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Las Vegas Dental Group Welcomes Dr. Eduardo Pais to Esteemed LVDG Dental TeamA late-game rally derailed by a missed field goal and Cowboys stun Commanders 34-26“Race car drivers are the new rock stars,” proclaimed Tommy Hilfiger , his pearly white smile beaming over a glass of pinot grigio across a table at the Aria’s Cathédrale restaurant, where his namesake brand is hosting an elegant dinner mere hours before the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. Tommy can’t stay long though: the 73-year-old designer, whose classic red, white and navy logo is all over Sin City’s grounds (his Awake NY x Mercedes-AMG collaboration , in particular, was spotted too many times to count), has more hands to shake, racers to dress, influencers to entertain and photos to take. “It’s crazy here,” he says. “Look at the energy.” Hilfiger has been involved with Formula 1 for more than 30 years . In 1991, he established his first sponsorship with Team Lotus , for whom he provided with bespoke uniforms during a three-season stretch. In 1998, Hilfiger became the official clothing sponsor for Ferrari , a role he maintained for another four years. During a brief break from sponsoring the sport, he remained a loyal fan and even learned how to drive his own Ferrari Enzo at his former business partner and present-day Aston Martin Formula 1 team owner Lawrence Stroll’s personal track. Then, he made a glorious return to the racetrack as a sponsor of Mercedes-AMG in 2018. So, when Hilfiger compares the likes of George Russell to Mick Jagger , he’s emphasizing just how much he’s witnessed the fanfare and the culture surrounding the sport’s biggest players skyrocket. “The race is packed with people from the sports world, influencers, fashion people, and Hollywood people,” he says. “It’s a real mix of pop culture icons and major fans.” The day before this dinner, Hilfiger spoke at The Female Quotient’s panel series alongside the leaders of F1 Academy. This female-only, junior-level single-seater racing championship serves to platform the next generation of women in motorsports. There, he announced some particularly exciting news for his brand: the 16-year-old Danish racer Alba Hurup Larsen, often called “the fastest girl in the world,” has officially signed on as the F1 Academy Tommy Hilfiger driver for 2025. “Sometimes when you meet someone, you just know,” Hilfiger explains. Hurup Larsen, who will race in a suit and a car sporting Hilfiger’s signature red, white and blue branding, says she is “deeply honored” to fly the Hilfiger flag. “Having this support at such a pivotal stage in my career means the world to me,” she adds. Over at the track, flashing cameras and fan cheers signaled the arrival of seven-time Formula 1 world champion and Mercedes-AMG driver Lewis Hamilton, a long-time friend and collaborator of Hilfiger’s who stepped onto the course in a custom Tommy Jeans get-up that shimmered with sequins from head to toe. “Lewis Hamilton is the only race car driver in the world who would wear sequins, I guarantee,” Hilfiger laughed. “He has great taste, and it’s not just us designing something and putting his name on it. It is a true collaboration.” Hamilton clearly took to Las Vegas’ glitz and exuberance, wearing a shiny varsity jacket and chinos in navy and white tones with an archival logo from the duo’s plethora of robust collaborations (Hamilton and Hilfiger previously joined forces on five racing-inspired capsules from Fall 2018 to Fall 2020). Hilfiger says the look was his favorite that he and Hamilton have ever created together, while answering a couple questions from the racer in conversation with Hypebeast before the Grand Prix the following day. Lewis Hamilton: What’s your favorite F1 memory of ours? Tommy Hilfiger: After the Monaco race in 2019, just before COVID. Lewis came to our boat, and Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid were there, and Lewis wouldn’t leave. I said, “Lewis, it’s getting late. Don’t you have to race tomorrow?” Long story short, we had a great time. Lewis started surfing on this automatic surfboard. We love Lewis. Best look we’ve created together? I really love what he’s wearing here in Las Vegas because only Lewis can get away with wearing sequins at the track. He’s bold. He’s daring. He’s not one who would maybe be too shy to wear something outrageous. How do you remain driven? Every day, I’m looking at what might be next in my life, whether that’s from a design standpoint or where we’re going to do our next fashion show. How do we continue to build this lifestyle brand worldwide? I’m always driven to figure out what the next thing is. And my team thinks I’m a little crazy because I’m always saying, “What’s next?” What’s more important to you — speed or agility? Agility is much more important to me because I think agility gives you control. With speed, you can go out of control. Where are you steering F1 fashion next? I think F1 fashion is going to be more sustainable and very technical because drivers and crews are out in the elements. The heat can be a lot, so technology will be important in making breathable, waterproof fabrics in a sustainable way. Hamilton placed 10th in the qualifying race, while his teammate, the 26-year-old British driver George Russell, stormed to pole position, ending a months-long run of Ferrari and McLaren poles stretching back to July. Pulling up to The Paddock on Saturday for the big race, Russell and his partner Carmen Montero wore full Tommy Hilfiger: he in a pinstripe double-breasted navy blazer with matching pinstripe drawstring trousers, and she in an all-scarlet ensemble comprising a turtleneck sweater and tailored trousers. In comparison to Hamilton’s bold style choices, Hilfiger noted that George is “more demure.” Still, all eyes were on the driver, who had won two Grand Prixs — São Paulo in 2022 and Austria in 2024 — prior to this weekend. That brings us back to this dinner table, where Hilfiger’s team is just receiving images of Russell’s look, and the designer himself is weighing in on how he hopes to see the race finish before heading over to The Paddock himself: “I would like to see George win, and I would like to see Lewis creep up into the number two spot.” Perhaps Hilfiger is Formula 1’s oracle, or maybe he just knows his drivers extremely well, because that’s exactly how it played out: Russell in first with a time of 1:22:05.969; Hamilton trailing behind by 7.313 seconds — and, most importantly for Tommy, both in signature Hilfiger.
Airports and highways are expected to be jam-packed during Thanksgiving week, a holiday period likely to end with another record day for air travel in the United States. AAA predicts that nearly 80 million Americans will venture at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday and next Monday, most of them by car. However, travelers could be impacted by ongoing weather challenges and those flying to their destinations could be grounded by delays brought on by airline staffing shortages and an airport service workers strike . Here's the latest: U.S. airlines are preparing for a Thanksgiving holiday rush, and so are the U.S. Postal Service, United Parcel Service and FedEx. Shipping companies will deliver about 2.2 billion packages to homes and businesses across the U.S. from Thanksgiving to Dec. 31, said Satish Jindel, a shipping and logistics expert and president of ShipMatrix. That’s down from 2.3 billion packages last year. Because the shopping period is a week shorter than in 2023, consumers are shopping further ahead of Black Friday and more purchases are taking place in physical stores, he said. The number of holiday package shipments grew 27% in 2020 and by more than 3% the following year during the pandemic. The numbers have been falling since then, with a projected decline of about 6% this holiday season. Looking to de-stress while waiting for your flight? Many airports have a fleet of therapy dogs — designated fidos and puppers that are eager to receive pets and snuggles from weary travelers. Rules and schedules vary from airport to airport, but the group AirportTherapyDogs uses online crowdsourcing to share the locations of therapy dogs across its various social media accounts. Today, Gracie, a toy Australian shepherd, and Budge, an English bulldog, wandered the concourses at Denver International Airport, and an American Staffordshire Terrier named Hugo greeted travelers at Punta Gorda Airport in Florida. Some airports even feature other therapy pals. San Francisco International Airport’s fleet of animals includes a Flemish Giant rabbit and a hypoallergenic pig. “We cannot live on the wages that we are being paid,” ABM cabin cleaner Priscilla Hoyle said at a rally earlier Monday. “I can honestly say it’s hard every single day with my children, working a full-time job but having to look my kids in the eyes and sit there and say, ‘I don’t know if we’re going to have a home today.’” Timothy Lowe II, a wheelchair attendant, said he has to figure out where to spend the night because he doesn’t make enough for a deposit on a home. “We just want to be able to have everything that’s a necessity paid for by the job that hired us to do a great job so they can make billions,” he said. ABM said it is “committed to addressing concerns swiftly” and that there are avenues for employees to communicate issues, including a national hotline and a “general open door policy for managers at our worksite.” Employees of ABM and Prospect Airport Services cast ballots Friday to authorize the work stoppage at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a hub for American Airlines. They described living paycheck to paycheck while performing jobs that keep planes running on schedule. Most of them earn $12.50 to $19 an hour, union officials said. Rev. Glencie Rhedrick of Charlotte Clergy Coalition for Justice said those workers should make $22 to $25 an hour. The strike is expected to last 24 hours. Several hundred workers participated in the work stoppage. Forty-four fights have been canceled today and nearly 1,900 were delayed by midday on the East Coast, according to FlightAware . According to the organization’s cheekily named MiseryMap , San Francisco International Airport is having the most hiccups right now, with 53 delays and three cancellations between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. EST. While that might sound like a lot of delays, they might not be so bad compared to last Friday when the airport suffered 671 delays and 69 cancellations. In an apparent effort to reduce the headaches caused by airport line cutting, American Airlines has rolled out boarding technology that alerts gate agents with an audible sound if a passenger tries to scan a ticket ahead of their assigned group. This new software won’t accept a boarding pass before the group it’s assigned to is called, so customers who get to the gate prematurely will be asked to go back and wait their turn. As of Wednesday, the airline announced, the technology is now being used in more than 100 U.S. airports that American flies out of. The official expansion arrives after successful tests in three of these locations — Albuquerque International Sunport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Tucson International Airport. ▶ Read more about American Airlines’ new boarding technology Travel can be stressful in the best of times. Now add in the high-level anxiety that seems to be baked into every holiday season and it’s clear travelers could use some help calming frazzled nerves. Here are a few ways to make your holiday journey a little less stressful: 1. Make a checklist of what you need to do and what you need to bring 2. Carry your comfort with you — think noise-canceling headphones, cozy clothes, snacks and extra medication 3. Stay hydrated 4. Keep up to date on delays, gate changes and cancellations with your airline’s app ▶ Read more tips about staying grounded during holiday travel Thanksgiving Day takes place late this year, with the fourth Thursday of November falling on Nov. 28. That shortens the traditional shopping season and changes the rhythm of holiday travel. With more time before the holiday , people tend to spread out their outbound travel over more days, but everyone returns at the same time, said Andrew Watterson, the chief operating officer of Southwest Airlines . “A late Thanksgiving leads to a big crush at the end,” Watterson said. “The Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday after Thanksgiving are usually very busy with Thanksgiving this late.” Airlines did a relatively good job of handling holiday crowds last year, when the weather was mild in most of the country. Fewer than 400 U.S. flights were canceled during Thanksgiving week in 2023 — about one out of every 450 flights. So far in 2024, airlines have canceled about 1.3% of all flights. Drivers should know that Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons will be the worst times to travel by car, but it should be smooth sailing on freeways come Thanksgiving Day, according to transportation analytics company INRIX. On the return home, the best travel times for motorists are before 1 p.m. on Sunday, and before 8 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on Monday, the company said. In metropolitan areas like Boston, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle and Washington, “traffic is expected to be more than double what it typically is on a normal day,” INRIX transportation analyst Bob Pishue said. Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Mike Whitaker said last week that he expects his agency to use special measures at some facilities to deal with an ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers. In the past, those facilities have included airports in New York City and Florida. “If we are short on staff, we will slow traffic as needed to keep the system safe,” Whitaker said. The FAA has long struggled with a shortage of controllers that airline officials expect will last for years, despite the agency’s lofty hiring goals. 5. Auto club and insurance company AAA predicts that nearly 80 million Americans will venture at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday and next Monday. Most of them will travel by car. 6. Drivers should get a slight break on gas prices . The nationwide average price for gasoline was $3.06 a gallon on Sunday, down from $3.27 at this time last year. 7. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 18.3 million people at U.S. airports during the same seven-day stretch. That would be 6% more than during the corresponding days last year but fit a pattern set throughout 2024. 8. The TSA predicts that 3 million people will pass through airport security checkpoints on Sunday; more than that could break the record of 3.01 million set on the Sunday after the July Fourth holiday. Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be the next busiest air travel days of Thanksgiving week. ▶ Read more about Thanksgiving travel across the U.S. Workers who clean airplanes, remove trash and help with wheelchairs at Charlotte’s airport, one of the nation’s busiest, went on strike Monday to demand higher wages. The Service Employees International Union announced the strike in a statement early Monday, saying the workers would demand “an end to poverty wages and respect on the job during the holiday travel season.” The strike was expected to last 24 hours, said union spokesperson Sean Keady. Employees of ABM and Prospect Airport Services cast ballots Friday to authorize the work stoppage at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a hub for American Airlines. The two companies contract with American, one of the world’s biggest carriers, to provide services such as cleaning airplane interiors, removing trash and escorting passengers in wheelchairs. ▶ Read more about the Charlotte airport workers’ strike Parts of the Midwest and East Coast can expect to see heavy rain into Thanksgiving, and there’s potential for snow in Northeastern states. A storm last week brought rain to New York and New Jersey, where wildfires have raged in recent weeks, and heavy snow to northeastern Pennsylvania. The precipitation was expected to help ease drought conditions after an exceptionally dry fall. Heavy snow fell in northeastern Pennsylvania, including the Pocono Mountains. Higher elevations reported up to 17 inches (43 centimeters), with lesser accumulations in valley cities including Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Around 35,000 customers in 10 counties were still without power, down from 80,000 a day ago. In the Catskills region of New York, nearly 10,000 people remained without power Sunday morning, two days after a storm dumped heavy snow on parts of the region. Precipitation in West Virginia helped put a dent in the state’s worst drought in at least two decades and boosted ski resorts as they prepare to open in the weeks ahead. ▶ Read more about Thanksgiving week weather forecasts Two people died in the Pacific Northwest after a rapidly intensifying “ bomb cyclone ” hit the West Coast last Tuesday, bringing fierce winds that toppled trees and power lines and damaged homes and cars. Hundreds of thousands lost electricity in Washington state before powerful gusts and record rains moved into Northern California. Forecasters said the risk of flooding and mudslides remained as the region will get more rain starting Sunday. But the latest storm won’t be as intense as last week’s atmospheric river , a long plume of moisture that forms over an ocean and flows over land. “However, there’s still threats, smaller threats, and not as significant in terms of magnitude, that are still going to exist across the West Coast for the next two or three days,” weather service forecaster Rich Otto said. As the rain moves east throughout the week, Otto said, there’s a potential for heavy snowfall at higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada, as well as portions of Utah and Colorado. California’s Mammoth Mountain, which received 2 feet (0.6 meters) of fresh snow in the recent storm, could get another 4 feet (1.2 meters) before the newest system clears out Wednesday, the resort said. Another round of wintry weather could complicate travel leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday, according to forecasts across the U.S., while California and Washington state continue to recover from storm damage and power outages. In California, where two people were found dead in floodwaters on Saturday, authorities braced for more rain while grappling with flooding and small landslides from a previous storm . Here’s a look at some of the regional forecasts: 9. Sierra Nevada: The National Weather Service office issued a winter storm warning through Tuesday, with heavy snow expected at higher elevations and wind gusts potentially reaching 55 mph (88 kph). Total snowfall of roughly 4 feet (1.2 meters) was forecast, with the heaviest accumulations expected Monday and Tuesday. 10. Midwest and Great Lakes: The Midwest and Great Lakes regions will see rain and snow Monday and the East Coast will be the most impacted on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, forecasters said. 11. East Coast: A low pressure system is forecast to bring rain to the Southeast early Thursday before heading to the Northeast. Areas from Boston to New York could see rain and breezy conditions, with snowfall possible in parts of northern New Hampshire, northern Maine and the Adirondacks. If the system tracks further inland, there could be less snow and more rain in the mountains, forecasters said. ▶ Read more about Thanksgiving week weather forecasts
By Anna Helhoski, NerdWallet The battle to get here was certainly an uphill one, but people are generally feeling better about the economy and their finances than they once did. On top of that, the economy has been easing into an ideal, Goldilocks-like position — not running too hot or cooling too quickly. Throughout 2024, consumer sentiment data showed people were fairly positive about the economy and their own finances, even if there’s remaining frustration over elevated prices compared to four years ago. Looking ahead, households are feeling more optimistic about their personal finances in the next year, as the share of those expecting to be in a better financial situation a year from now hit its highest level since February 2020. Combine positive personal vibes with a strong economic picture and it looks like 2024 wasn’t so bad for consumers, after all. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t bumps in the road or potential roadblocks ahead. To cap off the year, NerdWallet writers reflect on the top trends in personal finance and the economy this year — and what they think might be ahead in 2025. Elizabeth Renter, NerdWallet’s economist What happened: In 2024, U.S. consumers have proven resilient following a period of high inflation and ongoing high interest rates. Wage growth has been strong, owing in part to rising productivity. This has driven robust spending throughout the year, which has kept the economy growing at a healthy pace. The labor market has remained steady, though cooler than 2023, and price growth continues to moderate towards the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation goal. What’s ahead: Barring significant changes to economic policy and significant shocks, the U.S. economy is expected to grow at a moderate rate in the coming year. Inflation will continue to moderate and the labor market will remain relatively healthy, all due in part to continued slow and deliberate rate cuts from the Fed. However, there are risks to this path. Higher tariffs and tighter immigration policies are likely, but the extent of these changes are yet unclear. The potential policy scenarios are many, and the economic outcomes complex. Increased tariffs are generally inflationary, and stricter immigration policies could impact the labor supply and economic growth. Consumers and small business owners with their eyes to the new year should focus on the things within their control. Margarette Burnette, consumer banking and savings writer What happened: High-yield savings accounts and certificates of deposit offered elevated rates in 2024, rewarding savers with strong returns. Following the Federal Reserve rate cuts in the second half of the year, high-yield accounts had modest rate decreases, but they continued to outperform traditional savings accounts and CDs. What’s ahead: We’re watching for further Federal Reserve rate cuts, which could lead to more decreases in savings rates. Sara Rathner, credit cards writer What happened: Credit card debt levels hit record highs, with consumers turning to credit cards to pay for necessities. While the economy is doing well, many individuals have struggled to make ends meet, as incomes haven’t kept up with certain costs. What’s ahead: We may see some policy and regulation changes with the incoming administration that could affect folks when it comes to credit cards, debt and consumer protections. Ryan Brady, small business writer What happened : New businesses continued to blossom in 2024 as business applications remained well above pre-pandemic levels. Confidence in the future state of the U.S. economy also spiked after the presidential election, but that optimism was tempered by concerns over rising costs and labor quality. What’s ahead: All eyes are on the incoming administration as small-business owners brace for turbulence resulting from potential tariffs, tax policy changes and dismantled government regulations. We’re also watching the possibility of interest rate cuts in 2025 and small-business owners’ growing reliance on new technologies, such as AI. Holden Lewis, mortgages writer What happened: Home buyers struggled with elevated mortgage rates, rising house prices and a shortage of homes for sale. On top of that, a new rule required buyers to negotiate their agents’ commissions. What’s ahead: The Federal Reserve is expected to cut short-term interest rates, but mortgage rates might not necessarily fall by a similar amount. Buyers will probably have more properties to choose from, and the greater supply should keep prices from rising a lot. Interest rates on home equity loans and lines of credit should fall, making it less expensive to borrow to fix up homes — either to sell, or to make the home more comfortable and efficient. Sam Taube, investing writer What happened: The stock market had a great year. The S&P 500 is up more than 25% due to falling interest rates, fading recession fears, AI hype, and the possibility of lighter taxes and regulations under the new administration. Cryptocurrency also saw big gains in 2024; the price of Bitcoin crossed the $100,000 mark for the first time in December. What’s ahead: A lot depends on how fast the Fed reduces rates in 2025. Another key unknown is Trump’s second term. Regulatory rollbacks, such as those he has proposed for the banking industry, could juice stock prices — but they also could create systemic risks in the economy. His proposed tariffs could also hurt economic growth (and therefore stock prices). Finally, it remains to be seen whether trendy AI stocks, such as NVIDIA, can continue their momentum into next year. It’s the same story with crypto: How long will this bull market last? Caitlin Constantine, assistant assigning editor, insurance What happened: Many people saw their home and auto insurance premiums skyrocket in 2024. In some states, homeowners are finding it harder to even find policies in the first place. Meanwhile, life insurance rates have started to decrease post-pandemic. We also saw more insurers offering online-only policies that don’t require a medical exam. What’s ahead: Auto and home insurance costs will likely continue to rise, although auto premiums may not rise as dramatically as they have over the past few years. And if you’re in the market for life insurance, expect to see competitive life insurance quotes and more customizable policies. Eliza Haverstock, student loans writer What happened: Borrowers received historic student loan relief, but lawsuits derailed an income-driven repayment plan used by 8 million whose payments are indefinitely paused. Uncertainty will carry into 2025 as a result of the presidential administration change. What’s ahead: Trump has pledged to overhaul higher education and rein in student loan relief. The fate of the SAVE repayment plan, student loan forgiveness options, FAFSA processing and more remain in the balance. Meghan Coyle, assistant assigning editor, travel What happened: People are willing to pay more for big and small luxuries while traveling, and airlines and hotels are taking note. Many airlines raised checked bag fees early in 2024, credit card issuers and airlines invested in renovated airport lounges, and major hotel companies continued to add luxury properties and brands to their loyalty programs. What’s ahead: Southwest will say goodbye to its open seating policy and introduce new extra-legroom seats, a major departure for the airline. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will unveil a unified loyalty program in 2025. Spirit Airlines may attempt to merge with another airline again after its 2024 bankruptcy filing and two failed mergers under President Biden’s administration. Travelers will find that they’ll have to pay a premium to enjoy most of the upgrades airlines and hotels are making. Laura McMullen, assistant assigning editor, personal finance What happened: This year, dynamic pricing expanded beyond concerts and travel to online retailers and even fast-food restaurants. This practice of prices changing based on real-time supply and demand received plenty of backlash from consumers and prompted the Federal Trade Commission to investigate how companies use consumers’ data to set prices. What’s ahead: Beyond an expansion of dynamic pricing — perhaps with added oversight — expect subscription models to become more prevalent and demand for sustainable products to grow. Shannon Bradley, autos writer What happened: New-car prices held steady in 2024 but remained high after a few years of sharp increases — the average new car now sells for about $48,000, and for the first time ever the price gap between new and used cars surpassed $20,000 (average used-car prices are now slightly more than $25,000). Overall, the car market returned to being in the buyer’s favor, as new-car inventories reached pre-pandemic levels, manufacturer incentives began making a comeback and auto loan interest rates started to decline. What’s ahead: The future of the car market is uncertain and depends on policies implemented by the incoming administration. Questions surround the impact of possible tariffs on car prices, whether auto loan rates will continue to drop, and if federal tax credits will still be available for electric vehicle buyers. Jackie Veling, personal loans writer What happened: Buy now, pay later continued to be a popular payment choice for U.S. shoppers, even while facing headwinds, like an interpretive ruling from the CFPB (which determined BNPL should be regulated the same as credit cards) and Apple’s discontinuation of its popular Apple Pay Later product. Large players like Affirm, Klarna and Afterpay continued to offer interest-free, pay-in-four plans at most major retailers, along with long-term plans for larger purchases. What’s ahead: Though more regulation had been widely anticipated in 2025, the change in administration suggests the CFPB will play a less active role in regulating BNPL products. For this reason, and its continued strength in the market, BNPL will likely keep growing. Taryn Phaneuf, news writer What happened: Easing inflation was a bright spot in 2024. In June, the consumer price index fell below 3% for the first time in three years. Consumers saw prices level off or decline for many goods, including for groceries, gas and new and used vehicles. But prices haven’t fallen far enough or broadly enough to relieve the pinch many households feel. What’s ahead: The new and higher tariffs proposed by the Trump administration could reignite inflation on a wide range of goods. Taryn Phaneuf, news writer What happened: Rent prices remain high, but annual rent inflation slowed significantly compared to recent years, staying around 3.5% for much of 2024, according to Zillow, a real estate website that tracks rents. A wave of newly constructed rental units on the market seems to be helping ease competition among renters and forcing landlords to offer better incentives for signing a lease. What’s ahead: If it continues, a softening rental market could work in renters’ favor. But construction is one of several industries that could see a shortage of workers if the Trump administration follows through on its promise to deport undocumented immigrants. A shortage of workers would mean fewer houses and apartments could be built. Anna Helhoski, news writer What happened: After a contentious presidential campaign, former President Donald Trump declared victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. While on the campaign trail, Trump promised to lower inflation, cut taxes, enact tariffs, weaken the power of the Federal Reserve, deport undocumented immigrants and more. Many economists have said Trump’s proposals, if enacted, would likely be inflationary. In Congress, Republicans earned enough seats to control both houses. What’s ahead: It’s unclear which campaign promises Trump will fulfill on his own and with the support of the new Congress. He has promised a slew of “day one” actions that could lead to higher prices, including across-the-board tariffs and mass deportations. Most recently, Trump pledged to enact 20% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as an additional 10% tariff on China. He has also promised to extend or make permanent the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; many of its provisions expire by the end of 2025. Anna Helhoski, news writer What happened: Fiscal year 2023-2024’s funding saga finally came to an end in March, then six months later, the battle to fund the fiscal year 2024-2025 began. The Biden Administration waged its own war against junk fees . Antitrust enforcers pushed back against tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta; prevented the Kroger-Albertsons merger; nixed the Jet Blue-Spirit Airlines merger; and moved to ban noncompete agreements. The Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the constitutionality of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, as well as a challenge to abortion pill access. SCOTUS also overruled its landmark Chevron case, which means every federal regulatory agency’s power to set and enforce its own rules are now weaker. What’s ahead: The election’s red sweep means the GOP will control the executive and legislative branches of government. They’ll face the threat of at least one more potential government shutdown; a debt ceiling drama comeback; and the beginning of the debate over extending or making permanent provisions of the expiring 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. More From NerdWallet Anna Helhoski writes for NerdWallet. Email: anna@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @AnnaHelhoski. The article What Trended in Personal Finance in 2024? originally appeared on NerdWallet .TORONTO — Ontario has passed a divisive piece of legislation that will prevent municipalities from adding certain new bike lanes and remove bike lanes on three main Toronto roads. The fast-tracked bill requires municipalities to ask the province for permission to install bike lanes when they would remove a lane of vehicle traffic. It goes one step further and removes sections of Bloor Street, Yonge Street and University Avenue bike lanes and restores them as lanes for vehicle traffic. Premier Doug Ford has complained about some bike lanes creating gridlock, in particular a stretch of Bloor Street West that is about a 10-minute drive from his home in Toronto's west end. Amendments that the government added last week include indemnity clauses, such as prohibiting lawsuits as a direct or indirect result of actions taken to remove bike lanes. NDP Leader Marit Stiles says she believes the immunity clauses were thrown into the legislation after the government heard from members of the public who said that people will be killed and injured as a result of removing protected bike lanes. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 25, 2024. Allison Jones, The Canadian Press
Fraud Prevention in Online Payments: A Practical GuideDuring the Singapore FinTech Festival, I had a chance to visit the National Library of Singapore and explore the Generative AI-powered ChatBook featuring one of the founders of modern Singapore S. Rajaratnam. The showcase was inaugurated by Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong while launching the second volume of the biography of S. Rajaratnam, “The Lion’s Roar”, authored by Irene Ng. Singapore’s Senior Minister and former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who graced the showcase, noted: “Raja belonged to the core group of Founding Fathers who shared fierce conviction of what Singapore should be, and defied the odds to build a united, successful, and confident nation. It is befitting that NLB has made this ChatBook prototype publicly available with Raja’s materials.” Rajaratnam was born on 25 February 1915 in Jaffna, Ceylon, and at the age of six months, his mother brought him to join his father in Malaya. His mother had taken the precaution of giving birth to him in her hometown Jaffna because of her traumatic experience at a hospital in Malaya a few years earlier. Rajaratnam spent his childhood in Malaya and later went to London to study at King’s College but had to return to Malaya before completing his studies due to World War II. Eventually, he settled in Singapore, where he became a prominent journalist, political leader, and one of the Founding Fathers of independent Singapore. Rajaratnam was close to Lee Kuan Yew, and they shared a strong working relationship as part of Singapore’s founding leadership. Both were core members of the People’s Action Party (PAP) and worked together to guide Singapore through its early years of independence. Rajaratnam served as Singapore’s first Foreign Minister, while Lee was the first Prime Minister, and their shared vision for the country’s future helped them build a solid and effective partnership. As the Foreign Minister, Rajaratnam was skilled in diplomacy and worked to establish Singapore’s presence on the global stage, especially during a time when Singapore was a small, newly independent country. He advocated for principles of non-alignment, peaceful coexistence, and cooperation, which allowed Singapore to build strong relationships with both Eastern and Western nations. His influence also extended domestically. He played a key role in promoting multiculturalism and social cohesion, particularly through the drafting of the Singapore National Pledge, which emphasised unity across racial and religious lines. His ideals of harmony, meritocracy, and national unity continue to shape Singapore’s identity today. Rajaratnam’s contributions to the nation’s broader development had a significant impact on Singapore’s emergence as a global financial hub. As Foreign Minister, he played a key role in shaping Singapore’s international image and establishing diplomatic ties with countries and organisations that would later facilitate global trade and investment. His efforts in building strong foreign relations and advocating for Singapore’s strategic location as a neutral and stable nation created an environment conducive to economic growth, including in the financial sector. Additionally, Rajaratnam’s emphasis on national stability, meritocracy, and social cohesion helped to create the social and political foundation that made the country an attractive destination for global businesses and investors. Singapore’s reputation as a stable, efficient, and transparent country, with policies that encouraged foreign investment, was crucial to its success as a powerful financial hub in the world today. (The writer is the Founding President of Fintech Association of Sri Lanka and a relative of Late S. Rajaratnam)
With ( ) stock in record-high territory, a longtime Apple bull on Thursday raised his price target to the highest level on Wall Street. Wedbush Securities analyst Daniel Ives maintained his outperform rating on Apple stock and increased his 12-month price target to 325 from 300. In morning trades on the , Apple stock hit a record high of 260.09. In recent trades, Apple stock was up a fraction to 259.07. "We believe Apple is heading into a multiyear AI-driven iPhone upgrade cycle that is still being underestimated by the Street," Ives said in a client note. "Rome wasn't built in a day and neither will Apple's AI strategy, but the seeds of that strategy with Apple Intelligence are now forming and will transform the Apple consumer growth narrative over the coming years." He added that "a golden era of growth (for Apple) is now on the horizon into 2025." Apple kicked off its artificial intelligence strategy with the iPhone 16 smartphone family, which launched on Sept. 20. It then added its first AI features, branded Apple Intelligence, in a software update on Oct. 28. The company released a second batch of AI features on Dec. 11. Those Apple Intelligence features are only available for newer iPhones, iPads and Mac computers. Ives says he believes a wave of AI apps being developed will accelerate Apple services revenue along with catalyzing iPhone upgrades over the next 12 to 18 months. BTIG Cautious On Apple Stock After Run Meanwhile, research firm BTIG on Thursday urged caution on Apple stock heading into January. BTIG analyst Jonathan Krinsky noted that Apple last week posted its fifth consecutive weekly gain of 2% or more. But one-month forward returns following such streaks have been quite negative for the company, he said in a report. With Apple "once again the world's most valuable company and nearing a $4 trillion market cap, we would be cautious on the stock heading into January," Krinsky said. Year to date, Apple stock has soared more than 34%. It has a market capitalization of nearly $3.91 trillion. Apple stock is on the list.
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 26, 2024-- The iconic fitness brand and website, Men’s Fitness , has relaunched under The Arena Group . Originally published in 1987 as the ‘magazine for active men,’ the brand’s mission is to be the definitive source for men who want to live stronger, healthier lives. The new site contains health and fitness news, training routines, nutrition expertise, gear reviews and more. The site is led by Matt Allyn, former Editor-in Chief of Men’s Journal . Allyn also previously wrote for Runner’s World , Bicycling and Men’s Health . This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241226468398/en/ Beloved Fitness Brand, Men’s Fitness, Returns under The Arena Group just in time for New Year's resolutions. (Photo: Business Wire) The staff is comprised of seasoned health and fitness writers and experts. The team also has an Advisory Board made up of doctors, certified trainers and dieticians who are regular contributors to the site, providing guidance and context on the latest research or trending fitness content. One goal of the new site is to connect readers directly to these experts. “We’re at a point where there is more interest than ever in fitness and health,” said Allyn. “But it’s also harder than ever for readers to know who to trust. There is a lot of noise in this space. So, one of our main goals is to identify and showcase experts in this field, to help readers navigate their fitness journey with trusted sources.” New Year’s Resolutions Beginning earlier this month, and continuing through January, Men’s Fitness will produce a series of feature stories on men who went through health transformations – and will showcase the steps they took throughout the process. The goal is to inspire others to live their healthiest life. “Everyone’s health needs are different,” said Allyn. “We’re excited to kick off the new year by illuminating these stories to aid and inspire men on their health and fitness journey.” Men’s Fitness – which had been a sub brand of Men’s Journal since 2017 – is focused solely on health, fitness and nutrition. It has a robust social following on Facebook and X and the team plans to focus on growing its social content and audience in 2025. About The Arena Group The Arena Group (NYSE American: AREN) is an innovative technology platform and media company with a proven, cutting-edge playbook that transforms media brands. Arena’s unified technology platform empowers creators and publishers with tools to publish and monetize their content, while also leveraging quality journalism of anchor brands like TheStreet, Parade , Men’s Journal and Athlon Sports to build their businesses. The company aggregates content across a diverse portfolio of brands, reaching over 100 million users monthly. Visit us at thearenagroup.net and discover how we are revolutionizing the world of digital media. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241226468398/en/ CONTACT: Steve Janisse c-sjanisse@thearenagroup.net 404-574-9206 KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: OTHER COMMUNICATIONS PUBLISHING FITNESS & NUTRITION MEN COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA LIFESTYLE HEALTH CONSUMER SOURCE: The Arena Group Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/26/2024 11:38 AM/DISC: 12/26/2024 11:37 AM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241226468398/enThe San Francisco Giants swung big and missed on Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, making runs at but failing to reel in the biggest free agent the past two winters. This time, they tried a different tactic, sitting out the Juan Soto sweepstakes – yet still doled out the biggest contract in franchise history. The Giants and shortstop Willy Adames have agreed to a seven-year, $182 million contract, according to a person with direct knowledge of the agreement. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because the deal has not yet been finalized. Adames, 29, slugged 32 home runs last year for the Milwaukee Brewers, his second 30-homer season in the past three. The starting shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series, he was traded to Milwaukee a year later and has emerged as one of the most reliable sources of middle infield power in the game. Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings. That does come with some cost. Adames is strikeout-prone – he whiffed 173 times last season – and his strikeout rate has never dipped below 25%. His production can be volatile from year-to-year, as his adjusted OPS has ranged from 121 to 110 to 94 to 118 between 2021 and 2024. But he'll add a significant dimension to the largely punchless Giants, who have hovered in the 80-win range ever since winning a franchise-high 107 games in 2021. Three years of mediocrity resulted in the firing of baseball operations chief Farhan Zaidi, who was replaced by future Hall of Famer Buster Posey . Posey was the previous recipient of the Giants' biggest contract ever, a $167 million extension that took him to the end of his playing career in 2022. Now, it is Adames who holds that distinction. Whether he can maintain his prodigious power numbers as he ages is open to question. But there's no denying the immediate punch he gives them up the middle, and alleviating the pressure on young slugging infielder Tyler Fitzgerald, who socked 15 home runs last seaosn and presumably would move to second base. Contributing: Bob Nightengale
In an era where digital engagement is paramount, the integration of professional photo booth rentals at corporate events in Jacksonville is proving to be more than just a trend. These booths, equipped with advanced technology and customizable features, have the potential to elevate brand visibility, facilitate networking, and inject a dose of fun into any corporate gathering. As we explore the various benefits and considerations associated with these rentals, you may find yourself contemplating the transformative impact of such a seemingly simple addition to your next corporate event. Professional photo booths, a powerful tool in the domain of event photography, are much more than simple boxes with cameras. Their evolution is a fascinating journey through photo booth history, with roots dating back to the early 20th century when they were used for creating passport photos. Over time, the application of photo booths expanded to include entertainment purposes, transforming them from functional apparatuses to an engaging event attraction. The modern professional photo booth is a blend of traditional photography and cutting-edge technology. Digital cameras have replaced film, resulting in high-resolution photos and instant prints. User-friendly interfaces allow guests to have fun while capturing memories, often with customizable features like green screens and augmented reality filters. The sophistication of photo booth technology is also evident in its connectivity features. Most professional photo booths now offer social media integration, allowing users to instantly share their photos online. Furthermore, the booths can be remotely managed, ensuring the seamless operation during events. Understanding professional photo booths is essential to appreciating their role in event photography. They encapsulate the progression of photographic technology and chronicle the evolution of social interaction at events, making them a significant component of the event industry. Engaging guests at an event and creating memorable branding opportunities are two primary benefits of renting a professional photo booth. With the interactive nature of photo booths, event attendees are encouraged to participate, thereby heightening their engagement. In addition, customized graphics on photo booth prints offer a unique marketing tool, directly promoting brand recognition in a memorable way. A host’s foremost objective often revolves around engaging guests and creating a memorable experience. In the domain of corporate events, this can be accomplished through strategic event networking and the incorporation of interactive entertainment. Professional photo booth rentals in Jacksonville offer a unique solution that enhances event engagement effectively. With a photo booth, guests are encouraged to interact with one another, fostering an environment conducive to networking. When people congregate for a fun, shared experience, conversations and connections naturally follow. In addition, photo booths are an excellent source of interactive entertainment. The experience of posing for photos, experimenting with props, and anticipating the printed results generates excitement and keeps guests entertained throughout the event. Moreover, the digital capabilities of modern photo booths offer additional engagement opportunities. For example, services like corporate event photo booths in Jacksonville, FL provide customizable options and instant social media sharing, allowing guests to extend their engagement beyond the physical bounds of the event. This creates a buzz that not only maintains interest during the event but also leaves a lasting impression long after. Why limit branding efforts to banners and brochures when photo booth rentals in Jacksonville can offer more engaging and memorable opportunities? As part of your all-encompassing branding strategy, photo booths infuse an element of fun that not only enhances the overall experience but also creates a lasting impression. Photo booths can be customized to reflect your brand’s image, logo, and key messages, effectively transforming them into interactive branding platforms. As event attendees have their photos taken, they interact with your branding in a unique and personal way, amplifying the exposure and enhancing recall. These unique experiences, coupled with branded props or backdrops, are shared widely on social media by attendees, extending the reach of your brand beyond the event itself. These shared images fundamentally serve as personalized endorsements, adding authenticity to your brand’s image, a critical factor in today’s digital marketing landscape. Moreover, photo booth images offer a tangible take-away for attendees, serving as a constant reminder of your brand long after the event has concluded. This continuous exposure reinforces your brand’s message, making photo booth rentals an invaluable tool in modern branding strategies. At its core, photo booths are not just a source of entertainment; they are an innovative branding powerhouse. Customizing your photo booth experience can transform an ordinary event into an unforgettable occasion. When planning a corporate event in Jacksonville, it’s important to take into account how a professional photo booth rental can work in tandem with your event’s theme, location, and guest list. One of the ways to enhance your photo booth experience is through custom props. From branded items reflecting your company’s logo or products to novelty items that correlate with your event’s theme, custom props can add a fun and engaging element to your photo booth. They not only provide a unique way for guests to interact but also serve as memorable keepsakes. Similarly, themed backdrops can greatly elevate your photo booth experience. With a professional photo booth rental, you have the opportunity to select from a range of high-quality, themed backdrops. This can range from corporate and polished to fun and festive. The backdrop sets the mood, creates a cohesive aesthetic and guarantees your photos are visually appealing. Given the prevalence of social media in today’s digital age, integrating this feature into your professional photo booth rental can greatly amplify your event’s reach and engagement. Social media integration allows attendees to instantly share their photos on various platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. This not only enhances user engagement but also promotes your event in real-time, expanding its visibility beyond the physical location. Furthermore, these features can be tailored to suit your event’s theme or branding. For instance, custom hashtags can be automatically embedded into each photo before it’s posted online, fundamentally turning each shared photo into a mini advertisement for your event. This increases your event’s social media footprint, potentially attracting more attendees or clients in the future. Also, the integration of social media allows for data analytics. You can track the number of posts, likes, shares, and comments, providing valuable insights into audience preferences and engagement levels. This data can be instrumental in refining your future marketing strategies. The quality of photo prints is a critical consideration in professional photo booth rentals. Key factors influencing this include high-resolution photo output, the durability of print materials, and the use of advanced printing technology. Each of these elements contributes to the overall quality and consumer satisfaction with the printed photos. While many might underestimate the importance of high-resolution photo output, it is an essential aspect that sets professional photo booth rentals apart from amateur setups. High resolution images are not merely a luxury, but a necessity in preserving the vividness and creativity of the captured moments. These details can make the difference between a delightful keepsake and a forgettable printout. A professional photo booth rental company in Jacksonville understands this significance, investing in top-tier equipment that produces high-quality prints. The output is not just about the number of pixels. It is about the precision, color accuracy, and sharpness that these pixels deliver in the final print. A high-resolution photo output translates to clearer, more detailed images. This means that every smile, every expression, and every color in your corporate event photos will be captured with high fidelity. The print quality is, consequently, superior, making every photo a masterpiece worthy of framing. Moreover, high resolution images are perfect for large format prints, ensuring that even when the photos are enlarged, they maintain their quality and do not become pixelated or blurred. This makes them ideal for showcasing at business premises, exhibitions, or trade shows. Hence, opting for a professional photo booth rental with high-resolution photo output is a prudent choice for any corporate event. Guaranteeing longevity and preserving memories, durable print materials are another essential aspect of professional photo booth rentals. The quality of these materials directly affects the lifespan of the printed photographs, emphasizing the importance of print longevity. In the domain of professional photo booth rentals for corporate events, service providers often utilize durable materials known for their resilience and longevity. These materials not only withstand the test of time but also resist environmental factors such as light, humidity, and temperature variations that can degrade photo quality over time. The use of high-grade, durable materials guarantees that the printed photographs retain their originality and vibrancy for years. This assures that the memories captured during the event remain fresh and vivid, reinforcing the value of the occasion. Moreover, these materials also contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the printed photos. They provide a professional finish that enhances the visual impact of the images, guaranteeing that they serve as a fitting representation of the corporate event. Consistently at the forefront of a professional photo booth rental’s success is the application of advanced printing technology. This technology is intricately woven into the fabric of a successful corporate event, providing high-quality photos that serve as tangible memories of the occasion. Advanced printing technology utilizes the latest photo technology and printing innovations to deliver crisp, vibrant images. The precision of these technologies guarantees that every detail is captured, from the smallest facial expression to the intricate designs of event decor. With this technology, photos are not just printed, they are crafted with a level of detail and precision that only professional equipment can achieve. Moreover, advanced printing technology offers quick printing times, guaranteeing that guests do not have to wait for long to receive their photos. This efficiency is vital in a corporate event setting, where time is of the essence, and maintaining a smooth flow is paramount. Professional photo booth rentals in Jacksonville understand the importance of this technology and incorporate it into their services. By doing so, they provide an unrivaled level of quality and service, setting them apart in the competitive event industry. The application of advanced printing technology, consequently, is not just an option, but a necessity in the domain of professional photo booth rentals. One cannot underestimate the power of a photo booth in transforming a mundane corporate event into an engaging and interactive experience. Photo booths not only offer a fun diversion but also a unique way to foster team bonding. By stepping out of their formal roles and into the friendly environment of a photo booth, employees can interact with one another in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. This can result in not only increased employee satisfaction but also in stronger interpersonal relationships among team members. Furthermore, the photos taken serve as tangible mementos of the event often shared and displayed in the workplace long after the event has passed. They serve as a constant reminder of the positive, shared experiences among team members, further reinforcing the team bonding and collaboration initiated at the event. Moreover, photo booths can be tailored to align with the theme or purpose of the corporate event, offering a range of props and backgrounds to suit the occasion. This further enhances the level of engagement, making the photo booth an entertaining and memorable part of the event. Consequently, photo booths are an excellent tool for enhancing engagement and interaction at corporate events. How do you select the right photo booth provider for your corporate event? Several important factors come into play. To begin with, assess the variety of photo booth types offered by potential providers. From traditional enclosed booths to open-air setups, and mirror booths to green screen options, the provider’s inventory should cater to your specific needs and aesthetic preferences. Next, examine the rental packages they offer. These should be thorough, covering not only the photo booth itself but also essential add-ons such as props, backdrops, custom print layouts, and digital sharing capabilities. A reliable provider will offer a range of packages, allowing you to find one that aligns with your event’s scale and budget. Additionally, consider the provider’s reputation and experience. Look for testimonials and reviews from previous clients to gauge their professionalism and reliability. An experienced provider will be able to handle unexpected challenges and guarantee smooth operation throughout your event. Lastly, communication and customer service are essential. Your provider should be responsive, accommodating, and willing to work closely with you to tailor their services to your event’s unique needs. Remember, a successful corporate event hinges on your ability to choose a photo booth provider that fulfills your requirements and exceeds your expectations. Understanding the cost implications is a critical step in the process of renting a photo booth for your corporate event. Budget planning involves considering several factors, including the rental package you choose, the event duration, and any potential hidden fees. Rental packages typically include the booth, attendant, props, and digital copies of the photos. However, additional features like custom backdrops, social media sharing, or branded photo strips may incur extra charges. It is crucial to clearly understand what is included in your chosen package and what is not. The event duration also affects the cost. Most companies offer packages based on hours, with potential overtime charges if your event runs longer than expected. Be sure to clarify this in the service agreement. Setup costs are another consideration. Some companies include this in the rental price, while others charge separately. Look for any hidden fees, such as travel expenses or costs for additional prints, which can add up. Typically, professional photo booth rentals include liability coverage and equipment protection insurance. This guarantees any accidental damage or injury during the event is covered, providing peace of mind to the party renting the equipment. The setup duration for a professional photo booth typically takes approximately 60-90 minutes, while the dismantle time is generally around 45-60 minutes, dependent on the specific equipment and location logistics involved. Our photo booths typically require access to a standard 110V outlet. Ensuring proper power sources is essential as equipment specifications dictate this need for peak performance. An uninterrupted power supply enhances the booth’s efficient operation at events. Yes, we provide a variety of props suitable for different photo styles. Additionally, we offer prop customization to align with your event’s theme, ensuring a unique and engaging photo booth experience for your attendees. Post-event ordering is a simple process. Additional prints can be easily obtained through our online portal. Numerous print options are available to suit your preferences, ensuring that your memorable moments are captured beautifully.Most workers worry Social Security won't pay out future benefits. Here’s what advisors say.Geoff Russ: Trudeau's cowardice in the face of violent antisemitism is disgraceful
NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani wins his third MVP and first in the NL following a historic offensive season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
An archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on
