Iran condemned the strike on its massive South Pars natural gas field, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warning of “uncontrollable consequences” that ”could engulf the entire world.”

Iran kept up attacks on its Persian Gulf neighbors’ energy facilities, striking a major natural gas facility in Qatar, as it continued to squeeze the Strait of Hormuz shipping channel — through which one-fifth of the world’s oil travels.

The price of oil surged another 5% to over $108 a barrel on international markets, increasing the price of gasoline and other goods. The price of Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil, is now up close to 50% since the start of the war.

As the Trump administration looks for ways to boost oil supplies, the Treasury Department eased sanctions on Venezuela Wednesday, saying U.S. companies will be allowed to do business with the country’s state-owned oil and gas company.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz promised “significant surprises” to come after Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, was killed in an overnight strike. A day earlier, Israel killed top Iranian security official Ali Larijani and the head of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard’s Basij force, Gen. Gholam Reza Soleimani.

Iran retaliated by unleashing missile strikes against Israel. Israel said an Iranian missile hit the occupied West Bank, marking the territory’s first fatalities during the Iran war, though missile debris has damaged homes and businesses.

Iran also attacked Saudi Arabia’s vast Eastern Province, home to many of its oil fields, as well as Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

The United States was informed about Israel’s plans to strike Iran’s massive South Pars natural gas field, but did not take part in it, according to a person familiar with the matter. The person, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, would not say if the Trump administration agreed with the Israeli decision to attack the gas field — part of the world’s largest such resource and a pillar of Iran’s energy supplies.

First fatalities reported in West Bank during Iran war

The Palestinian Red Crescent said at least three people were killed in the occupied West Bank town of Beit Awa as Iran fired missiles toward Israel. At least 13 others were injured. Earlier authorities said at least four people had died, but they adjusted the number as crew assessed the scene.

The Israeli military told The Associated Press an Iranian missile — not shrapnel from an interception — hit in the West Bank. Officials described it as a cluster munition that got past Israel’s air defense system.

Iran keeps up strikes on Gulf countries’ oil facilities

QatarEnergy said on X that a missile hit its massive Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas facility, sparking a fire that caused “extensive” damage before it was extinguished. The company had already halted production there because of Iranian attacks.

Since the war started, a small number of ships from Iran, Turkey, India and elsewhere have gotten through the Strait of Hormuz, which leads from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. Iran insists the waterway is open, just not to the U.S. or its allies.

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed growing frustration that no allies have offered to help open the strait, posting on social media: “WE DON’T NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!”

A top British military official, Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, said that any reopening of the strait is a long way off because of threats that include mines, attack boats and drones.

Iran launches multiple-warhead missiles at Israel

Responding to the killing of Larijani, the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said Wednesday it had attacked central Israel with multiple-warhead missiles that have a better chance of evading defense systems. Footage filmed by The Associated Press showed at least one missile releasing a cluster of munitions over Israel.

Larijani was a senior policy adviser to the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on strategy in nuclear talks with the Trump administration. He was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in January for his role “coordinating” Iran’s violent suppression of nationwide protests. Gen. Soleimani was also sanctioned by the U.S. and other nations for his role in suppressing dissent for years.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei expressed condolences for the slaying of Larijani, according to a written statement published in Iranian media. “Undoubtedly, the assassination of such a person shows the extent of his importance and the hatred of the enemies of Islam towards him,” the statement said.

The younger Khamenei has not made a public appearance since his father was killed in the war’s opening salvos during which he reportedly was also wounded.

Renewed strikes in Iran

The Iranian judiciary’s Mizan news agency said an airstrike hit a courthouse complex in Larestan in southern Iran, and that at least eight people were killed. More than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran since the conflict started, according to the Iranian Red Crescent.

Mizan also reported that Iran executed a man on charges of spying for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. It identified him as Kourosh Keyvani and alleged he “provided images and information on sensitive locations” to Israel.

Sweden’s Foreign Ministry condemned what it said was the execution in Iran of a Swedish citizen arrested last year. Additional details were not available.

Israel pressures Hezbollah in Lebanon

Keeping up pressure on Iran-backed Hezbollah militants, Israeli strikes hit multiple apartment buildings in Beirut, killing at least a dozen people.

Israel flattened an apartment building in central Beirut about an hour after issuing an evacuation notice — the fourth time the building was targeted. Israel’s military claimed it was being used by Hezbollah to store “millions of dollars intended to finance its activities,” without providing evidence.

Israeli strikes have displaced more than 1 million Lebanese — roughly 20% of the population — according to the Lebanese government, which says 968 people have been killed.

In Israel, 14 people have been killed by Iranian missile fire. At least 13 U.S. military members have been killed.

Trump paid his respects Wednesday at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, where the remains of six U.S. service members killed in the crash of a refueling aircraft were returned to their families, marking the second time he has attended the solemn military ritual since the war started.

___

Metz reported from Ramallah, West Bank, and Watson from San Diego. Associated Press writers Samy Magdy in Cairo, Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad, Julia Frankel in Jerusalem, Stefanie Dazio in Berlin, Darlene Superville and Aamer Mahdani in Washington, Jamey Keaten in Geneva, and Bassem Mroue and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut contributed to this report.

One former coach developed a system to revolutionize that process called ANSRS (pronounced like answers).

“In the state of Texas, you have the best high school football coaches in the world. There’s no doubt about that,” said Jon Shalala, ANSRS founder and Sugar Land, Texas native. “A tool like this allows them to be able to really strategize more advanced to get ready for things that they saw in the first half to prepare for the second half.”

Steele High School used the system during its 2025 season to reach the regional semifinals.

Trailing by one score to Johnson at halftime, Steele’s coaches in the press box fed real-time data to the sideline staff, getting everyone on the same page quickly for the second half.

“The answers are pretty immediate,” said defensive coordinator Mike Gomez. “Basically, anything that I want to know during the game, I just call upstairs and say, ‘Hey, what’s happening here in this instant?’ And tendencies come up pretty quick.”

The fluid process stands in sharp contrast to what Shalala experienced years earlier as a staff member at Tennessee.

“It was 14-7 Tennessee versus Georgia,” Shalala recalled. “We didn’t have the video like (ANSRS). We were feeding the transparencies in the overhead—like a kindergarten, elementary school overhead projector.“

”Coach is going over play by play,“ Shalala continued. ”He gets frustrated, picks up the projector, spikes it on the ground, it shatters everywhere.”

“It was really at that moment in time where I felt like there needed to be a uniform system that every coach uses to review the data,” Shalala said, “to review the video, to make cut ups, to be able to make adjustments during the football game.”

After Tennessee, Shalala joined the late Mike Leach’s staff at Mississippi State.

It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that Leach told Shalala to use the downtime to his advantage — and he did, building ANSRS into a tool that is now improving life for coaches and leveling up the game of football.

ANSRS has been rolled out to high schools, colleges and NFL teams across the country for a year now.

Read also:

• La Vernia heads to McLane Stadium, seeks revenge against Kilgore in state semifinal of HS football playoffs
• Boerne Greyhounds, Randle Lions prepare for Class 5A-D2 playoff showdown at Alamodome
• Smithson Valley Rangers return to state semifinals to face Port Arthur Memorial

Knowing which retailers offer great deals compared to their normal prices can save you a lot of time and prevent buyer’s remorse.

So which stores offer the best discounts, and for which items?

WalletHub, a personal finance company, helps answer that question and helps consumers maximize their Black Friday savings.

The company recently surveyed over 4,300 deals from 13 of the biggest U.S. retailers’ 2024 Black Friday ad scans.

The stores offering the top deals are JCPenney, Belk and Macy’s. Here’s a quick look at some of the discounts:

JCPenney

JCPenney is the best place to shop on Black Friday, according to the WalletHub survey, because the retailer offers an average discount of 76.2%. This is the sixth time the retailer has earned the top spot in this report since 2014.

If you’re getting ready to get engaged, check out this eyepopping discount. You can buy an $18,749 diamond engagement ring for just $3,799. In addition to significant markdowns on jewelry and apparel, JCPenney has great deals on appliances, offering savings of 58.5% on average.

Belk

Belk is the second-best Black Friday retailer, according to the survey.

While the only physical location in the San Antonio area is in New Braunfels, you can still take advantage of deals online.

Belt is offering an average of 72.7% off your purchases.

Categories to shop for at Belt include jewelry, apparel, TVs, digital cameras and electric shavers.

Macy’s

Macy’s has the third-best Black Friday discounts this year, saving shoppers an average of 57.1% and as much as 85% on certain items. The store’s best deals by far are on jewelry, which will be 70% off on average.

Macy’s is also known for its furniture selection, and that’s the second-best product category for Macy’s Black Friday discounts, with items marked down by an average of 52.6%, according to the survey.

Below is a list of the average Black Friday discounts being offered by top retailers:

• JCPenney: 76.20%
• Belk: 72.68%
• Macy’s: 57.13%
• Kohl’s: 43.55%
• Walmart: 37.75%
• The Home Depot: 32.43%
• Amazon: 32.05%
• BJ’s: 28.86%
• Target: 28.65%
• Best Buy: 28.43%
• Newegg: 20.65%
• Dell: 19.36%
• Costco: 18.27%

To read more about the survey, click here.

Prepare for natural disasters

Natural disasters can strike at any time, and that’s why being prepared is crucial. One of the first steps is to create an emergency kit.

Stock up on essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries and a first aid kit. It’s also essential to include any necessary medications and important documents in your emergency kit or go bag.

Additionally, developing a family communication plan is vital. Make sure everyone knows how to contact each other during an emergency.

Depending on your region, research off-grid communications options such as satellite phones. Designate a meeting place with backup options in case evacuation is necessary.

Understanding your local risks is also key. Knowing the specific natural disasters that could affect your areas, such as hurricanes on the coast, tornadoes in the Midwest or earthquakes on the West Coast, can help you prepare effectively.

Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and shelter locations. Staying informed is equally important.

Follow weather alerts and emergency notifications. Buy a battery-powered radio and keep emergency candles on hand in case of power outages.

“Preparation is key,” says Misty Spottier of Insurance Claim Academy, a licensed public insurance claims adjuster who has handled thousands of insurance claims from unexpected events. Spottier suggests that families should stock up on essentials like food, water, cash, medicine and hygiene items to survive for at least two weeks. “Have evacuation plans for disasters likely in your area. Review and practice these plans regularly.”

Protect your family’s future from financial loss

A sudden financial setback can be devastating, but there are steps you can take to safeguard your family’s well-being. Building an emergency fund is one of the critical steps in financial self-sufficiency.

Aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses, which can serve as a lifeline in case of job loss, unexpected medical bills or other financial emergencies. Reviewing your insurance policies is another essential step. Ensure you have adequate health, home and auto insurance and consider life insurance if you don’t already have it.

Creating a budget is a practical way to track your income and expenses, helping you identify areas where you can cut back. Prioritizing saving and paying off high-interest debt should be on your list.

It’s also wise to prepare critical financial documents like bank statements, tax returns and insurance policies. Make digital copies or organize these documents and keep copies in a secure, accessible place.

Plan for health emergencies and unexpected medical diagnoses

Unexpected medical issues can be overwhelming, but with some preparation, you can navigate them more smoothly. Start by knowing your medical history.

Record your family’s medical history, including allergies, medications and chronic conditions, and share this information with your healthcare provider. Creating a healthcare plan is also essential and something to do sooner rather than later. “No one expects the unexpected, so preparing now brings peace of mind,” says Spottier.

Discuss with your family how you will handle medical emergencies. Know the location and route to the nearest hospital. Make a list of emergency contacts and ensure all the adults in your household have it.

Another step in preparedness involves reviewing your health insurance. Understand what your health insurance covers and identify any gaps in coverage, ensuring your plan includes emergency care provisions.

Additionally, prepare a medical kit tailored to your family’s needs. In addition to your regular first aid kit, include items specific to your family, such as prescription medications, inhalers or an EpiPen.

Use cybersecurity to protect your digital life

In today’s digital age, being prepared also means protecting your online presence. One of the simplest yet most effective steps is using strong passwords.

Ensure that all family members use strong, unique passwords for their online accounts, and consider using a password manager to keep track of them. Enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts.

Education is vital when it comes to cybersecurity. Teach your family about the dangers of phishing scams and malware and how to recognize suspicious emails or websites.

Regularly backing up important files and photos is also critical in safeguarding your digital life. You can use an external hard drive or a trusted cloud storage service to create copies of significant documents.

Secure your living space

Your home should be a haven, and there are home safety steps you can take to ensure it stays that way. Installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is a fundamental safety measure.

Regularly check that these detectors are functioning and have fresh batteries, replacing them as the manufacturer recommends. Having a clear and practiced evacuation plan is also crucial. Ensure all family members know the safest routes out of the house in case of fire or other emergencies.

Secure your home further with sturdy locks on doors and windows, and consider installing a home security system or cameras. Doing so can provide additional peace of mind.

Regularly practice fire drills and emergency evacuations with your family. This can better prepare them and save critical time in a real emergency.

Keep preparedness simple

Planning for the unexpected isn’t complicated. Yet, as Spottier says, it requires making it a habit and a priority. “The time you invest now will pay off if disaster strikes,” she says.

“Families should stock up on emergency essentials like food, water, cash, medicine and hygiene items to survive for at least two weeks. Have evacuation plans for disasters likely in your area. Review and practice these plans regularly,” Spottier adds further.

By taking these simple steps, you’ll help ensure your family is prepared for whatever comes your way. For more information and resources on staying safe and ready, visit your state and regional websites or consult with local authorities in your area.

Sarita Harbour is a long-time business and personal finance writer. She created An Off Grid Life to help readers everywhere become more prepared and self reliant.

The Federal Trade Commission offers the following tips to help you prepare.

First, make a list of your possessions and documents by taking pictures or videos of them. Your household inventory could help you with insurance claims later.

You’ll also want to take advantage of the technology tools at your disposal. You can use online bill pay, virtual safe deposit boxes and cloud storage options. This could make it easier to recover your records and update them.

If you have some documents that can’t be stored virtually, consider purchasing a lockable, fireproof file box to keep them secure.

You can also rent a safe deposit box at your local bank. Some banks may offer virtual safe deposit boxes to store your photos, videos and documents, including your household inventory.

Finally, remember to update the list of your possessions and personal information at least once a year.

Find more KSAT Money stories on KSAT.com here

If you’ve come across some extra money lately, or you just want to invest, you may start looking into the stock market to grow your finances. With apps such as Robinhood and Stash, it has never been easier.

But investments are like candy. There are thousands of options, and some have sweeter returns than others.

The first thing you should consider is what type of investment is right for you:

• Stocks grant you shares of ownership of a company.
• Treasury securities are a way of lending money to the federal government.
• U.S. savings bonds are investments endorsed by the federal government.

Sometimes, companies will even pay dividends to shareholders.

Each investment possesses its own risk. However, with some risk comes sweeter rewards. Your earning potential is higher when the investment is a greater risk.

And while treasury securities are backed by the government, that doesn't mean you're protected from loss on any other investments.

There are ways to reduce your risk, though, such as diversifying your holdings. That means putting your money in a variety of investments.

To learn more about the different types of investments, click here.

Let’s say you want to have money to spend during your summer vacation in Cancun, Mexico. You need $3,000, but you aren't sure how to save for your trip.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has some tips to help you come up with a savings rule to live by to meet your financial goals.

The first step is to set select a savings goal and amount that works for you. You also need to choose the account where you’ll be keeping the money.

Since you already have your vacation savings goal of $3,000, let’s say you decided to choose your savings account at your local bank to store the money.

The next step is for you to create a rule by which to live. You must decide how much you can save every week or month.

The CFPB’s savings rule worksheet makes it simple for you to put your plan into action.

Let’s say you have until August to go on vacation. That means you have about six months to save those $3,000.

In your CFPB worksheet, you would write down the following statement:

“I will save $500 per month for six months to reach my savings goal.”

The worksheet has a step where you can make a promise to yourself to save the amount you need. While this part is optional, it may help you mentally work toward your savings goal.

Let’s say you signed below the line on the worksheet that reads the following:

"I will use my unique rule to live by to help me achieve my savings goal."

You are now well on your way to saving the money you need for vacation with a simple, personal savings rule.

For more from the CFPB, click here.

Check out the CFPB form below:

Credit reports contain information about bill payment history, the debt you’ve taken out and other financial information. They even contain any lawsuit information and show if you’ve filed for bankruptcy.

Consumers are able to request credit reports from the three reporting agencies: Experian, Transunion and Equifax, for free once every 12 months by visiting Annualcreditreport.com

Your credit report helps determine your credit score, which helps lenders determine if you’re a good candidate for loans or credit.

Your credit score can also be used by rental and insurance companies.

Payment history, length of credit history and number of accounts are just some of the factors used to calculate your credit score.

You can get your credit score from a number of sources, including your credit card company if you already have a credit card. People can also pay to get their credit score from the three major credit reporting agencies.

There are apps such as Credit Karma and Freecreditreport.com, which give you a free credit score and credit report.

If you believe your personal information has been exposed during a data breach, using a credit freeze will restrict access to your credit report. It can help prevent thieves from opening fraudulent accounts.

To learn more about credit reports and credit scores, click here.

An antique book store that has fronted Broadway for 53 years will close in 2024.

Antiquarian Book Mart will close its doors in May, according to its owner Bob Kellel. The bookseller has sold the land at 3217 and 3207 Broadway as well as 3132 Avenue B to local developer Glenn Huddleston of Harper/Huddleston Inc., a deed filed with Bexar County shows. Those three plots hold the book store, the Half Price Books next door and the parking lot behind the buildings. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The three parcels have a combined assessed value of about $1.8 million, according to 2023 tax records.

A spokesperson for Half Price Books — which has operated the Broadway location since 1978 — told the Business Journal the company is currently in lease negotiations with Harper/Huddleston.

“However, if we are unable to work out a new lease, we will close the location sometime in the spring,” the spokesperson said.

The store was opened by Kellel’s parents in 1971. In an interview with the Business Journal, he said he’s ready to retire and spend more time with his family. But he knows it will be a loss for the city.

“Having a nice bookstore is always nice for the community because the people that frequent these places can enjoy reading and they can keep themselves entertained when they’re not with their friends or family, in a positive way.”

Keep up with the latest San Antonio headlines by signing up here for SABJ newsletters.

He added that independent booksellers are a place to build community, noting the generations of families that have returned to his shop over decades.

“It’s a different feeling here,” he said. “When you walk into Half Price Books, nobody is going to bother you. But when you walk in here, you’ve got this eccentric bookseller behind the desk and you’re probably going to have to shoot the breeze.”

Harper/Huddleston did not return requests for comment by publication time.

Click here to read the full story in the San Antonio Business Journal.

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• Codeup CEO steps down after 6 years
• Developers plan $58M Residence Inn by Marriott for downtown lot
• Whataburger ringing in the New Year with new item — Whatawings

Given that, there is also an increased risk of theft with all the packages left at front doors or near garages.

However, in light of Wednesday being National Package Protection Day, there are some security measures that can be taken to ensure the gifts you order stay in your possession, and not get in the hands of porch pirates.

Here are seven measures to take, according to Safewise.

1. Pick up packages in person

If there is a post office close to your home, this might not be a bad idea. Both FedEx and UPS have options for you to have packages held at a local location instead of being taken to a home. You can also set it up where a signature is required upon receipt, or set up an Amazon locker, which are self-service lockers where you can pick up Amazon purchases at a nearby location.

2. Install security cameras

This isn’t cheap in the short-term. But for the long-term, it could be a good option to make sure you can keep an eye out on who is coming to your front door or garage. Cameras with motion detectors can alert you to movement via your phone or other mobile device.

3. Get to know delivery people

Getting friendly with the delivery people in your neighborhood will likely mean those people know what you normally like to purchase, when you usually like them delivered, and whether or not you prefer a notice is left upon delivery.

4. Upgrade your mailbox

If you don’t want to risk having a package left out in the open, obtaining a lockbox or secure parcel drop that can be added specifically for package delivery or replace your current mailbox could be a good option. You just might have to make sure a new lockbox is approved by the postal service.

5. Network with neighbors

Love thy neighbor might be a staple message from the Bible, but it also can help with package thefts. Neighbors looking out for other neighbors by keeping an eye on packages or other suspicious activity is a great security measure.

6. Get a smart doorbell

If you don’t want to shell out a lot of money for a security system, getting a smart video doorbell might be a simpler way to keep an eye on packages or suspicious activity.

7. Use an Amazon key

Amazon offers a free app where delivery drivers can be granted access to drop off packages inside a garage or gate. Deliveries can be scheduled and real-time alerts can be taken about the status of packages. You do need to be an Amazon Prime member to obtain a key, which aren’t available in all areas.