GivingTuesday estimates $3.6B was donated this year, an increase from 2023In a significant diplomatic engagement at Mar-a-Lago, US President-elect Donald Trump met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to delve into pressing issues like trade, tariffs, and border security. Trump, through social media, labeled the meeting as 'productive,' acknowledging Trudeau's efforts to tackle shared challenges. However, key disputes between the US and Canada remain unresolved. Discussing Fentanyl, illegal immigration, and trade imbalances, Trump emphasized the US's commitment to combating the drug crisis, underscoring cooperation with Canada on these critical matters. (With inputs from agencies.)

Luigi Mangione , the 26-year-old accused of shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson , made a fashion statement in court today with his maroon sweater, causing a stir on social media. Observers are drawing comparisons to the Menendez brothers' trial , speculating whether Mangione's attire is a deliberate nod or a media tactic focusing on his appearance. Despite serious charges, Mangione has garnered public sympathy recently. He entered a not-guilty plea and is set for trial on February 21. SNL blasted for 'shameful' moment when audience cheers for Luigi Mangione Luigi Mangione and Sean 'Diddy' Comb's lawyers share unexpected connection Mangione's defense may be playing up his image as a sophisticated, well-educated man from a wealthy background. The buzz around his sartorial choice, including a tweet from @voyagerdescend saying "NOT THE MENENDEZ SWEATER???" indicates that every move by Mangione might be carefully calculated. While some observers draw parallels to the Menendez case, others are not as persuaded, though they agree that Mangione's legal team is capitalizing on the media hype, particularly regarding his appearance. @Jeazous commented: "They gave bro a total makeover to impress the girls." @RedditEchoChmbr chimed in with: "I don't support what he did but this guy has balls. His charisma is off the charts." DON'T MISS... Security firms report 'uptick in calls since CEO shooting' as execs terrified [NEWS] CEO 'assassin' Luigi Mangione locked in same jail as Diddy - and share a lawyer [LATEST] Chris Rock brutally compares UnitedHealthcare CEO murder to drug dealer [COMMENT] Like Mangione, the Menendez Brothers, Lyle and Erik, are incarcerated for the first-degree murder of their parents Jose and Kitty Menendez. They alleged in court that they were victims of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse at the hands of their father and claimed the killings were in self-defense. The brothers were given life sentences in 1996, but last year, their attorney submitted a habeas corpus that might overturn their convictions. The new petition suggests that the brothers have fresh evidence, including a letter from Erik to his uncle describing the abuse by their father.

Insurgents reach gates of Syria’s capital, threatening to upend decades of Assad ruleInsurgents reach gates of Syria’s capital, threatening to upend decades of Assad rule

NEW YORK (AP) — There's no place like home for the holidays. And that may not necessarily be a good thing. In the wake of the very contentious and divisive 2024 presidential election, the upcoming celebration of Thanksgiving and the ramp-up of the winter holiday season could be a boon for some — a respite from the events of the larger world in the gathering of family and loved ones. Hours and even days spent with people who have played the largest roles in our lives. Another chapter in a lifetime of memories. That's one scenario. For others, that same period — particularly because of the polarizing presidential campaign — is something to dread. There is the likelihood of disagreements, harsh words, hurt feelings and raised voices looming large. Those who make a study of people and their relationships to each other in an increasingly complex 21st-century say there are choices that those with potentially fraught personal situations can make — things to do and things to avoid — that could help them and their families get through this time with a minimum of open conflict and a chance at getting to the point of the holidays in the first place. For those who feel strongly about the election's outcome, and know that the people they would be spending the holiday feel just as strongly in the other direction, take the time to honestly assess if you're ready to spend time together in THIS moment, barely a few weeks after Election Day — and a time when feelings are still running high. The answer might be that you're not, and it might be better to take a temporary break, says Justin Jones-Fosu, author of “I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World.” “You have to assess your own readiness,” he says, “Each person is going be very different in this.” He emphasizes that it's not about taking a permanent step back. “Right now is that moment that we’re talking about because it’s still so fresh. Christmas may be different.” Keep focused on why why you decided to go in the first place, Jones-Fosu says. Maybe it’s because there’s a relative there you don’t get to see often, or a loved one is getting up in age, or your kids want to see their cousins. Keeping that reason in mind could help you get through the time. If you decide getting together is the way to go, but you know politics is still a dicey subject, set a goal of making the holiday a politics-free zone and stick with it, says Karl Pillemer, a professor at Cornell University whose work includes research on family estrangement. “Will a political conversation change anyone’s mind?" he says. “If there is no possibility of changing anyone’s mind, then create a demilitarized zone and don’t talk about it.” Let’s be honest. Sometimes, despite best efforts and intentions to keep the holiday gathering politics- and drama-free, there’s someone who’s got something to say and is going to say it. In that case, avoid getting drawn into it, says Tracy Hutchinson, a professor in the graduate clinical mental health counseling program at the College of William & Mary in Virginia. “Not to take the hook is one of the most important things, and it is challenging,” she says. After all, you don’t have to go to every argument you’re invited to. If you risk getting caught up in the moment, consider engaging in what Pillemer calls “forward mapping.” This involves thinking medium and long term rather than just about right now — strategy rather than tactics. Maybe imagine yourself six months from now looking back on the dinner and thinking about the memories you'd want to have. “Think about how you would like to remember this holiday,” he says. “Do you want to remember it with your brother and sister-in-law storming out and going home because you’ve had a two-hour argument?” Things getting intense? Defuse the situation. Walk away. And it doesn't have to be in a huff. Sometimes a calm and collected time out is just what you — and the family — might need. Says Hutchinson: “If they do start to do something like that, you could say, `I’ve got to make this phone call. I’ve got to go to the bathroom. I’m going to take a walk around the block.'"The Electoral Commission (EC) has reported a strong voter turnout following the close of polling stations across Ghana on Saturday evening. Preliminary figures suggest that a significant number of voters cast their ballots before the official 5 p.m. deadline. At a media briefing held at the National Collation Centre in Accra, Benjamin Bano-Bioh, the Director of Electoral Services, provided an update on the voting process. He confirmed that 95% of polling stations had closed by 5 p.m. local time, with the remaining stations finishing shortly thereafter. Bano-Bioh highlighted that the Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) used during the election had performed well, reducing voter processing times to just three minutes per person. This streamlined the voting process and contributed to the overall efficiency of the elections. “The elections have been largely seamless, with minimal disruptions compared to previous years. The strategy we set in place helped ensure a smooth flow of the process,” he said, noting that the polls had proceeded without the common issues seen in past elections. While the election day was largely peaceful, Bano-Bioh confirmed a tragic incident in the Northern Region, where one fatality was reported. He emphasized, however, that the incident was unrelated to the Commission’s activities or any failure in its processes. The EC director also praised the professionalism of the Commission’s staff, political party agents, and the media throughout the day. He urged the press to ensure that the results announced align with the official declarations made by the Commission. “Thanks to the media for their professionalism in covering the elections. We call on you to ensure that the results you report reflect what the EC announces,” Bano-Bioh added. As the collation of results continues at the Constituency Collation Centres, the EC is preparing for the final tabulation and the announcement of the official outcome.

‘A crime has been committed against my son’: Mother seeking charges against shooter in Walnut Street incidentOXFORD, Miss. (AP) — Sira Thienou scored 16 points with six rebounds, five assists and four steals and No. 18 Mississippi coasted to an 89-24 win over Alabama State on Saturday. Starr Jacobs and Christeen Iwuala both added 12 points and Kennedy Todd-Williams had 11 for the Rebels (5-2), who had a breather after losing to No. 2 UConn by 13 in the Bahamas. Kaitlyn Bryant had seven points to lead the Hornets (2-5), who shot 19% with 33 turnovers and were outrebounded 43-25. Alabama State was 1 of 8 with 11 turnovers in the first quarter, falling behind 24-4. The Hornets were 2 of 11 with seven giveaways in the second quarter when they were outscored 33-6 to trail 57-10 at the half. The Rebels shot 58% with 28 points off turnovers. They scored the first 16 points of the game and the first 24 points of the second quarter. Ole Miss had the last five points of the third quarter and the first seven of the fourth to get the lead to 82-22. The Hornets went 1 of 10 in the final 10 minutes with 10 turnovers. It was Mississippi's third win against teams from the Southwestern Athletic Conference with one more to play. The Rebels play at NC State on Thursday in the SEC/ACC Challenge. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball