Wall Street’s main indexes advanced today, as gains in a handful of megacap and growth stocks bolstered benchmarks in a truncated trading session before Christmas. With megacap stocks having an outsized influence on markets, their performance is often a key driver of indexes. When coupled with reduced trading volumes and few other catalysts, as many investors take time off for the holidays, this is even more pronounced. All the so-called Magnificent Seven megacap stocks climbed today, led by the 5.1% advance by Tesla. The automaker’s rise helped push the Consumer Discretionary 1.9% higher. It was the top gainer among the nine S&P sectors in positive territory. Elsewhere, chip manufacturers were also buoyant. Broadcom and Nvidia were up 3% and 1.1%, respectively, while Arm Holdings climbed 3.9%, on course to regain much of the ground lost in the previous session when it was hit by a lost court verdict. Stock markets will shut at 1:00 p.m. ET today and will be closed for Christmas on Wednesday. At 11.22 a.m. Eastern time, the S&P 500 gained 41.80 points, or 0.70%, to 6,015.87 points, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 197.63 points, or 1.00%, to 19,962.51. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 173.43 points, or 0.40%, to 43,080.38. “Investors are breathing a sigh of relief that maybe the hawkish rate cut last week combined with the softer PCE reading indicate that inflation is not that big of a re-emerging threat,” said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist of CFRA Research. “As a result, maybe this market will end up creeping higher between now and the end of the year.” After a stellar run to record highs following the November election, which sparked hopes of pro-business policies under U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Wall Street’s rally hit a bump this month as investors grappled with the prospect of higher interest rates in 2025. The U.S. Federal Reserve eased borrowing costs for the third time this year last Wednesday, but signaled only two more 25-basis-point reductions next year, down from its September projection of four cuts, as policymakers weigh the possibility of Trump’s policies stoking inflation. Traders expect the Fed to leave rates in the range of 4% to 4.25% by the end of 2025, from between 3.75% and 4% about 10 days ago, according to CME’s FedWatch tool. Markets are currently in a historically strong period called the “Santa Claus rally”. The S&P 500 on average has gained 1.3% in the last five days of December and first two days of January, according to data from the Stock Trader’s Almanac going back to 1969. However, market participants are questioning if U.S. stocks’ climb to new record highs will be attainable in the coming days, amid concerns about sky-high valuations and the market’s overall health. NeueHealth soared 69% after the healthcare provider said New Enterprise Associates, its largest shareholder, and a group of existing investors will take the company private in a $1.3 billion deal. American Airlines’ shares were down 0.4% after the carrier briefly grounded all its flights in the United States due to an unspecified technical issue.
The news of the captain of South Korea's 707 Special Forces unit breaking down in tears has sent shockwaves through the country and beyond. The once-elite commando unit has now become the subject of ridicule and mockery, a stark contrast to its former status as the pride of the nation.
We’re quickly moving beyond “hot start” territoryThe English Premier League (EPL) has been rocked by controversy once again as a club decided to terminate the contract of a player who reportedly verbally abused a referee during a game. The incident occurred during a heated match between two top teams, leading to the expulsion of the player from the club.
President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peak
NEW DELHI: Venture capital (VC) activity in India has witnessed significant growth from January to November 2024, with investments reaching $16.77 billion across 888 deals, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF). Venture capital activity in India from January to November 2024 has surged to US$ 16.77 billion across 888 deals, reflecting a robust 14.1 per cent increase in value and a 21.8 per cent rise in deal count compared to the same period in 2023, according to figures gathered by the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF). The technology sector emerged as the frontrunner, attracting $6.50 billion, a remarkable 52.5 per cent increase year-over-year. Consumer discretionary investments followed with $2.30 billion, up 32.2 per cent, while the financial sector saw a slight decline to $2.20 billion, the IBEF report said. Noteworthy deals included KiranaKart Technologies (Zepto) at $1.3 billion and Poolside AI SAS at $500 million. Industry leaders express optimism about continued momentum into 2025, with expectations for more initial public offerings (IPOs) and increased activity in later-stage funding rounds as funds that have been cautious begin to deploy capital. Experts like Bhaskar Majumdar and Sajith Pai foresee a positive shift in the Indian startup ecosystem, anticipating "great easing" in 2025. Despite concerns about the economy's reliance on the India1 engine, which comprises around 30 million households contributing significantly to GDP, optimism remains high due to ongoing capital flows supported by savings. The energy transition presents new opportunities in electric mobility and green hydrogen sectors. At the same time, traditional areas like fintech and e-commerce continue to attract investment. Additionally, there is a growing focus on intellectual property (IP) -led businesses, particularly deep tech, with significant investments in robotics, drones, and semiconductor technologies. As the landscape evolves, the influence of the US market under the new administration could shape global capital flows, presenting both challenges and opportunities for Indian startups, the IBEF report added.As the trading day drew to a close, market analysts and investors were left in awe of the remarkable performance of Chinese assets. The late-night rally had defied all expectations and showcased the resilience and strength of the Chinese economy in the face of global uncertainty.
Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], December 24 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Police on Tuesday reviewed security arrangements ahead of the Mahakumbh, scheduled to be held in Prayagraj in January 2025. Additional Director General (ADG), Law and Order, Amitabh Yash, stated that the overall security for the religious event is being closely monitored by the ADG office. Also Read | Delhi Horror: 8-Year-Old Girl Strangled to Death for Resisting Rape by Neighbourhood 'Brother' in Vasant Kunj, Body Dumped in Army Cantonment Area. "Today, I have come here with a full team to review the arrangements. The work being undertaken for overall security, including cyber security, is being assessed by the ADG office. Information has also been gathered on prioritising the tasks that need completion. The arrangements are quite satisfactory," Yash said. The ADG highlighted that CCTV cameras equipped with face recognition technology have been installed at the site. He also confirmed that adequate lighting arrangements have been ensured for the 'Mela'. Also Read | Mahakumbh Mela 2025: Super Deluxe and Villa Tent Houses Ready in Prayagraj, Online Bookings for Stays at 'Mahakumbh Gram' Set To Begin From January 10. "CCTV cameras with face recognition and other advanced features have been installed. Complete lighting arrangements have been made. Continuous drills are being conducted to handle any emergency situation," he added. On Monday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath noted that preparations for the Mahakumbh are progressing rapidly, with seamless coordination between the Central and State Governments and various departments. Speaking to journalists after reviewing the preparations for Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, he emphasised the extensive efforts underway, stating, "Every institution is actively engaged to ensure the success of this grand event." The Chief Minister described the Mahakumbh as not just a religious festival but also an exceptional opportunity for Prayagraj to showcase its outstanding hospitality. He urged the people of Prayagraj to collaborate in making the event a resounding success and to elevate the city's global reputation. CM Yogi further shared that preparations for the monumental "Sanatan Gaurav Mahakumbh" are well underway. "So far, land has been allocated to over 20,000 saints and institutions through a comprehensive registration process. This includes allotments to all 13 Akharas, Dandiwada, Acharyawada, Prayagwal Sabha, Khak Chowk, and others. Efforts are ongoing to complete the allocation process for the remaining and newly registered institutions by January 5," he informed. The Mahakumbh is scheduled to take place from January 10 to February 24. The main bathing festivals, known as the "Shahi Snan" (royal baths), will be held on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami). (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)As one of the most anticipated shopping events in China, Double 12 has become a battleground for e-commerce platforms to showcase their strengths and attract consumers with exciting promotions, discounts, and exclusive deals. Taobao, the flagship platform of Alibaba, has launched a series of interactive games, livestreaming sessions, and limited-time offers to engage shoppers and create a festive shopping atmosphere. With its wide range of products and user-friendly interface, Taobao continues to be a top choice for millions of online shoppers during Double 12.
Former UFC star Darren Till will now take on Anthony Taylor on January 18 after his boxing showdown with Tommy Fury was cancelled. Till, 31, was due to take on Fury at the Co-Op Live in Manchester, but the latter pulled out of the fight with the Liverpudlian after his rival threatened to kick him in the face if he was losing their boxing bout. Taking to social media, Fury said: "I can't believe I'm writing this but I am now not fighting Darren Till on January 18. For the one simple reason being that Darren has stated over and over that he does not want to abide by professional boxing rules and that if he is losing the fight he will resort to kicking and other stupid MMA tactics. "I am a professional boxer, I have been out of the ring for over a year and I wanted this to be a great BOXING fight for the fans. I have wasted weeks in training camp. We are working hard to get a new opponent and date. I promise to get a better opponent and better fight for you guys. Good news around the corner." Boxing manager Lee Eaton took to X to reveal that Till will still be competing on the card next year, posting: "Just to clarify, Darren was asked to sell the fight and he did - DT even offered to forfeit his entire purse if he broke professional boxing rules - @MisfitsBoxing have confirmed @darrentill2 will still be fighting Jan 18." In Fury's absence, Till will now face Taylor, the American who has three wins and three defeats from his six previous bouts. Till is yet to make his professional debut inside the squared-circle. He did, however, take part in an exhibition boxing showdown against Mohammad Mutie back in July, winning via technical knockout in the second round despite a punch landing on the back of Mutie's head. Despite having a new fight booked, Till was left enraged by Fury's decision to pull out of the contest . "What's happening everyone? I've just got to the gym, about to do me sparring this morning and I've just been shown that Tommy Fury has put up a f****** post saying that he's not not fighting because I threatened to kick him in the head," Till began. "I said I'd kick him in the head at the press conference as a mental warfare tactic. And since then, I haven't said anything else. I've been hard at work in the gym and preparing for this boxing match with him on January 18. I said to everyone that Tommy was going to pull out regardless of anything. I f****** knew it since the press conference. So, now it's confirmed what I said, he's a s***house, his family are s***houses and now Tommy's not fighting. "I've been hard at work, boxing for two years, haven't thrown a kick in two years. I threw one kick on a video as a mental warfare tactic. Never in a million years would I throw a headkick in a fight that's only boxing rules. I stick to the rules, I abide by the rules throughout my whole career. So now, I've gone to the gym to do my sparring this morning and Tommy Fury has pulled out. Tommy Fury, you are the biggest s***house I have ever come across... you are not a man."Idaho Fish and Game is investigating 43 ducks that were shot and left to waste on Pine Creek Pass between Swan Valley and Victor, according to a press release. “The needless wasting of wildlife is illegal and unethical,” Regional Conservation Officer Barry Cummings stated in the release. “Any little bit of information the public can provide us may help put the pieces of this puzzle together to solve this case.” According to the release, conservation officers were made aware of the ducks on Nov. 12. The ducks were dumped just off the Upper Rainey Creek Road, a half-mile from Highway 31. Most were whole and unfrozen so officers believe they were dumped earlier that day. Fish and Game requested anyone with information to call the Upper Snake Regional Office at 208-525-7290, or the Citizens Against Poaching Hotline at 1-800-632-5999. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for cash rewards when it leads to a citation. According to Idaho statutes, it is illegal to waste “edible portions of any game animal.” Edible portions are defined as breasts on game birds.
WuKong Education Named to the 2025 GSV 150 for Leading the Way in Education Technology
1. A grassland, knitted jumper that'll have everyone ~m~ooing and aahing when they see it! This cutie has the perfect oversized look for anyone who wants to stay warm and cozy. One reviewer said, "Moo-ve over sweater competition!" and I felt it was an obligation to share that with the world. Promising review: "Basically perfect. The sweater's design is beautiful, and the materials are very soft and thick, definitely has some weight to it folded up, and it makes it feel very nice and high quality. It can get fuzzy but, fortunately, doesn’t fall off and get everywhere, so it looks great. Keeps you pretty warm and [very] comfortable, and it’s a bit oversized, which is great!" — Erik Price: $28.99+ (available in men's sizes S–XL and in two colors/designs) 2. A zigzag martini glass set because it looks like something you may have scored at a flea market, but surprise! Amazon for the win. Promising reviews: "Omg I love these martini glasses!! Really elevates your bar cart and adds a fun and modern feel!! The price is so good, and the quality is amazing." — Elizabeth "Was thrilled with the quality of these glasses given the price point. They look great and seem sturdy. They have a nice weight to them as well - I would recommend!" — Natalie Alshouse Price: $29.99 (for a set of four) 3. A top-rated Baroque mirror truly fit for royalty. So get out your Bridgerton dress, strike a ~pose~ for a selfie, and be prepared to brag about how you found this gem for under $150! Promising review: "All I can say is woooow! This mirror is not only affordable, but the quality is amazing. It’s heavy and not cheap-looking. The gold color is not so tacky, and it’s done just right. My main concern was receiving a broken mirror, but the packaging was great and arrived in one piece. Don’t hesitate to buy this gem; you need it!" — Celeste C Price: $89+ (available in nine sizes and five colors) 4. A ceramic cone mug because it's basically a functional piece of art. This is a unique dish you definitely won't mind leaving out on the kitchen counter, side table, or nightstand. BuzzFeed Shopping writer Mallory Mower loves these cups!: "I just bought these! I love ceramic decor. When I find some that are also functional? It will likely end up straight in my shopping cart! These are a conversation piece on their own. When people realize I can drink out of them? They go throw them in their OWN shopping carts!" Promising review: "Very nice and different cups! Each one is different with the markings which make them very unique. They fit in the base perfectly!" — G. M. Kraus Price: $15.99+ (available in seven colors and also in sets of two) 5. An all-in-one multipurpose pan from BuzzFeed's Goodful collection because it's less than half the price of the popular Always Pan but just as cute. This beaut also has a non-stick coating and is whopping 11 inches deep, making it super easy to fry, saute, braise, and even use a wok pan. The pan and its nonstick coating are manufactured without PFOA, lead, cadmium, toxic metals, or nanoparticles. It also comes with a beechwood turner! Promising review: " Bought this kind of on a whim , its one of my favorite pans. It is large and takes up some real estate in the cabinet, but well worth it!! Distributes heat evenly, cooks up meals so well. It is super easy to clean !!" — Christine O. Price: $49.99 (available in eight colors) 6. A roll of app-controlled LED rope lights so you can create a unique design to fit *your* space. These lights can change colors, be controlled by your phone, and can connect to Alexa and/or Google Assistant, too! Promising review: "I wanted lights for my new bedroom, but I didn’t want the traditional LED strip lights that are super popular. These are so sleek and customizable , I had to take the plunge!... The package came with 25 adhesive clips ...Overall, I really love this product, and I hope it lasts a long time!" — Gabriel Price: $69.99+ (available in two sizes) 7. A pair of puffy kitten heels you can confidently step out in knowing you'll be dressed to the nines with unique accessories to match. Honestly, these mules are an Amazon hidden gem, so you might just be starting a new trend. JW Pei is an Asian-, family-owned brand with minimalist purses that are made with sustainable vegan materials. Promising review: "I absolutely love these sandals! The block heel gives the perfect amount of height without being too high, and the mule style makes them easy to slip on and off. The white color is crisp and clean, and they look great with so many different outfits. Plus, they're really comfortable — I can wear them all day without any pain or discomfort. Overall, I highly recommend these sandals to anyone looking for a stylish and comfortable pair of shoes! 🤍" — Mo Price: $89 (available in women's sizes 5–11 and 13 colors) 8. A tissue box cover that'll really make you feel at home (ha, get it?) while covering up the boring patterns that seem to be on all tissue boxes. Here's why BuzzFeed editor Elizabeth Lilly loves these: "I, an adult woman, cannot remember the last time I bought a box of tissues for my home. (Though I have several purse packs?!) It may have been when I most recently had a sinus infection, which I guess was two-plus years ago. But now that I’m playing house as a grown-ass person in an apartment to myself, I’m trying to be *responsible*. So, obviously, buying this whimsical tissue box cover we’ve featured in a million BuzzFeed shopping posts is peak adulting. Perhaps the reason I’ve been so bad at keeping around a box of tissues is because tissues just look...kind of ugly out in the open. But not with this lil’ cover! Now, it’s a ~design element~ that I’ll hopefully remember to keep full. For now, it’s filled with a square box of tissues I unearthed from my old apartment’s closet while packing; it's presently neatly housed inside the tissue box cover, providing the 'smoke' for the tiny chimney. The only downside to committing to this box is that I'll have to buy square-shaped tissue boxes only now. But I can live with that. And with my not-snotty nose." Price: $7 9. A hanging macrame cat bed so your bohemian theme isn't disturbed by your lounging kitty. It's comfortable, cute, and can hold up to 40 pounds! This includes all the hardware you'll need to hang it, the macrame hanger, and a cushion. Promising review: "This is worth every penny! My kitten loves sleeping and playing in it! The bed is really good quality, and it's the perfect fit !" — Rachel Eggers Price: $47.99 10. A pair of darling bookcase earrings handmade for the bookworms who just can't get enough. These dangling beauties are lightweight compliment magnets just waiting to be added to your jewelry collection! Pammytail is a woman-owned, Connecticut-based small business with a specialty in handmade charm bracelets, necklaces, and other jewelry. Promising review: "These are really nice earrings. The artwork is crisp and detailed, very cool. It arrived in a pretty pink bubble wrap bag and within the pink bag was a pink sheer gift bag with a pretty box inside. So it is gift-ready. Love these." — Leanne S Price: $16.95 11. A set of velvet color block pillow covers if you're in need of some extra color in your home. Your couch, bed, and accent chairs will never be the same without 'em! Psst, these are pillow covers . You can grab a set of pillow inserts for $16.99 . Promising review: " These are gorgeous, soft, and well made. I chose the orange and teal combination. Perfect! No loose strings at all, which is rare in itself when you order textiles. I want to get some more. Just luscious!... They are a different color on the other side, which adds more interesting contrast. I definitely recommend these. They can work in a casual or more formal setting. The colors are unique as well. I suggest getting inserts the same size if you want a soft pillow, and size up the insert if you want a firmer, puffier look." — A. Jerry Price: $29.50 for a set of four standard 14x14 covers (also available in six other sizes and 12 other color combos) 12. A pair of LED stained glass bulbs to fill a room with colorful and inviting lighting. Be prepared for tons of "Where did you get that!?" questions. Promising review: "I love these bulbs. They make any room all warm and cozy. Also a fantastic night-light for the little ones. :) Get you some!" — Amazon Customer Price: $17.99+ (available in three styles) 13. A quilted chenille floor pillow that looks worthy of Anthropologie prices, but surprise! These stunning cushions are under $40 bucks, and they're from Amazon. They're a must for any small homes without room for giant seating furniture or for anyone who just loves to relax on a good floor fort. Promising review: "This comes just as pictured and described. It is comfortable and looks luxurious. It's great for floor seating." — AKhan Price: $27.19+ (available in six colors and two styles) 14. A Bluetooth typewriter keyboard with a holding slot for your iPad or tablet! Reviewers also use it for their laptops and entire WFH stations too, and just use the slot as a phone holder. If there were anything that'd motivate you after hours in front of a screen, it'd be this! Promising reviews: "This little keyboard is awesome! Just like typing on a retro typewriter. I love the feel of the keys. Super easy to pair up with my phone and iPad. Highly recommend this!" — Michele Sanises "Definitely worth the purchase. My favorite quality is that it holds my phone up too!! The keys stick up higher than a normal keyboard and it took some getting used to, but I love it. I’ve gotten so many compliments on it and it makes that satisfying clicky sound when you use it. it’s super easy to connect and it is compatible with a Mac, which can be a pain if you know anything about Macs lol. buy it!" — Abby Victoria Price: $51.99 (available in three sizes and five colors) 15. An acrylic book-shaped flower vase perfect for bookworms who want to decorate with their favorite pastime in any way they can. This piece deserves a place on your bookshelf! Promising reviews: "I’ve always been a big reader and when I saw this on #bookstagram I knew I had to have it. It’s so pretty and easy to use. I’m going to be ordering at LEAST one more to have in my office. It’s a great addition to anyone’s shelves." — Alyssa "Beautiful and unique design. Doesn’t leak water. I am very happy with my purchase." — Fernando Perepechkin Price: $9.99 (available in four colors) 16. A peel-and-stick wallpaper if you want beautiful Mediterranean details throughout your home. It looks *just* like real tile but is a fraction of the price. And this on stairs? Genius! Promising review: "I am IN LOVE. I bought this to use as a backsplash in my rented studio apartment kitchen, which has potential to be pretty but really needs some help. I ordered two rolls thinking that if I liked it in my kitchen, I’d order more to use on the wall behind my bar cart. I loved it so much when it came in that I decided to go ahead and put it up on the big wall and deal with the kitchen later. The pattern is so easy to line up and it looks so good! My tiny, dark apartment instantly looked bigger and brighter. Even up close I can’t tell where the seams are. It was super easy to put up by myself, though I would recommend having another person to help if possible because it would have taken a lot less time if I’d had someone to hold it steady while I lined up the edges. If I could give six stars I would. It’s expensive but worth every penny!" — Lizzy Price: $24+ (available in three colors) 17. An elegant blouse you'll want to wear for your next fancy event...and probably just on your next coffee run because it's just *that* good. The puff sleeves are the drama you've been missing in your closet! Promising review: "Looks like the picture! This is a very cute blouse and I’m happy with my purchase. I usually wear a medium however ordered a large because of the crop fit and dressy style. This blouse is very stretchy but supportive ....I definitely would recommend this product!" — Dkwj Price: $35.99 (available in women's sizes XS–XL and in 14 colors). 18. A sleek and slender olive oil dispenser set that won't take up as much space as those big, bulky bottles it usually comes in. These hidden gems also come with 37 (!!) labels for things like avocado oil, balsamic vinegar, French vanilla syrup, and much more — because, yes, the dispensers work perfectly for those items, too! Promising reviews: "These are so unique from the standard oil storage containers. They also hold a good amount of liquid and come with lots of labels, funnel, and topper. They look so sleek, sturdy, and fit the aesthetic! I love them." — Mikaela O "I have been waiting for-ev-er for these to come back in stock. As soon as they arrived, I unpacked them and immediately ordered two more! They are space-saving and perfect for those random oils that you keep but only need a couple of times a year. Now they won't take up as much space, AND they're cute 😊" — Jordan Birch Price: $34.95 (available in three colors) 19. A seashell night light to add some extra ambiance in the evening without looking out of place during the day. This ceramic lamp is battery-operated and the pearl inside can be removed for separate use! Batteries are included! Promising review: "Absolutely beautiful novelty item! ...The shell is nicely formed, and a good quality. It is substantial, a good weight, not flimsy... It's covered with a heavy pearlescent finish that makes light and color flow across it. It's very pretty! The pearl light is a solid cream white ceramic and looks wonderful in the shell, with or without the light on...The batteries are replaceable and are easy to replace. I am very happy with the one I got, and will be buying another." — Michele Lyons Price: $23.88+ (available in pink and white). 20. A fun three-pack of silicone AirPod cases shaped as your fave nostalgic food and beverages! It's thick and durable to keep your earpieces safe — and it's also just too cute for words. You'll get tons of compliments and will *definitely* be less likely to lose your AirPods in a sturdy case like this! This set comes with a Takis, Gatorade, and Hubba Bubba Bubblegum-shaped case. They each fit AirPods 1 and 2! Promising review: "These cases feel very durable and fit perfectly!! I highly recommend these...If you're hesitating, then don't; these are just too cute!!! A tool [is included] to help you take them out of the rubber case, which is VERY useful and makes changing cases super easy!" — va Price: $8.99 for three 21. A handmade bar soap set because the blandly shaped white bar soaps won't give you the same endorphins these beauties will. These soaps are made with naturally moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil and feature scents of lavender, lemon, honeysuckle, cherry blossom, and more! Finchberry is a small business that was founded in a kitchen in Washington, D.C. by Ashley Robertson. As demand grew for her handcrafted products, she moved the operation to Gainesville, Florida to turn a hobby into a business. All Finchberry products are vegan, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free. Promising reviews: "WOW! These are the prettiest, most unique, great-smelling soaps I've ever bought! I got one for my mom, one for my in-law, and one for myself. No regrets." — Jeanette "Smells are luxurious, cleans well, and nothing irritating in the ingredients. Moms, sisters, and besties would love this gift. Nice storage tin." — C. Reum Price: $40 for eight sample-sized bars 22. A retro toaster that's so cute, it'll make you want to redecorate your entire kitchen to fit the same theme. Will it be a lot of work? Yes. Will it be 100% worth it? Also yes. Promising review: "The color is perfect and my first slices of toast were too. It’s easy to adjust. I used the included guide with pictures to adjust the knob based on how dark I like my toast. It was exactly how I like it. My old toaster was basically giving me warm bread. Not this little baby. I’m so happy I found it, and that I didn’t wait to buy it." — Shytel Price: $38.99+ (available in 10 colors) 23. A 2-in-1 satin/microfiber towel pillowcase so you can go to bed with wet hair and not have to worry about ruining your pillow or waking up with a cold, thanks to the super absorbent yet gentle microfiber towel side. The satin side, on the other hand, will help keep your dry hair frizz-free for more wake-up-and-go kind of mornings. P.S. these covers fit standard size pillows! DryZzz is a woman-owned small biz founded by two sisters in Miami, Florida. A portion of their proceeds goes to Sofia’s Hope Inc. to fund pediatric cancer research. Promising review: "The pillowcase is hands down, the best I have ever used! I always take night showers and go to bed with wet hair. I've used a towel over my old pillowcases for years and I always wake up with a damp pillow and the towel on the bed. With this pillowcase, I don't have that problem! The microfiber side absorbs the moisture from my hair and the other side is a nice soft satin for those nights I don't go to bed with wet hair. I will never go back to a normal pillowcase again! I never write product reviews, but I just had to with this product. It was that good! Basically, BUY THIS PILLOWCASE!!!!" — Kristen Chorney Price: $35.95+ (available in three satin colors, two cotton colors, and a white double-sided microfiber towel case) 24. A drip accent table because it'll melt your heart with how unique it is. It comes in multiple metal finishes, so you're sure to find one that matches existing decor. Promising review: "I think this is a beautiful, well made table that is sturdy and has a lot of style. I’m very happy with my purchase. It looks more expensive than it is and the combination of the reflective silver and black glass is a designers dream...This is completely worth the money. I was looking for an interestingly piece and this was it." — Ashley Sinclair Price: $159.99+ (available in five colors) P.S. the matching candle holders are just as stellar! 😍 25. Vintage bookshelf games like Scrabble and Candy Land because they'll blend in beautifully with your home. I mean, it looks like a book, for Pete's sake! As soon as a fellow coworker shared these with me, they became an instant favorite. Promising review : "Adorable vintage designs! Sturdy pieces... Definitely more pricey than the cheap version you could get for $10 at any big store, but honestly, it’s worth it to me. It lasts so much longer and easier to store. Having it in our front room on the bookshelf makes it easily accessible and blends in with our other books. You can see in my photo [the bookshelf on the right] we also have Boggle and Chutes and Ladders . Big fan of these." — Spooky Hobbit Price: $39.99+ for Scrabble , Candy Land , and 10 others 26. A super durable retro-inspired Bluetooth speaker that's small in size but mighty in sound. It's the perfect addition to your kitchen, shelf, or desk space (and it's pretty adorable too!). Promising reviews: " This speaker really does add more fun & joy into my life. I previously owned an Anker brand speaker that stopped working. The Muzen button isn’t as loud as the Anker speaker but still holds a clear sound. I absolutely love the design and color!" — Onika Donnay Incorporated "Got this speaker as a gift for my super trendy & fashionable sister, quite honestly wasn't expecting it to be more than a cute fashion accessory. To say I was shocked at the quality of sound is an understatement. It's louder than my regular speaker - and it's less than a fifth of the size. Not to mention, it's soooo pretty and everyone always comments about how tiny it is. Surprisingly heavy and durable metal, not cheap plastic , which was a relief. My sister is obsessed with it and it's already her new favorite (and frequently Instagrammed) accessory. She has found a way to wear it with her outfits and brings it with her everywhere...10/10 would recommend as a gift for any fashionista/music lover or even if you just want to treat yourself." — Nina Price: $59.99+ (available in five colors) 27. A stunning tulle dress you can wear to any wedding, fancy dinner, or ~extravagant~ birthday party to feel (and look!) like the belle of the ball. No one would believe it's from Amazon! Promising reviews: "I got this dress for my engagement photo shoot and I love it! My fiancé loved it, our photographer loved it, and I’ve gotten countless compliments about it when I posted some of our pictures on social media . It’s surprisingly comfortable for a dress with a corset, that I couldn’t wear a bra with (not the norm for me)... This dress made me feel like a princess! It was a very windy day, but it just made the dress flow and billow in all the right ways. I’m seriously obsessed with it!" — Kate R "This dress is made of dreams. The quality of the dress is incredible. I even gave them my measurements and had it custom-made. It fits like a glove! The shipping speed is accurate as well! I felt like a fairy princess for my birthday! For all you cottagecore [fans] this is a must! 🥹❤️" — Alex Price: $62.99+ (available in women's sizes 2–26 and in 28 colors) 28. A decorative match holder to ~stylishly~ hold the second most important decor item in your home (the first are candles, obviously). Promising review: "I have been looking for a unique matchstick holder for my guest rooms and coffee table and this was just what I was looking for! It is much larger than I expected (about the size of an average candle) but it is still beautiful! The bottle is glass and filled with white tip matches." — SINGHSingh Price: $23.99 29. An insulated wine-pouring handbag so you're stocked up on your favorite beverage no matter where you are. It's perfect to take along on picnics, beach days, or walks with a view. Check it out on TikTok here ! Promising review : "Took this purse to casino and everyone fell in love with it!!!!! Discreet!!! Absolutely no mess when refilling glass and easy to pour entire bottle of wine into. It makes an awesome birthday gift for girlfriends!!!" — kfair Price: $39.99 30. A set of crystal-inspired makeup brushes that'll make applying your makeup way more of a ~magical~ experience. The set comes with 10 brushes — everything from a powder brush to an eyeshadow brush. Promising review: "The quality of these brushes is great. No shedding and they are soft and firm where they need to be. They’re pleasant to hold and overall just beautiful brushes. You can’t beat this quality for the price! I highly recommend to anyone who likes make up. Would make a great gift!!" — Erika Price: $5.99+ for a set of 10 (available in seven colors) 31. A vintage-looking dimmable candle warmer , a must have for the candle-loving person that probably doesn't have room for more (I mean, same here). This warmer will evenly melt your candles — no flame necessary. 🎶 It's me, hi. I'm the impulsive buyer, it's me. 🎶 After seeing this gooorgeous candle warmer online time and time again (and trying to ignore the urge to buy what I absolutely didn't need)...I finally did it, and WOW am I glad I did. This lamp looks even better in person, it's warms all of my candles evenly , and after moving it to my desk, I figured out it can be used as the cutest mug warmer, too! It comes with two compatible 50-watt warming bulbs that melt candles from top to bottom. The dimming feature is also really convenient for both the brightness of the light and for how fast or slow you want your candle to melt! This would definitely be a 12/10 gift. Price: $28.99 32. A wooden alarm clock because it's ~time~ to expand your love of the mid-century aesthetic to more aspects of your home...even a little spot on your nightstand. It features two alarm settings and brightness control and displays the temperature and day of the week! Promising review: "This clock is worth the money! Buy it. Bright display, stylish, good material. It was easy for me to set up. It really took no time because the instructions were very simple! It keeps time, date, and even temperature accurately! Buy this!" — Robin Price: $24.99 (available in four colors) 33. A stunning floor-length mirror that's 100% drool-worthy and will no doubt be your go-to for selfies. This elegant mirror is mountable, too! So if you want to save some floor space, you've got that option. Promising review: "Beautiful and very high-end. I am shocked by the quality of this mirror for under $200. The velvet is gorgeous in person and it is incredibly sturdy ... It is really heavy so if you want to hang it make sure you have a stud. Its weight allows it to stay tilted on the ground too without moving around... I was really hesitant but it looks like something from West Elm. " — Dan Schwalbe Price: $139.99+ (available in two sizes and seven colors) 34. A small, heart-shaped frying pan because who wouldn't love a heart-shaped pizza, omelet, or pancake?? And yep, it's nonstick, too! 💗 Promising review: " I like it so much I am buying a second one. I mostly use it to cook a double-fried egg from two large eggs...I use it much more than I expected. I frequently make three double-fried eggs in a row without needing to clean them in between. The nonstick is that good. It is very lightweight and easy to manage. Ordering my second now!" — A parent Price: $19.99+ (available in three colors) 35. A set of punny and durable vinyl coasters that are a must-have in any music lover's home. Coasters aren't the most fun thing to shop for, but these are pretty dang cute! They even feature hilarious twists on music classics like "Tea Time: Don't Spill This." Who would've thought Amazon could be this cool? Promising review : "They are perfect representations of records and look very cool while protecting the furniture... It has a non-slip bottom so they don't slip and slide. Even the packaging is worth saving. He loves them and I love not having rings on my table.." — ajmets Price: $5.99 for a set of six 36. And lastly, a mid-century starburst chandelier you can place above your dining table for all to see or in your bedroom for the perfect finishing touch to your favorite room in the house. Promising reviews: "Absolutely 💯 in love with my purchase! Exactly what I wanted and after shopping around and seeing prices ranging from $1k to $700 the price is unbeatable! Turned my dining room into a room out of a model home! " — Janice Haywood "Wow, I just hung up this ceiling light, and my room’s got a whole new vibe! It’s got a great look, feels sturdy, and the quality’s seriously impressive. It gives off the perfect amount of cozy light, and it’s pretty stylish, too. Super happy with this find!" — Jon Price: $139+ (available in two sizes and five colors) Your friends after you tell them your Baroque mirror is from Amazon and not West Elm: Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
By LISA MASCARO and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Ethics Committee’s long-awaited report on Matt Gaetz documents a trove of salacious allegations , including sex with an underage girl, that tanked the Florida Republican’s bid to lead the Justice Department . Related Articles National Politics | An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump National Politics | Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal National Politics | House Ethics Committee accuses Gaetz of ‘regularly’ paying for sex, including with 17-year-old girl National Politics | Trump wants mass deportations. For the agents removing immigrants, it’s a painstaking process National Politics | Many Americans have come to rely on Chinese-made drones. Now lawmakers want to ban them Citing text messages, travel receipts, online payments and testimony, the bipartisan committee paints a picture of a lifestyle in which Gaetz and others connected with younger women for drug-fueled parties, events or trips, with the expectation the women would be paid for their participation. The former congressman, who filed a last-minute lawsuit to try to block the report’s release on Monday, slammed the committee’s findings. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing and has insisted he never had sex with a minor. And a Justice Department investigation into the allegations ended without any criminal charges filed against him. “Giving funds to someone you are dating — that they didn’t ask for — and that isn’t ‘charged’ for sex is now prostitution?!?” Gaetz wrote in one post on Monday. “There is a reason they did this to me in a Christmas Eve-Eve report and not in a courtroom of any kind where I could present evidence and challenge witnesses.” Here’s a look at some of the committee’s key findings: ‘Sex-for-money arrangements,’ drug-fueled parties and trips The committee found that between 2017 and 2020, Gaetz paid tens of thousands of dollars to women “likely in connection with sexual activity and/or drug use.” He paid the women using through online services such as PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp and with cash or check, the committee said. The committee said it found evidence that Gaetz understood the “transactional nature” of his relationships with the women. The report points to one text exchange in which Gaetz balked at a woman’s request that he send her money, “claiming she only gave him a ‘drive by.’” Women interviewed by the committee said there was a “general expectation of sex,” the report said. One woman who received more than $5,000 from Gaetz between 2018 and 2019 said that “99 percent of the time” that when she hung out with Gaetz “there was sex involved.” However, Gaetz was in a long-term relationship with one of the women he paid, so “some of the payments may have been of a legitimate nature,” the committee said. Text messages obtained by the committee also show that Gaetz would ask the women to bring drugs to their “rendezvous,” the report said. While most of his encounters with the women were in Florida, the committee said Gaetz also traveled “on several occasions” with women whom he paid for sex. The report includes text message exchanges in which Gaetz appears to be inviting various women to events, getaways or parties, and arranging airplane travel and lodging. Gaetz associate Joel Greenberg, who pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges in 2021, initially connected with women through an online service. In one text with a 20-year-old woman, Greenberg suggested if she has a friend, the four of them could meet up. The woman responded that she usually does “$400 per meet.” Greenberg replied: “He understands the deal,” along with a smiley face emoji. Greenberg asks if they are old enough to drink alcohol, and sent the woman a picture of Gaetz. The woman responded that her friend found him “really cute.” “Well, he’s down here for only for the day, we work hard and play hard,” Greenberg replied. ‘Substantial evidence’ indicates that Gaetz had sex with underage girl, the committee said The report details a party in July 2017 in which Gaetz is accused of having sex with “multiple women, including the 17-year-old, for which they were paid.” The committee pointed to “credible testimony” from the now-woman herself as well as “multiple individuals” who corroborated the allegation. The then-17-year-old — who had just completed her junior year in high school — told the committee that Gaetz paid her $400 in cash that night, “which she understood to be payment for sex,” according to the report. The woman acknowledged that she had taken ecstasy the night of the party, but told the committee that she was “certain” of her sexual encounters with the then-congressman. There’s no evidence that Gaetz knew she was a minor when he had sex with her, the committee said. The woman told the committee she didn’t tell Gaetz she was under 18 at the time and that he didn’t how old she was. Rather, the committee said Gaetz learned she was a minor more than a month after the party. But he stayed in touch with her after that and met up with her for “commercial sex” again less than six months after she turned 18, according to the committee. Gaetz said evidence would ‘exonerate’ him but provided none of it In sum, the committee said it authorized 29 subpoenas for documents and testimony, reviewed nearly 14,000 documents and contacted more than two dozen witnesses. But when the committee subpoenaed Gaetz for his testimony, he failed to comply. “Gaetz pointed to evidence that would ‘exonerate’ him yet failed to produce any such materials,” the committee said. Gaetz “continuously sought to deflect, deter, or mislead the Committee in order to prevent his actions from being exposed.” The report details a months-long process that dragged into a year as it sought information from Gaetz that he decried as “nosey” and a “weaponization” of government against him. In one notable exchange, investigators were seeking information about the expenses for a 2018 get-away with multiple women to the Bahamas. Gaetz ultimately offered up his plane ticket receipt “to” the destination, but declined to share his return “from” the Bahamas. The report said his return on a private plane and other expenses paid by an associate were in violation of House gift rules. In another Gaetz told the committee he would “welcome” the opportunity to respond to written questions. Yet, after it sent a list of 16 questions, Gaetz said publicly he would “no longer” voluntarily cooperate. He called the investigation “frivolous,” adding: “Every investigation into me ends the same way: my exoneration.” The report said that while Gaetz’s obstruction of the investigation does not rise to a criminal violation it is inconsistent with the requirement that all members of Congress “act in a manner that reflects creditably upon the House.” Justice Department didn’t cooperate with the committee The committee began its review of Gaetz in April 2021 and deferred its work in response to a Justice Department request. It renewed its work shortly after Gaetz announced that the Justice Department had ended a sex trafficking investigation without filing any charges against him. The committee sought records from the Justice Department about the probe, but the agency refused, saying it doesn’t disclose information about investigations that don’t result in charges. The committee then subpoenaed the Justice Department, but after a back-and-forth between officials and the committee, the department handed over “publicly reported information about the testimony of a deceased individual,” according to the report. “To date, DOJ has provided no meaningful evidence or information to the Committee or cited any lawful basis for its responses,” the committee said. Many of the women who the committee spoke to had already given statements to the Justice Department and didn’t want to “relive their experience,” the committee said. “They were particularly concerned with providing additional testimony about a sitting congressman in light of DOJ’s lack of action on their prior testimony,” the report said. The Justice Department, however, never handed over the women’s statements. The agency’s lack of cooperation — along with its request that the committee pause its investigation — significantly delayed the committee’s probe, lawmakers said.Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach is Astonished With 4x Champion Still Able to Play at a High Level With His Age: 'I Played Against LeBron in High School'
As we look ahead to the future, it is evident that the real estate sector in Jiangsu Province will continue to thrive, driven by the dedication and professionalism of these leading enterprises. Their achievements not only contribute to the economic development of the region but also shape the landscape of urban living and infrastructure for years to come.In conclusion, the significant rise in international oil prices on the 9th of this month highlights the complex interplay of geopolitical, economic, and supply-demand factors that influence the global oil market. As oil prices continue to fluctuate, it is essential for stakeholders to closely monitor developments in the oil market and be prepared to navigate the potential implications of these fluctuations on the global economy.
Meta Description: Amazon founder and tech titan Jeff Bezos saved nearly $1 billion in state taxes by relocating from Seattle to his billionaire bunker in Florida. For most people, deciding where to live comes down to factors like affordability and access to employment. Then again, billionaires like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos aren't most people. Although Bezos has the money to live wherever he wants, many people suspect finances played a role in his decision to relocate to the infamous "billionaire bunker" in 2024. Keep reading to learn why that move may have saved Jeff Bezos almost $1 billion in taxes. Like many billionaires, Jeff Bezos' life has become the subject of intense public speculation. Almost every move Bezos makes becomes news and his announcement in late 2023 that he would relocate to Florida is no exception. Bezos announced the move on his Instagram page, listing several motivating factors, including being closer to his parents and his fledgling aerospace company, Blue Origin. Don't Miss: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today. If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it ? Bezos moved from Seattle, where he had lived for many years, to Indian Creek Village in early 2024. Indian Creek Village is an exclusive community outside of Miami known as the "billionaire bunker." Business Insider describes this as more than just a swanky gated community. It is its own city, with only 89 residents and a police department whose sole job is keeping nonresidents out. Indian Creek Village is a private island and the only way in is to cross a bridge patrolled by its Police Department. The same department has a fleet of boats and aggressively patrols the surrounding waters. Even Before Bezos moved in, Indian Creek Village was home to an ultraexclusive crowd that included Tom Brady, Ivanka Trump and Carl Icahn. It's even rumored that the Emir of Qatar has a place there. See Also: Unlock the hidden potential of commercial real estate — This platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today! This explains why most of the media attention revolved around the sheer size of Bezos' acquisitions. He didn't just buy one place on the island; he bought three. According to an article in the Robb Report, Bezos spent almost $250 million on them. Ownership of the three properties gives Bezos control over 7.5% of Indian Creek Village's 40 residences. It's not hard to imagine why Indian Creek Village's combination of exclusivity and privacy would appeal to someone like Jeff Bezos. However, astute financial observers began to speculate on another reason for Bezos' abrupt move from Washington to Florida. Forbes magazine has reported that Bezos has sold nearly $13.6 billion in Amazon stock since moving to Indian Creek Village. Washington’s capital gains tax law taxes capital gains over $250,000 at 7%. Florida, by contrast, doesn't tax income or capital gains. Forbes estimates Bezos would have owed about $954 million to the state of Washington if he had still been living in Seattle when he sold his Amazon stock. Looking at it that way, spending $250 million on property saved Jeff Bezos $700 million. Read Next: Wondering if your investments can get you to a $5,000,000 nest egg? Speak to a financial advisor today. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you up with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." Here’s how you can earn passive income with just $100. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
However, despite the glowing praise from Amolink and the growing speculation about Rashford's potential, Manchester United is yet to make a definitive decision on his future at the club. With contract negotiations reportedly ongoing and transfer rumors circulating, there is a sense of uncertainty surrounding Rashford's long-term prospects at Old Trafford.Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100Social media commentator, Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has revealed that ₦78 million of the ₦180 million allegedly stolen from his NGO’s account has been recovered. This announcement follows his earlier claims on Instagram about the account being hacked and ₦180 million missing, which sparked skepticism among the public, with many questioning the credibility of his allegations. Providing an update on Sunday via Instagram, Verydarkman expressed gratitude for the progress made and shared details about the ongoing investigation. Related News Plateau Police command not investigating VDM's missing ₦180m - PRO Command not aware of VDM's missing ₦180m – FCT Police VeryDarkMan claims NGO account hacked, N180 million stolen He said, “Thanks to the people who called to check up on me. I also want to thank God for the process so far: we have been able to recover N78m, even though the suspect pointed out that the person he did with has run to Ghana, so hopefully, we would be going to Ghana very soon.” Click the link below to watch the video: https://x.com/MobilePunch/status/1873465630080278687?t=EphX3kOT9czW8cy74XoBUA&s=19