
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. QVC is ringing in the holiday season with a new host, and to hear him tell it, there’s never been a better time to shop on TV — or online . John Battagliese debuted on QVC in October, as one of the newest — and youngest — faces of the venerable TV network. The actor and singer now hosts four days a week, and has quickly become a fan favorite thanks to his approachable style and social media savvy, which Battagliese says uniquely positions him to “meet the customer everywhere they are.” The Pennsylvania native grew up just down the street from the QVC studios in Chester County, and Battagliese says when he had trouble falling asleep as a kid, his parents would put the channel on in the background, hoping it would lull him to slumber. But: “It had the opposite effect,” he says. “I’d stay up all night, captivated by the hosts, memorizing the Today’s Special Value, and talking nonstop about my love of Joan Rivers. I loved how QVC created a warm, welcoming world that felt like a safe escape,” he shares, “and even as a kid, I knew I wanted to be part of it someday.” Battagliese first auditioned for the role in February, while he was on the road with the Broadway National Tour of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical . “My audition tape was filmed on my iPhone out of my hotel room in Greenville, SC,” he recalls. A second round of “virtual selling” took place in May, before Battagliese was flown to the QVC studios over the summer with a pool of other contenders for a two-day “bootcamp.” Just under a month later, the aspiring host got the call that he had landed his dream gig. Now officially a QVC “Program Host,” Battagliese says his role on-air is not dissimilar from singing and dancing on Broadway. “It requires that same live energy and adaption to things in real time as you would on stage,” he explains, adding that “I apply the same storytelling skills I used while working in theater, but now I am sharing real-life anecdotes that I believe will resonate with viewers. At the end of the day, both roles are all about connecting with people.” QVC has been a leader in live video commerce for nearly 40 years, and the brand continues to evolve with not just TV programming, but online livestreams as well. The 31-year-old Battagliese says he hopes to inspire a new generation of shoppers, who will see QVC as a place to find conversation, community, and maybe score a deal too. As marketing classes will tell you, it’s all about creating value for the consumer, in whatever way they find it (“QVC” of course, also stands for Quality, Value and Convenience). “My goal is to create a QVC experience that’s vibrant, relatable, and makes customers of all ages feel welcome, connected, and inspired to tune in and shop,” Battagliese says. “My goal has always been to make people feel seen, valued, and included,” he adds, “whether I was on stage, or now across many platforms from TV to digital and streaming — I have always wanted to leave a lasting impact that brightens people’s days.” Ahead of the holidays, Rolling Stone asked Battagliese for ten of his favorite products to shop on QVC.com right now. Here are his top gifting picks. $249.98 $299 16% off These earbuds from Bose are perfect for people on the go. You can enjoy that same incredible sound Bose is known for without sacrificing safety, because the “open earbuds” style allows you to still hear the world around you. They clip comfortably on the outside of your ear, automatically adjusting your volume based on your surroundings. $209.98 $254 17% off This one is for the chef in your life! This gift will allow them to save time, reduce clutter, and explore new culinary creations by simplifying their daily kitchen routine. These versatile tools allow you to roast, boil, bake, braise, fry, strain, and serve. From the viral Our Place brand, this set includes the Always Pan, Perfect Pot and two hot grips. This is an exclusive bundle to QVC; choose from size colorways. $236.99 $362 35% off Wanderlust? Let this crossover cuff — rich with JAI’s artisan textures — satisfy your inner explorer and expand your curated accessory collection. $39.98 $48 17% off I absolutely love this bag! IHKWIP has such incredible bags that help you stay organized without sacrificing style, and this is a must have for every day. $165 This holiday season, everyone needs a cozy throw that you can curl up in by the fire, in your favorite reading chair, or in a nook! $299.99 Curl, volumize, smooth, and dry — the Shark FlexStyle handles all your haircare needs at home so you can cancel the curling irons, flat irons, and bulky blow dryers that clutter up counters and cabinets. I love this as a gift because, with this tool, you don’t have to go to an expensive salon or spend hours in front of the mirror (but your friends may think you did!) $119.98 $157 24% off I am absolutely obsessed with this set from Tatcha. It has singlehandedly changed my skin for the better and is the perfect gift for the skincare lover in your life! $49.98 $61 18% off Another skincare set I love! My first weekend on-air at QVC we had Loved01 founder John Legend on-air debuting this product – not only was he so kind but his skin was glowing. This set is great hydration and can be used on face and body, and the products are unisex too. $49.98 $60 17% off Give the gift of beauty! This five-piece confidence-boosting collection allows you to be fabulously festive for seasonal soirees (and beyond). $103.98 $113 8% off The second I saw this stunning coat it stopped me in my tracks. I absolutely adore Carla Rockmore and am so excited to have her at QVC. This piece is such a great gift because it’s unique, fashionable, cozy and exclusive to the Q.President-elect Donald Trump joined the chorus of people raising concerns about over New Jersey and other states on the East Coast, calling on government officials to shoot down the aircraft if they are truly unidentifiable. In a Friday post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump indicated that he believes authorities know more about the drones than they are letting on. “Mystery Drone sightings all over the Country. Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge. I don’t think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!! DJT,” the president-elect wrote. Residents of Morris County, New Jersey, first started reporting nighttime sightings of the drones last month. Since then, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have investigated the objects and are looking into whether people are seeing actual drones, manned aircraft or something else. “We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus,” the FBI and DHS in a joint statement Thursday. “Upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft, operating lawfully. There are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted air space.” Nevertheless, reports of drone sightings continued to proliferate on Friday, with even former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan video of what he said were “dozens of large drones” flying over his home on Thursday night. Individuals in New York and Connecticut have also reported seeing the aircraft. Trump’s missive came after White House national security spokesperson John Kirby on Fox News’ “The Story” on Friday afternoon, where host Martha MacCallum pressed him about whether officials really do not have an explanation for the drone sightings. “I’m not going to lie to you or to the American people, and I’m not going to say we know something when we don’t,” Kirby said. “And we would never, ever stoop to think that an American citizen was crazy or nuts because of what they’re seeing and what they’re documenting. We’re taking that imagery seriously and we’re doing the best we can to analyze it, and we encourage people to come forward if they have additional sightings.” “Why not just take one down and figure out what’s going on?” MacCallum asked. “We don’t have enough conclusions to take that kind of a policy action,” Kirby replied. “But let’s just assume for a minute, Martha, that we did. You’re not going to want to shoot something down where it could hit somebody’s house, or hurt somebody.” She also asked what President Joe Biden has to say on the issue, and whether Elon Musk or other “outside experts” had been called in to give their opinions. Biden “has tasked the team to look into this and to be energetic in doing it, to try to get answers,” Kirby said. Related...
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A TikTok influencer who allegedly shoplifted about $500 worth of items from Target and posted her haul on the social media app, where she has more than 360,000 followers, has been arrested and charged with petty theft. Police said Marlena Velez, 22, stole the items by scanning false bar codes with cheaper prices on Oct. 30 at a Target in Cape Coral, Florida. Philadelphia news 24/7: Watch NBC10 free wherever you are The 16 items — household goods and clothing — were valued at $500.32, the Cape Coral Police Department said in a news release. Velez regularly posts content about her life as a mom of two on her TikTok account. Police were called to the store last week for the theft that occurred on Oct. 30. The police department posted a photo of the suspect on its Facebook and Instagram accounts and asked the public’s help in identifying her. They received numerous phone calls from anonymous tipsters, one of whom was “personally known” to Velez and provided Velez’s name, date of birth and the names of her Instagram and TikTok accounts, according to a probable cause affidavit. A post shared by Cape Coral Police Department (@capepd) Those public social media pages helped police connect Velez to the theft, according to the affidavit. Police said they found a video Velez posted on TikTok getting ready on the day of the theft, wearing the same outfit as the woman seen on Target’s security video — a tan shirt, tan pants and glasses. Velez recorded herself picking out the items inside the store and then taking them home with her, police said . According to the probable cause affidavit, the tipster also provided “unique details” about Velez, including that she had two children and a tattoo of a Zodiac sign on her left wrist, which police said matched that of the woman in the security footage. Stories that affect your life across the U.S. and around the world. “Everything was documented,” Mercedes Phillips, a spokesperson for the department, said in a video posted to its Instagram account. Velez told the officer who arrested her that she did not recall stealing from Target and after she was shown a photo of the woman from the store’s security video, she “verbally confirmed” that she was the woman in the photo and video, the probable cause affidavit says. While in the Lee County Jail, Velez is alleged to have said “lesson learned” multiple times, according to the probable cause affidavit. The officer who arrested her asked her while she was at the jail whether she still had the stolen merchandise and she is alleged to have responded that she may still have some of the items, “to include some Christmas decorations,” the affidavit states. Phillips thanked the community for its help in identifying Velez. Velez was arrested and charged with one count of petty theft. She was released on $150 bail and is due in court Dec. 10, court records show. She could not immediately be reached at a number or an email address listed for her or through her TikTok account. This story first appeared on NBCNews.com . More from NBC News:Australian rental crisis: 22 Aussie areas where renters now have a lot more choice | PropTrack
AP Trending SummaryBrief at 6:53 p.m. ESTLAS VEGAS (AP) — A team that previously boycotted at least one match against the San Jose State women's volleyball program will again be faced with the decision whether to play the school , this time in the Mountain West Conference semifinals with a shot at the NCAA Tournament on the line. Five schools forfeited matches in the regular season against San Jose State, which carried a No. 2 seed into the conference tournament in Las Vegas. Among those schools: No. 3 Utah State and No. 6 Boise State, who will face off Wednesday with the winner scheduled to play the Spartans in the semifinals on Friday. Wyoming, Nevada and Southern Utah — which is not a Mountain West member — also canceled regular-season matches, all without explicitly saying why they were forfeiting. Nevada players cited fairness in women’s sports as a reason to boycott their match, while political figures from Wyoming, Idaho, Utah and Nevada suggested the cancellations center around protecting women’s sports. In a lawsuit filed against the NCAA , plaintiffs cited unspecified reports asserting there was a transgender player on the San Jose State volleyball team, even naming her. While some media have reported those and other details, neither San Jose State nor the forfeiting teams have confirmed the school has a trans women’s volleyball player. The Associated Press is withholding the player’s name because she has not publicly commented on her gender identity and through school officials has declined an interview request. A judge on Monday rejected a request made by nine current conference players to block the San Jose State player from competing in the tournament on grounds that she is transgender. That ruling was upheld Tuesday by an appeals court. “The team looks forward to starting Mountain West Conference tournament competition on Friday,” San Jose State said in a statement issued after the appeals court decision. “The university maintains an unwavering commitment to the participation, safety and privacy of all students at San Jose State and ensuring they are able to compete in an inclusive, fair and respectful environment.” Boise State did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. “Utah State is reviewing the court’s order," Doug Hoffman, Aggies associate athletic director for communications, said in an email. "Right now, our women’s volleyball program is focused on the game this Wednesday, and we’ll be cheering them on.” San Jose State, which had a first-round bye, would be sent directly to the conference title game if Utah State or Boise State were to forfeit again. If the Spartans make the title game, it's likely the opponent would not forfeit. They would face top-seeded Colorado State, No. 4 Fresno State or No. 5 San Diego State — all teams that played the Spartans this season. The conference champion receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. AP college sports: https://apnews.com/hub/college-sports
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How to Utilize Bright Data for Sentiment AnalysisDaily Post Nigeria EPL table: Liverpool open eight-point gap after 3-2 win at Southampton Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Sport EPL table: Liverpool open eight-point gap after 3-2 win at Southampton Published on November 24, 2024 By Ifreke Inyang Liverpool had to come from behind to claim a 3-2 win at Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday. The Reds knew that victory at St Marys would take them eight points clear of Manchester City, who were humiliated 4-0 by Tottenham Hotspur yesterday. And they took the lead in the first half through Dominik Szobozslai. However, the Saints fought back to take the lead, thanks to Armstrong’s penalty and a breakaway goal from Mateus Fernandes. But Mohamed Salah scored twice to ensure Liverpool took maximum points. Arne Slot’s men will now face City at Anfield next weekend, in what could be a decisive fixture in the title race. Related Topics: EPL Table liverpool southampton Don't Miss EPL: Brilliant player, he’s good – Owen Hargreaves lavishes praise on Arsenal star You may like EPL: We’ll get walked over by Liverpool – Kyle Walker issues warning to Man City EPL: Man City won’t win title if we lose to Liverpool – Guardiola EPL: I don’t know what will happen against Liverpool next week – Guardiola EPL: He should be dissapointed – Given advises Liverpool star to leave club after Slot’s comment UNL: France can win without Mbappe – Liverpool’s Konate insists EPL: ‘He’s a wasted talent’ – Liverpool legend warns Premier League clubs against signing Pogba Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media LtdA tent encampment at Moss Park in Toronto on Sept. 14. Doug Ives/The Canadian Press Lisa Gonsalves is board chair of United Way Greater Toronto. Victor Dodig is president and chief executive of CIBC and United Way Greater Toronto 2024’s community campaign chair. Our parents were attracted to the promise of this country more than half a century ago. Many others have since immigrated here, with Canada’s population growing steadily in recent years. This is especially true in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada’s biggest metropolitan region. With cranes dotting the skyline and construction projects everywhere you look, the GTA is projected to reach close to nine million residents over the next decade. Growth creates jobs and can further community prosperity. But as the GTA expands, we also see a sharp increase in those who are struggling. While the problem is not unique to this region, nowhere else in Canada is it as big. More than 1.4 million people in the GTA live in poverty. More than one in 10 Torontonians are relying on food banks. Meanwhile, 51 per cent of new food bank clients have someone in their household who is employed, highlighting that it takes more than ever before for families to find financial stability. Wait times for subsidized housing across the GTA can be anywhere from seven to 17 years . These numbers reveal a critical issue: while growth brings opportunity, it also exposes deep gaps in our social infrastructure. If we are to sustain and share the benefits of growth, we need to invest in housing, health care and social services that support our communities. And with these investments, not only can growth be more even and sustainable, there can be more of it. Investing in social infrastructure – through corporate social responsibility, philanthropy and volunteerism – yields economic returns far beyond just social benefits. For example, analysis produced by Deloitte for the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association found that increasing community housing stock could boost economic productivity by 5.7 per cent to 9.3 per cent, leading to a potential GDP increase of $67-billion to $136-billion by 2030. United Way research has found that equitable access to housing, employment, food and social services not only prevents displacement but strengthens local economies. For example, affordable housing preservation programs such as community land trusts can significantly reduce displacement, while promoting housing stability in changing neighbourhoods. And this has a greater economic impact. For instance, the Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust , which bought its first 15-unit rooming house in the Toronto neighbourhood in 2019, is now the steward of 84 properties offering 205 rental units across the city’s west end. Such interventions, when paired with work force development programs, lead to better economic outcomes by ensuring local residents can maintain jobs and contribute to the economy. In Regent Park, a Community Benefits Agreement has resulted in about 1,600 jobs for local residents since 2006. For regions such as the GTA, where rapid population growth and a large newcomer work force are reshaping the economic landscape, investment in equitable housing, health care and social services is not just important – it is essential. As the population expands, the need for robust social infrastructure becomes even more pressing. When we invest in these services, we ensure that all residents, particularly newcomers and marginalized groups, can fully participate in and contribute to the local economy. Philanthropy and government investment, when applied strategically, can drive significant economic impact – but it requires collective action. No single effort can address the complex challenges of poverty, mental health, housing and employment. We must bring together corporations, governments and community organizations to tackle these interconnected issues at scale. A strong economy starts with strong communities. To create a thriving region where everyone can prosper, we must champion community-driven initiatives that bolster the economy, shaping a future where growth benefits everyone.Moncton is proposing a 6.2 cent tax rate cut for most of the city next year while boosting spending on police, firefighters and transit. "The City of Moncton's financial position remains strong," Jacques Doucet, Moncton's general manager of finance services, said as council began going through the the 521-page draft budget Tuesday. "But it doesn't mean we don't have challenges. Everything is about prioritization and we can only invest so many dollars in so many areas." The document covers the city's $223.8 million operating budget, a utilities budget of $46.2 million, and a $62.6 million capital budget. Moncton council began deliberating its 2025 budget on Tuesday. (Shane Magee/CBC) Doucet said the goal of the tax rate cut is to limit the increase to property tax bills for residents driven by assessment values set by the province. Staff proposed a tax rate of $1.3614 per $100 of assessed value for most of the city, down 4.34 per cent from 2024. While the tax rate would be lower, overall a property tax bill would still increase by 5.23 per cent because of higher assessments. The budget shows a home valued at $350,000 would see its tax bill rise by $260 to $5,241. Increase for amalgamated areas While much of the city would see a lower tax rate, areas formerly part of the Moncton local service district amalgamated in 2023 would see a tax rate increase of five cents. That would bring the rate to $1.0158. The tax rate and various budget figures could change before final approval. Coun. Bryan Butler has moved a motion that would reduce the increase to 2.5 cents. That motion will be considered Thursday. The proposed budget includes a number of additions, including: A $9.5 million increase in the policing budget, which includes 17 more RCMP officers. Four more firefighters. Expanding Codiac Transpo bus service at a cost of $435,042. New or replacing buses, including one to test switching to electric buses. $500,000 to plan a new aquatics facility and $5 million to build it. $8 million in 2025 and $17 million in 2026 for downtown facilities such as "a new market, convention centre, or riverfront amenities." The budget calls for 38 more full-time equivalent staff positions, bringing the city to just under 800 full-time positions. Of those, 18 are related to increased Codiac Transpo bus service. Sixteen fall under protective services, which include firefighters, community safety officers and municipal support staff for the RCMP. Proposed Moncton budget includes more money for police, fire, aims to reduce hit to taxpayers Moncton plans to clear snow from more sidewalks around schools Council heard that Codiac Transpo has recorded a nearly 40 per cent increase in ridership this year, resulting in some buses being full. The budget includes money to expand the bus depot as the transit fleet expands. The budget also calls for a $765,000 increase in the city's grant to Ability Transit, a transportation service for physically disabled people. Gregg Houser, the city's deputy treasurer, said the service has a two-week waiting period to book rides and currently isn't able to serve everyone. He said it has about 1,000 clients and is looking to serve 1,300. The budget says an average household will pay $1,128 in water and wastewater fees next year, an increase of 1.17 per cent. Moncton council tells staff to draft budget with eye to tax-rate cut Earlier this year, council approved a budget strategy that called for limiting how much additional revenue the city would collect as a result of higher property assessments. Doucet said 85 per cent of properties in the city are covered by the province's spike protection mechanism, which limits yearly assessment increases on those properties to 10 per cent. To counteract that, the budget was planned to only collect just over five per cent, effectively resulting in a tax rate cut. But Doucet noted the rising assessments are mainly on residential properties and that some commercial properties have reduced assessments. That means those commercial properties would see a greater benefit from the tax rate cut. He said the city is advocating the province reform the property tax system to allow different tax rates for different classes of properties. "If we had more flexibility, we don't necessarily want to tax their commercial properties more, but we could do a better distribution of the fiscal burden," Doucet said. Need for fiscal reform in focus at municipal forum with political leaders The city projects its debt will rise from $85 million at the end of 2024 to $134.8 million for the general fund next year, mainly due to the completion of the $57.3-million police station. Even with that increase, the city's debt radio for the general fund is expected to remain below 10 per cent. The provincially set limit is 20 per cent. Budget deliberations continue Wednesday with discussion of the policing and fire department budgets.