
Trump nominates New York real estate developer Charles Kushner as his envoy to France
Buck with mysterious tag in B.C. backyard reveals AI scam targeting seniorsThe Premier League table is starting to have a 1979 kind of feel to it — with Liverpool at the top of the standings and Nottingham Forest in second place as the closest challenger. Liverpool padded its lead with a 5-0 rout of West Ham on Sunday, while upstart Nottingham Forest climbed into second place by beating Everton 2-0 to continue its surprising push for a Champions League place. Forest was runner-up behind Liverpool in the English top tier in 1979 – the same year it won the first of two straight European Cups under Brian Clough – but hasn’t finished that high in the domestic first division since then. The club’s long-suffering fans finally have reason to believe that the good times are back under Nuno Espirito Santo. Although the Portuguese manager was the first to point out that his team may not stay in second place for very long. “It doesn’t mean anything," Nuno said of his team's position. "We haven’t achieved anything yet.” Forest could find itself back in fourth place by Jan. 1 as it is only one point above Arsenal and two ahead of Chelsea, with both London clubs having a game in hand. Liverpool could prove a lot harder to overtake, though, as Arne Slot's team only seems to be growing stronger and stronger. The performance at West Ham was one of its most impressive yet, with five different players getting on the scoresheet — including Mohamed Salah, who netted the team's third for his league-leading 17th of the season. Salah also had an assist to take his tally to 52 goal contributions in all competitions for the calendar year 2024 — 29 goals and 23 assists. But the Egyptian remained evasive over the speculation about his future beyond the end of this season, when his contract expires. “The only thing on my mind is I want Liverpool to win the league and I want to be part of that," Salah said. “I will do my best for the team to win the trophy. There is a few other teams catching up with us and we need to stay focused and humble and go again.” Liverpool is nine points ahead of Arsenal and 10 above Chelsea, with all three teams having played 18 games. Manchester City is 14 points back having played 19 games, after beating Leicester 2-0 away. In his 500th game in charge of Man City, Pep Guardiola had some reasons to smile again. City marked Guardiola's milestone with a win and a goal from Erling Haaland — things that the Spaniard used to take for granted but have been increasingly rare of late for the struggling four-time defending Premier League champions. Savinho also netted his first goal for the club in a much-needed win, although the team still looked far from the juggernaut that has dominated English soccer for much of the Spaniard’s reign. Leicester had several chances for an equalizer before Savinho set up Haaland for the second in the 74th as City ended a five-game winless run in all competitions. “Just relief, that is the word to express how all of us feel," Guardiola said. “It was not the ideal performance but hopefully the victories will give our mood a better position. ... Hopefully in the new year we can bounce back a bit from a bad moment.” This was only the club's second win in 14 games in all competition. And even against a team mired in the relegation zone, City was pegged back for much of the second half until Haaland's header ended Leicester's resistance. Savinho put the team ahead in the 21st minute by pouncing on the rebound after Phil Foden drove forward and tried a low shot from distance that Leicester goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk pushed to the side. The ball fell into the path of the onrushing Savinho, who lifted it over the goalkeeper and into the net. The winger then turned provider by lifting a perfect cross into the box for Haaland to head home the second, shortly after Jamie Vardy had missed a good chance for a Leicester equalizer. Tottenham's roller-coaster of a season had another downturn as Spurs conceded a late equalizer to draw 2-2 at home against Wolves. Ange Postecoglou has come under increasing criticism of late because of his team's all-attacking style of play and the team's defensive vulnerabilities were on display again as Jorgen Strand Larsen was afforded space to beat Fraser Forster at his near post in the 87th minute. Wolves had taken the lead through Hwang Hee-chan after a well-worked free kick routine in the seventh minute, but Rodrigo Bentancur equalized five minutes later and Brennan Johnson gave Tottenham the lead on the stroke of halftime. Substitute Dango Ouattara netted an even later equalizer for Bournemouth to draw 2-2 at Fulham, while Crystal Palace came from a goal down to beat last-place Southampton 2-1. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — More than 2 years after Tennessee abruptly halted the execution of inmate Oscar Smith — admitting that correction officials were not following their own execution protocols — the state has announced a new method that could allow it to resume executions halted since May 2022 . But that won’t happen right away. The Tennessee Department of Correction announced in a brief statement Friday it had “completed its revision of the lethal injection protocol, which will utilize the single drug pentobarbital .” The Department did not immediately release the new protocol to the public or give any further details. Kelley Henry, chief of the federal public defender’s habeas unit that represents many of Tennessee’s death row inmates, said the announcement was “notable for its lack of detail.” “The secrecy which shrouds the execution protocol in Tennessee is what allowed TDOC to perform executions in violation of their own protocol while simultaneously misrepresenting their actions to the courts and the public,” Henry said in a text message to The Associated Press. Smith’s 11th hour reprieve from execution came after Henry requested the results of required purity and potency tests for the lethal injection drugs that were to be used on him. Documents obtained through a public records request later showed that at least two people knew that the lethal injection drugs the state planned to use hadn’t undergone some required testing. A subsequent independent review found the state had has not complied with its own lethal injection process ever since it was revised in 2018. RELATED COVERAGE Takeaways from AP’s report on social safety nets in states that ban abortion In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families Titans and Jags meet for 2nd time in 4 weeks, but with QB Mason Rudolph starting for Tennessee Commissioner Frank Strada took over the Correction Department in January 2023, the same month its top attorney and inspector general were fired . In announcing the new protocol on Friday, Strada said, “I am confident the lethal injection process can proceed in compliance with departmental policy and state laws.” Henry noted that death row inmates have an ongoing lawsuit in federal court challenging Tennessee’s previous lethal injection protocol, which used three different drugs in series. They put the case on hold pending the state’s review and revision of the procedure. Their agreement with the state gives them 90 days to look over the new protocol and decide whether to amend their complaint to challenge it. Henry said no new execution dates should be set while their court case is ongoing. She also noted that the U.S. Department of Justice is currently reviewing the use of pentobarbital in its executions. “We know from the scientific data that single drug pentobarbital results in pulmonary edema which has been likened to waterboarding,” she said.
Share Tweet Share Share Email Home equity loans have long been a popular way for homeowners to access funds for various purposes, including smart investments. With the right approach, these loans can be leveraged to improve your financial situation and increase your wealth over time. What is a Home Equity Loan? A home equity loan is a type of loan where homeowners borrow money using the equity in their home as collateral. Equity is the difference between the market value of your home and the amount you still owe on your mortgage. Home equity loans provide a lump sum of money that you pay back with fixed monthly payments, usually over 5 to 30 years . For example, if your home is worth $300,000 and you owe $150,000 on your mortgage, your equity is $150,000. This means you could potentially borrow up to that amount, depending on the lender’s policies. These loans are often used for large expenses such as home renovations, debt consolidation, or medical bills. However, with a smart investment strategy, you can use a home equity loan to fund investments that could significantly grow your wealth. How Do Home Equity Loans Work? Understanding how home equity loans work is critical to making informed decisions about using them for investment purposes. Fixed vs. Variable Rates Home equity loans typically offer fixed interest rates, meaning your monthly payments remain the same throughout the loan term. This provides predictability and stability, making it easier to plan your finances. Some platforms may offer variable rates, where the interest rate fluctuates based on market conditions. While variable rates can be lower initially, they come with the risk of increasing costs if interest rates rise. Loan Amount and Terms The amount you can borrow is determined by the equity in your home and the lender’s guidelines. Generally, lenders allow you to borrow up to 80% to 85% of your home’s value. The terms for repayment vary depending on the loan amount and the lender’s policies. It is important to carefully assess the loan terms to ensure they fit with your long-term financial goals. Closing Costs and Fees Most home equity loans come with closing costs and other fees, which can include application fees, appraisal fees, and title search fees. Make sure to factor these costs into your decision-making process, as they can add up quickly and impact the overall affordability of the loan. Smart Investment Strategies Using Home Equity Loans Leveraging a home equity loan for smart investments requires careful consideration and planning. The goal is to use the loan to generate returns that exceed the cost of the loan itself, including interest, fees, and principal repayment. Real Estate Investment One of the most popular and effective ways to use a home equity loan is for real estate investment. By purchasing additional properties, you can generate rental income or benefit from property appreciation over time. Real estate investments can provide stable cash flow through rental income and long-term capital gains if property values rise. However, it is important to research the real estate market and ensure the investment property is in a desirable location to maximize its potential return. Additionally, consider the costs involved in managing and maintaining the property. Stock Market Investments Another common way to use a home equity loan is by investing in the stock market. With the potential for higher returns compared to other investment vehicles, the stock market offers various opportunities, including individual stocks, mutual funds, or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). While investing in the stock market can yield substantial profits, it also comes with increased risk. It’s important to have a diversified investment portfolio and avoid putting all your money into high-risk stocks. Additionally, be sure to have a clear understanding of your risk tolerance and time horizon before investing borrowed funds. Starting or Expanding a Business If you have a business idea or want to expand an existing business, a home equity loan can provide the necessary capital to get started. By using your home as collateral, you can access a lump sum to fund business operations, marketing campaigns, or expansion efforts. When using home equity loans for business purposes, it is essential to have a well-thought-out business plan and strategy. Ensure that the business has a high potential for growth and profitability, as you’ll need to repay the loan regardless of how the business performs. Moreover, small businesses often face challenges and competition, so it’s important to be prepared for potential setbacks. Education and Skill Development Investing in education can be a highly beneficial way to use a home equity loan. Whether you’re pursuing higher education, attending a professional development program, or obtaining certifications to advance your career, borrowing against your home’s equity can provide the funds needed to enhance your skills and qualifications. Higher education often leads to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater job security, making it a smart long-term investment. Be sure to weigh the cost of education against the potential return on investment in terms of increased earning power . Choosing the Right Home Equity Loan Platform With a variety of lenders and platforms offering home equity loans, it’s essential to choose the right one for your investment needs. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a platform: Interest Rates and Fees Interest rates and fees vary from platform to platform, so it’s important to compare options to ensure you’re getting the best deal. While a lower interest rate can reduce your overall cost, be sure to account for any hidden fees that could increase the total cost of the loan. Loan Flexibility Some platforms offer flexible terms, such as allowing you to borrow up to 90% of your home’s equity or providing options for early repayment without penalties. Flexibility is especially important if your investment plans may change over time. Customer Support and Service Look for platforms that offer excellent customer service, as you may need support throughout the loan process. A responsive customer service team can help resolve issues and answer questions about loan terms, payments, and investment options. Online Tools and Resources Many modern home equity loan platforms offer online tools and resources to help you assess your loan options. These tools can help you calculate monthly payments, determine your loan eligibility, and evaluate your overall financial situation. A platform with intuitive online tools can simplify the loan application process and make it easier to manage your loan once it’s approved. Risks and Considerations While home equity loans offer great potential for making smart investments, there are risks involved that you should consider before borrowing. Since the loan is secured by your home, failing to repay the loan could result in foreclosure. It’s crucial to have a clear repayment plan in place and ensure that you’re not taking on more debt than you can handle. Additionally, some investments may not perform as expected, which can lead to financial losses. Always carefully evaluate investment opportunities and assess your risk tolerance before proceeding. Conclusion Home equity loans offer a powerful tool for homeowners looking to make smart investments. By leveraging the equity in your home, you can fund a variety of investments, including real estate, the stock market, business ventures, or education. However, it’s essential to carefully choose the right platform, understand the terms of the loan, and have a solid plan for repayment. With careful planning and smart investment strategies, home equity loans can help you achieve your financial goals and make equity work for you in a meaningful way. Related Items: Home Equity Loan , Making Equity Work for You , Platforms for Smart Investments Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Documents You’ll Need to Apply for a Home Equity Loan Comments
HARD CORE FOLLOWERS Supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte gather at the EDSA Shrine in Ortigas, Pasig City on November 26, 2024. —Inquirer photo/Grig C. Montegrande MANILA, Philippines — A grandson of the late Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. on Saturday asked Vice President Sara Duterte to keep the Aquino name out of her feud with President Marcos, noting that values of the two most powerful political families do not align with those espoused by his grandfather. The son of one of Aquino’s daughters, Viel Aquino-Dee, who is also a co-convenor of the Buhay ang Edsa Campaign Network, did not mince words when asked about the Vice President’s remarks referring to the Aquino assassination as one of the roots of the February 1986 uprising that toppled dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. “If you don’t believe in human rights, if you don’t believe in treating people with respect ... I would rather that you don’t use the name of my grandfather,” Kiko Aquino Dee said in an interview with the Inquirer on the sidelines of the annual honoring of heroes of the antidictatorship struggle at Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City. READ: VP Duterte explains withdrawal of Edsa anniversary message The Marcoses and the Dutertes have been linked by their critics to violence and draconian policies, including suppression of press freedom. READ: Church execs urge sobriety, lament use of Edsa ‘pawns’ In an interview with reporters at the House of Representatives last week, Duterte clapped back at the statement of the President about “how easy” it was for the Vice President to plan and contract the killing of people. Marcos was reacting to a statement by the Vice President that she had arranged the assassination of the President, the first lady and Speaker Martin Romualdez if an alleged plot to kill her succeeds. Marcos vowed: “’Yan ay aking papalagan. (I will fight back against this.)” Speaking to reporters, the Vice President retorted: “’Di ba pumalag nga ’yung buong bayan nung pinatay ng pamilya nila si Benigno Aquino Jr.? (Didn’t the entire nation fight back when their family killed Benigno Aquino Jr.),” referring to the 1983 assassination of the dictator’s arch rival. A day later, a pro-Duterte crowd gathered on the grounds of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, popularly known as Edsa Shrine, one of the historic sites where hundreds of thousands had peacefully assembled against the dictator during the Feb. 22-Feb. 25, 1986, People Power Revolution. Shrine rector Fr. Jerome Secillano appealed to the rally organizers not to make the people “your hapless pawns,” adding that they had supposedly been exploiting the crowd “for too long.” Harry Roque, the former spokesperson for former President Rodrigo Duterte, has been actively calling Duterte supporters to rally at Edsa, saying that the “country needs us.” Roque himself, however, has not been seen at Edsa. He has been in hiding since the House quad committee issued an arrest warrant against him following a contempt citation for noncooperation with its inquiry into overseas gaming operations. The Philippine National Police reported that around 100 people had gathered at the shrine on the second day of the anti-Marcos protest. The report said the participants were “promised food and cash,” but this could not be independently confirmed by the Inquirer and some of them denied this in various media interviews. Beyond the “irony” in supporters of the Duterte family coming to the Edsa Shrine in a show of force, Dee said that this bolstered the “enduring narrative” of the Edsa revolt. “Edsa is meant to be a space for free expression. So, I can’t blame people for seeing the value of Edsa,” he said. “In the end, I can’t say that I support [their] causes.” For Historian Xiao Chua, the call for support for the Dutertes at Edsa should serve as a “learning opportunity” about the importance of peaceful dissent and free expression. He pointed out that the critics of the Dutertes had been attacked, mostly on social media, by pro-Duterte groups and personalities. “I hope they are now realizing how important it is for a functioning society to have dissent because it is lawful and that should not [result in] Red-tag[ging],” Chua said in an Inquirer interview. “Protesting without the threat of violence – that’s the spirit of Edsa. And I hope they realize that,” he said. Former President Duterte never attended any of the Edsa revolution commemoration activities during his presidency, choosing to only issue a statement to mark the event. For the 31st commemoration in 2017, he said that no single party, religion or individual could claim credit for the revolution as it belonged to the Filipino people. “It was a movement of, by, and for the Filipino people brought about by their profound love of country,” he said. Duterte stressed that the Edsa commemoration should be a “perfect time for all of us to reflect and objectively assess what we have lost and what we have gained as a nation since that historic event.” During the 32nd anniversary in 2018, he hailed the Edsa Revolution as a symbol of the country’s unwavering resolve to stand up for what is right “during our country’s most crucial and trying times.” Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . In his final Edsa anniversary statement as president in 2022 in the middle of the pandemic, he cited public servants, volunteers and medical front-liners for embodying “the true essence of People Power in our daily lives.” —with a report from Inquirer Research
Jake Paul vs. Conor McGregor: Is fight between combat sports stars happening?L.A. Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard shocked basketball fans with a surprising social media post on Friday afternoon. Leonard, who has not played for the Clippers yet this season, had a . The video, which doubles as an ad for New Balance, shows Leonard listening to a voicemail from a manager-type. She is asking the basketball player to provide answers about his return to the court. He then approaches a second version of himself, who is sitting alone while fishing. The other Leonard is listening to a sports radio broadcaster, who is announcing news that a potential return is imminent. The lips of wisdom are closed, except to the ears of understanding 🖐🏾 — Kawhi Leonard (@Way2Whi) In the video, the fishing version of Leonard tells the original version: "There's been good days, there's been bad days. But I keep coming back. It's the nature of the game." For the caption of this admittedly very cool video, Leonard added: "The lips of wisdom are closed, except to the ears of understanding." Leonard, who missed all of the 2024 postseason and the Olympics, at least four more games. He could potentially return on January 4 against the Hawks at the earliest. While there is still no timeline for his return, he is practicing again and is participating in five-on-five scrimmages.Castle Con is coming to downtown RochesterSinani's 22 lead Campbell over Green Bay 72-66
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $100,000 in ASML To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options If you suffered losses exceeding $100,000 in ASML between January 24, 2024 and October 15, 2024 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310) . [You may also click here for additional information] NEW YORK , Nov. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP , a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against ASML Holding N.V. ("ASML" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: ASML ) and reminds investors of the January 13, 2025 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company. Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York , Pennsylvania , California and Georgia . The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com . As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) the issues being faced by suppliers, like ASML, in the semiconductor industry were much more severe than Defendants had indicated to investors; (2) the pace of recovery of sales in the semiconductor industry was much slower than Defendants had publicly acknowledged; (3) Defendants had created the false impression that they possessed reliable information pertaining to customer demand and anticipated growth, while also downplaying risk from macroeconomic and industry fluctuations, as well as stronger regulations restricting the export of semiconductor technology, including the products that ASML sells; and (4) as a result, Defendants' statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects lacked a reasonable basis. On October 15, 2024 , ASML published earnings for the third quarter of 2024, revealing quarterly bookings of €2.63 billion, a decline of 53% quarter-over-quarter. The Company also announced it expects full year 2025 total net sales to be between €30 billion and €35 billion, with a gross margin between 51% and 53%. On this news, ASML's stock price fell $141.84 , or 16.26%, to close $730.43 per share on October 15, 2024 , thereby injuring investors. The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not. Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding ASML's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others. To learn more about the ASML class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/ASML or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310) . Follow us for updates on LinkedIn , on X , or on Facebook . Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP ( www.faruqilaw.com ). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner. SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLPStock market today: Wall Street slips as technology stocks drag on the market NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks slipped as Wall Street closes out a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 fell 1.4% Friday and the the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 402 points, or 0.9%. The Nasdaq composite is down 2%. Technology stocks were the biggest drag on the market. The major indexes are still on track to close the week with gains, and the S&P 500 remains headed for its second consecutive annual gain of more than 20%. In Asia, Japan’s benchmark index surged as the yen remained weak against the dollar. Stocks in South Korea fell after the main opposition party voted to impeach the country’s acting leader. 10 tips from experts to help you change your relationship with money in 2025 NEW YORK (AP) — As the calendar changes to 2025, you might be thinking about how to approach your relationship with money in the new year. Whether you’re saving to move out of your parents’ house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated. If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they’re attainable for your lifestyle. Most Americans blame insurance profits and denials alongside the killer in UHC CEO death, poll finds WASHINGTON (AP) — Most Americans believe health insurance profits and coverage denials share responsibility for the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO — although not as much as the person who pulled the trigger. So says a new poll from NORC at the University of Chicago. It finds that about 8 in 10 Americans say that the person who committed the killing has “a great deal” or “a moderate amount” of responsibility for the Dec. 4 shooting of Brian Thompson. Still, some see suspect Luigi Mangione as a heroic figure. About 7 in 10 adults say coverage denials or health insurance profits also bear at least “a moderate amount” of responsibility for Thompson’s death. Another jackpot surpasses $1 billion. Is this the new normal? Remember this moment because it probably won’t last: A U.S. lottery jackpot is projected to soar above $1 billion, and that's still a big deal. Friday’s Mega Millions drawing is worth an estimated $1.15 billion. The prize has evoked headlines across the country, despite the nation's top 10 jackpots already having boasted billion-dollar payouts. Jonathan Cohen is the author of the book “For a Dollar and a Dream: State Lotteries in Modern America.” He says he expects jackpots to continue to grow in size. Larger payouts attract more media attention, increase ticket sales and bring in new players. How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Richard Parsons, prominent executive who led Time Warner and Citigroup, dies at 76 NEW YORK (AP) — Richard Parsons, one of corporate America’s most prominent Black executives who held top posts at Time Warner and Citigroup, has died. He was 76. Parsons died Thursday at his Manhattan home. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015 and cited “unanticipated complications” from the disease for cutting back on work a few years later. Financial services company Lazard confirmed his death. Parsons was a longtime member of the company's board. His friend Ronald Lauder told The New York Times that the cause of death was cancer. Parsons stepped down Dec. 3 from the boards of Lazard and Lauder’s company, Estée Lauder, citing health reasons. He had been on Estée Lauder’s board for 25 years. Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen has targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said Thursday's bombardment took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military later said it wasn’t aware that the WHO chief was at the location in Yemen. At least three people were reported killed and dozens injured in the Sanaa airport strike. Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, a faster pace than the 3.1% increase from a year earlier. The measure tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mastercard SpendingPulse says the last five days of the season accounted for 10% of the spending. Sales of clothing, electronics and Jewelry rose. Finland stops Russia-linked vessel over damaged undersea power cable in Baltic Sea FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finnish police say authorities detained a ship linked to neighboring Russia as they investigate whether it damaged a Baltic Sea power cable and several data cables. It was the latest incident involving disruption of key infrastructure. Police and border guards boarded the Eagle S and took control as they investigate damage to the Estlink-2 undersea power cable. The cable brings electricity from Finland to Estonia across the Baltic Sea. The cable went down on Wednesday. The incident follows damage to two data cables and the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Both have been termed sabotage. Climate-friendly electricity sees big battery projects soar again for 2024 2024 was another banner year for a source of electricity that is better for people’s lungs, better for climate change and may be reaching your home now when you turn on the lights or turn up the thermostat — large banks of batteries. Storing extra power in batteries effectively extends the hours of solar and wind power in a day. Storage is also important as global electricity demand rises. Last, it is important for increasingly frequent extreme weather events, worsened by climate change. Texas and California are embracing the benefits of batteries, but some other regions are dragging their feet.