By MICHAEL R. SISAK NEW YORK (AP) — Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs tried for a third time Friday to persuade a judge to let him leave jail while he awaits his sex trafficking trial, but a decision won’t come until next week. Judge Arun Subramanian said at a hearing that he will release his decision on Combs’ latest request for bail after Combs’ lawyers and federal prosecutors file letters addressing outstanding issues. Those letters are due at noon on Monday, Subramanian said. Combs’ lawyers pitched having him await trial under around-the-clock surveillance either his mansion on an island near Miami Beach or — after the judge scoffed at that location — an apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Their plan essentially amounts to putting Combs on house arrest, with strict limits on who he has contact with. But prosecutors argue that Combs has routinely flouted jail rules and can’t be trusted not to interfere with witnesses or the judicial process. “The argument that he’s a lawless person who doesn’t follow instructions isn’t factually accurate,” Combs lawyer Anthony Ricco argued. “The idea that he’s an out-of-control individual who has to be detained isn’t factually accurate.” Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he coerced and abused women for years with help from a network of associates and employees while silencing victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings. His trial is slated to begin May 5. The Bad Boy Records founder remains locked up at a Brooklyn federal jail, where he spent his Nov. 4 birthday. Two other judges previously concluded that Combs would be a danger to the community if he is released and an appeals court judge last month denied Combs’ immediate release while a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals weighs his bail request. Friday’s hearing was the second time Combs was in court this week. On Tuesday, a judge blocked prosecutors from using as evidence papers that were seized from his cell during jail-wide sweep for contraband and weapons at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. As he entered through a side door, Combs waved to relatives including his mother and several of his children in the courtroom gallery, tapping his hand to his heart and blowing kisses at them. He then hugged his lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, before taking a seat at the defense table. He was not handcuffed or shackled and wore a beige jail uniform, occasionally pulling a pair of reading glasses from his pocket as he peered at papers in front of him. Prosecutors maintain that no bail conditions will mitigate the “risk of obstruction and dangerousness to others” of releasing Combs from jail. Prosecutors contend that while locked up the “I’ll Be Missing You” artist has orchestrated social media campaigns aimed at tainting the jury pool. They allege that he has also attempted to publicly leak materials he thinks would be helpful to his case and is contacting potential witnesses via third parties. “Simply put, the defendant cannot be trusted,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik argued. Combs’ lawyer Teny Geragos countered that, given the strict release conditions proposed, “it would be impossible for him not to follow rules.”PGE CEO Patricia Poppe sells $1.15 million in stock

Marin native’s online talk show interviews AI chatbotsAmerican X User Says Indian Ceos Lay Off Local Employees, Replace C-Suite With Own Countrymen, Netizens ReactLONDON (AP) — West Ham players will show their support for teammate Michail Antonio following his serious injury in a car crash by wearing items of clothing bearing the striker's name ahead of the Premier League game against Wolverhampton on Monday. The players will warm up in “Antonio 9” jerseys and walk on to the field in tops adorning his name, West Ham said. The club will put the walk-out tops up for auction along with every match jersey worn against Wolves, with the proceeds going to medical charities and matched by the club’s board. Antonio, a 34-year-old Jamaica international, is recovering in hospital after undergoing surgery on what West Ham described as a “lower limb fracture.” He was involved in an accident outside London on Saturday, after which he was hospitalized and kept under close supervision. Unverified images of a heavily damaged Ferrari were shared on social media. It was not known if it was the car involved in the accident. “He remains in everyone’s thoughts as he continues his rehabilitation,” West Ham said of Antonio. “Everyone at the club would like to reiterate their heartfelt thanks to the first responders, emergency services, air ambulance staff and the NHS (National Health Service) for the incredible support given to Michail in the wake of the accident.” Antonio has made more than 300 appearances for West Ham since joining the club from Nottingham Forest in 2015. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

9% of cremations in Delhi now green; MCD to build more facilitiesQatar tribune Agencies Turkey’s central bank on Thursday announced it had reduced the interest cost of rediscount credits, as part of authorities’ efforts to make financing more accessible for exporters. “The new interest cost of rediscount credits will be applied as 29.93%,” the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (CBRT) said in a statement. That marks a reduction from 35%. The central bank also said it had updated the rule that determines the discount rate for rediscount credits for export and foreign exchange earning services.The new rule stipulates that the interest cost of rediscount credits will be a ratio of the policy rate, it noted. The move came after the central bank lowered its key interest rate by 2.5 percentage points to 47.5% on Thursday, carrying out its first rate cut in nearly two years as it tries to control inflation.It trimmed the one-week repo rate after an 18-month tightening effort that marked a shift to more conventional policymaking. The rate, last cut in early 2023, had been held at 50% since March.Annual inflation dipped to 47% last month in what the central bank believes is a sustained fall toward a 5% target over a few more years. Inflation had touched 85% in 2022 and 75% earlier this year. Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek on Friday said the government would continue supporting high-value-added production and exports to enhance Turkey’s competitiveness and efficiency. In a post on social media platform X, Şimşek recalled earlier measures he says were taken as part of the government’s medium-term economic program. He said rediscount loan limits were increased from TL 300 million ($8.52 million) per day to TL 4 billion, while the additional export revenue sales condition for rediscount credits was reduced from 30% to 0%. Authorities had also lowered the ratio of foreign exchange revenues that exporters are required to sell to the bank to 30% from 40%. The capital of the Türk Eximbank has been increased to TL 55.3 billion, from TL 13.8 billion, said Şimşek. Copy 29/12/2024 10

The Toronto Blue Jays missed the postseason in 2024 and are looking to make big moves to be more competitive in 2025. They could look to sign a superstar to join their rotation if they cannot land Juan Soto. While predicting moves for teams in free agency, ESPN's David Schoenfield predicted that the Blue Jays would sign Baltimore Orioles ace Corbin Burnes to a seven-year, $225 million deal. "The Blue Jays are in a precarious position as a franchise. They swung and missed on Shohei Ohtani last offseason and then went on to lose 88 games. This winter, they're going after Soto, but if they fail to land him and then watch Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette depart as free agents after next season, it could be an ugly rebuilding period," wrote Schoenfield. "So, they need to have a backup plan this time to be all-in for 2025. That means going after Burnes, the No. 2 player on our free agent board (or No. 3, if you include Roki Sasaki)." Burnes is a four-time All-Star and National League Cy Young Award winner. Last season was his first with the Baltimore Orioles and he was great, setting himself up for a payday. His 2.92 ERA was the best since his Cy Young Award season in 2021. Signing Burnes not only helps the Blue Jays in 2025, but puts their rotation in a good spot for the future as well. "Chris Bassitt is a free agent after 2025 and Kevin Gausman is too after 2026, so they'll need a long-term reinforcement for the rotation," wrote Schoenfield. "Sign Burnes, get a bounce-back season from Bichette, strengthen the bullpen and the Jays could jump back into playoff contention. And they should sign Guerrero while they're at it." Burnes is one of the best pitchers in the game, and after Blake Snell's signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers he is the best pitcher available. The Blue Jays will have to outbid teams that are already proven contenders to land him. More MLB: Blue Jays predicted to focus on $259 million superstar if they miss on Juan SotoZach Kittley finalizing agreement to take over as Florida Atlantic coach, AP source says

Daily Post Nigeria Police arrest father over sudden death of son in Anambra Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Metro Police arrest father over sudden death of son in Anambra Published on December 13, 2024 By Matthew Atungwu The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a suspect named Alfred Bassey for alleged lack of care and negligence that led to the sudden death of his seven-year-old son. The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Friday in Onitsha. According to him, the arrest was in connection with an ongoing investigation of a reported case of the sudden death of a seven-year-old child at a construction site along Trans-Nkisi Layout in Onitsha. He said police operatives attached to the 3-3 Divisional Headquarters on Friday by 9:30 am arrested the 40-year-old suspect who is a native of Abi in Cross River State. “Preliminary investigation reveals that the father of the victim forcibly took the minor from the mother and has been living with him in an uncompleted building at Trans-Nkisi Layout Onitsha. “Furthermore, on December 11, 2024, the lifeless body of the child was found in a soakaway pit dug in the abandoned uncompleted building after the suspect left the child for an unknown destination. “The body of the child was later recovered and taken to the hospital before he was confirmed dead by a doctor,” he said. SP Ikenga stressed that Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Itam directed the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, for a more detailed investigation. Related Topics: anambra police Don't Miss Nigerian arrested for alleged $8m cryptocurrency scam targeting Australians You may like Despite court order, Police storm Abuja property, harass, intimidate occupants Anambra best state in Southeast, Nigeria – Soludo Police arrest herbalist, two others for allegedly poisoning woman during ‘Evil Spirit deliverance’ Benue: How varsity lecturer allegedly hired assassins to kill ASUU chairman’s wife – Police Police nab notorious suspected kidnapper in Kwara Murder trial of suspects in Police Inspector’s death faces setback Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd

DAMASCUS — Thousands of Syrians gathered Friday in Damascus' historic main mosque for the first Muslim Friday prayers since the ouster of President Bashar Assad, while giant crowds celebrated in the capital's largest square and across the country. The gatherings were a major symbolic moment for the dramatic change of power in Syria, nearly a week after insurgents swept into Damascus, ousting the Assad-led state that had ruled the country for a half century with an iron grip. It came as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with allies around the region looking to shape the transition, calling for an “inclusive and non-sectarian” interim government. Blinken arrived in Iraq on a previously unannounced stop after talks in Jordan and Turkey — which backs some of the Syrian insurgent factions. So far, U.S. officials have not talked of direct meetings with Syria's new rulers. The main insurgent force, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has been working to establish security and start a political transition after seizing Damascus early Sunday. The group has tried to reassure a public both stunned by Assad's fall and concerned over extremist jihadis among the rebels. The insurgents' leadership says it has broken with its extremist past, though HTS is still labeled a terrorist group by the United States and European countries. HTS's leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, appeared in a video message Friday congratulating “the great Syrian people for the victory of the blessed revolution.” “I invite them to head to the squares to show their happiness without shooting bullets and scaring people,” he said. “And then after we will work to build this country and as I said in the beginning, we will be victorious by the help of God.” Huge crowds, including some insurgents, packed Damascus' historic Umayyad Mosque in the capital's old city, many waving the rebel opposition flag — with its three red stars — which has swiftly replaced the Assad-era flag with with its two green stars. According to Arab TV stations, the Friday sermon was delivered by Mohammed al-Bashir, the interim prime minister installed by HTS this week. The scene resonated on multiple levels. The mosque, one of the world's oldest dating back some 1,200 years, is a beloved symbol of Syria, and sermons there like all mosque sermons across Syria had been tightly controlled under Assad's rule. Also, in the early days of the anti-government uprising in 2011, protesters would leave Friday prayers to march in rallies against Assad — before he launched a brutal crackdown that turned the uprising into a long and bloody civil war. “I didn’t step foot in Umayyad Mosque since 2011," because of the tight security controls around it, said one worshipper, Ibrahim al-Araby. “Since 11 or 12 years, I haven’t been this happy.” Another worshipper, Khair Taha, said there was “fear and trepidation for what’s to come — but there is also a lot of hope that now we have a say and we can try to build.” Blocks away in Damascus' biggest roundabout, named Umayyad Square, thousands gathered, including many families with small children — a sign of how, so far at least, the country's transformation has not seen violent instability. “Unified Syria to build Syria,” the crowd chanted. Some shouted slurs against Assad and his late father, calling them pigs, an insult that would have previously led to offenders being hauled off to one of the feared detention centers of Assad’s security forces. One man in the crowd, 51-year-old Khaled Abu Chahine — originally from the southern province of Daraa, where the 2011 uprising first erupted — said he hoped for “freedom and coexistence between all Syrians, Alawites, Sunnis, Shiites and Druze.” The interim prime minister, al-Bashir, had been the head of a de facto administration created by HTS in Idlib, the opposition's enclave in northwest Syria. The rebels had been bottled up in Idlib for years before fighters broke out in a shock offensive and marched across Syria in 10 days. Similar scenes of jubilation took place in major cities across Syria, including in Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Latakia and Raqqa. Al-Sharaa, HTS' leader, has promised to bring a pluralistic government to Syria, seeking to dispel fears among many Syrians — especially its many minority communities — that the insurgents will bring a hard-line, extremist rule. Another key factor will be winning international recognition for a new government in Syria, a country where multiple foreign powers have their hands in the mix. The Sunni Arab insurgents who overthrew Assad did so with vital help from Turkey, a longtime foe of the U.S.-backed Kurds . Turkey controls a strip of Syrian territory along the shared border and backs an insurgent faction uneasily allied to HTS — and is deeply opposed to any gains by Syria's Kurds. The U.S. has troops in eastern Syria to combat remnants of the Islamic State group and supports Kurdish-led fighters who rule most of the east. Since Assad's fall, Israel has bombed sites all over Syria, saying it is trying to prevent weapons from falling into extremist hands, and has seized a swath of southern Syria along the border with the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, calling it a buffer zone. After talks with Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Blinken said there was “broad agreement” between Turkey and the U.S. on what they would like to see in Syria. That starts with an "interim government in Syria, one that is inclusive and non-sectarian and one that protects the rights of minorities and women” and does not “pose any kind of threat to any of Syria’s neighbors,” Blinken said. Fidan said the priority was “establishing stability in Syria as soon as possible, preventing terrorism from gaining ground, and ensuring that IS and the PKK aren’t dominant” — referring to the Islamic State group and the Kurdistan Workers Party. Ankara considers the PKK within Turkey's borders a terrorist group — as it does the Kurdish-backed forces in Syria backed by the U.S. A U.S. official said that in Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Fidan both told Blinken that Kurdish attacks on Turkish positions would have to be responded to. The official spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity to discuss private diplomatic talks. The U.S. has been trying to limit such incidents in recent days and had helped organize an agreement to prevent confrontations around the northern Syrian town of Manbij, which was taken by Turkey-backed opposition fighters from the U.S.-backed Kurdish forces earlier this week. In Baghdad, Blinken met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani, saying both countries wanted to ensure the Islamic State group — also known by its Arabic acronym Daesh — doesn't exploit Syria's transition to re-emerge. “Having put Daesh back in its box, we can’t let it out, and we’re determined to make sure that that doesn’t happen," Blinken said. The U.S. official who briefed reporters said that Blinken had impressed upon al-Sudani the importance of Iraq exercising its full sovereignty over its territory and airspace to stop Iran from transporting weapons and equipment to Syria, either for Assad supporters or onward to the militant Hezbollah group in Lebanon. Lee reported from Ankara, Turkey. Associated Press writer Suzan Fraser in Ankara contributed to this report.

Belichick's bid to reshape UNC football latest sign of pro influence on college level

1. An Our Place ovenware set complete with three gorgeous stone baking dishes perfect for cooking and serving, as well as the top-rated Oven Pan that they'll be able to use for just about anything. As a giant stove griddle for less dishes? Yep! In the oven for baking and roasting? Well, of course. It's cute and multifunctional! With the set, they'll be able to bake, roast, braise, serve, and SO much more. Promising review: "This ovenware set is wonderful! The different pieces are so versatile,... t hey’re a breeze to clean , and look so pretty that they can go from oven to table. I’m in love with them!" — Stephanie S. Shipping info: All orders with in-stock items take up to two business days to process and generally take 1-7 business days for delivery. Get it from Our Place for $115 (originally $195; available in four colors). 2. A fancy set of truffle-infused hot sauces for the person who loves to add some spice to their meals. With this set, they'll get a ~sophisticated~ spice with three different levels of hotness. Promising review: "I'm loving this variety pack!! The flavor is sweet and earthy with just a bit of spice (the black one is very mild, and the hotter one is more like low medium heat). I'm eating it on everything! One of my favorite simple things to have it on is rice with just a little bit of butter and Truff. Unbelievably good!!" — L. Get it from Amazon for $69.99 (also sold individually, in two-packs, and packets). 3. An easy-to-use SodaStream so they'll have yummy, refreshing sparkling water whenever they want it! Not only will this limit plastic bottle use, but you're helping them save tons of $$$ not buying cases of LaCroix every month. 😅 The SodaStream also comes with a 60-liter Co2 cylinder, a one-liter BPA-free reusable carbonating bottle, and lime flavoring! Reviewers suggest also buying two CO2 cartridges and trying various natural fruit flavors to spice things up! Promising review : "Why didn't I buy this sooner? Let me start by saying I drink a lot... A LOT... of seltzer. I was going through multiple cans a day which added up quickly in my garage and was a hassle to return). The Sodastream Terra has been a welcomed change in our household. I keep three 1L bottles cold on hand in the fridge at all times and rotate them around as we use them. The machine itself is so easy to use and fits right under the cabinets in my kitchen with very little footprint. The first canister lasted around a month, depending on how much fizz you enjoy it could last more or less. The CO2 quick connect is very easy to install as well making this item 1000% worth the time and energy to make my own seltzer vs buying at the store." — MM Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in three colors). Check out BuzzFeed editor Abby Kass's full SodaStream review . 4. An indoor herb garden for those who love gardening, but don't have the yard to do so. This compact garden features two different grow modes (for fruit and veggies) and has a built-in LED grow light to help them flourish indoors. Promising reviews: " Easily grow vegetables all year round indoors without having to worry about bugs! I love this product. It looks sleek on my countertop. Inbloom Hydroponic growing systems also make great gifts. Excellent quality and price point!" — Carolyn Davis "I purchased this as a gift for a friend and it was most enthusiastically received. Apparently, it was one of their most requested items, and they were absolutely thrilled to be gifted this hydroponic garden. The product is easy to use and doesn’t take up too much space. Such an ideal gift for new homeowners and those wanting to begin growing their own produce in a small space without being overwhelmed. Highly recommend!" — Samuel Brown Samuel Brown Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in two sizes, two styles, and three colors). And grab an herb seed growing kit to complete the gift! 5. An Ember temperature-control smart mug because it can keep their coffee and tea as hot as when they first poured it. It's aaaall controlled through the app where they choose their desired temperature and can even make presets for specific beverages. Fancy stuff, right? Promising review: "Best thing since sliced bread! I hate when my coffee gets cold. I was originally looking for one of those warming coasters, but then, I saw the Ember mugs. ... There was no turning back. I can take my coffee with me into my boss's office, and it still stays hot?? Yes, please. I used that app and have adjusted my temp down to 127 degrees. It stays at that temperature the entire time. I’ve not had an issue with battery life either, doesn’t take me more than an hour to polish off a cup of coffee. I HIGHLY recommend." — Mathews Get it from Amazon for $109.99+ (available in two sizes and 10 colors). 6. A set of the fanciest olive oil, vinegar, and honey they will be bragging about any chance they get! The olive oil is handcrafted from California olives, the vinegar is made with chardonnay grapes and Valencia oranges, and the honey has a surprising orange blossom twist. How delicious does that sound!? Brightland Co. is a small business based in California. Promising reviews: " Wonderful, flavorful high-quality products. I love it all so much! Bright, interesting, and complex flavors in all three! I sent [this set] to my best friend for her birthday — that's how good it is! :) I will definitely buy again. Highly recommend." — Diane V. "WOW — the flavor, the packaging, ALL OF IT! I received Brightland as a gift, and If I had not received the gift, I would not have known about these amazing oils. The flavor is great, the packaging is great, and just the overall experience was amazing. Will purchase again." — Brittany Shipping info: Orders are typically processed within 1–3 business days. Expedited shipping is available for an additional cost at checkout. Get it from Brightland Co. for $88 . 7. An enameled, cast-iron Le Creuset Dutch Oven I'm positive they'll be cooking out of for years to come (seriously, reviewers say they last forever!). It's easy to clean and won't chip or crack even after years of use. Promising reviews: " Best cooking item I've ever bought . It really pays to buy the absolute best sometimes, and this is it in Dutch ovens. I've used it at least twice a week since I bought it. It's such a delight to use." — Consuela S. , Sur La Table customer " A must-have for your kitchen. Beautiful, high quality. Even temperatures and great for roasting anything. So easy to clean also. The hardest decision is the color and size!" — Gail C. , Sur La Table customer Get a 5.5 qt. from Sur La Table for $419.95 (available in 15 colors) or from Amazon for $399+ (available in 10 colors). 8. A Keurig K-Mini coffee maker for a quick and delicious cup of joe before starting their day. Will they get up early enough to stop at the cafe? Debatable. But will they have an easy, single-serve coffee maker at home? Yep, thanks to you! Need some coffee to go with? Try this variety pack of 60 K-Cups ( $36.09 ) or these reusable K-Cups ( $13.95 ) for a low-waste option. Promising review: "It’s the PERFECT size for my dorm room. Super pretty color and super cute. Nothing bad to say about this product. Shipped quickly and works great. Can’t wait for my 2 a.m. essay coffees with this bad boy!" — Mary Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (originally $99.99; available in six colors). 9. A *mini* KitchenAid stand mixer so they can bake to their heart's desire, without taking up a ton of counter space in the kitchen. This baby comes with over 10 attachments that'll allow them to mix dough for cookies, batter for pancakes, and SO much more. Promising review: "This mini is perfect for everything that doesn't need the capacity of my full size KitchenAid. It's great for beating eggs, whipping cream, etc., but it's also ideal for making small-batch cookie dough, dinner rolls, single loaves of yeast bread, crumble toppings, and on and on." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $279.95+ (available in eight colors). 10. An electric wine opener because opening a bottle of vino should be as stressless as possible. They are, after all, about to sit and relax with a glass, right? The modern and sleek design makes it stylish enough to sit right on top of their kitchen counter, too. They'll love it! Promising review: "Luxurious look. This product has a fancy design and is super quiet! It's easy to use, and within seconds, you will have wine ready to pour. Hassle free and a neat way to open bottles of wine. It lights up blue, easy to recharge, and most definitely a good product to give as a gift." — Babi Gendut Get it from Amazon for $19.80 . 11. A chic and compact Beast Blender — a mini version of the viral original but with *way* more color options. The ribbed design helps things blend faster and more smoothly. And bonus points for the matching to-go drinking lid, straws, and storage cap that's included! Promising review: "I bought this for my husband who has started drinking protein powder drinks every morning. The switch from typical blender to The Beast is a much quieter, cleaner, and more compact process... he's very happy with his Mini Blender, and the color Terra is lovely!" — Jan B. Beast Shipping info: Orders typically shipped within 48-72 hours of purchase. Free standard shipping for all domestic orders over $85+. Expedited shipping options also available. Get it from Amazon for $119+ (available in five colors) or straight from Beast for $84.15+ (originally $99+; available in five colors). Check out BuzzFeed's full review of the Beast Blender for more details. 12. An ~app-controlled~ touchscreen air fryer for make quick and delicious meals! With the help of five cooking presets, this Cosori air fryer can help even the worst of cooks make something great. Reviewers rave about making everything from french fries to whole steaks (and some yummy reheated meals in between). Promising review: "I'm obsessed with it. This Cosori air fryer is incredibly easy to operate and clean. The design is sleek and appealing (I leave it out on my counter). And the results have greatly exceeded my expectations. I'm hooked and I think for the foreseeable future I will be using this almost every day. Here are just a few examples of what I've made so far:- Brussels sprouts: the results of cooking these at home in a normal gas oven have always sucked. While not quite restaurant quality (restaurants use oil fryers) the Cosori comes incredibly close and shaves about 10 min of cooking time. - Reheating french fries: This alone was worth the purchase. They were crispy and just as delicious as the night before. - Reheating steak that I cooked to a rare temp the night before on the pan: no complaints and super easy to clean afterward. - Bacon: Way faster, way cleaner (and can easily save the bacon fat) and turned out perfect. I'm so excited to experiment more with this awesome machine. 5/5" — Nolan S. Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in three colors). 13. OR, a Dash compact air fryer that won't take up much space, but will make (or reheat) some amazing meals. Promising review: "Fantastic kitchen tool and well deserving of the hype. It’s helped me immensely when cooking meals in my kitchen, especially with side dishes such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and the ubiquitous fried potato. The Dash has removed all the stress of trying to get the timing right when preparing multiple dishes and cooks everything perfectly crisp on all sides. Getting tofu crisped has always been a struggle...but with this, I’ve been able to get results that I’ve been trying to for years. ... Highly recommended. It looks cool and doesn’t take up too much counter space either." — User of Consumer goods/bads Get it from Amazon for $49.95 (available in five colors). 14. A 12-piece ceramic, nonstick Caraway cookware set to give their kitchen a ✨pop✨ of color with topnotch quality to match. The sauté pan alone is 100% worth the investment because of how many things you can use it for! Bonus points: This bestselling set is oven-safe, has nontoxic coating, AND is easy to store (a lid holder and pan rack are included!). I started out with just the cream-colored sauté pan and loved it so much I knew I *needed* the entire set. TL;DR the hype is absolutely real. This cookware is gorge in person, but I love that it's actually non-stick! It's so easy to cook on, it's easy to clean , and it's cute enough to leave on top of the stove for all (i.e. me) to see. I also love the pan and lid storage that comes with the set. They each fit inside my kitchen cabinets perfectly and really help with keeping things tidy and organized. I'd say it's definitely worth the investment! Learn more about this cookware set in our full Caraway Pan Set review ! This set includes a 10.5" frying pan, 3-qt. saucepan and lid, 6.5-qt. Dutch oven and lid, 4.5-qt. sauté pan and lid, four modular magnetic pan racks, and a canvas lid holder with hooks. Caraway shipping info: Orders shipped through ground usually take between 2-4 business days to deliver once processed. On select products, customers may choose expedited shipping. Get the 12-piece set from Amazon for $355.50+ (available in six colors) or straight from Caraway for $355.50+ (originally $545; available in 12 colorways). You can also shop the pots and pans individually on Amazon or Caraway starting at $85. 15. A ✨best-selling✨ wine purifier perfect for wine-lovers (especially wine-lovers prone to headaches). This purifier will even get their cheap wine tasting like they paid the big bucks. When attached, it allows the perfect amount of oxygen into your wine, allowing you to taste the nuances, and enhancing the flavor. Üllo is a wine-focused small business based in Chicago. Promising review: "Life-changing for my wife. Before this, she was not able to drink red wine at all. She has not had a problem at all since." — FLted , Williams Sonoma customer Williams Sonoma shipping info: Standard shipping is 3-5 business days (or $26 for next-day shipping); orders must by placed by December 19 for guaranteed delivery by December 24. Get it from Amazon for $55.99 or Williams Sonoma for $79.95 (also available as a wine decanter and purifier combo ). 16. An automatic grinder that can grind herbs and spices with just a push of a button. It comes with three spice pods that are easily interchangeable, making seasoning while cooking so much easier. BTW, this grinder is battery-operated. Make sure to get a few AA batteries , too! Promising reviews: "Nothing like freshly ground spices to add a little snap to your cooking. The pods snap on and off with ease, and the grind size is very easy to adjust from barely ground to pulverized. ... The ability to group commonly used spices together in threes and carry them across the kitchen or outside to the grill just adds to the usability." — Todd Tittle "I love this thing!!! It works beautifully. I ordered more pods and trays so I could use my various salts. It's easy to switch pods, and the triangular tray is perfect!" — cindybeadlady "My sons bought me this set for a gift and I love it! I use this set every time I cook. I have arthritis in my hands that tends to come and go. The ease of use is fantastic. One-handed wonder! " — MrsMcPatriot Get it from Amazon for $44.99 (available in seven colors, comes with grinder and two interchangeable pods). 17. A handheld mixer complete with three different attachments for whisking, frothing, and blending. The design is fully electric with a copper motor, which means no tired arms when they're making their favorite meals. It also features an ergonomic, comfy, nonslip handle! Reviewers use this handheld blender for everything from making salsa and soups to beating eggs and frothing milk for coffee! The possibilities are endless with this kitchen gadget. Promising reviews: "I LOVE it! I've intended to get a hand blender for years and finally just did it. I looked at ones that were much more expensive and was worried that this would be cheaply made (because you often get what you pay for). However, I have been pleasantly surprised with this one. At 500 watts, it has serious power, and it is super easy to use. I made tomato soup, and it blended it in under a minute; then, I just popped the bottom off and washed it! Super simple. Super happy with my purchase!" — amazonaddicted "Worked great, feels sturdy, took on boiling temperature to blend, but the top of the shaft stayed cool. Great buy!" — Nol Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (also available with three or seven accessories). 18. An Instant Pot 7-in-1 pressure cooker because it really does it all. Perfect for the cooks with limited space and even better for non-cooks with limited experience. It features 13 pre-programmed and customizable cooking settings for things as simple as soup or rice, to more complicated ventures like slow cooking and sautéing. It's a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and food warmer all rolled into one nifty appliance. Read our full review of the Instant Pot ! Promising review: "This is quite possibly the coolest, most versatile kitchen gadget I’ve ever owned. I love it so much that I’ve purchased two more for friends and relatives. What can it do? I think the real question is, 'What can’t it do?' I truly believe you could replace every cooking appliance (including your oven and stovetop) and do EVERYTHING in the Instant Pot. I purchased two sizes for my own use: the 3-quart (which is my almost-every-day workhorse for two-person dishes) and the 8-quart (which I bring out to handle my dinner party dishes). Everything I’ve tried has been fabulous. In the realm of kitchen appliances, there is no better investment than the Instant Pot. Highly recommended!!!" — Stereoman Get it from Amazon for $79.99 . AND a very handy pressure cooker magnetic cheat sheet set that'll be perfect as a stocking stuffer or matching bonus gift. It's got TONS of useful information like suggested cooking times, liquid ratios, and more. Cooking anything with an Instant Pot will be so much easier (and faster) with this! Promising review: "These magnets assisted me in using my Instant Pot for the first time and I love it. It was very helpful with the cooking time and very accurate. The different items I've made in the pot have come out perfect. The instructions were easy to follow for my older children to use as well. [The magnet on the refrigerator is convenient because] you don't have to go far to look for instructions, just turn around and peek. I recommend using this product for anyone who likes easy quick instructions when preparing food. I also have instructions for the air fryer, and everything has turned out perfect with the instructions as well. Helpful tool." — iverygirl Get it from Amazon for $7.49+ (available in two sizes and in an Airfryer version ). 19. A rapid egg cooker for quick eggs in tons of different styles: hard/medium/soft boiled, poached, scrambled — you name it! This gadget does it all EGGcellently. It also features an auto-shutoff function! It can boil up to six eggs at a time, poach up to two eggs at a time, or make an omelet! There's a poaching tray, omelet tray, a six-egg holder tray, a measuring cup, a recipe book, and access to a recipe database. All nonelectric parts are dishwasher-safe! BuzzFeed's own Samantha Wieder absolutely loves this egg cooker: "I love cooking, I really do, but there are two very inconvenient times that my cooking laziness strikes, and that is first thing in the morning when I wake up, and at the end of the day when it's time for dinner. Thankfully, in the morning, I now have this rapid egg cooker which allows me to make soft-, medium-, or hard-boiled eggs, poached eggs, or an omelet, all without having to stand over the stove. It's also a great way to whip up a high-protein snack during the day when you're busy with work, school, or just in the middle of a very important Netflix binge. The egg maker will let out a sound when your eggs are cooked, and then, all you have to do is enjoy them!" Promising review: " I didn't believe the hype until I bought it for myself. My boiled eggs come out perfect EVERY TIME. Trust me, this is not one of those kitchen products you buy to make life easier that just ends up sitting on top of the cabinet collecting dust. If you are a deviled egg/hard boiled egg/omelet lover, YOU NEED THIS." — M. Brown Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in seven colors). 20. A sous vide precision cooker so they can have restaurant-quality meals at home, minus all of the effort. This cooker can be controlled right from their phone and even provides cooking notifications from up to 30 feet away! Multitasking has never been so easy. The temperature range is 32-197 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, you get access to over 1,000 recipes, so you'll have inspiration for yummy meals! Get the Anova app here . Promising reviews: "After years of hearing about how great sous vide cooking is, I finally pulled the trigger on this unit, and it really does live up to the hype. Super easy to set up, and the app provides a ton of recipes to use." — PL "Since I started cooking sous vide, my family says my cooking has gone to a new level. I started with the original Anova, and just recently, picked up this Nano. The Nano is awesome because it's much smaller vs. the first Anova, making it easier to store in a drawer or something. It sounds trivial, but by making it easier to grab, setup is so much quicker, and I can cook a beef roast for 30 hours without adding ANY water. If you're just starting out in sous vide, I recommend this cooker." — Jeff Nichols Get it from Amazon for $64.99 . 21. An automatic bread maker , the perfect gift for those who still love their newfound quarantine hobby but hate the time it takes. This bread maker handles the entire baking process from start to finish and allows you to make other things such as cake and jams. Yum! This machine has 12 settings: French, quick bread (no yeast), sweet, 1.5-pound express, 2-pound express, dough, jam, cake, whole grain, and bake. It allows you to select your loaf size and between a light, medium, or dark crust setting. Includes an interior pan and two kneading paddles that are all dishwasher-safe! Promising review: "The machine is perfect!!!! I already made two loaves of bread yesterday and am getting ready to make another loaf today. If you are lazy like me and would rather put all the ingredients into a machine and let it do all the work, this is the bread maker for you. " — Pam Charmley Get it from Amazon for $89.99 . 22. A cold brew pitcher if they're strictly an iced coffee fan. All they need to do is put grounds into the filter, add some water, and let it sit overnight. The next day, they'll have some yummy cold brew and ~you'll~ have a phone full of thank you texts! Promising reviews: " Believe the hype! This thing is the real deal. I bought a second one because I love this iced coffee maker so much! This thing is a game-changer. If you love iced coffee, BUY IT NOW! You won’t regret it. So easy to use and clean. Unbelievable!" — Connie Howard "I am a HUGE believer in the Takeya cold brew coffee maker for several reasons. I have two, one that I use at home, and one that I use in the field doing Army work or on deployments. It requires no electricity to make my delicious cold brew, it is plastic, and it is water-tight. This means in a pinch, I can throw it into the vehicle or into a bag and run out to a new location with no worries about breaking, spilling, or leaking. ... Overall, awesome investment and no real gripes." — electronmods Get it from Amazon for $19.94 (available in two sizes and two styles). 23. OR, a HyperChiller beverage cooler a cool gadget that turns a hot beverage — like coffee, soda, or wine — ice cold in 60 seconds (yes, seconds) flat. All they'll need to do is fill the container with water and keep it in the freezer so it's always ready when needed. The dishwasher-safe container can also be used to chill tea, juice, wine , or whatever else you feel like drinking. No water comes into contact with your beverage, so you don't have to worry about dilution, either. Promising reviews : "Wow. Believe the hype. It really works and is easy to use. So much better than just waiting for your coffee to cool or putting it in the freezer. Great item. Had to wait months for it to be in stock." — Mary E. Burnett Get it from Amazon for $17.49+ (available in five colors). 24. A Breville waffle maker that adjusts the temperature as it cooks and works so well it'll make even to crankiest giftee a morning person. It can make up to four thick and delicious 4-inch waffles at a time, has an auto-temperature adjuster with Smart technology, AND has nonstick coating for easy cleanup. Promising review: "Yes, it's pricey...but so worth it! Having the preset options and timer make it so easy. Our waffles have turned out great every time. The moat is awesome, too, as my husband often overfills, and the batter will spill out, making for easy cleanup." — hkatem Shipping info: Standard shipping is 3-5 business days (or $26 for next-day shipping); orders must be placed by December 16 for guaranteed delivery by December 24. Get it from Williams Sonoma for $219.95+ (available with two or four squares). 25. A soft-serve dessert maker to turn their favorite fruits into a creamy, sorbet treat! It's the perfect gift for anyone with a sweet tooth, but especially for that one person who loves ice cream even in the dead of winter. Promising review: "This deserves 50 stars! Oh my gosh, why did it take me so long to find this amazing gadget! Ice cream lovers, fruit lovers, sorbet lovers — THIS IS THE BEST INVENTION! So easy, quick, delicious, and magical!!" — Jackie Get it from Amazon for $34.49 (available in six colors). 26. A manual food ch o pper so they can quickly and easily chop up fruits, veggies, and even ice in a flash. It's also dishwasher-safe (top rack only!), so cleanup is super simple. Promising reviews: "Great purchase — believe the hype! Makes chopping up veggies super quick!" — Amalia "This is great for cutting lots of veggies super fast . All you have to do is rough chop down your veggies, toss them in, and give it four to five pulls for perfectly diced chunks for salsa or toppings on eggs or tacos. It comes with a handy cover, too, so all you have to do is rinse the blade and toss the container in the fridge or cooler." — Kevin B. Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in three colors). 27. A Toshiba voice-controlled microwave that'll allow them to multitask in the kitchen or stay put on the couch for five more minutes (whichever they prefer). This microwave can also be controlled through an app. ... No wonder it's got 36,000+ 5-star reviews! BTW, the voice control feature on this microwave is Alexa-powered, so you'll need an Echo Dot to get her going. Promising review: "I love this microwave!! I needed one that was the same size for a specific space on my counter. Most larger microwaves are extremely expensive if they're of good quality. However, this one was very reasonable, and it's surpassed my wildest expectations. Besides being the perfect size and not being overly heavy, it also connects to my Alexa. I can be doing other things in my kitchen and just talk to Alexa, and she will automatically start the microwave. If you don't have an Alexa, there is an app for the microwave that works with your Wi-Fi. So, that is another option that works really well! I'm extremely impressed by all of the functions available to me! You won't be disappointed if you buy this one!" — Sweetthang Get it from Amazon for $143.99 . 28. A Fellow electric gooseneck kettle to make preparing hot beverages an effortless task. The stainless-steel gooseneck actually makes pouring much smoother and more precise, while the balance handle (see where the thumb goes?) gives you a better grip and less chance of overflow. I've been using my Fellow kettle for yeaaars now (that's mine above on the right!), and it's honestly heaven-sent. Easy coffee in the morning, matcha in the afternoon, and tea before bed. It heats up very quickly, the stainless steel interior makes it easy to clean , and it just looks really sleek on my kitchen counter. All you need to do is add water and place the kettle on the included base, press the 'on' button, set your desired temperature on the LCD screen (it goes up to 212 degrees F), and it heats up in *seconds* . It can also keep the water hot for up to an hour which is extremely convenient for when you know you'll be back for more in a short period of time. TL;DR: It's a must for anyone who loves making hot beverages at home! Fellow is a San Francisco-based small biz that's aaall about coffee, creating high-end coffee grinders, brew systems, mugs, and more. Get it straight from Fellow for $132+ (originally $165+; available in seven colors and four handle finishes) or from Amazon for $156 (available in black only). 29. An electric indoor grill for when they're in the mood for grilling meat or veggies, making a panini, or barbecuing right in their kitchen — any time of year👏 ! The grill plate is completely removable, so it's also super easy to clean, too. Promising review: "Seriously, I love this grill. Recently moved into the city and can't use my grill, so thought I'd give this a try. Man, it's amazing how well this works considering what it is and what it costs. I really can't see why anyone would have ANYTHING negative to say about it. The first two meals I cooked on it looked fantastic and tasted even better. Seriously, if you've been on the fence about this grill, get off and just buy it. You won't be disappointed." — AdventureChuck Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (available with or without a viewing window). 30. A NutriBullet blender set complete with not one, but two travel cups! This baby has some ultra powerful blades that can whip up anything they need, from protein shakes and smoothies to homemade salsa and (most importantly) frozen margs. They'll love it! It comes with a regular large blender container and two travel cups. Promising review: "I use this to make smoothies and cashew cream and any other job that calls for a blender. It's powerful and has a specific button for extracting. ... It does a good job for what I need a blender for. Love that it comes with separate blade and cups for personal smoothie to go." — Amazon shopper Get it from Amazon for $67.99 . 31. An espresso machine that's *truly* worth the investment (and the hype). No more Starbucks lines, messed up orders, and hundreds of dollars spent every year on coffee! This baby brings barista-level caffeine right into their home. And BTW, it's a best seller with over 14,000 5-⭐️ reviews! If you're someone who buys a specialty cup of coffee every single day (what's that, like $4 a cup now??), add in the cost of gas/transportation, and you're spending way more on coffee every year. This is definitely worth the investment in the long run! Promising reviews: " This thing lives up to the hype! ... The actual espresso pull mechanism looks and acts exactly as you would see at your local $18-per-cup coffee place just without a barista to spell your name wrong. The steamer attachment also works well and does the job. I literally have a cup (or two) of cafe-quality coffee every morning now, and it is even more gratifying than I thought it would be. ... [It's] an amazingly delicious, dare I say bliss-inducing, coffee experience every day. Absolutely recommend this splurge!" — K Clark "I really love the way this machine works and the espresso and latte that I can make. It makes the espresso easily and much quicker than any machine I have used. The taste and texture of the lattes are beyond compare. " — Tom T. (Make sure to check out the entire review, they give TONS of advice on use, benefits of the machine, and more.) Get it from Amazon for $549.95 (available in black and stainless steel). 32. A Levo II to make cooking from scratch a much more realistic (and fun) possibility for your giftee. They'll be making infused butter, oil, honey, and even salad dressing or gummy candy (among a ton of other things) with ease. PS: You can even make soaps and bath bombs with the Levo. All you have to do is fill the herb pod and set your dry or activation cycle, add oil or butter, set your infuse cycle, dispense, and enjoy. Levo is a woman-owned small business founded in 2016 by Christina Bellman and based in Denver, Colorado. Promising review: "We love our Levo II! Can't imagine a better way to spend time than learning how to make my own infused oils that help our whole family, whatever the need. Want to add zest to a recipe? Make a concoction to help your loved one sleep? Try a new salad dressing without the mess? Whatever the need, LEVO II will help make an oil, a botanical, a new soap, tea, or a lotion that is perfect. The app is abundant with recipes and ideas, so I feel supported with each and every step. Easy, fast cleanup. End-to-end customer experience is exceptional!" — Kendall E. Coleman Get it from Amazon for $299 (available in five colors). 33. An electric matcha maker that will grind and whisk the matcha for them. This cool gadget even comes with matcha leaf packets so they can have the freshest, cafe-level matcha lattes every morning and afternoon. Just select the preferred strength and go! Cuzen Matcha is an Asian-owned small business with the goal to make authentic, fresh matcha available in homes all over the world in a sustainable way. Promising review: " This machine will change my life, not only health-wise but also saving money from buying so many matcha lattes from cafes. Obviously, for the price point, you want incredible matcha, and let me tell you, this product is worth every penny. ... The design is beautiful. It’s the most beautiful device I have in my apartment, but the most impressive thing is how quickly it creates a perfect and delicious shot of matcha. I like my matcha strong so the two times strength is beyond perfect for me. I can drink the premium blend straight, and it tastes smooth and not bitter. Watching the machine do its thing is so much fun. Knowing that it’s grinding the leaves and then producing fresh matcha powder is so cool and fun, and when you drink it , you know you’re experiencing this tea the way it was meant to be experienced." — Lisa , Cuzen Matcha Customer Cuzen Matcha shipping info: All orders received before noon in PST will be fulfilled on the same day. The rest will be fulfilled on the next day. Expedited shipping is available. Get it from Cuzen Matcha or from Amazon for $299 (available in two colors). How I'd describe your gift-giving skills: Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Canadian ministers met Trump aides over tariff risks, immigration Canada's Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc speaks during Question Period on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, December 17, 2024. — Reuters WASHINGTON: Canada’s new finance minister Dominic LeBlanc and Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly met aides to US President-elect Donald Trump in Florida on Friday to discuss the risks of imposing new trade tariffs, the Canadian government said. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on imports from Canada when he takes office in January unless the country reduces the flow of migrants and fentanyl into the United States. LeBlanc’s office said in a statement after the meeting that it had a “positive, productive” engagement with Trump’s pick for commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, and the president-elect’s pick for interior secretary, Doug Burgum. LeBlanc’s office said a day earlier that the two ministers would highlight “the negative impacts that the imposition of 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods would have on both Canada and the United States”. The meeting focused on Canada’s efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking and illegal migration and the ministers outlined efforts taken by Canada in that direction while agreeing to continue further talks in the coming weeks, the Canadian statement on Friday added. Earlier this month, the Canadian government pledged to invest C$1.3 billion ($902.34 million) towards border security over six years under a plan that would focus on surveillance, intelligence and technology. Friday’s meeting took place as Trump continues to belittle embattled Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on social media. On Christmas Day, he referred to the leader of the close US ally as “Governor Justin Trudeau of Canada” and again alluded to the country becoming the 51st US state.The Golden State Warriors face the New Orleans Pelicans in a group stage NBA Cup game on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024 (11/22/24) at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, La. How to watch: Fans can watch the game for free via a trial of DirecTV Stream or fuboTV . You can also watch via a subscription to Sling TV , which is offering half off your first month. Here’s what you need to know: What : NBA regular season Who : Warriors vs. Pelicans When : Friday, Nov. 22 (11/22/24) Time : 7:30 p.m. ET Where : Smoothie King Center TV : ESPN Live stream : DirecTV Stream (free trial), fuboTV (free trial) *** Here’s an NBA story via the Associated Press: MILWAUKEE (AP) — Doc Rivers got emotional Wednesday when speaking about Bob Love, the former Chicago Bulls star forward and three-time All-Star who died Monday at the age of 81 after a long battle with cancer. Love, who spent 11 years in the NBA, forged a special bond with Rivers when the Milwaukee Bucks coach was a teenager growing up in Chicago. “He was a big guy in my life,” Rivers said before the Bucks game against the Bulls in Milwaukee on Wednesday night, his voice breaking. “Really an impressive guy. People remember Bob from basketball and I really don’t. He was a great basketball player but I met him when I was young, in high school.” Rivers said he first encountered Love at a park in Chicago and took note of Love’s severe stuttering problem. “I remember him talking to me and really struggling,” Rivers said. “I thought how courageous that was. That an NBA player would speak to a bunch of kids at a park. It was just so impressive to me.” A relationship between Rivers and Love took root. “For whatever reason, Bob took a liking to me,” Rivers said. “He would give me his shoes. Just a powerful guy. A tough guy. I think he epitomized Chicago in a lot of ways with his toughness and how we grew up.” Rivers said other young Chicago basketball players at that time, including Mark Aguirre and Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas, also took a liking to Love. “Bob was our guy and I think we all took that toughness from him,” Rivers said. He noted that Love, who was an All-Star for three straight seasons from 1970-73 and averaged a team-high and career-best 25.8 points during the 1971-72 season, struggled after his basketball career but was able to overcome one of his biggest challenges after he left the game. “He conquered the hardest thing that he could conquer and that was his stuttering problem,” Rivers said. Rivers, getting emotional again, said he wanted Love, whose No. 10 jersey hangs in the rafters at the United Center, to be remembered, and not just for what he accomplished on the court. RECOMMENDED • nj .com What channel is the Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Pelicans game tonight (11/22/24)? FREE LIVE STREAM, Nov. 22, 2024, 1:30 p.m. What channel is the Dallas Mavericks vs. Denver Nuggets game tonight (11/22/24)? FREE LIVE STREAM, Time, TV, Nov. 22, 2024, 4:00 p.m. “I think we should take note of guys like that because I thought he meant so much to kids,” Rivers said. “He epitomized not only toughness as a player but just with the stuff he went through in life.” (The Associated Press contributed to this report) Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.

Mount Anthony boys basketball ready to compete with high intensityBy MICHAEL R. SISAK NEW YORK (AP) — Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs tried for a third time Friday to persuade a judge to let him leave jail while he awaits his sex trafficking trial, but a decision won’t come until next week. Judge Arun Subramanian said at a hearing that he will release his decision on Combs’ latest request for bail after Combs’ lawyers and federal prosecutors file letters addressing outstanding issues. Those letters are due at noon on Monday, Subramanian said. Combs’ lawyers pitched having him await trial under around-the-clock surveillance either his mansion on an island near Miami Beach or — after the judge scoffed at that location — an apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Their plan essentially amounts to putting Combs on house arrest, with strict limits on who he has contact with. But prosecutors argue that Combs has routinely flouted jail rules and can’t be trusted not to interfere with witnesses or the judicial process. “The argument that he’s a lawless person who doesn’t follow instructions isn’t factually accurate,” Combs lawyer Anthony Ricco argued. “The idea that he’s an out-of-control individual who has to be detained isn’t factually accurate.” Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he coerced and abused women for years with help from a network of associates and employees while silencing victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings. His trial is slated to begin May 5. The Bad Boy Records founder remains locked up at a Brooklyn federal jail, where he spent his Nov. 4 birthday. Two other judges previously concluded that Combs would be a danger to the community if he is released and an appeals court judge last month denied Combs’ immediate release while a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals weighs his bail request. Friday’s hearing was the second time Combs was in court this week. On Tuesday, a judge blocked prosecutors from using as evidence papers that were seized from his cell during jail-wide sweep for contraband and weapons at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. As he entered through a side door, Combs waved to relatives including his mother and several of his children in the courtroom gallery, tapping his hand to his heart and blowing kisses at them. He then hugged his lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, before taking a seat at the defense table. He was not handcuffed or shackled and wore a beige jail uniform, occasionally pulling a pair of reading glasses from his pocket as he peered at papers in front of him. Prosecutors maintain that no bail conditions will mitigate the “risk of obstruction and dangerousness to others” of releasing Combs from jail. Prosecutors contend that while locked up the “I’ll Be Missing You” artist has orchestrated social media campaigns aimed at tainting the jury pool. They allege that he has also attempted to publicly leak materials he thinks would be helpful to his case and is contacting potential witnesses via third parties. “Simply put, the defendant cannot be trusted,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik argued. Combs’ lawyer Teny Geragos countered that, given the strict release conditions proposed, “it would be impossible for him not to follow rules.”

Olivia Hussey, star of the 1968 film 'Romeo and Juliet,' dies at 73