1. A shaggy area rug so you have something extra plush and soft underfoot every time you step out of bed. As the cold winter months approach, it will be nice to avoid stepping onto cold floors for the first time in the morning. Promising review: "Best rug EVER!! No seriously ... it is so soft! Bought this one for our living room. We have a similar rug we purchased at Lowe's for three times the price for our bedroom and my husband and I decided that we would buy this one again instead. We are actually ordering two more for the baby's room and our middle daughter's room. So many people have complimented this rug and asked us to send them the link !" — Ashley Bryan Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (be sure to clip the 30% off coupon; available in 19 colors and three sizes). 2. A set of four decorative books that are actually hidden storage boxes. Disguised to look like the famed (and very expensive) books from Assouline's travel series , these are adorned with four iconic locations: Ibiza, Roma, Bondi, and Tokyo. These colorful "books" will look great as decor on your shelf, even though *you* know what they're really about. Promising review : "The color of these books is actually more vivid and beautiful in person. I’m thrilled with how it looks on the shelf - plus it’s a very good hiding spot. I would 100% recommend these for anyone looking to add color to your home." — elisheva Get it from Amazon for $21.99 . 3. And a hidden storage box disguised as a beautiful collection of books. Now, instead of having your electronics and all their cords on display, they'll be covered up by what looks like a top-tier curation of books. Before adding this to your cart, you have the option to customize it, including selecting from 14 lengths and 15 colors (including custom colors). The CovoBox is made from reclaimed books and sustainable wood. Covogoods is a small family-owned business creating home decor in Utah! Promising review: "I’m pretty sure I’ve never loved a purchase from Amazon as much as I love this one, and I’ve been a Prime member since Day 1. This product is EXTREMELY well made and very unique. Plus, it does the job of hiding the ugly routers and cords. And the customer service was great and responsive. I was a little hesitant to spend the money on this but after years of living with the husband’s pile of technology, the money was well spent!" — AmazonEmme Get it from Covogoods from Amazon Handmade for $29+ . 4. A pack of three rainbow prism suncatchers to create little bursts of kaleidoscopic rainbows all over your room. With seriously dreary weather season approaching, use this to transport yourself to a Lisa Frank–esque wonderland whenever the sun shines through your window. Promising review: "They actually were bigger than I anticipated which was actually pretty awesome. I hung them in the window of my office and it's beautiful when they catch light. Definitely worth the money when it puts a smile on your face." — Emmy Ann Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.99 . 5. Plus a roll of decorative rainbow window film that not only provides you with some privacy, but will cast a spectacular array of rainbows all over your room whenever the sun hits it. When it's not light out, it just looks like really cool textured glass. Psst — you can read BuzzFeed's review of this decorative window film for more deets! Promising review: "I absolutely love this! TikTok made me buy it for my sunroof and I'm so glad I did! It's so beautiful when the sun comes through! And you get so much for the price!! If you're on the fence, buy it!!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in eight sizes) 6. A pair of corduroy pillow covers to toss on your couch, bed, or favorite chair. Suddenly, the whole space will feel a little more inviting — like it's asking you to grab a blanket and stay awhile. Heads up: this listing is only for the pillow *covers*. If you need inserts, too, you can get 'em here ! Promising review : "I bought two packs so I could cover four pillows. It is so much cheaper than buying new pillows every time you want to update your colors. These are a beautiful orange color for fall and everyone thinks they are brand new cushions. Little tip: buy the cover that is just under the actual pillow dimensions, so you have a fuller cushion. My cushions measure 18 x 18 inches, and I bought the 16 x 16 covers. I had to fold them in half to place them inside the covers and then once zipped I fussed with the cushion as opposed to trying to force them in and risking ripping the zipper. It worked perfectly! The texture is really nice, too, almost like fleece but much thicker. Overall, love these and will buy more colors for different seasons for sure ." — D. Taylor Get the set from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in seven sizes and 17 colors). 7. A beautiful framed canvas painting that looks like an original work of art but comes at a fraction of the cost. There are over 40 different paintings to choose from, so there's something for every type of interior, from traditional to modern to bohemian. Promising review: "Beautiful. This is great quality and it looks like a real painting. 💗" — Yana Cucias Get it from Amazon for $9.89+ (available in four sizes and 36 styles). 8. Some cordless, no-drill Roman shades to elevate your windows in the chicest way possible. Window treatments like these go for hundreds of dollars at luxury stores, so do yourself a favor and get these beauties instead. Promising review: "I knew I wanted something to finish off my bench seat windows. These blinds were not only easy to install, but I am impressed with the quality and how easy it is to raise and lower them. I think all four were out of the box and installed in 15 minutes. Offers light filtering, which is perfect for my needs. If I want to take them down for my holiday garland, it will be super easy to remove and put back up after the holiday." — doug huntley Get each panel from Amazon for $51.99+ (available in seven styles and a range of sizes). 9. A book-shaped flower vase that not only shows off your love of literature but is the perfect vase if you are short on space. We love a pretty and practical product! Check out a TikTok of the book vase in action. Promising review : "The vase was so pretty I bought a second! They're durable and very appealing to the eye. I will be purchasing more." — kayla Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in four colors). 10. A geometric wire photo frame to give your bedroom a mini art gallery look without the pretentiousness. This gem holds your photo in mid-air, and you can hang it or prop it up. Promising review: "Can I just say I love this picture frame. It looks much more expensive than it was, and everybody who sees it compliments it! It makes me way too happy. Happier than a picture frame should. It makes me want to go buy a bunch of other stuff from Umbra because it is all very cool." — Monica Wood Get it from Amazon for $11.25+ (available in four colors and sizes 4x4, 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, and multi). 11. A frameless tabletop mirror with an unusual shape that's as much decor as it is practical. Keep it on your desk for mid-work makeup touch-ups or on your dresser so you can admire yourself while you get ready. Promising review : "This product exceeded my expectations. It is both cute and aesthetic. The process was very very easy to put it together and the durability to this product is thought the roof, because I recently moved and it was sitting with a bunch of boxes, one on top of the other. You will not regret it!" — audriana Get it from Amazon for $8.90 . 12. A durable and luxurious faux-fur throw in an array of colors to drape over your furniture. And when night falls you can snuggle up under it to get nice and cozy. Promising review : "I bought this throw a year ago. We have it on the couch, and we are a pet-friendly home. This throw gets washed once a week in very hot water and dried in a hot dryer. It looks as good as the day I received it. I would highly recommend. You will not be disappointed." — Happy Customer Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in 18 colors and in three sizes). 13. A crystal table lamp for casting the most beautiful light patterns and shadows. If you're short on electrical outlets but really need light, this is your best bet. Oh, and one charge provides 5–7 hours of light! See it in action on TikTok from @heartdefensor ! Promising review : "The light looks so magical. My favorite part is that you can place it anywhere without having to plug it in. Comes with a USB charger to recharge the battery. Also dimmable. Perfect night-light for reading." — Jasmine Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in six styles). 14. A set of four dining chairs that are a nod to the iconic Eames fiberglass chair. And they're not just super stylish: because they're plastic, they're really easy to clean! Perfect if you have messy eaters in your home. (I'm talking about you, toddlers!) Promising review : "Super affordable chairs! The quality is great too! I love the color and seat shape. Comfortable and aesthetic! Despite being white they are easy to clean and I haven’t had any stains. Typical chair height and the fit our table perfectly." — Scottie C. Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in nine colors). 15. A ruffle bed skirt so you can hide all the boxes and other unsightly stuff under your bed. It'll turn your bed frame from basic to luxury. Promising review: "Works great — length is perfect for raising a bed for extra storage or using it normally. It's nonslip and easy to put on." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in 12 colors in Twin, Full, Queen, and King sizes). 16. A roll of faux granite peel-and-stick paper to give your countertops the look of stone. All you do is cut it to size (there are grid marks on the back of the paper for accurate and straight cutting) and then stick it onto your existing countertops. Promising review : "If you expect perfection, buy granite or marble for $4,500.. If you are like me and just want something that looks fantastic, buy Beeline contact paper.....it’s amazing and easy...👏👏🤩" — ronald kilmer Get it from Amazon for $12.88+ (available in four sizes). 17. Or this faux Carrara marble surface cover if you want something a little lighter in color. Promising review: "Best solution ever!! I do not have the money for a new vanity right now. Insert DIY project of covering my ugly pink bathroom vanity in marble contact paper. It looks 100% better, and it’s super durable . It’s a little tricky to work with at firs,t and then you get the hang of it. I’m buying more for my half bath. Update: My vanity still looks great a couple of months later! I decided to do my tabletop in my laundry room, and it looks great too. Tips: Make sure there is nothing on the surface, as bumps will show through with the tiniest of debris. Also, one roll is not enough — always buy more than you think you’ll need!" — Natalie Evans Get it from Amazon for $4.99+ (available in six sizes). 18. And a dimmable candle-warmer lamp in a rich amber hue that's about to become your favorite nightstand upgrade. Forget fumbling for a lighter — this warmer makes enjoying your favorite scents easier, and it's gorgeous. Promising review: "I bought this on a whim, and I’m hooked. I love the timer and dimmer features. So far, the lamp works great. It doesn’t put out a lot of heat, and I love that you can adjust the light. This is now going to be my go-to gift. " — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $25.11+ (be sure to clip the 15% off coupon; available in 12 styles). 19. A bohemian tapestry to hang behind your bed if you don't have a headboard but want something to tie the room together. It's lightweight enough to hang it up using thumbtacks (included), no drill or hammer required. Promising review: "I love this tapestry! It inspired the new color scheme for my bedroom. It really helped dress up my apartment wall since I can’t paint them." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $17.99 . 20. An ornate, arched mirror with a baroque look that looks almost exactly like a way more expensive version you can find at Anthropologie. Whether you lean it against a wall or hang it somewhere permanent (imagine one of these above your bathroom vanity!), its gilded details will surely add a little glam to your daily routine. Promising review: "Bought the bronze color and it is just beautiful. It's weighty and looks of good quality and workmanship but is not so heavy that it’s hard to work with if you want to lean it or hang it . I wanted the Primrose from Anthropologie but it's hard to pay that price. This mirror is quality and has a lot better price. Move over, Primrose. I love it!." — Joni Bell Get it from Amazon for $89.99+ (available in five colors and seven sizes). 21. A scented candle with a minimalist label if you have a quiet luxury aesthetic. Reviewers swear this smells almost exactly like Santal 33 by Le Labo. With many scents to choose from — from smoke and musk to fruity and sweet — you're bound to find one that gives your bedroom a signature fragrance. Lulu Candles is a US-based small business that specializes in scented candles and perfumes. Promising review : "I was staying over at a friend's house and sitting next to her coffee table. She had this candle on the table and even though it wasn't lit I could smell it, and it was so delicious that I instantly went online to find it and bought it for myself! If this came in a perfume I would buy enough to last the rest of my life. I don't know how to even explain the scent but if you are an amber/patchouli/vanilla fan, this is absolutely for you. The jasmine adds an unbelievable freshness without a flowery scent . I even bought the shampoo and conditioner which I will probably use as more of a body wash and shaving cream but that is how desperate I am to get this scent on me! " — Melissa I. Get it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in four sizes, in gift box options, in packs of two, and in a variety of scents). 22. A TikTok-famous sunset lamp to bathe your room in a dreamy glow, because why wait for golden hour when you can have it anytime? It'll transform any space into a calming, Instagram-worthy vibe with its soft, warm light. Place this far away for a diffused lighting effect or closer up to focus the colorful beam on a specific spot. Promising review : "Immediately, out of the box, it makes any room more aesthetically pleasing. It's such a simple but beautiful light to make your room feel cozy. The warm color also adds calm and serenity to your space. I am so satisfied with it, I will be buying another. My space has weird geometric angles and this light makes them feel even cooler." — -jordan_ Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in three styles). 23. Or a set of three flameless flickering candles if you want to light up your life, minus the risk of burning it down. You control these with a remote, so you have the freedom to place them somewhere that would otherwise be difficult to reach. There are different light modes, and you can adjust the brightness levels. Check out a TikTok of the flameless candles in action. Promising review : "I bought the gold glass candle set. It's almost iridescent gold and looks very elegant. The flame actually moves back and forth. I have mine set to come on in the evening and go off after four hours. The remote allows you to control the brightness of the candle, set a timer for auto on and off, and you can control how bright you want the actual candle inside the glass. I love them and plan to buy the gray glass set for my bedroom. Buy them. You will love them!" — Tammy B. Get them from Amazon for $28.99 . 24. A checkered area rug for those craving a hint of retro with a modern twist. Its timeless pattern and plush texture make it perfect for grounding your living room or bedroom, adding that touch of "I care about design" without trying too hard. Promising review : "love this rug so much. It’s super fluffy and so aesthetically pleasing." — Olivia "Absolutely love this rug, such a statement piece in my bedroom!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $39.20+ (be sure to clip the 20% off coupon; available in 18 sizes and 21 colors). 25. Some velvet slipcovers if your couch and chairs look a mess but you aren't ready to buy new ones yet. This will completely transform your furniture and make it look like something brand new. Promising review: "I have never been so excited about a slipcover. Total transformation of our couch and love seat. I was worried about it not working on our leather couch, but it stays on really well due to the straps and the separate cushion covers. LOVE." — Brian/Liz Get it from Amazon for $32.49+ (available in five sizes and 15 colors). 26. A set of peel-and-stick floor tiles to give your ugly old floors a major upgrade. Instead of breaking the bank installing new tiles (which is just not an option for those of us who rent), lay these down instead. When it's time to move you simply peel them off. It's really that easy. Promising review: "These are so easy to install! We sold our house and moved into a mobile home on our land while we build a house. We wanted to do a little updating, but we don't want to spend a lot. We decided to use self-adhesive flooring, and I fell in love with these! The pattern and color were perfect for my bathroom theme! Installation was easy and quick. They stick great, and it's been a few weeks, and we've had no issues. I love the texture, and they're so easy to clean! Definitely recommend!" — Heather Wine Get a set of 10 tiles from Amazon for $13.65+ (available in two colors). 27. A TV cord cover for hiding the wires needed for your wall-mounted television. What's fancier than a TV without cords showing? NOTHING! Promising review : "This is the perfect solution for hiding a cord! It looks like it is just a part of the base board. Mine is covering a cable wire only, but I think they are big enough to hide more than one cord if needed. I didn’t cut mine, and I bought two. You can tell where the two meet if you look closely. However, I do not think anyone would notice. I can’t believe I let our cable cord sit across the floor for this long. I wish I would have found these sooner! " — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in three sizes, multi-packs, and five colors). 28. A set of amber soap dispensers to decant your store-bought soap into because nothing says fancy quite like special bottles to house your soap and hand lotion, even if said soap and lotion were BOGO at your local CVS. Promising review : "These are amazing soap dispensers. The amber glass is sturdy and strong, and the pump works great. They're easy to fill and they look so good on your bathroom or kitchen countertop. Highly recommend!" — Emily Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.99 (available in three different pump colors). 29. A three-piece duvet cover set that has 30 color options, so if you're looking for a specific color or need some inspiration, this set is your best bet. Promising review: "In the process of giving our bedroom a new makeover. Needed new bedding ASAP for our new mattress. If I could give the quality and comfort of this duvet cover and pillowcases 10 stars, I would!! Definitely a great buy at an extremely affordable price. The quality exceeded my expectations. It is so soft, true to size and color, wrinkle-free, and has a well-made zipper at the bottom. There are also ties on the inside to keep your duvet in place. I absolutely LOVE everything about this cover." — Theresa Get a set from Amazon for $24.96+ (available in sizes Twin–Cal king and in 30 colors). 30. A floating shelf to turn your favorite books into a work of literal art. Instead of jamming them into the big bookshelf, place a few on the wall to show them off. Promising review: "These are so much fun! We ordered the small size, which fits standard hardback books (approximately five to seven hardbacks in my experience). They're a great way to add some extra storage to our very small home, and we've placed them in our hallway so people ask us about them all the time. I'd highly recommend!" — LaBuenaVidaMere Get it from Amazon for $17.45+ (available in two sizes, sets of three and in silver and white). 31. A vinyl floor mat that looks like eclectic tiles. Vinyl is the perfect material for kitchens because it's really thin (aka you won't trip over its edges) and very easy to clean. Artmat Home is a small business based in Israel making printed vinyl mats, placemats, and bamboo rugs. Promising review : "These are perfect mats for the kitchen to protect my wood floors. Look great and the thin profile means they stay in place and there isn’t a rug edge to trip on — very happy with them" — Julie Hurd Get it from Artmat Home on Etsy for $28+ (available in 13 sizes). 32. A super fluffy shag rug in a bubblegum pink color so you always have something soft underfoot. Place this next to your bed so it's the first thing your feet feel in the morning, or in your living room so that you can lounge around on the floor without sacrificing comfort. Promising review : "Love it! It’s so soft and plush. Color is perfect for my daughter’s room! She loves walking across it because of how soft it is!" — Linda Get it from Wayfair for $20.99+ (available in five sizes). 33. A set of three wildflower digital downloads that'll give you that cottagecore/farmhouse look, easy peasy. And because they're digital files, you can pick whatever picture frame works for your decor style. Susan Fern Art is a Washington-based Etsy shop established in 2014 that specializes in watercolor prints; the artist, a retired nurse, donates 100% of the purchase price to national programs that serve impoverished, homeless, and at-risk youth. Promising review: "These flower paintings are so pretty and delicate! They are perfect for my bedroom. Plus Susan was kind enough to share her professional printer and discount code with me so I could get 20% off! You should definitely ask her about that if you buy anything. I would definitely recommend this shop." — Beth Bordelon Get a set of three digital downloads from Susan Fern Art on Etsy for $10.50 (originally $14). 34. A bundle of faux flowers if you're looking for decor that screams "fresh and vibrant" without needing any actual care. The bright, cheerful pop of color will instantly breathe life into any room — no watering required. Promising review : "Simply gorgeous. Literally not one bud fell off during transit, nor when I was 'fluffing' the individual stems out before placement. So glad I ordered! They were exactly what I was looking for to go in my ghost pitcher. :)" — J. I. Racioppo Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 27 colors and three bundle sizes). 35. A metal organizer that can hold everything from files and books to vinyl records and magazines. Place this on your nightstand if you have an unruly tower of books that you want to tidy up. Promising review: "I didn’t want anything too bulky on my nightstand but I like to have several books I like to read in bed. I previously had them stacked on top of each other and found this and was afraid it might be cheaply made bu t it is sturdy and beautiful! I’m such a bookworm and I am in love with this added piece to my room. " — Stephy Lynn Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in two colors). 36. A mossy garland light to add a touch of enchantment to your home. Perfect for hanging above a mantel, draping over a bookshelf, or adding a bit of natural charm to your space, these battery-operated lights create a warm, inviting glow that feels like you've stepped into a forest. Promising review: "Used this as a garland for my fireplace mantle. So beautiful and soft looking year-round." — Bonnie Get it from Amazon for $22.39+ (be sure to clip the 20% off coupon; available in 11 styles). 37. A faux zebra hide rug that'll elevate any room's elegance level to one million. Layer this over an existing rug (that has a contrast) or put it directly on hardwood, either way it's going to look absolutely stunning. Promising review: "I love, love, love this faux zebra rug. It's perfect for a little desk area and great for under the wheels of a chair. This is priced well and was delivered on time. It's so pretty!!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in four sizes and multiple styles). 38. A modern twist floor lamp if you want some lighting that'll make guests say "wow, where'd you get that?" Its sleek spiral design feels like modern art — except, you know, it actually lights up the room. Place it next to your couch or use it as a cool focal point in your home office, and let the compliments roll in. Brightech is a small business in Los Angeles that sells indoor and outdoor lighting for the home. Promising review: "What an unusual, beautiful floor lamp! Love the three brightness levels, easily controlled by a floor button. I wanted a lamp in my living room for added light, but also wanted ambient lighting. This lamp has it all — the first brightness level is very bright, the second is just a little less bright, and the third is the ambient light . It was the perfect addition to my newly redecorated living room. You need to attach the base, but it was very easy to do. Happy with the quality of the lamp also." — Teresa D. Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (clip the 30% off coupon on the product page for this price; available in two styles). 39. A wood and rattan Z-shaped table with a corrugated glass top that's the ideal combination of form and function. It's a side table, yes, but it's also an opportunity to display a few choice magazines or books on the dedicated ledge of the table base. Promising review : "This side table is the perfect piece to add a tropical/mid century vibe to a living room or bedroom! The small slanted ledge on the bottom is great either as is to show off the rattan detail, or to add an album cover or book on display. I am so happy with my purchase!" — Jacqueline "This little table is just the right size and mixes in extremely well with our MCM decor. Love it and would buy again." — Sharon Dunn Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three styles and four finishes). 40. A suspended "floating" wine bottle holder that's probably the coolest way ever to show off your most prized bottle of wine (or just the two-buck Chuck you plan on popping open during dinner tonight). Promising review : "I was actually curious if this was actually going to work and if it would look cheap, but it's well made, sturdy, and looks pretty cool. You can use other liquor bottles. Don't be fooled by the empty bottle and lack of weight. I tried full bottles of unopened wine, and it's held up really well. For the price point, you can't beat it, and you will definitely get lots of compliments!" — KGP Get it from Amazon for $16.80+ (available in three styles). 41. A vintage-inspired washable area rug if you want a tasteful boho look but are on a budget. And if an accident ever happens, just throw it in the washing machine to bring it back to its former glory. Promising review: "Rug is stunning!! Our kitchen has accent colors of cobalt blue, and it’s perfect (we got the blue medallion ), really ties everything together. Great wide runner, true to size. This is NOT a fuzzy rug; more of a velvety fabric with the pattern printed onto it. Which is great for high traffic areas and easy cleaning. Highly recommend!" — E Hackman Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in 22 shapes and sizes, and in 27 colors). 42. A "flaming" humidifier that uses light and mist to create a flame-like effect instead of a real fire. Put a few drops of your favorite essential oil in it to make every breath a blissful escape. Promising review : "I like how this diffuser kind of looks like a mini fireplace and it’s perfect for winter. I also like how long the water of this diffuser lasts — I always add my favorite essential oil in it when I go to sleep every night without worrying it will run out of water. I used to have insomnia and it helped me to sleep through the night with my relaxing essential oil scent, and it also worked as a humidifier." — Benny Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in two sizes and two colors). 43. And an Art Deco-inspired pendant lampshade to upgrade your ceiling pendant or floor lampshade. Changing up your lighting is an easy way to make a big difference in any room, so try this one out if your situation is looking a little stale. Promising review: "Perfect! I love this lampshade. I have three of them now and they look amazing. I use color-changing bulbs in them and I get so many compliments, especially when I turn the light bulbs to pastel shades. It looks so beautiful and elegant, that it looks exactly like the $200 version." — Julie Pinto Get it from Amazon for $18.49 . Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.sword art online games 。

Trump to direct Justice Department to look for evidence of 2020 election fraud: report

Vikings Hopeful To Retain Sam Darnold In 2025?

US stock indices pushed to fresh records Tuesday, shrugging off tariff threats from President-elect Donald Trump while European equities retreated. Trump, who doesn't take office until January 20, made his threat in social media posts Monday night, announcing huge import tariffs against neighbors Canada and Mexico and also rival China if they do not stop illegal immigration and drug smuggling. Both the Dow and S&P 500 notched all-time highs, with investors regarding the incoming president's words as a bargaining chip. "In theory, higher tariffs should not be good news for stocks. But, you know, I think the market's chosen to think of (it) as a negotiating tactic," said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers. "You have bullish sentiment," said LBBW's Karl Haeling. "People are tending to look at things as positively as possible." But General Motors, which imports autos from Mexico to the United States, slumped 9.0 percent, while rival Ford dropped 2.6 percent. Overseas bourses were also buffeted by the news. European stocks followed losses in Asia, despite Trump excluding Europe as an immediate target for tariffs. "These are his first direct comments on tariffs and tariff levels since becoming president-elect, and they have roiled markets," said Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB trading group, ahead of the Wall Street open. "It is early days, and there are plenty of opportunities for Trump to direct his attention to Europe down the line," Brooks added. The US dollar rallied against its Canadian equivalent, China's yuan and Mexico's peso, which hit its lowest level since August 2022. In other economic news, the Conference Board's consumer confidence index rose to 111.7 this month, up from 109.6 in October, boosted by greater optimism surrounding the labor market. "November's increase was mainly driven by more positive consumer assessments of the present situation, particularly regarding the labor market," said Dana Peterson, chief economist at The Conference Board. Pantheon Macroeconomics chief US economist Samuel Tombs added in a note that the increase in consumer confidence overall "likely was driven by euphoria among Republicans." "The index also jumped in late 2016, when Mr. Trump was elected for the first time," he said. Federal Reserve meeting minutes showed policy makers expect inflation to keep cooling, signaling a gradual approach to interest rate cuts if price increases ease further and the job market remains strong. New York - Dow: UP 0.3 percent at 44,860.31 (close) New York - S&P 500: UP 0.6 percent at 6,021.63 (close) New York - Nasdaq: UP 0.6 percent at 19,174.30 (close) London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.4 percent at 8,258.61 (close) Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 0.9 percent at 7,194.51 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: DOWN 0.6 percent at 19,295.98 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.9 percent at 38,442.00 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: FLAT at 19,159.20 (close) Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.1 percent at 3,259.76 (close) Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.0482 from $1.0495 on Monday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2567 from $1.2568 Dollar/yen: DOWN at 153.06 yen from 154.23 yen Euro/pound: DOWN at 83.41 pence from 83.51 pence Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 0.3 percent at $72.81 per barrel West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.3 percent at $68.77 per barrel bur-jmb/st

BJP slams Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for resuming Savarkar attack after Maharashtra pollSouthwest states certify election results after the process led to controversy in previous yearsGlobal technology company, Huawei, has unveiled its Mobile Money solution, saying it provides accessible services to expand customer and enterprise bases, and serve underbanked, unbanked, and small-to-medium enterprises. This was disclosed during a presentation at the 4th edition of Zenith Bank Tech Fair – an annual gathering to showcase leading technological innovations that cut across artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, risk management, compliance and financial intelligence. In his presentation at the fair, Huawei’s Chief Solutions Architect, Qiu Yao, demonstrated how current financial institutions battle challenges such as providing a one-stop financial platform to manage transactions, accelerating revenue growth, as well as reducing competition with FinTechs in the industry. Hence, the Huawei Mobile Money solution is the Super app, which consolidates all mini-apps and features into a single application to better improve user experience. “There is also no limit on the number of apps to be hosted on it as it is cloud-hosted, hence, scalable.” In a separate presentation, Huawei explained the trends in the banking industry, which gave rise to the Bank 4.0 Trend. To prepare a better environment for enterprises to provide solutions, Huawei focused on its IT offerings that allow for non-stop banking with “4 Zeros” feature namely – Zero-Downtime through high availability, Zero-wait to improve customer experience, Zero Trust to ensure end-to-end network security, and Zero Touch to improve business operations. Meanwhile, one of the IT offerings by Huawei includes the Digital Map- a unique self-built solution to enable the network to transform management operations from autonomous to intelligent for non-stop banking. Similarly, the firm, one of the leading providers of ICT network infrastructure, is committed to bringing digital innovations to every home, person, and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world.

It's time for the holidays, which means robust family conversations and seemingly never-ending courses of food. But for the more tech-savvy among us, the journey home could also mean we'll be called on to provide a backlog of tech support to parents, grandparents and other family members. And with generative AI being used to supercharge some major cyber scams this year, it's also a good time to teach and not just fix. Here are some tips on how to manage your tech encounters this holiday season: Whether it's Windows, macOS, iOS or Android, simply keeping your operating system and apps up-to-date will help protect your family's computers and devices against a surprising number of security threats, such as malware, viruses and exploits. Most operating systems, especially those for mobile devices and their app stores, typically have auto-updates turned on by default. Be sure to double-check the device to make sure it has enough storage space to carry out the update. (More on this below.) Keeping apps updated may also reduce the number of "Why isn't this app working?" type of questions from your relatives. Chances are someone in your family is going to have a completely full mobile device. So full, in fact, that they can no longer update their phone or tablet without having to purge something first. There are many approaches to freeing up space. Here are a few you can easily take without having to triage data or apps. According to some admittedly unscientific studies, the average person has hundreds of passwords. That's a lot to remember. So as you help your relatives reset some of theirs, you may be tempted to recycle some to keep things simple for them. But that's one of the bad password habits that cybersecurity experts warn against. Instead, try introducing your forgetful family member to a password manager. They're useful tools for simplifying and keeping track of logins. And if you want to impress a more tech-savvy cousin or auntie, you could suggest switching to a more secure digital authentication method: passkeys. As scammers find new ways to steal money and personal information, you and your family should be more vigilant about who to trust. Artificial intelligence and other technologies are giving bad actors craftier tools to work with online. A quick way to remember what to do when you think you're getting scammed is to think about the three S's, said Alissa Abdullah, also known as Dr. Jay, Mastercard's deputy chief security officer "Stay suspicious, stop for a second (and think about it) and stay protected," she said. Simply being aware of typical scams can help, experts say. Robocalls frequently target vulnerable individuals like seniors, people with disabilities, and people with debt. So-called romance scams target lonely and isolated individuals. Quiz scams target those who spend a lot of time on social media. Check our AP guide on the latest scams and what to do when you're victimized. Home internet speeds are getting faster, so you want to make sure your family members are getting a high-speed connection if they've paid for one. Run a broadband speed test on your home network if they're still rocking an aging modem and router. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!Autism cases on the rise, especially among young adults

Lebanon is closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for a main one that links Beirut with the Syrian capital Damascus, the General Security Directorate said Friday. The decision came hours after an Israeli airstrike damaged a border crossing in northern Lebanon just days after it was reopened. Separately, Jordan’s interior minister said the Naseeb border crossing with Syria had been closed because of the security situation on the Syrian side. He spoke after Syrian opposition activists said insurgents had captured the main border crossing with Jordan, forcing the Syrian authorities to leave. Israel’s military said it planned to reinforce its positions in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights and near the border with Syria. Israel said it was “monitoring developments and is prepared for all scenarios, offensive and defensive alike.” Meanwhile, Syrian insurgents entered the central towns of Rastan and Talbiseh early Friday just north of the central city of Homs, bringing them closer Syria’s third largest city, an opposition war monitor and pro-government media both reported. The breakthrough came a day after jihiadi-led opposition fighters captured the central city of Hama , Syria’s fourth largest. In other developments, a Hamas official said international mediators have resumed negotiations with the Palestinian militant group and Israel over a ceasefire in Gaza, and he was hopeful a deal to end the 14-month war is within reach. Israel's war against Hamas has destroyed vast areas of Gaza and displaced 90% of the population of 2.3 million, often multiple times. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel in October 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage . Israel’s blistering retaliatory offensive has killed at least 44,600 Palestinians , more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were combatants. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. Here's the Latest: DEIR AL-Balah, Gaza Strip — An Israeli strike hit a residential building in central Gaza's Nuseirat refugee camp on Friday evening, killing at least 12 people, including six children and four women, according to officials at Awda Hospital. The strike wounded at least 46 others, including 13 children and 12 women, and damaged several neighboring houses, the hospital said. Israel’s offensive has killed over 44,600 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not say how many were combatants. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. CAIRO — Israel said Friday that “thousands of food packages and sacks of flour” were delivered to the isolated northernmost reaches of Gaza, where hunger experts warn famine could be underway. The delivery would mark one of the first successful convoys to the area, which is besieged by Israeli troops that have mounted a fierce offensive in Gaza’s north since early October. COGAT, the Israeli military agency that controls the border crossings into Gaza, said the aid was delivered to the town of Beit Hanoun. Israeli authorities did not publicly say who delivered the aid, and did not provide details on the exact amount of aid involved. COGAT released photos of flatbed trucks driving past rubble, some carrying what appeared to be 25-kilogram (55 pound) sacks of aid and others with cargo covered under tarps. The U.N. has struggled to deliver aid to the area in recent weeks. Alia Zaki, a spokesperson for the World Food Program, told The Associated Press that nearly no food has entered the area for two months, and that the agency’s daily requests to enter the area have been denied by Israel. Of two missions that have been approved since Oct. 6, Zaki said, only two trucks of aid were delivered to a shelter that Israeli soldiers ordered to evacuate soon after and then burned. The situation in northern Gaza has prompted hunger experts to warn that famine is either near or may already be underway. BEIRUT — A Kurdish-led force in Syria that's backed by the United States says it has taken positions along the border with Iraq, replacing Syrian government forces. The move by the Syrian Democratic Forces to capture areas on the west bank of the Euphrates River is likely to cut the land line that links Iran with the Mediterranean coast. The SDF said in a statement that its fighters were deployed in the eastern city of Deir el-Zour and west of the Euphrates for the safety of civilians. “Our primary objective is to protect our security and the security of our people,” it said about the deployment. SDF spokesman Farhad Shami told The Associated Press that their fighters are not in control of the Boukamal border crossing with Iraq. Rami Abdurrahman of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said Iran-backed fighters have evacuated the border crossing point of Boukamal and the SDF is expected to control it later. The Boukamal border crossing has been a main supply line for Iran-backed fighters, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah, who had opened the corridor that links Iran with the Mediterranean in 2017. The developments come as jihadi-led insurgents in northwestern Syria have made stunning advances over the past week that have so far met little resistance from government troops. KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip — Crowds of displaced Palestinians, some carrying cooking pots and crying children, gathered at an aid kitchen in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis on Friday, but many left with nothing. “The food ran out,” said Adel Mohammad, who was hoping to get a meal of rice – the only food being served — for his children. “At night they wake up hungry.” After the kitchen shut down, children used their hands to scoop bits of rice left in large empty cooking pots. The World Food Program has warned that the humanitarian response in Gaza is “nearing collapse as famine looms.” The U.N. agency says Israeli restrictions on aid deliveries, along with the breakdown of law and order in Gaza, has made it difficult for aid convoys to reach displaced Palestinians. Concerns are growing with the onset of another winter of war. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, many displaced repeatedly by Israeli attacks, are living in tent camps, reliant on international aid. Experts have already warned of famine in northern Gaza, which Israeli forces have almost completely isolated since early October. BEIRUT -- Lebanon’s General Security Directorate said Friday the country is closing all land border crossing with Syria except for a main one that links Beirut with the Syrian capital Damascus. The decision by the security agency in charge of border crossings came hours after an Israeli airstrike damaged the Arida border crossing with Syria in north Lebanon, days after it was reopened. “Border crossings will be closed until further notice for the safety of travelers,” the agency said in a statement posted on X. It said that the only border crossing that will be kept open is Masnaa in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley. Lebanon’s state news agency said Friday the airstrike on the Arida crossing caused heavy material damage and cut the road. The Israeli military said fighter jets attacked the border crossing between Lebanon and Syria, adding that they were used to transfer munitions for Lebanon’s Hezbollah group. BEIRUT - Syrian opposition activists say insurgents have captured a main border crossing with Jordan forcing Syrian authorities to leave it. Shortly afterward, Jordan’s Interior Minister al-Frayeh said the Naseeb border crossing with Syria had been closed because of the security situation on the Syrian side. Story continues below video Opposition activists posted videos online showing people storming the border crossing with Jordan, which was in rebel hands until government forces regained control of it in 2018. Ahmad al-Masalmeh, an opposition activist based in France who covers events in southern Syria, told The Associated Press that local gunmen have captured the Naseeb crossing as well as several other areas in the southern province of Daraa where the uprising against President Bashar Assad began in March 2011. Syrian troops have evacuated checkpoints in several areas including the villages of Inkhil, Nawa and Jassem, he added. JERUSALEM — Israel’s military said on Friday that it planned to reinforce its forces stationed in the Golan Heights and near the border with Syria, where civil war has reignited between the government and rebel groups. The Israeli military said in a statement that it was “monitoring developments and is prepared for all scenarios, offensive and defensive alike.” After 13 years of civil war, Syrian insurgents are gaining ground, first taking cities in the country’s north and on Friday entering cities in central Syria. It comes as rebel groups mount new challenges to Russia- and Iran-backed Syrian forces, including in Aleppo, the country’s largest city. Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has intermittently struck areas in Syria seen as strongholds of Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group it is at war with in Lebanon. The advances of the Syrian insurgents adds new instability on Israel’s northern border, two months after it invaded neighboring Lebanon. Israel’s defense minister and military chief of staff met to discuss the situation Thursday. Israeli media reported there is concern in the country’s security establishment that the rebels would advance until they reached the Golan Heights, territory occupied by Israel, gaining control of Syrian weapons stockpiles along the way. Writing in the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahoronoth Friday, veteran military correspondent Ron Ben-Yishai wrote that Israel may “prefer” to destroy the weapons storehouses so they won’t fall into the hands of the rebels. Israel seized control of the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war. Syria has constantly accused Israel of launching attacks against it from territory it occupies in the Golan Heights. Israel has frequently struck Syria over the years. BEIRUT — Syrian insurgents entered two central towns early Friday just north of the central city of Homs, bringing them closer Syria’s third largest city, an opposition war monitor and pro-government media both reported. The break into Rastan and Talbiseh came a day after opposition gunmen captured the central city of Hama , Syria’s fourth largest, after the Syrian army said it withdrew to avoid fighting inside the city and spare the lives of civilians. The insurgents, led by the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have said that they will march to Homs and Damascus, President Bashar Assad’s seat of power. The city of Homs, parts of which were controlled by insurgents until 2014, is a major intersection point between the capital, Damascus, and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus where Assad enjoys wide support. Homs province is Syria’s largest in size and borders Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan. Insurgents are now 5 kilometers (3 miles) away from Homs, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor. “The battle of Homs is the mother of all battles and will decide who will rule Syria,” said Rami Abdurrahman, the Observatory’s chief. MANAMA, Bahrain — Iran said Friday it conducted a successful space launch, the latest for its program the West alleges improves Tehran’s ballistic missile technology. Iran conducted the launch using its Simorgh program , a satellite-carrying rocket that had had a series of failed launches, at Iran’s Imam Khomeini Spaceport in rural Semnan province. That’s the site of Iran’s civilian space program. The Simorgh carried what Iran described as an “orbital propulsion system,” as well as two research systems to a 400-kilometer (250-mile) orbit above the Earth. A system that could change the orbit of a spacecraft would allow Iran to geo-synchronize the orbits of its satellites. Tehran has long sought that ability. Iran also put the payload of the Simorgh at 300 kilograms (660 pounds), heavier than its previous successful launches. There was no immediate independent confirmation the launch was successful. The U.S. military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The announcement comes as heightened tensions grip the wider Middle East over Israel’s continued war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip and as an uneasy ceasefire holds in Lebanon. MELBOURNE, Australia — Arsonists extensively damaged a Melbourne synagogue on Friday in what Australia’s prime minister condemned as an antisemitic attack on Australian values. The blaze in the Adass Israel Synagogue is an escalation in targeted attacks in Australia since the war began between Israel and Hamas last year. Cars and buildings have been vandalized and torched around Australia in protests inspired by the war. A witness who had come to the synagogue to pray saw two masked men spreading a liquid accelerant with brooms inside the building at 4:10 a.m., officials said. About 60 firefighters with 17 fire trucks responded to the blaze, which police said caused extensive damage. Investigators have yet to identify a motive, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese blamed antisemitism. “This was a shocking incident to be unequivocally condemned. There is no place in Australia for an outrage such as this,” Albanese told reporters. “To attack a place of worship is an attack on Australian values. To attack a synagogue is an act of antisemitism, is attacking the right that all Australians should have to practice their faith in peace and security,” he added. ISTANBUL — A Hamas official says international mediators have resumed negotiating with the militant group and Israel over a ceasefire in Gaza, and that he was hopeful a deal to end the 14-month war was within reach. Ceasefire negotiations were halted last month when Qatar suspended talks with mediators from Egypt and the United States because of frustration over a lack of progress between Israel and Hamas. But there has been a “reactivation” of efforts in recent days to end the fighting, release hostages from Gaza and free Palestinian prisoners in Israel, according to Bassem Naim, an official in Hamas’ political bureau who spoke with The Associated Press in Turkey on Thursday. Another official familiar with the talks confirmed the return of Qatari mediators. The official spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the negotiations with the media. Since the talks broke down, there have been significant shifts in the global and regional landscape. Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election, and a ceasefire was declared last week between Israel and Hamas ally Hezbollah in Lebanon. Trump is a staunch supporter of Israel, but Naim said he believes the incoming administration could “affect the situation positively” given that Trump had made halting wars in the region part of his campaign platform. Trump this week called for the release of all hostages held in Gaza by the time he takes office on Jan. 20, saying there would be “hell to pay” if that doesn’t happen. WASHINGTON -- Three U.S. service members were being evaluated for potential traumatic brain injuries following an attack near a base in eastern Syria this week, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Thursday. Ryder said U.S. Central Command is still evaluating who was behind the attack near Mission Support Site Euphrates, which prompted the U.S. to conduct counter strikes on Tuesday. At the time, the Pentagon said rockets and mortars had landed in the vicinity of the base. The U.S. has about 900 troops in Syria to conduct missions to counter the Islamic Stage group. By Lolita Baldor

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President-elect Donald Trump’s vow to curtail big tech’s power aligns with about three-quarters of Americans who are concerned about its vast influence, according to a JL Partners poll obtained exclusively by Breitbart News. Seventy-four percent of Americans are very or somewhat worried about big tech’s influence on politics, the economy, and the lives of average Americans, the poll found. Fifteen percent are a little concerned, with just seven percent not at all concerned. Seventy-eight percent are worried about big tech’s expenditure of hundreds of millions of dollars to influence government policymaking. The poll sampled 1,000 registered voters from November 15-18 with a 3.1 percentage point margin of error. The survey comes as Trump vowed to reduce big tech’s power if he won reelection. Trump warned Facebook during the 2024 campaign against a repeat performance. “CEASE & DESIST: I, together with many Attorneys and Legal Scholars, am watching the Sanctity of the 2024 Presidential Election very closely because I know, better than most, the rampant Cheating and Skullduggery that has taken place by the Democrats in the 2020 Presidential Election. It was a Disgrace to our Nation!” Trump posted in September. “Therefore, the 2024 Election, where Votes have just started being cast, will be under the closest professional scrutiny and, WHEN I WIN, those people that CHEATED will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Law, which will include long term prison sentences so that this Depravity of Justice does not happen again. We cannot let our Country further devolve into a Third World Nation, AND WE WON’T!” Trump has a history of pushing back against big tech. During Trump’s first term, his Justice Department and several Republican-controlled states filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google. Trump called the search results “election interference.” “It has been determined that Google has illegally used a system of only revealing and displaying bad stories about Donald J. Trump, some made up for this purpose while, at the same time, only revealing good stories about Comrade Kamala Harris,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “This is an ILLEGAL ACTIVITY, and hopefully the Justice Department will criminally prosecute them for this blatant Interference of Elections.” “If not, and subject to the Laws of our Country, I will request their prosecution, at the maximum levels, when I win the Election, and become President of the United States!” he concluded. Wendell Husebo is a political reporter with Breitbart News and a former RNC War Room Analyst. He is the author of Politics of Slave Morality. Follow Wendell on “X” @WendellHusebø or on Truth Social @WendellHusebo.