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Title: Save 37% on Interactive Cat Toy – Black Friday Deal

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor November 15, 2025

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

Black⁢ Friday Deal: Interactive Cat Toy Now Under $20

Cat owners can snag a deal on an ‍engaging toy for their feline friends as an interactive, self-rotating ball is currently on sale for under $20⁣ during early Black ⁤Friday sales. The toy features a 360-degree rotating ball activated by a paw tap, colour-changing LED ‌lights, and obstacle detection ⁢to keep cats entertained.

This petite-sized toy ‍is designed to encourage active play, requiring cats to‍ pounce, tap, and swat to ⁣engage with the ‌moving ball. USA‌ TODAY Savings reports a 37% ⁤discount on the interactive cat teaser, making it an ⁣affordable option for pet enrichment. The sale ⁤comes ahead of the official Black Friday shopping ⁣event on ⁤November 28.

USA TODAY Shopping is‍ tracking Black Friday⁣ deals and ‍holiday gifts,offering updates via text alerts,TikTok,Flipboard,newsletters,and Instagram.

November 15, 2025 0 comments

Entertainment

Gambling is profitable for NBA, MLB. Give players a cut

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor October 30, 2025

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

NBA, MLB Revenue Soars with Gambling, Players Demand a Share

NEW YORK – the explosive growth⁢ of sports gambling is generating record revenues for the‍ NBA and MLB, but players are increasingly ‌calling for‍ a direct cut of the profits, arguing they are integral too⁣ the financial windfall. A recent analysis reveals ‌a meaningful surge⁣ in league earnings directly attributable to legalized wagering, prompting discussions about revenue sharing models⁢ that could reshape professional sports finance.

Since the ‍Supreme Court overturned‍ the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA)‌ in 2018, opening the door to nationwide sports betting,‌ both the⁤ NBA and MLB have experienced⁤ ample financial ⁢gains. The⁤ NBA reportedly generated over $8.5 billion in revenue ⁤during ⁢the 2022-23 season, ⁢with gambling-related revenue contributing a growing, though currently undisclosed, percentage.⁢ MLB ⁣revenues exceeded $12.3 billion in 2023, also benefiting from increased viewership and engagement ⁢fueled by betting. Leagues have secured lucrative partnerships ‌with gambling operators like DraftKings and⁤ FanDuel, further‌ solidifying the financial connection.

“The players⁢ are the product,” stated a representative from the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) in a recent interview. “We understand the leagues are ‍benefiting immensely from the⁤ increased fan engagement driven by gambling. It’s only fair that we share in that success.” Similar sentiments are ⁢echoed within the MLB Players Association (MLBPA), with discussions centering on potential collective bargaining agreements that ⁤address revenue distribution.

Currently, player⁤ compensation is steadfast⁢ through collective bargaining agreements based on overall league revenue, not specifically gambling revenue. Players argue ‍that the unique contribution of their performance to the betting market warrants a separate allocation.Proposals range from a percentage of gambling revenue to bonuses tied to betting-related metrics.

Concerns about the integrity of‍ the game have also surfaced alongside the revenue debate. Reports from NBC News detailed instances of NBA players perhaps faking injuries to influence betting outcomes, highlighting the need for robust monitoring and safeguards. The leagues have implemented measures to protect‌ against such activity, including⁢ data monitoring ‍and player education‍ programs.

“We are⁣ committed to maintaining the integrity of our game,” an MLB spokesperson said. “We are actively working with players and the MLBPA to address concerns and ensure⁢ a⁣ fair⁣ and transparent habitat for both fans⁤ and participants.”

The issue is⁣ expected to be a central point of negotiation in upcoming ⁣collective bargaining talks, with both sides acknowledging the need⁤ for a sustainable model that recognizes the evolving relationship between professional sports and the rapidly expanding gambling industry. The outcome ⁤could set a precedent ‍for other professional sports‌ leagues grappling with similar financial and ethical considerations.

October 30, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Giant Halloween Decorations: Home Depot and Lowe’s Embrace Oversized Spookiness

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor October 18, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Home Depot’s Skelly Returns Alongside Increasingly ⁢Elaborate Halloween Displays

ATLANTA – Halloween decorations are arriving earlier and growing larger at Home ‌Depot,⁣ with the return⁤ of the ⁣popular Skelly ⁣skeleton leading the charge. The retailer is expanding its selection of oversized décor, animatronics, ⁤and themed displays as ‍consumers continue to embrace extended ⁤”spooky ‍season” ‌celebrations.

Home Depot’s aggressive rollout⁤ of Halloween merchandise reflects a broader ‌trend of earlier and⁣ more extravagant seasonal decorating. ⁣The⁤ National Retail Federation forecasts Halloween spending will reach a record $12.2 billion in ⁤2024, with 73% ‌of consumers planning to celebrate.⁤ This demand is⁣ driving retailers to ⁤offer increasingly elaborate and immersive Halloween experiences,capitalizing on the growing enthusiasm for the holiday.

The 12-foot⁢ Skelly skeleton,frist introduced in 2022,quickly became a viral sensation and sold out rapidly.This ⁣year, Skelly is back alongside new, large-scale options ⁣including ⁣a 15-foot spider and a ‍colossal, inflatable dragon. Home Depot is also offering a wider⁤ range of animatronics, projection effects, and ‍themed collections to cater to diverse tastes.

“Customers are looking to create a bigger and more immersive Halloween experience,” said Home Depot spokesperson, confirming the‍ increased investment in Halloween décor. “We’re responding by offering a wider variety of products, from giant inflatables to‍ complex animatronics, to help them bring their spooky visions to life.”

Beyond Skelly,⁢ other retailers are also expanding their⁤ Halloween offerings. Lowe’s⁤ recently⁤ launched Disney’s Haunted Mansion collection ⁢in June,with the Haunted⁤ mansion Hanging‍ frame selling out ⁢in a single day. A Halloween-themed Stitch ‍costume from⁢ Lilo & Stitch also quickly sold out. Lowe’s ⁤is‍ also featuring animatronics from Tim Burton’s ⁤Frankenweenie, including a 5-foot victor ⁢and‍ 2-foot Sparky.

The trend towards earlier ⁤and larger⁢ Halloween displays ⁢is expected to continue, as retailers compete for ‌a ⁣share of the growing seasonal spending. Consumers can anticipate even more ‌elaborate and immersive Halloween experiences in the years to come.

October 18, 2025 0 comments

Business

Acura ZDX Discontinuation: Why the Luxury EV is Being Scrapped

by Priya Shah – Business Editor September 28, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Acura to discontinue ZDX Electric ⁢SUV Amid Tax Credit Changes

Acura ‌will discontinue its ZDX electric SUV following the September 30th⁤ expiration of the federal EV tax credit, according to an internal memo obtained by USA Today.⁢ The decision highlights the meaningful impact of shifting government policies on the electric vehicle market ⁣and underscores the importance of incentives in consumer adoption.

The Acura ZDX, priced starting at $64,500, currently qualifies for a $7,500 federal tax credit. Though, with the incentive’s impending removal, Acura believes the ZDX’s value proposition diminishes against competitors, particularly its sister vehicle, ⁣the Honda Prologue. The⁢ Prologue, starting at $47,400, offers a similar 308-mile range and 220‍ horsepower, making it a more attractive option without the tax benefit.The ZDX boasts 358 horsepower and ⁢a 313-mile range.

Acura attributed the decision ⁢to “recent policy changes impacting EV production⁢ and sales” in the‌ internal dialog. The elimination of the tax credit effectively levels the playing field,making more affordable EVs like the Prologue – which offers comparable features for a lower price point – more competitive. A fully-equipped Honda Prologue Elite trim, including⁢ all-wheel drive, heated/ventilated seats, and a head-up display, is available for $57,900.

The ZDX’s discontinuation demonstrates the sensitivity of the EV market to government incentives and signals a potential shift in manufacturer strategies as policies evolve. Consumers considering an Acura ZDX should finalize purchases before September 30th⁣ to take ⁤advantage of the⁤ $7,500 tax credit.

September 28, 2025 0 comments

Health

GLP-1 weight loss ad plays on Disney+. We need to talk to kids.

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor September 22, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Disney+ Ad⁤ for Weight loss Drug Sparks Concern About Messaging to children

A new advertisement for‌ a GLP-1 weight loss medication,⁤ appearing during programming on disney+, is raising concerns among experts about the‍ potential impact of weight-loss‌ focused⁢ messaging ⁢on children. The ad, for a drug like Wegovy ‍or Mounjaro, depicts individuals ‍achieving weight loss and enjoying ‍activities, prompting⁢ discussions about the appropriateness of marketing⁤ these medications-and the underlying message⁤ about body size-to young audiences.

The prevalence of diet culture and weight stigma is already a notable issue,notably for young people,experts say. ⁣Mallary‌ Tenore Tarpley, journalism professor at the University of ⁢Texas at Austin and author of SLIP: Life⁣ in the⁤ Middle of Eating⁤ Disorder Recovery, emphasizes the importance of counteracting harmful messages. “I talk with ‍my children about ‍diet culture in simple terms, by referring to it⁤ as a⁤ set of messages that will try ⁤to make them believe⁣ that⁤ thin bodies are ‘good’ and fat bodies are‌ ‘bad,'” Tarpley ‍writes. “I tell ⁢them that this⁢ isn’t true, and ‌I repeat a refrain that I’ve said aloud for many years: ⁣’All bodies are worthy of respect, no matter how short or tall, no matter ‍how big or small.'”

The concern ‌isn’t necessarily about the medications themselves, but rather the ‌reinforcement of ⁢societal pressures ⁤to conform to specific body‍ types.⁣ Experts note that pervasive weight stigma can contribute to ‌body dysmorphia and ‌eating disorders, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.⁣ A recent USA Today report highlighted how ‌LGBTQ+ ‍individuals frequently enough experience heightened⁣ rates of these struggles, ofen as a form of‌ overcompensation.

While unconditional body ⁢love may be a tough goal given the constant exposure ‍to fatphobic messaging, advocates stress the need to teach children that their worth is autonomous of their weight. Helping kids recognize and⁤ critically ⁣analyze weight loss advertising ‍is crucial, particularly as these ads become more visible. “Against the backdrop of advertisements that try to downsize us, we need to help kids realize that it’s OK to take up space,” Tarpley argues.

Resources are available for individuals struggling ⁣with body image or eating concerns:

* ⁢ The National Alliance for⁣ Eating Disorders: Clinician-run helpline at (866) 662-1235, available 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ⁣EST.
* Crisis Text Line: Text “ALLIANCE” to 741741 for free, 24/7 support.

September 22, 2025 0 comments

Health

Chagas Disease: Symptoms, Transmission & Where to Find Kissing Bugs

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor September 22, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

‘Kissing Bugs‘‍ Carrying Chagas Disease ‌Expand ⁢Across the U.S., Raising Public Health Concerns

WASHINGTON – ‌ The range of the⁣ triatomine bug, commonly known as the‍ “kissing bug,” is expanding⁤ across ⁣the United ⁣States, bringing with it the⁣ risk of Chagas disease,⁣ a parasitic infection that can cause serious heart and ‍digestive problems. While the bugs themselves aren’t inherently dangerous – they don’t typically transmit the parasite with every ⁢bite – thier increasing presence‌ is prompting health ‍officials ⁣to raise awareness and encourage preventative measures.

Chagas disease, caused by the⁤ parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, affects an estimated 6 to 8 million people in Latin America. though historically rare in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports the⁤ parasite is now found in 29 states, primarily in ‌the southern U.S.,⁣ but increasingly in states as far north as Pennsylvania ⁢and⁤ West Virginia. The disease can ‍be notably dangerous because‌ symptoms⁢ often don’t appear ‌for ⁣months or even years after⁤ infection, leaving many unaware they’ve been exposed. Early detection and treatment are crucial, as the⁤ disease can progress to a chronic phase, though even than, symptoms and complications can be managed.

These nocturnal insects, named for their habit⁤ of biting sleeping people near the mouth, feed on blood. According to texas A&M University, they are typically⁤ found in cracks and crevices of poorly constructed homes, and around animal habitats. The bugs⁤ don’t actively seek out humans, but⁤ will ⁣enter homes in search of⁣ a blood meal.

The CDC recommends several ⁤preventative measures, including sealing cracks and crevices ⁤around windows and doors, using screens, and keeping indoor areas clean and well-lit. While the bugs can carry the T. cruzi parasite,transmission to ⁢humans isn’t guaranteed with ‍every bite.Though, if ‌a bug is found inside a home, the CDC⁢ advises avoiding handling it⁢ directly and contacting local health authorities.

Currently,⁤ there is no vaccine for Chagas disease.Treatment involves anti-parasitic medications, which are most effective when administered early⁤ in the infection. ⁢ The World Health Organization estimates⁢ approximately 40,000 new cases and 14,000⁤ deaths occur annually ⁣due to‌ Chagas disease globally.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Health, National Library of Medicine, ScienceDirect.com,Multidisciplinary digital Publishing Institute,Texas A&M University,Texas Ecological Laboratory and World⁣ Health Organization.

September 22, 2025 0 comments

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