JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1152

After Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral race, supermarket billionaire John Catsimatidis renewed his opposition to Mamdani’s plan for rent and tax-exempt, city-run groceries, warning they could force job cuts at his already money-losing chains. He had prepared to move Red Apple Group’s headquarters to New Jersey if Mamdani prevailed, but reversed after Mikie Sherrill won the governor’s race there, and is now eyeing “friendly” states, likely Florida. Citing soaring shoplifting and soft sales, he says businesses are cutting New York exposure, even as he hopes the city maintains its quality of life.

As the government shutdown hit Day 37, late night hosts zeroed in on travel disruptions after FAA officials announced significant air-traffic cuts at 40 major U.S. airports during the holiday season. Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon joked about Thanksgiving journeys, while Jordan Klepper mocked Frontier Airlines’ advice to buy a backup ticket. Greg Gutfeld took aim at Zohran Mamdani’s all-female transition team and a money request tied to promised programs. The night’s notable guest: Ethan Hawke, discussing Blue Moon and The Lowdown on The Daily Show.

Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik launched a New York gubernatorial bid with a two-and-a-half minute video casting the race as a fight over affordability and attacking Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul. The spot links Hochul to New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, highlighting her endorsement and rally appearances, and features chants of “tax the rich.” Without mentioning Donald Trump, the narrator brands Hochul “the worst governor in America” and blames her for soaring costs. Stefanik, a prolific fundraiser who served as House GOP conference chair, is the first high-profile Republican to enter after Trump urged Rep. Mike Lawler not to run.

Coca-Cola's new AI holiday spot has reignited backlash from artists and writers, echoing last year's furor. Robert King likened it to Zootopia, Reid Southen called it stupid ugly trash, Karla Ortiz urged a boycott, and Alex Hirsch mocked executive remarks. Director Jason Zada of Secret Level defended the work, citing a 20 person team, hand drawn designs, an AI Santa built from archival Coca-Cola art, and faster production in under a month. He argues AI boosts creativity, enables multiple versions, and meets brand timelines, adding that consumers are more familiar and largely indifferent.

Furniture prices have climbed since 2020—up 11% for bedroom sets and 25% for living room, kitchen and dining pieces—yet industry voices note that increases trail overall inflation of nearly 26% and have eased from 2022 peaks. Makers face higher utilities, insurance and wages, while competition and offshoring keep stickers in check. Tariffs first pushed production from China to Vietnam; this year Trump raised broad import duties, prompting hikes at companies like Ashley Furniture and warnings from an industry trade group. Shoppers still balk, weighing cheaper imports against costlier US options and postponing replacements.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan, long a target of abuse and of attacks from Donald Trump, welcomed New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s victory, saying voters chose hope over fear. The two Muslim leaders share threats, pro-Palestinian scrutiny and bridge-building with Jewish communities, yet diverge politically: Mamdani is a democratic socialist outsider, Khan a center-left Labour stalwart. Both confront crime and high costs with limited mayoral powers. Khan’s record mixes free school meals and frozen transit fares with missed housing goals and a divisive expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone, a stance seemingly vindicated by his big win last year.

Raiders head coach Pete Carroll voiced sharp frustration after a Thursday night 10-7 loss to the Broncos, saying the offense isn't scoring and must run the ball better. He noted offensive coordinator Chip Kelly stayed with the ground game to keep the Broncos from teeing off, but production lagged: just 74 rushing yards on 25 carries and four first downs. Rookie back Ashton Jeanty, selected sixth overall, managed 60 yards on 19 attempts. Through nine games, the Raiders average 15.4 points, ranking 30th in the NFL.

Comcast moved closer to a possible bid for select Warner Bros. Discovery assets, hiring Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley and gaining access to WBD’s financials, Variety confirmed via a source familiar. WBD, which began a sale process last month, is weighing offers that could merge its Warner Bros. streaming and studios unit with a buyer while spinning off Discovery Global. Rivals circling include David Ellison’s Paramount Skydance, whose three offers for the whole company — most recently $23.50 a share — were rejected, and Netflix, which is exploring asset deals but says it doesn’t want legacy TV networks.

Raiders quarterback Geno Smith left briefly on the first play of the fourth quarter after a scramble ended with Nik Bonitto grabbing his right knee and Malcolm Roach landing on him. He limped off in pain, and Kenny Pickett took over while Smith was 12-of-21 for 94 yards and an interception. The Broncos lead 10-7. After a quick visit to the sideline medical tent, Smith returned on the Raiders’ next series.

An antisemitism task force is severing ties with the Heritage Foundation after its president, Kevin Roberts, defended Tucker Carlson’s friendly interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes. In an email, four leaders said the National Task Force to Combat Antisemitism would continue its work outside Heritage, citing a broader problem on the right. Roberts’s remarks drew condemnation across the political spectrum, internal outrage and reported resignations, prompting his apology and offer to step down. The task force will relocate to the Conference of Christian Presidents for Israel and help host a Washington event addressing right wing extremism.