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Big retailers’ fortunes are diverging as the holiday shopping season gets underway. On Wednesday, Target cited “lingering softness in discretionary categories” as a top factor in its disappointing third-quarter sales, as many budget-conscious shoppers continue to focus on necessities. It’s the latest sign that discounts will be the driving force this holiday season, as they’ve been for much of this year. “We’re starting to get back to normal here.”U.S. retail sales rose 0.4% overall in October, federal data showed last month, beating analysts’ forecasts. In the meantime, the steady expansion of e-commerce looks set to continue this holiday season.

Persons: ”, Brad Thomas, they’ve, TJ Maxx, John David Rainey, “ We’re, “ They’re, they’re, ” Thomas, Matthew Shay, TransUnion, Neil Saunders, Saunders, Helene, Milton, who’ve, ” Saunders Organizations: Target, Walmart, KeyBanc, Marshalls, CNBC, “, National Retail Federation, GlobalData, NBC

Black Friday is almost here, and Target is already offering deals on apparel, holiday decor, tech and more that you can shop right now. As an associate reporter for NBC Select, I frequently cover Target deals and sales year round. SKIP AHEAD Best early Black Friday Target deals | More early Black Friday Target sales |Why trust NBC Select? Best early Black Friday Target deals4.8-star average rating from 3,285 reviews at TargetThis Apple iPad is our pick for the best overall tablet due to its functionality and price. Best early Black Friday Target salesHere are the best early Black Friday Target sales to know about.

Persons: ”, Harry Rabinowitz, terry, Rabinowitz, TikTok Organizations: Target, NBC, Garmin, Facebook, Twitter Locations: woofers

A Nebraska girl's murder went unsolved for more than 55 years before an Oklahoma man was arrested and accused of being the "enraged killer," that was being sought for decades, officials said. Mary Kay Heese. The family maintained a Facebook page all these years, asking for the public's help to bring justice to the teenager whose "life was taken by this enraged killer." Investigators recently exhumed Heese’s body, though it wasn't immediately clear what role, if any, unearthing the girl's remains played in Ambroz's arrest. Ambroz was taken into custody on Monday and was still at the Kay County Detention Facility on Thursday, a jail official said.

Persons: Joseph A, Mary Kay Heese, Heese's, wasn't, Ambroz Locations: Nebraska, Oklahoma, Ponca City , Oklahoma, Saunders County , Nebraska, Wahoo, Kay

The man accused of killing Georgia nursing student Laken Riley was found guilty of murder Wednesday in a case that became a flashpoint in the immigration debate earlier this year, ahead of the presidential election. Riley’s killing drew national attention to the immigration debate after officials announced that Ibarra is a Venezuelan citizen who entered the United States illegally in 2022. UGA students during a vigil for Laken Riley on Feb. 26. Joshua L. Jones / USA Today NetworkDuring the trial, prosecutors argued that Ibarra killed Riley after she fought off his attempt to rape her. The prosecution pointed to DNA and other evidence that they said linked Ibarra to Riley on the day of her murder.

Persons: Laken Riley, Jose Antonio Ibarra, Tom, ”, Jose Ibarra, Hyosub Shin, H, Patrick Haggard, Ibarra, Haggard, Allyson Phillips, Riley’s, “, ” Phillips, Phillips, ” Prosecutors, Riley, Donald Trump, Joshua L, Jones, Sheila Ross, Riley “, ” Ross, Diego Ibarra, Kaitlyn Beck, Diego, Jose Organizations: Superior Court, ”, University of Georgia, UGA, USA Locations: Athens, Clarke, Ga, Venezuelan, United States

Donald Trump's attorneys are demanding the judge who presided over his New York hush money trial and conviction immediately throw out the case, saying it would be "uniquely destabilizing to the country" otherwise. The letter also cited presidential immunity as a reason to dismiss the case, and maintained Trump is already protected by it. "Just as a sitting President is completely immune from any criminal process, so too is President Trump as President-elect," the letter said. The attorneys have argued he can't be sentenced while in office because it would interfere with his constitutional duties. Trump was convicted earlier this year on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment made to adult film actor Stormy Daniels.

Persons: Donald, Trump’s, Todd Blanche, Emil Bove, Judge Juan Merchan, “, Trump, Stormy Daniels, Alvin Bragg's Organizations: Trump, Justice Department's Locations: York, Manhattan

☆ Tom's of Maine toothpaste contained bacteria-contaminated water, FDA says
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-20 | by ( Marlene Lenthang | Marlene Lenthang Is A Breaking News Reporter For Nbc News Digital. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

Tom’s of Maine said in a statement Wednesday that it is working with the FDA and remedying issues raised from the May inspection. That water was used to manufacture Tom’s Simply White clean mint paste and for the final rinse of numerous equipment cleaning processes, the letter said. “Batches manufactured after these incidents were released based on the microbial testing of the finished OTC product despite the quality of the water used as a component or to clean the equipment,” the FDA letter said. The investigator “also observed powder residues at a stainless-steel tray” near a batch of Tom’s Silly Strawberry anticavity toothpaste. We are also making capital investments as part of an ongoing, significant upgrade of the Sanford plant’s water system."

Persons: —, insidiosa, yeei, “, Tom’s Organizations: FDA, Colgate, Palmolive, Centers for Disease Control, NBC News Locations: Maine, Sanford , Maine, Sanford

Comcast announced a plan Wednesday to spin off most of its cable television networks into a separate publicly traded company. The new company will include the USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and the Golf Channel. Comcast will retain key NBCUniversal assets, including the NBC broadcast network, NBC News, NBC Sports, the streaming service Peacock, and the cable channel Bravo. The move comes as the traditional cable television bundle faces stiff economic headwinds, most notably the rise of cord-cutting and the shift to streaming alternatives. Matt Strauss will become chairman of the NBCUniversal Media Group.

Persons: Mike Cavanagh, ” Cavanagh, “, Cavanagh, Mark Lazarus, Anand Kini, Dan Ives, ”, ” Rich Greenfield, ” Greenfield, Cesar Conde, Conde “, ” Donna Langley, Peacock, Matt Strauss, Mark Woodbury Organizations: Comcast, USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, SYFY, Golf Channel, NBC, NBC News, NBC Sports, Bravo, Wall Street Journal, Wedbush Securities, LightShed Partners, Wednesday, NBCUniversal, Group, Telemundo, NBCUniversal Entertainment, Studios, NBCUniversal Media, Universal, General Electric, Netflix, Amazon Prime Locations: NBCUniversal

Target reported earnings Wednesday that came in far below Wall Street's expectations, something the big-box retailer attributed to slower-than-expected demand. The company announced profits that missed forecasts by 20%, its widest miss in two years. Broader stock trading did not immediately react, however, as Wall Street awaits earnings from chipmaker Nvidia, which has helped power the market higher throughout the year. Target's report comes a day after rival Walmart reported earnings and revenues that beat expectations. “We’re expecting this holiday period to be very consistent with that,” Walmart Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey told CNBC.

Persons: Brian Cornell, Michael Fiddelke, “ We’re, John David Rainey, “ They’re Organizations: Target, Nvidia, Walmart, CNBC

The House Ethics Committee weighs releasing their report on Matt Gaetz. And Susan Smith, who made headlines for killing her sons 30 years ago, is up for parole. The Ethics Committee has jurisdiction only over sitting members of Congress, Johnson argues. But there is precedent for the Ethics Committee to publish reports after a member of Congress has resigned. Susan Smith up for parole 30 years after killing her sonsSusan Smith leaves court after a hearing in Union, S.C., in 1995.

Persons: Matt Gaetz, Susan Smith, Donald Trump, Gaetz, Susan Wild, Joel Leppard, Mike Johnson, Trump, Johnson, Read, Mike Cavanaugh, ”, Vladimir Putin, Brooks Kraft, Smith’s, Michael, Alex, Smith, Rafael Nadal, Jay Leno, Barbara Gauntt, Chokwe Antar Lumumba, Lumumba, — Bracey Harris Organizations: Comcast, Justice Department, Republicans, Democrats, Gaetz, MSNBC, Syfy, Golf, CNBC, Oxygen, NBC News, NBC, Bravo, United, Brooks, Brooks Kraft LLC, Getty, South, Davis, Mississippi State Capitol, Clarion, Ledger, Residents Locations: Florida, USA, U.S, Kyiv, United States, Ukrainian, Russian, Ukraine, Union, South Carolina, Northern California, Pacific, California, Jackson

WASHINGTON — Members of the House Ethics Committee will meet behind closed doors Wednesday afternoon to discuss whether to publicly release a report detailing their sweeping investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general. Several Republicans and Democrats in the Senate have said they want to review the House report before a Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for Gaetz next year. She argued that there is precedent for the Ethics Committee to publish reports after members of Congress have resigned. If the committee declines to make the Gaetz report public, any House member can try to force a vote to release it. In September 1996, House Democrats tried to force the Ethics Committee to release a report from an outside counsel about its investigation of then-Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga.

Persons: Matt Gaetz, Donald Trump’s, Gaetz, Mike Johnson, Trump, “ I’ve, ” Johnson, “ Matt Gaetz, —, Michael Guest, Susan Wild, Joel Leppard, Leppard, ”, JD Vance, Pete Hegseth, Bill Boner, Boner, Boner’s, Buz Lukens, Newt Gingrich Organizations: WASHINGTON, Republicans, Democrats, Justice Department, NBC News, Trump, Capitol, Cabinet, Senate, Congress, “, Committee Locations: Florida, Nashville, Ohio

The United States said Wednesday that its embassy in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, had closed after receiving "specific information of a potential significant air attack." "Out of an abundance of caution, the Embassy will be closed, and Embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place," it said in a security alert, recommending U.S. citizens take shelter if an air alert is announced. Shutting the embassy is not an unprecedented move amid the war, which reached its 1,000th day Tuesday. Searchlights look for Russian drones in the skies over Kyiv, in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Moscow could justify a nuclear strike if subject to an attack by a nonnuclear country that is supported by a nuclear country, according to the revised doctrine.

Persons: Serhii, Gleb Garanich, Vladimir Putin Organizations: Embassy, Kyiv’s, Military Administration, Reuters Locations: States, Kyiv, Ukrainian, Russian, Dniprovskyy, Ukraine, Bryansk, Moscow

☆ Trump names Linda McMahon as his pick for education secretary
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-20 | by ( Zoë Richards | Zoë Richards Is A Politics Reporter For Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday named Linda McMahon, a former World Wrestling Entertainment executive who served in the first Trump administration, as his pick to lead the Education Department. Before joining the first Trump administration, McMahon briefly served on the Connecticut State Board of Education in 2009, and made unsuccessful bids in 2010 and 2012 for U.S. Senate seats in the state. CNN first reported on McMahon as Trump’s pick for education secretary. McMahon is also the latest Cabinet pick from Trump’s transition team. Earlier Tuesday he named Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick, who is co-chairing his transition alongside McMahon, as his choice for commerce secretary.

Persons: Donald Trump, Linda McMahon, Trump, McMahon, ” McMahon, Vince McMahon, Elon Musk, Doug Collins of, Lee Zeldin, Cantor Fitzgerald, Howard Lutnick Organizations: Wrestling Entertainment, Education Department, Senate, Small Business Administration, Trump America, Action, Connecticut State, of Education, U.S, CNN, Inc, World Wrestling Entertainment, Fox News, “ Department, Government, SpaceX, America, Policy Institute, Environmental Protection Agency Locations: Connecticut, Texas, Doug Collins of Georgia, New York

Two people were killed and a third was injured after a house in an Ohio village exploded and caught fire Tuesday morning, officials said. The home exploded at around 8:44 a.m. in Bethel, a village of around 2,600 southeast of Cincinnati, Bethel Fire Chief Christopher Cooper said at a news conference. “It was a large explosion that had sent debris across the neighborhood,” Cooper said, describing the scene as chaotic. Firefighters work the scene of a house explosion in Bethel, Ohio, on Tuesday. The property that exploded was a one-story ranch house that used propane instead of gas, he said.

Persons: Christopher Cooper, ” Cooper, Stephanie Young, Cooper Organizations: Bethel Fire, Firefighters, NBC Locations: Ohio, Bethel, Cincinnati, Bethel , Ohio

☆ Florida man allegedly had AR-15, silencers and list of Jewish and Black targets
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-20 | by ( Anthony Cusumano | Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Dennis-Romero-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

A Florida man arrested on suspicion of weapons violations on Halloween had a list of targets that included a congressman and locations he associated with Jewish and Black people, prosecutors allege. The Federal Public Defender of South Florida did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A customary walk-through of the home turned up evidence of firearms, including spent shell casings and a homemade target, Anton said. The alleged list of targets includes Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., as well as locations the writer of the list characterized as draws for Jewish and Black people — a synagogue, a Jewish cemetery, a Jewish sandwich shop and parks and schools that were described using a derogatory term for Black people, according to Anton's filing. One entry on the list said, "Stalk Jewish parks," the proffer said.

Persons: John Lapinski, Lapinski, Marc Anton, Anton, silencers, Jared Moskowitz, Moskowitz Organizations: Federal, Defender, Police, Assistant U.S, Palmetto State Armory Liberty, Palmetto State Armory, Black, Jewish, U.S . Marshals Service Locations: Florida, South Florida, Margate, Miami, Broward County , Florida

☆ Rafael Nadal's legendary tennis career comes to an end in loss at Davis Cup
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-20 | by ( Rohan Nadkarni | Rohan Nadkarni Is A Sports Reporter For Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal played the final match of his professional career Tuesday, losing 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp in the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup. Competing professionally since his late teens, Nadal won 92 singles titles (fifth-most all time), 22 majors (second-most all time) and two Olympic gold medals. Most famous for his dominance on clay, Nadal won a record 14 French Open championships. He won his first in 2005, beginning a dominant run in which he won nine of 10 French Open finals. After having dealt with injuries, he won four straight from 2017 to 2020 before he won his last French Open and major tournament in 2022.

Persons: Rafael Nadal, Botic van de Zandschulp, Nadal, Roger Federer, Federer, Garros, Thomas Coex, ” Federer, “, “ Rafa, ” Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Djokovic Organizations: Davis, Nadal, titans, Roland, Getty Locations: AFP, Mallorca

This would help me become a better partner and contribute more effectively to my wife and our shared financial goals. But we also saw the value of having a joint account for shared expenses, especially because we decided to split financial responsibility 50/50. We opened a joint bank account for shared expensesUpon moving in together, my wife and I first opened a joint checking and savings account for shared expenses. Our joint account also gave us a space dedicated to shared long-term savings goals, such as a wedding and a house. Separate from the joint account, I was responsible for setting up and managing my own budget, credit card, savings goals, and brokerage account.

Persons: —, That's, wasn't Organizations: Service

The best Black Friday Tempur-Pedic mattress dealsTempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress (Queen) $1,399.30 $1,999.00 Save 30% The Tempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress features contouring foam that cradles sleepers of all body types and sleeping styles while offering outstanding pressure relief and heat dissipation. View at Tempur-Pedic What we like Check mark icon A check mark. Layers of conforming comfortable and supportive Tempur foam adjust to all sleeping stylesCheck mark icon A check mark. View at Tempur-Pedic What we like Check mark icon A check mark. View at Tempur-Pedic What we like Check mark icon A check mark.

Persons: Pedic Organizations: Business, Shipping Locations: Tempur

If the Fed doesn't cut rates in December, we may see mortgage rates inch up. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowWhat Are Today's Mortgage Refinance Rates? See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. Current 30-Year Mortgage RatesAverage 30-year mortgage rates are hovering around 6.60%, according to Zillow data. But now that inflation has decelerated and the Fed has started cutting rates, mortgage rates have trended down compared to where they were a year ago.

Persons: Jerome Powell, It's, they've, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal Reserve, Fed, Mortgage Research, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, ARM, . Government Locations: Chevron, Government

It's the second mattress from bed-in-a-box brand Tuft & Needle, which now has four mattresses in total (including a hybrid version of the Mint Mattress). Connie Chen/Business InsiderThe Mint mattress is an upgrade from the company's Original Mattress, a 10-inch, medium-firm mattress. You can check out our Tuft & Needle Original Mattress review for our full thoughts, but it's a basic and comfortable mattress at a cheaper price point. We also have guides for specific needs, including the best cooling mattress, the best mattress for side sleepers, the best foam mattress, the best hybrid mattress, and the best mattress for back pain. If you're set on a Tuft & Needle mattress, you may also consider looking at our Tuft & Needle Original Mattress review for a cheaper option from the company.

Persons: Connie Chen, you'll, I've, I'm, it's Organizations: Business, Greenguard

☆ Selena Gomez says she has to trick her way into auditions when casting refuses to consider her for certain roles
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-20 | by ( Olivia Singh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

AdvertisementSelena Gomez said she has a "tactic" for getting into auditions if casting directors don't think she's a fit. The actor told THR that she doesn't tell them in advance that she's auditioning. Gomez said this has been "the biggest challenge that I've faced as an actor." In other instances, she's told that they're interested in hiring a lesser-known actor — but end up casting someone notable. Gomez said this has been "the biggest challenge that I've faced as an actor," but she's found other workarounds for getting into auditions.

Persons: Selena Gomez, Gomez, I've, she's, they're, —, I'm, they'll, Paul Rudd, Dot, Annette Brown, Netflix Gomez, Barney, Alex Russo, Patrick Harbron, Emilia Pérez Organizations: Disney Channel, Hollywood, Netflix, Disney, Wizards Locations: Waverly, Hulu

☆ The DOGE commission explains how it will reduce head count at federal agencies with a plan to get rid of remote work and offer workers early retirement
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-20 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

AdvertisementElon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy offered more details on their DOGE government efficiency commission. They said their plans to cut government spending will lead to layoffs across federal agencies. The leaders of President-elect Donald Trump's government efficiency commission have more details on how they will reduce head count across government agencies. With the federal government being the largest employer in the US, with a workforce of over 2 million Americans, the DOGE commission could have a wide-ranging impact. Are you a federal worker with thoughts on DOGE?

Persons: Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, Donald Trump's, Ramaswamy, Trump, Musk Organizations: Tesla, GOP, Street, of Government, Management, Trump, Treasury Department, Department of Health, Human Services, Social Security Administration, Department of Defense, Congress, Social Security, Medicare

☆ Sherman: Comcast is the first to spin off cable networks
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-20 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailSherman: Comcast is the first to spin off cable networksAlex Sherman, CNBC Media & Sports Reporter, discusses Comcast's plan to spin off its cable networks, including CNBC. He explains that this move is a test for the media industry as Comcast focuses on profitable assets like Peacock and Bravo, while the new cable company may be rolled up with other networks or sold to private equity due to the declining future of cable.

Persons: Alex Sherman, Peacock, Bravo Organizations: Sherman, Comcast, CNBC Media, Sports, CNBC

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreSifting through a sea of gift ideas when none seem ideal is an experience everyone is familiar with. If you're wanting to avoid that headache this year, one of the best remedies can be to utilize the convenient, fast, and reliable perks of shopping on Amazon and its mountain of gifting options. To make your last-minute shopping easier, we found 35 gifts for him that won't cost more than $100, but that he's still sure to like. Shop the 31 best Amazon gifts for him:

Persons: he's, it'll Organizations: Business

A federal judge on Tuesday ordered prosecutors to get rid of copies of 19 pages of notes taken from Sean "Diddy" Combs' jail cell after his lawyers argued the seizure violated attorney-client privilege. Judge Arun Subramanian ruled Tuesday that the court will keep the papers while prosecutors and Combs’ lawyers submit briefs on the issue over the next few weeks. The music mogul has denied both the charges as well as prosecutors' allegations that he’s tampering with witnesses from jail. At Tuesday's hearing Combs, 55, who wore olive prison clothing garb, appeared to have lost weight since his last court appearance. Homeland Security Investigations agents outside the home of Sean "Diddy" Combs in Los Angeles, Calif. on March 25, 2024.

Persons: Sean, Diddy, Combs, Arun Subramanian, Christy Slavik, “, ”, David Swanson, Marc Agnifilo, Slavik, Agnifilo Organizations: Prosecutors, U.S, Security, Getty Images Defense, Metropolitan Detention, Bureau of Prisons Locations: Los Angeles, Calif, Brooklyn, U.S

LOS ANGELES — Erik and Lyle Menendez’s bid for freedom hit another possible roadblock this week as California Gov. Gavin Newsom said that he will not review their clemency request until after the incoming Los Angeles County district attorney makes a resentencing recommendation. Nathan Hochman is set to take office Dec. 2 after his win earlier this month over District Attorney George Gascón, who has supported Menendez resentencing and urged clemency. A hearing is scheduled before a judge on Dec. 11Nathan Hochman on Oct. 10 in Los Angeles. Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images fileBut the incoming DA said he needs to review the case, including transcripts from two trials and prison disciplinary records, before making a recommendation.

Persons: Erik, Lyle Menendez’s, Gavin Newsom, Nathan Hochman, Attorney George Gascón, Menendez resentencing, Hochman, ”, Newsom, Lyle Menendez, Jose, Mary Louise “ Kitty ” Menendez, Gascón, Michael Blackshire, “, ” Gascón, resentencing ., Kim Kardashian, ” Hochman, Menendez, Juan Mejia, ” Mejia, Gascon Organizations: California Gov, Angeles, Attorney, Netflix, Los Angeles Times, Getty, NBC News, resentencing, Los Angeles County Locations: California, Angeles County, Los Angeles

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