slot games online no download The Biden Administration announced a proposal that would require airlines to pay cash compensation and cover lodging and meals for passengers stranded due to airlines cancelling or changing flights. LiveNOW's Mike Pache discusses the implications of this with legal analyst Danny Karon. Major tourist destinations announce visitor restrictions for 2025, including Venice's expanded entry fee and Pompeii's new daily cap Tourism surge driven by revenge travel, digital nomads and golden visas strains local communities Officials report record tourism numbers overwhelm infrastructure and housing markets LOS ANGELES - A record-breaking surge in global tourism is forcing popular European destinations to implement stricter visitor limits for 2025, as cities struggle with what experts call "overtourism." The tourism boom, rather than leveling off after pandemic restrictions lifted, continues to accelerate. The Associated Press reported the surge stems from ongoing revenge travel, digital nomad programs and golden visas that allow foreign investors extended stays. The United Nations tourism agency reported that by March 2024, more than 285 million tourists had traveled internationally - marking a 20% increase from 2023's first quarter, the Associated Press reported. This surge made 2024 the first year to exceed pre-pandemic tourism records. The boom stems from revenge travel, digital nomad campaigns and golden visas, which grant extended stays to foreign investors. These factors helped drive housing prices higher and strain local services, according to the Associated Press. In China and India, experts note crowded places are more socially accepted , while European cities struggle with cultural expectations around personal space and exclusivity, the World Trade Organization reported. Barcelona residents sprayed tourists with water guns last summer while holding "Go Home" banners, Forbes reported. The city removed a bus route from tourist maps after overcrowding at Park Güell. In Sintra, Portugal, traffic jams around historic sites led residents to form QSintra. "Not to be able to get an ambulance or to not be able to get my groceries is a rich people problem?" resident Matthew Bedell told the Associated Press. Pompeii archaeological park now limits daily visitors to 20,000 people, park director Gabriel Zuchtriegel announced. The cap aims to protect the UNESCO World Heritage site after a single day saw more than 36,000 visitors. Venice plans to expand its entry fee system throughout 2025. The Greek government will restrict cruise ships at popular islands, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced. Local infrastructure struggles to handle tourism demands. Santorini banned construction amid water shortage fears, while water scarcity reduced wine production by 50% on the island, Forbes reported. Amsterdam has banned new hotels except on a one-out, one-in basis, requiring proof of sustainable improvements over previous establishments. Tourist restrictions aren't the only changes facing travelers to Europe next year. Starting in mid-2025, U.S. travelers must apply for ETIAS authorization before visiting 30 European countries, officials announced. The online application costs €7 (about $7.47) and remains valid for three years or until the passport expires. Travelers age 70 and older can apply for free. The European Union designed ETIAS to enhance border security while streamlining entry for approved travelers. Officials recommend applying well before departure to avoid complications, as some applications may require additional documentation.

UConn head coach Dan Hurley insists he's not overvaluing Wednesday night's game between his 25th-ranked Huskies and No. 15 Baylor in Storrs, Conn. Sure, it comes on the heels of the two-time reigning national champion Huskies (5-3) responding to losing all three games during the Maui Invitational with a blowout victory over Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday. UConn, which had won 17 consecutive games entering the Maui tournament, fell 23 spots from No. 2 to nearly out of the Associated Press Top 25 poll released Monday. "I think it's such a long season and we're eight games in," Hurley said when asked about facing the Bears. "Our performance in Maui shocked the college basketball world and the sports world, and obviously a lot went on there." "I don't think it's a must-win game in Game Nine of the season, but it's an opportunity to play in Gampel (Pavilion), where we play great and are very comfortable, and we know we're gonna have a great crowd." "We also know we're playing a top-level team, so it's a big game for us and it's a big game for them." Wednesday's game signifies the start of a tough stretch in UConn's schedule. The Huskies will visit Texas on Sunday and challenge No. 7 Gonzaga in New York on Dec. 14 before beginning Big East play on Dec. 18 against Xavier, which fell from No. 22 to out of the poll on Monday. But let's go back to Saturday's 99-45 dismantling of the Hawks. Jaylin Stewart started in place of the injured Alex Karaban (head) and joined Liam McNeeley by scoring 16 points to put UConn back in the win column. Solo Ball contributed 12 points, Aidan Mahaney had 11 and Tarris Reed Jr. (10 points, 12 rebounds) and Jayden Ross (10 points, 10 rebounds) each recorded a double-double. "This experience they're getting, (Stewart), Jayden Ross, Solo Ball, these guys are going to keep getting better and better," Hurley said. "Jaylin Stewart has flashed. That Memphis game (in which he scored 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting), he flashed a lot in that one. "... These sophomores are just going to keep getting better and better. That's why I do think we do need the grace and support of our people here at UConn. Because they're going to be such different players in January and February." Coming off a split in the Bahamas, Baylor (5-2) bounced back from a 77-62 setback to then-No. 11 Tennessee on Nov. 22 with a decisive 91-60 victory over New Orleans last Wednesday. "I know we're all a little tired," Bears coach Scott Drew said. "Whenever you come back from the Bahamas and a trip like that, the first game, you can be playing in mud. And I think the guys did a pretty good job, for the most part." Jayden Nunn drained six of his seven 3-pointers in the first half and finished with a season-high 23 points to power Baylor past the Privateers. Robert Wright III scored 18 points, Jeremy Roach had 17 and Miami transfer Norchad Omier recorded his third consecutive double-double after finishing with 12 points and a season-high 13 rebounds. --Field Level Media

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Intuitive Surgical Inc. stock rises Monday, still underperforms marketThe start of a new year can bring a surge of motivation around setting new goals, including financial resolutions. One way to help those goals become reality, financial experts say, is to make them as specific as possible. Then, track your progress, while allowing flexibility for unexpected challenges. “It’s easier to track progress when we know where we are going,” says Sylvie Scowcroft, a certified financial planner and founder of The Financial Grove in Cambridge, Massachusetts. That’s why she encourages her clients to set clearly defined goals, often related to paying off a specific debt, saving a certain amount per month or improving their credit score. Here are more tips from financial experts about crafting 2025 : Trying to accomplish too much can feel overwhelming. Instead, pick your priorities, says Cathleen Tobin, CFP and owner of Moonbridge Financial Design in Rhinebeck, New York. She suggests focusing on those big, often emotionally-driven goals to find motivation. “It’s more compelling than just a number,” she says. For example, do you want to make sure you’re on track for retirement or save money for a house? “Start there.” Scowcroft says she sees clients get tripped up by selecting overly broad goals, such as “get better with money.” Instead, she encourages people to select specific action items, such as “sign up for a budgeting tool and set aside time each month to learn where my money is going.” That level of specificity provides direction so you know what steps to take next, she adds. For example, if your top priority is to become debt-free, then your specific goal might be to pay off an extra $200 of your debt balance each month. Tobin says labeling so they correspond with goals can also help. An emergency fund could be named something like “Peace of mind in 2025,” so you remember why you’re saving every time you make a transfer. “It’s more motivating than just ‘emergency fund,’” Tobin says. Measuring your progress as the year unfolds is also a critical component of successful goal setting, Tobin says. She compares it to weight loss. If you want to lose 20 pounds by June, then you need to lose about a pound a week for the first six months of the year. Similarly, she says it helps to break savings goals into microsteps that specify what you need to do each week. Schedule a weekly or monthly check-in with yourself to make sure you are meeting those smaller goals along the way. You might want to review your debt payoff progress or check your , for example. “Being able to break it down into steps that can be done each week or twice a month really helps,” Tobin says. If your goal is to , then setting up an automatic transfer each month can help turn that goal into reality, as long as you know you have the money in your checking account to spare. “It reduces the mental load,” says Mike Hunsberger, CFP and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning in St. Charles, Missouri, where he primarily supports veterans and current members of the military. He recommends starting small to ease into the change. “I wouldn’t jump to double what you’re currently saving,” he says. For example, when it comes to saving in a retirement account, if you’re starting with a 3% contribution, you might want to bump it up to 4%, then slowly increase it from there. “My number one piece of advice is to start small, but make sure you scale over time,” Hunsberger adds. “Because it’s gradual, you probably won’t notice it impacting your lifestyle.” “Stay flexible,” Scowcroft says. “Part of it is just being kind to yourself and not being too rigid.” When unexpected challenges come up, such as a big unplanned expense, you might have to pause making progress on your goal and reset. You might even need to change your goal. Scowcroft says that doesn’t mean you “failed,” just that life changed your plans. Dwelling on any negativity won’t help your forward progress. Sharing your goals with a friend can also make it easier to reach them, Scowcroft says. “It really helps to have an accountability buddy,” she says. She suggests putting a regular “money date” with your friend on the calendar so you can ask each other how you’re doing, brainstorm any challenges or even . “It’s a fun excuse to meet up with a friend.”

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OTTAWA — Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new border plan with Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. Both Trudeau and former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney, who Trudeau has been courting to become Canada's next finance minister, shared posts on X Thursday, a day after Trump's latest jab at Canada in his Christmas Day message. It isn't clear if Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who has repeatedly insisted Trump's 51st state references are a joke, will raise the issue with Trump's team when he and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly meet with them in Palm Beach. The two are there to discuss Canada's new $1.3 billion border plan with just under four weeks left before Trump is sworn in again as president. He has threatened to impose a new 25 per cent import tariff on Canada and Mexico the same day over concerns about a trade imbalance, as well as illegal drugs and migration issues at the borders. The broad strokes of Canada's plan were made public Dec. 17, including a new aerial intelligence task force to provide round-the-clock surveillance of the border, and improved efforts using technology and canine teams to seek out drugs in shipments leaving Canada LeBlanc's spokesman, Jean-Sébastien Comeau, said the ministers will also emphasize the negative impacts of Trump's threatened tariffs on both Canada and the U.S. Comeau said the ministers will build on the discussions that took place last month when Trudeau and LeBlanc met Trump at Mar-a-Lago just days after Trump first made his tariff threat. It was at that dinner on Nov. 29 when Trump first raised the notion of Canada becoming the 51st state, a comment LeBlanc has repeatedly since insisted was just a joke. But Trump has continued the quip repeatedly in various social media posts, including in his Christmas Day message when he said Canadians would pay lower taxes and have better military protection if they became Americans. He has taken to calling Trudeau "governor" instead of prime minister. Trudeau had not directly responded to any of the jabs, but on Thursday posted a link to a six-minute long video on YouTube from 2010 in which American journalist Tom Brokaw "explains Canada to Americans." The video, which originally aired during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, explains similarities between the two countries, including their founding based on immigration, their trading relationship and the actions of the Canadian Army in World War 2 and other modern conflicts. "In the long history of sovereign neighbours there has never been a relationship as close, productive and peaceful as the U.S. and Canada," Brokaw says in the video. Trudeau did not expand about why he posted a link to the video, posting it only with the words "some information about Canada for Americans." Carney, who is at the centre of some of Trudeau's recent domestic political troubles, also called out Trump's antics on X Thursday, calling it "casual disrespect" and "carrying the 'joke' too far." "Time to call it out, stand up for Canada, and build a true North American partnership," said Carney, who Trudeau was courting to join his cabinet before Chrystia Freeland resigned as finance minister last week. Freeland's sudden departure, three days after Trudeau informed her he would be firing her as finance minister in favour of Carney, left Trudeau's leadership even more bruised than it already was. Despite the expectation Carney would assume the role, he did not and has not made any statements about it. LeBlanc was sworn in as finance minister instead the same day Freeland quit. More than two dozen Liberal MPs have publicly called on Trudeau to resign as leader, and Trudeau is said to be taking the holidays to think about his next steps. He is currently vacationing in British Columbia. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 27, 2024. Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press

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NoneNewport News seeks $20 million federal grant to address coal dust in Southeast Community(BPT) - Has it been a while since you purchased a new TV? You might be surprised by how far TV technology has come since you bought your last set! Today's smart televisions offer dramatic improvements in picture quality and home screens that are far easier to navigate. Plus, they come with a host of cool features like voice control that you may not even know about. It's time to discover what you've been missing — and if you're asking yourself where to start, the Fire TV Buyer Insights Report can help. This independent study surveyed over 2,000 recent purchasers of smart TVs to learn everything from where they did their product research to why they decided to buy. With the holidays almost upon us, the insights in this report can help guide you as you kick off your seasonal shopping. Whether you're buying a gift, hosting a holiday gathering or looking for the perfect game-day screen, read on to find the best TV for your needs. How do you find the right TV? Here's how recent purchasers did it. When it comes to buying a new TV, there are several factors you'll want to consider, starting with who's going to be using it. The study found that spouses (36%), kids (13%), and even grandparents (1%) were involved in the purchase process, so be sure to keep your home's audience in mind. Beyond that, you'll also want to think about: Room size Smart TVs range in size from a 32-inch screen all the way up to a whopping 100 inches or more. To determine the right screen size for your room, follow this guideline: Small rooms: 32"–43" screen Medium rooms: 43"–55" screen Large rooms: 55+" screen As for viewing distance, divide the screen's diameter by 8 to get the ideal viewing distance in feet. For example, a 32-inch screen should be watched from about 4 feet away, while you'll want to be about 8 feet away from a 65-inch screen. Usage How you plan to use your new TV should play a large part in your decision-making process. If you're always looking for the latest show or movie to watch, your smart TV should offer optimal access to the latest streaming services. Gamers will experience better play on a TV with a high refresh rate, while sports enthusiasts will want to watch the big game on a set with smooth motion handling. Connected TV experience One of the most important considerations is how you'll use TV. In the study, 83% of TV purchasers said that easy access to content was one of the things they liked best about their new TV. But beyond being an all-in-one source for entertainment, your smart TV should also play well with other smart home devices. For instance, Fire TV allows you to pair compatible devices seamlessly like video doorbells, smart home devices, and more. And with select models, Fire TV's Ambient Experience can turn the biggest screen in your home into a beautiful, always-on smart display rotating through beautiful art, personal photos, and glanceable information like calendars and reminders. Knowledge is power Before you land on the perfect TV, you'll need to do a little research first. The study found that only 12% of shoppers bought their TV on an impulse, while 65% engaged in some form of product research. Most (82%) respondents conducted some or all of their research online for instant access to smart TV reviews and feature comparisons. In fact, over half of respondents who searched online mentioned digital retailers like Amazon as a great source for honest ratings and buyer reviews. Timing is everything According to the study, the time from research to purchase takes about two weeks, so plan ahead — especially if you're thinking about giving a TV as a holiday gift. There are also some great deals available during this time of year, so keep an eye out for sales and promotional offers. The big picture A new TV is a big purchase, so don't make it an impulsive one. Take the time to do your research and remember that everyone takes a different path to finding the perfect TV. Whether your search begins online, offline, or with a mix of both, it will end with a next-level viewing experience that's just right for the way you watch.

Middle East latest: Israel bombs hundreds of sites across Syria as army pushes into border zone

Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state commentsPresident Salome Zourabichvili refuses to step down, even though her mandate expires this week. She has accused authorities of election rigging and has called the appointment of her successor "a mockery of democracy." Salome Zourabichvili's role as president was largely marked by symbolism and limited power. However, she has recently emerged as the face of the nationwide anti-government, pro-EU protests, which she defines as "a resistance movement against [the] pro-Russian government." For almost a month, hundreds of thousands of Georgians have taken to the streets in the capital, Tbilisi, and across the country to express their fury over the disputed October election results and the government's decision to suspend EU integration. Demonstrators chanting "Russians" and "slaves" have been enduring freezing temperatures, water cannons, tear gas and brutal police crackdowns. With the ruling Georgian Dream party's dramatic authoritarian shift, pro-Western Georgians see Zourabichvili as the last glimpse of hope. So who is she, and what is her potential endgame? Georgia elects new president amid protests To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video From French diplomat to Georgian president Salome Zourabichvili was born in Paris in 1952, into a family of Georgian political emigres. Her family escaped the Georgian Democratic Republic when Moscow's troops rolled into Tbilisi in 1921 to absorb a sovereign nation into the Soviet empire. After graduating from top schools in Paris and New York, Zourabichvili was destined for high offices. For more than 30 years, she dedicated herself to French diplomacy with postings in the United States, Italy and Chad before returning to her historical homeland, where she served as France's ambassador to Georgia. In 2004, by mutual agreement between the presidents of France and Georgia, she became the foreign minister of Georgia . During her tenure, Zourabichvili signed key agreements with NATO and the European Union and negotiated the partial withdrawal of Russian troops from Georgian territory. How did Zourabichvili go from Georgian Dream loyalist to foe? Zourabichvili was once seen as a loyalist of the Georgian Dream party. Some experts believe Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the Georgian Dream party and a billionaire who made his fortune in Russia in the 1990s, helped her to win the presidential race. "The lion's share of credit for her presidency goes to Ivanishvili. And because of that, she turned a blind eye to some tendencies in the first years of her mandate. But she had her red lines," Gia Khukhashvili, a former adviser to Ivanishvili, told DW. The dynamic between Zourabichvili and the Georgian Dream changed after the party's geopolitical U-turn away from the West became more pronounced amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The country — with more than 80% of the population consistently supporting EU integration — is now increasingly aligning its policies with Moscow. "She faced a choice: her personal obligation to Ivanishvili or her values, which are democratic. She chose to stay true to herself and the European future of her country," said Khukhashvili. Georgian Dream has positioned itself as the only party to avoid another war with Russia, a neighbor already occupying parts of the country. Alleged fraud and call for new elections The standoff reached a new level after the disputed parliamentary election in October and the government's announcement to shelve EU accession talks. Zourabichvili, opposition parties and civil society groups accused the government of election rigging and called it "illegitimate." The final report of the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission has voiced similar concerns over the "independence of institutions" and "pressure on voters." "Numerous issues noted in our final report negatively impacted the integrity of these elections and eroded public trust in the process," said a statement released on December 20. "There must be new, free, and fair elections. This is non-negotiable," Zourabichvili said. Despite calls for an international investigation, the Georgian Dream party has vehemently denied that the violations affected the outcome of the election, and accused the president and opposition parties of failing to accept the defeat. The party went ahead and unilaterally elected a new president on December 14. Former Manchester City football star, Mikheil Kavelashvili , known for his fierce anti-Western rhetoric and enthusiasm for spreading conspiracy theories, is now set to become Georgia's next president. How have Western countries responded? While some Western countries have called for an independent investigation into alleged election fraud and condemned the post-election violent crackdown, the response from the EU has been seen as rather muted. However, the US and Baltic states have introduced sanctions against some officials of the Georgian Dream party for cracking down on the protests. On Friday, the US State Department sanctioned Ivanishvili, the main force behind the ruling Georgian Dream party, for "undermining the democratic and Euro-Atlantic future of Georgia for the benefit of the Russian Federation." Bidzina Lebanidze, an analyst at the Georgian Institute of Politics, told DW that the West's response will likely depend on "the scale and longevity" of the ongoing protests. However, some experts suggest Western countries may eventually acknowledge the reality on the ground and recognize the legitimacy of the ruling party. "Signs of that were already demonstrated by the visit of the secretary-general of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, in Georgia, who seemed to be willing to somehow collaborate with the Georgian Dream government," Nino Khelaia, a political scientist based in Tbilisi, told DW. What's next for Zourabichvili? "I'm here, and I will remain here because this country urgently needs a legitimate institution," Zourabichvili said in a recent public address, implying that other state institutions have been "captured "by the ruling party. Some experts have said Zourabichvili has a unique independent position from the Georgian Dream and the opposition "to channel public discontent." Still, the question remains whether she can make the transition from a "symbolic figurehead to a "proactive opposition leader." "Protesters urgently need strong political leadership, and Zourabichvili's hesitation to fully embrace this role risks undermining the movement at a critical juncture," said Lebanidze. "We'll see where she will continue living, behind bars or outside," said Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze last week, suggesting that "sending a 72-year-old Zourabichvili to prison might not be desirable for anyone." A showdown is expected on December 29 when Zourabichvili is supposed to cede the office to her successor. She has not made it clear whether she will physically leave the presidential palace or not, but she has promised to claim the presidency and stay in the country. In one of her almost daily addresses to the public on Tuesday, she once again stressed her commitment. "This constitution has been trampled upon but has endured, just as Georgia endures. I can only continue to serve and remain faithful to it." Edited by: Rob Mudge Ex-soccer player chosen as Georgia's president To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video