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In January 1981, Marta Falcon, mother of “Cocaine Cowboy” Willy Falcon, was kidnapped with a $500,000 ransom demanded for her release, as T.J. English explains in “The Last Kilo: Willy Falcon and the Cocaine Empire That Seduced America” (William Morrow, out now). For Falcon, the head of Miami’s Los Muchachos drug traffickers, the money was irrelevant. “In the larger scheme of cocaine profits, it was chump change,” he writes. “But something else was at work, something ominous and diabolical.” He had reason to worry. A month earlier, an associate of Falcon’s was kidnapped by the same people, and when the ransom didn’t materialize, “they murdered the kidnap victim, cut his testicles off, and stuffed them into his mouth,” English writes. While Marta Falcon was released unharmed, it was a stark reminder of the risks involved in the drug trade — even though Falcon’s operation never used violence, preferring corruption to preserve their place in the “narcosphere.” “Dirty cops, lawyers, judges, and politicians feeding off the profits of the narcosphere is what made the world go round,” writes English. “This existed at every level of the business, in every country, state, and city where kilos of coke passed through grubby hands on its way to and up the nostrils of the consumer.” Over the course of the 1970s and 1980s, Falcon and Salvador “Sal” Magluta, perfected cocaine trafficking. When they were apprehended in 1991, prosecutors estimated Los Muchachos had imported seventy-five tons of pure cocaine into America, although Falcon believed it was nearer 700, with a street value of $50 billion. “It made them the preeminent cocaine smugglers during a period when the product if it was a legal commodity, would have dominated the New York Stock Exchange,” says English. “The Last Kilo” is based on interviews English conducted with Augusto Guillermo “Willy” Falcon following his release from prison in 2017 after a 27-year sentence. Magluta was not available. “He was incarcerated, serving a 195-year sentence on cocaine trafficking, obstruction of justice, and money-laundering charges — the same charges that ensnared Falcon,” writes English. In 1967, the Falcon family fled Cuba during the revolution when Willy was just eleven, settling in ‘Little Havana’ in Miami. Within a few years, he would be hustling when the emerging cocaine market caught his eye. His first deal in 1976 netted him and then partner, Tony Bemba, a profit of $700,000. When he teamed up with fellow Miami Senior HS dropout Magluta their business went stratospheric. By the time they offloaded their fourth shipment in 1977, they cleared $2.5 million from that single deal alone. By 1983, demand for cocaine was insatiable. It wasn’t just high rollers indulging, it was lawyers, real estate agents, politicians, and police officers — and Falcon was making $100 million a year. “Cocaine broke down inhibitions and made revelers get it on,” English explains. “For a time, Falcon and those like him became stars in their own right. “They were the deliverers of good times.” Los Muchachos bought airplanes, built landing strips in rural Florida, and developed their own impregnable short-wave radio communication system. Later, they worked the West Coast, driving 100 kilo loads from Florida to Los Angeles and San Francisco. They even dealt with notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar, who called Falcon ‘The Doctor’ because he cured his distribution problems. In the mid-1980s Falcon moved to New York where a new drug — crack — threatened the profitability and, ironically, the reputation of his operation. “It was no longer about speedboats, women in bikinis and disco balls,” says English. “The good times had taken a dark turn.” The long-running War on Drugs launched by President Nixon in 1971 compounded matters. Having spent $47 billion, Congress allocated an additional $11 billion to it. “The War on Drugs entered a new phase; it was an orchestrated propaganda war,” says English. “Cocaine traffickers were more likely viewed as merchants of death and destruction — and un-American.” For the first time, the pair discussed getting out of cocaine. But the business had become a commercial juggernaut with thousands in South America and the US dependent on it. “The spigot could not simply be shut off without immediate and dire consequences,” says English. Awash with cash, they plowed money into more legitimate concerns. They launched construction firms and bought a ranch and a farm, with its own private airstrip. And they indulged themselves with powerboats, winning multiple races with their team ‘Seahawk’. Magluta was even on the commission overseeing the American Power Boat Association. “They were the kings of their domain,” adds English. But in October 1991, they were finally caught. Magluta was first to be apprehended when a 25-man team from the U.S. The Marshals Service stormed his palatial La Gorce Island home. Five hours later, Falcon’s Fort Lauderdale mansion was raided and as he was arrested, Falcon shouted: “F–k you all bitches!” As well as a million dollars in cash and gold bullion, the raids netted fake driver’s licenses and passports, unlicensed firearms, and, critically, ledgers detailing financial transactions. It was game over for Los Muchachos. “After years of investigation,” writes English, “they finally had the tiger by the tail.”
(Reuters) - President-elect Donald Trump will take office on Jan. 20 after defeating Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. Here is a timeline of events between now and Inauguration Day: Dec. 11: States must submit certified slates of presidential electors by this date to the archivist of the United States as part of a 2022 federal law intended to avoid a repeat of the chaos after Trump's attempts to overturn his 2020 defeat. Dec. 17: Electors, who together form the Electoral College, meet in their respective states and the District of Columbia to select the president and vice president. Dec. 25: The electoral votes must be received by this date by the president of the Senate - a role held by the vice president, currently Harris - and the archivist. 2025 Jan. 6: Harris presides over the Electoral College vote count at a joint session of Congress, announces the results and declares who has been elected. Ahead of the count on Jan. 6, 2021, then-President Trump lambasted his vice president, Mike Pence, for refusing to try to prevent Congress from certifying President Joe Biden's victory. On that day, Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an effort to stop the count. Biden's win was certified early the next day. Congress has since passed reforms that require approval of one-fifth of the House and Senate to consider a challenge to a state's results – a much higher bar than existed before, when at least one member each in the Senate and the House of Representatives could together trigger a challenge. Jan. 20: Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance will take their respective oaths of office during a swearing-in ceremony that is due to begin at 12 p.m. ET (1700 GMT). (Reporting by Costas Pitas; Editing by Ross Colvin, Lisa Shumaker, Jamie Freed and Jonathan Oatis)Daniel Penny doesn't testify as his defense rests in subway chokehold trial
A veteran state Nationals leader has stepped down to make way for new blood as the party begins preparations for an election in 2026. or signup to continue reading Peter Walsh has resigned as leader of the Victorian Nationals, with Gippsland South MP Danny O'Brien elected unopposed as his replacement on Monday night. The 70-year-old has been a fixture of Victorian parliament since 2002, leader since December 2014, and will continue as the MP for Murray Plains. Mr O'Brien described his elevation to the top job as the greatest honour of his life. "I entered politics because I have always believed rural and regional people get a raw deal," he said. "As leader of our great party, I will fight every day for country people to get a fair go." Lowan MP Emma Kealy will remain the state party's deputy leader. It is unclear whether Mr Walsh will retire from politics or remain on the back bench until the next state election in 2026. Treasurer Tim Pallas said he had great respect for Mr Walsh and he deserved enormous credit. "Whatever he decides to do, he goes knowing that he's made a great contribution to the state," he told reporters. Mr Walsh helped his party net an extra three seats at the 2022 election, giving the Nationals nine of the 88 seats in the Legislative Assembly. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Advertisement
IOWA CITY — Iowa’s 29-13 win over Maryland in the first start of Jackson Stratton’s career at Iowa improved the Hawkeyes’ record to 7-4 with one game remaining in the season. Following the 16-point win over the Terrapins and ahead of a matchup with the Nebraska in a battle for the Heroes Trophy, uncertainty continues to reign at quarterback, the Huskers may have regained their early season rhythm and stakes seem lessened. In his first career start, Stratton led an efficient and effective Iowa offense down the field on three straight drives of 12 or more plays to start the game, resulting in 10 points and lopsided time of possession numbers. However, once the game went final, Stratton’s stat line showed limited usage for the former fourth-string walk on as he finished with 76 passing yards on 10-of-14 passing. The Hawkeyes ran the ball 58 times in the win and, though Stratton flashed the ability to throw to the wide side of the field early, rarely looked to give their third different starting quarterback of the season a chance to showcase his skillset. Following the win, Ferentz praised Stratton and said he assumed the former Colorado State transfer would be the starting quarterback against Nebraska. “He is the leader of the group right now,” Ferentz said. Despite Ferentz’s postgame comments, Cade McNamara, who started the first eight games of the season, issued a statement on social media Friday indicating his intentions of playing against the Huskers if he were cleared from concussion protocol for game action. Stratton Nebraska topped Wisconsin 44-25 on Saturday to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2016, when Mike Riley was the head coach. During the win, the Big Red showed flashes of their September selves, racing out to a 34-10 lead behind an efficient and mistake-free Dylan Raiola at quarterback, a strong rushing attack and an opportunistic defense. The Badgers managed to cut the lead to 37-25 with 6:03 remaining in the fourth quarter before a late touchdown sealed the win for the Huskers. The win seemed to demonstrate a return to form for Nebraska as they looked more like the team that raced out to a 28-0 lead in the first half against Colorado than the team that lost to Indiana 56-7. However, did the Huskers fully shake off their struggles after a four-game losing skid? The fan base hopes so. Saturday will be the test. With Iowa firmly planted at the top of tier two Big Ten teams in the standings with little room to improve their standing and Nebraska reaching bowl eligibility last week, the Black Friday tilt between the two programs does not have the same stakes as in years’ previous. Though Nebraska cannot spoil an Iowa Big Ten Championship bid and the Hawkeyes cannot stop the Huskers from reaching a bowl game, the game remains a pivotal contest for both teams. Nebraska hopes to win to generate excitement into the offseason and important recruiting periods. A three-game winning streak (with a win in a bowl game) would be its strongest finish to a season since winning four straight to cap the 2008 season — Bo Pelini’s first as head coach at Nebraska. For Iowa, a win would once again bring supremacy to the Hawkeyes over the once proud program, give them a chance at closing the season on a three-game win streak and give them nine wins in the last 10 matchups. Though this game possesses no grand national implications on college football, there is still plenty to play for on Friday. Glory, bragging rights, a trophy — everything that makes college football great. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Ethan Slater Bonds With Ariana Grande's Grandma in Her HometownIsraeli airstrikes killed a hospital director at his home in northeastern Lebanon and six others, while at least five paramedics were killed by Israeli strikes in the country's south on Friday, Lebanon's Health Ministry said. The United Nations reported heavy clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon. Four Italian peacekeepers were lightly wounded when a rocket, likely fired by Hezbollah, hit their base, the U.N. said. A full-blown war between Israel and Hezbollah erupted in September after nearly a year of lower-intensity conflict. More than 3,640 people have been killed in Lebanon and 15,350 wounded, the majority following Israel’s escalation and ground invasion, the Health Ministry said Friday. In Gaza, Israeli strikes hit Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of the few hospitals still partially operating in the northernmost part of the territory, wounding nine medical staff and damaging its generator and oxygen systems, the hospital director said Friday. More than 44,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip, the Health Ministry said. It does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count, but it has said that more than half of the fatalities are women and children. Israel launched the war in Gaza after Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250 . Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Here’s the Latest: DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Israeli strikes hit Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of the few hospitals still partially operating in the northernmost part of Gaza, wounding nine medical staff and damaging its generator and oxygen systems, its director said Friday. Hossam Abu Safiya said strikes before dawn Friday hit the entrance of the emergency unit as well as in the hospital courtyard. He said six staff were wounded, including two critically. Friday night, he said an armed drone hit the entrance again, wounding three staffers. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. Abu Safiya said the strikes caused damage to the functioning of the generator and disrupted oxygen supplies. The hospital is currently treating 85 wounded, 14 children in the pediatric ward and four newborns in the neonatal unit, he said. During the past month, Kamal Adwan Hospital has been hit several times, was put under siege and was raided by Israeli troops, who are waging a heavy offensive in the nearby Jabaliya refugee camp and towns of Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya. The Israeli military says it detained Hamas fighters hiding in the hospital, a claim its staff denies. BEIRUT — An Israeli airstrike killed the director of a university hospital and six others at his home in northeastern Lebanon, state media said. The strike targeted Dr. Ali Allam’s house near Dar Al-Amal Hospital, the largest health center in Baalbek-Hermel province, which has provided vital health services amid Israel's campaign of airstrikes, the Health Ministry said. State-run media reported that the strike came without warning. The ministry described his death as a “great loss,” and provincial governor Bachir Khodr said in a post on X that, “Mr. Allam was one of the best citizens of Baalbek.” In two separate episodes on Friday, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed five paramedics with Hezbollah's medical arm, the Health Ministry said, describing it as “war crime.” The militant group provides extensive social services, including running schools and health clinics. In a report published Friday, the World Health Organization said nearly half of all attacks on health care in Lebanon since Oct. 7, 2023, have resulted in fatalities. “This is a higher percentage than in any active conflict today across the globe,” WHO said. In Lebanon, 226 health workers and patients were killed and 199 were injured between Oct. 7, 2023, and Nov. 18, 2024, the report said. The Health Ministry said Friday that 3,645 people have been killed in nearly 14 months of war between Hezbollah and Israel, while 15,356 were wounded, the majority following Israel’s escalation in late September. The death count includes 692 women and 231 children. UNITED NATIONS – Two rockets hit a headquarters of the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, injuring four Italian peacekeepers, the United Nations says. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the rockets were likely launched by Hezbollah militants or by affiliated groups Friday, impacting a bunker and a logistics area in the southwest headquarters at Chamaa. One of the structures that was hit caught fire, and the blaze was swiftly put out by U.N. staff, he said. According to Italy’s Defense Ministry, some glass shattered due to the explosion, hitting the four soldiers. Dujarric said the four injured peacekeepers were receiving treatment at the medical facility of the mission, known as UNIFIL. “Thankfully, none of the injuries are life-threatening,” he said. Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto called the attack on the UNIFIL base “intolerable.” He reiterated that the Italian contingent remains in southern Lebanon “to offer a window of opportunity for peace, and cannot become hostage to militia attacks.” Dujarric said Friday’s attack was the third on Chamaa in a week and came amid heavy shelling and ground skirmishes in the Chamaa and Naqoura areas in recent days. UNIFIL’s main headquarters is in Naqoura. Friday’s attack follows a rocket attack on a UNIFIL base east of the village of Ramyah on Tuesday that injured four peacekeepers from Ghana. Dujarric said UNIFIL strongly urges Hezbollah and its affiliates and Israel to avoid fighting near its positions, which are supposed to be protected. “We remind all parties that any attack against peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of international law” and the U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, he said. BEIRUT — Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs and the southern port city of Tyre on Friday, after the Israeli army issued several evacuation warnings saying it is targeting Hezbollah sites. The strikes in Beirut came dangerously close to central Beirut and Christian neighborhoods. One strike hit a building housing a gym and medical and beauty clinics, located just meters (yards) from a Lebanese army base. “What is there in the building to target? This attack they carried out on us in this building is a criminal and vile act,” resident Hassan Najdi told The Associated Press. “Because if their intention is targeting Hezbollah, this building has nothing to do with Hezbollah.” Najdi said he purchased an apartment in the building last year but had not yet moved in. He allowed a displaced family to move in and urgently asked them to evacuate after receiving the Israeli warning. The blasts sent plumes of smoke into the air and shattered glass in the vicinity. No casualties have been reported, but the strikes caused damage to nearby infrastructure and a key road connecting central Beirut to its southern suburbs. “We remain steadfast,” said Ali Daher, an employee at a mall facing the targeted building. “Everything that is lost can be replaced, and whatever is destroyed can be rebuilt in (no time).” In Tyre city, the Israeli military conducted multiple airstrikes after a series of warnings, claiming the targets belonged to Hezbollah’s Aziz unit, accusing it of firing projectiles into Israel. The Israeli military carried out other airstrikes across Lebanon, many without warnings, as heavy fighting between Israeli troops and Hezbollah in villages along the Lebanon-Israel border intensified. ROME — Italy said Friday it plans to discuss the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court over the Israel-Hamas war when it hosts Group of Seven foreign ministers next week. Premier Giorgia Meloni insisted that one point remained clear for Italy: “There can be no equivalence between the responsibilities of the state of Israel and the terrorist organization of Hamas.” Italy is a founding member of the court and hosted the 1998 Rome conference that gave birth to it. But Meloni’s right-wing government has been a strong supporter of Israel after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, while also providing humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. In a statement Friday, Meloni said Italy would study the reasonings behind the decision to issue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas’ military chief. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy respects the ICC and supports it. “But at the same time we are also convinced that the court must have a judicial role, and should not take up a political role.” Tajani will host G7 foreign ministers Monday and Tuesday outside Rome for the final meeting of the Italian G7 presidency. “As far as decisions are concerned, we will take them together with our allies,” Tajani said. During the G7 meetings, “we will talk about this with my allies there, and we will see what to do next.” Another member of the governing coalition, the outspoken Transport Minister Matteo Salvini was more defiant in supporting Israel. “If Netanyahu comes to Italy he will be welcomed,” Salvini was quoted by Italian media as saying. This item has been updated to correct that Salvini spoke of a potential Netanyahu visit to Italy, not Israel. ROME — Four Italian soldiers were slightly injured after two exploding rockets hit the United Nations' peacekeeping mission base on Friday in Chamaa in southern Lebanon, Italy's defense ministry said. Initial information suggested that two rockets hit a bunker and a room of the mission base, damaging the surrounding infrastructure, the ministry said. Shattered glass hit the four soldiers. The incident was the latest in which UN peacekeeping posts have been hit since Israel began its ground invasion of Lebanon on Oct. 1, leaving a number of peacekeepers wounded. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto called Friday's attack “intolerable.” He said he will try to speak to the new Israeli Defense Minister to ask him “to avoid using the UNIFIL bases as a shield.” Crosetto said the conditions of the four Italian soldiers “did not cause concern.” He reiterated that the Italian contingent remains in southern Lebanon “to offer a window of opportunity for peace and cannot become hostage to militia attacks.” Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni on Friday said she learned about the new attack with “deep indignation and concern.” Meloni reiterated that “such attacks are unacceptable,” renewing her appeal for the parties on the ground “to guarantee, at all times, the safety of UNIFIL soldiers and to collaborate to quickly identify those responsible.” GENEVA — The World Health Organization says nearly half of the attacks on health care in Lebanon have been deadly since the Middle East conflict erupted in October last year, the highest such rate anywhere in the world. The U.N. health agency says 65 out of 137, or 47%, of recorded “attacks on health care” in Lebanon over that time period have proven fatal to at least one person, and often many more. WHO’s running global tally counts attacks, whether deliberate or not, that affect places like hospitals, clinics, medical transport, and warehouses for medical supplies, as well as medics, doctors, nurses and the patients they treat. Nearly half of attacks on health care in Lebanon since last October and the majority of deaths occurred since an intensified Israeli military campaign began against Hezbollah militants in the country two months ago. The health agency said 226 health workers and patients have been killed and 199 injured in Lebanon between Oct. 7, 2023 and this Monday. JERUSALEM — Israel’s new defense minister said Friday that he would stop issuing warrants to arrest West Bank settlers or hold them without charge or trial — a largely symbolic move that rights groups said risks emboldening settler violence in the Israeli-occupied territory. Israel Katz called the arrest warrants “severe” and said issuing them was “inappropriate” as Palestinian militant attacks on settlers in the territory grow more frequent. He said settlers could be “brought to justice” in other ways. The move protects Israeli settlers from being held in “administrative detention,” a shadowy form of incarceration where people are held without charge or trial. Settlers are rarely arrested in the West Bank, where settler violence against Palestinians has spiraled since the outbreak of the war Oct. 7. Katz’s decision was celebrated by far-right coalition allies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. National Security Minister and settler firebrand Itamar Ben-Gvir applauded Katz and called the move a “correction of many years of mistreatment” and “justice for those who love the land.” Since Oct. 7, 2023, violence toward Palestinians by Israeli settlers has soared to new heights, displacing at least 19 entire Palestinian communities, according to Israeli rights group Peace Now. In that time, attacks by Palestinian militants on settlers and within Israel have also grown more common. An increasing number of Palestinians have been placed in administrative detention. Israel holds 3,443 administrative detainees in prison, according to data from the Israeli Prison Service, reported by rights group Hamoked. That figure stood around 1,200 just before the start of the war. The vast majority of them are Palestinian, with only a handful at any given time Israeli Jews, said Jessica Montell, the director of Hamoked. “All of these detentions without charge or trial are illegitimate, but to declare that this measure will only be used against Palestinians...is to explicitly entrench another form of ethnic discrimination,” said Montell. BERLIN — A German official has suggested that his country would be reluctant to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. The ICC’s warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant put Germany, a staunch ally of Israel, in an awkward position. The government said in a statement Friday that it is one of the ICC’s biggest supporters, but “at the same time, it is a consequence of German history that unique relations and a great responsibility connect us with Israel.” The government said it takes note of the arrest warrants and that “we will examine conscientiously the domestic steps.” It said that any further steps would only be an issue if a visit by Netanyahu or Gallant were “foreseeable.” Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit was pressed repeatedly at a regular news conference on whether it would be conceivable to arrest an Israeli prime minister. He replied: "It’s hard for me to imagine that we would carry out arrests in Germany on this basis.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Friday refused to comment on the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others, saying that the court's rulings are “insignificant” for Russia, which doesn’t recognizes the court’s jurisdiction. The ICC last year issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and a number of other top Russian officials, accusing them of war crimes in Ukraine. The Kremlin has brushed off the warrants, saying that in Moscow’s eyes they’re “null and void.” Asked if the ICC warrants for Netanyahu and others can help resolve the tensions in the Middle East, Peskov said: “Well, in general, the actions of the ICC are unlikely to help anything. That’s the first thing. And secondly, we don’t see any point in commenting on this in any way, because for us these rulings are insignificant.” DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Large crowds of displaced people crammed themselves in front of a bakery in the Gaza Strip for the second day in a row, desperate to get their share of bread after bakeries closed for five days due to a flour shortage and the lack of aid. “I am a 61-year-old man. This is the third day that I have come to Zadna Bakery and I still cannot get bread ... I have children to feed,” said Majdi Yaghi, a displaced man from Gaza City. The price of a small bag of pita bread increased to $16 by Friday, a stark increase from about 80 cents last month. A bag of pasta now costs $4 and a small bag of sugar costs nearly $14. That has left many Palestinian families surviving on one meal a day and reliant on charitable kitchens to survive. In Khan Younis, women and children lined up at the al-Dalu charitable kitchen for bulgur, the only food available at the makeshift charity. One of the workers there, Anas al-Dalu, told the AP that they cook ten pots every day of either rice, beans, or bulgur. But that hardly fills the need for the thousands of people displaced in the area. “The charity here is in a difficult situation. It is a drop in the ocean, and there is no aid or charities. There is nothing," said Nour Kanani, a displaced man from Khan Younis. “It is a crisis in every sense of the word. There is no flour, no charities, and no food.” BEIRUT — Israeli troops fought fierce battles with Hezbollah fighters on Friday in different areas in south Lebanon, including a coastal town that is home to the headquarters of U.N. peacekeepers. A spokesperson for the U.N. peacekeeping force known as UNIFIL told The Associated Press that they are monitoring “heavy clashes” in the coastal town of Naqoura and the village of Chamaa to the northeast. UNIFIL’s headquarters are located in Naqoura in Lebanon’s southern edge close to the border with Israel. “We are aware of heavy shelling in the vicinity of our bases,” UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said. Asked if the peacekeepers and staff at the headquarters are safe, Tenenti said: “Yes for the moment.” Several UNIFIL posts have been hit since Israel began its ground invasion of Lebanon on Oct. 1, leaving a number of peacekeepers wounded.
The reigning Super Bowl champions saw their run of 15 straight wins ended by the Buffalo Bills last week, but got back to winning ways thanks to star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. After a late Chuba Hubbard touchdown and two-point conversion had made it 27-27, the Chiefs got the ball back with less than two minutes on the clock and a 33-yard run from Mahomes helped set up Spencer Shrader for a game-winning field goal. THE CHIEFS SURVIVE AGAIN. 🔥 Patrick Mahomes comes up CLUTCH with a 33-yard run late, before Spencer Shrader wins it as time expires! Get your #NFL action on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/POt57HQYig — ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) November 24, 2024 Mahomes finished the game with 269 yards and three touchdowns, two of them to Noah Gray in the first half. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs scored two touchdowns as the Detroit Lions beat the Indianapolis Colts 24-6 to improve their record to 10-1, matching that of the Chiefs. David Montgomery also ran for a score before having to leave the game with a shoulder injury. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended a four-game losing streak with a 30-7 win over the New York Giants, who “mutually agreed” to terminate the contract of quarterback Daniel Jones earlier this week. Jones’ replacement Tommy DeVito was sacked four times while opposite number Baker Mayfield ran for a touchdown and completed 24 of 30 pass attempts for 294 yards. Rachaad White, Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker also ran for touchdowns in a one-sided contest. The Dallas Cowboys ended their five-game losing streak with a remarkable 34-26 win over the Washington Commanders, with 30 points scored in the final three minutes. KaVontae Turpin’s 99-yard kick-off return for a touchdown looked to have sealed victory for the Cowboys, only for the Commanders to respond with a field goal before getting the ball back with 33 seconds remaining. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin sprinted 86 yards through the Dallas defence for a touchdown, only for Austin Seibert to miss the extra point. 99 YARDS TO THE 🏡 @KaVontaeTurpin was gone!! 📺: #DALvsWAS on FOX📲: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/LvklCbYJ1e pic.twitter.com/4ckMWDEDPL — Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) November 24, 2024 The Commanders tried an onside kick and Juanyeh Thomas returned it 43 yards for a touchdown. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw four touchdown passes as the Miami Dolphins cruised to a 34-15 win over the New England Patriots, while the Tennessee Titans pulled off a surprise 32-27 victory at the Houston Texans. The Minnesota Vikings improved to 9-2 thanks to a 30-27 overtime win against the Chicago Bears, Parker Romo kicking the decisive field goal from 29 yards.Max Chandler-Mather and Adam Bandt (Image: AAP/Lukas Coch) HOUSING AND SOCIAL MEDIA With so many bills before Parliament still waiting to be passed, scrapped or delayed before the end of this week there’s no shortage of angles this morning, although two measures in particular are attracting significant attention. The government’s housing bills and its rushed attempts to get the teen social media ban agreed upon have been dominating coverage overnight. Yesterday, the Greens agreed to pass the Albanese government’s Help to Buy and Build to Rent schemes after failing to win any of the concessions the party had held out so long for. As mentioned in yesterday’s Worm , it had been reported the prime minister went into this final sitting week planning on not conceding to any Greens amendments. On Monday afternoon his housing reforms managed just that. Guardian Australia flags Greens leader Adam Bandt and housing spokesperson Max Chandler-Mather claimed in a press conference they had pushed Labor “as hard” as they could without success. “The Greens can announce that we’ll be waving through Labor’s two housing bills after accepting that Labor doesn’t care enough about renters to do anything meaningful for them,” Chandler-Mather said. Earlier in the day Housing Minister Clare O’Neil had continued the government’s line that the Greens were deliberately blocking housing legislation during a housing crisis. “For two-and-a-half years now, the Australian Greens have done nothing but block and delay the action the government has attempted to take on housing,” she told ABC’s Radio National. Chandler-Mather countered at his press conference by saying his party had “passed every single piece of Labor’s housing legislation”, adding: “And if we come to the next election and there’s still a housing crisis — well, that’s a question Labor has to answer.” The Greens housing spokesperson is up again at the National Press Club later today for the Housing Policy Debate . AAP reports opposition housing spokesperson Michael Sukkar will “hint at ‘a comprehensive package’ of reforms aimed at freeing up access to finance” at the event. “If there’s one message I want Australians to take away from my remarks today, it’s that the coalition will not accept a generation of Australians not having the same opportunities that previous generations have enjoyed for home ownership,” Sukkar is expected to say. The other planned reform grabbing a lot of headlines this morning is the government’s pitch to ban children under 16 from social media. The Senate committee’s remarkable one-day hearing is due to report back today with plenty of opposition voiced to the government’s attempts to get the legislation passed before Parliament rises at the end of the week. AAP has compiled the objections from the social media platforms and says the Coalition has said it will reserve its final decision on the bill until it has received answers from the government. Meanwhile, Guardian Australia flags the Greens and One Nation have accused the government of trying to “ram” the legislation through Parliament. Meta said in its submission to the Senate inquiry there had been “minimal consultation or engagement” and called on the government to wait for the results of the age verification trial, which is not set to report back until the middle of next year. Snap Inc meanwhile expressed concern at “the extremely compressed timeline”, X criticised the “unreasonably short time-frame of one day”, and TikTok had a range of “serious, unresolved problems” with the proposals, AAP flags. The bill is set to be debated later this week. Capital Brief reported yesterday the government is also this week finalising its package of media reforms, which the social media platforms and search companies will no doubt have plenty to say about too. ECONOMIC SHOCKS As the government tries to get as much of its agenda passed this week as it can, it is also dropping pledges it knows it has no hope of getting done before election day. The Australian Financial Review reports the plan to increase the tax on superannuation accounts worth more than $3 million is unlikely to pass Parliament before the federal election. The paper says the legislation has been left off the bills the Albanese government is trying to pass this week and even if Parliament does return in February (which many reckon it won’t) it stands little chance of passing without major changes “with every Senate party and crossbencher opposed to it”. With so much government legislation still up in the air, the AFR also flags the Senate’s sitting hours have been extended this week. Elsewhere in its coverage , the paper says it has had internal analysis by the Reserve Bank of Australia about the impact of a Donald Trump presidency released to it under freedom of information laws. The analysis, which was conducted three weeks before the US election, found that under an “extreme” scenario of Trump imposing massive tariffs on Chinese goods, China’s economic growth would slow. That decline would have “relatively strong negative implications for Australia given the strength of export trade links”, the RBA analysis reportedly said. “In the extreme scenario, weaker export demand, and slower growth would be disinflationary, putting downward pressure on policy rate expectations, government bond yields and the Australian dollar. Equity prices would likely decline as earnings expectations are revised down.” The Australian carries the same analysis, which it also said it obtained under freedom of information laws. Elsewhere, AAP reports “Australia is waving goodbye to budget surpluses and returning abruptly to deficit”. The newswire flags the Deloitte Access Economics’ (DAE) prediction of a $33.5 billion deficit in 2024/25. During the last financial year a $15.8 billion surplus was recorded, so if the prediction proved correct it would “amount to the largest nominal contraction in the underlying cash balance on record, outside the pandemic”, AAP said. DAE partner and report co-author Stephen Smith also expressed concern about the impact on the Australian economy of Trump’s threatened tariffs. Back to Canberra to finish, Guardian Australia reports the government and the Coalition are close to a deal on passing all three of the migration bills up for debate tomorrow. The AFR says today’s focus will be on legislation related to multinational tax, education measures, and wage rises for childcare staff. ON A LIGHTER NOTE... It’s almost Christmas and Jude Law has taken it upon himself to remind people that movies aren’t real life. Apparently, fans of the 2006 festive film The Holiday were upset this week to learn the picturesque cottage that Kate Winslet’s character swaps for an LA pad belonging to Cameron Diaz’s is in fact not real. (Which is not new news, as MyLondon put it back in 2020: “The exterior was built especially for the movie on a hill outside [the village of] Shere.”) Appearing on BBC Radio 2, last week, Law was asked by a fellow guest, actress and comedian Kerry Godliman, if it was possible to Airbnb the famous cottage from the film. Cue Jude ruining everyone’s fun by, as reported by Yahoo , saying: “That cottage doesn’t exist. Ooh yeah. So, the director [ Nancy Meyers ], she’s a bit of a perfectionist — toured that whole area and didn’t quite find the chocolate box cottage she was looking for. So she just hired a field and drew [what she wanted] and had someone build it. But here’s the funny thing, if you watch it, so, we were shooting it in the winter here and every time I’d go in that door, we cut, and we shot the interiors in LA, about three months later.” So if you didn’t know before, now you do, films aren’t real life folks. Say What? Look, I remind myself that very many people didn’t vote Labour at the last election. I’m not surprised that many of them want a rerun. That isn’t how our system works. Sir Keir Starmer The UK Prime Minister has responded to an online petition signed by two million people calling for another election. The petition has been promoted by the likes of Elon Musk and Nigel Farage . As The Guardian puts it, calling for an election less than six months after the last one “and when the government has a working majority of 163 is clearly bonkers”. CRIKEY RECAP Labor gave the public one day to weigh in on teen social media ban. It got 15,000 responses ANTON NILSSON and CAM WILSON Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Image: AAP/Mick Tsikas) The snap inquiry into Labor’s bill to ban under-16s from social media has generated a huge interest from the public, receiving about 15,000 submissions in just over a day, Crikey understands. The first and only hearing in the inquiry kicked off at 9am on Monday and was due to finish at midday. When the hearing was halfway done, at 11am, just 28 submissions had been uploaded on the committee website. The keen interest in the inquiry was boosted by a viral post from Elon Musk , who helped give the bill global media attention when he responded to a post on X by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with the message: “Seems like a backdoor way to control access to the internet by all Australians.” Can Australia rely on its diplomats to be diplomatic? MARGARET REYNOLDS Despite this extensive in-service training of career diplomats, Australian governments frequently appoint politicians with scant special diplomacy skills to represent the nation overseas. Critics argue that elected members and senators representing either the Liberals or the ALP are not necessarily familiar with world affairs, and many would doubt their capacity to be diplomatic. Government leaders often make ambassadorial appointments when rewarding former ministers. These appointments are criticised as “jobs for the boys” — and indeed very few women have been anointed with this benefit. (We have yet to see a minor party or independent political appointment, so the partisan nature of this process reinforces the view that diplomacy should be about more than mateship.) Such political appointments can take advantage of the particular skills or experience of former parliamentarians, particularly in the case of former treasurers, ministers or prime ministers. However, it must be frustrating for career diplomats to be overlooked when their political masters prefer familiar former parliamentarians instead of professionals with years of experience in diplomacy and international relations. It might be easier to ask which of Trump’s cabinet picks HAVEN’T been accused of sexual misconduct CHARLIE LEWIS The relative calm in Trumpworld since the withdrawal last week of Matt Gaetz — the former Florida congressman initially tapped to be attorney-general — has given America-watchers the chance to ask broader questions about a second Trump administration. Questions like “Just how practical are the policies being promised?” and “Wait, how many of his cabinet choices have been accused of sexual misconduct?” READ ALL ABOUT IT Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos vows to fight back after vice-president makes public assassination threat (ABC) Netanyahu nears decision on ceasefire with Hezbollah, officials say ( The New York Times ) ($) Sixteen missing after Red Sea tourist boat sinks (BBC) University vice-chancellor pay to mirror top public service jobs ( The Australian ) ($) Trump Pentagon pick attacks UN and NATO and urges US to ignore Geneva Conventions ( The Guardian ) Barbara Taylor Bradford, the ‘grand dame of blockbusters’, dies aged 91 (Sky News) THE COMMENTARIAT Federal election 2025 will be the first vote where gen Z and millennials outnumber baby boomers at the ballot box — Patricia Karvelas (ABC): The era of baby boomers as the dominant voting force in Australian politics is at an end and the impact will play out at the next federal election, due by May. If you listen carefully, you can already hear that politicians know the power and numbers have shifted to younger people. We are already seeing political parties shift demographic focus and it’s something that will differentiate this next election from others in recent times, with a noticeable focus on young people. The 2025 federal election will be the first election where gen Z and millennials will outnumber boomers in every state and territory, dramatically changing the way political parties campaign and target voters. This is no small thing. Policy and political announcements designed around the perceived needs of boomers have been at the heart of Australian politics. Changing voter demographics will introduce a seismic shift. I used to think Australia was best served by a majority government. Now I’m not so sure — George Megalogenis (Guardian Australia): A comparison with Britain’s July 2024 election shows the Australian difference. The British people followed our lead by electing a Labour government with just a third of the primary vote, and sent a record number of women to the House of Commons (40.5%, compared with the 39.1% elected to our House of Representatives in 2022). The UK’s voluntary first-past-the-post voting system secured a landslide victory for Keir Starmer’s Labour; under our compulsory preferential voting system, Albanese’s Labor squeaked in with a majority of two seats. The revelation is in the splintering of the conservative vote. The majority of those who turned against Scott Morrison’s blokey government created a new independent female centre in the cities; by contrast, in the UK the Tories lost ground to the nationalist right. Where former Liberal voters elected Zoe Daniel and Allegra Spender to the House of Representatives, their counterparts in the UK sent Brexit town crier and Trump supporter Nigel Farage to the House of Commons. Australia’s protest vote sits in a global category of its own at the moment because it aims to force change on the system, not disrupt it. This tells us something about our underlying trust in the idea of government, and our willingness to be led from the centre, not the fringe. Whether it achieves its ambition will depend on the long-term significance of the last election. Did it signal a realignment which transferred power from the conservative regions to the progressive cities? Or was it just another version of the stalemate we have endured since 2010, in which no major party is able to govern with authority because each represents only a fraction of a divided nation?
NoneBy Kemberley Washington, CPA, Bankrate.com The IRS Direct File program, which lets taxpayers file their federal income tax return directly with the IRS for free, is doubling its reach to 24 states for the 2025 tax season, up from 12 states in 2024, the program’s pilot year. The Direct File program will also accept more types of tax situations for the 2025 tax season. While taxpayers who used the system in 2024 could claim a handful of tax credits, including the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit , that list is expanding in 2025 to include the child and dependent care credit , among others. An estimated 30 million taxpayers will qualify for the Direct File program in 2025, the IRS says. More than 140,000 taxpayers filed their federal tax returns through the Direct File program in 2024. About 90% of users said their experience was excellent or above average, according to a survey of about 11,000 Direct File users in 2024, conducted by the General Services Administration. “We’re excited about the improvements to Direct File and the millions more taxpayers who will be eligible to use the service this year,” said Danny Werfel, the IRS commissioner, in a statement. “Our goal is to improve the experience of tax filing itself and help taxpayers meet their obligations quickly and easily.” The IRS says that taxpayers can use Direct File when the 2025 tax season kicks off in January, and it will be available until Oct. 15, 2025. But the program’s future is somewhat unclear: In December, 29 Republican lawmakers sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump, calling for him to end the Direct File program on his first day in office. Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives also introduced legislation in July to end the Direct File program. For now, here’s what you need to know about how the IRS Direct File program works, and how to qualify for it. The Direct File program is a new initiative, about to enter its second year, that allows taxpayers to file their federal tax returns electronically with the IRS. The no-cost tool guides taxpayers through every part of their federal income tax return. Taxpayers can file using a smartphone, computer or tablet. One of the program’s advantages is that, if you have questions as you’re working on your return, you can get live support directly from the IRS via chat or phone. IRS representatives can answer basic tax questions and help with technical issues in English and Spanish. The Direct File program has income limits, as well as limits on the types of income, deductions and credits you can enter on your tax return. For the 2025 tax season: To be eligible for Direct File, your income can come from the following sources: But if you’re self-employed, or have business or rental income, you can’t use Direct File . Same goes for IRA contributions or distributions: If you have either, you can’t use Direct File. You can use the IRS Direct File program only if you claim the standard deduction — the program isn’t available to people who itemize. But you can claim certain above-the-line deductions: student loan interest , educator expenses and health savings account contributions . You can’t use Direct File if you want to deduct your IRA contributions. The Direct File program allows for the following tax credits in 2025: However, if you want to claim education credits , credits for energy efficient home upgrades or the adoption expense credit , you can’t use the Direct File program. More taxpayers will have access to the IRS Direct File program in 2025. In 2024, the IRS kicked off the program with only 12 states; that number has expanded to 24 states for the 2025 tax season. For some of the states that participate in the IRS Direct File program, your federal return information will be transferred automatically to the state tax website, but in some cases you’ll have to re-enter your information. Visit this IRS Direct File page to get the details for your state. Here is a list of the participating states: If you don’t qualify for the IRS Direct File program, you may have other options to file your tax return for free. In addition to Direct File, the IRS offers the Free File program, in which it partners with online tax software providers to provide free federal income tax return filing. Some providers also allow you to file a state income tax return. For the 2024 tax season, your adjusted gross income had to be less than $79,000 to qualify for the Free File program. That dollar threshold is likely to rise slightly for the 2025 tax season. The IRS also offers the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides certified volunteers to prepare basic tax returns if you earn less than $67,000 a year, are disabled, or speak limited English. You can find a site near you by visiting this IRS page . ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
How George Washington used his first Thanksgiving as president to unite a new countryName two stocks that hit their all-time high last Friday – with strong volumes? This may seem an insignificant question as some stock or the other hits its high every day. But the question has relevance for three reasons. One: The size of these companies in terms of market cap. They are both large-caps. And two: They pretty much belong to the same industry. And last, but not least, they were quoting at a PE above 100. Now let's look at the
Goldman Sachs Alternatives’ infrastructure business has signed an agreement to acquire Melita Limited from EQT Infrastructure IV fund, Melita has announced. It said the acquisition underscores a shared commitment to innovation, operational excellence and sustainability. The transaction is subject to conditions including regulatory approvals. Harald Roesch, CEO of Melita, said EQT's support over the past five years had been transformational, enabling the company to make substantial progress across all aspects of its business. Robert Clark, Managing Director in Infrastructure at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, said they were excited to partner with Harald and the Melita team, which have established themselves as a market leader with a high-quality network and large customer base. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.
This week, Libra, you find yourself guided by a vibrant and uplifting energy that encourages both personal fulfillment and a deepened sense of comfort in your environment. The initial phase of the week places a spotlight on creativity, emotional expression, and the enjoyment of life’s pleasures. You may feel inclined to invest time in activities that bring joy—such as hobbies, artistic endeavors, or lighthearted social outings. The planetary influences suggest that your innate charm and sense of balance will help you navigate all areas of life with grace. As the week advances, you might shoulder a few extra responsibilities—either at home or in your community. Though this can be demanding, you retain your enthusiasm, perseverance, and buoyant outlook. The final days of the week again highlight your ability to connect meaningfully with loved ones. Embrace this harmonious vibe as a chance to strengthen bonds and show appreciation to those who have supported your journey. Love and Relationship: In matters of the heart, the beginning of this period augurs a time of warmth, understanding, and deeper emotional connections. If you are single, you may feel drawn to individuals who share your penchant for beauty, art, or intellectual interests. Engaging in activities that resonate with your values—like visiting galleries, attending concerts, or simply having meaningful conversations—could pave the way for a delightful connection. Those in established relationships will find their bond strengthened by honesty and shared laughter. The midweek increase in responsibilities may temporarily distract you, leaving less time for romance. Still, your partner or close friends will be supportive if you communicate openly about your busy schedule. By the weekend, lighter energies return, encouraging you to rekindle the spark. Intimate dinners, heartfelt exchanges, or even nostalgic moments can help you and your loved ones rediscover warmth and unity. Education and Career: Your intellectual and professional pursuits fare well under the week’s influences. Early on, your mind is ripe for creativity—if you are a student, this is an excellent time to tackle assignments that require innovative thinking. Problem-solving in a relaxed state of mind may open doors to new study techniques or breakthroughs in understanding challenging material. If you are working, your flair for diplomacy and creativity can help diffuse tensions and lead teams toward productive outcomes. The midweek workload may become heavier, potentially involving tight deadlines or additional responsibilities at the office. Yet, your balanced mindset and inherent ability to see both sides of a situation come to your aid. Consider delegating tasks where possible and asking for help if you feel overwhelmed. By the end of the week, your ability to charm clients, negotiate deals, or present ideas shines through. This is your chance to stand out as a mediator and peacemaker, leaving a positive impression on colleagues and superiors alike. Money and Finance: In the financial realm, this week encourages prudent management of your resources while still allowing room for enjoyable spending. Early in the week, opportunities to profit from your creativity might arise—perhaps selling artwork, handmade items, or offering consulting services in your field of expertise. If you trade in stocks or engage in speculative ventures, do so with caution, guided by thorough research and measured confidence. Midweek responsibilities may involve costs related to family or household matters. Budget adjustments may be necessary to ensure that these expenses don’t strain your finances. Toward the weekend, keep an eye out for beneficial advice from those you trust—friends, mentors, or financial planners could provide valuable input. Adhering to balanced spending habits and a cautious approach to investments will ensure financial stability and growth over time. Health and Well-Being: Your health and wellness benefit from this week’s supportive energies, especially in the early and concluding days. Initially, focus on maintaining a healthy balance between rest and recreational activities. Light exercise, gentle stretches, or dance might help you stay fit while aligning your body with your natural rhythm. As midweek responsibilities pile up, stress management becomes crucial—short breaks, breathing exercises, or a calming cup of herbal tea can work wonders in preventing burnout. Adequate sleep is also vital. When the weekend returns, you may feel more at ease and relaxed. Activities that nurture your mind and spirit—like meditation, reading, or spending time in nature—help restore equilibrium. By maintaining consistency in diet, exercise, and emotional self-care, you keep your mind, body, and soul in harmonious alignment, ensuring that you finish the week feeling poised, centered, and ready for whatever comes next. Discover everything about the Astrology at Times of India .1. A set of Lego gingerbread ornaments so cute Santa might skip the cookies you lay out for him and go straight for these adorable little buddies. Promising review : "They are so cute and fun to use. We had a blast making these. I like that they have a hook included." — Nitropilot Get it from Amazon for $12.08 . 2. A set of rainbow aesthetic coloring pencils for some extra adventurous artists who aren't afraid to shake things up — each pencil has a whole bunch of different shades woven into it, so you never know just *quite* what it will look like as you draw. It's worth the risk, though — the beautiful results speak for themselves! Promising review: "Got these just to have a change of pace in my sketchbook. Kids loved them as well. They are fun to use. They write and draw smoothly. Great for any age artist." — angela Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $8.49 . 3. A unique colorblock water bottle that is just an adorable little CHONK of a thing, and also super practical. It's designed to keep liquid cold for up to 36 hours and hot for for up to 24, comes with a nifty handle for easy carrying, and has a silicone bottom to avoid that noisy clanking sound when you put it down. Promising review: "Finally replaced my emotional support water bottle!!! ! I love the colors, the handle is easy to hold, and my drinks stay cold!!! I t’s been hard finding an ergonomic water bottle, the small handles or lack there of can be really hard on my hands. I’m so happy with it I almost don’t want to sticker it. (Almost.) 💛" — Sarina Get it from Amazon for $31.19+ (available in five styles). 4. The 2025 updated version of The Original Gratitude Journal , a science-backed prompt journal to help you cultivate more mindfulness, appreciation, and joy in your human existence by writing for just five minutes each day. Promising review: "I love how it keeps me consistent. I’ve never had a journal in my life until I bought this one. I am glad I got it. I love how it looks styled and cute. Also it’s a high quality book, because I've been bringing it with me wherever I go and it doesn’t really get an old look at all. Highly recommended!" — Yagmur Get it from Amazon for $19.95 (available in four colors). 5. A Mickey Mouse-shaped selfie phone light so now the magic of Disney can light you up from the inside AND out. iJoy is a small business that specializes in headphones and tech accessories. Promising review : "Bought a whole bunch of stuff for an upcoming Disney World trip and saw this on TikTok and needed it! It has three brightness settings. (Each work amazingly!) Takes good selfies in dark lighting!" — Ashley W. Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in Minnie Mouse ). 6. A mini inflatable tube guy for your desk to cheer you on (or remind you to take a lil' dance break whenever you overwork yourself). Promising review: "OMG! I love this guy! These things, large and small, will ALWAYS make me laugh. My husband bought the desk version for me, and I can always count on it to make me laugh. My co-workers love it, too. People just stop by to turn him on for a quick pick-me-up. I would recommend getting the AC plug since batteries can run down fast. I think we should create a community of fellow air-dancer-havers and post clips of our little guys dancing to our favorite songs. Anyone in?" — Mark Get it from Amazon for $8.58 . 7. A set of rainbow bath fizzes so magical that you will walk into the bath a mortal being, and walk back out an enchanted fairy witch lawlessly spreading joy wherever you roam. Promising review: "These bath bombs are pure joy for kids and adults alike! They smell amazing, are long-lasting, and turn bath time into a delightful experience. While a tad pricey, the fun and luxury they bring make them worth the splurge. A treat for the senses!" — Neha Get a set of three from Amazon for $15.99 . 8. A mini Bob Ross paint-by-numbers kit for anyone on their "happy accidents" beat — this itty bitty set comes with everything you need to create three tiny masterpieces of your very own. The kit comes with three different numbered canvas designs, seven paint pots, a mini brush, and an easel. Promising review: "I have to admit I was skeptical because of the price and size. However, I got these for my husband for his birthday (he loves Bob Ross) and what a find!! We had so much fun mixing colors and painting. Would definitely recommend. The fact that they are small makes them even more special. I wish there were more to paint!" — slb m Get it from Amazon for $7.99 . 9. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza , a DEEPLY beloved, fast-paced card game suitable for kids and adults that will have everyone in fits of high stake giggles in no time. Bonus: each game only lasts 10–15 minutes, so you can go one or a few rounds depending on how much time you've got together. Dolphin Hat Games is a small business that specializes in family-friendly card games. Okay, so the rules: you divvy up all the cards equally, and then all the players take turns putting down cards that have different illustrations on them, saying "taco," "cat," "goat," "cheese," and "pizza" in order. If the card put on the table matches the word that's being said in that moment, whoever slaps a hand down on the card first gets all the cards under it. You keep playing until someone comes in possession of all the cards (or until you all start craving tacos and pizza so much you drive yourselves to the nearest combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell). Promising review : "This game is hysterical! I played with my 7-year-old daughter and my 70-year-old father and we all enjoyed it. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time!" — bobkopolow Get it from Amazon for $7.99 . 10. A bubbling, textured sensory toy that's basically a hybrid between a lava lamp and fidget toy. The outside has soft silicone ridges designed to promote calm and the inside has an oh-so-mesmerizing bubbling liquid that will enchant you even when all that stress from capitalism is coming for your brain. Promising review: "This sensory toy is calming. I just sit in my recliner and run my finger along the bumpy silicone texture that encloses the plastic bubbler. It’s removable also, exposing a surprisingly thin bubbler, which I get joy out of flipping over and over in my hand. I have high anxiety and this toy actually makes me focus and relax. I like the colored liquid inside, it draws my attention, allowing me to calm and focus on something else. This is a good tool to help me ground and recenter myself. I highly recommend." — Tanya Elizabeth Get it from Amazon for $6.63 (available in four colors and two sizes). 11. A set of festive straw toppers for anyone who's wants to infuse some real Buddy the Elf energy into their hydration goals this holiday season. Promising review: "These are extremely cute! I used them as stocking stuffers, and the kids loved them. They fit very well on their straws and help prevent leaks. They are a great value for the amount you get. They clean up very well, and can be used on a lot of different water bottles." — KG271 Get it from Amazon for $6.39 (available in three styles). 12. A rechargeable, dimmable Dodo Duck Night-Light so cute that it won't be *that* much of a surprise when you imprint on it and start calling it your son. (Psst — this is the new baby cousin of the viral Depressed Duck Night-Light , if that's more your speed.) Check out a TikTok of the duck night-light in action. Promising review: "This little lamp is so cute! Gently squeeze it to turn it off or on. It leaves a nice soft glow. Purchased for a teenager, and she loves it." — WendyAnne Get it from Amazon for $12.79 . 13. A wonderfully ridiculous yodeling pickle with such potent "instant joy" powers that you really ought to be careful before you pull it out at a party. The serotonin is going to be LAWLESS. Dr. Dingus is a small business that specializes in unique gag gifts that encourage human interaction. Promising review : "I'm a CPA specializing in tax at an accounting firm; we get very tense, stressed and fatigued nearing the many tight deadlines. The laughter and snorts the yodeling pickle elicits are priceless and never fail to dispel some of the the above negative states. I purchased this to rival the screaming goat in the next office!" — Ting Peterson Get it from Amazon for $9.99 . 14. A set of TikTok-famous Globbles , which are about to be your favorite stress-relieving fidget toy. These colorful balls are squishy, stretchy, and stick to pretty much any flat surface you throw them at *without* leaving any messy residue. TikTokers have a blast tossing these at walls and ceilings to see the satisfying way they glom onto them. Promising review: "I have bought these over and over again for gifts. My own children have played with these balls repeatedly. We even left one on the ceiling to see how long it would stay for. It lasted four months before we decided to take it down. Since they are so sticky, they get dirty pretty quickly. All you have to do is a quick rinse in the sink and an air dry, then you are good to go. Great for adults and children! Will be buying again. " — Valerie Young Get a set of six from Amazon for $7.49 . 15. A container of Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnadust so absurdly delicious that all food will just become a mere canvas for putting Cinnadust on. Reviewers use this on everything from coffee to toast to yogurt to fries to popcorn to sweet potatoes to ice cream to — you know what, I'll let you decide on your cinnajourney for yourself. Check out a TikTok of the Cinnadust in action. Promising review: "I would order again, 10 out of 10. Try it on yogurt, ice cream, toast, carrots, and amazingly I saw a TikTok challenge with it on hard boiled eggs. It is stupendous!!!" — ThatGuy Get it from Amazon for $3.49 . 16. A "girl dinner" print that's actually just an illustration of your credit card bill. (Listen, it's cute of other food to exist ... but we all know the holy girl dinner trinity reigns supreme). La Maison De Jo is a California-based Etsy shop established in 2023 that specializes in European-inspired prints and home goods. Promising review: "As always, Kailey’s products are superior! I have 8 of her prints and this one is adorable, just like the others!" — Kelly Get it from La Maison De Jo on Etsy for $12.75+ (available in six sizes). 17. A beautifully illustrated undated planner perfect for anyone trying to get their life in order in 2025, but with a dash of ~whimsy~ to keep you motivated. Each week changes over to a new flower theme to keep the vibe light and lovely even when your schedule is anything but. Promising review: "Perfect size. Each page is a beautiful work of art. I cannot wait to start using it! Absolutely love it!" — Karla Ramirez Get it from Amazon for $7.11+ (available in two styles). 18. A " You're Made Of Magic" sun catcher sticker you can apply to the window to refract beeeeauuuutiful rainbows all over your space and make you feel like you're living in a fairy tale. Check out a TikTok of the rainbow window sticker in action. Peachy Keen Design Co. is a Colorado-based Etsy shop established in 2020 that specializes in art prints, stickers, and other designs. Promising review : "Absolutely gorgeous! Vibrant colors! Exactly what I wanted and then some!" — Kristen Killebrew Get it from Peachy Keen Design Co. on Etsy for $8.25 . 19. A teensy candy vending machine for your desk to make the endless grind of capitalism a little sweeter (and to establish yourself as the Coolest Employee In The Office). Promising review: "Keep this on my desk to snack on M&Ms. It’s perfect for smaller sized candy. Love the color. Glad it fits in with my aesthetic." — Dunn Get it from Amazon for $18.30 . 20. A sweet little s'mores-themed ChapStick collection so you can live your best summer camp life even when you're still trucking at your nine-to-five. Each set comes with three flavors: a Milk Chocolate, a Marshmallow, and a Graham Cracker flavor. Basically, it's like a deconstructed s'more for your lips. Promising review: "My mom and I are ChapStick fans, so I bought us both a pack of these. The marshmallow is clear, the chocolate is brown, and the graham cracker is tan. The color isn’t too extreme, but it will leave a little bit of tint on your lips. The flavors are DELICIOUS. Graham cracker reminds me of Golden Grahams cereal and chocolate is just perfect. I love the marshmallow best because it tastes slightly toasted." — Elle Ardee Get it from Amazon for $4.99 . 21. A set of pastel glitter highlighters I saw on Instagram recently and NEARLY BLACKED OUT from the cuteness. If you like highlighting your planner pages, favorite passages from books, or lines from your journal, please do yourself a favor and purchase these subtle but oh-so-sparkly colors to jazz them up ✨. Promising review: "These are amazing!!! Beautiful colors and the sparkle/shimmer is more than I imagined it would be. Mr Pen did it again! If you don’t have these pens, you need to get them!! Great addition to my journaling supplies!" — FBJH12 Get a set of eight from Amazon for $6.99 . 22. A delightfully nonstick smiley face pancake pan reviewers use for mini pancakes and eggs to instantly ~pizzazz~ what is indisputably the most delicious meal of the day. Promising review: "So much fun to make pancakes on this pan. Since it makes such small pancakes, they cook very quickly. My kids love the emoji designs and it makes breakfast fun." — Rosa D. Get it from Amazon for $24.99 . 23. A spinning disco ball wax warmer with rotating colors so you can have a lil' dance party and celebrate how glorious your bedroom smells. Promising review: "Surprised at the good quality of this product. It works great and heats up wax cubes in no time! Would definitely recommend." — Megan Hughes Get it from Amazon for $29.96 . 24. An bunny and bear egg mold set because, respectfully, life is short, and we have no business ignoring opportunities to make it as adorable as possible. Reviewers mention this also works well for rice! Promising review : "Love this! This does exactly what it’s supposed to! My daughters fave lit up seeing her hard boiled eggs look like bunnies. So easy and a breeze to clean." — Karen Get a set of two from Amazon for $6.87. 25. A ~Magical Flame~ colorant you can use in your fireplace at home or in outdoor campfires to basically flex to everyone on Instagram that you are, in fact, a wizard now. Magical Flames is a small business that specializes in color-changing fire products. Note : You shouldn't use flames with the colorant added to cook or roast s'mores. Promising review: "This product is so easy to use. Just toss a packet into the fire and watch the flames change color. The colors were beautiful and received a lot of oooooos and ahhhhhhs. Surprisingly, it lasted for quite a while. We will enjoy this addition to our campfires this summer." — Debra L. Musselman Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $12.99 . 26. A little popcorn bucket vase for a fun punch of color that basically DEMANDS you go to Trader Joe's and get the most colorful mini $4 bouquet to put in it, STAT. Ban.do is a US-based small business that specializes in quirky accessories, home products, and stationery. This vase is so quirky and ADORABLE — every time I see it in my living room, it makes my heart happy. I am on a mission to make my living room space as un-boring as possible, and this may be a small piece, but it's got a BIG personality. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun piece of decor! Get it from Amazon for $28.95 . 27. A set of removable 3D butterfly stickers you can lawlessly put all over your walls for an *instant* storybook aesthetic. Reviewers also love these for party decorations because they're easy to stick and remove! Promising review: "SOOO pretty. They come with little sticky adhesives — you get a lot of them for the money and they are beautiful! They make for very cute decoration. Super happy with the purchase, and not to mention it only took like 20 minutes to put all of them up." — Haley Pelletier Get a set of 48 from Amazon for $9.54+ (available in 21 colors and styles). 28. A set of glow-in-the-dark "tree elves" so the next time you take an enchanted midnight stroll through your front walkway to get home at night, you'll have a whole host of magical critters to welcome you back. Promising review : "I have actually bought a couple of packs of these. I think they’re so cute and fit so well in a little plant or around the house. Sometimes, I like to let my friends pick out some little guys as members of their families. Plus, did I mention how cute they are? And they glow in the dark very well." — Jen Get a set of 20 from Amazon for $13.98 (available in green or green and blue as well as a set of 10). 29. A cheerful fruit bowl for a pop of deeply functional color in your kitchen — this thing is secretly also a colander, so you can wash your fruit and leave 'em sitting pretty on the counter to dry. Promising review : "I LOVE the look of this fruit bowl. I also love that its pedestal minimizes the space it takes up on the counter. I wasn't sure about whether I would like that it is plastic but now consider it a big plus. It keeps the bowl lightweight (but it is still sturdy) and makes it easy to clean. I highly recommend this fruit bowl. I couldn't be more pleased with mine. " — Opinion o'Jen Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in four colors). 30. A shaker of edible cocktail glitter , because why go through life without taking advantage of every opportunity to make it sparkle??✨ Reviewers add a touch to glam up their Prosecco or jazz up colorful-themed cocktails. Bakell is a small business established in 2016 that specializes in edible glitters for food and drink. Promising review: "Don’t think any further and just buy it. This was so cool and everyone loved it! I got the clear one because it will go with any drink. I will be the one to put this in all my friends drinks. Also had no taste so it was just the look. Sooooooo cool!" — gigi Get it from Amazon for $9.75+ (available in 17 colors). 31. A set of delightful bird-themed hair clips bound to get you so many compliments from fellow bird enthusiasts that your heart will take flight. Promising review: "Super cute, holds all my curly hair well, good size!" — Elizabeth Blank Get a set of four from Amazon for $12.59+ (available in four other styles). 32. A unicorn head squirrel feeder because you know what the world needs?? More mildly terrifying TikToks and Instagram stories of hybrid creatures frolicking in your backyard. This is your task. Go forth, my friend. Accoutrements is a small business that specializes in offbeat home and lifestyle products. Promising review: "This is both ridiculous and spectacular. It just might be my best Amazon impulse buy ever." — Meredith Get it from Amazon for $19.64 . 33. A rainbow eyeshadow palette that is basically like a fun playground for your face — these super long-lasting, blendable, high-pigmented shades give you all the WOW factor of the more expensive brand name versions without the OH NO factor of the price. Promising reviews : "Clearly time I got a new eyeshadow palette. Sargent Freddie Mercury (my not-even 4-pound bunny) made it his mission to destroy my James Charles overpriced palette. This palette is the same quality, maybe even nicer. This eyeshadow was put on at around 3 p.m., and it's almost 1 a.m., the 'highlight' stayed on my nose even with my mask on through a whole day of work. That blew my mind." — Daniel T Adams Get it from Amazon for $9.49 . Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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