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‘PPP CEC to meet after February 5’ Important decisions related to national politics and public issues to be taken in meeting of PPP’s CEC PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari virtually addressing the 2nd Global COVID Summit co-hosted by US. — X/@ForeignOfficePk/File ISLAMABAD: The scheduled meeting of the Pakistan Peoples Party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) has been postponed and it will be held after February 5, the Kashmir Day. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari took a decision regarding the rescheduling of the party’s CEC meeting on the request of the PPP’s National Issues Committee which holds a meeting with him on Friday in Larkana. The members of the Pakistan Peoples Party’s National Issues Committee requested to hold the Central Executive Committee meeting after the Kashmir Day. The PPP chairman accepted the request of the members of the National Issues Committee to hold the CEC meeting after the Kashmir Day. According to the PPP, the date of PPP’s Central Executive Committee meeting will be announced soon. The important decisions related to national politics and public issues will be taken in the meeting of PPP’s Central Executive Committee. The PPP’s committee on National Issues formed last month held a meeting with the government’s committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the reservations and complaints of the PPP, being the main coalition partner.Indian scientists find survival strategies of some primitiveorganisms on Earth
Swiss Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger dies in avalanche, aged 26The election of Donald Trump for his second presidential term has led to widespread fears of an imminent authoritarian descent in the United States. Quite how that might play out remains speculative, for now at least. But evidence from Trump’s first term, as well as his campaign policies and cabinet nominations since the election, suggest those fears are not without foundation. Another way of looking at this, however, is that Trump’s return simply echoes realities within the international system’s other great powers – China, Russia and India have all displayed similar political pathologies for some time now. Due to their collective power and influence in determining the nature of the world order, Trump’s victory thus marks the amplification of a deeply autocratic era in global politics. The hallmarks of what we might call this nascent “Pax Autocratica ” can be seen in a variety of ways, as these four horsemen of authoritarianism charge ahead with their policies and plans. Strongman politics Donald Trump and his counterparts – China’s Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin and India’s Narendra Modi – are all bombastic, divisive and confrontational leaders. They embody the archetype of strongman politics whereby power is focused on a single, would-be omnipotent individual. As well as sharing similar alpha-male psychological characteristics and developing cults of personality around themselves, they seek to rule for long periods. In 2018, Xi removed the presidential term limit from China’s constitution. In 2020, Putin amended the Russian constitution, allowing him to rule until 2036, leading to what’s been described as a “ politics of eternity ”. In power since 2014, Modi has won the past three elections in India. Accused of having a god complex , his success has rested on mainstreaming Hindu-first nationalism , capturing the legal system and rewriting Indian history . Trump, too, has flirted with ideas of a third term (impossible under current constitutional rules), saying, “ we just have to figure that out ”. Strongman politics: Donald Trump meets India’s Narendra Modi in New Delhi, 2020. Getty Images Constraining human rights Each of these leaders has overseen governments that have sought to narrow and constrain human rights. This includes limiting freedoms of speech and expression within Russian media, attacking journalists and protesters in India, and purging opponents in China. In all three countries, this involves using legal mechanisms to stifle dissent. Reports after Trump’s victory suggest he also wants to punish or suppress protest and dissent. The growing politicisation of the US Supreme Court matches similar trends in the other three countries. This has been likened to a shift away from the rule of law (which underpins a free and open society) towards “rule by law” (whereby the law becomes a tool of control). Globally, there have been warnings that reduced freedoms of speech, association and expression threaten the fundamental structures of civil society . The 2024 State of Civil Society Report by watchdog group Civicus estimates 72% of the world’s population now lives under authoritarian regimes. Attacking minorities The first Trump administration actively discriminated against minority ethnic groups, LGBTQ people, those with disabilities, and immigrants. Trump’s 2017 travel ban closed the US border to Muslims, while the planned deportation of up to 13 million illegal migrants was a mainstay of his 2024 campaign. In Russia, attacks against minorities and foreigners are commonplace, with racism in the country described as “ out of control ” by Amnesty International. Since 2014, violence and discrimination against India’s 200 million Muslims has significantly increased under Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Modi government’s actions actively discriminate against Muslim employment, education, justice and housing , especially in Kashmir and Assam. These chime with China’s actions in Xinjiang and Tibet where ethnic minorities are experiencing fundamental human rights violations . Beijing is also building a national social credit system designed to enhance public trust in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and create a society of “ compliant subjects ”. Social control: China’s Xi Jinping with Russia’s Vladimir Putin at the BRICS Leader’s Summit, October 22. Getty Images Weakened electoral systems While ostensibly democratic, there are glaring weaknesses in the US, Indian and Russian political and electoral systems, which undercut claims of electoral equality, fairness and plurality. While not as blatantly authoritarian as China (under the one-party rule of the CCP since 1949, and which consistently silences its opponents ), elections in Russia are essentially non-competitive and only a fac ̧ade of democracy . In the US, the gerrymandering of electoral regions , voter suppression , and vast corporate donations tilt the political landscape towards particular interests. Much the same is true of India, which has shifted towards a form of “ electoral autocracy ”, and is described now as only a “ partially free democracy ” by monitoring group Freedom House. These trends are exacerbated by India’s persistent intergenerational political dynasties and powerful political donors . Surveillance and security All of these authoritarian trends are underpinned by modern surveillance structures , directed inward towards a country’s own citizens as much as outwards, and enabled by Big Tech and now AI. What has been described as “ algorithmic authoritarianism ” takes different forms. The Chinese social credit system uses such technology to instil social control mainly through financial levers. India’s Central Monitoring System allows government agencies to monitor all mobile phone, landline and internet communications with minimal legal restraints . The pervasive reach of Russia’s capabilities has resulted in a “cyber gulag” of “total digital surveillance” . In the US, whistleblower Edward Snowden revealed the mass surveillance of telephone records in 2013, which was found to be illegal in 2020. Now, Trump’s alliance with Elon Musk has potential implications for his administration’s approach to AI and national security – including Musk continuing to use his social media platform to boost Trump’s political support. Trump’s return has normalised and supercharged authoritarianism internationally, making it the rule rather than the exception. America’s autocratic drift is now part of a broader global pattern, one that threatens democratic forces everywhere. Chris Ogden is affiliated with the Foreign Policy Centre (London) as a Senior Research Fellow.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Has $4.95 Million Holdings in iShares Fallen Angels USD Bond ETF (NASDAQ:FALN)Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter plans to turn pro and prefers to continue a dual role, playing wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL. Hunter could be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and is the favorite for the Heisman Trophy. Speculation about his future quieted as he gained notoriety by the week this season. Field Level Media projects Hunter as a top-three pick in the draft, and he confirmed Thursday this will be his last season at the college level. "That's definitely for sure," Hunter said on a conference call with reporters. Hunter is consistently playing between 100 and 125 snaps per game for Colorado. He has three interceptions on defense with 74 receptions, 911 yards and nine touchdowns playing wideout for quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Also a projected early first-round pick, Sanders committed to play in the East-West Shrine Game in Dallas. The son of Colorado head coach and Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, Shedeur Sanders said Thursday he would cast a Heisman vote for Hunter. "If it's between me and him, I would want him to get it," Sanders said. "He does a lot of amazing things and things that haven't been done before. I'm not a selfish guy. I know what he's capable of, so I would rather him win." Hunter said he would invite his QB to New York if he's not named a Heisman finalist before they go about the business of finishing the season, possibly in the 12-team College Football Playoff. Shedeur Sanders said he's the best quarterback in the draft, and doesn't believe that's anything new. "I feel like I was the best quarterback in the last draft, too," said Shedeur Sanders. "Ever since I was draft eligible, I knew I'm the best quarterback. It's not up for me to prove myself to talking about why." Former teammates at Jackson State where Deion Sanders also coached, Hunter said he felt his draft stock began to rise only after critics moved past "the hate" for his coach. A flashy, charismatic cornerback in the NFL after starring at Florida State, Deion Sanders was the fifth overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Hall of Famers Troy Aikman (first, Cowboys), Barry Sanders (third, Lions) and Derrick Thomas (fourth, Chiefs) were chosen ahead of "Prime Time" along with offensive tackle Tony Mandarich (second, Packers). Hunter has picked the brain of Deion Sanders about a dual role in pro sports. Sanders was used selectively as a wide receiver and returned punts but was primarily a cornerback in addition to playing Major League Baseball. There's no base-stealing in Hunter's future, but he does believe he can push the envelope as a full-time two-way NFL player. "It's never been done," Hunter said. "I understand that it will be a high risk, (teams) don't want their top pick to go down too early, and I know they're going to want me to be in a couple packages. But I believe I can do it. Nobody has stopped me from doing it thus far. I like when people tell me I can't do it." --Field Level MediaMike Macdonald credits Seahawks’ effort in win given the circumstances
Game-changing holiday gifts for building fires, printing photos, watching birds and moreGREENSBORO, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 21, 2024-- Tanger® (NYSE: SKT) , a leading owner and operator of outlet and open-air retail shopping destinations, has earned additional recognition from national certification programs for taking steps to address climate change and enhance well-being at its centers. With these actions, Tanger now has achieved LEED certification for 20 centers, or 58% of its owned and managed portfolio by gross leasable area. Additionally, Tanger has expanded recognition of its centers as StormReady® and WELL Health-Safety Rated. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121075293/en/ Tanger Outlets Nashville is the 20th Tanger shopping center to achieve LEED certification. The open-air outlet center in Nashville, Tennessee, which opened last year, was designed with extensive features – like on-site solar energy infrastructure – that help to address the impacts of climate change and enhance community well-being, in support of Tanger’s overall sustainability commitments. Photo credit: Tanger “As a key part of Tanger’s mission, we strive to deliver the best experience for all who shop, dine and work in and around our shopping destinations. Providing for the well-being of our communities through sustainable, healthy operations is a vital part of that commitment,” said Jessica Norman, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary for Tanger, who oversees the company’s environmental, social, and governance program and disclosures. “These recognitions from respected benchmark programs verify the steps we’ve taken to prepare our centers for the impacts of a changing climate and have positioned us to better serve the needs of our communities, in keeping with our core value to consider our communities first.” LEED Tanger Outlets Nashville in Tennessee has achieved LEED Silver® certification for Building Design and Construction (BD+C): Core and Shell Development from the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED® is the world's most widely used green building rating system, recognizing best-in-class building strategies and practices. With this certification, Tanger Nashville becomes the 20th shopping center in Tanger’s portfolio to be certified in the LEED program and Tanger’s third retail development to achieve BD+C certification for addressing carbon impacts in the design and construction process. Tanger Nashville’s transformational design supports sustainability through on-site solar energy production, water use reduction systems, low-emitting materials, lighting controls, electric vehicle charging, and more. The center fosters engagement and well-being through ease of access, walkability, green and gathering spaces, an extensive mural arts program, and restaurants, retail brands, and experiences that celebrate the local culture and community. Opened in October 2023, the development has also helped to revitalize the Southeast Nashville community that surrounds it, fueling job creation, economic health, and business growth in the area. Earlier this year, the Nashville chapter of the Urban Land Institute recognized Tanger Nashville with a 2024 Excellence in Development Award for being one of the best and most innovative projects in the region and for its positive impacts on the community. Tanger Nashville will next pursue LEED Gold® for Operations and Maintenance (O+M) certification, as will Bridge Street Town Centre, Tanger’s open-air lifestyle shopping destination in Huntsville, Alabama. Tanger has 18 other shopping centers that have achieved LEED Gold O+M certification (one of which also achieved BD+C certification), reflecting Tanger’s deep commitment to best-in-class, sustainable operations across its portfolio. StormReady Tanger has also taken steps to mitigate the potential impacts of severe weather on its operations, for the benefit of all who work and shop at its centers. Tanger partners with the U.S. Department of Commerce and National Weather Service to ensure its shopping centers are “StormReady” and has been recognized as a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. These programs help communities strengthen local safety programs and preparation skills needed to protect lives and property in extreme weather and water events. The scenario-specific Weather-Ready plans Tanger maintains at its centers have helped its local team members remain safe and mitigate property damage during events like this year’s devastating hurricanes. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Tanger’s center in Asheville, North Carolina, was well prepared to support the community, hosting emergency responders on-site and quickly restoring business operations to serve residents and business partners. WELL Health and Safety As part of its commitment to the well-being of people at its centers, Tanger achieved and has maintained the WELL Health-Safety Rating for Facility Operations and Management for all the shopping centers it owned and managed in the U.S. in 2022. This year, Tanger Outlets Nashville also achieved this Rating, and the two newest additions to Tanger’s portfolio, in Huntsville, AL, and Asheville, NC, are expected to achieve it in 2025. A component of the International WELL Building Institute’s WELL Building Standard, the WELL Health-Safety Rating recognizes owners and operators like Tanger that prioritize the health and safety of their team members, visitors, and stakeholders. Tanger also participates in the WELL at Scale program to maintain its WELL Ratings more efficiently and benchmark its health and well-being efforts across the portfolio. For more information about Tanger’s commitments to people, planet, and communities, please see the company’s 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance Report, available on its investor relations website at investors.tanger.com/corporate-responsibility . About Tanger® Tanger Inc . (NYSE: SKT) is a leading owner and operator of outlet and open-air retail shopping destinations, with over 43 years of expertise in the retail and outlet shopping industries. Tanger’s portfolio of 38 outlet centers, one adjacent managed center, and one open-air lifestyle center includes over 15 million square feet well positioned across tourist destinations and vibrant markets in 20 U.S. states and Canada. A publicly traded REIT since 1993, Tanger continues to innovate the retail experience for its shoppers with over 3,000 stores operated by more than 700 different brand name companies. For more information on Tanger, call 1-800-4TANGER or visit tanger.com . The Company uses, and intends to continue to use, its Investor Relations website, which can be found at investors.tanger.com , as a means of disclosing material nonpublic information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Additional information about the Company can also be found through social media channels. The Company encourages investors and others interested in the Company to review the information on its Investor Relations website and on social media channels. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, our website or social media platforms is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this document. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe the Company's future plans, strategies and expectations, are generally identifiable by use of the words "believe," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based upon the beliefs and expectations of management at the time of this release. You should not rely on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those presented in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to the documents filed by the Company with the SEC, including specifically the "Risk Factors" sections of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and the Company's other filings with the SEC, which identify additional factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required by law. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121075293/en/ CONTACT: Media Contact Kasie Wilson KWT Global Tanger@kwtglobal.com Investor Relations Contact Doug McDonald SVP, Treasurer and Investments (336) 856-6066 TangerIR@tanger.com KEYWORD: NORTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CLIMATE CHANGE OTHER RETAIL COMMERCIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY REIT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) GREEN TECHNOLOGY RETAIL ENVIRONMENT SUSTAINABILITY SOURCE: Tanger Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/21/2024 04:15 PM/DISC: 11/21/2024 04:15 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121075293/en
Dance videos continue to dominate social media, with people of all ages showcasing their moves to evergreen tunes. From young children to the elderly, everyone seems eager to join in on the fun by creating engaging reels. The classic Radha song from Student of the Year inspired numerous performances, with one standout video quickly capturing the spotlight. Barkat Arora’s latest performance has taken the internet by storm. Shared on her Instagram account @barkat.arora, the video features her performing an energetic dance to Radha, dressed in a striking blue long skirt, a sequined purple top, and a pink dupatta. Her graceful movements and expressive performance mesmerised viewers, with the video garnering over 200k views within just two hours of being posted. The overwhelming response in the comments section reflects her talent, with fans showering her with compliments like "Aaj to princess Radha lag rahi hai," "You danced better than Alia Bhatt dear Gudiya," and "Love your expression cutie pie." Others called her "Very cute Radha," requested "Radha once more," and fondly referred to her as "Choti Alia," "cutie patotieee," and "expression queen." View this post on Instagram Barkat's ability to connect with her audience through her performance highlights not just her exceptional dancing skills but also her knack for leaving a lasting impression with her charm and artistry.
Remembering a legend Benazir Bhutto's life is classic study of courage, commitment towards people's welfare Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. — Facebook@Benazir-Bhutto/File December 27 is a day of immense grief and national tragedy because it was, seventeen years ago to this day, when Pakistan in particular and the world in general lost a leader of the highest stature in the person of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. Even in her martyrdom Shaheed Benazir Bhutto continues to be the symbol of the federation of Pakistan that she was in her life. She is missed every day and will be missed forever but in these uncertain times, her absence is felt even more acutely. Now, more than ever, we needed her sagacity, her wisdom, her courage, her intellect and her commitment. She remains unparalled and while we don't have her with us today, we have the path which she showed us, we have the values and the principles that she stood for. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); Shaheed Benazir Bhutto's life is a classic study of courage, commitment towards people's welfare, and steel-like determination to accomplish the goals she set for herself. She took over the mantle of leadership of the Pakistan People's Party from her illustrious father Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in the most trying circumstances. She then carried forward his mission and braved the oppression of a dictatorial regime for eleven years with utmost courage. She continued to inspire millions and kept their hopes alive during this dictatorship. It is the sole honour of the PPP that it has its roots in every section of society - be they workers, labourers, peasants, students, lawyers, teachers, intellectuals and women. Due to her political wisdom and leadership, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto made her mark in the world politics. She was an embodiment of courage and endurance who did not allow her personal tragedies to stand in the way of her larger commitment towards her people.In her address to a seminar on the legacy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in April 1989, she said: "Courage and grace in the face of adversity are the hallmarks of a great leader." In another speech at Peshawar University in 1995, she said: "The character of men and women is shaped by their own ability to overcome adversity and not to be bent in the face of a storm." She proved through personal example that she was a leader who practiced what she preached. There is no adversity, big or small that she did not face starting from martyrdom of her father, both her brothers, threats to her life and then, to the rigours of exile and imprisonment. I recall that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto used to say: "Turn your personal pain into your strength. You can conquer world with this strength." There is a very select and rare breed of people who become immortal after their deaths. No doubt Shaheed Benazir Bhutto is one of them. She was a heartthrob of millions of people and continues to rule their hearts and minds even in her martyrdom. Her entire life is a role model not only for the people of Pakistan but also the world. She was an incarnation of steadfastness, perseverance and determination. Her name will be chronicled in golden words in the annals of history. History will remember Shaheed Benazir Bhutto for three things: firstly, the unwavering determination to reach out to her people; secondly, the courage to take on huge and seemingly insurmountable challenges and thirdly, the ability to forgive her enemies. She may not be physically with us today but her ideals and vision continue to enlighten our path. The principles and values she fought and died for remain as relevant today as they were in the past. Though there are many facets of her illustrious life, however, I will confine myself to only a few. The first and foremost was her declaration of jihad against militancy, extremism and terrorism. She clearly warned us of this menace as far back as 1994 in a keynote speech at the Seventh OIC summit in Casablanca. She knew well the dangers to her own life as a result of her stand against terrorism and extremism but the well-being and future of Pakistan were dearer to her heart. Those who killed her may have martyred an individual but they have not silenced the idea that she championed. She led the fight against the forces of darkness from the front and thus by choosing martyrdom at the hands of terrorists, she has safeguarded the future of this country. Our great nation has suffered immensely due to the politics of vendetta and revenge. As a result of a lack of consensus among different political parties on the minimum rules of the game, there has been periodic derailment of democracy and eras of dictatorial rule. Her signing of the historic Charter of Democracy along with PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif represented a sincere effort at changing the political culture of the country. She knew that if the nation's well-being was to be ensured, it was possible only through continuation of the democratic order. When I had the unique privilege to be the Prime Minister in 2008, our democratic government undertook critical reforms in different fields of national life to carry forward SZAB and SMBB. In a short span, we travelled a long distance. The focus of reforms introduced by my government remained on reorienting the direction of state policy in favour of the common man - the man in the street who is the real stakeholder. Our historic successes such as the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan initiative, the adoption of the Seventh National Finance Commission Award, the passage of the 18th Constitutional amendment, the Gilgit-Baltistan Self-Governance and Empowerment Act, the Benazir Income Support Programme, different initiatives for empowerment of women, and a successful fight against terrorism and extremism to name only a few, are dedicated to the memory and vision of our martyred leader Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. The 18th amendment was the most extensive exercise in constitutional legislation since the framing of the Constitution. It was the spirit of tolerance, understanding and pluralism that allowed the 18th amendment to be passed unanimously and not one member out of 446 members objected. The 18th amendment and the consensus built around it demonstrated that it is possible for us to get together to fight for the supremacy of the parliament and the sanctity of the constitution. In our struggle to accomplish these Herculean tasks, my coalition government and I myself were guided by the politics of reconciliation and harmony originally espoused by our Shaheed Leader. We had the honor of making history by successfully taking on structural issues of governance and reforms, which remained unresolved in the past. It is not time yet to rest on our laurels. We cannot afford to be complacent, for we have the debt of huge tasks conferred on us by our Shaheed leaders. Carrying out the mission of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto requires courage, clarity and patience. The PPP has a long and glorious history of sacrifices for democracy, parliamentary supremacy and human rights and I stand alongside my Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in carrying on the mission. The author is Senate chairman.NEW YORK (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Jose D. Hernandez was suspended for next year's Arizona Complex League season on Wednesday following a positive test for boldenone and nandrolone under baseball's minor league drug program. The 21-year-old Hernandez hit .302 with four homers and 21 RBIs in 26 games this year for the ACL Dodgers. The Venezuelan agreed to a contract with the Dodgers in 2019 that included a $10,000 signing bonus. Twenty players have been suspended this year for positive drug tests, including nine under the minor league program and nine under the new program for minor league players assigned outside the United States and Canada. Two players have been suspended this year under the major league drug program. Noelvi Marté , a 22-year-old infielder who was considered Cincinnati's top prospect, missed the first 80 games following a positive test for boldenone. Toronto infielder Orelvis Martínez was suspended for 80 games on June 23 following a positive test for the performance-enhancing drug clomiphene, an announcement made two days after his major league debut . ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb The Associated Press
Black Friday puts consumer spending in market's glare with stocks near records