“I’VE ordered champagne” were the first words Barbara Taylor Bradford said to me when I interviewed her in 2015. We met at The Dorchester, her home from home whenever she visited London, where she was holding court in a quiet corner of the swanky hotel. Dressed to the nines, with a perfectly made up face and coiffed hair that hinted at her twice-weekly visits to the stylist, she looked nothing like the 81 years old she was at the time. Barbara, who died on Sunday, aged 91 , following a short illness at her home in New York City, was every inch the best-selling author honoured by Queen Elizabeth with an OBE for her contribution to women’s literature. Clearly beloved by the hotel staff, they fussed around her, making sure she had everything she needed. And she was kind and courteous in return — as she was to all who met her. Although we had chatted on many occasions on the phone, this was the first time we had spoken face to face. You would imagine someone who had sold 90 million books — making a rumoured £160million from sales — might be bored by the interview pro­cess and give standard, predictable answers. But she was a wonderful, generous hostess and although we were there to chat about her latest release, she asked me questions and genuinely wanted to know about my life. The interview lasted well over two hours — and remains one of my favourite encounters. Known for writing incredible sweep­ing sagas, her first novel A Woman Of Substance was published in 1979, when she was 46. It was an immediate hit. A rags to riches story, it told how Emma Harte, a servant in rural Yorkshire, went on to head up a huge business empire. It sold more than 30million copies and was adapted into a 1984 TV miniseries, starring Jenny Sea­grove as young Emma, Deborah Kerr as her in later life and Liam Neeson as her friend Shane “Blackie” O’Neill. It was the beginning of a career spanning more than 40 years and 40 novels — each received rapturously by her legions of adoring fans. Our latest meeting was in 2019, to talk about her book, In The Lion’s Den, but it was a very different encounter. Her beloved husband, Robert — who she met when she was 28 — had recently died from a stroke aged 92. Again, we met for tea at The Dorchester, and although she tried to put on her game face, it was clear that Barbara was utterly broken. Tears weren’t far away, as she held my hand and told me his last words to her had been, “I love you”. But despite her obvious distress, she was determined to continue making the most of her remaining years — plus Bob had told her never to stop writing so she was keen to honour his wishes. Although her books sold tens of millions of copies, making her one of the world’s wealthiest writers, and she loved her luxuries, she stayed grounded — with fish and chips her favourite meal, coated in lashings of malt vinegar. Even when she discovered her solidly working-class mum was probably the illegitimate daughter of the Marquess of Ripon, a Yorkshire aristocrat, she never took a DNA test. Yet she was rumoured to have maintained the heating of a lake at her former Connecticut home, which a farmer had installed to keep swans warm in winter. And she sold her 13-room Manhattan apartment for £6.7million in 2013 to actress Uma Thurman. But right until the end, Barbara grafted — and her work ethic was second to none. She followed a strict routine, beginning at 6am where she used a typewriter to bash out her novels. She also read the papers every day and had opinions about everything from the royals to politics and the importance of reading. It was why she was so happy to be an ambassador for charities and not-for-profit organisations including the UK’s National Literacy Trust, Literacy Partners in the US, Women In Journ­alism and Reporters Without Borders. Always a supporter of women, she twice chaired the judges for The Sunday Times Write Stuff competition which encouraged the next generation of female fiction writers. Barbara was born and bred in Leeds and came from a working-class family, who adored literature. During one of our book-related chats she told me she was “force-fed books from a very young age”, and was reading confidently by four years old. At primary school — where she was in the same class as future author and playwright Alan Bennett — she dreamed of being a writer. She had her first story published in a children’s magazine when she was ten. Her first job, aged 15, was in the Yorkshire Evening Post’s typing pool. Determined to follow her dream to be a reporter, she surreptitiously slipp­ed her stories into the sub-editor’s tray. When the editors realised, they pro­m­oted her and she became the paper’s only female reporter at the time. By the age of 18, she was its Woman’s Editor. While working at the paper she met a fellow journalist who she said was “lanky and dishevelled with acne”. He kept trying to talk to her, she said, even after she turned him down for a date at the cinema — it was actor Peter O’Toole. Always ambitious, Barbara moved to London aged 20 when Fleet Street called. Her career went from strength to strength and she worked as fashion editor of Woman’s Own magazine. In 1961, when she was 28, Barbara met her husband, Robert, a German- born successful American film producer. They married on Christmas Eve, 1963, and moved to New York. There, Barbara wrote for an interior decoration column that was syndicated to 183 newspapers — even though Robert was wealthy enough that she did not need to work. Her first books were about home design. They included The Complete Encyclopedia Of Homemaking Ideas in 1968. She also wrote a string of entries in the How To Be The Perfect Wife series. When A Woman Of Substance was published, Barbara was over the moon. She had the success she had always dreamed of. She said she wrote books about sexy, scrappy, hard-working women. “What I really wanted to do was to write about a very strong woman, because I’m strong,” she told an interviewer in 1983. “That doesn’t mean I’m tough or hard but I have the strength to meet adversity, not to give in,” she said. Actress Jenny Seagrove, 67, paid tribute to a “dear friend” and “powerhouse of glamour and warmth”. She said: “Success never diluted her warmth and humour or her ability to relate to everyone she met, whether a cleaner or a princess. “She never, ever forgot that she was just a girl from Yorkshire that worked hard and made good.” Charlie Redmayne, chief executive of publisher HarperCollins, said: “She was a natural storyteller, deeply proud of her Yorkshire roots. She would regale us of her time working on the Yorkshire Evening Post with fellow reporter Keith Waterhouse and Peter O’Toole, the dawn of the Soho cafe society, and the many happy years shared with the love of her life, her husband, Bob. Other friends included Sean Connery , Christopher Plummer, Boris Johnson and Joan Rivers. She was also a huge fan of Queen Elizabeth. Maria Boyle, who worked as Barbara’s personal PR for more than 15 years, said: “Book signings were always busy, queues were guaranteed. “Fans would travel from afar, bring­ing old copies of her novels for her to sign while buying the latest release. “One American reader even brought a copy of A Woman Of Substance with a bullet hole in it. Barbara was alarmed, asked what had happened and the lady said her husband shot the book as she was reading it so much. Her books became like Bibles to many.“ When I wrote A Woman Of Substance I didn’t think, ‘I’m going to write about a woman warrior who conquers the world and smashes the glass ceiling’. But I did want to write about them in a positive way “Readers would frequently tell her their story and cite how her books changed their lives — ‘It inspired me to set up a business’, ‘It helped me through some dark times’ or ‘It gave me courage to change my career’. Barbara told one paper: “When I wrote A Woman Of Substance I didn’t sit down and think, ‘I’m going to write about a woman warrior who conquers the world and smashes the glass ceiling’. But I did want to write about women in a positive way. “At the time there were a lot of very sexy books out there but the women didn’t come out of them very well.” One of Barbara’s favourite shops in London was Fortnum & Mason and she would visit every time she was in the capital — where she would order gifts for those she worked with. And me. I wasn’t the only one to be touched by her kindness. Maria said: “Barbara gave generously. “She waived royalties, donated fees and contributed work freely. “During the pandemic, she gifted one of her books so it could be adapted for blind readers and wrote a 25,000-word short story for a national newspaper when asked for just 5,000. “In the interview which went alongside it, Barbara quoted her hero Winston Churchill, telling them to “KBO” (Keep Buggering On) — and she did that throughout her own life.” She was frequently described as the “grand dame of blockbusters”, “Queen of the genre”, and she absolutely was. My lasting memories of Barbara were she was kind, generous and thoughtful. She had an incredible work ethic and was one of those rare people who are both interested and interesting. May she rest in peace.

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ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The roof at the home of the Dallas Cowboys opened without incident and will stay that way for a Monday night meeting with the Cincinnati Bengals. It was to be the first game with the roof open at AT&T Stadium since Oct. 30, 2022, a 49-29 Dallas victory over Chicago. The roof was supposed to be open three weeks ago for Houston's 34-10 victory on another Monday night, but a large piece of metal and other debris fell roughly 300 feet to the field as the retractable roof was opening about three hours before kickoff. The Cowboys decided to close the roof after the incident, and it remained that way for the game. There were no injuries, and the start of the game wasn't delayed. The club said at the time it would investigate the cause with a plan to reopen the roof when it was deemed safe. Wind was cited as a cause for the falling debris. There were gusts of at least 30 mph in the afternoon before the meeting with the Texans. It was sunny with a high in the 70s Monday in the Dallas area, and winds were in the 10 mph range. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLA quarterback has taken home 12 of the last 14 Heisman Trophies, including the last three straight. But that streak looks like it is about to end this year. The finalists for the 2024 Heisman Trophy were announced Monday, and there is a distinct non-quarterback feel to the race. That is because Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty seemed to have separated themselves from the field. They aren't the only finalists, though, as they were joined by some signal-callers after all. Heisman Trophy Finalists There were times this season when it seemed like different quarterbacks would make a serious run at the trophy. And in a normal year, Oregon's Dillon Gabriel may be the front-runner. After all, his Ducks are the only undefeated FBS team in the country and secured the No. 1 seed in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff with Saturday's win over Penn State in the Big Ten Championship Game. Miami's Cam Ward also impressed throughout the season while throwing for 4,123 yards, 36 touchdowns and seven interceptions, although a season-ending loss to Syracuse stood in the Hurricanes' way of reaching the CFP. Perhaps the quarterback who made the most headlines this season was Hunter's teammate, Shedeur Sanders. Sanders wasn't named a Heisman finalist, but he won the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year as a major reason the Buffaloes went from 4-8 during the 2023 season to 9-3 in 2024. He completed 74.2 percent of his passes for 3,926 yards, 35 touchdowns and eight interceptions and skyrocketed up NFL draft boards in the process. Still, he, along with the rest of the country, was overshadowed by Hunter this season. The two-way star thrived on both sides of the field as a shutdown cornerback and go-to wide receiver. His stats alone as a receiver stand out with 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, but he was also tasked with defending the opponent's best pass-catcher on a weekly basis. Much like Shohei Ohtani in baseball, being so effective at multiple positions made Hunter all the more valuable when compared to the rest of the country. And the end result will likely be him taking the Heisman Trophy, as he is the overwhelming favorite to win the award. As of Monday, DraftKings lists Hunter as a -2,500 favorite (bet $2,500 to win $100), underscoring how the race has felt largely over for the past couple weeks. Still, Jeanty captured the attention of the nation like few running backs have since Barry Sanders set the FBS records for most rushing yards (2,628) and rushing touchdowns (37) in a single season as the 1988 Heisman Trophy winner. The Boise State star challenged those numbers and is short with 2,497 yards and 29 touchdowns on the ground going into the CFP. That effort likely would have positioned him to take home the Heisman in a number of different seasons. But Hunter did something college football fans have rarely ever seen and is lined up to win it during Saturday's ceremony.

Mercury Rising, a rock group, will open the holiday season this weekend in Fort Wadsworth and New DorpNEW YORK , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation - The global cruise tourism market size is estimated to grow by USD 24.88 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 12.07% during the forecast period. Strong global economic recovery and increasing number of HNWIS is driving market growth, with a trend towards growing number of repositioning cruises. However, rising environmental concerns poses a challenge. Key market players include AmaWaterways, Ambassador Cruise Holidays Ltd., American Cruise Lines, Azamara, Carnival Corp. And Plc, Compagnie du Ponant, Cosmos Tours Ltd., Genting Hong Kong Ltd., KSINC, LaVista Travel, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co. SA, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., Ocean World Ltd., Riviera Travel, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., SAGA PLC, The Walt Disney Co., TUI AG , Viking Cruises, and Virgin Cruises Intermediate Ltd.. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Market Driver The Ocean cruise segment in the Cruise Tourism Industry is thriving, with an increasing number of passengers choosing this mode of transportation and accommodation. The average passenger age is decreasing, attracting a younger demographic. The Cruise Industry offers a variety of cruises, from enclave tourism to themed cruises, catering to diverse consumer behavior. Pioneering services like skydiving simulators, water coasters, and adventurous activities add to the novel experiences. Cruise companies and brands continue to innovate with new ships, luxury experiences, and exclusive offers. River cruising is also gaining popularity, with new operators and next-generation boats. Passengers seek unique travel experiences, from tropical getaways to cultural explorations. Specialized cruise terminals ensure smooth passenger arrivals and departures, enhancing the overall experience. Cruise line websites and online travel agencies provide a seamless booking experience for travelers, making it easier to plan holidays on the high seas. Repositioning cruises, which involve shifting a ship between sailing destinations, have gained significant traction in the cruise tourism industry. This trend is driven by travelers seeking new experiences and taking advantage of affordable one-way flights to explore diverse itineraries. Repositioning cruises offer cost savings compared to regular sailings, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious tourists. For instance, African ports such as Mombasa and Cape Town are attracting an increasing number of foreign cruise ships due to their upgraded terminal facilities. This regional growth is contributing to the expansion of the global cruise tourism market. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges The cruise tourism industry faces several challenges in the ocean cruise sector. Passenger age and demographics vary, requiring cruise lines to offer a variety of cruises, from group-oriented to themed, luxury experiences, and novel experiences. Enclave tourism and transportation to tourist spots necessitate specialized cruise terminals for passenger arrivals and departures. Cruise companies and brands continuously innovate with pioneering services, amenities like skydiving simulators and water coasters, and novel experiences to attract travelers. Consumer behavior influences the booking experience on cruise line websites and through online travel agencies. Cruise business growth includes new operators, next-generation boats, repositioning cruises, and new destinations in river cruising. The cruise industry, as part of the travel industry, must adapt to provide exclusive offers, luxurious accommodations, and onboard entertainment for passengers seeking unique travel experiences, tropical getaways, cultural explorations, and culinary delights. Cruise ships, often referred to as "floating cities," accommodate thousands of passengers and crew members. Despite their size and significance in the tourism industry, they generate substantial waste daily. For instance, a week-long cruise with 2000-2500 passengers and crew generates approximately 200,000 gallons of sewage, including oily bilge water, greywater, hazardous waste, and over six tons of solid waste. Additionally, these ships emit large quantities of air pollutants. Cruise ships contribute significantly to marine pollution globally. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This cruise tourism market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Ocean cruising 1.2 River cruising 2.1 Passenger ticket 2.2 Onboard facilities 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 APAC 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Ocean cruising- The ocean cruising segment of the global cruise tourism market has experienced significant growth over the last decade. Factors driving this expansion include the emergence of large-capacity cruise ships, an increase in local ports, new destinations, and a rise in passenger flow. The segment's growth is fueled by a desire for luxury experiences, increased disposable income, and technological advancements. Major tourist destinations, such as the Caribbean , Alaska , Mediterranean, and Asia Pacific region, are covered by this segment. It caters to various age groups, with offerings ranging from small luxury cruise lines to larger mainstream liners. Oceania Cruises Ltd., for instance, provides passengers with opulent experiences featuring modern conveniences, tasteful decor, and personalized services. Technological advancements, including online booking options and social media promotion, have made cruises more accessible and appealing to potential travelers. These factors will continue to drive the growth of the ocean cruising segment in the forecast period. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis The cruise tourism market, a subsector of the travel industry, offers unique and varied experiences through ocean cruises. These voyages provide transportation and accommodation in one, combining the convenience of travel with the comforts of hospitality. The cruise industry caters to passengers of all ages, offering themed cruises, luxury experiences, and adventurous activities. Cruise liners are pioneering services with amenities ranging from skydiving simulators to water coasters. Cruises offer tropical getaways and cultural explorations, allowing passengers to discover new destinations. Enclave tourism is a growing trend, with cruises providing exclusive and personalized experiences. Cruise businesses continue to innovate, offering itineraries that cater to diverse interests, from relaxation to adventure. Passengers can enjoy onboard entertainment, fine dining, and world-class service, making for unforgettable travel experiences. Market Research Overview The Ocean cruise segment of the Cruise Tourism Industry offers a wide range of experiences for passengers of all ages, from tropical getaways to cultural explorations. The Cruise Industry, a significant contributor to the Travel Industry, continues to innovate with pioneering services, themes, and amenities on Cruise Liners. These include skydiving simulators, water coasters, and adventurous activities, making for novel experiences. Cruise Companies and Brands offer exclusive deals, group-oriented cruises, and luxury experiences, all while providing transportation and accommodation in one package. Specialized cruise terminals ensure efficient passenger arrivals and departures to a variety of destinations. Consumers can book these unique travel experiences through cruise line websites or online travel agencies, enhancing the overall booking experience. Passengers can enjoy onboard entertainment, culinary delights, and luxurious accommodations, making for memorable holidays. Repositioning cruises and new destinations keep the industry fresh, with new operators and next-generation boats joining the scene. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Application Ocean Cruising River Cruising Product Passenger Ticket Onboard Facilities Geography North America Europe APAC South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect pick for intelligence chief fresh scrutiny Monday on Capitol Hill about amid the of that country's hardline Assad rule. Gabbard ignored shouted questions about her as she ducked into one of several private meetings with senators who are being asked to confirm . But the Democrat-turned-Republican Army National Reserve lieutenant colonel delivered a statement in which she reiterated her support for Trump's America First approach to national security and a more limited U.S. military footprint overseas. “I want to address the issue that’s in the headlines right now: I stand in full support and wholeheartedly agree with the statements that President Trump has made over these last few days with regards to the developments in Syria,” Gabbard said exiting a Senate meeting. The incoming president’s Cabinet and top administrative choices are dividing his Republican allies and , if not full opposition, from Democrats and others. Not just Gabbard, but other Trump nominees including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, were back at the Capitol ahead of what is expected to be volatile confirmation hearings next year. The incoming president is working to put his team in place for an of mass immigrant deportations, firing federal workers and rollbacks of U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO allies. “We’re going to sit down and visit, that’s what this is all about,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., as he welcomed Gabbard into his office. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary pick to be picking up support from once-skeptical senators, the former Army National Guard major denying sexual misconduct allegations and pledging not to drink alcohol if he is confirmed. The president-elect's choice to lead the FBI, , who has written extensively about locking up Trump's foes and proposed dismantling the Federal Bureau of Investigation, launched his first visits with senators Monday. “I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on social media. Despite widespread concern about the nominees' qualifications and demeanors for the jobs that are among the highest positions in the U.S. government, Trump's team is portraying the criticism against them as nothing more than political smears and innuendo. Showing that concern, have urged Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government’s files on Gabbard. Trump's allies have described the in particular as similar to those lodged against Brett Kavanaugh, the former president's Supreme Court nominee who denied a sexual assault allegation and went on to be confirmed during Trump's first term in office. Said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., about Hegseth: “Anonymous accusations are trying to destroy reputations again. We saw this with Kavanaugh. I won’t stand for it.” One widely watched Republican, Sen. Joni of Iowa, herself a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and sexual assault survivor who had been criticized by Trump allies for her cool reception to Hegseth, appeared more open to him after their follow-up meeting Monday. “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst said in a statement. Ernst said that following “encouraging conversations,” he had committed to selecting a senior official who will "prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.” Ernst also had praise for Patel — “He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies" — and for Gabbard. Once a rising Democratic star, Gabbard, who represented Hawaii in Congress, arrived a decade ago in Washington, her surfboard in tow, a new generation of potential leaders. She ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020. But Gabbard abruptly left the party and briefly became an independent before joining with Trump's 2024 campaign as one of his enthusiasts, in large part over his disdain for U.S. involvement overseas and opposition to helping Ukraine battle Russia. Her visit to Syria to meet with then-President Bashar Assad around the time of Trump's first inauguration during the country's bloody civil war stunned her former colleagues and the Washington national security establishment. The U.S. had severed diplomatic relations with Syria. Her visit was seen by some as legitimizing a brutal leader who was accused of war crimes. Gabbard has defended the trip, saying it's important to open dialogue, but critics hear in her commentary echoes of Russia-fueled talking points. Assad fled to Moscow over the weekend after Islamist rebels overtook Syria in a surprise attack, ending his family's five decades of rule. She said her own views have been shaped by “my multiple deployments and seeing firsthand the cost of war and the threat of Islamist terrorism.” Gabbard said, “It's one of the many reasons why I appreciate President Trump’s leadership and his election, where he is fully committed, as he has said over and over, to bring about an end to wars.” Last week, the nearly 100 former officials, who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said in the letter to Senate leaders they were “alarmed” by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. They said her past actions “call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus.” The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to coordinate the nation’s intelligence agencies and act as the president’s main intelligence adviser. Associated Press writer Stephen Groves contributed to this report.49ers QB Brock Purdy resumes throwing but status for this week remains unknownIt’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and for the first time, the major social platforms are running big, even full-screen promotions for their own subscription offerings and products within their apps. Which, in some ways, makes perfect sense, maximizing their reach capacity to boost their business. But in others, it feels a little intrusive, and in some cases, even a little desperate. First off, X has started running full-screen pop-up promos for X Premium, which are difficult to even get rid of on screen, due to the “x” in the top left being obscured by the coloring. Yes, X is still super keen to get people to pay to use the app. Despite the app losing users , and despite less than 1% of its audience actually paying for X Premium thus far. Subscriptions had been a key pillar of Elon Musk’s initial growth plan for X , with Musk projecting that X Premium subscriptions (which, at that stage, was called “Twitter Blue”) would rise to 9 million users by this stage of his reformat of the app, bringing in millions of dollars in supplemental revenue. Thus far, around 1.3 million profiles are estimated to have signed up for the program. Musk also projected that X Premium would reach 104 million subscribers by 2028, thereby diluting X’s reliance on ad revenue. And if it still wants to reach those goals, it’s going to need to enact more pushes like this full-screen takeover to maximize awareness. Like, also, X Premium gifting : Look, I don’t think anything is going to get millions more people signing up for X Premium, which is just not that enticing an offering for most at this stage. But X is still keen to make Premium happen, and it’s using whatever means it can in the app to maximize take-up. Meta is also using its valuable ad space to promote its VR headsets, which are the key to its future metaverse ambitions. As you’ve no doubt seen for yourself, right now, Meta is running top-of-feed promotions for Meta Quest, on both Facebook and IG, as it seeks to get more people into its VR experiences. Though similar to X Premium, the hard sell for Meta is that there aren’t that many good reasons to buy a VR headset as yet, as the available experiences just aren’t that compelling. The technology is amazing, and more and more games and features are being rolled out, which will no doubt attract more interest over time. But at this stage, it’s not a must-have tech gadget, with the available VR apps still fairly limited. But either way, exposing ads to billions of users can’t hurt. Finally, Snapchat is also pumping out promotions for Snapchat+, directly into user inboxes. That feels a little intrusive, and all of these promos are a little overbearing, making these apps feel more like shopping tools than social platforms. But they’re also pretty easy to ignore. And in the modern age, we’ve all gotten much better at ignoring the influx of promotions being pumped into our feeds. But it is an interesting shift either way, with the apps becoming more direct commercial entities, and transforming into large-scale advertisers in their own right. And they have access to the most attention-grabbing promo options in their own tools. Which is probably not a great trend, but as social apps look to further commodify their experiences, this may be the new norm.

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Another final-second victory puts the Chiefs in prime spot to secure AFC’s No. 1 seed: AnalysisBeverly Hills, California — Democrats, who are about to be locked out of power in Washington as Republicans take control of all three branches of government in January, see the state capitals run by Democratic governors as the clearest path of resistance to President-elect Donald Trump's second term. The 16 governors and three governors-elect who gathered for their annual conference in Los Angeles this past weekend welcomed areas of compromise they can find with a Trump White House, but they're already planning which fights to pick and are considering how they'll proceed. Many of the governors at the conference were elected during the blue wave in 2018 and have experience working with a Trump White House, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. "We were able to find ways," said Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, who was one of these governors and serves as the chair of the Democratic Governors Association. "We really took a positive approach to it, and this time around, I think we'll end up doing the same thing, because really, we have no idea what's coming down. So, we'll evaluate it as it comes to us." Politically, Democratic governors are also primed to fill a leadership vacuum in the party in the coming years. Some potential 2028 presidential candidates have already been taking action. In early December, California Gov. Gavin Newsom launched a special session to "safeguard California values" and bolster funds for legal defenses against potential federal actions on abortion, climate and immigration. A week after the election, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker partnered with Colorado Gov. Jared Polis to start the "Governors Safeguarding Democracy" group, a think tank to create a "toolbox" of policies and responses to Trump's presidency. "Anything that's happening right now in Washington, states are gonna be the front line of defense on that," said Democratic strategist Corey Platt, who was the DGA's political director from 2013 to 2018. "There's always a disconnect from voters to D.C. Folks are always angry at D.C., and yet, states have to make things work every day." No "perfect answer" for 2024 losses Still fresh in the minds of these governors were the party's widespread losses in the 2024 election. North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein's victory in the governor's race was an electoral bright spot for Democrats in the battleground state, where Vice President Kamala Harris lost by 3 points. He said he didn't "have a perfect answer" on why he won (though his scandal-plagued GOP opponent helped give him an advantage) and Harris lost. Stein blamed a "tough national environment," but noted that his state often splits their ticket: in seven of the last nine presidential elections, North Carolina has voted for a Republican for president and a Democrat for governor. "People were definitely anxious economically, because they were seeing and feeling price increases," he said. "Typically, when you're unhappy, you blame the party that's in control of the White House. Even if it's not nationally their fault." New Jersey and Virginia, a potential flip opportunity for Democrats, have off-year gubernatorial elections in 2025. The 2026 map is vast, with 36 states electing governors. Several of those states, such as Georgia, Nevada and New Hampshire, could be targeted pickups for the party. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear will be taking over as DGA Chair in 2026. "Lifting up as many people as we can that are running on these common sense, common ground areas that people care about the most, will also create that critical mass for people to say the Democratic Party is for working people," said Beshear, the rare Democratic governor who has won in a Republican state. Platt, a former DGA political director, agreed that the 2026 gubernatorial races can help find "the good surrogate for Democratic policy and Democratic ideas that has empathy, that folks can understand." He added that while a large number of governors are going to be "in that conversation" as the party recalibrates, it won't just be them. "We're gonna need leaders that can speak to real people," he said. "It doesn't happen because of a poll. It doesn't happen because of a tactic. It's real and authentic, and I'm excited to see how that happens." Courtney Alexander, communications director for the Republican Governors Association, opposes potential attempts by Democratic governors to counter the incoming Trump administration. "The fact that Americans resoundingly rejected the Democratic Party agenda just one month ago, and yet Democrats continue to believe running against an agenda of lower costs, more safety, and more freedom is their winning message shows just how wholly out of touch they are with the country," Alexander told CBS News. Trump's mass deportation plan Some governors are laying the groundwork to counter Trump's plans for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. Trump said in an interview with NBC News' " Meet the Press " that deporting undocumented migrants who are convicted criminals is the first priority in his mass deportation plan, but other, nonviolent undocumented migrants may also be subject to removal. "I think you have to do it, and it's a hard — it's a very tough thing to do. But you have to have, you know, you have rules, regulations, laws. They came in illegally," Trump said. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said while she'd accept federal assistance to help locate and deport undocumented migrants who are convicted criminals, there would be "zero way" she'd cooperate with a broader mass deportation plan. She noted her control over the state police force, said she wouldn't grant licenses for physical detentions, and said providing the federal government private information about undocumented residents would endanger transgender residents or women who travel from states with abortion bans. "I don't doubt that he will make every effort," Lujan Grisham said about Trump and his mass deportation plan. "He's going to have trouble executing that. But I also am not Pollyanna about how serious [he is].... I take him at his word, which is why I know what I must do and will do. And let's see if my strategy works the way that I think it will across the country." Kelly said she would not permit the Kansas National Guard "to perform that kind of service" and said it's not the job of the Kansas State Police either. "No doubt, if there are things they push us to do that we think are wrong or illegal, we'll draw the line," said Kelly. Stein, who will be taking office as North Carolina governor in January, said the mass deportation of all undocumented migrants in his state "would create real economic challenges," but he has doubts about how likely it is that the mass deportations will be implemented. "[Trump] is a master of saying something and creating a great deal of noise, and then the reality may be different. I'm going to wait to see exactly what it is he ultimately proposes," Stein said. Aaron Navarro is a CBS News digital reporter covering the 2024 elections. He was previously an associate producer for the CBS News political unit in the 2021 and 2022 election cycles.

The S&P 500 fell less than 0.1% after spending the day wavering between small gains and losses. The tiny loss ended the benchmark index’s three-day winning streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1% and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Trading volume was lighter than usual as US markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, slipped 0.2%. Meta Platforms fell 0.7%, and Amazon and Netflix each fell 0.9%. Tesla was among the biggest decliners in the S&P 500, finishing 1.8% lower. Some tech companies fared better. Chip company Broadcom rose 2.4%, Micron Technology added 0.6% and Adobe gained 0.5%. Health care stocks were a bright spot. CVS Health rose 1.5% and Walgreens Boots Alliance added 5.3% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. Several retailers also gained ground. Target rose 3%, Ross Stores added 2.3%, Best Buy rose 2.9% and Dollar Tree gained 3.8%. Traders are watching to see whether retailers have a strong holiday season. The day after Christmas traditionally ranks among the top 10 biggest shopping days of the year, as consumers go online or rush to stores to cash in gift cards and raid bargain bins. US-listed shares in Honda and Nissan rose 4.1% and 16.4% respectively. The Japanese car makers announced earlier this week that the two companies are in talks to combine. All told, the S&P 500 fell 2.45 points to 6,037.59. The Dow added 28.77 points to 43,325.80. The Nasdaq fell 10.77 points to close at 20,020.36. Wall Street also got a labour market update. US applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years, the Labour Department reported. Treasury yields mostly fell in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.58% from 4.59% late on Tuesday. Major European markets were closed, as well as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Trading was expected to be subdued this week with a thin slate of economic data on the calendar.

Gabbard, Trump's pick for intel chief, faces questions on Capitol Hill amid Syria fallout