The Government remains steadfast in its commitment to implement policies and strategies that advance and prioritise mental wellness, while directly addressing the root cause of violence in the society. Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said this is a critical component of a comprehensive strategy to foster peace and effectively resolve conflicts within the society. “The Government is, as we have announced previously, seeking to instrumentally and strategically integrate peace building within government policy for the individual, for the community and for the country and the Art of Living Foundation and other such strategies work to support the group thoughts, to determine and help to determine policies that impact the root cause of violent behaviour through the promotion of peace in communities, helping us to resolve conflicts through dialogues, the ability to reason things out before resorting to violence, and of course mutual respect,” he said. Dr. Holness made the remarks during a meeting with internationally revered spiritual leader, humanitarian, and a peace ambassador, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, at Jamaica House on December 13. The meeting also included members of the peace ambassador’s delegation, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Amber Group, Ambassador and Special Investment Envoy for Technology, Dushyant Savadia; Senior Advisor/Consultant, Office of the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Alok Jain and other critical stakeholders. The Art of Living Foundation is a volunteer-based, humanitarian and educational non-governmental organisation (NGO). It was founded in 1981 by Ravi Shankar. The Art of Living Foundation has centres in 180 countries. Dr. Holness said the Government continues to invest in the national security apparatus of the country, which is yielding positive results. “As a government, we are making significant strides in combating crime in Jamaica through equipping and strengthening our security forces, as well as through community development,” he said. He pointed out that the long-term sustainable solutions to the issue of crime requires addressing the root cause of violence in the society. “It requires deliberate social intervention, training in dispute resolution and initiatives to improve mental wellness. So, as part of the government’s strategy of a pivot, we have invested heavily in our national security apparatus. We have invested heavily in improving our ability to investigate, detect and deter criminal activity. Now it is time to focus on actually building peace, and building peace starts with the individual. It’s about getting the person right, getting their mental state correct, getting them to live at one with the environment, with their neighbours and with themselves,” he said. Meanwhile, Dr. Holness said it was a profound honour and a personal privilege and a pleasure to welcome to Jamaica the globally renowned humanitarian, spiritual leader and peace ambassador, whose work has positively impacted millions across the world. He argued that his visit reflects the shared commitment to fostering peace, unity, and social development through compassion and service. “Through the Art of Living Foundation, Gurudev has championed personal and social transformation, focusing on mental wellness, stress management, and community upliftment,” he said. The Prime Minister further noted that Gurudev’s visit also highlights the deepening ties between Jamaica and India. “My recent official visit to India further strengthened this partnership through people to people exchanges, trade and collaboration in areas such as help, education, agriculture, and technology. As our nations work together, we create opportunities for shared growth and development, guided by a shared vision of global peace and prosperity,” he said. In his remarks, the global peace Ambassador expressed delight in visiting the country and reiterated his commitment to make the world a better and happier place. “Yesterday we had discussion about... a violence free society with the thought leaders of this country (and) so our commitment is to make the world a better place, a happier place,” he said. “So here we would like to bring more and more Art of Living teachers, create more and more Art of Living volunteer teachers who can uplift the happiness index of the country, which is very doable,” he added. He noted that Dr. Holness has a “wonderful vision” for advancing the country as well as addressing the mental and emotional wellness of Jamaicans. “Hon. Prime Minister, you have a wonderful vision, you have a great vision...of building a new parliament, a robust democracy and a happier society, taking care of the mental physical and emotional health of the population. This is very important. It’s not just enough to give bread and butter but also take care of their emotional resilience, and their wellness,” the Peace Ambassador said. He said peace and prosperity go together. “When there is peace, there is prosperity and when there is prosperity, peace will start coming,” he said. The Peace Ambassador is slated visit medical facilities as well as the Tower Street Adult Correctional Facility during his visit to the country.A three-day international conference titled "Language Metamorphosis: Implications for Language Education in Decolonial Contexts" (LMLEDC) organised by the BRAC Institute of Languages (BIL) began at BRAC University on November 28. This event aims to analyze the transformative shifts in language education shaped by colonial legacies and explore their global impact on teaching methodologies and learning practices. The conference has brought together over 300 scholars, language practitioners and students from Bangladesh and around the world to discuss critical themes, including multilingual education, language policy, linguistic diversity, and decolonial approaches to education. It features six distinguished keynote speakers, four distinguished scholars, two talented academics, two plenary sessions, two colloquium sessions, and 151 presentations, promising academic exchanges and impactful discourse. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Professor Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Adviser, Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, as the Chief Guest. Dr Salimullah Khan, Professor, General Education Program, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, delivered remarks as the guest of honour. Other notable attendees included Professor Ferhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor, BRAC University; Professor Syed Mahfuzul Aziz, Pro Vice-Chancellor, BRAC University; Professor Mohammad Ashaduzzaman, Director, International Mother Language Institute; Tamara Hasan Abed, Chairperson, Board of Trustees, BRAC University; Lady Syeda Sarwat Abed, Adviser and Founder of BIL; and Dr Shaila Sultana, Director, BIL and Convenor of the conference. Lady Syeda Sarwat Abed, in her opening remarks, shared Sir Abed's vision of BRAC University as a centre for holistic education, shaping students into changemakers. She highlighted the BRAC Institute of Languages (BIL) for its role in knowledge creation and promoting multilingualism as a bridge to global understanding. Professor Dr Poddar emphasised that Bangla represents our identity and aspirations, urging that multilingualism should not overshadow our mother tongue. He praised the BRAC Institute of Languages (BIL) for its innovation and inclusivity in linguistic education and highlighted the conference as a key platform for generating ideas and solutions to advance this field. Professor Khan highlighted that the conference should foster discussion and idea exchange, rather than seeking unanimous agreement. While advocating for improved literacy rates, he expressed concern that relying solely on foreign languages may not suffice. He acknowledged the global importance of English but stressed that inclusive education must prioritise linguistic diversity, with the mother tongue at the forefront to ensure accessibility for all. Tamara Hasan Abed underscored the need to advocate for curricula that foster linguistic diversity, ensuring that education becomes a tool for inclusivity and cultural preservation. Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar expressed his hope that the conference would become a platform for the democratization of knowledge through language. He underscored the significance of cultivating empathy and respect for linguistic diversity in achieving this goal. In her closing remarks, Professor Shaila Sultana outlined the key highlights of the three-day conference and expressed her gratitude to all attendees for their efforts in making the event a success. The keynote speakers of the conference included Professor Suresh Canagarajah, Evan Pugh University Professor of Applied Linguistics, English, and Asian Studies at Pennsylvania State University, USA; Professor Stephen May from the Faculty of Education and Social Work at the University of Auckland, New Zealand; and Professor Sender Dovchin, Senior Principal Research Fellow at Curtin University, Australia. The other three speakers joined online. They are Professor Sirpa Leppänen, Professor Emeritus, Department of Language and Communication Studies, University of Jyväskylä, Finland; Professor Emeritus Robert Phillipson, Department of Management, Society and Communication at Copenhagen Business School, Denmark; and Professor Alastair Pennycook, PhD, Professor Emeritus, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
49ers claim RB Israel Abanikanda off waivers from JetsBEN CHAN was unsure how to move on after his breakup. Bitter, lost and angry, Chan felt like a failure. Just three days after being dumped by his girlfriend, he found himself at his brother’s fifth wedding anniversary celebration at a luxurious hotel in Kuala Lumpur. “And I had to give a rousing speech about how I admire him for his success in life and marriage,” Chan recalls. “It was ridiculous. I gave a flat, monotonous speech because any display of joyous emotion felt hollow when my own life was in pieces.” As if the night couldn’t get worse, his car broke down on the way home – vandalised, with sugar poured into the fuel tank. “It felt like I was in a bad rom-com,” he says. Now 25 and running an online banana cracker business, Chan decided to go online in search of guidance. He wasn’t looking for pity. He wanted to rediscover his confidence and reclaim his “mojo”.” “I just needed someone to show me how to be a man again,” he admits. Soon, Chan stumbled upon male influencers on X who preached the art of “being a real man.” “At first, I found influencers talking about self-improvement – hitting the gym, reading books, or travelling. That seemed fine. “But then I saw others promoting outright hate against women.” One saying particularly disturbed him: “Men age like fine wine, but women are just milk.” Chan had unknowingly entered the “manosphere,” a collection of websites, blogs and forums focused on men’s issues and interests. Emerging in the early 2000s, this subculture began as a space for men’s rights and self-improvement but has since veered into darker territory. Manly journey: The manosphere subculture began as a space for men’s rights and self-improvement but has since veered into darker territory — TNS Today, parts of the manosphere normalise misogyny, offering toxic views on gender roles under the guise of self-empowerment. Influencers like Andrew Tate have become emblematic of this shift, often promoting polarising ideas that blur the line between confidence-building and outright bigotry. The manosphere’s influence has reached Malaysia, where some local influencers mimic the sexist rhetoric and mannerisms of figures like Tate. Based on an article by life coach Julien Florkin, the manosphere trend in Malaysia is still relatively new but gaining traction – it often focuses on traditional gender roles and the perceived erosion of these roles due to modern societal changes. These messages stray far from the concept of healthy masculinity, which encourages men to express themselves freely, pursue physical health and develop life goals. Instead, misogynistic manosphere often reinforces rigid stereotypes and criticises feminism for undermining men’s rights. Another main concern over such a misogynistic manosphere is this – the line between promoting healthy masculinity and a toxic one is often blurred, leading to a potential detriment to impressionable minds of boys looking for role models. Registered counselor Raymund Jagan sees the manosphere as a reactionary response to feminism. “In its early days, the manosphere may have been a counterbalance to feminism. It is more widespread in the United States or western world.” The manosphere in the US is more established and diverse, with various subgroups such as Men’s Rights Activists (MRAs), Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW), Pickup Artists (PUAs) and the Red Pill community. These groups often have a more pronounced presence and influence in the US, partly due to the larger population and more extensive use of social media platforms. The US manosphere, Jagan says, benefits from larger populations and greater social media reach, but this influence also brings risks; extreme ideologies, some of which advocate for radical societal changes, are not uncommon. A study by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) foundation highlights how some influencers use pseudo-science and decontextualised psychology to legitimise misogyny. They cherry-pick quotes from philosophers like Aristotle and psychologists like Carl Jung to validate harmful narratives. Jagan stresses that young people can protect themselves by cultivating healthier online environments. “Your experience depends on the echo chamber you create. If you don’t look for toxic content, you’re less likely to encounter it.” He also emphasises the importance of parenting, particularly for fathers. “Better fathers can serve as better role models, so boys won’t need to seek validation from toxic figures online.” For Chan, the manosphere offered an initial glimmer of hope, but its toxic undercurrents ultimately pushed him away. “I just wanted to regain my confidence. I’m still nervous around women. Unless I’m convincing them to buy banana crackers, I freeze up at the thought of asking someone out.” But Chan refuses to adopt the manosphere’s blanket negativity toward women. “A woman hurt me, but that doesn’t mean all women are the same. You know what I mean?” As he serves the writer a bowl of banana crackers, Chan smiles faintly. His journey to rebuild his confidence may be far from over, but he is determined to forge his path without falling into the manosphere’s toxic traps.Tata Martino bids farewell to Inter Miami; Javier Mascherano expected to be next coachTwo trainee Met detectives who were caught performing sex act in police station lift after boozy night out at pub are found guilty of gross misconduct By JON BRADY Published: 19:15, 13 December 2024 | Updated: 19:53, 13 December 2024 e-mail View comments A pair of Met Police officers who were caught engaging in oral sex in a station service lift after a drunken night out have been allowed to keep their jobs - after colleagues spoke to their otherwise glittering records. Detective Constable Jessica Martin and Police Constable Pierce Lynch were discovered in the compromising position by two of their colleagues at Bethnal Green Police Station on November 16 2022 at around 9.40pm. The young duo had been out drinking for three hours when they shared a kiss, before going back to the station to get their things - at which point the pair undid PC Lynch's trousers and DC Martin performed the sex act for 'about 5-10 seconds'. The between-floors romp took place in a service lift used by police officers and contractors such as cleaners - and the the pair were rumbled by colleagues who called the lift in order to reach the smoking area on the ground floor. Upon seeing the pair, one said: 'That's not on, guys'. They were immediately reported to a senior officer and this week were hauled before a standards committee which found them guilty of gross misconduct - a sackable offence. However, the panel opted to let them keep their jobs after receiving a 'substantial number of character references' from colleagues and senior officers commending their otherwise glittering careers. They have instead been handed a final written warning - meaning any further misconduct will likely see them sacked on the spot. DC Martin, a police officer for three years, wept and dabbed her eyes with tissues as she was found guilty of misconduct, and bowed her head as she was told she would not lose her job. Metropolitan Police officers DC Jessica Martin and PC Pierce Lynch will keep their jobs after being caught engaging in oral sex at Bethnal Green Police Station (pictured) The pair were hauled before a standards hearing at Sutton Police Station (pictured) this week The Met standards panel ruled that the pair could keep their jobs - but handed them a final written warning (stock image) She was dressed in a black suit, and was supported by another woman during the hearing. PC Lynch wore his formal Met Police uniform for the hearing. The hearing at Sutton Police Station had previously been told how both cops had accepted they were drunk at the time of the incident. Elisabeth Acker, for the Met, had said: 'Police Constables Flaherty and Frost-Smith were in front of the doors of the service lift. 'When the doors of the lift opened, they saw TDC Martin and PC Lynch engaging in a sexual act – that sexual activity being oral sex, performed by TDC Martin on TDC Lynch.' In his statement read to the hearing Lynch, who had been a trainee detective constable before joining the Met's Response Team as a constable, said: 'Jess undid my zip and I undid my top button.' The statement added: 'To the best of (his) recollection Martin then performed the sex act 'for about 5-10 seconds.'' Both had admitted to engaging in sexual activity on police property, where they were at risk of being seen by police. But they had denied engaging in the tryst where they were at risk of being seen by members of the public; they had also denied gross misconduct. The panel accepted their claims that the act had been a spur-of-the-moment lapse of judgement. Neither sought to blame the other, nor blame their intoxicated state for their actions, the hearing were told. 'The conduct of each officer was indistinguishable from the other... the officers' actions were deliberate and intentional, but the panel accepts it was not planned,' panel chair Deputy Assistant Commissioner Alexis Boon said today. 'The panel finds they did not seek to blame one another, nor the fact they were inebriated at the time. 'The risk of being seen by members of the public was low but the risk of being seen by fellow police officers was considerable.' Rina Marie Hill and DC Nobby Clarke (pictured), representing DC Martin and PC Lynch respectively, said both officers had received glittering references from their colleagues But while it had been a 'single unplanned episode' for which both TDC Lynch and DC Martin had shown 'genuine remorse' their actions, the panel concluded their actions amounted to gross misconduct. DAC Boon continued: 'It was shocking to the fellow officers and caused them embarrassment. It is highly likely or has impacted on the good running of this station and has affected their relationships with colleagues. 'The risk of being seen by members of the public was considered non-existent (by Lynch and Martin). It was, nonetheless, real.' Rina Marie Hill, speaking for DC Martin, said the rookie detective had been taunted by colleagues following the incident, being given an unspecified nickname that referenced the lift encounter and made the target of cruel rumours. One colleague who worked at Stoke Newington Police Station became aware of the lift encounter before she ever worked alongside DC Martin, Ms Hill added. 'If she is to remain a police officer the fact of this allegation will remain with her and will be known to her colleagues for the rest of her career,' the lawyer said. 'As you can imagine there has been considerable gossip and so-called 'banter' among colleagues. 'She has been subjected to jibes and taunts. She has been referred to as a nickname that I will not repeat. 'It has been suggested that she provided sexual services to others in order to advance her career... (suggestions that are) crude and utterly inappropriate.' The police officers had tried to claim there was no risk of them being seen by members of the public - but the panel ruled there was as the station service lift was used by contractors But she added that DC Martin had also struggled with her mental health, the end of a relationship, and family bereavements. The detective also received a substantial number of endorsements from her colleagues who said she should keep her job. She added: 'The fact that so many people have taken the time to prepare detailed and considered references is, you may feel, a testament to her character. They can be described, in my opinion, as exceptional.' DC Nobby Clarke, for PC Lynch, said the response officer was 'sorry' above all else for the mark on his five-year police record. 'He is sorry for the embarrassment he has caused himself and his colleagues and the person sitting behind him,' he said, referencing DC Martin. 'This was a single unplanned event - (there was) no intention by planning or preparation for what was an isolated 15 second incident. 'While certainly not in the first flourishes of youth he was not as alert to the effects of his immaturity and poor decision making as he is today.' He added that the constable had been 'overwhelmed' by a breakup, trying to cope with his mother's recurring brain tumour diagnoses, and an incident in which he had been 'violently assaulted' by a pair of muggers. But he had also been appointed as the welfare officer for his team since the incident, and was now a response team officer 'trusted to be the first responder to members of the public in their time of need'. 'This moment of madness will live with him and that alone is a just punishment,' DC Clarke added. Panel chair Deputy Assistant Commissioner Alexis Boon said today: 'The panel took into account their early admissions and substantial number of character references which the panel found exceptional in their relative youth and time in service.' DAC Boon said the panel, while recognising a 'significant lapse of professionalism and judgement', concluded it had been a 'single isolated incident' that took place while the officers were off-duty and had been dealing with personal struggles. 'The panel finds the public interest is served by allowing them to continue to serve as police officers,' he continued, describing them as 'genuinely remorseful and committed officers'. The final written warning will remain on their record for three years. London Met Police Share or comment on this article: Two trainee Met detectives who were caught performing sex act in police station lift after boozy night out at pub are found guilty of gross misconduct e-mail Add comment
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Reliance Inc. CEO Lewis sells $1.26 million in stockTaylor Swift has made a surprise stop at a Kansas City children’s hospital, shocking parents and patients alike as she laughed with them, posed for photos and exchanged gifts. All parent Cassie Thomas was told beforehand was that she might want to brush her hair and teeth because there was going to be a special visitor. But she was stunned when Swift, fresh off her Eras Tour and one day before her 35th birthday, walked into her son's son Beckett Thomas' room on Thursday at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. “No rumors. Like, we literally had absolutely no idea this was happening,” Thomas recalled. Her 13-year-old son, Beckett Thomas, is a cancer patient and a fan of Swift's Kansas City Chiefs tight-end boyfriend, Travis Kelce. Beckett uses a 3D printer to make earrings bearing his and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes' names, walking around the hospital unit selling them to nurses. Now, Swift has a pair as well. “She was amazing,” Beckett's mom said. “So down to earth.” Another patient told Swift that her favorite song was “Love Story" and had some questions about San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy, whose team played the Chiefs in the Super Bowl earlier this year. Surprised, Taylor, muttered: “Brock Purdy, What? I mean, I don’t mind Brock Purdy.” She then continued: “He put me through a lot last February.” Asked before the Super Bowl whether he was prepared to disappoint Swift, Purdy responded: “Yes.” The game ended with Mahomes rallying the Chiefs to second straight Super Bowl title, 25-22 over the 49ers in overtime. “I was very stressed for a second but it all ended up fine,” Swift told the girl, their recorded conversation posted online. The girl then chimed in: “I like Travis now.” Swift responded with: “Me too. That’s an absolute yes on that one." There is no word on whether Swift will be in the stands when the Chiefs play the Browns on Sunday in Kelce’s hometown of Cleveland.
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NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lowey Dannenberg P.C., a preeminent law firm in obtaining redress for consumers and investors, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit against Zeta Global Holdings Corp. (“Zeta” or the “Company”) (NYSE: ZETA) for violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired Zeta common stock between February 27, 2024 and November 13, 2024, inclusive (the “Class Period”). On November 22, 2024, a complaint was filed against the Company and certain of its current officers, alleging that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) that Zeta used two-way contracts to artificially inflate financial results; (2) that Zeta engaged in round trip transactions to artificially inflate financial results; (3) that Zeta utilized predatory consent farms to collect user data; (4) that these consent farms have driven almost the entirety of Zeta’s growth; and (5) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants’ positive statements about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When investors learned the truth, Zeta’s common stock declined precipitously, injuring investors. If you suffered a loss of more than $100,000 in Zeta’s securities, and wish to participate, or learn more, click here , or please contact our attorneys at (914) 733-7256 or via email to Andrea Farah (afarah@lowey.com) or Vincent R. Cappucci Jr. (vcappucci@lowey.com). Any investor who wishes to serve as Lead Plaintiff must act before January 21, 2024. About Lowey Dannenberg Lowey Dannenberg is a national firm representing institutional and individual investors, who suffered financial losses resulting from corporate fraud and malfeasance in violation of federal securities and antitrust laws. The firm has significant experience in prosecuting multi-million-dollar lawsuits and has recovered billions of dollars on behalf of its clients. Contact: Lowey Dannenberg P.C. 44 South Broadway, Suite 1100 White Plains, NY 10601 Tel: (914) 733-7234 Email: investigations@lowey.com SOURCE: Lowey Dannenberg P.C.None
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MILAN — Shoppers laden with bags from Fendi, Loewe, Prada and other designer labels clog the narrow sidewalks of Milan's swankiest shopping street, bringing joy to the purveyors of high-end luxury goods this, and every, holiday season. There's even more to celebrate this year: a commercial real estate company crowned Via MonteNapoleone as the world's most expensive retail destination, displacing New York's Fifth Avenue. The latest version of American firm Cushman & Wakefield's annual global index, which ranks shopping areas based on the rent prices they command, is a sign of Via MonteNapoleone's desirability as an address for luxury ready-to-wear, jewelry and even pastry brands. A man walks past a shop Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. The average rent on the Milan street surged to $2,047 per square foot, compared with $2,000 per square foot on an 11-block stretch of upper Fifth Avenue. People are also reading... Via MonteNapoleone's small size — less than a quarter-mile long — and walking distance to services and top cultural sites are among the street's key advantages, according to Guglielmo Miani, president of the MonteNapoleone District association. "Not everything can fit, which is a benefit," since the limited space makes the street even more exclusive and dynamic, said Miani, whose group also represents businesses on the intersecting side streets that together with Via MonteNapoleone form an area known as Milan's Fashion Quadrilateral. Women look a shop Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. The biggest brands on the street make 50 million euros to 100 million euros in annual sales, Miani said, which goes a long way to paying the rent. Tiffany & Co. is preparing to take up residence on Via Montenapoleone, and longtime tenant Fendi is expanding. The MonteNapoleone District says 11 million people visited the area this year through November, but there's no way to say how many were big spenders vs. window shoppers. The average shopper on Via MonteNapoleone spent 2,500 euros per purchase between August and November — the highest average receipt in the world, according to the tax-free shopping firm Global Blue. The street is a magnet for holiday shoppers who arrive in Maseratis, Porsches and even Ferraris, the sports car's limited trunk space notwithstanding. A mannequin is seen Dec. 12 in a shop in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. Lights twinkle overhead, boutique windows feature mannequins engaged in warm scenes of holiday fun, and passersby snap photos of expertly decorated cakes in pastry shop displays. A visitor from China, Chen Xinghan, waited for a taxi with a half-dozen shopping bags lined up next to him on the sidewalk. He said he paid half the price for a luxury Fendi coat that he purchased in Milan than he would have at home. "I got a lot," Chen acknowledged. "It's a fantastic place, a good place for shopping." A man waits for a taxi Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleon street in Milan, Italy. A few store windows down, Franca Da Rold, who was visiting Milan from Belluno, an Italian city in the Dolomites mountain range, marveled at a chunky, yardslong knit scarf priced at 980 euros. "I could knit that in one hour, using 12-gauge knitting needles as thick as my fingers, and thick wool. Maximum two hours," Da Rold said, but acknowledged the brand appeal. Buildings are decorated Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. Despite upper Fifth Avenue getting bumped to the No. 2 spot on the Cushman & Wakefield list, the organization that serves as the Manhattan street's guardian and chief promoter had praise for MonteNapoleone's achievement. "Milan's investment in its public realm is paying off, which is a win for their shoppers, businesses and city as a whole," said Madelyn Wils, interim president of the Fifth Avenue Association. She also expressed confidence that with new investments and a record year for sales on Fifth Avenue, "we'll be back on top in no time." Holiday shopping season is upon us. Keep gifting green with sustainable presents for the home. Holiday shopping season is upon us. Keep gifting green with sustainable presents for the home. The holiday season feels a little less jolly considering the amount of waste generated by gift-giving. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the amount of household garbage in the U.S. increases by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year's. After the decorations come down, all that waste heads to landfills, producing a significant contributor to climate change: methane gas. "Greening" the holidays is essential, and one simple tip is to think more about how sustainable the materials are in your decorations, decor, and, of course, gifts. Instead of plastics, you could opt for items that can be reused, are made of renewable materials or natural fibers that boast a smaller environmental impact in both production and durability. Due to consumers' desires for more eco-friendly goods, sustainable materials are among the biggest trends in home decor. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable—and earth-conscious—home goods that make perfect holiday gifts. Made Trade rounded up a list of sustainable home decor trends in 2025 that offer dozens of creative options for holiday gift-giving. Each trend includes examples of great gifts for the home and advice for ensuring items are sustainably produced or can help create a more eco-friendly space. Indoor gardening In the depths of winter's gray days, it's a real gift to see a little green, which is why indoor gardening gifts are a wonderful idea. Not only are they eco-friendly and promote sustainability—the more food you can grow yourself, the less you have to buy—they also foster an appreciation of nature and bring the natural world indoors to enjoy. Sprouting kits and microgreens require minimal amounts of space and sunlight, but a sunny, south-facing window will permit a small herb garden or leafy greens for salads. If you're not sure what kind of light your recipient has access to, go with gifting indoor grow lamps along with the plants, or pick a hardy, low-water houseplant—some can act as natural air purifiers too. Warm (and undyed) neutrals When buying gifts for the home, consider what materials the items are made from and how far away they come from—not only are natural materials like rattan, jute, palm leaves, clay, organic cotton and linen, and ceramics more sustainable, but if they are being used by a local craftsperson, gifters are also saving on fossil fuels for the transportation. Plus, you're helping the local economy by supporting local craftspeople, so it's a win-win. Natural fiber pillows, sheets, blankets, and even doormats offer comfort and consideration of the environment. Adaptive reuse The most sustainable and eco-friendly gift is one you already have, so get creative about reusing materials already in or around your home (raid the recycling bin, find nice pieces of wood outside, wash out and reuse glass jars) to fashion them into new, thoughtful goods. Similarly, think vintage and secondhand—what items can you give a second life to by passing them along to someone who will find new meaning in them? Some of the most thoughtful gifts are small heirlooms—pieces of jewelry or a beloved ceramic dish—passed along to the next generation that will appreciate them. Smart technology Green technology offers ways to reduce our carbon footprint in everyday life, and smart thermostats, solar lights, smart sprinklers, and smart plugs all make great gifts, saving people money and conserving our valuable resources. For those looking into home renovations or updating decor, try a new light fixture paired with smart blubs, or a new window treatment with smart shades. Even something as simple as a rain barrel can reduce energy use—and while the technology for that isn't very sophisticated, it certainly is, like composting, "smart." Integrated outdoor living Integrated outdoor living is the ultimate gift, allowing us to bring the natural world into our homes. However, doing so sustainably takes a little more effort than simply leaving the doors to the deck open all the time. First, find eco-friendly and sustainable outdoor furniture, perhaps thrifting it or buying it used and fixing it up for a one-of-a-kind gift. If you can't go secondhand, choose furniture made of sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood, recycled plastic (great for outdoor rugs), or bamboo. For smaller gifts, consider solar lights, a water feature that recycles water, a rain barrel, or even a set of handmade wind chimes made from seashells. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Clarese Moller. This story originally appeared on Made Trade and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. 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RIYADH: President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a strategic partnership on Monday aimed at deepening bilateral ties and de-escalating conflict in the Middle East, including Lebanon, where the two leaders called for presidential elections. The French leader arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday for a three-day state visit just as a political crisis threatens to topple the French government. After a meeting with Prince Mohammed, the de facto ruler of the oil-rich Gulf kingdom, Macron’s office announced the signing of a new partnership aimed at improving cooperation in “defence, energy transition, culture, mobility between the two countries”. The two leaders also “agreed to make every effort to contribute to de-escalation in the region”, including helping to consolidate the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. MBS heads to France, Macron seeks shift on Ukraine “Together, they called for the holding of presidential elections in Lebanon with the aim of bringing the Lebanese people together and carrying out the reforms necessary for the stability and security of the country,” the statement from Macron’s office said. Macron touched down in the Saudi capital Riyadh in the afternoon, where he was greeted by an honour guard of sword-holding servicemen and celebratory cannon fire as he disembarked from his plane. He did not comment on the political situation in France as he arrived. Macron’s visit began as France’s less than three-month-old minority government faced the prospect of being forced out by a vote of no confidence in the coming days. The far-right National Rally party said it would vote to oust Michel Barnier’s government after the prime minister used an executive tool to push through a social security budget bill without parliamentary approval. The left wing is also expected to back the motion, which could be held as early as Wednesday. If successful, it would oust the government that was appointed in September after snap polls. Macron’s three-day stay also coincides with a flare-up of violence in Syria, where anti-government rebels have seized Aleppo, the country’s second-largest city. The fighting in Syria follows France’s brokering of a ceasefire in neighbouring Lebanon, where Israel has been fighting Iran proxy Hezbollah. Macron’s state visit is the first by a French president to Saudi Arabia since Jacques Chirac in 2006, cementing what the presidency calls a “very close relationship”. In 2021, Macron became one of the first Western leaders to meet Prince Mohammed in Saudi Arabia after the 2018 murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at Riyadh’s consulate in Istanbul. The French president and Prince Mohammed will see how they “work together” on the conflicts shaking the region, with Lebanon at the “heart of the discussions”, the French presidency said in an earlier statement. Macron is hoping for Saudi support for the Lebanese army, which is being deployed towards the border with Israel under the ceasefire but is poorly armed and trained. He will also try to win Saudi help to reverse the political disintegration that has plunged Lebanon’s government and economy into catastrophe. Paris and Riyadh are also calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza war and a “political outcome” based on the two-state solution of separate Israeli and Palestinian states. Saudi Arabia, home to the holiest sites in Islam, has paused discussions with Washington on potentially recognising Israel in return for deeper security and bilateral ties with the United States. In September, the crown prince hardened his position, insisting that Saudi Arabia would not establish ties with Israel before the creation of a Palestinian state. Macron is accompanied by about 50 senior officials from major French companies including TotalEnergies, EDF and Veolia, as well as start-ups in artificial intelligence and quantum physics. France and Saudi Arabia aim to “significantly strengthen” their economic ties to “the height of our shared ambition”, the presidency said. Discussions are also under way for Saudi Arabia to acquire French-made Rafale fighter jets, although no announcement is expected during the visit, according to a source close to the matter.