BLM protesters win suit against WaterburyIf you have an avid cook or food lover in your life, your gifting opportunities these days are vast and deep. There are authentic ingredients and creative concoctions in brick-and-mortar shops and online. The global pantry beckons. Plus, in many cases, the packaging is gorgeous! Many of these affordable luxuries can be tucked into a stocking, but they also make great presents for a co-worker, mail carrier, nephew or teacher. As a slightly compulsive and obsessive gift giver, matching the right edible treat to the recipient is my jam (another great gifting option!). All of these items cost under $50, but make a big splash. Let’s go! – Katie Workman, Associated Press Ah, nuts Two Chinese American friends took the flavors of their favorite childhood treats and transformed them into sweet spreads, ready to be slathered on toast, apples or just eaten with a spoon. Rooted Fare sells spreads like Crunchy Black Sesame Butter (inspired by tang yuan, a Lunar New Year dessert ), Pineapple Cake Cashew Butter, and Chinese Almond Cookie Butter. $15 per jar. Il Colle del Gusto makes some sweet and unusual nut-based spreads with an Italian twist: Coarse Hazelnut and Cocoa, Crunchy Peanut, and Sicilian Pistachio, all blended with olive oil. Swirl them into ice cream, slather them onto toast. Each jar under $10. Related: Sesame lovers will be delighted with either an assortment of tahini products such as Chocolate Sesame Sauce, or a tub of flaky, melt-in-your-mouth halva in flavors like cardamom and pistachio from Seed + Mill. Some great gift sets available for under $50. The crunchiest Chile crunch condiments have taken the cooking world by storm, and there are some highly giftable options. Fly By Jing makes a large assortment of Asian-inspired chile crunches, and they have some attractively packaged gift sets for the holidays. The mini sampler set is around $20. The aptly named Chile Crunch sells several varieties of their crunchy condiment, including hot, chipotle, mild and original, all for about $13 per jar. Somos’ Salsa Macha Mexican Chili Crisps explode with texture thanks to a whole lot of nuts and seeds. Scoop these spicy-crunchy sauces over everything from avocado toast to tacos – and try the sweeter one on ice cream! The gift set of two comes with a cute spoon for $35. Feeling saucy Chef Patricia Quintana has created a line of salsas, sauces, dressings and condiments that preserves the heritage of traditional Mexican cooking. Treat someone to a jar of Achiote sauce or Pineapple Habanero Salsa (and hope you get invited over for the ensuing meal). $15 to $20 per jar. Ever heard of Secret Aardvark sauces? You might be tempted to spread the word. This Caribbean/Tex-Mex line of condiments has a big following for what they call their “flavor that kicks you in the mouth.” There are many choices, including Drunken Jerk Jamaican Marinade, and Aardvark Habanero Hot Sauce. $10 each, with combo packs starting at $20. Something fishy Tinned fish is also having a blockbuster culinary moment (and in many cases the packaging is super fun). Fishwife cans ethically sourced fish, like salmon, anchovies and trout, from around the world, with some attractive gift boxes under $50. La Narval focuses on combinations of fish and sauce, such as their mussels in Spanish sauce. Each tin is about $10. Just a nibble The Drinks Bakery creates savory snacks with flavor profiles meant to match up perfectly with your favorite libations. Munch on a Lancashire Cheese and Spring Onion biscuit with a hoppy IPA or a sauvignon blanc. Serve the Parmesan, Toasted Pine Nut and Basil biscuits with a whiskey highball or champagne. Choose from small or larger boxes. Oil and vinegar I can’t think of a food gift I’m happier to see than a high-quality bottle of oil or vinegar, two of the most-used ingredients in my kitchen. Bona Fortuna’s selection of Sicilian olive oils is fresh and fragrant, and their aged balsamic vinegars are thick, sweet and rich. The Invecchiato 7-Year Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, for instance, sells for $44.95; Forte Extra Virgin Olive Oil from $10.95 to $39.95. Metafora olive oil comes in a beautiful bottle and is a nice introduction to Portuguese olive oil. $40. Alvear makes lovely Andalusian sherry vinegars. For the salad makers and Spanish chefs in your life, think about gifting one each of the bottles, a sweet and a dry, about $20 apop. Fancy pants Tartuflanghe makes all sorts of luxury ingredients infused with white and black truffles. Elevate your cooking game with truffle-infused butters with flavors like porcini or anchovy (about $10 each). Pick up a box of decadent, truffle-flavored Tartufissima 19 for $32. Or how about a little jar of black truffle pearls, which look like caviar, and are the most elegant way to finish off a risotto or a deviled egg ($40)? Sweet delicacies ‘Tis the season for sweet things, but there’s no need to settle for the same old bonbons. Sanders is known for decadent, chocolate-covered caramels, and this holiday season they have some limited-edition flavors. Do you know someone who might like a bag of bourbon, maple or peppermint dark-chocolate sea-salt caramels? I do! $10. Perhaps you’ve seen the elegant Lady M layered crepe cakes? Well this holiday, try their more portable and giftable Holiday Crepe Biscuit Collection. Eight wedge-shaped boxes contain a delicate crepe biscuit with fillings such as vanilla, chocolate hazelnut and green tea. $28. André’s Confiserie Suisse makes handmade chocolate with deep rich flavor, a result of generations of Swiss chocolate-making expertise. Some unusual classics include the Nussbergerli Sticks, a mix of caramel, candied orange peel and nuts, covered in either dark or milk chocolate, as well as a lovely assortment of chocolate-covered almonds. Also check out the festive, almond-stuffed chocolate pinecones, a cute edible ornament. Offerings start at $7. There are chocolate bars and then there are chocolate bars. At Chocopologie, it’s hard to decide among the creative confections. Burnt Caramel Hawaiian Sea Salt? A S’Mores Bar that includes organic graham crackers and vegan marshmallows? At $10 each, you might need to buy a few. The bakers you know will love playing around with the Salted Caramel Crumbles from Kitty Keller. These toffee-like crumbles are made from the butter and salted caramel of Brittany, France, and can be used to finish all kinds of sweet treats with a crunchy little panache. $12. I could go on (quite clearly), but suffice it to say that a little special treat can have a big impact. Those stockings aren’t going to stuff themselves! ___ For more AP gift guides and holiday coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/gift-guide and https://apnews.com/hub/holidays.How Man City lost their ‘fear factor’: ‘careless’ duels, counter-attacks and mental issues
It looks like the great MAGA love story of Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle has come to an end, with the oldest son of President-elect Donald Trump seen holding hands with his reputed new girlfriend, Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson, during a dinner date in her hometown Monday. Photos of Trump Jr. and Anderson, walking hand-in-hand while leaving a swanky Palm Beach restaurant, offer “incontrovertible proof” that the soon-to-be first son has moved on from Guilfoyle , his long-time fiancée and partner in pro-Donald Trump campaigning, the Daily Mail reported . Trump Jr., 46, has replaced Guilfoyle, 55, with Anderson, known as a 37-year-old “it girl” with a natural style of glamour, the Daily Mail has concluded. The New York Post also confirmed Tuesday that Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle had split — shortly before the incoming president announced that he had appointed the former Fox News host to serve as ambassador to Greece in his new White House term. “For many years, Kimberly has been a close friend and ally,” Trump posted on Truth Social Tuesday afternoon, the Post and other outlets reported. “Her extensive experience and leadership in law, media, and politics along with her sharp intellect make her supremely qualified to represent the United States, and safeguard its interests abroad.” Guilfoyle, also the ex-wife of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, said Tuesday that she was “honored to accept” Trump’s nomination, which requires Senate approval. Trump Jr. added on X : “I am so proud of Kimberly. She loves America and she always has wanted to serve the country as an Ambassador.” Any suggestion that Trump was sending Guilfoyle abroad to make way for his son’s new romance with Anderson was met with scorn by the president-elect’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, the New York Times reported . Cheung said such speculation was “sexist.” Whatever led to Guilfoyle’s appointment, the “loved-up” Trump Jr. and Anderson spent nearly two hours at the Palm Beach restaurant Buccan Monday night, the Daily Mail reported. The restaurant is some three miles from Anderson’s West Palm Beach townhouse, where the two “have been spending days and nights,” the Daily Mail added. But if Trump Jr. has been staying at Anderson’s place, that means that Guilfoyle could be holing up in the mansion about 20 miles north that she and Trump Jr. purchased together after they moved to Florida in 2021. Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle announced their “secret” engagement in early 2022, with the former San Francisco first lady sharing an Instagram photo showing her sporting a massive, sparkling diamond on the fourth finger of her left hand. She declared in a caption, “I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together.” Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle began dating in 2018, shortly after Trump Jr.’s first wife, Vanessa, filed for divorce to end their 12-year marriage. Trump Jr. and Vanessa share five children. As a couple, Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle, a former San Francisco prosecutor, became known as “the prom king and queen of MAGA” politics as they campaigned together around the country on his father’s behalf. At donor events, they also were known for alluding to their playful sex life , while Guilfoyle often liked to introduce herself to the crowd — or appear at Trump’s Jan. 6, 2021 rally preceding the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol — doing a sexy dance . Now comes the idea that Trump Jr. has ended his once red-hot romance with Guilfoyle. Then again, speculation has been brewing for months that they were no longer a couple. The Daily Mail first reported in September that his “dalliance” with Anderson had become an “open secret” in elite Republican circles in and around ritzy Palm Beach. The Daily Mail reported that Guilfoyle was said to be coming to terms that her fiancé had been “fooling around” with another woman. “Kimberly either didn’t know about Bettina — or didn’t want to know,” an insider told The Daily Mail in September. “Did she hear whispers that Don Jr. was fooling around with someone else? Probably.” At the time, the Daily Mail also revealed that Trump Jr. and Anderson had been seen “canoodling” and “kissing” during an “intimate brunch” in August. Breakup speculation grew on on election night, when Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump family observers noted a physical distance between Guilfoyle and Trump Jr., as they joined the rest of the family and other top supporters on stage in Florida to celebrate Trump’s return to the White House. Trump Jr. could even be seen in video, trying to avoid standing next to Guilfoyle several times before finally settling on turning his back on her, the Daily Beast reported. But Trump Jr. wasn’t the only person who may have been trying to avoid Guilfoyle that night, according to another Daily Beast report. She seemed to be getting “major side-eye” from Trump Jr.’s oldest daughter, Kai Trump. Though just 17, Kai has emerged as an enthusiastic MAGA influencer and leading voice in the young, up-and-coming generation of America’s new ruling dynasty. She’s also created a major presence on social media by sharing slickly produced photos and videos about the fun she has hanging out with her beloved, president-elect “grandpa.” In those posts, Kai has given off major signals as to who’s in and who’s out in the family’s inner circle, according to the Daily Beast. From Kai’s perspective, Guilfoyle looked to be on the outs with the “side-eye” she appeared to give her. If GuIlfoyle hasn’t “won her would-be stepdaughter over, it could be an uphill battle for her future as Mrs. Don Jr.,” the Daily Beast said. Two days later, Kai Trump posted a curious family photo on X — that didn’t include Guilfoyle. The photo was taken at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Palm Beach resort on election night, and the teenager captioned it “the whole squad.” The photo showed the future 47th president surrounded by all five of his adult children and three of their partners, along with Kai and her four siblings. But Guilfoyle was notably absent from the “squad” photo. More or less in her place was Vanessa Trump, who stood with her ex-husband and their five children. Speaking of Vanessa Trump, Anderson bears some resemblance to her, with both women sporting slender model looks and long, light-colored hair. Anderson often posts photos of herself modeling designer outfits in glamorous settings. She cheekily refers to herself on Instagram as “Your typical stay at home mom ... only I don’t do household chores... or have a husband... or have kids.” Anderson and Vanessa Trump also appeared to be pretty friendly when the socialite attended an “intimate” gathering of Trump supporters in Jupiter, Florida over the summer, the Daily Mail said in another report. Photos and videos shared on social media showed Anderson sitting close to both Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump. Kai Trump also was seen in the background, sharing a hug with her father and chatting with her mother and with Anderson. Again, Guilfoyle didn’t appear in any of these images. The Daily Mail reported Tuesday that Guilfoyle has not been photographed with Trump Jr. since Nov. 12. Meanwhile, Trump Jr. and Anderson looked very much like an established couple while leaving the restaurant in Palm Beach Monday night, according to the Daily Mail. They left the restaurant with another couple, and Trump Jr. could be heard laughing before he and Anderson said goodbye to the others and headed across the street to his pickup truck, while still holding hands. The first report about Trump Jr.’s alleged romance with Anderson came about four months after he proclaimed his love for Guilfoyle as the couple marked six years together. “Happy 6 year anniversary @kimberlyguilfoyle thanks for always being there no matter what the haters are throwing our way. I love you,” Trump Jr. gushed in an Instagram post. To mark the occasion, Guilfoyle also wrote on Instagram : “You are my best friend and my soulmate. Here’s to us and out incredibly blessed life we share together. Looking forward to creating new memories and enjoying more adventures together.”
Supposed Greene quip comparing Gaetz's conduct to all of Congress was satire | Fact check
George Kresge Jr., who wowed talk show audiences as the The Amazing Kreskin, diesThis is CNBC's live blog covering the European Central Bank's December 2024 meeting. European Central Bank policymakers are set to hold their last meeting of the year on Thursday, with expectations firmly set for the fourth quarter-percentage-point interest rate cut of 2024. > 24/7 San Diego news stream: Watch NBC 7 free wherever you are Such a move would take the deposit facility — its most closely-watched rate — to 3%. The rate had been held at 4% since Sept. 2023, prior to the first cut of the current easing cycle in June 2024. It appears unlikely that a trim of 50 basis points could be in store, even after headline inflation settled near the ECB's 2% target, while growth indicators show continued signs of deterioration in the euro zone's big manufacturing economies, including in Germany. The ECB has done little to sway market predictions of a smaller trim. The European central bank has firmly guided expectations this year, unlike the Federal Reserve, which surprised many with its 50-basis-point rate cut in September , and the Bank of England, which has left market-watchers guessing due to its divided committee. A recent uptick in negotiated wage growth and persistence in service sector inflation have solidified expectations for the 25-basis-point move. Two key details will be in focus: firstly, staff macroeconomic projections for growth and inflation, which were last delivered in September . Secondly, whether the ECB will modify its consistent messaging that it will "keep policy rates sufficiently restrictive for as long as necessary." Money Report European markets set for mixed open ahead of expected ECB rate cut CNBC Daily Open: Nasdaq climbs past 20,000, powered by megacap tech gains Any dovish shift in that language will be seen to support a swifter pace of rate cuts next year, especially given the potential for looming trade tensions with the U.S. The euro zone's weak growth outlook and global uncertainty have already led many analysts to update their forecasts to suggest 25-basis-point cuts at every ECB meeting until September 2025, taking the deposit facility to 1.5%. ECB grappling with sticky services and core inflation Headline inflation in the euro area may have cooled near to the European Central Bank's 2% target in recent months, but core inflation — excluding the effects of energy, food, alcohol and tobacco — has held at 2.7% for three straight months. Services inflation has meanwhile held stubbornly near 4% through the latter half of this year, as negotiated wage growth — another concern for the inflationary outlook — rose to 5.42% in the third quarter from 3.54% in the prior period. In its most recent forecast in September, ECB staff macroeconomic projections put average euro area inflation at 2.5% in 2024, 2.2% in 2025 and 1.9% in 2026. Those forecasts were unchanged from June. — Jenni Reid Economists expect 'lively debate' resulting in a 25-basis-point cut The European Central Bank will debate whether to cut by 25 or 50 basis points on Thursday, but will ultimately settle on the smaller move, several economists told CNBC. A key point of discussion is likely to relate to how low interest rates need to go to become "neutral" — the point at which monetary policy is neither stimulating nor restricting economic growth. Last month, influential policymaker Isabel Schnabel told Bloomberg that rates were getting "closer to neutral territory," which she estimated at 2% to 3%, and cautioned against going too far below that. However, more dovish members such as French central bank Governor Francois Villeroy de Galhau have continued to say that any size of a cut should be an option in December, and that moving rates below neutral — into accommodative territory — could be needed if growth remains subdued and inflation falls below target. "This is the ECB, so they always move very slowly... part of the problem is the ECB council is very divided," Fabio Balboni, senior European economist at HSBC, previously told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe," forecasting "very lively debate" at the December meeting and a 25-basis-point decision. Weak economic data points including German retail sales will all be under consideration, along with disagreement over whether the fight against inflation is "not quite done," Balboni said. Bank of America Global Research strategists said in a note on Tuesday that the ECB was likely to cut by 25 basis points at every meeting, including in December, until September 2025. "With an economy that will be growing at or below trend for most of 2025, we think it will be hard for the ECB to skip a meeting until the [deposit facility] falls slightly below where it sees the neutral rate (2%), to where we see it (1.5%)," they said. — Jenni Reid Also on CNBC Stocks making the biggest moves after hours: Adobe, Chewy and more Stock futures slip after Nasdaq notches record close above 20,000 How Alphabet's unexpected quantum rally pushed the Nasdaq to new highs
I'm A Celebrity star Maura Higgins reveals revolting revenge on cheating ex before joining Love Island
