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Carlo Ancelotti backs Kylian Mbappe after latest penalty miss: 'He can do better'November marks the official start of the , and PNY is making headlines with extraordinary savings on essential storage solutions. Consumers can gear up for Black Friday and Cyber Monday by taking advantage of significant discounts available throughout November at Amazon and Best Buy. This is a prime opportunity for tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike to stock up on high-quality memory cards and flash drives without breaking the bank. At Amazon, shoppers can enjoy discounts of up to 31% off on popular PNY storage products, ensuring that everyone from photographers to gamers can find the perfect solution for their needs. Meanwhile, Best Buy will be offering even steeper reductions—up to 60% off select items—making it an unbeatable destination for value seekers. As these sales coincide with two of the biggest shopping days of the year, consumers are encouraged to act quickly before these limited-time offers disappear. On Black Friday and Cyber Monday, both retailers will further amplify their savings with additional discounts reaching as high as 36%. This means savvy shoppers can maximize their purchase power during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. Whether upgrading existing devices or gifting innovative tech this holiday season, PNY’s deals present an exceptional opportunity to save. Join us in celebrating a season filled with excitement and savings that won’t last long! Don’t miss out—head over to Amazon or Best Buy today to explore PNY’s remarkable deals!Thanksgiving travel live updates: Airport strikes, winter storms expected to cause delaysThe Hyundai i20 N is dead; we take it for one last drive
Anna University sexual assault case: Gnanasekaran had no accomplice; acted alone: Police CommissionerPlayers Era Festival organizers betting big NIL is future of college tourneys
COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. — Dominic Bourgeois had never attempted a bigger field goal in his life. Lined up from 37-yards out with the game tied, and only two seconds left on the clock, Bourgeois had the chance to send the River Hawks to the national quarterfinals for the first time since 1991. He knew it wouldn’t be easy. His first attempt was negated after Saint John’s called a timeout. As he lined up again, he stared at the space in between the two uprights. He swung his leg and waited anxiously as the ball floated through the cold Midwestern air. “I knew they were going to take the timeout,” Bourgeois said. “I trusted my holder; trusted my snapper. Just another field goal.” He drilled it right down the middle to secure the 41-38 third-round win at Clemens Stadium on Saturday. The Susquehanna sideline exploded, and rightfully so. They had done what nobody expected them to do – go on the road, in the cold, and take down the top-seeded team in the nation as 13-point underdogs. “You’re damn right it does,” said SU coach Tom Perkovich when asked if defying expectations made the win feel sweeter. “I talked about it all week; I said to our guys that the only guys that think we can win are the guys in this locker room.” The River Hawks are now only two wins away from qualifying for Stagg Bowl LI, Division III football’s national championship game. SU will host Bethel at noon next Saturday. The Royals upset Wartburg 24-14 on Saturday to qualify for the quarterfinals. A fourth-down, 1-yard touchdown pass from Josh Ehrlich to Kyle Howes late in the third quarter gave the River Hawks their first lead of the day. It was followed up by a strip-sack fumble that was recovered by Jake Schultes, which SU turned into a 30-yard score by Rahshan La Mons, his third of the day. The score gave the River Hawks a two-score lead with only 9:15 left to play. The Johnnies (11-1) were the top-seeded team in the nation for a reason. Behind the outstanding play of All-American quarterback Aaron Syverson, Saint John’s stormed right back and tied the game up after touchdown receptions by Joey Gendreau and Marselio Mendez. Syverson finished with 466 yards and five scores. "I don’t think you’re stopping him,” Perkovich said. “I thought we made him throw some shorter stuff and kept it in front of us at times.” The game plan to stop Syverson was to keep the ball out of his hands. The River Hawks executed, holding the ball for nearly 40 minutes. After Mendez’s score, the River Hawks had 3:31 to drive down the field and win the game. Ten plays, 55 yards and two third-down conversions later, it was time for Bourgeois to shine. “I did not want to give (the ball) back to them,” Perkovich said. “We made some huge plays.” It felt as if every time the River Hawks were faced with a third-down conversion. SU converted on 7-of-10 third-down tries. “Every time they needed to make a big play, they were able to make it against our defense,” Saint John’s coach Gary Fasching said. If you ask Perkovich, this is the win that proves that the River Hawks (11-1) have arrived on the national stage. “People have been wondering where we’re at,” he said. “To win on the road today against a team of that caliber, I think, finally shows people where we’re at and what we do.” NCAA DIVISION III FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS THIRD ROUND at Clemens Stadium, Collegeville, MN SUSQUEHANNA 41, SAINT JOHN’S 38 SUSQUEHANNA (11-1);0;17;14;10 – 41 SAINT JOHN’S (11-1);3;14;7;14 – 38 SCORING SUMMARY First quarter SJU-FG Conor Murphy 33, 5:47. Second quarter SJU-Riley Schwellenbach 12 pass from Aaron Syverson (Murphy kick), 11:27; SU-Josh Ehrlich 1 run (Dominic Bourgeois kick), 7:54; SJU-Schwellenbach 89 pass from Syverson (Murphy kick), 7:39; SU-FG Bourgeois 43, 2:34; SU-Rahshan La Mons 2 run (Bourgeois kick), 0:10. Third quarter SJU-Dylan Wheeler 10 pass from Syverson (Murphy kick), 12:01; SU-La Mons 17 run (Bourgeois kick), 8:24; SU-Kyle Howes 1 pass from Ehrlich (Bourgeois kick), 1:22. Fourth quarter SU-La Mons 30 run (Bourgeois kick), 9:15; SJU-Joey Gendreau 16 pass from Syverson (Murphy kick), 6:39; SJU-Marselio Mendez 19 pass from Syverson (Murphy kick), 3:31; SU-FG Bourgeois 37, 0:00. TEAM STATISTICS ;SU;SJU First Downs;25;23 Rushing Yards;47-216;9-14 Passing Yards;274;466 Passing;25-37-0;37-46-0 Fumbles-lost;5-0;1-1 Penalties-yards;4-34;7-71 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING — Susquehanna: Rahshan La Mons 29-176, 3 TDs; Josh Ehrlich 16-51, TD; Christian Colasurdo 1-0. Saint John’s: Corey Bohmert 3-12; Will Blakey 1-6; Aaron Syverson 4-(-3). PASSING — Susquehanna: Ehrlich 25-37-0 for 274 yards, TD. Saint John’s: Syverson 37-46-0 for 466 yards, 5 TDs. RECEIVING — Susquehanna: Kyle Howes 10-113, TD; La Mons 7-55; Hunter Morgenroth 3-36; Michael Robbins 2-32; Chris Bookter 2-29; Matt Surtz 1-9. Saint John’s: Dylan Wheeler 10-71, TD; Riley Schwellenbach 9-167, 2 TDs; Marselio Mendez 8-113, TD; Joey Gendreau 6-98, TD; Owen Amrhein 2-17; Corey Bohmert 2-0.
LAS VEGAS — Players Era Festival organizers have done what so many other have tried — bet their fortunes in this city that a big payoff is coming. Such bet are usually bad ones, which is why so many massive casino-resorts have been built on Las Vegas Boulevard. But it doesn't mean the organizers are wrong. They're counting on the minimum of $1 million in guaranteed name, image and likeness money that will go to each of the eight teams competing in the neutral-site tournament that begins Tuesday will create a precedent for other such events. EverWonder Studios CEO Ian Orefice, who co-founded Players with former AND1 CEO Seth Berger, compared this event to last year's inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament that played its semifinals and final in Las Vegas by saying it "did really well to reinvigorate the fan base at the beginning of the year." "We're excited that we're able to really change the paradigm in college basketball on the economics," Orefice said. "But for us, it's about the long term. How do we use the momentum that is launching with the 2024 Players Era Festival and be the catalyst not to change one event, but to change college basketball for the future." Orefice and Berger didn't disclose financial details, but said the event will come close to breaking even this year and that revenue is in eight figures. Orefice said the bulk of the revenue will come from relationships with MGM, TNT Sports and Publicis Sport & Entertainment as well as sponsors that will be announced later. Both organizers said they are so bullish on the tournament's prospects that they already are planning ahead. Money made from this year's event, Orefice said, goes right back into the company. "We're really in this for the long haul," Orefice said. "So we're not looking at it on a one-year basis." Rick Giles is president of the Gazelle Group, which also operates several similar events, including the College Basketball Invitational. He was skeptical the financial numbers would work. Giles said in addition to more than $8 million going to the players, there were other expenses such as the guarantees to the teams. He said he didn't know if the tournament would make up the difference with ticket sales, broadcast rights and sponsorship money. The top bowl of the MGM Grand Garden Arena will be curtained off. "The math is highly challenging," Giles said. "Attendance and ticket revenues are not going to come anywhere close to covering that. They haven't announced any sponsors that I'm aware of. So it all sort of rests with their media deal with Turner and how much capital they want to commit to it to get these players paid." David Carter, a University of Southern California adjunct professor who also runs the Sports Business Group consultancy, said even if the Players isn't a financial success this year, the question is whether there will be enough interest to move forward. "If there is bandwidth for another tournament and if the TV or the streaming ratings are going to be there and people are going to want to attend and companies are going to want to sponsor, then, yeah, it's probably going to work," Carter said. "But it may take them time to gain that traction." Both founders said they initially were met with skepticism about putting together such an event, especially from teams they were interested in inviting. Houston was the first school to commit, first offering an oral pledge early in the year and then signing a contract in April. That created momentum for others to join, and including the No. 6 Cougars, half the field is ranked. "We have the relationships to operate a great event," Berger said. "We had to get coaches over those hurdles, and once they knew that we were real, schools got on board really quickly." The founders worked with the NCAA to make sure the tournament abided by that organization's rules, so players must appear at ancillary events in order to receive NIL money. Strict pay for play is not allowed, though there are incentives for performance. The champion, for example, will receive $1.5 million in NIL money. Now the pressure is on to pull off the event and not create the kind of headlines that can dog it for years to come. "I think everybody in the marketplace is watching what's going to happen (this) week and, more importantly, what happens afterwards," Giles said. "Do the players get paid on a timely basis? And if they do, that means that Turner or somebody has paid way more than the market dictates? And the question will be: Can that continue?" CREIGHTON: P oint guard Steven Ashworth likely won’t play in the No. 21 Bluejays’ game against San Diego State in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. Ashworth sprained his right ankle late in a loss to Nebraska on Friday and coach Greg McDermott said afterward he didn’t know how long he would be out. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has undergone surgery on an ankle fracture and faces a spell on the sidelines, the Lilywhites have confirmed. The 28-year-old started and kept a clean sheet in the weekend's shock 4-0 victory over Manchester City , where he completed the full 90 minutes despite appearing to pick up an injury early on. However, Spurs have now revealed that Vicario's issue was a severe one, as the former Empoli and Venezia goalkeeper sustained a fracture to his ankle and underwent an operation on Monday. "We can confirm that Guglielmo Vicario has today undergone surgery for a fracture of his right ankle," Tottenham said on X. "Guglielmo will be assessed by our medical staff to determine when he can return to training. We're all behind you, Vic 🤍." Spurs did not specify how long Vicario would be sidelined for, but Fraser Forster will be expected to guard the sticks for at least several weeks as Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman fight for temporary number two duties. Following confirmation of Vicario's operation, the goalkeeper took to Instagram, sharing a photo of him flexing his arms in a hospital bed and revealing that he played an hour of the win over Man City with his broken ankle. "Sometimes football gives you its highs, and sometimes it challenges you in ways you don't expect. I played 60 minutes at the Etihad with a broken ankle, giving absolutely everything I had for the team. Unfortunately there was no way around this one.. I needed surgery," Vicario wrote. "I'm disappointed I won't be able to help the team for a while. A massive thank you to the doctors and the staff. The operation went well, and from tomorrow I'll be working hard to come back stronger, fitter, and ready to give my all for you again. "Thank you to the Spurs fans for all the love. See you soon on the pitch. 💪⚽️ @spursofficial 🤍". Until either the club or Ange Postecoglou sheds more light on Vicario's problem, it is unclear how many games the goalkeeper will be forced to sit out, but meetings with Chelsea and Liverpool on December 8 and 22 respectively will certainly come too soon for him to return. Tottenham's second North London derby of the season against Arsenal takes place on January 15, and it is difficult to envisage the Italian being fit for the visit of the Gunners too. Vicario's ankle fracture is the first severe injury that the 28-year-old has suffered during his time at Tottenham, whom he has been a key figure for since his £15.5m arrival from Empoli in 2023. The Italy international has kept 12 clean sheets in 55 appearances for the Lilywhites, including four shut-outs from 15 matches across all competitions in the 2024-25 campaign. Vicario enters a relatively well-stocked Tottenham infirmary, which also houses a couple of other fundamental defensive figures in Cristian Romero (toe) and Micky van de Ven (hamstring). Postecoglou is keeping his fingers crossed that Romero will be fit to take on Fulham in next Sunday's London derby, though, but Van de Ven is unlikely to return until the middle of next month. Richarlison is also unlikely to be back from his own thigh concern until the New Year, while Wilson Odobert is on the recovery trail from hamstring surgery and faces weeks/months out of action. Alongside a quintet of injury worries, Mikey Moore has been laid low by a severe virus in recent weeks, and Rodrigo Bentancur is serving a seven-match domestic ban for an offensive comment about Son Heung-min and South Koreans. However, Bentancur will be fine to face Roma in the Europa League on Thursday, where Forster is set to commence a lengthy run of games in goal.BERWYN, Illinois, EE.UU. (AP) — El influencer ultraderechista Nick Fuentes tiene programada una comparecencia ante el tribunal a finales de este mes, luego de que una mujer lo acusó de rociarle gas lacrimógeno cuando se presentó en su residencia de los suburbios de Chicago luego de que Fuentes publicó en la red social X “Tu cuerpo, mi decisión”. Según documentos judiciales, la mujer de 57 años se acercó a la casa de Fuentes en Berwyn el 10 de noviembre, poco después de que se filtró su dirección luego de su publicación, informó el diario Chicago Tribune. Berwyn es un suburbio de Chicago de unos 54.000 habitantes. En una entrevista concedida al diario el pasado 15 de noviembre, la mujer declaró que sus amigos la animaron a presentarse en la casa de Fuentes para ver si eran ciertos los rumores de que había estado recibiendo entregas de bromas después de su publicación en X. Ella dijo que se grabó frente a la casa de Fuentes. Otra mujer llegó en su coche y le dijo que tocara el timbre. Aseguró que Fuentes abrió la puerta antes de que pudiera tocar el timbre, la roció con gas lacrimógeno, le gritó una grosería y le quitó el celular. Fuentes, de 26 años, enfrenta un cargo de agresión relacionado con el incidente, informó el periódico. Está previsto que comparezca ante el tribunal el 19 de diciembre. El influencer ha publicado fotos de su ficha policial en su cuenta de X junto con el mensaje: “Liberenme”, acompañado de un insulto racial. Fuentes no respondió de inmediato a un mensaje que The Associated Press le envió el sábado a través de X. Tampoco fue posible ponerse en contacto con su abogado, Eduardo Cervantes. Fuentes, un supremacista blanco que niega el Holocausto, es parte de un grupo de influencers ultraderechistas que han aprovechado la victoria presidencial del republicano Donald Trump para amplificar la misoginia y las amenazas en línea. Muchos de ellos se han apropiado del eslogan del derecho al aborto “mi cuerpo, mi decisión”, cambiándolo a “tu cuerpo, mi decisión”. El cambio en la frase se le ha atribuido, en gran medida, a la publicación de Fuentes del 5 de noviembre en X: “Tu cuerpo, mi decisión. Para siempre.” Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de la AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.
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Rapid Direct Revolutionizes Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication With Instant Quotes And Precision QualityLAS VEGAS — Players Era Festival organizers have done what so many other have tried — bet their fortunes in this city that a big payoff is coming. Such bet are usually bad ones, which is why so many massive casino-resorts have been built on Las Vegas Boulevard. But it doesn't mean the organizers are wrong. They're counting on the minimum of $1 million in guaranteed name, image and likeness money that will go to each of the eight teams competing in the neutral-site tournament that begins Tuesday will create a precedent for other such events. EverWonder Studios CEO Ian Orefice, who co-founded Players with former AND1 CEO Seth Berger, compared this event to last year's inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament that played its semifinals and final in Las Vegas by saying it "did really well to reinvigorate the fan base at the beginning of the year." "We're excited that we're able to really change the paradigm in college basketball on the economics," Orefice said. "But for us, it's about the long term. How do we use the momentum that is launching with the 2024 Players Era Festival and be the catalyst not to change one event, but to change college basketball for the future." Orefice and Berger didn't disclose financial details, but said the event will come close to breaking even this year and that revenue is in eight figures. Orefice said the bulk of the revenue will come from relationships with MGM, TNT Sports and Publicis Sport & Entertainment as well as sponsors that will be announced later. Both organizers said they are so bullish on the tournament's prospects that they already are planning ahead. Money made from this year's event, Orefice said, goes right back into the company. "We're really in this for the long haul," Orefice said. "So we're not looking at it on a one-year basis." Rick Giles is president of the Gazelle Group, which also operates several similar events, including the College Basketball Invitational. He was skeptical the financial numbers would work. Giles said in addition to more than $8 million going to the players, there were other expenses such as the guarantees to the teams. He said he didn't know if the tournament would make up the difference with ticket sales, broadcast rights and sponsorship money. The top bowl of the MGM Grand Garden Arena will be curtained off. "The math is highly challenging," Giles said. "Attendance and ticket revenues are not going to come anywhere close to covering that. They haven't announced any sponsors that I'm aware of. So it all sort of rests with their media deal with Turner and how much capital they want to commit to it to get these players paid." David Carter, a University of Southern California adjunct professor who also runs the Sports Business Group consultancy, said even if the Players isn't a financial success this year, the question is whether there will be enough interest to move forward. "If there is bandwidth for another tournament and if the TV or the streaming ratings are going to be there and people are going to want to attend and companies are going to want to sponsor, then, yeah, it's probably going to work," Carter said. "But it may take them time to gain that traction." Both founders said they initially were met with skepticism about putting together such an event, especially from teams they were interested in inviting. Houston was the first school to commit, first offering an oral pledge early in the year and then signing a contract in April. That created momentum for others to join, and including the No. 6 Cougars, half the field is ranked. "We have the relationships to operate a great event," Berger said. "We had to get coaches over those hurdles, and once they knew that we were real, schools got on board really quickly." The founders worked with the NCAA to make sure the tournament abided by that organization's rules, so players must appear at ancillary events in order to receive NIL money. Strict pay for play is not allowed, though there are incentives for performance. The champion, for example, will receive $1.5 million in NIL money. Now the pressure is on to pull off the event and not create the kind of headlines that can dog it for years to come. "I think everybody in the marketplace is watching what's going to happen (this) week and, more importantly, what happens afterwards," Giles said. "Do the players get paid on a timely basis? And if they do, that means that Turner or somebody has paid way more than the market dictates? And the question will be: Can that continue?" CREIGHTON: P oint guard Steven Ashworth likely won’t play in the No. 21 Bluejays’ game against San Diego State in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. Ashworth sprained his right ankle late in a loss to Nebraska on Friday and coach Greg McDermott said afterward he didn’t know how long he would be out. Get local news delivered to your inbox!‘New era in travel’: airports, airlines continue to be sweet spot for biometrics
Séamus Coleman has revealed how he tried his best to frustrate Erling Haaland just seconds before the striker’s penalty miss as Everton held Manchester City. The champions’ dismal run of form continued on St Stephen’s Day as Coleman captained the Toffees to a 1-1 draw at the Etihad, following on from recent stalemates with Chelsea and Arsenal. It was only the Donegal native’s second league start of the season and first since August having recovered from injury. And the Irish skipper played a key role to help Everton earn a point against Pep Guardiola’s out-of-sorts side. He was also seen having a word in Haaland’s ear as the Norwegian striker stepped up to take a second-half spot kick with the score at 1-1. While the 36-year-old didn’t divulge exactly what he said to the Norwegian striker to put him off, he admitted that sometimes you have to do whatever it takes to earn a result. “No comment,” said Coleman, when asked about the confrontation with the Man City star. Then asked if it was perhaps a festive message to Haaland, Coleman replied: “Yeah, Merry Christmas! We came here wanting to get a point and you’ll do anything you can sometimes to win. There was no swearing or anything like that.” Everton are in 15th and remain unbeaten in their last four league outings, as the right-back hailed his team for earning a point at the home of the champions. “It was always going to be a tough shift coming here,” he continued. “They might not be in the best of form, but Manchester City have a side full of good players. Going 1-0 down wasn’t easy, but we showed the spirit we had in the group at the moment. “They have top players and an unbelievable manager. They are going through a tough time and we felt it was an opportunity today to come away with a point. In the end, we could have got the three points but we are very happy with the point. “We nearly won it 2-1, but it wasn’t to be. But coming here, and with the run of fixtures, to pick up the points that we have has been impressive. “People would have looked at the fixtures and would have thought ‘Everton are going to have a very tough December’, but thankfully the lads stuck together. We played Wolves at home, a big game and we won comfortably [4-0]. “We have carried that togetherness through. Sometimes getting a point here [City] may be more impressive than the three points at home, the way you have to get it and really work hard and dig in. You can be proud of the lads putting their bodies to come out of here with a point.” Meanwhile, Watford boss Tom Cleverley hailed winger Rocco Vata after the Ireland U-21 star netted a 95th-minute winner in their Championship victory over Portsmouth yesterday. The 19-year-old departed Celtic for Watford last summer and has now hit two goals and two assists in his last four league games, as Cleverley spoke highly of the winger after his late winner helped the Hornets up to sixth. “I said it earlier in the season, to not expect too much, too soon, from one of our highly-talented youngsters and the same goes with Rocco,” said Cleverley. “But we have an exciting prospect on our hands and he’s really improving. He is desperate to score goals. He’s an animal in and around the box and it’s no fluke he’s got two big goals for us.”
It was an emotional night for comedian Chris McCausland during tonight's Strictly Come Dancing semi-final. Alongside professional partner Dianne Buswell, McCausland took to the dance floor twice – first performing a Charleston to The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn's When You're Smiling, and then offering a Viennese Waltz to Metallica's Nothing Else Matters. And it appeared that the night was a particularly emotional one for McCausland who, following his second routine, embraced dance partner Buswell. "Chris is getting all emotional, and that's making us all emotional up here," said head judge Shirley Ballas, who looked on over McCausland as he was comforted by Buswell. "It was just stunning. You should be so, so proud," she continued. Meanwhile, judge Craig Revel Horwood, often known for his harsh but constructive criticism, said: "My pen went down. Magical, darling." Upstairs afterwards in the so-called 'Clauditorium', McCausland was equally as emotional, explaining: "I'm an emotional wreck tonight. "You know that what you're doing is big when your really close mates don't take the mickey out of you." Viewers have flocked to social media to share their love for McCausland, with one writing : "Chris McCausland continues to stun me on #Strictly – there wasn't a moment of hesitation AND he looked graceful throughout that Viennese Waltz, never mind the footwork and the synchronicity during The Charleston. Utterly amazing man." Meanwhile, another wrote : "Fantastic FANTASTIC!!! Chris McCausland & Dianne Buswell." For the routine, the duo went on to score four nines, marking one of their highest results of the season so far. It remains to be seen whether McCausland and Buswell will make it to the final of this year's Strictly run next week, with Week 11's results show set to air tomorrow night (8th December). Sign up to be the first to know about breaking stories and new series! By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy . You can unsubscribe at any time. Strictly Come Dancing 2024 continues on Sunday 8th December on BBC One and iPlayer. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast .
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UnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New YorkNEW YORK (AP) — More shoppers than ever are on track to use ‘buy now, pay later’ plans this holiday season, as the ability to spread out payments looks attractive at a time when Americans still feel the lingering effect of inflation and already have record-high credit card debt. The data firm Adobe Analytics predicts shoppers will spend 11.4% more this holiday season using buy now, pay later than they did a year ago. The company forecasts shoppers will purchase $18.5 billion worth of goods using the third-party services for the period Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, with $993 million worth of purchases on Cyber Monday alone. Buy now, pay later can be particularly appealing to consumers who have low credit scores or no credit history, such as younger shoppers, because most of the companies providing the service run only soft credit checks and don’t report the loans and payment histories to the credit bureaus, unlike credit card companies. This holiday season, buy now, pay later users can also feel more confident if a transaction goes awry. In May, the CFPB said buy now, pay later company must adhere to other regulations that govern traditional credit, such as providing ways to demand refunds and dispute transactions. To use a buy now, pay later plan, consumers typically sign up with bank account information or a debit or credit card, and agree to pay for purchases in monthly installments, typically over eight weeks or more. The loans are marketed as requiring no or low interest, or only conditional fees, such as for late payment. Klarna, Afterpay and Affirm are three of the biggest buy now, pay later companies. But consumer advocates warn that shoppers who sign up for the payment plans using a credit card can be hit with more interest and fees. That's because individuals open themselves up to interest on the credit card payment, if it's carried month to month, on top of any late fees, interest, or penalties from the buy now, pay later loan itself. Experts advise against using a credit card to pay for these plans for this reason. Consumer watchdogs also say the plans lead consumers to overextend themselves because, for example, not paying full price up front leaves, in the shopper’s mind at least, more money for smaller purchases . They also caution consumers to keep careful track of using multiple buy now, pay later services, as the automatic payments can add up, and there is no central reporting, such as with a credit card statement. “Buy now, pay later can be an innovative tool for purchases you’re going to make anyway,” said Mark Elliott, chief customer officer at financial services company LendingClub. “The challenge is that it does fuel overspending.” For merchants, that’s part of the appeal. Retailers have found that customers are more likely to have bigger cart sizes or to convert from browsing to checking out when buy now, pay later is offered. One report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York cited research that found customers spend 20% more when buy now, pay later is available. “The reality is that the increased cost-of-living and inflation have put more people in a situation where they’re already relying on revolving credit,” Elliott said. “The psychographics of ‘buy now, pay later’ may be different — people don’t think of it as debt — but it is.” If a consumer misses a payment, they can face fees, interest, or the possibility of being locked out of using the services in the future. Emily Childers, consumer financial expert for personal-finance technology company Credit Karma, said that internal data shows member credit card balances are up more than 50% for Gen Z and millennial members since March 2022, when the Fed started raising interest rates. “Young people are entering this holiday season already in the red,” she said. “And, based on what we’re seeing in the data, they’re continuing to bury their heads in the sand and spend.” The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.Islamabad [Pakistan], December 26 (ANI): The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has set a deadline to conclude talks on various demands with the Pakistani federal government by January 31, 2025, ARY News reported on Thursday .PTI has been engaged in ongoing political talks with the government on various demands, with the next round of reconciliation talks scheduled for January 2. Also Read | US Shocker: Pizza Delivery Woman Stabs Customer, Steals Possessions After Dispute Over Bad Tip in Florida; Arrested. Speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail, Hamid Raza, head of PTI's Special Investigation Committee (SIC), confirmed that Imran Khan has expressed trust in the negotiating committee working to address issues with the Centre, ARY News reported. Raza emphasised that PTI Chairman Imran Khan is willing to forgive charges, including those related to assassination attempts, in order to move forward. However, he clarified that Khan's release should not be contingent upon any agreements. Also Read | US Lawmaker Expresses Concerns Over MBK Partners Ltd's Takeover Bid for Korea Zinc. Raza also mentioned that discussions regarding the Kurram issue had taken place with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Pakistani Senator Raja Nasir Abbas in an effort to resolve it, ARY News reported. Earlier, during the initial round of discussions held in the National Assembly, the government requested a charter of demands from PTI. The meeting presided over by Pakistan National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq saw representatives from both the government and PTI discuss the political situation. The government committee included Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Irfan Siddiqui, Aleem Khan, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and Farooq Sattar. The opposition committee was represented by Asad Qaiser, Hamid Raza, and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, ARY News reported. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq welcomed the committee members from both sides and stressed the importance of negotiations in strengthening democracy. He noted that dialogue is crucial for the country's progress and for addressing national challenges. "Democracy thrives on negotiations, and the collective efforts of the government and opposition are necessary to address the challenges facing the nation," the speaker added as quoted by ARY News. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)