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MLB notes: If Luis Tiant finally earns call to Cooperstown, it’ll be long overdue1. A fill-in-the-blank book for your bestie if your goal is to bring a tear to their eye. Fill it up with funny, sweet, thoughtful things about your friendship, and don't forget to grab a tissue before you read through it together! Promising review: "Absolutely loved this. It took a little bit of time to fill it out but it was fun reflecting back on the years. My friend absolutely loved it and said she'd treasure it always. I love how despite its small size, the pages are thick and it seems like it will last for the rest of her life and maybe beyond." — Lily Price: $9.95 (also available in other designs , including one for your partner , mom , dad , and more) 2. A darling embroidered bookmark any avid reader is sure to cherish. This is not only the perfect combo of beautiful and useful, but the monogram detail will also make it feel extra special. Promising review: "I gave it as a gift along with a book. The gift was liked very much, and I think because it was monogrammed with her initials, it made it more special. Very inexpensive. Was worth it." — Donna Faulkner Price: $6.98 (available in letters A–Z and four styles) 3. A Breakfast at Tiffany's -inspired eye mask that your glamorous friend who has an Audrey Hepburn canvas print hanging in their apartment will 100% appreciate. This will help them get some shut-eye while also helping them fulfill their fantasy of living in a 1960s rom-com. Promising review: "Comfortable, soft and cute! Gives enough darkness for a peaceful sleep without feeling suffocated like I have with other sleep masks. The elastic is secure but not too tight." — K. Garrett Price: $15.99 4. A customizable Lego bouquet-building set for adults who are both new to Lego building or old pros at it. Not only will it be fun for them to put together, but it'll also serve as a vibrant piece of decor that won't die a couple of days later. Promising review: "These Lego flowers were amazing! I purchased them for my fiancé for Christmas, and we had such a fun time building them together! There is a good variety, getting you lots of different flowers and repetitions of ones that are really nice! For an experienced Lego builder, these are gonna be a super easy build and come together very quickly! For someone not as experienced, it's gonna take a little more time, but is entirely within the realm of reason! Additionally, they look amazing set up and posed! " — Brayden Rozelle Price: $47.99 5. A Silly Poopy's Hide & Seek game that will play hide and seek with your kiddo, so you don't have to. Just hide the rainbow-colored poop toy, and it'll give clues until your little one finds it. Meanwhile, you can enjoy some much-deserved couch time. And let's be honest, what kid won't giggle when they open up a rianbow poop toy?? Check out a TikTok of the Silly Poopy in action. Promising review: "Let me tell you that if you want hours of endless fun of hide and go seek without having to hide yourself, this is a must get! When it's hidden it makes various toot noises and says stuff so the kids know if they are close. And when they find it and press the button to do and sing the silly poopy dance ... even you will dance and sing along!!! Doesn't need batteries and come on, it's poop? Who doesn't think poop and toot noises are funny and if they don't they are lying to themselves. A must-have for fun with your kids without barely doing any work!! " — andrea kelli gorman Price: $9.88 6. The Reverse Coloring Book , a clever way for them to zen out and take some time away from their phone and computer. Instead of adding the color to pages, they add the lines! It's simple yet satisfying, and reviewers are raving about how fun and calming it is. Check out a TikTok of the Reverse Coloring Book in action. Each book includes 50 pages of watercolor art for you to add lines, along with suggestions for what to add if you want a jumping off point. Bonus: the pages are perforated so you can easily tear them out and frame them! Promising review: "Changed my life. So I get anxious doing the adult coloring books. This was so much fun and made me really think outside of the box. I'm not the best at drawing but I felt like I was when I was a kid doodling in my textbooks in school." — Carley C. Price: $9.90 7. A silver cuff with a hidden message perfect for a loved one who needs a little pick-me-up. Plus, this simple accessory will work with almost anyone's style. The bracelet above says, "You are enough." But, there are TONS of other motivating messages to choose from including: "Be amazing today," "Just keep swimming," and "Believe in you like I do." Promising review: "I got this bracelet for a friend who was having a tough time. It is great quality and well made. The engraving is well done! Heavier than I thought it would be! Would order again! Thank you!" — HeatherMarie Price: $12.97+ (available in over 100 designs) 8. A Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza card game perfect for anyone who loves a good game night. Kids and adults alike enjoy this game because it's easy to play and sure to get everyone laughing. You deal all the cards out to your 2–4 players, and everyone keeps their mini-deck face down. Everyone takes a turn putting a card down in the middle of the table, saying one of the words "taco," "cat," "goat," "cheese," and "pizza," in that order. If the picture on your card matches the word that's said, everyone slaps their hand on the card in a pile as quickly as possible. The last person on the pile has to take the stack and add 'em to their cards, and whoever runs out of cards first wins! Promising review: "Fun, clean, family-friendly game. Easy to learn and fun for all ages. Quick games so players can jump in and out or swap. Could easily extend the game with another pack of cards. Lots of laughs! Buying for Christmas gifts this year!" — W M Price: $9.84 9. A bucket list insulated water bottle your frequent flyer family member will be obsessed with. If you know they're on a journey to check off all 50 states, then this gift will be the perfect way for them to keep track of how many places they have left while also keeping them hydrated on their many adventures. Promising review: "This is the perfect water bottle! Perfect size, insulates very well, high quality, beautiful colors on the stickers that adhere very well, and a super fun way to show your travels!! I am running a half marathon in every state - I have received lots of compliments on it!" — Cody Price: $45.99 Also available in a National Parks version ! 10. A stemless wineglass sure to make an a-meow-zing gift for any of your cat-loving colleagues. Promising review: "This is made out of heavy glass, not plastic. It has been through the washer more than a dozen times and the engraving is still intact and looks as great as it did from day one. Got this for my cat-loving wife for Christmas. Success! Always a winner for that cat-lover in your life, including yourself." — Arrr Matey Price: $16.99 11. A mini Bob Ross paint-by-numbers kit that comes with everything they need to create a teeny masterpiece on a cozy night at home. Complete with three pre-printed canvases, seven paint pots, a mini brush, and a mini easel, the budding artist on your list will surely get a kick outta this. The kit's three paint-by-number canvases include two landscapes and one portrait of Bob. They'll also get an instruction sheet and a mini book all about Bob! Promising review: "I have to admit I was skeptical because of the price and size. However, I got these for my husband for his birthday (he loves Bob Ross) and What a find!! We had so much fun mixing colors and painting. Would definitely recommend. The fact that they are small makes them even more special. I wish there were more to paint!" — slb m Get it from Amazon for $7.99 . 12. A ridiculously cute Groot flower pot perfect for your friend who cried with you throughout Avengers: Endgame . Promising review: "I bought this as a gift for a coworker who is a fellow Marvel fan and he loved it! I really like that it can be used for so many different things!" — Roberta Bowden Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two designs). 13. The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook by Dinah Bucholz , a ~magical~ book of recipes that'll allow the Potterhead on your list to properly dine like a witch or wizard at Hogwarts. It includes more than 150 easy-to-make recipes, tips, and techniques. It'll teach them how to make everything from treacle tart (Harry's favorite dessert), to Molly Weasley's meat pies, to pumpkin pasties (from the Hogwarts Express cart). Editor's Note: BuzzFeed does not support discriminatory or hateful speech in any form. We stand by the LGBTQ+ community and all fans who found a home in the Harry Potter series and will work to provide a safe space for fans. If you, like us, feel impassioned about trans rights, learn more or donate here . Promising review: "I LOVE THIS. I'm no master chef, but this cookbook might change that: I might even become a master wizard chef! Anyways, the recipes are phenomenal. The book has a bunch of cute references, and my younger siblings go crazy whenever I make something from this book. I most recently made the meat and potato pies, which can be found on page 44." — Tigerlily Price: $13.39 14. A super soft pair of fuzzy slippers with memory foam insoles to give to anyone who just loves to be cozy at home. They'll probably never want to take these things off. In fact, you may want to grab a second pair for yourself! Promising review: "Incredible. Wow. I don't even know where to begin. These slippers are so soft and sturdy. My feet never slide out of them. There's a foam padding for foot support... OMG. I can go on and on. These are incredible. 10/10 recommend for anyone." — NG Price: $14.99+ (available in women's sizes 5–10 and 13 colors) 15. A keychain bracelet that has a card holder so they can keep their keys, ID, and cash handy and easily accessible. This stylish bracelet is much cuter than a basic lanyard and a great gift or stocking stuffer for anyone who just got their license or just got a new car. Promising review: "Bought two bracelets in the denim blue for my teenage granddaughters. They love them and actually said they will wear them out and use them for shopping and when they are driving and don’t want to take a purse. You can fit your driver's license, credit card, and some cash. Teens are hard to buy for, and I came off a winner here!" — Fashionista Grandma Price: $6.99+ (available in 22 colors) 16. A 60-shade eyeshadow palette full of various neutral shades in matte, foil, pearl, and metallic finishes perfect for your makeup-loving friend or sibling. They'll think you spent a pretty penny at Ulta or Sephora on this because of how great the quality is — reviews say the shades are super pigmented, blendable, and long-lasting. Promising review : "This was way better than I expected it to be! More pigmented than some of my 'high-end' eyeshadow palettes. I would most definitely purchase from this company again, and again!!" — Shawna Promising review: "BUY IT! 100% WORTH IT... love the creamy formula, lots of pigment, and it blends so nicely with the other colors in the palette. I recently got the Bare Necessities palette from ColourPop, but this one has 2X as many colors at 1/3 the price, and it isn't as nice as this one in quality, tbh! Back in the day, I owned the original Naked 1, 2, and 3 palettes from Urban Decay, and THESE MATCH THE COLORS PERFECTLY AT A FRACTION OF THE PRICE. Plus, it has the honey and heat versions, too! I will use this every time I do my makeup. " — katherine Price: $11.99+ (available in two options) 17. And a 14-piece rose gold makeup brush set that's great for makeup beginners or those who can do a contour way better than you ever could. This set has almost everything they'll need and it'll look fabulous on their vanity. The bristles are vegan and cruelty-free, made of durable synthetic fiber that's soft and silky! This set will fulfill pretty much all of your makeup needs, including a blending brush, eyebrow brush, eyeshadow brushes, as well as ones suited for eyeliner, contouring, blush, and more. Promising review: "I am a makeup brush fanatic! I own Sigma and Sephora and It Cosmetics brushes, as well as Elf and Real Techniques. I love quality, not brand labels. This is one of the best makeup brush sets I own. There are lots of thick soft hairs in the brush that help to create a smooth flawless looking finish. The handle and ferrule are made of nice materials and lend the brushes the perfect balance of weight right where you need it." — Christina Price: $8.99+ (available in six colors) 18. An extremely delightful boba tea pencil holder perfect for holding their supplies for class, homework, or bullet journaling. This will be a cute and organized way to keep pencils, gel pens, scissors, erasers, and more in one spot. Promising review: "This is super cute! It holds my skinny markers. It came intact. When I saw it I didn't see the pockets — they are farther down and they work. It's worth the $10. I take it to work and get compliments on it. I'm gonna get another one :)." — Kona Price: $6.99+ (available in six colors) 19. A pair of LED light saber chopsticks for anyone who is always watching Star Wars movies on repeat. They definitely won't have to ~force~ a smile when they open this gift! There's a button to turn 'em on and off, and they come with batteries. Here's why BuzzFeed Shopping writer, Emma Lord , loves them: "As you can see from the above GIF, I bought these for myself, and I love them to pieces. TBH, I use them as decor every bit as much as I use them to eat. Sometimes I just keep them in my work area to light them up during the day to feel fancy. They toggle back and forth between a bunch of different colors, like red, blue, yellow, purple, and multicolor, so you can either make them match *or* have a red and blue one together and bring ~balance~ to The Force." Price: $10.97 (available in two styles) 20. A set of 12 handcrafted, moisturizing bath bombs made with natural ingredients, perfect for anyone who loves a good #SelfCareSunday moment. Promising review: "After receiving the first box as a gift, I had to order more. I am a true bath person and have tried bath products across the globe. I can honestly say that these are the absolute best bath bombs I have ever used! The fragrance is incredible and my skin is left soft, not oily. Here comes the part that blew me away: No residue or ring left in my tub! One more thing, the price allows me to order more and give as gifts!" — Pamela Price: $26.80 21. A cozy blanket sweatshirt for the person in your life who is like, always cold and loves to be cozy. Speaking from personal experience, they will want to wear it every day this winter! I LOVE this thing. It allows you to literally wrap yourself in a blanket, but still be able to use your hands, without your poor arm suffering in the cold breeze. I wear this while working from home, watching Netflix, and while taking naps. It's so comfy that there have been times I don't want to take it off when I have to run to the store — the only reason I do is because I don't want it to get dirty. I can't imagine one person who wouldn't be happy to have this wonderful bundle of coziness. Promising review: "To say that it is comfy is more than and understatement. It feels like wearing a soft and warm blanket turned into a hoodie. Because I want to take a nap while wearing, I just put the hood on, tuck my legs in and fall asleep right away, warm and comfortable, no need to wear a blanket over it. Perfect for lazy Sundays!" — Patricia Price: $49.99+ (available in 28 styles) 22. A copy of Nevertheless, She Wore It: 50 Iconic Fashion Moments by Ann Shen , which any fashion-obsessed friend will love to flip through. It'll inspire them to try new styles *and* teach them about powerful, groundbreaking women throughout history. Here's what my colleague, Heather Braga , had to say about the book: "Ann Shen's book, Nevertheless, She Wore It: 50 Iconic Fashion Moments , is jam-packed with stunning illustrations and facts about fabulous women from all around the world. I have a copy and it's something I absolutely treasure — and I learned a lot from it! Anyone would be lucky to receive this book this holiday season!" Price: $14.28 23. A set of three terra-cotta pots with drainage holes and saucers perfect for the plant parent on your list who has more greenery in their home than Poison Ivy does. Promising review: "I love these so much. The depth is perfect for my plants! I never write reviews but had to with these pots because they are stunning and inexpensive ." — Dominique Friend Price: $28.99 (available in four colors and four sizes) 24. A teak bathtub tray so they can have a convenient place to put their book, candle, and beverage while they soak in a luxurious bubble bath. Promising review: "Well made, pretty tray that fits all the way across my tub. Has support for a book or iPad which is great." — Jolene Saiz Price: $55.99 (also available in a bamboo style ) 25. A glass teapot , which comes with a glass infuser that's perfect for loose teas. It's microwave- and stovetop-safe and it's so stinkin' adorable it'll have them begging you to come over for tea parties. Promising review: "I absolutely love my little teapot. I use it on the stovetop ever morning and it is perfect. I have had mine about three weeks now and it’s doing amazing. I love using the hot water first for my morning matcha, then I add the loose tea to the remainder of the hot water for my afternoon tea. It’s perfect for me and despite being worried about putting it on the burner at first, it turns out it’s nothing to be worried about at all. It works and looks super cute!" — Amazon Customer Price: $29.99 26. A CovoBox — it's hollow on the inside, so they can use it to hide any unsightly cords or routers. Instead, it'll look like they have a beautiful collection of perfectly coordinated 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. 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 Price: $29+ (available in customizable sizes and colors) 27. A portable instant photo printer great for the person who is constantly snapping pics. The sticky-backed paper makes this perfect for journaling and scrapbooking! Promising review: "I originally purchased this product for my 11-year-old granddaughter who's always taking pictures. This is the absolute best gift I could have ever given her. It is compact, easy to use, and takes great quality reproductions of pictures in sticker form — how fun. I would recommend this product to anyone who wishes to give an out-of-the-ordinary gift." — Bianca Trevino Price: $67.99+ (available in five colors and a stater bundle option) 28. A shower phone holder for anyone who would love to watch YouTube videos, TikToks, or jam to their favorite playlist while they take way too long in the shower. Promising review: "This product is the answer to my search for a way to have music or Netflix playing while in the shower! The adhesion quality is great, and it's very easy to use. It fits my iPhone XS Max very well and is very sturdy. I would recommend this to anyone!" — Jackie Donovan Price: $9.99+ (available in nine colors/styles) 29. A 3-in-1 wireless charger that'll allow them to charge their iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods at the same time *without* a bunch of cords cluttering up their nightstand. Promising review: "I love this charging station! I‘m one of those people who has all the Apple things, so being able to charge my phone, watch, and AirPod Pros at the same time is a total game-changer for me. I can’t even guess how many times I’ve misplaced my AirPods because I didn’t have a dedicated place for them. Now there’s no question where they are every morning. Not only that, but the charger is pretty fast (especially for the watch and earbuds), and the station itself is easy to set up and use." — Anonymous Price: $29.99 (available in seven colors) 30. An LED flat plate so they can read all night long if they want, without disturbing their partner. The bookworm on your list will totally appreciate this. Promising review: "LOVE! This book light is perfect for nighttime reading. I opted for this particular brand over others I saw for less as it has a dimmer. I really like this one as the glow is soft and not harsh on my eyes. The dimmer has a wide range when I turn the knob. You can use this book light horizontally or vertically. It’s not large enough to cover the whole page of most books, but it does completely light up an entire page so you don’t have to move it up and down while reading." — Flora Price: $24.99+ (available in two colors) 31. A crystal carafe that'll look so chic on their nightstand. No more stumbling out of bed in the middle of the night for a glass of water. They will definitely feel luxurious when they use this gift (and they'll never know it was under $25). Promising review: "I bought one and love it so much that I got another one. It's meticulously made, gorgeously crafted solid crystal, and has serious heft. It's not huge or unwieldy but has enough capacity for not only nighttime carafe use, but also for daytime, e.g. I make iced tea and use it at my home office. I love the convenience of the glass/cover, which I use not as a drinking glass but for for dust particles not to get into my water and drinks. For the price, this cannot be beat. The quality of this is remarkable and if you're on the fence about this, get it — you won't be sorry. :-)" — IandThouSpirit Price: $21+ (available in three colors) 32. A pack of Crayola Globbles — a fidget toy that they'll love throwing at the wall and watching as they roll back down... so they can do it all over again. They can also squeeze and squish them as a stress ball. And the best part? These won't leave behind any sticky residue! Some reviewers initially bought them for their kids, but then bought more for themselves! After they get a little dirty, just wash them with soap and they'll be sticky again! Promising review : "Amazing toys! My 1- and 2-year-old LOVE them! They scream 'sticky balls!' and run around throwing them on the fridge, windows, cabinets, walls, etc. Easy to wash and air-dry, and don't lose their stickiness! My new go-to gift! Love them!" — Rachel Price: $19.59 (for a pack of 16) 33. A pair of aerating wineglasses that might just make their $8 bottle of Moscato taste like something from a fancy restaurant. Your wine-loving auntie will be using this all the time! Promising review: "I got these for my mom and she loves them! They are great conversation pieces, and fun to use. The wine fans out and falls into the glass as pictured. She runs them through the dishwasher and hasn't had any issues cleaning them that way. These are fun for wine drinkers." — Kaitlyn G. Price: $59.19 34. A felt letter board for the person who always has the best inspirational quotes in their Instagram captions — now they can display their skills in their home for all guests to admire. Promising review: "Great idea. Great for a small space on your wall that you need to fill. The white letters fix nicely to the fabric board until you want to remove them — which is also easy to do. Very cute." — Grant Price: $18.99+ (available in four sizes and 27 colors) 35. A pair of humorous novelty socks that'll make a great gift for a bacon lover, wine lover, taco lover, coffee lover, and more. Basically, these are an adorable add-on or stocking stuffer for pretty much anyone on your list. Promising review: "Funny and well-made. Got these for my lady friend, who funny enough drinks tea and wears socks. She loved the colors, the graphics and the material. Extra soft and comfortable. Highly recommend." — Rick Baird Price: $9.99+ (available in 16 designs) 36. A copy of Burn After Writing , a guided journal meant to encourage them to explore their feelings. It features different questions and thought experiments to help them learn about themself and let go of certain things. Promising review: "I first saw this book on TikTok and decided to look more into it. I purchased four total because I know some people holding onto things that are difficult to let go of. It’s a great way to look at things from a different perspective and truly hold yourself accountable to different things in your life. I love what it stands for and I look forward to when I burn mine after I’m done. Self love, self care, and meditation for a better state of mind tomorrow is always the goal. I definitely recommend it to those susceptible to change and the willingness to try things different. You’re so much more than what’s been done to you and someone’s inability to see your worth does not decrease your value. Choose you for a change." — Brent Helm Price: $7.32 37. A pair of constellation tassel earrings that are ~out of this world~ gorgeous! And for less than $10??! Any fashionista who loves a good accessory will be thrilled to unwrap these. Promising review: "These are absolutely beautiful, and clever with the post being falling stars. The stud sits comfortably and is lovely. Not gaudy or tacky in the least. I’m thrilled with them — and the price? If you are charmed by the picture you won’t be disappointed! They’re beautiful!" — Amyss Price: $8.66 (available in two colors) 38. A Wacky Waving Inflatable Tube Guy to keep on their desk so they can have a little dance party with him whenever they need some cheering up. Promising review: " I opened the package and screamed for joy! As I placed the 9-volt battery my hands were trembling with what was going to happen next! As I turned on the wacky waving inflatable tube man I knew I have a friend for life. Someone you can really count on cheering you up when you are feeling down. He brought me such joy, I started to cry with laughter and happiness. " — Robert Wurstner Price: $8.58 Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
MOREHEAD, Ky. (AP) — Isaiah Smith ran for a career-high 205 yards on 31 carries and scored a touchdown and San Diego beat Morehead State 37-14 in a season-ending contest for both teams on Saturday. Grant Sergent threw for 184 yards and two touchdowns for San Diego (8-3, 6-2 Pioneer Football League) which ended the season with a four-game win streak and winners of six of seven. The Toreros finished in sole possession of second place in the PFL behind Drake (7-1), which clinched the league outright with a 49-10 win over Stetson on Saturday. Drake beat San Diego 30-28 on a walk-off field goal on Sept. 28 in Des Moines, Iowa. Bryce Patterson threw for 133 yards and a touchdown and James Louis ran for a touchdown for the Eagles (7-5, 5-3). ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP collegebasketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballIn a pivotal move, President-elect Donald Trump has selected Brooke Rollins to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). A conservative Texas attorney and former White House domestic policy advisor, Rollins was brought in to lead a large organization that played a vital role in American agriculture. Trump has always praised American farmers as the backbone of the country, and her selection demonstrates his continuous commitment to protecting them. A Leadership Role with Vast Reach The USDA is a large organization with a wide variety of duties. It operates in every county in the US and has around 100,000 employees. Important topics including food safety, trade policy, agricultural research, farm and nutrition programs, and rural development are all covered by its operations. With a budget of $437.2 billion in 2024, USDA will rank among the top federal departments in terms of funding. The impact of Rollins' leadership on American farmers and the agriculture industry would be profound. The agency is in charge of overseeing the two most important crops in the country, maize and soybeans, as well as establishing dietary guidelines for school cafeterias nationwide. As Secretary, Rollins would also influence food assistance programs, rural development, and the management of national forests and grasslands—roughly 200 million acres in total, according to The New York Times. A Long History in Conservative Policy Rollins had a number of significant positions in conservative policy circles before to being selected for the USDA post. She was president of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supported fossil fuel interests, increased the role of Christianity in public affairs, and encouraged funding for private schools. Her position in Trump's inner circle was further cemented during her time serving as a domestic policy adviser in the White House. In order to further Trump's political objectives, the America First Policy Institute was established in 2021, and Rollins serves as its president. Many former Trump administration officials are on the institute's roster, underscoring Rollins' intimate connections to the previous president's policymaking machinery, Reuters reported. Deep Ties to Agriculture Rollins has a long history with agriculture. She was interested in agricultural groups as a young woman and is from Glen Rose, Texas. She belonged to 4-H, a youth development program, and the National FFA Organization, which encourages youth agricultural education. She attended Texas A&M University to study agricultural development, and she has frequently highlighted how agriculture influenced her work. Rollins recently commented on her experience in a video for Ag Women Connect, stating, "It all started in agriculture." Her capacity to comprehend and respond to the demands of American farmers and rural communities may be improved by her personal connection to the business, the NY Times said. The USDA’s Expansive Role The USDA has a wide range of effect. In addition to helping farmers, the agency is in charge of overseeing and advancing American agriculture. Millions of Americans benefit from it since it also oversees the majority of government food assistance programs. Additionally, it promotes rural development by supplying remote regions of the nation with basic utilities like power. It will be expected of Rollins to guide USDA through a challenging policy environment. The incoming Secretary has considerable influence over choices on food policy, even though Congress sets a large portion of the department's financing through the farm bill. In the upcoming years, her leadership will play a crucial role in determining agricultural policy. Rollins: A Conservative Voice in Agriculture Trump's persistent dedication to promoting a conservative agenda in U.S. policy is demonstrated by the choice of Rollins as Agriculture Secretary. She is well-positioned to represent the interests of rural America because of her experience in conservative think tanks and her personal connections to the agricultural industry. The Trump administration's overarching goal of safeguarding American industry and workers is consistent with USDA's objective to support and advance agriculture. Rollins' broad background in agriculture and policy will be crucial to achieving these objectives, especially as the U.S. deals with a changing global agricultural environment. According to The Guardian, Rollins' selection was viewed as a calculated step to guarantee that the USDA would continue to be a strong advocate for Trump's supporters. The department plays a crucial role in the administration's initiatives to support the agriculture industry because of its control over food policy, farm subsidies, and rural development. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News, World and around the world.Smith's career-high 205 yards rushing carries San Diego past Morehead State 37-14
A federal appeals court panel on Friday unanimously upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in a few short months, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the U.S. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit denied TikTok's petition to overturn the law — which requires TikTok to break ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance or be banned by mid-January — and rebuffed the company's challenge of the statute, which it argued had ran afoul of the First Amendment. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
NonePresident-elect Donald Trump has tapped Brooke Rollins, president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, to oversee the Department of Agriculture, one of the most sprawling federal agencies. Rollins was previously the director of the Domestic Policy Council during the first Trump administration. She has a long history in conservative politics, including also running the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Originally from Texas, she graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development. She then got her law degree at the University of Texas school of Law. During the first Trump administration, Rollins also served as assistant to the president for intergovernmental and technology initiatives . After leaving the White House, Rollins was among a group of senior advisers to create the new nonprofit group aimed at promoting Trump's policies . As the new head of USDA she would oversee nearly 100,000 employees, and would oversee the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which makes up over half of its nutrition budget, as well as the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and school meal regulation. She would be the second woman to lead the department, following Ann Veneman who served under President George W. Bush. The department could be at the front lines of Trump's efforts to trim what he calls the "deep state" of federal bureaucracy and his efforts to implement tariffs on foreign goods — though it also provides crucial assistance to farmers and rural areas. The department distributes agricultural subsidies and is the first stop for farmers to receive financial assistance for their operations. USDA is also the only agency with a rural development branch that distributes federal broadband, housing and utilities programs to rural communities. The first Trump administration had to address the consequences of Trump's trade war with China and others, which resulted in retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural products leading to decreased farmer profits . The federal government did step in with some assistance to boost incomes due to the trade war, and then the COVID-19 pandemic. It is possible Trump could also sign a second farm bill into law, a potentially trillion-dollar bill reauthorized every five years to provide farmer safety nets, programing, rural development and government nutrition assistance. The last farm bill was signed by Trump in 2018 and Congress has since failed to reauthorize it. SNAP is estimated to serve 42 million participants each month with food benefits, and WIC serves about 40% of all infants in the United States . Making changes to the safety-net programs has been one of the sticking points for the legislation, in addition to its funds for conservation programs. Copyright 2024 NPR
Bulls vs. Grizzlies Injury Report Today – November 23 Published 4:33 pm Friday, November 22, 2024 By Data Skrive The injury report for the Chicago Bulls (6-10) ahead of their matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies (9-7) currently includes six players. The Grizzlies also have six injured players listed on the report. The matchup is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET on Saturday, November 23. Watch the NBA, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up for a free trial. Last time out, the Bulls lost 122-106 to the Bucks on Wednesday. In the losing effort, Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 27 points. The Grizzlies’ last outing on Wednesday ended in a 117-111 win over the 76ers. In the Grizzlies’ win, Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way with 25 points (adding four rebounds and one assist). Chicago Bulls Injury Report Today Sign up for NBA League Pass to get live and on-demand access to NBA games. Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report Today Get tickets for any NBA game this season at StubHub. Bulls vs. Grizzlies Game Info Catch NBA action all season long on Fubo. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .Smith's career-high 205 yards rushing carries San Diego past Morehead State 37-14
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Friday, November 22, 2024 The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, inaugurated in 2014, has become a pivotal platform showcasing the progress in maritime propulsion and design. The 2024 edition marked an all-time high with participation from 40 universities, attracting over 700 students across 25 nations, including 450 attendees. As the event evolves, it retains essential elements like its mentoring program and Job Forum, essential for connecting budding talents with seasoned professionals. Bernard d’Alessandri, the General Secretary of Yacht Club de Monaco, emphasizes the event’s mission to spearhead technological progress in leisure boating. The challenge garners substantial backing from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, UBS, BMW, SBM Offshore, and prominent industry names like Monaco Marine and Lürssen, underscoring its importance. The timeline for the upcoming sessions is as follows: The Energy Class, introduced in 2018, continues to push the boundaries of innovation by testing zero-emission prototypes and is now broadening its technological horizons to include alternatives like hydrogen and kinetic energy storage. The competition bids farewell to the Solar Class, urging participants to explore a variety of sustainable solutions under the new Energy and SeaLab Classes, or the inaugural AI Class starting in 2025, which will highlight autonomous maritime technologies. The SeaLab Class, now a central feature of the challenge, welcomes entries up to 12 meters long that comply with stringent safety standards while demonstrating cutting-edge sustainable maritime technologies. New in 2025, the AI Class will open doors to prototypes that operate autonomously, fostering further advances in maritime AI integration, with human intervention limited to troubleshooting. Highlighting creativity, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation continues to encourage innovation through the Sustainable Yachting Technology Award, offering €25,000 to the team that presents the most effective solution in energy efficiency or carbon reduction. Last year’s recipient was Physis Synergy from Politecnico di Milano, recognized for their innovative fuel cell technology. Looking ahead, the 12th edition of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is set to cement its status as a key event for enthusiasts and professionals interested in sustainable marine technology and international collaboration, driving forward a vision of a sustainable and efficient future in yachting.
Iran on Syria: people will decide the futurestc implementing stock option plan to enhance work environment
NACOGDOCHES, Texas (AP) — Kobe Stewart scored 17 points as Presbyterian beat Monmouth 71-61 on Saturday. Stewart had five rebounds and six assists for the Blue Hose (5-3). Kory Mincy added 16 points while shooting 4 for 11 (3 for 8 from 3-point range) and 5 of 6 from the free-throw line while they also had five rebounds. Jamahri Harvey shot 5 for 14, including 3 for 9 from beyond the arc to finish with 13 points. The Hawks (0-8) were led in scoring by Jack Collins, who finished with 25 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Monmouth also got 12 points and two steals from Justin Ray. Madison Durr had seven points. The loss is the eighth straight for the Hawks. Presbyterian took the lead with 4:56 left in the first half and never looked back. Stewart led his team in scoring with 13 points in the first half to help put them ahead 45-32 at the break. Presbyterian used an 8-0 run in the second half to build a 17-point lead at 61-44 with 8:51 left in the half before finishing off the win. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Federal appeals court upholds law requiring sale or ban of TikTok in the US A federal appeals court panel on Friday unanimously upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok as soon as next month, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the U.S. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the law - which requires TikTok to break ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance or be banned by mid-January — is constitutional, rebuffing TikTok’s challenge that the statute ran afoul of the First Amendment and unfairly targeted the platform. TikTok and ByteDance — another plaintiff in the lawsuit — are expected to appeal to the Supreme Court. Executive of Tyler Perry Studios dies when plane he was piloting crashes in Florida ATLANTA (AP) — The president of Atlanta-based Tyler Perry Studios has died when the small plane he was piloting crashed on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The studio confirmed on Saturday that Steve Mensch, its 62-year-old president and general manager, had died Friday. The crash happened in Homosassa, about 60 miles north of Tampa. Photos from the scene show the plane having come to rest upside down on a road. Mensch helped advocate for Georgia’s film tax credit of more than $1 billion a year. Perry hired Mensch to run his namesake studio in 2016. Mensch died as Perry released his war drama, “The Six Triple Eight." The film was shot at the Atlanta studio. US added a strong 227,000 jobs in November in bounce-back from October slowdown WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s job market rebounded in November, adding 227,000 workers in a solid recovery from the previous month, when the effects of strikes and hurricanes had sharply diminished employers’ payrolls. Last month’s hiring growth was up considerably from a meager gain of 36,000 jobs in October. The government also revised up its estimate of job growth in September and October by a combined 56,000. Friday’s report also showed that the unemployment rate ticked up from 4.1% in October to a still-low 4.2%. The November data provided the latest evidence that the U.S. job market remains durable even though it has lost significant momentum from the 2021-2023 hiring boom, when the economy was rebounding from the pandemic recession. Stock market today: Wall Street hits more records following a just-right jobs report NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records after data suggested the job market remains solid enough to keep the economy going, but not so strong that it raises immediate worries about inflation. The S&P 500 climbed 0.2%, just enough top the all-time high set on Wednesday, as it closed a third straight winning week in what looks to be one of its best years since the 2000 dot-com bust. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.8% to set its own record. Treasury yields eased after the jobs report showed stronger hiring than expected but also an uptick in the unemployment rate. Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO spotlights complex challenge companies face in protecting top brass NEW YORK (AP) — In an era when online anger and social tensions are increasingly directed at the businesses consumers count on, Meta last year spent $24.4 million to surround CEO Mark Zuckerberg with security. But the fatal shooting this week of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson while walking alone on a New York City sidewalk has put a spotlight on the widely varied approaches companies take to protect their leaders against threats. And experts say the task of evaluating threats against executives and taking action to protect them is getting more difficult. One of the primary worries are loners whose rantings online are fed by others who are like-minded. It’s up to corporate security analysts to decide what represents a real threat. Days after gunman killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO, police push to ID him and FBI offers reward NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly four days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still do not know the gunman’s name or whereabouts or have a motive for the killing. But they have made some progress in their investigation into Wednesday's killing of the leader of the largest U.S. health insurer, including that the gunman likely left New York City on a bus soon after fleeing the scene. The also found that the gunman left something behind: a backpack that was discovered in Central Park. Police are working with the FBI, which on Friday night announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. USDA orders nationwide testing of milk for bird flu to halt the virus The U.S. government has ordered testing of the nation’s milk supply for bird flu to better monitor the spread of the virus in dairy cows. The Agriculture Department on Friday said raw or unpasteurized milk from dairy farms and processors nationwide must be tested on request starting Dec. 16. Testing will begin in six states — California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon and Pennsylvania. The move is aimed at eliminating the virus, which has infected more than 700 dairy herds in 15 states. Words on ammo in CEO shooting echo common phrase on insurer tactics: Delay, deny, defend A message left at the scene of an insurance executive’s fatal shooting echoes a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims. The words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” were written on the ammunition used to kill UnitedHealthcare's CEO. That's according to two officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday. The words are similar to the phrase “delay, deny, defend.” That's how attorneys describe insurers denying services and payment, and the title of a 2010 book critical of the industry. Police haven’t officially commented on the words. But Thompson’s shooting and the messages on the ammunition have sparked outrage on social media and elsewhere, reflecting frustration Americans have over the cost and complexity of getting care. Michigan Democrats move to protect reproductive health data before GOP takes control of House LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Democrats in Michigan are pressing to pass reproductive health care legislation before the party loses its majority with the new legislative session next year. A bill to protect digital reproductive health data including data logged on menstrual cycle tracking apps is a Democratic priority as lawmakers meet this month. Democratic women and supporters of the legislation say they are acting with new urgency before President-elect Donald Trump takes office because they don't believe his campaign promise to leave abortion to the states. The rush is also a reaction to Republicans taking control of the state House in January. Democrats kept control of the state Senate in the November election. Japan's Nippon Steel sets sights on a growing overseas market in its bid to acquire US Steel KASHIMA, Japan (AP) — The signs at Nippon Steel read: “The world through steel,” underlining why Japan’s top steelmaker is pursuing its $15 billion bid to acquire U.S. Steel. Japan's domestic market isn't growing, so Nippon Steel has its eyes on India, Southeast Asia and the United States, where populations are still growing. Nippon Steel gave reporters a tour of one of its plants in Japan on Friday. The bid for U.S. Steet is opposed by President-elect Donald Trump, President Joe Biden and American steelworkers. If the deal goes through, U.S. Steel will keep its name and its headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but become subsidiary of Nippon Steel.
A former aide to anti-trans lawmaker Nancy Mace has ripped the South Carolina congresswoman over her bill that would ban trans women from women’s restrooms, calling it nothing more than “a ploy” to get on TV, a claim that Mace has faced before. “If you think this bill is about protecting women and not simply a ploy to get on Fox News , you’ve been fooled,” Natalie Johnson, who served as Mace’s director of communications in 2021, posted on X in response to Mace’s bill which targets restrooms solely in the U.S. Capitol. Her bill was introduced two weeks after Sarah McBride (D-Del.) became the first openly trans person elected to Congress. Mace’s legislation is a clear reversal of prior pro-LGBTQ comments she’s made while in office, though it falls in line with current rhetoric that has been credited in part with helping fuel President-elect Donald Trump ’s reelection campaign. If you think this bill is about protecting women and not simply a ploy to get on Fox News, you've been fooled. pic.twitter.com/RWvAS2DsmE “I strongly support LGBTQ rights. No one should be discriminated against,” Mace told the Washington Examiner shortly after taking office as a freshman lawmaker in 2021. “Having been around gay, lesbian, and transgender people has informed my opinion over my lifetime.” Newsweek on Thursday said it counted 326 instances within the last 72 hours where Mace posted, reposted or responded to posts on social media about bathrooms. Her posts include her repeatedly and intentionally identifying transgender women, like McBride, as men. “It’s offensive that a man in a skirt thinks that he’s my equal,” Mace said in an interview with Newsmax Wednesday. A representative with Mace’s office did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment on Johnson’s criticism or on why Mace’s support of the LGBTQ community has changed. Don't let this be the end of the free press. The free press is under attack — and America's future hangs in the balance. As other newsrooms bow to political pressure, HuffPost is not backing down. Would you help us keep our news free for all? We can't do it without you. Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all. Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages. Mace, who ran her own PR firm before seeking office, has previously been accused by former staffers of not being “a real legislator” and primarily “using her office to get on TV.” Earlier this year, she was also accused by staffers of wanting to “get punched in the face” by rioters during the 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol so that she’d get media attention for it. Transgender rights ended up playing a major role in the 2024 presidential election, with Republicans gaining ground by painting Democrats as being too far to the left on social issues like transgender rights. One particular pro-Trump ad that criticized Kamala Harris ’ support of trans rights was deemed “the most impactful commercial of his campaign” and even suggested as having “won Donald Trump the election.” Related From Our PartnerMinkah Fitzpatrick Receives Fine from Ravens Game
