Commerce Bancshares senior vice president sells $120,293 in stockNEW YORK (AP) — U.S. donors gave $3.6 billion on Tuesday, an increase from the past two years, according to estimates from the nonprofit GivingTuesday . The Tuesday after Thanksgiving, now known as GivingTuesday, has become a major day for nonprofits to fundraise and otherwise engage their supporters each year, since the 92nd St Y in New York started it as a hashtag in 2012. GivingTuesday has since become an independent nonprofit that connects a worldwide network of leaders and organizations who promote giving in their communities. “This just really shows the generosity, the willingness of American citizens to show up, particularly collectively,” said Asha Curran, CEO of the nonprofit GivingTuesday. “We are just seeing the power of collective action and particularly collective giving over and over and over again.” This year, about 18.5 million people donated to nonprofits and another 9.2 million people volunteered, according to GivingTuesday's estimates. Both the number of donors and the number of volunteers increased by 4% from the group's 2023 estimates. “For us, it’s not just about the number of dollars," Curran said. "It’s about the number of people who feel like they have agency over the way their communities progress forward into the future.” The nonprofit GivingTuesday estimates the amount of money and goods donated and the number of participants using data from donor management software companies, donation platforms, payment processors and donor-advised funds. Curran said they are purposely conservative in their calculations. Nonprofits in the U.S. raised $3.1 billion in both 2022 and 2023 on GivingTuesday. That mirrored larger giving trends where the overall amount of donations dropped in 2022 and mostly held steady in 2023 after accounting for inflation. It’s never easy to predict current giving trends, but Una Osili, associate dean at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, said there were economic forces pushing in both directions. “At the very same time, there’s a lot of uncertainty, especially around prices, the cost of living, the supermarket toll that people are expecting to continue even though inflation has moderated,” she said. Donating or volunteering with nonprofits aren't the only ways people participate in their communities. Many give to crowdfunding campaigns , political causes or support people directly in their networks. But tracking charitable donations is one way that researchers use to understand people's civic engagement. “This country is undeniably in a lot of pain and very divided right now,” Curran said. “And so to have a day that felt as hopeful and as optimistic as yesterday did, I’m sure was not only comforting to me, but to many, many millions of people.” Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy .The AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . CONWAY, S.C. (AP) — Jestin Porter scored 24 points, including four in overtime, and Middle Tennessee knocked off Ohio 83-81 on Thursday. Kamari Lands sank a 3-pointer with 4.2 seconds left in regulation to tie it at 75-all. Porter shot 9 for 18 (3 for 6 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line for the Blue Raiders (4-1). Essam Mostafa added 19 points while shooting 6 of 9 from the field and 7 for 10 from the line while he also had 13 rebounds. Lands had 10 points and went 4 of 12 from the field (2 for 6 from 3-point range). The Bobcats (1-4) were led in scoring by AJ Brown, who finished with 19 points. AJ Clayton added 18 points, 11 rebounds and two steals for Ohio. Jackson Paveletzke also had 15 points, six rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
While buying a book for the bibliophile in your life may seem like an obvious gift idea , chances are high they’ve already added way too many titles to their TBR (to be read) list. Fortunately, there are tons of other literature-inspired presents out there to suit every kind of reader. The best gifts for book lovers include cozy accessories to curl up with, home decor items to showcase their prized possessions, and a subscription that keeps new releases coming at them all year long. To make your holiday shopping easier, we’ve curated a wide variety of thoughtful gifts for bookworms that are available at Amazon, Nordstrom, Etsy, and other SELF favorite retailers. Add them to your virtual cart now, stress less, and thank us later. Papier Italian Summer Reading Journal Papier Papier Help them keep track of what they’ve read in style with this gorgeous journal. Inside, they can start a wish list, jot down book reviews, and even note which titles they’re currently borrowing to help prevent library late fees from stacking up. Book Nook Reading Valet Uncommon Goods Uncommon Goods This portable wooden valet will save their page and hold other essentials, like their glasses and a cup of tea. There’s even a hidden slot to tuck their phone into, so it’s out of sight—but still easily accessible. Amazon Kindle Amazon Amazon Amazon Amazon As a self-professed bookworm, this is my most used device (after my phone). A Kindle allows them to take thousands of their favorite books on the go without the bulk. It easily slips into a purse, and the glare-free screen is far easier on the eyes than reading on a tablet. Remote Control Kindle Page Turner Amazon Amazon Oresoc Amazon If they already have a Kindle, help make reading in bed that much easier with this handy remote-control page turner. It may seem silly, until they’re all snuggled into their blankets and enjoying their next novel hands-free. Off the Grid Kindle Case Page Page Give their boring black Kindle an upgrade with this colorful case that opens and shuts like a book cover. I own one myself, and I love its high-quality look and feel. (Just make sure to double-check which model they have before purchasing.) Book Lover’s Hand Painted Hair Clip Uncommon Goods Uncommon Goods A beautiful, gilded hair clip will keep their strands out of the way and maybe even attract a few compliments while they’re out and about too. Ban.do Meet Me at the Bookstore Vase Ban.Do Ban.do This may look like a colorful book, but it’s actually a ceramic vase for them to display their favorite blooms in. Bibliophile Diverse Spines Puzzle Chronicle Books Amazon Barnes & Noble For the reader who also loves to relax by puzzling , this 500-piece puzzle featuring spines of new and old literary classics by a range of authors will do just the trick. Custom Library Embosser Vstarner Amazon This personalized embosser is perfect for the bookworm who’s constantly lending out their favorite reads to friends and family. Personalized Hand-Embroidered Corner Bookmark 55tree Etsy This sweet corner bookmark can be embroidered with whichever initial you choose, so they can always save their page. It makes a lovely stocking stuffer or gift topper. Glocusent Neck Book Light Glocusent Amazon For the friend who loves to read in bed, this clever, rechargeable book light eliminates the hassle of having to clip a light onto their pages (or some other precarious perch). Literary Clock Uncommon Goods Uncommon Goods This ingenious clock tells the time by displaying quotes from authors of the past six centuries. It’s minimalist, can hold a charge for weeks, and looks sleek on a desk or countertop—a real treat for any bibliophile. Book of the Month Shop at Book of the Month A Book of the Month subscription will deliver the latest and greatest fiction right to their door. From BookTok favorites to brand new releases, there’s a lot to love (just don’t be offended if you hear from them less—because, well, they’re reading!). Pippi Post 52 Weeks of Book Quotes Flip Desk Calendar Pippi Post Amazon A sweetly illustrated calendar that features a new literary quote each week will be the desk accessory they never knew they needed. Article Fantol Narrow Bookcase Article Article Give them a place they can proudly display all their favorite novels this year. This slim natural oak bookcase works in even small spaces and has a clean, minimal aesthetic that goes with almost any decor. Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany Amazon Barnes & Noble I have this gorgeous coffee table book that can serve as inspiration and a reference point for their next great read. It even has a section about the world’s most beautiful bookstores, with stunning illustrations. Homesick Book Club Candle Homesick Homesick You can’t go wrong with a cozy candle, like this book-themed one from Homesick. Nutmeg, sandalwood, and amber will add some relaxing notes to their reading experience. Book Pins Alphabet Bags Etsy Word For Word Factory Etsy Indigo Maiden Etsy Punky Pins Etsy If they’re always adorning their tote bags and jackets with enamel pins, gift them these bookish ones so they can show their favorite hobby off with pride. Quince Cotton Fisherman Throw Quince Quince Quince Quince Every bookworm needs a snuggly throw blanket to curl up with. This 100% cotton throw comes in four sophisticated colors and will add a touch of hygge to their room. Bookworm Rainbow Socks Uncommon Goods Uncommon Goods Keep their toes nice and warm with this fun pair of socks they can wear to low-key declare their bibliophile status. 100 Essential Novels Scratch Off Chart Uncommon Goods Uncommon Goods This fun scratch-off poster of 100 famous reads will be a motivating challenge for any classics fan (there are even a few contemporary titles to expand their literary palette!). Where Is the Bookstore? Embroidered Hat Uncommon Goods Uncommon Goods Your book-loving friend, sister, or cousin who can’t wait to visit Paris will flip for this seriously cute baseball cap that asks, "Où est la librarie?" (a.k.a. where is the bookstore?). Scrabble Del Mar Shagreen Edition Amazon Amazon Anthropologie Get the word nerd in your life this vintage Scrabble game that can easily be displayed on the shelf next to their actual novels. Wishacc Book Stand Amazon Elevate their late-night reading sessions with this adjustable book stand that can hold their novel, keep their coffee or tea safe in the built-in cupholder, and even stash a notebook for them to jot their favorite passages down in. Storybook DIY Kit Uncommon Goods Uncommon Goods For the crafter in your life who loves to read, this miniature DIY bookstore kit may be the perfect gift. The box comes with all the supplies they’ll need to build a sweet greenhouse, and when it’s completed, it’ll slip right into place on their bookshelf. Bookstack Ornament Magnolia This sparkling stack of books is the perfect addition to any avid reader’s tree. The Book Was Better Tote Bag The Bookish Goods The Bookish Goods Isn’t this almost always the case? This canvas tote bag is perfect for stashing library finds, bookstore purchases, and so much more. Accordion Book Lamp Uncommon Goods Uncommon Goods A wireless, rechargeable lamp that looks like the fanned-out pages of a book is a truly unique gift for any book lover. The pages emit a warm soft glow and can even be opened vertically for a more lantern-like effect. When they’re done with it, they can “shut” the book to turn off the light, and no one will ever be the wiser. Barefoot Dreams Cozy Chic Blanket Wrap Barefoot Dreams Nordstrom Revolve A wrap that also doubles as a super soft blanket? Yes, please. They’ll never want to leave the couch after opening this oh-so-cuddly present. Novogratz Curvy Aluminum Bookends Novogratz Amazon Nordstrom Rack Michaels These simple, metal bookends will help keep their titles organized and in place (not to mention, they look seriously chic). Rifle Paper Co. Porcelain Mug Rifle Paper Co. Rifle Paper Co. Make sipping their favorite A.M. beverage even more of a treat when you give them this mug, which is illustrated with classic titles like Little Women and Pride and Prejudice. Inkwell Threads Readers’ Paradise Tee Inkwell Threads Inkwell Threads If they’re always begging to finish just one more chapter before you leave the pool or beach, this graphic tee will be a fun nod to their favorite pastime. How we picked these products Lots of SELF writers and editors love to read (we even have our own book club !), so we started building this list by asking around for present recommendations from our resident bookworms. Then, we went shopping at some of our favorite retailers—like Amazon , Etsy , Nordstrom , Uncommon Goods , and Rifle Paper Co. , just to name a few—and found lots of highly rated, giftable products that we think are right up any bibliophile’s alley. Our final list includes gadgets and accessories that we’d happily give our book-loving friends and family members for birthdays, holidays, or just because. Related: The Best Cozy Gifts for Your Friend Who Loves to Snuggle Up, Unwind, and Cancel Plans 35 Fun and Thoughtful Gifts That Cost Less Than $50 Just 39 Great Gifts for Your BFF Get more of SELF’s stellar gift guides and product recommendations delivered right to your inbox (for free!).None
Justin Thomas with big drives and a few big putts takes 1-shot lead over Scheffler in the BahamasWilly Adames has agreed to a $182 million, seven-year contract with San Francisco, providing the Giants with a power-hitting shortstop in the prime of his career, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * Willy Adames has agreed to a $182 million, seven-year contract with San Francisco, providing the Giants with a power-hitting shortstop in the prime of his career, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Willy Adames has agreed to a $182 million, seven-year contract with San Francisco, providing the Giants with a power-hitting shortstop in the prime of his career, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke to The Associated Press on Saturday on condition of anonymity because the agreement was pending a physical. ESPN first reported the move. The 29-year-old Adames is coming off his best offensive season in the big leagues after hitting .251 with a career-high 32 homers and 112 RBIs with the Milwaukee Brewers. He’s a solid shortstop with a strong arm and good range, though his defensive metrics slipped a little in 2024. He also has provided consistent power with 150 homers over seven seasons. He broke into the big leagues in 2018 with Tampa Bay and hit 20 homers in his first full season in 2019. He was traded to the Brewers in 2021 and had one of his best seasons in 2022, slugging 31 homers with 98 RBIs and had a 4.3 WAR. Adames was signed by the Detroit Tigers in 2012 as a 16-year-old in the Dominican Republic. ___ AP Baseball Writer Jay Cohen contributed to this report. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb AdvertisementSunk costs: Millions went into saving SS United States