Kilkenny is lighting up this holiday season with the launch of Festive Fridays a Night Time Economy and Shop Kilkenny Initiative . Every Friday of Yulefest, the city will host an array of festive activities designed to bring the community together, support local businesses, and create a vibrant night time atmosphere for both residents and visitors alike. From magical Christmas trails to live entertainment, Festive Fridays at Yulefest Kilkenny promises an unforgettable holiday experience for everyone. Yulefest Christmas Trail: A Journey of Holiday Magic The heart of Festive Fridays lies in the Yulefest Christmas Trail , an experience that invites visitors to explore Kilkenny's historic streets, uncover hidden gems, and participate in an exciting interactive quiz. Christmas Trail Maps are available for collection at the Yulefest HQ (located at the corner of Rose Inn Street and the Parade — Eircode: R95Y672) or local shops. An interactive family friendly trail around Kilkenny city, the trail takes in the city’s Christmas Lights, Christmas Trees and historical areas while ‘reindeer spotting’, answering questions and solving puzzles. A magical way to spend an evening with the family in the beautiful medieval city of Kilkenny this festive season! The trail is a self-guided free activity on public streets. Follow the map to get to every stop and answer the questions and puzzles as you go. Once you’ve completed the trail you can submit your answer sheet in the Yulefest postbox to be in with a chance of winning weekly Shop Kilkenny vouchers! The Yulefest Christmas Trail is live throughout the festival, so you can pick a time that suits you, although we highly recommend the evenings when the lights shine their brightest. A highlight of the trail, as mentioned above, includes: Reindeer Garden at Rothe House Visit this beautiful Kilkenny treasure with a festive twist and come see the Yulefest display of reindeer in the beautiful Rothe House Garden. The garden can be visited from 3pm-6pm throughout December will late opening on Fridays and Saturday till 8pm. Stop in while you’re on the Yulefest Christmas Trail . The retail shop will be open during the garden opening times, selling local crafts and Irish products. An easy place to pick up some gifts while you are here! KCLR Battle of the Buskers This December we’re bringing live entertainment to the streets of Kilkenny! Feel the energy of local talent as Kilkenny's buskers battle it out each week for the chance to win a €500 cash prize, together with recording time in studio and airplay on KCLR 96fm! Featuring a lively blend of musicians performing holiday classics and original tunes, providing the perfect soundtrack to the Christmas festivities. Come out Friday 6th, 13th, 20th December from 6pm, visit all 4 buskers and vote for your favourite! Yulefest Festive Fridays: An Interactive Experience! Launch Celebration: Lights, Music, and Community Spirit The festivities kicked off in grand style on Saturday November 30 with Santa’s arrival to the city and the official launch of Yulefest Kilkenny 2024. Santa took to the River Nore by boat before travelling around Kilkenny’s medieval streets by Steam Train. A spectacular site to behold! Santa and his elves were overwhelmed with the welcome they received at Canal Square and he was delighted to see all of the children and families who came out to see him. Kilkenny’s Mayor Andrew McGuinness had the honor of switching on the city’s Christmas lights alongside Santa himself and Cathaoirleach Michael McCarthy, which filled the streets with a magical glow. The moment was made even more special by a stunning performance from Enya Cox , a talented singer from Castlecomer and finalist on The Voice Kids . Enya's beautiful rendition of ‘Oh, Holy Night’ and ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ provided the perfect soundtrack as the lights illuminated the city, signaling the start of a magical season. Festive Fridays and the Night Time Economy Initiative The Night Time Economy Initiative , in partnership with Shop Kilkenny, is a key part of this year’s Yulefest celebrations, designed to encourage people to experience Kilkenny’s vibrant Christmas scene after dark. By supporting local businesses, the initiative aims to boost the local economy while providing a safe, welcoming, and fun environment for everyone to enjoy the holiday season. Festive Fridays will run from 5 PM to 9 PM, with a host of events, activities, and live performances, ensuring the city remains lively well into the evening. Event Information: When: Every Friday in December, from 5pm to 9pm Where: Kilkenny City Centre Start: Yulefest HQ (Corner of Rose Inn Street and the Parade – Eircode R95Y672) Full Event Details: www.yulefestkilkenny.ie Whether you're here to explore the Christmas trail, enjoy a live performance, or simply soak in the festive atmosphere, Yulefest Kilkenny 2024 offers something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this magical holiday celebration— Kilkenny is waiting to be explored under the stars! Yulefest Kilkenny celebrates Christmas in Kilkenny and runs until December 22. Featuring the Yulefest Christmas Market, live music on the Yulefest Live Music Stage, and family entertainment each weekend plus a range of festive events each week! For more information and the full event schedule, visit www.yulefestkilkenny.ie or follow on social media at @YulefestKilkenny .LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams have claimed cornerback Emmanuel Forbes off waivers from Washington. The Rams (6-6) announced the move Monday. They waived undrafted rookie defensive back Charles Woods to make room on the roster. Forbes was the 16th overall draft pick in 2023, but the Commanders released him Saturday in yet another latest flop for their first-round selections under former coach Ron Rivera. Forbes started 10 games as a rookie, but the Mississippi State product got benched during the season — and his playing time dwindled to almost nothing under new coach Dan Quinn this season. Forbes was considered undersized to be an elite NFL defensive back before Washington used a first-round pick on him, and his play did little to discourage that perception. But the Rams are taking a flier on Forbes to help their mediocre pass defense. Darious Williams, a member of the Rams' Super Bowl championship team who returned to Los Angeles this season as a free agent, has been their best cover corner, but he struggled in Sunday's victory over New Orleans. Third-year pro Cobie Durant has started all 12 games this season with one interception. Los Angeles already traded Tre'Davious White, its other major offseason signing at cornerback, after the former Pro Bowler failed to perform. The Rams shipped White to Baltimore for a seventh-round pick swap last month. Woods has played in nine games for the Rams, appearing mostly on special teams. Los Angeles hosts Buffalo on Sunday. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL The Associated PressGeriatric Care Services Market Size: Strong Growth Ahead (2024-2032) 12-14-2024 01:57 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: Cognate Insights Geriatric Care Services Market Latest Market Overview The global geriatric care services market is projected to reach USD 1,060 billion in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2024 to 2032. The aging population is a primary driver of this market, as the global geriatric population is expected to increase significantly over the coming decades. With the rising demand for long-term care and specialized healthcare for the elderly, the geriatric care services market is witnessing strong growth. Factors such as the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, advancements in healthcare infrastructure, and a shift towards home-based care are further contributing to the expansion of the market. The Geriatric Care Services Market has experienced steady growth in recent years and is expected to continue expanding at a strong pace from 2024 to 2032. This analysis offers a comprehensive overview, providing valuable insights into key trends and developments within the Geriatric Care Services industry. These findings equip business leaders with the necessary knowledge to devise more effective strategies and enhance profitability. Furthermore, the report serves as a useful resource for new and emerging businesses, helping them make informed decisions as they navigate the market and seek growth opportunities. Major Players of Geriatric Care Services Market are: Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (USA, Revenue: $3.5 billion) Genesis Healthcare (USA, Revenue: $2.1 billion) Korian Group (France, Revenue: $4.2 billion) Amedisys Inc. (USA, Revenue: $2.2 billion) Sunrise Senior Living (USA, Revenue: $1.9 billion) Orpea Group (France, Revenue: $4.8 billion) Get Latest PDF Sample Report @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/request-sample/geriatric-care-services-market-research Our Report covers global as well as regional markets and provides an in-depth analysis of the overall growth prospects of the market. Global market trend analysis including historical data, estimates to 2024, and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) forecast to 2032 is given based on qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market segments involving economic and non-economic factors. Furthermore, it reveals the comprehensive competitive landscape of the global market, the current and future market prospects of the industry, and the growth opportunities and drivers as well as challenges and constraints in emerging and emerging markets. Global Geriatric Care Services Market Landscape and Future Pathways: North America: United States Canada Europe: Germany France U.K. Italy Russia Asia-Pacific: China Japan South Korea India Australia China Taiwan Indonesia Thailand Malaysia Latin America: Mexico Brazil Argentina Korea Colombia Middle East & Africa: Turkey Saudi Arabia UAE Korea Speak to Our Analyst for A Discussion on The Above Findings, And Ask for A Discount on The Report @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/check-discount/geriatric-care-services-market-research Key drivers and challenges influencing the Geriatric Care Services market: Regional Analysis: The report involves examining the Geriatric Care Services market at a regional or national level. Report analyses regional factors such as government incentives, infrastructure development, economic conditions, and consumer behaviour to identify variations and opportunities within different markets. Market Projections: Report covers the gathered data and analysis to make future projections and forecasts for the Geriatric Care Services market. This may include estimating market growth rates, predicting market demand, and identifying emerging trends. Company Analysis: Report covers individual Geriatric Care Services manufacturers, suppliers, and other relevant industry players. This analysis includes studying their financial performance, market positioning, product portfolios, partnerships, and strategies. Consumer Analysis: Report covers data on consumer behaviour, preferences, and attitudes towards Geriatric Care Services This may involve surveys, interviews, and analysis of consumer reviews and feedback from different by Application. 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Reason to Buy this Report: -Analysis of the impact of technological advancements on the market and the emerging trends shaping the industry in the coming years. -Examination of the regulatory and policy changes affecting the market and the implications of these changes for market participants. -Overview of the competitive landscape in the Geriatric Care Services market, including profiles of the key players, their market share, and strategies for growth. -Identification of the major challenges facing the market, such as supply chain disruptions, environmental concerns, and changing consumer preferences, and analysis of how these challenges will affect market growth. -Evaluation of the potential of new products and applications in the market, and analysis of the investment opportunities for market participants. For In-Depth Competitive Analysis - Purchase this Report now at @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/purchase-report/geriatric-care-services-market-research Contact Us: Cognate Insights Web: www.cognateinsights.com Email: info@cognateinsights.com Phone: +91 8424946476 About Us: We are leaders in market analytics, business research, and consulting services for Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, financial & government institutions. Since we understand the criticality of data and insights, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. To be at our client's disposal whenever they need help on market research and consulting services. We also aim to be their business partners when it comes to making critical business decisions around new market entry, M&A, competitive Intelligence and strategy. This release was published on openPR.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens was a full participant in practice on Monday, opening the door for him to return from a three-game absence on Wednesday when Pittsburgh hosts the Kansas City Chiefs. Pickens hasn't played since tweaking his hamstring earlier this month. The Steelers (10-5) have struggled to generate much in their passing game with their leading receiver watching from the sideline in sweatpants. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.By ROB GILLIES, Associated Press TORONTO (AP) — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Donald Trump that Americans would also suffer if the president-elect follows through on a plan to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products , a Canadian minister who attended their recent dinner said Monday. Trump threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico if they don’t stop what he called the flow of drugs and migrants across their borders with the United States. He said on social media last week that he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders. Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, whose responsibilities include border security, attended a dinner with Trump and Trudeau at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club on Friday. Trudeau requested the meeting in a bid to avoid the tariffs by convincing Trump that the northern border is nothing like the U.S. southern border with Mexico . “The prime minister of course spoke about the importance of protecting the Canadian economy and Canadian workers from tariffs, but we also discussed with our American friends the negative impact that those tariffs could have on their economy, on affordability in the United States as well,” LeBlanc said in Parliament. If Trump makes good on his threat to slap 25% tariffs on everything imported from Mexico and Canada, the price increases that could follow will collide with his campaign promise to give American families a break from inflation. Economists say companies would have little choice but to pass along the added costs, dramatically raising prices for food, clothing, automobiles, alcohol and other goods. The Produce Distributors Association, a Washington trade group, said last week that tariffs will raise prices for fresh fruit and vegetables and hurt U.S. farmers when the countries retaliate. Canada is already examining possible retaliatory tariffs on certain items from the U.S. should Trump follow through on the threat. After his dinner with Trump, Trudeau returned home without assurances the president-elect will back away from threatened tariffs on all products from the major American trading partner. Trump called the talks “productive” but signaled no retreat from a pledge that Canada says unfairly lumps it in with Mexico over the flow of drugs and migrants into the United States. “The idea that we came back empty handed is completely false,” LeBlanc said. “We had a very productive discussion with Mr. Trump and his future Cabinet secretaries. ... The commitment from Mr. Trump to continue to work with us was far from empty handed.” Joining Trump and Trudeau at dinner were Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Trump’s pick to lead the Interior Department, and Mike Waltz, Trump’s choice to be his national security adviser. Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, told The Associated Press on Sunday that “the message that our border is so vastly different than the Mexican border was really understood.” Hillman, who sat at an adjacent table to Trudeau and Trump, said Canada is not the problem when it comes to drugs and migrants. On Monday, Mexico’s president rejected those comments. “Mexico must be respected, especially by its trading partners,” President Claudia Sheinbaum said. She said Canada had its own problems with fentanyl consumption and “could only wish they had the cultural riches Mexico has.” Flows of migrants and seizures of drugs at the two countries’ border are vastly different. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border during the last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Most of the fentanyl reaching the U.S. — where it causes about 70,000 overdose deaths annually — is made by Mexican drug cartels using precursor chemicals smuggled from Asia. On immigration, the U.S. Border Patrol reported 1.53 million encounters with migrants at the southwest border with Mexico between October 2023 and September 2024. That compares to 23,721 encounters at the Canadian border during that time. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports as well. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing for national security.

SunStar earns 13 nominations at 11th Globe Media Excellence Awards

G7 foreign ministers push for Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire in final G7 of Biden administrationWith the new year coming in, there is also something else inching closer, and that is the shortfall of Social Security. As a fear that has been building up for decades, the Social Security and Medicare Boards of Trustees confirmed it this year when they released a report detailing the current and projected financial status of the two programs each year, and the outlook is not great. Considering this, it is not surprising that according to a Nationwide survey 84% of Americans aged 60 to 65 fear that their benefits will be cut. Another paralyzing fear this group of surveyed individuals have is inflation, which is a natural response to the impact it has had on their finances in the last few years. This is compounded by the fact that many seniors are dependent at least in some way on Social Security benefits, as for most it is a large part of their income, and for many the sole income they have. This dependence on assistance makes reports like the one that came out this year even scarier, as they do not paint a pretty picture. The shortfall of Social Security, a sure thing? Nothing is a sure thing in life, but the current state of the system is not promising. Social Security’s primary source of revenue is the money it collects in payroll taxes, which are supplemented by the money stored in the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund and the Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Fund to pay out the full extent of the benefits that the program sustains today. Since payroll taxes will keep coming in for the foreseeable future, a part of the program will be active for as long as this happens. The problem is that there are a lot more beneficiaries coming into the program than workers replacing them, especially at the contribution level of those leaving the workforce. This is where the Trust Funds come into play. For years now the Trust Funds have been making up the difference between the payroll taxes and the benefits paid out, but these are also running out of money and there is no plan in place to replenish them, with the consequence that program may have to cut benefits if no solutions are put in place. According to the report “The OASI Trust Fund will be able to pay 100 percent of total scheduled benefits until 2033, unchanged from last year’s report. At that time, the fund’s reserves will become depleted and continuing program income will be sufficient to pay 79 percent of scheduled benefits. The DI Trust Fund is projected to be able to pay 100 percent of total scheduled benefits through at least 2098, the last year of this report’s projection period. Last year’s report projected that the DI Trust Fund would be able to pay scheduled benefits through at least 2097, the last year of that report’s projection period. If the OASI Trust Fund and the DI Trust Fund projections are combined, the resulting projected fund (designated OASDI) would be able to pay 100 percent of total scheduled benefits until 2035, one year later than reported last year. At that time, the projected fund’s reserves will become depleted and continuing total fund income will be sufficient to pay 83 percent of scheduled benefits .” These numbers explain the panic that many Americans are going through, but this is not the first time the program has been under peril. Lawmakers have the power to change some of the funding strategies and policies that would shore up the program for generations to come, but no agreement has been reached yet, as both sides of the political aisle seem to be in conflict about how to save the program. While waiting for a solution may be tempting, the best course of action for future retirees is to make their retirement savings a priority by maxing out retirement plans, including catch-up contributions and squirreling away as much as possible in savings.Analysis: Week 12 full of sloppy play, especially on special teams

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams have claimed cornerback Emmanuel Forbes off waivers from Washington. The Rams (6-6) announced the move Monday. They waived undrafted rookie defensive back Charles Woods to make room on the roster. Forbes was the 16th overall draft pick in 2023, but the Commanders released him Saturday in yet another latest flop for their first-round selections under former coach Ron Rivera. Forbes started 10 games as a rookie, but the Mississippi State product got benched during the season — and his playing time dwindled to almost nothing under new coach Dan Quinn this season. Forbes was considered undersized to be an elite NFL defensive back before Washington used a first-round pick on him, and his play did little to discourage that perception. But the Rams are taking a flier on Forbes to help their mediocre pass defense. Darious Williams, a member of the Rams' Super Bowl championship team who returned to Los Angeles this season as a free agent, has been their best cover corner, but he struggled in Sunday's victory over New Orleans. Third-year pro Cobie Durant has started all 12 games this season with one interception. Los Angeles already traded Tre'Davious White, its other major offseason signing at cornerback, after the former Pro Bowler failed to perform. The Rams shipped White to Baltimore for a seventh-round pick swap last month. Woods has played in nine games for the Rams, appearing mostly on special teams. Los Angeles hosts Buffalo on Sunday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL