,” Pichai said, urging the employees to recognise how important this moment is. His statements come even as the race for dominance in AI continues toe-to-toe with industry giant Google adamant about reinforcing its leadership by scaling Gemini in the consumer space. Pichai did not shy away from the reality that Google still has some ground to cover in the competitive game called AI. He emphasised that, although the Gemini model had some early success, 2025 will be a tough time to reach a status where it can meet its competition and still happen to be successful, thus suggesting bonding over a 2025 project. He pointed out that the Gemini application has garnered “incredible momentum”, but said that obstacles lie ahead and urged speed if Google hopes to stay ahead in the race of technology where rapid changes occur almost instantaneously. Gemini, Google’s flagship AI model, is set to play a central role in the company’s strategy next year. Pichai described scaling Gemini for consumers as Google’s “biggest focus” for 2025, signalling an all-hands-on-deck approach to expanding the model’s capabilities and applications. This includes integrating Gemini into more products and services to enhance user experiences. As AI continues to reshape the tech industry, Google is betting big on Gemini to secure its place at the forefront of innovation. Pichai’s rallying call underscores the high stakes in the AI race, where speed and execution could determine long-term success. With 2025 on the horizon, Google is gearing up for what could be one of its most defining years yet. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Technology Science and around the world.

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In a world where personal interests and financial strategy often come without lines, lifestyle investing is now placed at the center stage today. Imagine being able to grow your wealth when pursuing something you love — be it sustainable living, cutting-edge technology, health and wellness, or lifestyle investing. Knowing that you have sources such as an Amazon stock chart shedding light on market trends only helps with well-structured decision-making that aligns with what you love. This way of investing not only makes the game exciting but also helps you take activities you enjoy and make them sound smart financial decisions. Are you ready to change the direction of your investment? Take a closer look at how you can embrace lifestyle investing! How to Embrace Lifestyle Investing with Smart Financial Choices? Lifestyle investing is about creating a portfolio that reflects who you are as a person. An investor would love to invest in an industry or a company that resonates with his passion, hobby, or interest. For instance, if he is an environmentalist, he will be keen on renewable energy or eco-friendly product-based company investment opportunities. Similarly, technology enthusiasts will want to be in advanced tech startups. This investment philosophy will not only meet the emotional needs of the person but will result in an entire chain of smarter financial decisions. When investors have an actual interest in the sectors they invest in, they tend to be better updated on market trends and thus make better choices in the long run. This way, investment can be pretty enjoyable, and more innovative financial decisions are facilitated. Here’s how you should embrace lifestyle investing effectively. 1. Identify Your Passions The first step to lifestyle investing is discovering what really gets you excited. Think about your interests, hobbies, and values. Do you find sustainability interesting? Are you a techie? Or perhaps you are deeply vested in health and wellness? These passions will serve as the basis for your investment strategy. 2. Research Relevant Industries Once you get a sense of your passions, look into sectors that fall under those. If it’s technology, you can look at renewable energy tech or health-tech innovations. You can use stock charts to see where companies in those sectors are headed: chart analyzers such as the Amazon stock chart can give you some insights regarding trends in e-commerce. 3. Evaluate Market Trends Knowledge of market trends is crucial to good lifestyle investing. This will keep you up-to-date on current industry news, let you know about the latest market analyses, and connect with communities aligned with your interests. This will enable you to stay informed about new trends in sectors you’re following, such as sustainable products or the latest tech innovations. That way, you will be better equipped to make the best choices for yourself. 4. Diversify Your Portfolio It is very important to focus on the things you are most passionate about, but diversification can also help protect you from many risks. Your portfolio should aim for a good mix of companies across various fields; for instance, you love fitness and technology. You might be interested in investing in fitness app startups and sustainable tech firms. This way, your investment can provide you with maximum returns while also securing it from your market fluctuation. 5. Leverage Data Tools Any kind of investment strategy requires you to integrate data into it. Monitor your investments using the various stock charts and analytics tools available. For instance, if you’re analyzing Amazon’s stock chart, you might notice some trends in e-commerce. Look for these metrics across the companies in which you are invested and measure them regularly so you know what to look for. 6. Engage with Communities Another lifestyle investing benefit is the opportunity to connect with like-minded people. Join forums, social media groups, or investment clubs localized to your area of interest. Interaction with these communities can be a rich source of insights, tips, and the emotional support needed to move forward as you journey through the investments. 7. Be Patient and Committed Investing is a marathon, not a sprint! Lifestyle investing requires patience since trends may take longer to materialize. You must not lose heart in case your investment declines day-to-day, but rather, stick to your strategy. Keep the long-term goals in mind and remind yourself that the journey to the destination is equally important. 8. Perpetual Learning Remember that the investment landscape constantly changes, so learn in a regular manner. Read books, seek learnings from industry experts, and keep abreast with market development regarding your areas of interest. The more you know, the better you will be at making sense investment decisions. Lifestyle investing will enable you to blend your passions with smart financial choices, and that’s a very fulfilling journey. You can follow these steps, which include identifying your passions, researching sectors, trend analysis, portfolio diversification, data tools, engaging communities, patience, and continuous self-education on building a portfolio aligned for financial prosperity. Just let the passion guide you as you embark upon the process of investing in things that bring you joy.KeyBanc upgrades Rockwell Automation, raises targets for Emerson, WESCO