Trump taps Pam Bondi as new AG pick, scientists ID possibly toxic chemical in tap water, Browns and Steelers play in the snow

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NEED TO KNOW

Scientists ID possibly toxic chemical in tap water

A chemical that has baffled scientists for more than 40 years and appears in the tap water of about 113 million Americans has finally been identified, and researchers are warning it may be toxic.

The chemical: Researchers named the chemical “chloronitramide anion” in a new study published yesterday. They said it’s a byproduct of chloramine, which many treatment plants use to make drinking water safe. [CNN]

Tap water risk: It’s unclear how harmful the chemical may be, but one study author said it has “similarity” to other chemicals of concern and that home purification may remove it. Together, the scientists called for more research to address the safety concerns. [NBC News]

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

?? An NFL snow globe

A blizzard in Cleveland turned last night’s showdown between the Steelers and the Browns into a winter wonderland. While Browns fans celebrate their 24-19 win, enjoy these cinematic pics. [Yahoo Sports]

?? Extreme weather

Severe storms continued to pound parts of the U.S., with Northern California facing record rainfall, while the Great Lakes, central Appalachians and Northeast could see “heavy snow” into tomorrow. [AP/Yahoo News]

?? Putin’s warning

Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed Russia had fired a new ballistic missile at Ukraine in response to its use of U.S. long-range missiles and warned countries that aid Ukraine that they could also be targets. [NBC News]

??? Trump’s new pick

President-elect Donald Trump announced he would nominate former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead the Department of Justice, after former Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. [The Hill]

?? Opposites attract

The world’s tallest woman, Rumeysa Gelgi (7 feet 1 inch), and the world’s shortest woman, Jyoti Amge (2 feet 1 inch) sipped tea — and spilled it — in honor of Guinness World Records Day. Watch the video of their meetup. [CNN]

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY

??? We know it’s still a week away, but Black Friday sales are already live. If you’re feeling shoppy, here are some of the best sales right now. [Yahoo Life]

???♀? Welcome to Wicked weekend: The movie and soundtrack both officially drop today, in case the endless press hasn’t tired you of either yet. [Los Angeles Times/Variety]

?? Are you not entertained? Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel also hit theaters today. Come for the cinematography, stay for the shirtless fight scenes. [CBS News/New York Post]

?? In the rink: The Jets aim to retain their “gold standard” status against the Penguins at 7 p.m. ET on Fubo. [Hockey News]

?? On the court: the Sixers try to brush off that awkward team meeting gossip in a matchup against the Nets at 7 p.m. ET on NBA League Pass. [NBC Sports]

?? And don’t forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the Crossword. Check the forecast in your area.

TODAY IN HISTORY

In 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated by former marine Lee Harvey Oswald during a motorcade in Dallas. Earlier this year, previously unseen home footage emerged showing the aftermath. Watch some of it. [AP]

3 QUESTIONS

...about Gladiator II

Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II hits theaters today. I asked Yahoo Entertainment reporter Taryn Ryder what to expect from the film.

Jessica: Is this sequel connected to the first movie? How?

Taryn: It is! Years after witnessing the death of hero Maximus (Russell Crowe) at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) enters the Colosseum in hopes of returning Rome to the people.

Jessica: Besides Mescal and Crowe, who are you excited to see in it?

Taryn: There’s Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn and Denzel Washington. Basically, it's a meme dream. Everyone leans into the campy nature of this film — and I mean that in a great way — but Washington kind of steals the show.

Jessica: What are people saying about the movie? Does it live up to the original?

Taryn: They’re saying it’s a spectacle. That's for sure. Case in point: Mescal fights rhinos and sharks inside the Colosseum. This one is outrageous, silly and action packed. It might not be a Best Picture Oscar winner, but I think fans of the first one will still be entertained.

Debating a “Glicked” double feature?: Even Paul Mescal wants you to “get out and see both.”

FEEL-GOOD MOMENT

When Alicia Mae Holloway was born, her adoptive mother secretly promised to send her biological mother biannual updates about her life. The two finally met when she turned 18. “What my mom did for my birth mom was an act of love,” she said. [Today]

Have a wonderful weekend. See you Monday!

?? P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: Want to get started on Bluesky but not sure how? Check out these tips — and make sure to follow Yahoo News. [AP]

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