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All-Share Index surges past N60 trillion market cap as CAVERTON dominates gainers, AUSTIN LAZ heads losersConsumers in the United States scoured the internet for online deals as they looked to take advantage of the post-Thanksgiving shopping marathon with Cyber Monday. Even though e-commerce is now part and parcel of many people's regular routines and the holiday shopping season, Cyber Monday — a term coined in 2005 by the National Retail Federation — has become the biggest online shopping day of the year, thanks to the deals and the hype the industry has created to fuel it. Adobe Analytics, which tracks online shopping, expected consumers to spend $13.2 billion Monday — a record, and 6.1% more than last year. That would make it the biggest shopping day for e-commerce for the season — and the year. Online spending was expected to peak between the hours of 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Monday night, per Adobe — reaching an estimated $15.7 million spent every minute. For several major retailers, a Cyber Monday sale is a dayslong event that began over the Thanksgiving weekend. An Amazon Prime delivery person lifts packages while making a stop Nov. 28, 2023, in Denver. Amazon kicked off its sales event right after midnight Pacific time on Saturday. Target's two days of discount offers on its website and app began overnight Sunday. Walmart rolled out its Cyber Monday offers for Walmart+ members Sunday afternoon and opened it up to all customers three hours later, at 8 p.m. Eastern time. Consumer spending for Cyber Week — the five major shopping days between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday — provides a strong indication of how much shoppers are willing to spend for the holidays. Many U.S. consumers continue to experience sticker shock after the period of post-pandemic inflation, which left prices for many goods and services higher than they were three years ago. But retail sales nonetheless remain strong, and the economy kept growing at a healthy pace. At the same time, credit card debt and delinquencies are rising. More shoppers than ever are also on track to use "buy now, pay later" plans this holiday season, which allows them to delay payments on holiday decor, gifts and other items. Many economists also warned that President-elect Donald Trump's plan to impose tariffs next year on foreign goods coming into the United States would lead to higher prices on everything from food to clothing to automobiles. A FedEx delivery person carries a package from a truck Nov. 17, 2022, in Denver. The National Retail Federation expects holiday shoppers to spend more this year both in stores and online than last year. But the pace of spending growth will slow slightly, the trade group said, growing 2.5% to 3.5% — compared to 3.9% in 2023. A clear sense of consumer spending patterns during the holiday season won't emerge until the government releases sales data for the period, but some preliminary data from other sources shows some encouraging signs for retailers. Vivek Pandya, lead analyst at Adobe Digital Insights, noted that discounts from Thanksgiving onward "exceeded expectations" and online spending throughout Cyber Week is on track to cross a record $40 billion mark combined. U.S. shoppers spent $10.8 billion online on Black Friday, a 10.2% increase over last year, according to Adobe Analytics. That's also more than double what consumers spent in 2017, when Black Friday pulled in about $5 billion in online sales. Consumers also spent a record $6.1 billion online on Thanksgiving Day, Adobe said. Meanwhile, software company Salesforce, which also tracks online shopping, estimated that Black Friday online sales totaled $17.5 billion in the U.S. and $74.4 billion globally. Mastercard SpendingPulse, which tracks in-person and online spending, reported that overall Black Friday sales excluding automotive rose 3.4% from a year ago. A United Parcel Service driver sorts deliveries July 15, 2023, on New York's Upper West Side. E-commerce platform Shopify said its merchants raked in a record $5 billion in sales worldwide on Black Friday. At its peak, sales reached $4.6 million per minute — with top categories by volume including clothing, cosmetics and fitness products, according to the Canadian company. Toys, electronics, home goods, self-care and beauty categories were among the key drivers of holiday spending on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, according to Adobe. "Hot products" included Lego sets, espresso machines, fitness trackers, makeup and skin care. Other data showed physical stores saw fewer customers on Black Friday, underscoring how the huge crowds that were once synonymous with the day after Thanksgiving are now more than happy to shop from the comfort of their homes. RetailNext, which measures real-time foot traffic in stores, said its early data showed store traffic on Friday was down 3.2% in the U.S. compared to last year, with the biggest dip happening in the Midwest. Sensormatic Solutions, which also tracks store traffic, said its preliminary analysis showed retail store traffic on Black Friday was down 8.2% compared to 2023. Grant Gustafson, head of retail consulting and analytics at Sensormatic Solutions, noted that in-store traffic was getting spread across multiple days since many retailers offered generous discounts before and after Black Friday. "Some of the extended Black Friday promotions really ended up leading to a little bit of a softer day-of traffic than expected," Gustafson said. In 2024, staying small on purpose seems to be paying off big for small businesses. They're keeping operations small and targeting niche, highly specialized customers. And some business owners find this strategy results in more time, energy, and money to intentionally capitalize on unique, small cap opportunities. The data tells the story of growth in small businesses for the year. According to NEXT , the Small Business Administration (SBA) reports awarding 38,000 SBA 7(a) loans under $150,000: double the amount they awarded in 2020. Here are the related small-business trends paying off in 2024. Commercial real estate agent Ryan Beckenhauer of Market Real Estate in Boulder, Colorado, has noticed that small businesses are growing smaller, and that their office and warehouse spaces are starting to reflect that as they shop for business space. In commercial real estate, many small business owners gravitate toward industrial condos and other flexible spaces. These are small-scale industrial spaces with a 90:10 or 80:20 split of warehouse to office. "More individuals are leveraging skills acquired at larger organizations to venture out on their own," explains Beckenhauer. And he goes on to say that they don't need a large commercial space as they make that leap to start a business. His clients include engineers, consultants, builders and other tradespeople. Beckenhauer's clients like the flexibility of being out of an office and being close to their inventory and workshop space. "The clients want to see and touch the finishes," he says. Small business owners both rent or buy these spaces. But he's seeing his clients opt to own industrial condos to stabilize costs due to rent increases in Boulder. And because these spaces are smaller, it can be easier for new buyers to qualify for financing. Mariana Alvarez, owner of Controller Works , an online bookkeeping and advisory firm, has noticed that small business owners outsource financial support services because they don't want to increase headcount. "Outsourcing gives them the possibility of having access to the knowledge and the skills of a CFO without having to pay for the salary," she says. "They don't have to manage or deal with the workload, employment taxes , and all that comes with it," says Alvarez. Additionally, many small business owners in fields like construction are family-owned, and this makes it easier for business owners to hand off delicate financial work to a trusted person with financial experience. Every small business has recurring tasks that can benefit from some level of artificial intelligence automation . And Alvarez sees a lot of value in using AI for small business bookkeeping. She explains that you can automate the data entry on Quickbooks. "When you create rules, as long as you create the rules correctly, it pretty much does itself," says Alvarez. From there, you can lean on financial experts to help you analyze the data and make more informed decisions. She uses AI as a background resource when guiding her accounting clients. "I believe that we still need the human-to-human interaction that comes with more perspective for financial analysis," she explains. According to the SBA , 77% of consumers feel that human interaction is still required for a positive customer experience. People turn to small businesses every day for a human experience. According to Arvind Rongala, CEO of Edstellar , small business workers can show up for their customers but still use AI for routine tasks like customer queries. "This balance allows companies to scale their operations without losing the personal touch that makes them unique. It's important to remember that AI isn't there to replace the human element—it's there to enhance it," he says. "By really focusing on one very small weakness that Amazon has, I've been able to carve out a successful business by offering something different," says Lou Harvey owner of Tank Retailer , a retailer of commercial water and fuel tanks. "When you read our customer reviews, many of them actually mention me by name because of how much we focus on customer service and go the extra mile." One of Harvey's most successful business strategies this year has been to lean into his small, niche market and offer the kind of customer experience that large retailers like Amazon don't. "Any small weaknesses that Amazon has (however small those weaknesses may be) needs to become a strength of a smaller business focusing on a niche market," says Harvey. Harvey has his company's customer service phone number front and center on the website to help earn customer trust. "I prominently feature our phone number, and a real person always answers the phone (usually it's me)," says Harvey. Lucie Voves, CEO and founder of Church Hill Classics , an online, woman-owned diploma framing company that uses sustainable materials, has noticed an uptick in customers seeking services from a business on a mission. "This year, we've seen a growing inclination for consumers to actively seek out and support small businesses owned by women and minorities," says Voves. When consumers shop small, they choose to make their dollars count. "Customers are fueled by a desire to promote social impact through purchasing power," says Voves. Long gone are the days of online retailers "building it and they will come." In 2024 we've seen more small businesses than ever turn to social commerce to sell directly on social media platforms like Instagram Shopping , Facebook Marketplace , and TikTok . Small business owners are turning toward influencers, social media ads, and organic content to target their customers. Mike Vannelli of Envy Creative creates online ads for businesses, and he has seen his clients succeed on TikTok of late. "I've seen businesses, especially in retail, use TikTok's short-form video format to make their products go viral. Think of it as word-of-mouth marketing on steroids," says Vannelli. He uses the platform's algorithm to push a company's content to the right audiences, and it works because TikTok loves storytelling. "I know small brands that use behind-the-scenes videos, customer testimonials, and even playful challenges that tap into trends to humanize their products and build trust," explains Vannelli. To stand out on TikTok, he says, smaller brands need to embrace authenticity and emotional connection. Show your team, share your journey, and involve your community in content creation. This story was produced by NEXT and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.

Libra - (23rd September to 22nd October) Daily Horoscope Prediction says, discover Balance and Harmony in Daily Life Today brings opportunities for Libras to find balance in relationships, career, and finances while focusing on personal well-being. As a Libra, today invites you to seek equilibrium in all areas of your life. Pay attention to relationships and work, as opportunities for growth are present. Financial matters may require a closer look, but a sensible approach will serve you well. Health-wise, prioritize mental and physical self-care. Striking a balance between work and relaxation will ensure a fulfilling day. Use this time to set intentions and nurture your connections. Libra Love Horoscope Today: Relationships take center stage today. Whether single or in a partnership, communication is key to understanding and harmony. For singles, expressing your feelings openly can lead to new romantic possibilities. Those in relationships may find that addressing underlying issues strengthens bonds. Take time to appreciate loved ones and show gratitude for their presence in your life. Balance the give and take in relationships to foster a harmonious environment. Libra Career Horoscope Today: At work, you'll likely find yourself drawn to creative projects that require collaboration. Your ability to see different perspectives can be invaluable, so share your insights with colleagues. If challenges arise, address them with diplomacy and tact. Your skills in negotiation and compromise can lead to positive outcomes. Stay focused on long-term goals, but be open to adjusting your plans as needed. Trust in your judgment to guide your career path. Libra Money Horoscope Today: Financially, today is a good time to reassess your budget and spending habits. Look for areas where you can save or invest wisely. Avoid impulsive purchases and consider seeking advice if you're uncertain about financial decisions. Planning for future expenses will help maintain stability. Keep track of your expenses to ensure they align with your financial goals. Making informed choices will bring peace of mind and ensure your financial well-being. Libra Health Horoscope Today: Prioritizing your health today means finding balance in your routine. Incorporate physical activity into your day, whether it's a workout or a leisurely walk. Pay attention to your mental health by practicing mindfulness or meditation. A balanced diet and adequate hydration are crucial for maintaining energy levels. Avoid overexertion by allowing time for relaxation and rest. Listen to your body's signals and adjust your habits to support overall well-being. Libra Sign Attributes Strength: Idealist, socially presentable, Aesthetic, Charming, Artsy, Generous Weakness: Uncertain, Lazy, Non-interventionist Symbol: Scales Element: Air Body Part: Kidneys & Bladder Sign Ruler: Venus Lucky Day: Friday Lucky Color: Brown Lucky Number: 3 Lucky Stone: Diamond Libra Sign Compatibility Chart Natural affinity: Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius, Aquarius Good compatibility: Aries, Libra Fair compatibility: Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio, Pisces Less compatibility: Cancer, Capricorn By: Dr. J. N. Pandey Vedic Astrology & Vastu Expert Website: www.astrologerjnpandey.com E-mail: djnpandey@gmail.com Phone: 91-9811107060 (WhatsApp Only)

Broken foot to sideline TCU's Collins for seasonTelangana CM directs officials to prepare arguments on river water sharingTrump nominees work to win over senators on Capitol Hill

By LOLITA C. BALDOR and FATIMA HUSSEIN WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump said Wednesday that he has chosen Keith Kellogg, a highly decorated retired three-star general, to serve as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, who is one of the architects of a staunchly conservative policy book that lays out an “America First” national security agenda for the incoming administration, will come into the role as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its third year in February. Trump, making the announcement on his Truth Social account, said, “He was with me right from the beginning! Together, we will secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, and Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN!” Kellogg, an 80-year-old retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as national security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence , was chief of staff of the National Security Council and then stepped in as an acting security adviser for Trump after Michael Flynn resigned. As special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Kellogg will have to navigate an increasingly untenable war between the two nations. The Biden administration has begun urging Ukraine to quickly increase the size of its military by drafting more troops and revamping its mobilization laws to allow for the conscription of those as young as 18. The White House has pushed more than $56 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s February 2022 invasion and expects to send billions more before Biden leaves office in less than two months. The U.S. has recently stepped up weapons shipments and has forgiven billions in loans provided to Kyiv. Trump has criticized the billions the Biden administration has spent in supporting Ukraine and has said he could end the war in 24 hours, comments that appear to suggest he would press Ukraine to surrender territory that Russia now occupies. As a co-chairman of the American First Policy Institute’s Center for American Security, Kellogg wrote several of the chapters in the group’s policy book. The book, like the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” is designed to lay out a Trump national security agenda and avoid the mistakes of 2016 when he entered the White House largely unprepared. Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” Trump’s proposed national security adviser , U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz of Florida, tweeted Wednesday that “Keith has dedicated his life to defending our great country and is committed to bringing the war in Ukraine to a peaceful resolution.” Kellogg featured in multiple Trump investigations dating to his first term. He was among the administration officials who listened in on the July 2019 call between Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in which Trump prodded his Ukrainian counterpart to pursue investigations into the Bidens. The call, which Kellogg would later say did not raise any concerns on his end, was at the center of the first of two House impeachment cases against Trump, who was acquitted by the Senate both times. On Jan. 6, 2021, hours before pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, Kellogg, who was then Pence’s national security adviser, listened in on a heated call in which Trump told his vice president to object or delay the certification in Congress of President Joe Biden ’s victory. He later told House investigators that he recalled Trump saying to Pence words to the effect of: “You’re not tough enough to make the call.” Baldor reported from Washington. AP writer Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.Trump selects longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and Russia

President-elect Donald Trump this week voiced support for tens of thousands of unionized dockworkers in a dispute with major shipping companies. Negotiations between workers and management are deadlocked over the companies’ plan for further automation of ports, which the union said would eliminate jobs. “I’ve studied automation, and know just about everything there is to know about it,” Trump said Thursday in a post on Truth Social . “The amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American Workers, in this case, our Longshoremen.” The vow of support for dockworkers aligns with Trump’s campaign promise to safeguard blue-collar workers threatened by global capitalism, depicting automation as an unwelcome change foisted on workers by foreign-owned shipping firms, some experts said. MORE: Amazon workers authorize strike at company's first-ever unionized warehouse Trump’s rejection of automation highlights a tension found in his economic policy, however, some experts added. Like tariffs, the policy aims to protect a narrow set of workers at the possible expense of importers and consumers, who could suffer higher costs as a result of a missed opportunity to improve the supply chain, some experts said. While others defended Trump’s attempt to protect dockworkers from technological change. The Trump transition team did not respond to ABC News' request for comment. Here’s what to know about the labor dispute over automation at East and Gulf Coast docks, and what it says about how Trump may approach the economy in his second term. Dockworkers and freight companies feud over automation A strike in October at docks across the East and Gulf coasts threatened to upend the economy and drive up prices, but workers and management ended the stoppage with a tentative agreement after three days. The deal includes a 62% wage increase over the life of the six-year contract, but the two sides have yet to finalize it due to a disagreement over plans for further automation. The standoff centers on the potential installation of cranes that would facilitate the retrieval and storage of freight containers, said John McCown, a non-resident senior fellow at the Center for Maritime Strategy who closely tracks the shipping industry. Cranes already help remove containers from a ship and place it in a nearby port terminal, but shipping companies have sought the use of additional automated cranes once goods have reached land, McCown said. The cranes work like an old-fashioned juke box, he added. “You hit a number and it goes to pick a record and play a record,” McCown said, noting the cranes would similarly mechanize sorting and transport of containers. The U.S. Maritime Alliance, or USMX, the organization representing shipping firms in negotiations, said on Thursday that such automation would improve efficiency and increase capacity. Those enhancements would benefit U.S. companies and consumers that depend on goods from abroad, the group added. “We need modern technology that is proven to improve worker safety, boost port efficiency, increase port capacity, and strengthen our supply chains,” USMX said in a statement. The USMX did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment. The plans have drawn rebuke from the International Longshoremen’s Association, or ILA, the union representing dockworkers. The union has pointed to massive profits enjoyed by the shipping firms during the pandemic, saying further automation would invest those gains in job-cutting machinery rather than increased compensation. Workers have also disputed the supposed productivity benefits of the technology. “This isn’t about safety or productivity -- it’s about job elimination,” ILA President Dennis Daggett, said in a statement earlier this month. The union has proven that the automated cranes at issue “are not more productive than traditional equipment operated by human workers,” Daggett added. In response to ABC News' request for comment, the ILA shared a statement from Daggett praising Trump. "Throughout my career, I’ve never seen a politician -- let alone the President of the United States -- truly understand the importance of the work our members do every single day," Daggett said. What could Trump’s approach to the standoff mean for his 2nd term? In his social media post backing the workers and opposing port automation, Trump criticized foreign-owned shipping firms for what he described as penny pinching. “For the great privilege of accessing our markets, these foreign companies should hire our incredible American Workers, instead of laying them off, and sending those profits back to foreign countries,” Trump said . “It is time to put AMERICA FIRST!” The framework presents U.S. workers as victims of foreign companies, which he says aim to make use of America’s economic resources at the expense of its citizens. As such, Trump’s intervention in this case favors the ILA in its longstanding fight against automation, Peter Cole, a professor at Western Illinois University who studies the history of dockworkers, told ABC News. “The ILA will really benefit if in fact Trump pushes employers to back off automation,” Cole said, noting that the explanation offered up by Trump reflects a larger political shift in the U.S. against unrestricted global trade. “Presidents in both main parties have supported more manufacturing domestically,” Cole said. MORE: Trump's proposed tariffs would raise prices for these products, experts say However, Trump’s opposition to automation risks imposing higher costs on consumers and even some domestic manufacturers, since advances in productivity would help lower supply costs otherwise passed along to buyers at the end of the chain, some experts said. Trump mistakenly claims that foreign shipping companies would bear the cost of forgone automation, just as he inaccurately says that foreign countries would pay the cost of tariffs, David Autor, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who specializes in technological change and the labor force, told ABC News. “The assertion that raising tariffs at our ports will force foreigners to cover these costs is beyond naive,” Autor said. “It’s simply false. Autor said the hardship that dockworkers would face if automation were to advance and put many of them out of work. “It will not be good for the livelihoods of longshoremen and we should not pretend otherwise,” Autor said, adding that the workers should receive compensation or other protections under such circumstances.

Andrew Luck, the most significant recruit during the Jim Harbaugh era at Stanford, a quarterback who led the Cardinal from also-rans to national prominence, is returning The Farm as the football team’s general manager. Luck will oversee “all aspects” of the program starting immediately, the school announced in a news release Saturday morning. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Trump selects longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and Russia

Thanks to all the fantastic Black Friday deals on some of the best wireless earbuds, over-ears, and workout headphones, now is a great time to upgrade your portable listening experience. We've slogged through the massive pile of live Black Friday deals to find our favorites, from sweat-beating open earbuds that allow you to hear the world around you while you're getting in the miles to hefty over-ear headphones that can tackle even the loudest HVAC systems and jet engines. Want to learn more about what headphones might be best for you? Check out our guides to the Best Wireless Earbuds , Best Noise-Canceling headphones , Best Cheap Headphones , and Best Workout Headphones . Featured Black Friday deals A stalwart set: Sony WH-1000XM4 for $198 ($102 off) Amazing quality at this price: Soundcore by Anker Space A40 Earbuds for $45 (save $14) AirPods Max below $400: AirPods Max (Lightning) for $399 ($100 off) Must-have at this price: Beats Studio Pro Headphones for $160 ($90 off) WIRED's Black Friday 2024 Coverage Absolute Best Deals Black Friday Live Blog Apple Deals Walmart Deals Best Buy Deals Kindle Deals and Amazon Devices TV Deals Phone Deals Laptop Deals Soundbar Deals Gaming Deals Toy Deals Camera Deals Kitchen Deals Coffee Deals All-Clad Deals Beauty Deals Therabody Deals Travel Deals Mattress Deals Outdoor Deals Nomad Deals Branch Deals Black Friday Shopping Tips Earbud Deals We've been testing wireless earbuds since the first pair launched. These are the best models on sale for Black Friday. AirPods Pro (Gen 2) Apple AirPods Pro for $154 ($37 off) What, you were expecting somebody else? There's a reason the AirPods Pro ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) dominate these sales events. Well, several reasons, really: They offer clear and detailed sound, good noise canceling, tons of Apple-friendly convenience features, and innovations like transparency mode with automatic noise suppression to help keep your ears safe. That kind of ingenuity keeps these buds at the forefront even years after launch, and Apple's not done yet. The Pro's high-end computing is fertile ground for Apple engineers, including the most recent feature that makes the buds into OTC hearing aids . A comfy and slick design completes the package to make them the best earbuds for iPhone owners, now at their best price ever. Technics EAH-AZ80 earbuds for $188 ($110 off) Maybe you didn't know, but Technics makes startlingly good wireless earbuds. The EAH-AZ80 ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) are among the best there is for their comfortable fit, decent noise canceling, good feature set and even better sound. The flashy endcaps hint at their slick, clear, deeply textural sound that can bring instruments to life. Multipoint pairing with three different devices makes these buds uniquely versatile. The AZ80’s noise canceling is good, though it doesn’t match the top models at Bose or Sony. Still, this is a great pair at a good price, particularly for those who prize sound quality and fit above all. Beats Fit Pro for $150 ($50 off) The Beats Fit Pro earbuds ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) have soft silicone tips and squishy fins for great stability, not to mention a fit test to make sure they fit properly in your ears. This attention to ergonomics alone makes them a great pair for gym. But the sound is also an enjoyable hi-fi-like experience, with good noise cancellation and reliable microphones. This deal isn't unheard of — this model is often discounted — but it's still a great price on some terrific earbuds. — Brenda Stolyar Beats Studio Buds + for $130 ($40 off) The Studio Buds support spatial audio, and offer both active noise cancellation and transparency mode, as well as 36 hours of battery life. Physical buttons on the exterior of each earbud make the Studio Buds easy to use, and they're both comfortable and stylish — available in ivory, silver, black, and transparent. If you already have the original Studio Buds, these offer better noise cancellation, extended battery life and an upgraded microphone. — Brenda Stolyar Nothing Ear (a) Wireless Earbuds for $69 ($28 off) These cheap earbuds from Nothing ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) are probably my favorite cheap headphones right now. They come in a well-designed case and feature cool yellow accents, and they offer basically every feature you can expect from high-end buds in 2024. You get noise canceling, comfortable eartips, and good sound quality overall. These are easily as good as standard AirPods. Soundcore Space A40 Soundcore by Anker Space A40 Earbuds for $45 (save $14) Soundcore’s Space A40 earbuds ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) are great pair of buds at hilariously cheap pricing. These earbuds offer solid noise canceling and transparency modes, vibrant sound with impressive stereo separation, and a sleek design that makes them appear far more expensive than they actually are. The fit is comfortable enough for extended listening sessions, and they deliver many features typically found in high-end models, all at a budget-friendly price. The main drawback is the lack of auto-pause sensors, and the touch controls could be more responsive. Despite these minor issues, these earbuds are a great choice, offering excellent value for money. –Ryan Waniata Sony WF-1000XM5 Sony WF-1000XM5 for $228 ($52 off) Sony’s WF-1000XM5 ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) are a high-end pair of earbuds that stand among the best noise-canceling headphones you’ll find in such a small form factor. They’re not my favorite for sound quality or noise-canceling, but they strike a good balance of each option while adding tons of features. You’ll get Sony specials like Speak to Chat and auto-pause sensors and multipoint connection. 8 hours of battery life per charge (with noise canceling on) means they'll last a full work day. –Ryan Waniata Best Ultra Open Earbuds Bose Ultra Open Earbuds for $229 ($70 off) Even on sale, they’re pricey for such a limited use case, but damn if the Bose Ultra Open Buds ( 7/10, WIRED Recommeds ) haven’t become my favorite open buds on the market. Their barrel design takes some getting used to, but they roll onto your ears with impressive tenacity, staying put without pinching tight. The sound beams from their snake-like acoustic housings offer the most well-rounded performance I’ve heard in the genre. The sound is always blended with the world around you, but it’s a fantastic trick for working out or hearing folks around you. –Ryan Waniata JBL Reflect Aero JBL Reflect Aero Noise Cancelling Earbuds for $75 ($5 off) The fully tweakable noise canceling inside these awesome workout earbuds makes them great for folks who like to be aware of their surroundings. The easy-to-use touch controls let you effortlessly adjust the amount of outside noise you want to hear at any given time, and they deliver excellent sound and call quality. Soundcore AeroFit Pro Soundcore by Anker AeroFit Pro Open-Ear Headphones for $100 ($70 off) Anker's Soundcore series has consistently provided excellent value, and the Aerofit Pro open headphones are no exception. These workout headphones feature a charging case and a secure wrap-around design to keep them in place during exercise. With 14 hours of battery life and an additional 40 hours from the case, they can go for weeks without needing a recharge. Soundcore AeroFit 2 by Anker, Open-Ear Headphones for $80 ($20 off) Anker recently released the updated AeroFit 2 , which I have been testing. The new generation is just better: The fit is updated to be more comfortable so you don’t need a wire around the back of the neck, the colors are better, and the sound is better. — Adrienne So Soundcore by Anker AeroFit Workout Headphones for $65 ($65 off) That said, the original generation of Aerofit is an even lower price, now that the AeroFit 2 is out. Shokz OpenRun Pro Shokz OpenRun Pro Bone Conduction Headphones for $125 ($55 off) These bone-conduction headphones are the option you’re probably most likely to see in the wild. They use your jaw bones to route sound to your ears, which means you can hear everything around. Many folks prefer them to standard open buds because they claim they can hear more of the world around them. There is also a mini version on sale . JLab Go Air Pop JLab Go Air Pop Wireless Earbuds for $20 ($15 off) Need a cheap pair of earbuds to not think too much about? Look no further than the Go Air Pop, which are utterly usable earbuds that cost less than $20 this prime day. I like keeping a pair in my car or gym bag, for when I forget to bring nicer buds with me and still want music. JLab Epic Air Sport ANC for $60 ($40 off) Not eager to spend more than $100 on a pair of headphones whose main purpose is to stick to your head and get sweaty? The WIRED Gear team's favorite headphones for going running are now on sale, at a kinda.... epic ... price. The battery on these things will last much longer than we could even fathom during testing. The eartips fit securely, a must for any spirited run. — Matthew Korfhage Jabra Elite 4 Active Jabra Elite 4 Wireless Earbuds for $70 ($20 off) Jabra’s Elite 4 Active ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) were impressively good when they were released a couple of years ago, and they remain a fantastic option today—especially when on sale. As part of Jabra’s sporty overhaul, they blend serious durability with a comfy fit, smooth and balanced sound, and plenty of ways to personalize the experience in the Jabra app. They even provide a slab of noise canceling, though it’s more of an aid to their noise-isolating fit. They’re dust and water-resistant, meaning you can dunk them or rinse them after a sweaty workout with no ill effects. –Ryan Waniata Jabra Elite 5 Wireless Earbuds for $67 ($83 off) Jabra may be getting out of the earbud game , but the Elite 5 are still solid earbuds that will last for many years in the field. They’re IP55 rated for dust and water resistance, and the hybrid noise cancellation makes them work well on flights or calls. Sound quality is excellent, with bold bass and enough midrange that you can hear every detail in vocals, acoustic guitar, and piano. Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 Wireless Earbuds for $200 ($80 off) The Elite 10 gen 2 ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) are Jabra's swan song. You’ll get full and balanced sound, upper-crest noise canceling and transparency mode, good battery life, and loads of extras. You can even use the case as a lag-free transmitter from sources like amplifiers or airplane entertainment centers. These are durable earbuds with IP67 dust and waterproofing, and their ergonomic fit makes them comfy enough for long-term wear. –Ryan Waniata Soundpeats Air4 Pro Soundpeats Air4 Pro for $59 ($21 off)–Clip the Coupon Soundpeats makes affordable earbuds with exceptionally good sound. We recently gave their latest pair that uses solid state xMems drivers, the Soundcapsule 3+, a perfect 10/10 . The Air4 Pro ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) don't sound perfect, but they offer up clear and balanced sound along with solid noise canceling for a very low asking price. For well below $100, they’re a worthy option. –Ryan Waniata JBL Endurance Peak 3 JBL Endurance Peak 3 Earbuds for $70 ($30 off) JBL’s Endurance Peak 3 earbuds are completely waterproof, so you can wear them through everything from a rainy jog to a late-night hot tub soak without any concerns. With full dust protection and a rugged design, they’re among the most durable earbuds available. While the controls could be improved and they don’t offer noise canceling, they do include a transparency mode, which is essential for staying aware of your surroundings during workouts. 10 hours of battery life is great, too. –Ryan Waniata Denon PerL Denon PerL Adaptive Wireless Earbuds for $99 ($80 off) Denon’s PerL earbuds ( 7/10, WIRED Review ) don’t fit or feel quite like traditional earbuds, but their sound is seriously impressive thanks to the most advanced personalization system I’ve tested in the genre. These earbuds adjust to your hearing profile, resulting in a richer, fuller, and more immersive sound experience across my music library. It may take a little time for the profile to fully calibrate, but once it's set, the audio performance is impressive. While I was initially skeptical about the $200 price tag, at half the cost, they offer incredible value for serious listeners. –Ryan Waniata Over-Ear Deals Looking for something a bit more private? Check out these awesome deals on over-ear headphones. Apple AirPods Max for $399 ($150 off) Apple's flagship headphones are pricey but beloved by many. The lightning version is on sale for below $400. Yes, it's annoying to have to use that proprietary cable, but also gets you a few more years of use out of them since Apple made you buy them all those years!. Bose Quietcomfort Ultra Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones for $329 ($100 off) Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra headphones (9/10, WIRED Recommends ) are the best noise-canceling headphones on the market. With their plush, ergonomic design, these headphones are incredibly comfortable to wear, and their top tier noise cancellation makes them the ideal choice for frequent travelers or anyone seeking absolute peace in their home or office. The sound is a pleasant surprise—it's less aggressive than past Bose flagships, yet still offering superb instrumental separation and a well-balanced mix. The battery life delivers a solid 30 hours per charge, and they include cutting-edge features like 3D audio virtualization with head-tracking, creating a more immersive, speaker-like experience. At over $400, these are a significant splurge, but at this price, they feel like a true bargain. –Ryan Waniata Sony WH-1000XM4 Sony WH-1000XM4 for $198 ($102 off) It’s hard to think of a more stalwart consumer electronics product over the last decade than Sony’s WH-1000XM4 ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ). Even four years after their release, these headphones remain a benchmark for both new competitors and premium models from top brands. While their noise cancellation isn't the absolute best, it's still impressive, and a range of features—like a multi-band EQ and a touch control that temporarily activates transparency mode for announcements or quick chats—keeps them feeling advanced, even as they age gracefully. The sound is warm and bass-heavy, yet refined, and the durable plastic design is complemented by plush padding for hours of comfort. –Ryan Waniata Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones for $298 ($55 off) Sony’s WH-1000XM5 ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) take nearly everything we loved about the previous model a step further, offering a mix of fabulous features and excellent noise canceling, comfort, and sound quality. These headphones have it all, including multipoint pairing, auto-pause sensors, intuitive touch controls, and Amazon Alexa support. They're ideal for travel but just as convenient for everyday use at home. While they're slightly less compact than the previous XM4 model, that's really the only drawback in an otherwise flawless design. –Ryan Waniata Soundcore Life Q30 Soundcore Life Q30 Headphones for $52 ($28 off) I took these on a six hour flight and was perfectly pleased with the noise canceling they provide at a fraction of what you’ll pay for the best noise cancelers . While they may not deliver the same level of tranquility as top-tier models like Bose's QuietComfort Ultra, they still do a solid job. The sound is warm and detailed, with plenty of customization options through the app. With 40 hours of battery life per charge, you'll have no worries about needing a power outlet. Build quality is close to premium tier, though the plastic shells are a bit prone to scratches. Fortunately, an included case helps protect them—and at this price, you won’t mind treating them a bit roughly. –Ryan Waniata Beats Studio Pro Beats Studio Pro Headphones for $160 ($90 off) The Beats Studio Pro ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) were solid headphones at full price, but after dropping a full $100 to around $250 on average, they've become a lot more appealing. These headphones have become an even better deal, moving closer to the "must-have" category with their engaging sound and impressive ease of use. Features include effective noise canceling, excellent transparency mode, Apple-specific perks like "Hey, Siri" voice commands, and one-touch pairing for both iPhone and Android devices. While their build isn’t as luxurious as premium models from Sony or Bose, they offer outstanding value at a fraction of the price, making them the smarter choice for those on a budget. –Ryan Waniata Koss Porta Pro Koss Porta Pro Classic On-Ear Headphones for $27 ($23 off) These timeless wired headphones have remained stylish since their debut decades ago. Featuring a sleek metal headband paired with molded plastic earcups and vintage-style foam padding, they’re the perfect headphones to complement your CD or cassette player, and they're cheap enough you don't have to worry too much about them when you're out looking cool. Edifier STAX Spirit S5 Headphones for $400 (100 off) I’m a big fan of Stax electrostatic headphones . These Bluetooth headphones aren't the vintage article, but they retain some of the brand's legendary heritage, have solid sound, and offer all the audiophile specs you could want from a modern pair. ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends .) —Martin Cizmar PuroQuiet Kids Headphones Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet Kids Headphones for $105 ($34 off) ids are especially vulnerable to hearing loss, which is why WIRED staffers who are parents appreciate kids' headphones like these that limit sound output to the OSHA-recommended 85 decibels. The noise canceling is superb, helping to block out louder sounds from flights or HVAC systems. Plus, they come in pink or blue, so you can choose the color your child loves.Harvey Elliott drops hint ahead of huge Liverpool vs Man City crunch title clashStewart cooked critics with Superwoman strength

Shares of e-commerce software company Shopify ( SHOP -2.27% ) skyrocketed 47.8% during November, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence . The company helps businesses sell products online, and these merchant customers are doing quite well right now. Shopify uses a metric called gross merchandise volume (GMV). This isn't its revenue but rather the value of all of its customers' sales. On Nov. 12, Shopify reported financial results for the third quarter of 2024. And during the quarter, its GMV was nearly $70 billion. This was up a strong 24% year over year and marked its fifth straight quarter of greater-than 20% GMV growth. To put things simply, the businesses that use Shopify's software are doing well. And that's good for Shopify itself. Indeed, the company's Q3 revenue was up a robust 26% year over year to nearly $2.2 billion. Moreover, its free-cash-flow margin hit 19%, which is quite strong. On Nov. 30, Shopify co-founder and CEO Tobi Lütke shared on social media that the company had Black Friday GMV of $5 billion, which was up 22% from Black Friday in 2023. This further excited investors. Shopify is growing and getting a grip on profits Shopify's top-line growth has long been impressive -- it's one of investors' favorite reasons to buy Shopify stock . But profitability has been volatile in recent years as it's pivoted in and out of the logistics space, among other things. Q3 net income of $828 million got a nice boost from the value of some of its equity investments in other companies. But even without this, it was solidly profitable with $344 million in adjusted net income. SHOP Net Income (Quarterly) data by YCharts. In light of its strong growth and profits in Q3, many professional analysts on Wall Street raised their price targets for Shopify stock. A price target is basically just the price that someone thinks it can reach in about a year or so. The main point is that many pros looked at the numbers and decided that Shopify stock could climb higher than they previously thought, which was something that helped rally investors. Shopify's profits are good news Don't get me wrong: Shopify's financial results are fantastic, and investors are rightly enthused. But its valuation is creeping up, which underscores its need to maintain strong growth for an extended time period. I believe Shopify's profit improvement, particularly its free cash flow, is encouraging in this regard. The company doesn't really repurchase shares, and it doesn't pay a dividend. Rather, its free cash flow is invested right back into growing the business. In the Q3 earnings call , President Harley Finkelstein said that he was pleased with the free cash flow "Because it gives us the ability to grow the business and invest in the future." Shareholders should keep tabs on the growth rate and the free-cash-flow margin. But after November, there's plenty of reason for long-term optimism.TCU guard Frankie Collins , the team's best player through the first month, will miss the rest of the season after suffering a broken foot last weekend, the school said Friday. Collins will undergo surgery Tuesday. The injury came Sunday in an 83-74 loss to Vanderbilt. Collins left in the second half, but returned and finished out the game. A 6-foot-2 guard from Sacramento, California, Collins arrived at TCU last spring after starting 66 games over two seasons at Arizona State. Through nine games, Collins was leading the Horned Frogs in scoring (11.2 points per game), assists (4.4) and steals (1.9). He finished with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in the team's biggest win of the season, a 76-72 victory over Xavier earlier this month. Without Collins, expect Vasean Allette to see an increased role. He started his first game of the season last weekend and has experience as a primary playmaker from his time at Old Dominion. TCU next hosts South Alabama on Monday.Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles make their second-to-last road trip of the regular season Sunday to face Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens. The NFC East-leading Eagles (9-2) have won seven in a row and play four of their final six games in Philadelphia, traveling only about 125 miles to visit the Ravens (8-4) this weekend and the Washington Commanders in Week 16. Sunday's game features the NFL's two leading rushers. Barkley (1,392 yards) and Henry (1,325) are far ahead of Green Bay's Josh Jacobs (944) in third place. Henry leads the league with 13 rushing touchdowns. Barkley (10) is tied for fourth and Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts (11) tied for second. The matchup also features two of the top candidates for Most Valuable Player honors entering Week 13 in Barkley and Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson, who won his second MVP award last season. Their competition includes quarterbacks Josh Allen of Buffalo and Jared Goff of Detroit, with Allen widely considered the favorite. "Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are phenomenal football players that help their team win football games, and Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley are phenomenal football players that help their team win football games," Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. "Excited about the opportunity this week because it's our next one. It will be a really good opponent, really well coached, good players, good atmosphere that will be there. Excited about the opportunity this week. And we're going to have to be on it against a really good team." The showdown at M&T Bank Stadium also pits Baltimore's No. 1 offense (426.7 yards per game) and No. 2 scoring offense (30.3 points per game) against Philadelphia's No. 1 defense (274.6) and No. 6 scoring defense (18.1). The Eagles have held seven consecutive opponents to under 300 total yards, while the Ravens have gained at least 329 yards of offense in all 11 games. Philadelphia is coming off a 37-20 road win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night in which Barkley smashed the franchise record with 255 rushing yards. Baltimore also earned a prime-time win in Los Angeles, defeating the Chargers 30-23 in the "Harbaugh Bowl" on Monday night behind Jackson's three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing). Jackson said he's looking forward to the Barkley and Henry show. "I've known Saquon from high school. We were in the all-star game together and he jumped over somebody's head," Jackson recalled Wednesday. "So I've pretty much seen him before I even got to the league, college, anything. I've been knowing about Saquon, but Derrick Henry -- King Henry -- I'm with him every day and I'm seeing what he's capable of, so it's going to be a great matchup." Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith practiced Wednesday after sitting out Monday with a hamstring issue. Nose tackle Michael Pierce (calf) was designated to return from injured reserve. Tight end Charlie Kolar (broken arm) is out for several weeks and cornerback Arthur Maulet (calf) did not practice. The Eagles lost veteran defensive end Brandon Graham to a season-ending triceps injury Sunday. Wideout DeVonta Smith (hamstring) missed the win over the Rams and did not practice Wednesday. Neither did cornerbacks Darius Slay (concussion) or Kelee Ringo (calf). Philadelphia is 5-1 away from home this season -- 6-1 if you count their season-opening "home" victory against the Packers in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Baltimore is 4-1 at home. The Ravens hold a 3-2-1 lead in the series with the Eagles. They haven't met since Baltimore's 30-28 win in Week 6 at Philadelphia in 2020. --Field Level Media

DOVER, Del. (AP) — A Delaware judge has reaffirmed her ruling that Tesla must revoke Elon Musk’s multibillion-dollar pay package Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick on Monday denied a request by attorneys for Musk and Tesla’s corporate directors to vacate her ruling earlier this year requiring the company to rescind the unprecedented pay package. McCormick also rejected an equally unprecedented and massive fee request by plaintiff attorneys , who argued that they were entitled to legal fees in the form of Tesla stock valued at more than $5 billion. The judge said the attorneys were entitled to a fee award of $345 million. The rulings came in a lawsuit filed by a Tesla stockholder who challenged Musk’s 2018 compensation package. McCormick concluded in January that Musk engineered the landmark pay package in sham negotiations with directors who were not independent. The compensation package initially carried a potential maximum value of about $56 billion, but that sum has fluctuated over the years based on Tesla’s stock price. Following the court ruling, Tesla shareholders met in June and ratified Musk’s 2018 pay package for a second time, again by an overwhelming margin. Defense attorneys then argued that the second vote makes clear that Tesla shareholders, with full knowledge of the flaws in the 2018 process that McCormick pointed out, were adamant that Musk is entitled to the pay package. They asked the judge to vacate her order directing Tesla to rescind the pay package. McCormick, who seemed skeptical of the defense arguments during an August hearing, said in Monday’s ruling that those arguments were fatally flawed. “The large and talented group of defense firms got creative with the ratification argument, but their unprecedented theories go against multiple strains of settled law,” McCormick wrote in a 103-page opinion. The judge noted, among other things, that a stockholder vote standing alone cannot ratify a conflicted-controller transaction. “Even if a stockholder vote could have a ratifying effect, it could not do so here due to multiple, material misstatements in the proxy statement,” she added. Meanwhile, McCormick found that the $5.6 billion fee request by the shareholder’s attorneys, which at one time approached $7 billion based on Tesla’s trading price, went too far. “In a case about excessive compensation, that was a bold ask,” McCormick wrote. Attorneys for the Tesla shareholder argue that their work resulted in the “massive” benefit of returning shares to Tesla that otherwise would have gone to Musk and diluted the stock held by other Tesla investors. They value that benefit at $51.4 billion, using the difference between the stock price at the time of McCormick’s January ruling and the strike price of some 304 million stock options granted to Musk. While finding that the methodology used to calculate the fee request was sound, the judge noted that the Delaware’s Supreme Court has noted that fee award guidelines “must yield to the greater policy concern of preventing windfalls to counsel.” “The fee award here must yield in this way, because $5.6 billion is a windfall no matter the methodology used to justify it,” McCormick wrote. A fee award of $345 million, she said, was “an appropriate sum to reward a total victory.” The fee award amounts to almost exactly half the current record $688 million in legal fees awarded in 2008 in litigation stemming from the collapse of Enron. Randall Chase, The Associated Press

In his first sit-down broadcast interview since the Nov. 5 election, President-elect Donald Trump said he would begin pardoning rioters who participated in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol on "Day One." “I’m going to look at everything. We’re going to look at individual cases,” Trump said in his “ Meet the Press ” interview, which aired on Sunday. In what has been billed as America’s largest-ever criminal investigation, at least 1,572 defendants have been charged in the Jan. 6 attack, according to Reuters, with crimes ranging from unlawfully entering restricted grounds to seditious conspiracy and violent assault. Of that total, more than 1,251 have been convicted or pleaded guilty and 645 have been sentenced to prison, with punishments ranging from a few days to 22 years, according to the latest data from the Justice Department . Did Trump promise to pardon everyone charged with a crime on Jan. 6? Trump told moderator Kristen Welker that he planned to issue the pardons “very quickly,” starting on his first day in office which begins Jan. 20. There could be “some exceptions” to his pardons, Trump said, if an individual had acted “radical” or “crazy” during the assault. He then referred to debunked claims that some members of Antifa and law enforcement officers had infiltrated the crowd. Welker asked Trump whether the 900 people who had already pled guilty, including those who assaulted police officers, would be considered for pardons. Trump would not rule them out, saying “they had no choice” but to attack the officers. Trump argued that “a very nasty system” caused many of the defendants to plead guilty, saying that the prisoners were given unfair plea deals and that their “whole lives have been destroyed.” Trump’s continued support echoes his rhetoric on the campaign trail. He repeatedly referred to Jan. 6 defendants as “political prisoners” and “hostages” during his re-election campaign. The former president even featured a song by the “J6 Prison Choir,” a group of men imprisoned for their participation in the attack on the Capitol, at his first 2024 campaign rally. Where do the Jan. 6 convictions stand now? The Justice Department notes that of the 900 people who have pled guilty, 321 defendants have pleaded guilty to felonies. Among those felonies, 170 pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement; 128 to obstructing law enforcement during a riot; 69 to assaulting law enforcement with a dangerous or deadly weapon; and four to seditious conspiracy. According to a report by NBC News , existing cases against Jan. 6 defendants are expected to continue until President Joe Biden leaves office on Jan. 20. Shortly after the election, federal prosecutors in the Justice Department’s Capitol Siege Section received guidance to proceed with pending cases, trials, sentencing hearings, and plea agreement hearings. The guidance instructed prosecutors to “focus on the most egregious conduct and cases until the end of the administration,” including those who have yet to be arrested for assault on a law enforcement officer. Jake Lang , a New York man who was charged with assaulting police officers and has been held in jail before trial, told Reuters he was hopeful he would be swept up in a blanket pardon. “I think on January 20, 2025 we are going to see a similar situation to Hunter Biden,” Lang said in a phone interview. “Everybody’s pardoned, full exoneration. Get them all out of prison and get this thing over with, so that we can start the national healing process." Reuters contributed to the reporting of this story. Melissa Cruz is an elections reporting fellow who focuses on voter access issues for the USA TODAY Network. You can reach her at mcruz@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter, at @MelissaWrites22.