AP News Summary at 6:05 p.m. ESTQ: What are the challenges and opportunities facing China's economy?

College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out

The post quickly gained traction, with netizens expressing their amusement and disbelief at the mix-up. Some suggested that the delivery driver may have mistaken the plush bear for the washing machine due to its size, while others speculated that it could have been a technical error in the warehouse's inventory system. Nonetheless, the consensus was clear – this was a delivery mishap of epic proportions.

In response to public outcry, the Education Bureau has initiated a dialogue with stakeholders, including parents, students, and environmental organizations, to address concerns and gather feedback on improving school uniform management practices. The Bureau has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the community to develop sustainable solutions and promote a culture of responsible consumption and waste reduction.The contrast between Liu Chuanxing's stellar performance and Zhu Fangyu's decision to let him go has sparked debate among fans. Many are now questioning whether Zhu Fangyu made a grave mistake by allowing such a talented player to leave the team. With Liu Chuanxing's exceptional skills and impact on the team's success, the decision to part ways with him appears to be a missed opportunity that could have propelled the team to greater heights.

Bowling: Terri Donahue leads Busy Bees League with 629 series

In the end, the story of Anna, Emma, and Jack serves as a testament to the strength of the human heart and the unyielding power of family ties. Their journey from loss to reunion is a powerful reminder that love and resilience can triumph over even the darkest of circumstances. And as they move forward together, hand in hand, they do so with the knowledge that their bond is unbreakable and their future is filled with endless possibilities.PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Honey, they shrunk the catalogs. While retailers hope to go big this holiday season , customers may notice that the printed gift guides arriving in their mailboxes are smaller. Many of the millions of catalogs getting sent to U.S. homes were indeed scaled down to save on postage and paper, resulting in pint-sized editions. Lands’ End, Duluth Trading Company and Hammacher Schlemmer are among gift purveyors using smaller editions. Some retailers are saving even more money with postcards. Lisa Ayoob, a tech-savvy, online shopper in Portland, Maine, was surprised by the size of a recent catalog she received from outdoor apparel company Carbon2Cobalt. “It almost felt like it was a pamphlet compared to a catalog,” she said. Catalogs have undergone a steady recalibration over the years in response to technological changes and consumer behavior. The thick, heavy Sears and J.C. Penney catalogs that brought store displays to American living rooms slimmed down and gave way to targeted mailings once websites could do the same thing. Recent postal rate increases accelerated the latest shift to compact formats. The number of catalogs mailed each year dropped about 40% between 2006 to 2018, when an estimated 11.5 billion were mailed to homes, according to the trade group formerly known as the American Catalog Mailers Association. In a sign of the times, the group based in Washington rebranded itself in May as the American Commerce Marketing Association, reflecting a broadened focus. But don't expect catalogs to go the way of dinosaurs yet. Defying predictions of doom, they have managed to remain relevant in the e-commerce era. Retail companies found that could treat catalogs with fewer pages as a marketing tool and include QR and promo codes to entice customers to browse online and complete a purchase. Despite no longer carrying an extended inventory of goods, catalogs are costly to produce and ship. But they hold their own in value because of growing digital advertising costs, helping retailers cut through the noise for consumers barraged by multi-format advertisements, industry officials say. In an unlikely twist, notable e-commerce companies like Amazon and home goods supplier Wayfair started distributing catalogs in recent years. Amazon began mailing a toy catalog in 2018. That was the same year Sears, which produced an annual Christmas Wish Book Wish starting in 1933, filed for bankruptc y. Fans of printed information may rejoice to hear that apparel retailer J.Crew relaunched its glossy catalog this year. Research shows that the hands-on experience of thumbing through a catalog leaves a greater impression on consumers, said Jonathan Zhang, a professor of marketing at Colorado State University. “The reason why these paper formats are so effective is that our human brains haven’t evolved as fast as technology and computers over the past 10 to 20 years. We retain more information when we read something on paper. That's why paper books remain relevant," Zhang said. “The psychology shows that three-dimensional, tactile experiences are more memorable.” Pint-sized presentations still can work, though, because the purpose of catalogs these days is simply to get customers’ attention, Zhang said. Conserving paper also works better with younger consumers who are worried about the holiday shopping season's impact on the planet, he said. Postal increases are hastening changes. The latest round of postage hikes in July included the category with the 8.5-by-11-inch size that used to be ubiquitous for the catalog industry. Many retailers responded by reducing the size of catalogs, putting them in a lower-cost letter category, said Paul Miller, executive vice president and managing director of the American Commerce Marketing Association. One size, called a “slim jim,” measures 10.5 by 5.5 inches. But there other sizes. Some retailers have further reduced costs by mailing large postcards to consumers. Lands' End, for one, is testing new compact formats to supplement its traditional catalogs. This year, that included folded glossy brochures and postcards, along with other formats, Chief Transformation Officer Angie Rieger said. Maine resident Ayoob said she understands why retailers still use catalogs even though she no longer is a fan of the format. These days, she prefers to browse for products on the internet, not by flipping through paper pages. “Everybody wants eyeballs. There’s so much out there -- so many websites, so many brands,” said Ayoob, who spent 35 years working in department stores and in the wholesale industry. Targeting customers at home is not a new concept. L.L. Bean was a pioneer of the mail-order catalog after its founder promoted his famous “Maine Hunting Shoe” to hunting license holders from out-of-state in 1912. The outdoor clothing and equipment company based in Freeport, Maine, is sticking to mailing out regular-sized catalogs for now. “By showcasing our icons, the catalog became an icon itself,” L.L. Bean spokesperson Amanda Hannah said. "Even as we invest more in our digital and brand marketing channels, the catalog retains a strong association with our brand, and is therefore an important part of our omni-channel strategy, especially for our loyal customers.” David Sharp, The Associated PressWhy your favorite catalogs are smaller this holiday season

Western Michigan beats Eastern Michigan 26-18 to become bowl eligible

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is not on the hot seat despite speculation otherwise . "Kevin Stefanski, to my knowledge, based on everything I know, is not going anywhere," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said on the The Insiders Thursday (h/t NFL.com's Eric Edholm ). "I assume people will still be asking. It has been an unfortunate season. They don't have the results they wanted. But I would be beyond stunned if Kevin Stefanski was not the Browns' coach next year." Rapoport's comments would align with ESPN's Adam Schefter reporting on Thursday's edition of Get Up! (h/t ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi). The 42-year-old Stefanski is in his fifth year coaching the Browns, who have bottomed out to 2-8 this season. He's led Cleveland to a 39-38 regular season record and two playoff appearances during his tenure. This year has undoubtedly been a disastrous campaign for the Browns, who are playing out the string of a lost season. Cleveland is notably second-last in points per game, much of which had to do with the historically poor performance of quarterback Deshaun Watson over the team's first seven matchups. However, the defense hasn't fared well either, landing 24th in the NFL in points allowed per game. Cleveland has given up 20 or more points in nine of its 10 matchups. This season doesn't feature any easy matchups on paper down the stretch either, with five of the Browns' final seven games occurring against teams with winning records. The other two are against the Cincinnati Bengals (who went on the road to beat the Browns 21-14 earlier this year) and the Miami Dolphins (who have fared much better of late following quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's return from a concussion). So this season could end ugly, perhaps adding more fuel to the hot seat fire. Looking at the big picture, though, Stefanski has done something (win a playoff game) that no Browns coach was able to do since the franchise's return to the NFL in 1999. Cleveland also made the playoffs just once from 1999-2019, and Stefanski has doubled that amount in his first four years. In addition, he just signed a contract extension with the team last offseason. It wouldn't make much sense for the Browns to cut bait after that decision despite one bad year. Next year is an important one for Cleveland, though. At this point, the Browns need to find a long-term solution at quarterback given Watson's performance and a torn Achilles suffered last October. The Browns' offensive fortunes could very well turn around with a new signal-caller. Backup Jameis Winston has clearly helped, to the point where he led the Browns to a massive 29-24 upset win over the Baltimore Ravens. The defense, which has clearly regressed this season, needs to find some answers too. Cleveland has some star pieces in place with edge-rusher Myles Garrett and cornerback Denzel Ward but needs to continue building around them. But by all accounts, it looks like Stefanski will be back in 2025 to try to turn the ship around. It may be tough considering the brutally competitive nature of the AFC North, but he deserves another chance given his past resume.

Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau flies to Florida to meet with Trump after tariffs threat WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has flown to Florida to have dinner with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club after Trump threatened to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products. Joining Trump and Trudeau at dinner were Trump's picks for commerce secretary, interior secretary and national security adviser, and the three men's wives. From the Canadian side, the dinner guests included Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, whose responsibilities include border security. Trump’s transition did not respond to questions about what they had discussed or whether the conversation alleviated Trump’s concerns about the border. A smiling Trudeau declined comment upon returning to his West Palm Beach hotel late Friday. Emboldened 'manosphere' accelerates threats and demeaning language toward women after US election CHICAGO (AP) — An emboldened fringe of right-wing “manosphere” influencers has seized on Donald Trump’s presidential win to justify and amplify misogynistic derision and threats online. Many have appropriated a 1960s abortion rights rallying cry, declaring “Your body, my choice,” and have been using it publicly on college campuses and even in public schools. While none of the current online rhetoric is being amplified by Trump, experts say many young men see the former president’s return to the White House as vindication of their views on women. For many women, the words are a worrying sign of what might lie ahead as some men perceive the election results as a rebuke of reproductive rights and women’s rights. Syrian insurgents are inside Aleppo in a major setback for Assad as government forces regroup BEIRUT (AP) — Thousands of Syrian insurgents have fanned out inside Syria's largest city Aleppo a day after storming it with little resistance from government troops. Syria's army said troops have redeployed to prepare for a counteroffensive. Witnesses said insurgents were seen Saturday at landmarks in Aleppo for the first time since 2016, when they were expelled by government forces backed by Russia and Iran. The surprise offensive is a major embarrassment for Syrian President Bashar Assad, who has regained total control of the city eight years ago. An Israeli strike in Gaza kills workers with World Central Kitchen charity DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — An Israeli airstrike on a car in the Gaza Strip on Saturday killed five people including employees of World Central Kitchen. The charity says it is “urgently seeking more details” after Israel’s military said it targeted a WCK worker who had been part of the Hamas attack that sparked the war. The charity in an email says it is “heartbroken” by the airstrike and that it had no knowledge anyone in the car had alleged ties to the Oct. 7, 2023 attack, saying it is “working with incomplete information.” It says it is pausing operations in Gaza. Lebanese fisherman hope ceasefire with Israel means normal life returning TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is bringing hope for normality back to many in southern Lebanon. That includes fishermen who’ve long launched their single-engine wooden boats into the Mediterranean at dawn. For months, Israel imposed a siege that kept hundreds of fishermen at this ancient Phoenician port ashore. That upended their lives and dealt the industry a major blow. The port siege also cut people off from key ingredients for traditional Lebanese dishes. As war devastated their country, the loss of fish damaged a deep association with home. Now, the possibility of renewed fishing is helping fuel hope. How Brazilian police say Bolsonaro plotted a coup to stay in office SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s Federal Police have formally accused former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 others of plotting a coup to keep him in office. The plot was allegedly comprised of several components and substantiated by evidence and testimony in the agency's 884-page report. The pieces of the puzzle include laying the groundwork by systematically sowing distrust of the electoral system among the populace. It also includes drafting a decree to give the plot a veneer of legal basis and pressuring top military brass to go along with the plan. Bolsonaro and his main allies have denied any wrongdoing or involvement and accuse authorities of political persecution. More than 100 arrested as Georgian police clash with protesters over suspension of EU talks TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — More than 100 demonstrators were arrested overnight in Georgia as protesters clashed with police following the government’s decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union, the country’s Interior Ministry said. Friday marked the second straight night of protests after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the country’s ruling Georgian Dream party announced the suspension the previous day. The Associated Press saw protesters in Tbilisi being chased and beaten by police as demonstrators rallied in front of the country's parliament building. The violence follows Georgian Dream’s disputed victory in the Oct. 26 election, which was widely seen as a referendum on the country’s aspirations to join the European Union. Romania's parliamentary vote risks being overshadowed by presidential race chaos BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanians are preparing to go to the polls in a parliamentary vote that will determine a new government and prime minister to lead the European Union and NATO member country. However, Sunday's vote is sandwiched between a two-round presidential race and is overshadowed by controversies and chaos following the outcome of the first vote. While the president has significant decision-making powers in areas such as national security and foreign policy, the prime minister is the head of the nation’s government. Sunday’s vote will determine the formation of the country’s 466-seat legislature. North Korea's Kim vows steadfast support for Russia’s war in Ukraine SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country will “invariably support” Russia’s war in Ukraine as he met Russia's visiting defense chief. A Russia military delegation led by Defense Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in North Korea on Friday as international concerns about the two countries’ expanding cooperation deepened after North Korea sent thousands of troops to Russia. During a Friday meeting, Kim and Belousov reached “a satisfactory consensus” on issues on how to further boost strategic partnership and defend each country’s sovereignty and security interests, state media said. Great Lakes, Plains and Midwest forecast to be hit with snow and dangerous cold into next week BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The first big snowfall of the season is threatening to bury towns in New York along lakes Erie and Ontario as the hectic holiday travel and shopping weekend winds down. Numbing cold and heavy snow could persist into next week and cause hazards in the Great Lakes, Plains and Midwest regions. A state of emergency was declared for parts of New York, making it problematic for scores of Thanksgiving travelers trying to return home. This week’s blast of frigid Arctic air also brought bitterly cold temperatures of 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit below average to the Northern Plains. Cold air was expected to move over the eastern third of the U.S. by Monday, the weather service said, with temperatures about 10 degrees below average.None

The ensemble cast of "Moonlight Bang!" features a mix of seasoned actors and rising stars, including veteran comedian Song Xiaoyu and newcomer Li Ming. Together, they create a dynamic and engaging on-screen chemistry that adds an extra layer of humor and charm to the film. With a script that is equal parts witty and heartwarming, "Moonlight Bang!" promises to deliver a fresh and delightful take on the classic romantic comedy genre.On the other hand, Nvidia's own actions and business practices may have also contributed to the investigation. The company's dominant position in the GPU market, along with its ambitious expansion plans, have raised concerns about fair competition and market consolidation. Critics argue that Nvidia's acquisition of Arm would further solidify its market dominance and stifle competition, leading to higher prices and reduced innovation.