blackjack nonstop song Bill to establish FUTA Teaching Hospital passes second readingOp-Ed: Naivete, greed, unpreparedness + stupidity = 30% job losses? THAT dumb.

Black Friday 2024 is officially here! This is the moment we’ve all waited for and we’re finally shopping like it is our job. Because it is ! As we have with the last two Prime Days , our shopping and deals crew has rounded up the top items we’ve decided to buy this week during all of the big Black Friday deals . We’ve got a decade of experience with shopping online and watching Black Friday sales, so these are our predictions for products we expect to see on sale this week. Some of these hot-ticket items are also expected to sell out fast . We saw an early Black Friday Dyson Airwrap deal sell out in a day just a few weeks ago. Each member of the team has narrowed down some of the top coveted items we’re hoping to snag at a discounted rate during all of these Black Friday sales. New skincare from Paula’s Choice , Belif and BIODANCE I plan to restock my skincare lineup when Belif, BIODANCE, and Paula's Choice run their Black Friday deals. Amazon I’m Ana, the manager of the Content Innovation & Digital Growth team, and I am still trying to recover from the days of using St. Ive’s face wash and over-exfoliating my skin. I wait all year and snag everything during Black Friday or Prime Day to stock up on what I need. Black Friday always tends to be the best day to score the biggest deals on the brands I love, like Paula’s Choice , Belif , and BIODANCE . The big bottle of Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant is normally a whopping $35, but for Black Friday it is down to $27. While Paula’s Choice has markdowns, I’ll also snag some of their C15 Super Booster (24% off) to help get rid of hyperpigmentation on my skin. I’ve read online these two are like a power duo to minimize the appearance of pores and help bring more life to your skin. These might just be buzzwords, but they’re working on me. For the last three Black Fridays, I’ve bought this belif The True Cream Moisturizing Eye Bomb for anywhere between 30% to 50% off and I plan to do the same in 2024. It always lasts me the full year, since I use it only at night and I’ve never had an issue with it in all of these years. It is perfect for my sensitive skin and keeps the skin around my eyes soft and smooth. I’ll probably pick up the brand’s Cooling Eye Gel for a morning pick-me-up since it is 34% off. As I’ve mentioned before, I am the TikTok-obsessed member of my team. That means I got sucked into trying BIODANCE Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask , and the hype is real. This mask is like a breath of fresh air for my skin. It is so intensely hydrating, which means I need to snag as many discounted packs as I can get ahead of the cold winter months. A 4-pack is currently 32% off for Black Friday, while the 16-pack is 30% off. A new pair of HOKA Clifton 9 sneakers I'm hoping to score a great deal on the HOKA Clifton 9 during Black Friday sales this week. HOKA For me, Black Friday is typically a restock time. I don’t want a PS5 or a new TV, I want to replace my favorite things that desperately need it. I am a HOKA girlie and have been for years now. I’ve worn my Clifton 9 sneakers into the ground. Literally . The bottoms of my soles have officially worn out around the toes and I need to put my current pair to rest. I have a pair of Bondi 8 sneakers but have found those are better suited for my 30,000 step days in Disney World and my HOKA Clifton 9 sneakers are my preferred shoe for walks around my neighborhood and at my Rumble boxing classes. My current pair is just the classic Black/White colorway , and I want to restock those exact sneakers. But, if I were to see these on super sale, I’d be inclined to snag two pairs and get a new color as well, I’ve got my eye on the Sunlit Ocean / Lilac Mist and Frost / Rose Gold colorways. A slew of Amika hair products Another restock I plan to do for Black Friday is on Amika haircare, when the brand slashes prices by around 30% off. Amazon I wasn’t kidding that Black Friday has a recurring theme for me: restocking. The final thing I plan to restock is my Amika staples. I have been growing my hair out for years and it has been a success in large part due to investing in quality hair products, and Amika is a brand I’ve grown obsessed with over the last few years, but it comes with a hefty price tag. The Top 2 Amika products that I’m planning to grab when they go on sale are the Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Leave-In Conditioner and Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask . Both smell absolutely amazing and leave my hair feeling softer than ever. I tend to use the mask once a week and then use the leave-in conditioner every few days, I’d love to use it daily but at $29 per 200 ml, I try to conserve it. I’ve got my eye on the Amika Power Hour Curl Refreshing Spray to see if it goes on sale as well because I’m always on the hunt for a good curl product. Solo Stove Yukon Smokeless Fire Pit I plan to buy the Yukon Backyard Bundle while it is currently marked down by $290 for Black Friday. Solo Stove Hi, I’m Dawn, one of our team’s Shopping Tips & Deals writers and this is going to be a stellar year for Black Friday savings. I’m already seeing so many cheap sale prices, but I have my sights set on a few key items for the holidays. At the very top of my Black Friday shopping list is a Solo Stove Smokeless Fire Pit . This is a major splurge and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention it’s been on the wishlist since summer. Our current fire pit burnt its last fire in early June and my husband and I’ve been mulling over a new one ever since. But unlike last time, we’re going big with the Solo Stove Yukon Smokeless Fire Pit . This fire pit carries a hefty price tag normally ($450) and if you decide to go with the Backyard Bundle like we are, it’ll cost you $940. But Solo Stove has big savings on its smokeless fire pits for Black Friday and the Yukon Backyard Bundle is $290 off, dropping its price to $650. Normally, I’d balk at the price but there are a few additional factors in this decision. First, the Yukon Backyard Bundle has everything (removable base plate, ash pan, shield, stand, lid, and shelter). So, instead of piecing all the accessories together afterward, you get them all in a bundle at a discounted price. Second, this fire pit is “smokeless,” and if you’ve ever seen the meme, no matter where I sit the smoke follows me. Yes, that is my superpower. Lastly, this fire pit has a lifetime warranty and I’m not buying another one ever again. The viral Orolay Down Jacket The Orolay Women's Thickened Down Jacket is 45% off on Amazon for Black Friday. Amazon More out of necessity than style, I’m grabbing the Viral Orolay Down Jacket for Black Friday. This viral jacket has sold out so many times on Amazon, I’ve lost count, but I’m expecting it to sell out again this year. The main reason this jacket is on my Black Friday wishlist is for warmth. I want a jacket that’s extremely warm to layer up with this winter. I am done freezing to get the mail, walk the dogs, take the garbage out, and run to my car in the snow and ice. I just want to be warm and this jacket looks like it will fit the bill. With over 28,000 positive ratings, the Orolay Down Jacket has become a fan favorite with its wind-resistant and waterproof design. It’s touted for its fleece-lined hood, numerous pockets, and fitted wristbands that keep the cold out. Reviewers have said, “Very warm, stylish, soft, and full of down for a cold winter,” and I hope when it arrives, I’ll agree. Currently, the Orolay Down Jacket is on sale for 45% off on Amazon, and I don’t expect it to creep any lower before the holidays. This one’s already in my cart in green. The kitchen essential Our Place Always Pan 2.0 The Always Pan is currently $55 off at Our Place for Black Friday. Our Place I waited a long time to finally decide that I needed and deserved the Our Place Always Pan . I’ve seen the commercials, read the articles, seen it in action online, and lusted over it on my social feed. But finally, I am giving into temptation and buying what I now consider an essential part of dinner planning and preparation. If you’re not familiar with the Always Pan , this famous pan replaces 10 pieces of cookware, including your fry pan, saute pan, steamer, roasting dish, baking dish, skillet, saucier, nonstick pan, spatula, and spoon rest. So, basically, this is the only pan you’ll ever need (or rather I’ll need) to cook with. This is also a viral product that has sold out multiple times since its release back in 2019. Now in its second generation, the Always Pan 2.0 has a toxic-free design, is oven-safe up to 450 degrees, and is just so nice to look at with a variety of colors to choose from. Thankfully, Our Place is having a Black Friday sale with the “lowest prices of the year” and the Always Pan 2.0 is now $95, instead of $150, for a savings of $55 off. So, this one is getting wrapped up under the tree just for me (in Spice). BÉIS best-selling luggage BÉIS luggage is at the top of my list, because I’ve written about the brand so many times, I know I finally need to join the party. BÉIS Hi, I’m Danielle, another Shopping & Commerce Writer on our Content Innovation team. To be completely honest, I’m not planning any huge frivolous Black Friday purchases this year because my husband and I spent a nice chunk of change on an end-of-year vacation for our 10-year wedding anniversary and we’re Christmas shopping for three kiddos already. I have a few things that I’d be happy to buy, though, if the price is too good to pass up. BÉIS luggage is at the top of my list because I’ve written about the brand so many times, I know I finally need to join the party. The last time we got new luggage was right before our wedding and, while the soft-side Samsonite 3-piece has served us well over the last decade, it’s high time we invested in some hard-shell suitcases. BÉIS has some of the sleekest carry-ons and check-in luggage around, and the neutral colors are trendy, but totally timeless, too. So, I’ve been thinking about snagging a Large Check-In Roller , a Medium Check-In Roller , and a Carry-On Roller for our family of five. BÉIS already has bundling offers where you can get 10% off when you combine two rollers and 15% off when you combine three rollers, but I’d love to see each piece 20-25% off for Black Friday, which would bring my total expense down by over $200 (reduced to well under $700). We’re thinking about a trip to Disney next year, so I might even take the opportunity to stock up on some kids’ luggage and backpacks for my little mousketeers , as well. The Real Life Play Kitchen from Lovevery At $300, this definitely isn’t a cheap gift, but Lovevery is offering up to 25% off sitewide / holiday bundle savings for Black Friday/Cyber Monday. Lovevery My youngest, who is two years old now, was a Lovevery baby through and through. He had Play Kits for every developmental stage, and we’ve passed everything down to my sister for her newborn to use as he grows up. Even my middle child, my little girl — who is 5 years old now — got an incredible amount of use out of her 4-year-old Play Kit last year. I have hyped the brand for years, telling parents, friends, and family members how amazing all of the playthings, books, and activity mats are, so I was so excited to hear about The Real Life Play Kitchen coming out. Designed for toddlers aged 18 months and older, this adorable pretend and practical play mini kitchen is a perfect Christmas present for my son — I can already picture it in the middle of his presents with a huge bow on it. What sets this play kitchen apart is its thoughtful design, which takes inspiration from always-popular water tables and trendy sensory bins. The sink has a gentle water flow and a spill-proof basin, so when the littles are playing, they won’t be making too big of a mess. The child-sized utensils and food-grade accessories, like a colander and cutting board, also lets toddlers and preschoolers mimic grown-up activities in a safe and scaled-down environment. Plus, the interchangeable colored and patterned backsplashes — six of them — add a personalized and highly aesthetic touch. I’m seriously obsessed with this kitchen because it’s not obnoxiously primary-colored or blaring with earworm-y songs or sounds and it encourages creativity and a sense of responsibility. I can imagine my little guy rinsing vegetables, chopping pretend food and drying dishes, and I can only hope those simple building blocks breed important life skills, cooperation and the concept of everyone in our family having a role and contributing. At $300, this definitely isn’t a cheap gift , but Lovevery is offering up to 25% off sitewide / holiday bundle savings for Black Friday/Cyber Monday. This first-time-ever move for the brand is knocking 10% off spends of $80+, 15% off spends of $125+, 20% off spends of $250 or more and 25% off spends of $500 or more. So, I can get the kitchen for $240, instead $300, through Dec. 8! Beekman 1802 Bloom Cream Daily Face Moisturizer Right now, the Jumbo Bottle is 35% off — $82, down from $108 — but if Black Friday brought an additional 10-15% off in discounts, I’d be sold. Beekman 1802 During this time of year, my hands are usually dry, red, and cracked. And I’ve used every hand lotion and body moisturizer out there to fix the problem, from Kiehl’s and CeraVe to Aveeno and Aesop. I honestly just tried Beekman to placate my mom, who couldn’t stop talking about how great “the goat’s milk beauty products” were, but after only a few days of using the Wicked Defy Gravity Whipped Body Cream (which I was, fortunately, able to sample ahead of the “Wicked” premiere), my hands were changed for the better — well, for the best, really. My skin has never felt softer and more youthful, and I’m a TOTAL convert now. Not only has this whipped body cream gone on without a greasy after feel, but it also absorbs instantly, and it leaves my hands smelling like fruity pebbles in the best way, thanks to the sweet Elphaba-inspired gourmand scent. I’m obsessed with this fluffy paraben and sulfate-free rich goat milk and creamy butter salve, and I’ll be heartbroken when the container is wiped clean. So, I plan on replenishing the “Elphie lotion mommy loves!” and also stocking up on some other hero body creams . While I’m at it, I’d also love to try Beekman’s famous Bloom Cream Daily Face Moisturizer with moisturizing goat’s milk, hydrating and pore-minimizing niacinamide. The company says this bestselling “elegant, lightweight formula is designed to work on all skin types and it literally blooms out of the bottle with every pump.” And if it works in any way like the Whipped Body Cream, then I will become a customer for life. Right now, the Jumbo Bottle is 35% off — $82, down from $108 — but if Black Friday brought an additional 10-15% off in discounts, I’d be sold. TCL 50-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV with Fire TV (2024 Model) Amazon has the TCL 55" TV on sale of the lowest price of the year for Black Friday. Amazon I’m Victoria Rosenthal, associate editor for SEO/commerce on the Content Innovation Team. My TV is a relic from my college years. Despite it being an old geezer, it has withstood the test of time — 12 years to be exact. This 21-inch Samsung flat-screen has seen it all: all-nighters, breakups, procrastination, (not great) dorm room dance practice, Beyonce’s Super Bowl Halftime Show, the whole final season of “Breaking Bad.” Although this baby has been at my side for over a decade, it’s time for an upgrade. That upgrade won’t be so difficult or pricey since I’m going with the latest model of the TCL 50-inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV with Fire TV . It’s a big enough size for a bedroom with a renter-friendly footprint. It has enhanced visuals and sound thanks to its 4K UltraHD resolution screen, Dolby Atmos Audio, and Enhanced Dialogue Mode for more intelligible and clear audio. Plus, I can actually enjoy playing video games with my Nintendo Switch , FireTV Stick with the Xbox Game Pass app, PlayStation 2, and PS4 on this larger TV in Auto Game Mode. It automatically turns on when you hook up a gaming console and uses the lowest possible input lag and latency for improved gameplay. It already has a 4-star rating on Amazon and a 4.2-star rating at Best Buy . And you can’t beat Amazon’s Black Friday deal that gives you 23% off, bringing the price down from $300 to $230. As a replacement for my beloved college TV, this one might be a winner. Ticket to Ride Board Game Amazon has “Ticket to Ride” on sale for $25 during its Black Friday sale. Amazon As a board and card game fan, I love trying out as many of them as possible. My favorites range from “13 Dead End Drive” and “Exploding Kittens” to “Jumanji” and “Nightmare The Video Board Game.” But one game I’ve always wanted to play more is “Ticket to Ride.” After playing it once in a board game café, I was hooked. A board game that’s meant to transport you into another world, time, or dimension and immerse you in the story will always be added to my cart. While going cross country to claim the most train lines and points, the competition, strategy, and fast pace bring excitement to the game, unlike some slow-burn titles that one might call boring (cough cough, “Monopoly” ). “Ticket to Ride” is easy to learn so anyone can quickly understand the gameplay and join in. Also, there’s a feature where Amazon Alexa can act as a player for a more immersive experience. She can keep track of gameplay and points and add atmospheric sound effects and music that transports you back to 1910 in the United States. Because of its $55 price point, I’ve always been hesitant to spend that kind of money on a board game. But now that Amazon has “ Ticket to Ride ” on sale for $25 during its Black Friday sale, that’s over half off the retail price. I have no reason not to buy it! The Best Black Friday Deals in 2024 Walmart, Amazon and Target have Nintendo Switch Black Friday deals up to $75 off — but they’re selling out lightning fast Nordstrom Rack’s Black Friday deals have the best ‘Flash Sale’ markdowns on handbags, hair tools, luggage and more Dick’s Sporting Goods Black Friday sale has HOKA, Nike, New Balance, more top sneakers up to 50% off — but only for a limited time Dyson just dropped all of its Black Friday deals, including $100 off the Airwrap and these sales won’t last for long Walmart has the Apple Watch SE 2 on sale for only $149 in a can’t-miss Black Friday deal

The Fine Gael leader was asked about the controversy in the first question posed during the second and final TV leaders’ debate of Ireland’s General Election campaign. Mr Harris apologised over the weekend for his handling of the discussion with Charlotte Fallon while canvassing in Kanturk in Co Cork on Friday evening. The Taoiseach was accused of dismissing concerns that Ms Fallon raised about Government support for the disability sector during the exchange filmed by RTE in a supermarket. Mr Harris rang Ms Fallon on Saturday and said he unreservedly apologised for the way he treated her, however focus has since shifted to Fine Gael’s interactions with the national broadcaster about the social media video. At the outset of Tuesday’s TV debate, co-host Miriam O’Callaghan directly asked the Fine Gael leader whether a member of his party contacted RTE to ask for the clip to be taken down. “I have no knowledge of that whatsoever, because this clip was entirely appropriate,” said Mr Harris. “It was a very important moment on the campaign. “And RTE and indeed many media outlets have been with me throughout the campaign, covering many interactions that I’ve had with many, many people right across this country.” The Taoiseach said the approach by his team member was part of the “normal contact that happens between party politics and broadcasters on a daily basis”. Mr Harris’s partner-in-government in the last coalition, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, said he was not aware of the approach to RTE by Fine Gael. “I didn’t realise this had happened,” he said. “I think Simon has given his explanation to it. I’m not sure it’s as normal or as usual. I just get on with it every day. But, again, I think, you know, I’m not au fait with the details behind all of this, or the background to it. “The video didn’t come down, and it was seen by many, many people. “And I think it illustrates that out there, there are a lot of people suffering in our society. “Notwithstanding the progress we’ve made as a country, a lot of people are facing a lot of individual challenges, and our job as public representatives and as leaders in travelling the country is to listen to people, hear their cases, to understand the challenges that they are going through in their lives. “And when we go about in election campaigns, we have to open up ourselves to criticism and to people calling us to account.” Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald had earlier in the day described reports of the Fine Gael approach to RTE as “chilling”. However, at the start of the debate, she was asked about a media-focused issue related to her own party, namely the controversial manifesto proposal for an independent expert review of RTE’s objectivity in its coverage of the war in Gaza and other international conflicts. Mr Harris previously branded the proposal a “dog whistle to conspiracy theorists” while Mr Martin said it was a “dangerous departure”. Ms McDonald defended the idea during the RTE Prime Time debate on Tuesday. “Politics and politicians should not try to influence editorial decisions or try and have clips taken down because they are inconvenient to them,” she said. “There has to be distance, there has to be objectivity. But I would say I am struck by the very defensive reaction from some to this (the review proposal). “The BBC, for example, a peer review looked at their coverage on migration. Politicians didn’t put their hands on it, and rightly so. “I think in a world where we have to rely on quality information, especially from the national broadcaster, which is in receipt of very substantial public funding, that has to be the gold standard of reliability. I think peer reviews like that are healthy.”

Support Independent Arts Journalism As an independent publication, we rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. If you value our coverage and want to support more of it, consider becoming a member today . Already a member? Sign in here. Support Hyperallergic’s independent arts journalism for as little as $8 per month. Become a Member HELSINKI — In Tove Jansson’s first Moomins novel, The Moomins and the Great Flood (1945), the titular characters travel through a frightening forest before a rainstorm causes an epic flood, covering the land in danger and darkness. When the waters begin to recede, the Moomins find they have been swept into a beautiful fertile valley. They decide to stay. Published during the last months of the Second World War, it is easy to read the book as an allegory, with the flood representing the inescapable horrors of war and Moominvalley as an Edenic sanctuary. As an outspoken pacificist, Jansson spent the war years and beyond both protesting conflict and seeking an escape from it. Tove Jansson: Paradise at Helsinki Art Museum captures both aspects of Jansson’s life and work, with a focus on her public art commissions from the 1940s through ’50s. Most of her paintings avoid depicting the realities of war, but two tiny, tatty-edged works on paper speak volumes. Both are city scenes inspired by her travels in Germany in the late 1930s, during which she witnessed the terrifying rise of Nazism. One features a prominent swastika flag, while the other depicts a murky street surrounded by oppressive black buildings. A crowd of shadowy figures moves towards a tiny dot of orange light in an open doorway; are they refugees fleeing toward the hopeful glimmer, or are they fascists rushing to stamp it out? This is the world Jansson wished to escape, especially with an older brother fighting at the front. As she wrote to a friend in 1944, “I’ve never dreamt and planned as much as I have in these past few years. Not as a game — but as an absolute necessity.” As this exhibition shows, Jansson saw dreaming and playfulness as essential relief from the deprivations of war, which continued even after the armistice. Get the latest art news, reviews and opinions from Hyperallergic. Daily Weekly Opportunities In bombed-out Helsinki and beyond, a government rebuilding program created opportunities for artists, and Jansson was able to earn a living for the first time through her Moomin comic strip and a series of public commissions. In both endeavors, she turned to images of paradise, forests, and fairytales to craft a unique imaginative world that appeals to adults as much as to children. Moomin characters make cameos in many of her murals, such as her frescoes “Party in the City” and “Party in the Countryside” (both 1947). In the first of these, Jansson depicts herself gazing out at the viewer, her back turned defiantly on her lover Vivica Bandler, with whom she had recently broken up with acrimoniously. A little Moomintroll lurks on the table beside her, a mascot, perhaps, that represents a gateway to a more fantastical world. Moomin characters feature more frequently in works designed explicitly for children’s spaces, such as her diptych “Fairytale Panorama,” produced for a kindergarten in 1949. The two paintings are delightful flights of fancy, crammed with whimsical details of princesses, magical landscapes, and fantastical creatures. But even here, as in all of her paradisal paintings, there are subtle hints of menace: Bats flutter, lightning bolts threaten a storm, and cats stalk hungrily. This is not pure escapism, but an expression of a state in which joy and fear are allowed to coexist. Many of these murals, including the “Fairytale Panorama,” were made for specific sites and aren’t present in the exhibition. However, the recent discovery of several rolls of preparatory charcoal drawings at 1:1 scale in a corner of the artist’s studio makes some form of presentation here possible. These are not rough sketches but fully worked-out scenes, and merit viewing as artworks in their own right. With their monochrome shadowy strokes, they bear an accidental affinity to Jansson’s earlier sketch of a Nazi-ridden city, and certainly offer a more solemn perspective on the final vibrantly colorful frescoes, which are seen in projections alongside the drawings. A handful of Jansson’s paradise paintings read uncomfortably through a contemporary postcolonial lens, such as one piece produced for a rubber company depicting idealized workers on a plantation. Another pair of paintings, probably produced in 1939 and 1940, are Gaugin-like in their delineation of an imaginary sunny Polynesian island populated by happily unclothed people. Jansson made a number of works in this style with the belief that they would sell and make her some much-needed cash during the brutal Winter War of 1939–40, during which the Soviet Union invaded Finland. She was mistaken; it turned out to be the Moomin comic strips and public commissions that provided her with both the creative and financial lifeline she needed. Jansson’s cross-disciplinary oeuvre demonstrates a radical commitment to the profound necessity of play, dreams, and escapism. She took children seriously, which is reflected in the exhibition’s thoughtful, unobtrusive design. Paintings are hung low to the ground, Moomin creatures hide among the architecture, and there are doors to open and kaleidoscopes to look through. The exhibition — infused with the same knowing nostalgia as her works — is both comforting and subtly subversive. Tove Jansson: Paradise continues at the Helsinki Art Museum (Eteläinen Rautatiekatu 8 , Helsinki, Finland) through April 6, 2025. The exhibition was organized by Heli Harni. We hope you enjoyed this article! Before you keep reading, please consider supporting Hyperallergic ’s journalism during a time when independent, critical reporting is increasingly scarce. Unlike many in the art world, we are not beholden to large corporations or billionaires. Our journalism is funded by readers like you , ensuring integrity and independence in our coverage. We strive to offer trustworthy perspectives on everything from art history to contemporary art. We spotlight artist-led social movements, uncover overlooked stories, and challenge established norms to make art more inclusive and accessible. With your support, we can continue to provide global coverage without the elitism often found in art journalism. If you can, please join us as a member today . Millions rely on Hyperallergic for free, reliable information. By becoming a member, you help keep our journalism free, independent, and accessible to all. Thank you for reading. Share Copied to clipboard Mail Bluesky Threads LinkedIn FacebookStock market today: Wall Street hits records despite tariff talk

From Maui to the Caribbean, Thanksgiving tournaments a beloved part of college basketballIs Google deliberately degrading quality?

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records Tuesday after Donald Trump’s latest talk about tariffs created only some ripples on Wall Street, even if they could roil the global economy were they to take effect. The S&P 500 climbed 0.6% to top the all-time high it set a couple weeks ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 123 points, or 0.3%, to its own record set the day before, while the Nasdaq composite gained 0.6% as Microsoft and Big Tech led the way. People are also reading... ‘I don’t care who’s played': Nebraska’s Dana Holgorsen on personnel changes at tight end Search warrants lead to arrest of man in narcotics investigation At the courthouse, Nov. 23, 2024 La Segoviana finds new home in Court Street Plaza Streaming review: 'Landman' gives Billy Bob Thornton a real gusher of a series Amie Just: Bring out the tissues — and the brooms — for Nebraska volleyball's emotional win Clabaugh family presents Outstanding Educator award Fall Farmers Market and Brunch planned for Saturday Dale G. Lunsford Amie Just: Could the Big 12 be left out of CFP? And, is Ohio State better than Oregon? Bowling over Badgers: Nebraska finally solves Wisconsin to snap bowl game drought They fell in love with Beatrice. So they opened a store in downtown. Courthouse lighting ceremony planned for Sunday No change in bond amounts in child abuse death case Board of Supervisors denies permit for Filley telecom tower Stock markets abroad mostly fell after President-elect Trump said he plans to impose sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China once he takes office. But the movements were mostly modest. Stock indexes were down 0.1% in Shanghai and nearly flat in Hong Kong, while Canada’s main index edged down by less than 0.1%. Trump has often praised the use of tariffs , but investors are weighing whether his latest threat will actually become policy or is just an opening point for negotiations. For now, the market seems to be taking it more as the latter. The consequences otherwise for markets and the global economy could be painful. Unless the United States can prepare alternatives for the autos, energy products and other goods that come from Mexico, Canada and China, such tariffs would raise the price of imported items all at once and make households poorer, according to Carl Weinberg and Rubeela Farooqi, economists at High Frequency Economics. They would also hurt profit margins for U.S. companies, while raising the threat of retaliatory tariffs by other countries. And unlike tariffs in Trump’s first term, his latest proposal would affect products across the board. General Motors sank 9%, and Ford Motor fell 2.6% because both import automobiles from Mexico. Constellation Brands, which sells Modelo and other Mexican beer brands in the United States, dropped 3.3%. The value of the Mexican peso fell 1.8% against the U.S. dollar. Beyond the pain such tariffs would cause U.S. households and businesses, they could also push the Federal Reserve to slow or even halt its cuts to interest rates. The Fed had just begun easing its main interest rate from a two-decade high a couple months ago to offer support for the job market . While lower interest rates can boost the economy, they can also offer more fuel for inflation. “Many” officials at the Fed’s last meeting earlier this month said they should lower rates gradually, according to minutes of the meeting released Tuesday afternoon. The talk about tariffs overshadowed another mixed set of profit reports from U.S. retailers that answered few questions about how much more shoppers can keep spending. They’ll need to stay resilient after helping the economy avoid a recession, despite the high interest rates imposed by the Fed to get inflation under control. A report on Tuesday from the Conference Board said confidence among U.S. consumers improved in November, but not by as much as economists expected. Kohl’s tumbled 17% after its results for the latest quarter fell short of analysts’ expectations. CEO Tom Kingsbury said sales remain soft for apparel and footwear. A day earlier, Kingsbury said he plans to step down as CEO in January. Ashley Buchanan, CEO of Michaels and a retail veteran, will replace him. Best Buy fell 4.9% after likewise falling short of analysts’ expectations. Dick’s Sporting Goods topped forecasts for the latest quarter thanks to a strong back-to-school season, but its stock lost an early gain to fall 1.4%. Still, more stocks rose in the S&P 500 than fell. J.M. Smucker had one of the biggest gains and climbed 5.7% after topping analysts’ expectations for the latest quarter. CEO Mark Smucker credited strength for its Uncrustables, Meow Mix, Café Bustelo and Jif brands. Big Tech stocks also helped prop up U.S. indexes. Gains of 3.2% for Amazon and 2.2% for Microsoft were the two strongest forces lifting the S&P 500. All told, the S&P 500 rose 34.26 points to 6,021.63. The Dow gained 123.74 to 44,860.31, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 119.46 to 19,174.30. In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady following their big drop from a day before driven by relief following Trump’s pick for Treasury secretary. The yield on the 10-year Treasury inched up to 4.29% from 4.28% late Monday, but it’s still well below the 4.41% level where it ended last week. In the crypto market, bitcoin continued to pull back after topping $99,000 for the first time late last week. It’s since dipped back toward $91,000, according to CoinDesk. It’s a sharp turnaround from the bonanza that initially took over the crypto market following Trump’s election. That boom had also appeared to have spilled into some corners of the stock market. Strategists at Barclays Capital pointed to stocks of unprofitable companies, along with other areas that can be caught up in bursts of optimism by smaller-pocketed “retail” investors. AP Business Writer Elaine Kurtenbach contributed. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.Tarar: May 9 perpetrators now propagating fake narrative

Flag football uses talent camps to uncover new starsThe Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has warned that any state governor who tampers with funds belonging to the Local Government Areas (LGAs) will be guilty of gross misconduct, which is an impeachable offence. Fagbemi, while addressing the 2024 annual conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC) in Abuja, further warned the elected chairmen of the 774 LGAs across Nigeria against mismanaging local government funds. The number one law officer in the country, in his paper titled, “Aftermath of Supreme Court judgement on Local Government financial autonomy: What Next?”, said: “By the July 11, 2024 judgement of the Supreme Court, which granted financial autonomy to LGAs in the country, any governor who tampers with the finances of the LGAs in his state is seen to have committed a gross-mis-conduct, which is an impeachable offence”. While highlighting the critical role local governments play in delivering grassroots development, the AGF urged local government council chairmen and other officials to prioritise their constitutional duties. “Primary education must be accessible to every child. Pregnant women and infants must receive quality healthcare, and the vulnerable in the society must benefit from sustainable welfare programmes,” the Minister said and noted that the financial autonomy granted to local governments by the Supreme Court was designed to empower them to carry out their responsibilities effectively. However, he said, if any local government chairman chooses to misuse public funds and fail to deliver on his or her constitutional mandates, such local government chairman risks going to jail, adding that local government chairmen do not have immunity like state governors. He said, any debt incurred by governors, in relation to the official function of state government must be handled by the state, it should not be shared with the local government areas, as such projects are not the constitutional responsibilities of local government councils. The AGF commended President Bola Tinubu-led administration for its commitment to strengthening governance structures at all levels and urged local government officials to embrace transparency, warning that the era of impunity was over. Fagbemi also called on the media to ensure accurate and responsible reporting of issues relating to governance and judicial proceedings, adding that, “Good governance is a collaborative effort, and every tier of government must be held accountable.” For her part, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, in her speech, said the judiciary and the media occupy unique and complementary roles in the development of the society. The CJN, represented by the secretary of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Mr. Abdullaziz Olumo, said while the judiciary serves as the guardian of justice, equity and the rule of law, the media act as the conscience of the society, dissenting information shaping public opinion and ensuring accountability. According to her, the media is entrusted with the responsibility of informing the public about judicial activities and that the judiciary relies on accurate and ethical reportage to enhance public confidence in its work even as she described the media as a critical partner of the judiciary in advancing democracy. Justice Kekere-Ekun expressed concern over sensationalism in news reporting, which she said distorts facts and undermines public confidence in the judiciary. She further highlighted the dangers of “trial by media,” where premature narratives prejudge cases, sometimes infringing on constitutional rights. She referenced the landmark U.S. case of Sheppard v. Maxwell (1954), where excessive media interference led to the overturning of a conviction due to the denial of a fair trial. Earlier in his keynote address, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN said the legal profession is key to the existence of a stable society and charged the judiciary to live up to expectations in ensuring that their judgements reflect justice and not on technicalities. Speaking on the theme of the conference, “The role of courts in enforcement of judgements”, the professor of law said judgment of court must be obeyed until set aside by a higher court. He said, the courts hold the balance of scale between feuding parties, otherwise, there may be chaos in the country and added that, the court is critical in ensuring that judgements are enforced and complied with. Ozekhome warned lawyers against meeting Judges behind to ask for help in cases before them, saying lawyers are supposed to argue their case in court, even as he admonished judges to allow lawyers to argue their cases in court. “Lawyers should be allowed to draw the attention of Judges to salient points in their processes instead of asking them to just adopt their processes without an opportunity to adumbrate,” the senior advocate said. He also advised judges to avoid attending occasions organised by politically exposed persons with cases before them and also cautioned judges to eschew corruption no matter how they are roped in beautiful garments. Worried by the way and manner judges are castigated, Ozekhome said the judiciary must rescue itself to avoid perception to hold its sway. According to him, the time has now come for Judges to form an association so that they can defend themselves in some of the unfounded allegations levelled against them. In his welcome address, the chairman of the judiciary correspondents, Abuja chapter, Mr Kayode Lawal, said, the Supreme Court judgement on Local government financial autonomy was incisive and well researched and has brought a new lease of life to the third tier of government in the country. The NAJUC chairman said the theme of the conference, along with other sub-themes, were carefully chosen as Nigerians were expecting a turnaround from the outcome of the Supreme Court judgement. He, however, lamented the ugly trend of conflicting judgements and orders on virtually the same issues and same parties by courts of coordinate jurisdictions and added that it was worrisome, sad and regrettable that the ugly development has continued unhindered in spite of warnings from several quarters. “More worrisome is the fact that there is the general perception that public confidence in the nation’s justice delivery has continued to wane in view of some untoward conduct of lawyers and judges. “The general belief has, however, been that genuine radical steps have to be taken to reverse the ugly trend and called on the current leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) under Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, to look at the direction of sanitising the practice of law in the country,” adding that the roles of the judiciary are so sensitive that the institution must not be allowed to be polluted.CHICAGO — Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson released his most recent tax returns to the Tribune this month, with the documents showing he is less wealthy than his predecessors and does not earn outside income. Johnson’s tax returns show his family brought in just over $176,000 in wages for 2023, his first year as mayor of Chicago. His annual salary was $216,210 that year, and he began his term mid-May. After claiming the standard $27,700 deduction for filing jointly with his wife Stacie and a $6,000 child tax credit, records show Johnson paid $17,302 in federal taxes, an effective tax rate of 11.65%. Johnson didn’t claim any other income from investments, retirement fund distributions or capital gains in 2023. He separately paid just under $8,000 in state income taxes, after taking a $140 tax credit for the property taxes he paid on his Austin home. 2023 was the highest reported wage Johnson earned since 2019. Household income for the Johnson family will go up for next year’s return, since his 2024 wage as mayor of Chicago climbed to just over $221,000. The Tribune annually requests the Chicago mayor’s tax returns, a longstanding tradition in U.S. politics when it comes to major public offices. Politicians are not mandated to disclose their income tax forms, but many do so to demonstrate transparency about potential conflicts — a particular importance to many voters in Illinois, where generations of politicians have enriched themselves through their government roles. Johnson, who grew up in suburban Elgin and famously touts being a West Sider, has often drawn from his humble upbringing when pitching himself as a firebrand progressive seeking to enact a host of “tax the rich” proposals. During the 2023 campaign, he fought back against criticism over his unpaid water bills to the city by saying his debt indicates he understands the plight of struggling Chicagoans, although by then he was employed as a county commissioner and Chicago Teachers Union organizer. Still, Johnson’s tax forms show his income history is more modest than that of his predecessors, Lori Lightfoot and Rahm Emanuel, while they were in office. Lightfoot, who grew up in the working-class town of Massillon, Ohio, reported making $402,414 in adjusted gross income in 2021, the most recent year the Tribune requested her returns. She reported taking out $210,000 in early distributions from retirement accounts that year to supplement her mayoral salary. While working as a partner at the law firm Mayer Brown before becoming mayor, Lightfoot reported an average adjusted gross income of $971,626 from 2014 through 2017. Emanuel reported making $554,000 while mayor in 2017 , including $353,000 from interest, dividends and capital gains from investments. Johnson did not provide his full 2022 return, which the Tribune has also requested, but his latest filing and other returns dating back to 2018 that his campaign provided to the Tribune during the mayoral race show the family reported about $161,782 in 2022, $161,000 in 2021, and $160,000 in 2020. Between 2018 and 2022, Johnson worked two jobs as a county commissioner earning $85,000 annually, and a separate income for the Chicago Teachers Union. His pay at the union varied year to year. His highest gross salary before becoming mayor was in 2019, when he earned about $94,000 in addition to his county salary, according to CTU’s federal disclosures. Between 2018 and 2021, Johnson also reported income for his work as a “media personality.” He reported $1,350 in gross income for that side business in 2021, while wife Stacie reported just under $2,000 in income for work as a doula. Johnson was not paid for his show on radio station WCPT AM-820, but was compensated when filling in for other hosts, his campaign previously told the Tribune. As a candidate when running for mayor in 2023, Johnson released four years of tax returns to the Tribune, with the most recent year’s reported income being 2021. Johnson previously reported $108,019 in adjusted gross income for 2018 when he was a regional organizer for the Chicago Teachers Union. In 2019, Johnson reported $171,300 in gross adjusted income. He listed his occupation as regional organizer, though he also was serving his first full year on the county board. For 2020, Johnson reported $160,217 in gross adjusted income. Johnson also reported $2,530 in income as a “media personality.” The next year, Johnson reported $161,371 in gross adjusted income. He also reported $1,350 as a “media personality” but claimed $1,450 in expenses and reported a $100 loss. His wife also reported making $1,941 as a doula that year. Johnson’s most recent city economic disclosure statement reported no financial conflicts in 2023. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

We Have Complained To NSA About Harassment Of Nigerians At Airports – Keyamo

Manchester City's struggles continued as Pep Guardiola's side remarkably blew a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday, while Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain to leave the French club in danger of elimination. There were also big wins for Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen, while Inter Milan went top of the standings after five games and Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski reached a century of Champions League goals. However, the biggest drama came at the Etihad Stadium, where City were cruising early in the second half with a three-goal advantage as they sought to end a run of five successive defeats in all competitions. Erling Haaland opened the scoring from a penalty just before half-time, and Ilkay Gundogan's deflected shot made it 2-0 in the 50th minute. Haaland struck again to make it 3-0, but Feyenoord's comeback began on 75 minutes when Anis Hadj Moussa took advantage of hapless defending to round goalkeeper Ederson and pull one back. Substitute Santiago Gimenez bundled in to make it 3-2 on 82 minutes and the equaliser arrived a minute from the end. Ederson was again caught out with Igor Paixao going around the goalkeeper and crossing for Slovak international David Hancko to head in. "We concede a lot of goals because we are not stable," complained Guardiola. "We lost a lot of games lately. We are fragile and of course we need a victory." It is the first time that a team has gone into the last 20 minutes of a Champions League game trailing by three goals and still avoided defeat, as the point boosts the Dutch side's hopes of progressing. City are two points outside the top eight places which offer direct qualification for the last 16, while Bayern moved above them by beating PSG 1-0 in Munich. South Korean defender Kim Min-jae scored the only goal seven minutes before half-time, heading in after goalkeeper Matvei Safonov failed to clear a corner. PSG had Ousmane Dembele sent off in the second half and the French champions have just four points, and three goals, from five games. They are a lowly 26th in the 36-team league, a point adrift of the positions which offer a place in the play-off round in February. "We need to win our last three matches, otherwise we risk being eliminated," admitted PSG coach Luis Enrique. Lewandowski notched his 100th goal in the competition with an early penalty in Barcelona's 3-0 home win over French side Brest. Dani Olmo netted midway through the second half before Lewandowski sealed Barca's win at the death, his 101st goal in the Champions League -- only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have scored more. Inter lead the standings with 13 points, a point ahead of Barcelona and Liverpool, after a 1-0 win at home to RB Leipzig which means they are also still yet to concede a goal. Castello Lukeba's own goal made the difference at San Siro, and Leipzig are one of only three teams to have lost five games out of five. Arsenal romped to a 5-1 victory away to Sporting in Lisbon, as the Portuguese side adapt to life without coach Ruben Amorim, who has departed for Manchester United. Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes all scored in the first half for Arsenal, before Goncalo Inacio pulled one back shortly after the restart. Bukayo Saka converted a penalty on 65 minutes after Martin Odegaard had been brought down, and Leandro Trossard headed in to seal Arsenal's win late on. Atalanta romped to a 6-1 win over rock-bottom Young Boys in Switzerland, with Mateo Retegui and Charles De Ketelaere both scoring braces. Sead Kolasinac and Lazar Samardzic also netted for the Italians, with Silvere Ganvoula getting the hosts' reply. Florian Wirtz struck twice, including a penalty, as Leverkusen crushed Red Bull Salzburg 5-0, with Alejandro Grimaldo scoring a superb free-kick and Patrik Schick and Aleix Garcia also netting. Julian Alvarez and substitute Angel Correa each scored twice and Marcos Llorente and Antoine Griezmann once as Atletico romped to a 6-0 win away to Sparta Prague. Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao and Tammy Abraham were the scorers in AC Milan's 3-2 win at Slovan Bratislava, whose goals came from Tigran Barseghyan and Nino Marcelli. Marko Tolic saw red at the end for Slovan, who are without a point. as/nf