NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Chucky Hepburn had 16 points, 10 assists and seven steals, Noah Waterman also had 16 points and Louisville beat No. 14 Indiana 89-61 on Wednesday in the opening game of the Battle 4 Atlantis. Louisville (4-1) beat a ranked team for the first time since topping Virginia Tech 73-71 on Jan. 6, 2021. Kasean Pryor scored 10 of his 14 points in the second half and Reyne Smith added 12 points for Louisville. Malik Reneau scored 21 points and Oumar Ballo added 11 for Indiana (4-1). Reneau reached 20-plus points for the eighth time in his career. The Cardinals led 37-29 at the break after making 7 of 17 from 3-point range and shooting 57% overall. Indiana missed six straight shots on two occasions in the first half, sandwiched around a string of seven missed field goals, as the Cardinals shot 9 of 29 (31%). Louisville exploded for 52 second-half points by shooting 66.7% from the field. Pryor missed only one of his six shots in the second half. Louisville quickly built a commanding lead in the second half after starting on an 11-2 run, highlighted by Pryor's fast-break dunk . The lead reached 30 on freshman Khani Rooths' alley-oop dunk that came during the Cardinals’ 16-0 run for a 78-40 lead. Louisville entered the week ranked sixth in the country in 3-point attempts per game at 34. The Cardinals attempted 27 against Indiana and made 10 of them — with four apiece from Waterman and Smith. Louisville also came into the game averaging 19 forced turnovers per game. The Cardinals scored 30 points off 23 Indiana turnovers. Louisville, which played its first road game of the season, faces West Virginia on Thursday. Indiana plays No. 3 Gonzaga in the consolation bracket. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball
The future of the Democratic Party: Prospective new DNC chair weighs in
Lucknow: To reach the target of making UP a US$ 1 trillion economy by 2030, around 26 departments have been provided with a list of recommendations on which they need to act. Chief secretary Manoj Kumar Singh has asked each department to focus on the top three or four recommendations, along with the expected outcomes, which will now be reviewed at regular intervals. At present, UP has a GDP of Rs 25.48 lakh crore with an average annual growth of 15-17%. It needs a minimum growth of 30% to reach its target by 2030. The CM has set a target GSDP of Rs 32 lakh crore and a growth rate of 25% for UP to be met this year. Deloitte India , which is the consulting agency for the US$ 1 trillion project, has provided a detailed, sector-wise analysis of the current economic environment of the state. It is this report which has now become the basis on which departments will take up targeted work. Among the departments for which a detailed analysis has been made include tourism, education, transport, aviation, industry, pharma and medical education. "Departments have been given clear objectives and the expected outcomes from these to make it easier to assess progress. The planning department is closely monitoring the developments and coordinating between the departments and consultant," said principal secretary, planning, Alok Kumar. Industry, which is a key sector in the govt's US$ 1 trillion plan, the department has been tasked with the allocation of over 2 lakh acres of land to industries, development of four special investment regions, ease of doing business, creation of an industrial database, and ensuring there are at least two anchor industries in the state. To ensure the growth of the MSME sector, it has been felt necessary to provide it with access to market and finance, capacity building, creation of an apparel park in east UP, and textile units at the PM Mitra Park in Lucknow. Under IT and electronics, Gautam Budh Nagar is to be developed as an IT hub, while Lucknow will be developed as an AI city. In addition to this, a drone hub will also be established in the state. The department of energy is required to carry out advance planning of power infrastructure, increase solar capacity and its utility, and grounding of solar projects in Jhansi, Jalaun, Lalitpur and Chitrakoot. The agriculture department has been asked to focus on strengthening the seed system and establishing eco parks across the state, improving crop diversification and promoting the use of agri-tech. In horticulture, the department will focus on the ‘one crop per bloc' scheme, promotion of technology and development of infrastructure, and expanding agri exports through better marketing and infrastructure development. The animal husbandry department has been tasked with the adoption and implementation of ‘Mission Feed and Fodder' and increasing the use of AI within the sector. Among the recommendations for dairy, the most important pertains to the revival of the cooperative dairy federation. In fisheries, the department has to not just focus on increasing production but also on diversification.
Where Blue Owl Cap Stands With AnalystsMcDermott, AFC East-leading Bills refreshed coming out of bye week, and looking ahead to host 49ers
NoneDALLAS — The shots weren’t falling for the Knicks Wednesday night, struggling to find the range from just about anywhere on the court. But if one thing was a sure thing it was this — Josh Hart rushing the ball up the floor on a fast break and floating a lob for OG Anunoby to easily slam in alone. But as Anunoby, who had just scored a career-best 40 points in the least game, tried to slam it in it rattled off the back of the rim and out and on the end Kyrie Irving easily drained a long three-point field goal. And maybe that was the time where it became clear what kind of night this was going to be for the Knicks. The wild rollercoaster ride of a road trip continued with the Knicks alternating nights when they look like potential champions and then appear bound for the lottery the next. This one was a night to throw away the tape — like the Utah game two games ago — as they were dominated from the start and the 129-114 final score didn’t indicate just how much of a struggle it was most of the night. The Knicks shot 46.5%, including going 7-for-29 on three-pointers. The Knicks now head to Charlotte for a Black Friday finale to the five-game trip with a 2-2 record so far and a hope that the holidays can push aside the memory of this game. Just two days after putting up record-setting numbers in the win in Denver the Knicks were trying to avoid setting marks for futility this time against the defending Western Conference champions. But the Mavericks were doing it this night without Luka Doncic or Klay Thompson and it didn’t matter. Anunoby finally scored on a layup from a Towns feed with 7:37 to play in the game after misfiring on his first 11 attempts. But by then this game was long decided. He finished with eight points on 3-for-15 shooting. Jalen Brunson had 37 points as he tried to single-handedly drag the Knicks back into this game and Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 25 points and 14 rebounds. But that late push hid in the boxscore what had been a problem all night. Before the game Mavs coach Jason Kidd had high praise for the Knicks offense, just before his team humbled it. “When you talk about KAT, it’s ability to post, play inside and out,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said. “He’s shooting the three well. Brunson and KAT are the No. 1 pick-and-roll combination in the league. So just understanding his ability — if you’re late in any defensive schemes, he’s going to shoot it and most likely it’s going in. So understanding he’s one of the best big shooters in this league and also he can play in the post. And he can hurt you down there, too. “You look at their offense. I think they’re No. 2 in offense. They can score, they can shoot the three. They put you in the pick and roll. And when you look at Brunson’s assists, a career high, [it's] just understanding that he’s not just a scorer, but he can find teammates, too. We’ve seen that when he was here, and we’re seeing that as a Knick, too. And he’s playing the game the right way.” The Knicks shot just 4-for-21 in the first quarter — misfiring on all eight of their three-point field goal attempts — and seemed fortunate to be trailing just 28-15. The struggles continued as the half wore on. Anunoby’s missed dunk and the Irving three upped the lead to 43-22 and Dallas led by as many as 24 in the second quarter. Anunoby would finish the half 0-for-8, scoreless, and the Knicks trailed 60-38. The Knicks finished the half just 11-for-42 and hit just 2-of-16 from beyond the arc (both by Mikal Bridges). It wasn’t just Anunoby as Hart was 0-for-5 and Towns was just 2-for-8. The 38 points marked their lowest scoring half of the season and came after they scored 40 in a quarter Monday and for the third time this season had 76 in a half. The Knicks cut the deficit to 13 midway through the third quarter, but the Mavs quickly pushed the lead back to 19, 81-62, and prompting another Knicks timeout. Notes & v quotes: Tyler Kolek was held out with an illness . . . Quentin Grimes, who was traded last season from the Knicks to Detroit and then was moved to Dallas in the summer, had 21 points for Dallas.While he was on the first pieces of last year’s team to depart he was surprised to see the Knicks makeover. “The biggest thing was Donte [DiVincenzo]. Just watching him last year and the whole time in the playoffs, I thought Donte was going to be a guy who was going to be a New York lifer for sure. But that’s the business of the NBA. Everybody has to do what’s right for the organization and I feel like that was one that really surprised me in the offseason for sure.” Steve Popper covers the Knicks for Newsday. He has spent nearly three decades covering the Knicks and the NBA, along with just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.Looking back, one constant that underlined the Colorado Springs Switchbacks' championship season was confidence from staff, players and even fans. Before the season, the club elevated Stephen Hogan from head coach to the franchise's first-ever sporting director. When the Switchbacks began the season with a franchise-worst 0-5 start, Hogan was surprised. "I was very surprised. Very, very surprised because in the preseason we did quite well," he said following a Switchbacks win on June 29. "I was never thinking like this is going to be the worst year in the club's history. I think I (had an interview) when we tied the game against Indy (Eleven) and I said, 'Once we get two wins, once we get two back-to-back, we'll get momentum.' And we did. We got two back-to-back and we started." That confidence grew as the season wore on and club fully committed to a team-first mentality in the way it approached training sessions and personnel. Colorado Springs goalkeeper Christian Herrera noted before a September match against Charleston Battery that this year's team had a chemistry that felt more sustainable than in previous seasons. "I know it may look similar (to last season) but I will say it's completely different," he said. "The group's just a lot more together. It's a team mentality. We go game to game, learning, people raise their hands saying, 'I could have done better there, I could have done better in this moment.' I think yeah we're hot right now but it's a different feeling than it was last year. It feels like it could last longer." That same week, midfielder Steven Echevarria mentioned having the right people in the building was key to the club's success. A few weeks prior to his comments, the Switchbacks' made a stunning move in August, transferring forward Maalique Foster to Indy Eleven. At the time, Foster was a key cog in the Switchbacks' lineup as the team's assist leader and second-leading scorer. In a statement coinciding with Foster's transfer, both Hogan and head coach James Chambers emphasized the club's team-first mantra. Following a Switchbacks win over Charleston Battery on Sept. 14, Echevarria was more blunt. "Throughout the years I've been here since this staff took over, we've not had a group that's as together as this one is. We've gotten all the people out of the building that don't need to be in the building and we have a group of guys that are fighting for each other," he said. "We want a home playoff game and we want (to) show this city that Colorado Springs is a soccer city." The Switchbacks made good on Echevarria's aspirations, claiming their first-ever USL Championship on Saturday, beating Rhode Island FC 3-0 at Weidner Field. For Switchbacks super fan Annie Coffman, there were no doubts heading into the league final. Watching her team hoist a USL Championship trophy wasn't a matter of if but when. Coffman had the same confidence the players have had since the club's first win of the season on April 27 at Oakland Roots SC. In truth, it's the same confidence she approaches every Switchbacks season with. "I traveled out to Oakland. I was going to every game win or lose and it was just fantastic to see them get a win and turn it around at that point. And I had total (confidence) in them the whole time, from the beginning that they could do this. I saw the talent there," she said. "It's never to me (been) crappy because I back them 100% But they have faltered in places and they have lacked a certain direction but this time they put it all together. The coaching staff has been fabulous and has really put this team together and then Matt (Mahoney's) direction as the captain. Each of them playing for each other, not playing for the glory of one, playing for the glory of the team has made the difference."
NEW YORK , Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI - The global identity verification market size is estimated to grow by USD 16.92 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 20.3% during the forecast period. Increase in digitalization with electronic id (eid) cards and smart infrastructure initiatives is driving market growth, with a trend towards growing adoption of bring your own device (BYOD) among enterprises. However, privacy and security concerns of data transferred through iot poses a challenge.Key market players include Applied Recognition Corp., Authenteq Tarbena GmbH, Equifax Inc., Experian Plc, GB Group plc, Gen Digital Inc., ID Merit, Intellicheck Inc., Jumio Corp., Khosla Labs Pvt. Ltd., Mastercard Inc., Mitek Systems Inc., Onfido, PXL Vision AG, RELX Plc, Shufti Pro Ltd., Thales Group, TransUnion, UAB iDenfy., and WebID Solutions GmbH. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Market Driver The Identity Verification Market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing security risks associated with online transactions and digital identities. Businesses in finance, healthcare, emerging markets, and various industries are adopting advanced verification techniques such as artificial intelligence (AI), biometric technologies, and multi-factor authentication to secure their digital services and protect against identity-related theft incidents. These technologies include facial recognition, video analytics, liveness detection, and smart cities' intelligent border control. The finance sector, in particular, is prioritizing security measures to comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations and prevent cyber threats. Healthcare and life sciences, retail and e-commerce, energy and utilities, IT and ITES, and government and defense sectors are also investing in identity verification systems to secure confidential data, client financial details, and personal identifiers. Emerging technologies like blockchain-based identity verification, biometric checks, and cloud-based deployment are gaining popularity for their efficiency and security. However, a lack of awareness and potential losses due to fraudulent activities continue to be concerns for businesses. System integrators and security professionals are providing consulting, biometric devices, and security training to help organizations navigate the complex IT infrastructure and technical expertise required for effective identity verification. The identity verification industry is also addressing regulatory compliance, data analysis, and fraud detection needs across various sectors, including e-commerce, gaming, travel, and cryptocurrency exchanges. The market is expected to continue growing as digitization initiatives increase and cybersecurity needs become more pressing. In today's business landscape, the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) trend is gaining popularity among enterprises. This shift towards a mobile-first, web next scenario enables employees to access their privileged accounts via mobile devices, enhancing productivity and morale. Privileged users, also known as admin users, possess the authority to manage backend functions of a system. They can create, modify, and delete accounts, alter user roles, adjust settings, and view sensitive data. This streamlined approach allows enterprises to adapt to the evolving work environment while ensuring secure access to critical information. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges The Identity Verification Market is facing several challenges in today's digital world. Security risks associated with online transactions and digital identities require advanced verification techniques to ensure safety. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and biometric technologies are emerging as effective solutions for businesses in finance, healthcare, and emerging markets. However, these technologies also pose new security challenges. Identity-related theft incidents, border controls, and intelligent border control systems using facial recognition, video analytics, and liveness detection are becoming increasingly common. Businesses need to invest in security measures, hire security personnel with technical expertise and security skills, and provide security training to prevent breaches. Regulations such as Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and data privacy concerns demand cloud-based deployment and data analysis for fraud detection and regulatory compliance. The eCommerce, gaming, and travel industries are particularly vulnerable to identity-related fraud and cybercrime. Traditional non-biometric solutions and industry-specific requirements call for fraud mitigation tools and machine learning models. The Identity Verification Industry is continuously evolving with emerging technologies like blockchain-based identity verification and biometric checks. Despite these challenges, the market offers opportunities for system integrators, consulting firms, and corporations to provide efficient and secure identity verification solutions for digital services, digitalization initiatives, and confidential data protection. In today's security-challenged world, ensuring complete security for IoT systems and data is a formidable task. With the increasing use of customized software modules and connected devices, the number of potential entry points for hackers and cybercriminals grows. Sensitive information transferred through IoT devices is critical and must be protected. The challenge lies in securing the numerous interfaces linking system components. Organizations must implement identity verification solutions to mitigate risks and safeguard their IoT systems and data. Identity verification market offers advanced technologies like multi-factor authentication, biometric verification, and behavioral analytics to strengthen security measures. These solutions provide an additional layer of protection, ensuring only authorized access to IoT systems and data. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This identity verification market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Solutions 1.2 Services 2.1 Large enterprises 2.2 SMEs 3.1 North America 3.2 APAC 3.3 Europe 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Solutions- Identity verification solutions are essential for businesses to authenticate the identity of users or customers. These solutions ensure that the person engaging in a process is the true owner of the provided information, preventing unauthorized use, false identities, and fraud . Offline methods include face-to-face verification, where individuals present themselves in person at a company location or institution. Online identity verification methods include knowledge-based authentication, biometric verification, and document verification. The global market for identity verification solutions is projected to expand due to the increasing need for secure and reliable identity verification processes. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis The Identity Verification Market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing number of online transactions and the need to secure digital identities. With the rise of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and biometric technologies, verification techniques are becoming more sophisticated and efficient. The finance and healthcare sectors are major contributors to this market, with AML requirements and data breach concerns driving demand. However, emerging markets and businesses in lower-income countries are also adopting identity verification solutions to meet cybersecurity needs and enable digital payment methods. Internet penetration is expanding, but data privacy concerns and cybersecurity risks, including data breaches and cyberattacks, remain significant challenges. Regulations are playing a crucial role in shaping the identity verification industry, with the financial sector and emerging technologies such as blockchain-based identity verification leading the way. On-premise solutions are still prevalent, but cloud-based and hybrid models are gaining popularity. Overall, the identity verification market is expected to continue growing as businesses and individuals seek to secure their digital identities and mitigate risks. Market Research Overview The Identity Verification Market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing number of online transactions and the digitalization of various industries, including finance, healthcare, and emerging markets. Digital identities have become essential in today's world, and the need for secure verification techniques is more critical than ever. Artificial intelligence (AI) and biometric technologies are playing a crucial role in identity verification, offering enhanced security measures and efficiency. However, with the increasing use of digital services, there are also rising security risks, such as identity-related theft incidents and cyber threats. Businesses across sectors, from BFSI to retail and e-commerce, are implementing identity verification systems to ensure regulatory compliance, prevent fraudulent activities, and protect confidential data. Technologies like facial recognition, video analytics, liveness detection, and multi-factor authentication are being used to verify identities in real-time. Emerging technologies like machine learning (ML) and biometrics are transforming the identity verification industry, offering data-driven verification methods and intelligent border control solutions. However, there are challenges, such as a lack of awareness, potential losses, and data privacy concerns, that need to be addressed. Industry-specific requirements, such as Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations and cybersecurity needs, are driving the adoption of identity verification systems in various sectors. Cloud-based deployment and cloud services are becoming increasingly popular due to their cost-effectiveness and scalability. Despite the benefits, there are also concerns around the use of traditional non-biometric solutions and the potential for breaches and data breaches. Security personnel, system integrators, and consulting firms are playing a crucial role in implementing security measures, providing security training, and offering technical expertise to businesses. In conclusion, the identity verification market is a critical component of the digital economy, offering essential security measures and enabling businesses to operate efficiently while protecting confidential data and ensuring regulatory compliance. However, it also presents challenges that need to be addressed to ensure data security and privacy. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Component Solutions Services Type Large Enterprises SMEs Geography North America APAC Europe South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE TechnavioBiden is considering preemptive pardons for officials and allies before Trump takes office
New Mexico man awarded $412 million medical malpractice payout for botched injections
1. A flocked pre-lit Christmas tree to kick things off with this holiday's centerpiece — this tree will light up some awe in all of your guests' eyes and give your home such a lovely, festive touch, you'll be tempted to brag about it on a daily basis (as you should). Promising review: "With the price of this tree I was not expecting the quality to be just great but I wanted a flocked tree and I’d be happy with it! My expectations were definitely reached far beyond what I thought I’d get! It is a beautiful, full, flocked tree! Super easy assemble. Took about an hour and a half to fluff! Still need to decorate it but I am absolutely amazed! 10/10 100% recommend!" — Andrea Oaks Get a six-foot tree from Amazon for $99.99 (available in five colors and five sizes). 2. A faux wood tealight candle holder that'll bring some life to your non-functional fireplace and some delightful coziness to your living room. Just remember to blow out the candles before bedtime (ya know, so that Santa has a clear path to delivering your gifts)! It holds six tealight candles (or LED tealights ), which aren't included. Promising review: "We do not use our fireplace and were tired of the bare look. Decided to give the fireplace area a little glam and this piece looks amazing in it. We are using LED tealights until we purchase some tealight candles in glass holders. The LED lights still look great though, and we LOVE it!" — TM Get it from Amazon for $79.99 . 3. A beloved LED lights panel to give your home some Gimbels-level holiday cheer. This has over 79,000 5-star ratings (!!) and can be used indoors and out, so get ready to be completely surrounded by the soft, cozy vibes. It comes with eight lighting modes and has a lifespan of 1,200+ hours! Promising review: "Very happy with this purchase, especially for the price. We bought two sets to hang on the ceiling in our family room during the winter when it gets dark so early. Fantastic! We used the Command small clear decorating clips to hang them. Worked like a charm! Originally intended just for the holidays, but it brightens up the room so well that we have left them up . Nightly use for several hours for several months. Couldn't be happier!" — Anon Get a 6.6-foot by 9.8-foot set of lights from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 11 colors). 4. Or some snowflake LED string lights if you (unfortunately) weren't raised by elves and don't have Buddy's paper snowflake-cutting skills. Hang these little beauties up (inside or out!) to give your home a little touch of the North Pole. These battery-powered lights come with two modes (flashing and steady), and are attached to flexible wires to give you creative freedom. Don't forget the AA batteries ! Promising review: "I loved how small the snowflakes were — I was expecting them to be bigger snowflakes and look a little more unrealistic, but these are perfect ! I also love how they are battery-operated so I can put them outside, we don't have outdoor outlets where I live. Thanks so much for my amazing product!! :)" — Courtney Get a set of two 21.3-foot-long strands from Amazon for $15.99 . 5. Or!! Festive snowflake window decals that give you the gift of a *super* easy application without the need to fumble with wires. Seriously, you can even make your kids (or lazy roomie) do it for you. Promising review: "I LOVE THESE! They look great and you can barely see the cling outline! They stick easily and hold on well . If you're thinking about purchasing them, do it! They're so worth it!" — Amber Flavin Get a pack of 135 decals from Amazon for $7.99 . 6. A fluffy reindeer-print throw blanket with a different plush material on each side — now you can snuggle up in it with your hot cocoa in hand and laugh at the Grinch falling down the garbage chute for the 100th time. And it can be thrown in the washer and dryer when it's time to clean! Promising review: "Bought this during Christmastime to cozy up watching holiday movies. Looks great, keeps us warm, and my family loves it!" — Cloud 9 Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in twin, queen, and king sizes, as well as 15 other colors/prints). 7. A darling Rudolph doormat to welcome your guests with the most famous (and cutest!) reindeer of all. Many reviewers rave about how thick this mat is and how good it is at getting snow and mud off of shoes before stepping inside, which is a huge bonus! Just note that the red and black buffalo plaid mat in the reviewer photo is not included, but you can find a similar one here if you love that look! Promising review: "Excellent doormat and super cute! Very thick — good for getting snow and mud off your boots in the winter. Great size! I am extremely impressed!" — Mtngrl84 Get it from Amazon for $20.98+ (available in five sizes). 8. Six feet of red berry garland if you're more into the classic, traditional Christmas feel. Lay it across your holiday table, wrap it around banisters, or hang it up in an arch over a doorway! Promising review: "These garlands are sturdy and of good quality for the money. I loved the sparkly festive touch they add atop doorways and windows. They were pretty easy to hang with clear thumbtacks. I’d recommend and would buy again." — CocoKikiCash Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in five styles). 9. Or glittery pre-lit garland that'll give your archway, mantle, or railing a festive accessory that's both elegant and glamorous. Plus! Its faux pinecones, berries, and artificial pine needles are hypoallergenic and fire-resistant. Reviewers say it does shed a lot of glitter, but it can be used outside for less mess! Promising review: "This garland is gorgeous. The berries and pinecones and lights just look so nice together. The wire running through it is stiff and doesn't lose its shape. It also has connectors on both ends. That being said, the glitter that falls off of this garland WOOOOOOOW! If you mind glitter being everywhere, this probably isn't the garland for you. If you're like me and don't mind the glitter, you won't be sorry that you bought this. It's absolutely beautiful!" — Rachel Get a 9-foot-long strand from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in plug-in or battery-operated designs). 10. A pair of plush light-up gnomes — listen, I appreciate anyone who shares my affinity for elf culture, but we can give a gnome a home, too! Don't forget the AAA batteries ! Promising review: "Love it! Exactly what my living room needed for extra holiday magic. Perfect size and lighting." — Lily Ice Get them from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in two styles). 11. An LED star tree topper , because if you say you don't want magical light projections dancing on your ceiling, *Buddy the Elf voice* you sit on a throne of lies! This is sure to give your tree that extra ~oooh~ factor. 😍 Keep in mind that reviewers say the projections are more effective when there's more space between the topper and the ceiling. Promising review: "I adore this so much, I bought two and placed them in the corners of the room, so the snowflakes light up the entire vaulted ceiling! My 8-year-old thought we were in Frozen , and danced like Elsa." — Lauren Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in gold or silver). 12. A set of pillowcases embroidered with snowflakes to add some festive accents to your living room. Plus, they're great for snuggling up with as your sibling gives you the bombastic side eye when they hear The Polar Express theme song playing from the TV...again. This listing is *only* for the pillowcases but you can grab pillow inserts here! Promising review: "I love these pillows! The quality is good and they are exactly as pictured. I purchased them 3+ months ago for the couch and they still look like new, even after washing several times. They are a great value for the money and I would buy them again." — Mel Get a set of two from Amazon for $14.99 (available in five styles). 13. A set of glitter-specked handcrafted coasters that'll protect your beautiful coffee table when it's time for another round of hot chocolate. Promising review: "I love these coasters! They are the right size for a big mug of tea, good quality, and the sparkles are so pretty. They are understated but elegant — not too little or too much 'sparkly-ness.' I am really glad I got these. They not only work well (as coasters), but they are good quality and don't slide around on my desk ." — Katrina79 Get a set of four from Amazon for $7.99 (available in two color combos). 14. An adorable custom designed ceramic mug for all my fellow bookworms! And if you happen to be sippin' on your coffee around loved ones who just can't figure out what to get you for Christmas, here's a real *subtle* hint for them. 👀 DillyDoodleDesignz is a woman-owned small business based in New York that specializes in custom designed items. Promising review: "Beautiful Work, seller reached out to make sure it was exactly what I wanted before shipping!" — Mikayla Botelho "Excellent seller, fast delivery, super communication, awesome product! Thanks so much! 😊" — Lisa Get a set of from DillyDoodleDesignz on Etsy for $12.96+ (originally $21.24; available in two sizes and four colors). 15. A set of monochromatic ball ornaments to add some decor with dimension to your tree while keeping it nice and uniform. They're also made of plastic, so if your kids or pets decide to be cotton-headed ninny muggins with the tree ornaments, you don't have to worry about them shattering! Promising review: "These are my favorite ornaments. I love that I can still have the look of glitter without any mess! All of the pretty stuff is inside. On the outside you have a clear, mess free bulb. I have received so many compliments on these and will buy more next year. I have dropped them and my one year old has tossed them around without any concern or damage. Highly recommend!!" — Gatt Get a set of 30 from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in seven sizes and 19 colors). 16. And a 36-piece set of glittery snowflake ornaments that'll add a winter wonderland feel to your tree and a smile to your face every time you pass by it. I just like to smile. Smiling's my favorite. Promising review: "A lot of glitter and you need to string each snowflake yourself, but they provide you with the string! Overall love it!" — Shay Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 13 colors). 17. An elegant table runner embroidered with classic poinsettias — it'll delight your guests and serve as the perfect frame for the delicious Christmas dinner you worked so hard to complete. Promising review: "This table runner is quite beautiful. I ordered one, and when it came and I saw how pretty it was, I ordered a second one. You will not be disappointed; it will add flair to any surface during the holidays. " — Trish Beyer Get it from Amazon for $9.99 . 18. A mini tabletop tree so you don't have to let your tiny apartment limit your home's Christmas spirit — we wouldn't want people to think you're a South Pole elf! Plus, reviewers rave about how much cheer it brings for its small size. Both come with a red fabric base tied with a gold bow, and feature realistic needles that are fire-resistant and nonallergenic. You can also pick up tiny ornaments to decorate with! Promising review: "I bought this for my mother who is a nursing home resident. The tree is battery-operated, so we didn't have to worry about having it approved by hospital staff. The timer is easy to set and she doesn't have to worry about turning it on and off every day. After taking it out of the box there was only a little adjusting of the branches. You can also hang small, lightweight ornaments on it for trim. Everyone who comes into her room admires it." — gma J Get it from Amazon for $26.59 . 19. Or an iconic replica of Charlie Brown's Christmas tree (complete with Linus's blue blankie!) because it's the best time of year to dive into the nostalgia of classic childhood cartoons. It plays the "Linus & Lucy" Peanuts theme (and includes two AAA batteries). It's also an officially licensed Peanuts item! Promising review: "'It's Christmas, Charlie Brown!' Just looking at this tree brings a smile. Simple, elegant in its humility. It just brings a bit of nostalgia remembering all past Christmases watching Charlie Brown and the gang on television kick off the Christmas season in our house . It is a pleasure to own a replica of the original. Adding the theme at the push of a button is a nice touch. We absolutely love it!" — D. Stovell Get it from Amazon for $23.89 . 20. A dazzling snowfall lantern so you can sit back and enjoy a majestic, sparkling snowfall scene that *doesn't* require you to bundle up or grab a shovel. And just wait till you see it lit up at night! Don't forget the AAA batteries ! Promising review: "These battery-operated snow globes are the best new gift of this Christmas season!!! Ingenious, constantly rotating glittery snowflakes and a pretty little light to shine on the scene. A wonderful new decoration that will last for Christmases to come." — M. Foreman Get it from Amazon for $22.94 . 21. Or an ever-classic snow globe that comes with a handy timer mode and plays eight looped Christmas songs that can be switched on or off as sequins and snowflakes dance around a wintery scene. And bonus — the included USB power cord allows you to use the snow globe lantern without batteries! If you'd like to hang it, you can also use three AAA batteries ! Promising reviews: "This is a really beautiful globe. It is lightweight and has a handle and is well-made. You can use it with the music on or off. I liked that it was a flattened globe so you could put it on a narrow shelf if needed. Would also make a really nice gift. " — Leah Mccartt " This snow globe is gorgeous. The way the glitter hits the light is so beautiful and something photo or video doesn’t do justice. I have bought several since and would highly recommend this product." — Grant LaGasse Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in six holiday styles). 22. Light-up faux birch trees so guests are welcomed with Christmas spirit before they even cross your threshold. It'll easily add a light-filled decor piece to your space — so elegant, yet so eye-catching! The branches are flexible so you can arrange them to your liking, and they come with a UL-certificated and waterproof adapter. Promising review: "These trees are a BARGAIN for the money! They’re neatly packaged and go together in about a minute. Shaping the branches took maybe five minutes. I have an 8’ in the primary bedroom, another 8’ for my library, and the set (8’, 6’, and 4’) for the living room. I’m going to purchase another 8’ for my front porch, and another set of three for my lanai. They may be plastic, but they look beautiful, and they feel sturdy. Even though I also do a traditional tree, I love that these birches look gorgeous with very few decorations! They’re festive for really any season, so I’m likely going to just un-decorate and leave-up the one in my primary bedroom . If you’re on the fence about these, I’d say just do it! You won’t regret it!" — Thom Lundy Get one eight-foot tree from Amazon for $79.99 (also available in sets of two or three and in a variety of sizes). 23. A set of hilariously playful dish towels — reviewers rave not only about the laughs they get out of any guests that passes through the kitchen, but about their good quality, too! Michael Grace Gifts is a small business that focuses on creating simple, elegant items that celebrate life’s everyday moments. Promising review: "I bought these as a fun gift for a family member. The fabric was heavier than I expected, and the printing on each towel was clear and exactly as described. She loved them, and in her words, "thought they were hilarious." I wouldn't hesitate to order again. " — DeL Get a set of four from Amazon for $18.99 (available in three styles). 24. A tabletop fire pit that'll give you the comforting warmth of a full-size furnace as you commence your Christmas movie marathon in your small city apartment. You can even use it to make s'mores when it's your turn to host a Friday night in! Plus, it just looks so ~chic~. Promising reviews: " It was exactly what I wanted! Concrete surrounded flame container, and it sat on a marble coaster so my table was protected. I was able to burn and eat all the marshmallows I wanted! It was awesome!!!" — Susan Wilson "Bought it strictly for s’mores! My family and I love it. So convenient when your craving a s’mores night. Will be buying another as a Christmas gift. 😊 " — Yesenia Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (also available in a two-pack and as a fire bowl kit). 25. A scrumptious Yankee holiday candle , which comes in various Christmas-inspired scents, like "frosty gingerbread" and "red apple wreath." It's just the thing to help you relax after a jam-packed day of making gingerbread houses, eating cookie dough, going ice skating, and maybe even holding hands! Promising review: "Yankee Candles always rock. This purchase was a curiosity purchase, and this candle did not disappoint. Non-lit, and it's strong and sweet, and when you light it, there's a light fragrance that isn't too overwhelming but not bland. Just enough to get you hungry. It lights for awhile; I've had it for months, and it's pretty good. If you like sweet candles, get this!!" — Danster Get it from Amazon for $16.88+ (available in two sizes and eight holiday-inspired scents). 26. A Lionel North Pole Central train set — I mean, just look at how charming it is! And don't worry, unlike the train in The Polar Express , this one will stay on its track and keep choo-choo-chooing around your Christmas tree year after year. It comes with a battery-powered remote and tracks that can be shaped into a circle, oval, or rectangle. Don't forget the AAA batteries for the remote and C cell batteries for the train itself! Promising review: "This is a beautiful decorative Christmas train set for around the tree or any other festive plans you may have for it. I was very skeptical at first reading about the plastic track and battery powered wireless operation. But the track comes in very short sections and is very sturdy. Connects together very tightly and strong. The operation was flawless, from the wireless controller to the train rolling along the track without any issues at all. Again, as part of holiday decorations, for under $100 it's a home run. This is perfect for the season and the wallet. No regrets. Very happy with this purchase." — Scotty Blonde Get it from Amazon for $110 (also available with bluetooth). 27. A set of super adorable plush stockings with the holiday season's most iconic characters. Now all that's left to do is fill 'em with goodies! Promising review: "I looked at so many and chose these. The characters are great quality and really stuck into the stocking. They are super sturdy and adorable. I fill my stockings with a lot of heavy stuff, and these held nicely!" — Natalie Get a set of four from Amazon for $21.99 . 28. Or a set of classic customizable stockings you can embroider with each family member's name and use for years to come. You can choose from a variety of colors and fonts, and they'll look oh-so-beautiful hanging over the fireplace. Promising review: " The stockings are knit and very roomy! The embroidered names really look great! I ordered stockings for my elderly parents. They never had stockings, so I plan to surprise them this Christmas. I highly recommend this stocking! Do not wait until the last second to order! Christmas is soon!" — Caregiver Get it from Amazon for $9.98 (also available multipacks). 29. A durable, dazzling gingerbread arch — you're about to become the Martha May Whovier of the neighborhood with this beauty. Many reviewers say it looks just like the picture, and rave about its quality! Promising reviews: "Was very happy with the product. The neighbors even commented about how cute it was. Would recommend!" — Bobby Dusbabek "It looks so pretty!!! Different from the ones you see at regular stores." — Stephanie H Get it from Amazon for $85.99 . 30. Or a charming set of ladder lights if you're looking for something a little more subtle, but just as festive. They come with a timer and eight lighting modes that'll make it the piece all your guests and neighbors will be demanding to know where you got. Promising review: " It is absolutely adorable, well-made, bright, and so much fun. Takes two minutes to set up and no batteries, just plug it in. Everyone that sees it loves it and wants one (or two). I have ordered four more as gifts. Comes in a sturdy box and so easy to wrap." — Lianne Get it from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in three sizes and five colors). 31. A super cute snowman soap dispenser — this little guy will keep the holiday cheer intact for everyone, even if all they're doing is washing their hands. Not to be dramatic, but I would die for this snowman. Promising review: "It's a very cute little soap dispenser and arrived very quickly, well-packaged, and it is absolutely adorable. The fact that he is a snowman in neutral tones means that he is great for the holiday, but I can leave him out all winter long. Very happy with this purchase." — Colleen Rentas Get it from Amazon for $26.99 . 32. A bundle of the cutest bottle brush trees that you can use to enhance your little Christmas village scenery or place it on your tabletop right next to Santa's cookies. Promising review: "This set of bottle brush trees was great for the price. The trees seem sturdy enough to last for a while. Just be warned, the gold ones shed glitter!" — Autumn & Co . Get a set of 24 from Amazon for $17.99 . 33. A plaid Christmas tree skirt with a timeless red and black plaid pattern that's sure to give your tree a lovely pop of color. Plus, it'll go with *lots* of the decor you've already collected over the years. Promising review: "This tree skirt came in quickly and we were extremely satisfied with the look of it. It was super cute and JUST what I wanted for our tree!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in two sizes). 34. Or a plush, faux fur, snowflake-adorned tree skirt if you're going for more of a classic white Christmas vibe. This elegant piece will accessorize any tree perfectly! Promising review: "This Christmas tree skirt was giving exactly what I needed and wanted for my decor!" — Queen B Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in two sizes). 35. A silly framed sign that'll be a hit with your guests because it brings a little Christmas comedy into your bathroom. (By the way, have you seen these toilets? They're ginormous!) Creativencustomized is a small business based in Lafayette, Louisiana, that sells customized holiday decor and gifts. Promising reviews: "Perfect addition to my Christmas bathroom decor." — Shelly Morris "Item looks just like the picture. Will make a great gift!" — Katie Brown Get it from Creativencustomized on Etsy for $15.99+ (originally $21.32+; available in two sizes). You, looking at your beautifully decorated home: Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.None
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Caleb McCullough was there for the dark times at Arizona State, when the losses piled up and the cloud of an NCAA investigation was hovering over the program. The senior linebacker opted to stick around, believing in coach Kenny Dillingham's vision for a better future. It came sooner than anyone outside the program expected. "I’m doing whatever I can to win,” McCullough said. “I’m not really a stat player. This is my last year of college and my main goal is just to win.” The Sun Devils are doing just that, becoming one of college football's biggest surprises along the way. Picked to finish last in its first Big 12 season, Arizona State (8-2, 5-2 Big 12) now controls its destiny for a spot in the conference title game. The 21st-ranked Sun Devils have already clinched their first bowl berth since 2021, the year they were last ranked in the AP Top 25 before this week. Arizona State has taken down two ranked teams this season, 27-19 over then-No. 16 Utah on Oct. 11 and 24-14 at then-No. 20 Kansas State last weekend. The Sun Devils will play their biggest home game in recent memory against No. 14 BYU on Saturday , the first home game between ranked teams in Tempe since 2014. Beat the Cougars and Arizona State can clinch a spot in the Big 12 Championship on Dec. 7 in Arlington, Texas, with a win over rival Arizona in the regular-season finale. “It means a lot to these guys to come in here with that chip on their shoulder and do something that really nobody thought we could do,” Dillingham said. Arizona State faced adversity on and off the field when Dillingham arrived in 2023. After winning eight games in 2021, the Sun Devils went 3-9 the following year while under investigation by the NCAA, a combination that led to the firing of Herm Edwards during his fifth season here. Dillingham had success as Oregon's offensive coordinator and brought the requisite enthusiasm of being a young — he was 32 at the time — first-time head coach returning to his alma mater. Despite rallying the community around the program, Dillingham fell into hard luck his first season in the desert. The Sun Devils were decimated by injuries, particularly at quarterback, and never recovered, finishing 3-9 for the second straight season. But Dillingham had the pieces in place. He proved to be adept at finding the right players through the transfer portal, landing former Sacramento State running back Cam Skattebo two years ago and former Michigan State quarterback Sam Leavitt prior to this season. The hard-running Skattebo has been one of the nation's best running backs and Leavitt has been a perfect fit for Arizona State's offense, making good decisions while extending plays with his legs. The portal success extends across Arizona State's roster and Dillingham has sprinkled in solid recruiting classes while convincing key players to remain, a combination that's meshed into a team that could crash the College Football Playoff if the pieces fall just right. “We were a three-win team twice,” Dillingham said. “We were under NCAA sanctions. Most head coaches, to be brutally honest, get fired if you take a job under sanctions. You don’t survive. You’re hired to be fired. That’s the nature of the beast and right now we’re sitting here at 8-2, and I couldn’t be prouder." Dillingham's vision for a better future, one the rest of the country didn't see coming, is here and now. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballJamie McGrath insists he is not worried about Aberdeen’s poor record at Tynecastle. The Dons travel back to Edinburgh on Sunday to face Hearts following their 3 The home of the Jambos has not been a happy hunting ground for Aberdeen who have failed to win on their last 11 league visits to Tynecastle. The Dons’ last win at Hearts was on May 7, 2015 when Adam Rooney and Anthony O’Connor netted in a 2-1 victory. McGrath, however, is not concerned about his club’s recent record there. The Dons midfielder said: “We look forward to it. It’s a really nice stadium and a great place to play football. We have to try not to let this affect us too much. “I don’t think it’s anything you’d really think about going into any game. It’s a one-off game so I don’t think history or that comes into it for us anyway. “No doubt it’s a tricky place to go and results in the past have shown that so we’re going to have to be on it. “We’re really going to have to be on it to come away with points.” McGrath staying focused on the positives It has been a tough week for Jimmy Thelin’s side with one point to show from their two away trips to St Mirren and Hibernian. The dramatic conclusion at Easter Road meant the point gained felt like a defeat after Aberdeen conceded twice in stoppage time to draw 3-3 with the Hibees. However, McGrath remains focused on the bigger picture. He said: “We have still had a really good start. “We know it’s a tricky week with three away games and three tough places to go. We’re not getting worried about that. “We’re taking it one game at a time. We have to focus on the positives from Hibs. We didn’t get beat after going one behind. “It’s positive and I’m looking forward to going into Sunday now. We just have to recover well, sleep and eat right, and try to get all the bodies back fit again for Sunday. “We can obviously be disappointed at drawing with Hibs but we can’t let it drag us out for the next few days leading into it. “Focus on the positives and try to create positive energy around the place again. I look forward to Sunday.” ‘We can’t let it affect us’ McGrath was involved in the dramatic draw at Easter Road which saw Hibs level the game in injury time at 2-2 only to fall behind to Ester Sokler’s overhead kick before equalising again. Failing to win the game was a sore one to take for the Dons but the former Wigan Athletic, Dundee United and St Mirren attacker insists his side cannot dwell on the outcome. He said: “To be honest I thought that was it (when Sokler scored). I thought that was the game up to the clock and there was 30 seconds left. As a collective we just have to defend better. “I think the front four were probably too high and we knew the ball was coming long. “As a group we just didn’t defend our box good enough and ultimately you get punished. “It’s a very harsh lesson to learn but to win games in this league you have to do everything you can for the full 96 minutes. “To have the three points in your hand and not come away with it is a tough feeling. “The bottom line is we’re disappointed, but we can’t let it affect us now going into Sunday.” Midfielder proud of character shown at Easter Road Tuesday’s game was one McGrath is unlikely to forget in a hurry but the Republic of Ireland international insists the Dons must focus on the positives. He said: “It was up there alright, the highs and lows. One minute you’re on top of the world and celebrating with the fans and the next you’re obviously at the bottom. “We know the first half probably wasn’t good enough and I know we had the three points in our hands so it’s going to feel like a defeat. “But the important thing was we didn’t lose and we have to take the positives and try to stay as positive as we can. “When you go one behind at Easter Road it’s a tricky place to be and I thought we showed really good character in the second half. “We created some really good chances, played some really good stuff. We looked a lot more like ourselves and dangerous in transitions. “To score three goals away from home is encouraging but to not get three points after scoring three goals away from home leaves a sour taste in your mouth. “We just have to stay positive. We knew it was going to be a tough week. Another tough game now to come so we’re looking forward to it.”
Aidan Bouman, Quaron Adams rally South Dakota past Tarleton State 42-31 in FCS second-round duelGaetz withdraws as Trump's pick for attorney general, averting confirmation battle in the Senate WASHINGTON (AP) — Matt Gaetz has withdrawn as Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation. The Florida Republican made the announcement Thursday. Gaetz’s withdrawal is a blow to Trump’s push to install steadfast loyalists in his incoming administration and the first sign that Trump could face resistance from members of his own party. Trump said in a social media post that Gaetz “did not want to be a distraction for the Administration.” Gaetz said “it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work" of the transition team. He added, “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle.” Top war-crimes court issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu, ex-defense minister and a Hamas leader THE HAGUE (AP) — The world’s top war-crimes court has issued arrest warrants for the leaders of Israel and Hamas, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The warrants issued Thursday accuse them of crimes against humanity in connection with their war that began more than a year ago. The warrants against Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant focus on allegations Israel has used food as a weapon in its campaign against Hamas in Gaza, a charge Israeli officials deny. The action by the International Criminal Court came as the death toll from Israel’s campaign in Gaza passed 44,000 people. Local health authorities say more than half of those killed were women and children. Several of Trump's Cabinet picks — and Trump himself — have been accused of sexual misconduct WASHINGTON (AP) — Former congressman Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his name as President-elect Donald Trump's choice for attorney general in the face of sexual misconduct allegations. He's not the only member of Trump’s chosen staff and Cabinet accused of some form of misconduct. Others include: Elon Musk, his choice to help lead a new outside panel seeking to boost government efficiency, Health and Human Services nominee Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Trump’s choice for defense secretary Pete Hegseth and Linda McMahon, his choice to lead the Department of Education. They all deny the claims. Death toll in Gaza from Israel-Hamas war passes 44,000, Palestinian officials say DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian health officials say the death toll in the Gaza Strip from the 13-month-old war between Israel and Hamas has surpassed 44,000. The Gaza Health Ministry 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. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The war began when 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. Most of the rest were released during a cease-fire last year. Elon Musk's budget crusade could cause a constitutional clash in Trump's second term WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has put Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy in charge of finding ways to cut government spending and regulations. It's possible that their efforts will lead to a constitutional clash. This week, Musk and Ramaswamy said they would encourage the Republican president-elect to refuse to spend money allocated by Congress, which would conflict with a 1974 law that's intended to prevent presidents from blocking funds. If Trump takes such a step, it would quickly become one of the most closely watched legal battles of his second administration. Musk and Ramaswamy also aim to dramatically reduce the size of the federal workforce. Putin touts Russia's new missile and delivers a menacing warning to NATO The new ballistic missile fired by Russia struck a military-industrial facility in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, but its real mission was delivering a deadly new message to NATO. Hours after Thursday’s strike touched off a debate over whether the Ukrainian plant was hit by an intercontinental ballistic missile, President Vladimir Putin cleared up the mystery in a rare and surprise appearance on Russian television. He described it as a new, intermediate-range ballistic missile that raced to its target at 10 times the speed of sound and couldn't be stopped by modern anti-missile systems. One Western expert said it was the first time that such a missile was used in the war — and perhaps in any conflict. Jussie Smollett’s conviction in 2019 attack on himself is overturned SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Supreme Court has overturned actor Jussie Smollett’s conviction on charges that he staged a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019 and lied to Chicago police. The state’s highest court ruled Thursday on Smollett’s argument that a special prosecutor should not have been allowed to intervene after the local state’s attorney initially dropped charges. The 5-0 decision did not address Smollett's claims of innocence. The Black, gay actor claimed two men assaulted him, spouted slurs and tossed a noose around his neck. Smollett was on the television drama “Empire,” which filmed in Chicago. Testimony at his trial indicated Smollett paid $3,500 to two men to carry out the attack. SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who led US crackdown on cryptocurrencies, to step down Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler will step down from his post on January 20. Since taking the lead at the SEC, the commission has been aggressive in its oversight of cryptocurrencies and other regulatory issues. President-elect Donald Trump had promised during his campaign that he would remove Gensler, who has led the U.S. government’s crackdown on the crypto industry and repeatedly called for more oversight. But Gensler on Thursday announced that he would be stepping down from his post on the day that Trump is inaugurated. Bitcoin has jumped 40% since Trump’s victory. US towns plunge into debates about fluoride in water NEW YORK (AP) — Fights are cropping up nationwide over fluoride in drinking water. Communities in Florida, Texas, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming and elsewhere have debated the idea in recent months. And several have decided to stop adding it to drinking water. In August, a federal agency for the first time reported that there is a link between high levels of fluoride exposure and lower IQ in kids. And in September, a federal judge ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate it in drinking water. The decision to add fluoride to drinking water rests with state and local officials, but advisers to Donald Trump have suggested he would push to remove it. Was it all a joke? How stand-up comedy helped reelect Trump Did stand-up comedians help reelect Donald Trump? Not a joke, as outgoing President Joe Biden might say. Trump has been the butt of countless late-night monologues and “Saturday Night Live” sketches for the better part of a decade, but the once and future president's path to reelection relied a lot on stand-up comedy. Trump sat for long, friendly interviews on comedians' podcasts in an effort to reach young men. But he also employed his own stand-up-like campaigning style replete with meandering stories and digressions, a rhetorical tactic that connected with audiences and also made it hard to tell what exactly was policy and what was a joke.
White House announces nearly $1 billion more in military assistance to UkraineNo. 21 Arizona State on the rise in Kenny Dillingham's second season as coach
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