News Roundup 11/29/19
Head start on holiday deals tempers Black Friday frenzy
In New York, Black Friday enthusiasts woke up before dawn and traveled to their favorite malls in search of hot deals, kicking off the shopping season that intensified the scramble between Thanksgiving and Christmas. More people got a head start on gift-hunting this year, while being lured by the deals from retailers trying to compensate for the shorter season. The shopping season is the shortest since 2013, because Thanksgiving fell on the last Thursday in November. Shoppers who have been up since the early hours of the morning went to sleep in chairs at Nashville’s Opry Mills mall, while people outside were fighting over parking spaces.
Sources: Associated Press
Cardinals’ Josh Shaw suspended for betting on NFL games
Josh Shaw, cornerback to the Arizona Cardinals, has been suspended through at least the end of the 2020 season for betting on NFL games on multiple occasions throughout this season. His Suspension was announced on Friday. This is the first time in more than 35 years a player has been banned for gambling. The NFL is entering an era when legal sports gambling is spreading across the country and gaining mainstream acceptance. According to the NFL, a league investigation found no evidence that Shaw used inside information or compromised any games. There is also no evidence that teammates, coaches or other players were aware of Shaw betting on games.
Source: Associated Press
Celebrities like Kate Hudson and Drake get in the spirit
As of late the number of celebrities who have who have branched out into endorsing or helping make wine, whiskey, vodka and other spirits has risen. Kate Hudson has a vodka, Darius Rucker has a whiskey, Ryan Reynolds has a gin, Dylan Sprouse has a mead and Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul have an artisanal mezcal. Despite their divorce, even Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have kept their vineyard. Musicians like Jay-Z have also partnered with the endorsement of alcoholic beverages.
Source: Associated Press
US stocks close out half-day session with broad losses
On Friday Stocks fell on Wall Street following a shortened trading session a day after Thanksgiving that left the market slightly below its record highs. Energy stocks took the heaviest losses, crude oil prices fell sharply, while bond yields rose. The benchmark index also closed out November with its strongest monthly gain since June. The S&P 500 ended the month with a three point four percent gain, while the Dow rose three point seven percent and The Nasdaq, almost all technology stocks, gained four point five percent. The stock market has been grinding mostly higher after shaking off recession fears that helped knock stocks into a skid this summer.
Source: Associate Press
Trump thanks troops in Afghanistan, says Taliban want a deal
Trump paid a surprise visit to the troops in Afghanistan on Thanksgiving day. Trump’s first stop was a dining hall, where the crowd erupted into cheers when he arrived. He then served some turkey, thanked the troops, delivered a speech and sat down with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani before leaving just after midnight. He also announced the U.S. and the Taliban have been engaged in ongoing peace talks and he believes the Taliban want a cease-fire. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said the Taliban’s stance remains unchanged. He also stated that the United States broke off talks and when it wants to resume the Taliban are ready to continue.
Source: Associated Press