Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Amazon, Tesla, Rivian, Palantir And How Dogecoin Helped Low-Income Families Achieve Homeownership
Republican challenger emerges to incumbent NH Speaker Sherman Packard
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Ubisoft Is Discontinuing XDefiant in 2025, San Francisco and Osaka Studios Shutting Down Amid Major Layoffs
The Other Side Village celebrates its Grand Opening. The Other Side Village is a self-reliant, safe, sober community for Utah's chronically homeless. This phase of the Village has 60 of the eventual 430 homes. SALT LAKE CITY , Dec. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Other Side Village celebrates the grand opening of the Village with the first residents moving into new cottage homes today. The sixty homes in this first phase are part of an eventual 430-cottage community that offers on-site supportive services and employment for those who have experienced chronic homelessness in the Salt Lake City area. The event is being held today at the site of the development at 1882 W Indiana Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT at 2:00 pm on December 30, 2024 . Community leaders, government officials, volunteers, donors, supporters, staff, and future Village residents will gather together for a short ceremony and hear from Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Joseph Grenny , Chair of The Other Side Village. "Today, we bring a new model for addressing chronic homelessness to the State," stated Joseph Grenny , Chair of The Other Side Village. "The Other Side Village takes a 'Human First' rather than 'Housing First' approach. Our average Villager has experienced over nine years of homelessness. Here they gain not just permanent housing, but help in transforming their lives by changing behaviors in a loving, accountable, and self-reliant community." In the Fall of 2022, Salt Lake City Council approved a zoning change and the lease of 8 acres of city-owned property to The Other Side Village to build the first phase of a larger proposed development. This first phase has 60 small cottage homes of 350 square feet in size. Today's ceremony include groundbreaking for an onsite medical and mental health clinic and the opening of the first Neighborhood Center for Village activities. Jan Bergeson , Executive Director of Ally Bank's CRA program will give some remarks representing Ally Bank , one of the major donors for the community center that will be connected to the clinic. Future buildings in this phase include an on-site social enterprise building for more on-site employment and to generate revenue to help cover the Village to become self-reliant. "Today's event celebrates the hard work of thousands who have helped make this Village a reality. Individuals, foundations, organizations, and businesses from across the State have contributed time, skills, funds, and support to get the site ready. Many have volunteered for long hours during the holidays to finish and furnish the homes because they believe in what the Village represents," stated Tim Stay , a Board Member of The Other Side Village. "But this project is more than just a housing project. This project is about whole-person change for those who have been lost on our streets and communities. Our average resident that is moving in has be homeless for over 9 years and most have battled mental health challenges. The transformation in their lives has been remarkable to see as they have prepared to move into the Village." Joseph Grenny gives special acknowledgement for Mayor Erin Mendenhall's leadership in helping make the Village a reality. He also thanks the Salt Lake City Council, in particular Council Member Alejandro Puy, for their vision and support. The Salt Lake City staff, building and planning departments and the Glendale and Poplar Grove communities have been faithful partners, as have Salt Lake County , the State of Utah and hundreds of corporate and individual donors and foundations within Utah . "This village is the first of its kind in the state and exists because we've recognized housing alone will not end homelessness; belonging changes lives," said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall . "The Village will be a beacon of hope and healing from today onward. I want to express my sincere gratitude to The Other Side staff, who are exceptional because of the community and collaboration they foster." To qualify for a home within The Other Side Village, a resident must be chronically homeless in Utah . Their income must be below 30% of the Average Medium Income for Salt Lake City . They must agree to work live a sober lifestyle, which they are assisted in doing while attending The Other Side Prep School prior to receiving a home. Villagers pay subsidized rent, which helps the Village toward commitment of operational self-reliance. Many current and future residents will have medical and mental health challenges. The Other Side Village is partnering with a local licensed clinical provider to provide on-site mental health services through their licensed professionals. "Having on-site medical and mental health care is critical," stated Preston Cochrane , CEO of The Other Side Village. "This provides Villagers consistent mental health care visits with licensed clinicians, to stabilize with consistent use of medications, and to have the support and advocacy of on-site case managers we call Village Coaches. All of these things have been missing in their lives while living on the streets or in shelters." Residents can find employment at one of the on-site social enterprises, like the award-winning Other Side Donuts, located just around the corner from the Village at 760 S Redwood Road. "This is just the start of our dream. We have already begun work on developing the adjacent 30 acres to have a total of over 430 homes onsite to help hundreds more of those still living in encampments, on the streets and in the shelters," stated Joseph Grenny . "Our commitment is to make the Village a proud asset of Salt Lake's West Side while showing the Utah Way of addressing a complex social challenge." The public is invited to attend the ceremony. There will be refreshments, musical numbers, and tours of some of the cottage homes. Media Contact Jen Howick , The Other Side Village, 1 801-864-4757, tim@theothersidevillage.com , www.theothersidevillage.com View original content: https://www.prweb.com/releases/the-other-side-village-celebrates-grand-opening-of-human-first-model-for-chronic-homelessness-302339980.html SOURCE The Other Side Village
Trump’s lawyers urge judge to toss his hush money convictionIndia has recently taken a significant diplomatic step by reopening its embassy in Pyongyang after a three-year hiatus. This move, occurring in the context of North Korea’s growing military capabilities and its strengthening alliances with Russia, China and Iran, underscores India’s evolving foreign policy priorities. It also aligns with India’s “Act East” policy and reflects its broader strategic interests in Northeast Asia and beyond. Furthermore, the decision has implications for India’s positioning within BRICS and its growing influence in global geopolitics. India’s relationship with North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), has been shaped by a complex mix of historical, ideological and geopolitical factors. During the Cold War, India maintained diplomatic ties with both North and South Korea, reflecting its non-aligned stance. While the relationship with North Korea was never particularly close, India has provided humanitarian aid to Pyongyang over the years and engaged in limited trade, primarily in the form of food and medical supplies. Relations, however, have been strained at times due to North Korea’s nuclear proliferation activities. India has consistently condemned North Korea’s nuclear tests and missile launches, aligning itself with international efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. Despite these challenges, India has maintained a degree of engagement, recognizing the strategic importance of dialogue and diplomacy in fostering stability in the region. The decision to reopen the Indian embassy in Pyongyang comes at a critical juncture in global geopolitics. Several new factors appear to have influenced this Indian move. India’s “Act East” policy emphasizes strengthening ties with East and Southeast Asian nations to enhance economic and strategic cooperation. While North Korea is not a traditional partner in this framework, engaging with Pyongyang allows India to play a more active role in regional affairs. This engagement also demonstrates India’s commitment to fostering stability in the Korean Peninsula, a key region in Asia. North Korea’s advances in missile technology and nuclear capabilities pose significant challenges to regional and global security. By maintaining a diplomatic presence in Pyongyang, India can gain valuable insights into North Korea’s military developments and its growing defense collaboration with nations including Russia, China, and Iran. This information is crucial for India’s strategic planning, particularly in mitigating the risk that sensitive technology will reach its adversarial states. North Korea’s close ties with Russia and China — two key players in BRICS — provide an additional strategic incentive for India to engage with Pyongyang. By fostering relations with North Korea, India can strengthen its position within BRICS, leveraging this connection to counterbalance Western influence and assert its role as a mediator in global conflicts. This engagement aligns with BRICS’ broader objectives of promoting multipolarity and fostering development in the Global South. India has long been concerned about North Korea’s close ties with adversarial states, particularly those that pose strategic challenges to India’s national security. By maintaining a diplomatic presence in Pyongyang, India can better communicate its positions on critical issues directly to the North Korean leadership. This presence facilitates opportunities to engage in dialogue, offering a platform to clarify India’s stance on matters of mutual interest and concern. Establishing such channels of communication is instrumental in fostering a deeper understanding of India’s security priorities within North Korea’s political framework. Moreover, this engagement provides India with a unique opportunity to build personal rapport with North Korean leaders, which is crucial for cultivating trust and mutual respect. Such relationships can serve as a valuable deterrent, reducing the likelihood that North Korea will transfer weapons or sensitive technology to India’s adversaries. This strategic outreach aligns seamlessly with India’s broader commitment to non-proliferation, reinforcing its efforts to curb the spread of nuclear and missile technology while advancing its aspirations for a leadership role in global arms control initiatives. By embedding itself within North Korea’s diplomatic landscape, India positions itself to play a more active role in promoting stability and security in the region and beyond. Engaging with North Korea provides India with an opportunity to enhance its strategic leverage in interactions with other major powers and key regional players. By fostering dialogue with Pyongyang, India not only positions itself as a responsible and proactive global actor but also gains a multifaceted tool to complement its partnerships with South Korea and Japan, both of which are critical allies in the Indo-Pacific. India’s engagement with North Korea could serve as a demonstration of its ability to act as a stabilizing and balancing force in the region, fostering peace and mitigating tensions. This approach aligns with India’s broader foreign policy objective of promoting a multipolar world order. Such engagement would also showcase India’s diplomatic flexibility and its capacity to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes by maintaining communication with nations across the spectrum, including those considered isolated or adversarial by others. Moreover, India’s outreach to Pyongyang could help it establish a unique role in bridging the divergent interests of regional stakeholders. For instance, while South Korea and Japan prioritize denuclearization and security, China’s relationship with North Korea centers on maintaining stability and strategic depth. India, by maintaining a balanced dialogue with Pyongyang, could subtly influence the convergence of these interests, fostering a more cooperative environment in the region. From an economic perspective, engaging North Korea could also open avenues for low-scale economic interactions, technical cooperation or cultural exchanges, further building India’s soft power. These efforts would need to be carefully calibrated to ensure they do not violate international sanctions but could still yield long-term strategic dividends. India’s constructive engagement with North Korea could enhance its diplomatic toolkit, reinforce its standing as a stabilizing power, and underscore its commitment to regional peace and development, all while complementing and strengthening its strategic partnerships with South Korea, Japan and other Indo-Pacific players. Moreover, India’s unique position of having good relations with both North and South Korea allows it to play a pivotal role in peacebuilding efforts on the Korean Peninsula. With the possibility of renewed peace talks under a future US administration, such as a second Trump presidency, India could act as a neutral mediator, leveraging its diplomatic ties to foster dialogue and confidence-building measures between the two Koreas. Although North Korea’s economy remains isolated and heavily sanctioned, there is potential for limited economic and humanitarian cooperation. India’s experience in providing humanitarian aid and its expertise in agriculture and healthcare could serve as avenues for constructive engagement. Such initiatives could also help build goodwill and trust between the two nations. North Korea presents both significant challenges and unique opportunities for India’s diplomatic outreach. While engagement with Pyongyang can enhance India’s strategic leverage, it must be approached with caution and precision to navigate the complexities of the international and regional landscape. North Korea remains under stringent international sanctions due to its nuclear weapons program. Any engagement by India must adhere strictly to these restrictions to avoid potential repercussions from the global community, particularly the United States and other major powers. India’s actions will need to align with its commitments to upholding international law and ensuring non-proliferation. North Korea’s secretive governance structure poses significant risks to sustained diplomatic engagement. India will need to exercise caution to ensure that its outreach does not inadvertently contradict its strategic objectives or lead to unintended consequences. India’s growing partnership with South Korea is a cornerstone of its “Act East” policy and an essential component of its broader Indo-Pacific strategy. South Korea remains deeply concerned about Pyongyang’s actions, particularly its nuclear ambitions and military provocations. India’s engagement with North Korea must be carefully calibrated to avoid straining its strong and growing ties with Seoul. As the world’s largest democracy, India has a firm commitment to democratic values and institutions. This foundation limits the extent to which India can engage with North Korea, a regime with a vastly different political system, without compromising its democratic principles or its partnerships with other leading democracies such as the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Israel. India can leverage its historical non-aligned stance and diplomatic credibility to promote dialogue and peace on the Korean Peninsula. By engaging with both North and South Korea, India can contribute to confidence-building measures and support efforts toward denuclearization. With strong relations with both Koreas, China, and Russia, India is uniquely positioned to build long-term strategic partnerships in Northeast Asia. This engagement aligns with India’s goal of becoming a key player in regional and global affairs, contributing to a more stable and secure Asia. The decision to reopen its embassy in Pyongyang signifies a calculated shift in India’s foreign policy priorities. By engaging with North Korea, India aims to enhance its regional influence, address proliferation concerns, and navigate the complex dynamics of major power relations. This diplomatic outreach further bolsters India’s position within BRICS, given North Korea’s strategic alignment with Russia and China, highlighting the importance of proactive engagement with Pyongyang. Amid significant political transformations in South Korea, India’s renewed diplomatic efforts are poised to safeguard its interests on the Korean Peninsula and expand its influence in the broader regional landscape.
Milan's Via MonteNapoleone usurps New York's Fifth Avenue as world's most upscale shopping street
They are investigating whether his short-lived martial law decree earlier this month amounted to rebellion. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, which is leading a joint investigation with police and military authorities into the power grab that lasted only a few hours, confirmed it requested the warrant on Monday. Investigators plan to question Mr Yoon on charges of abuse of authority and orchestrating a rebellion. Mr Yoon has dodged several requests by the joint investigation team and public prosecutors to appear for questioning and has also blocked searches of his offices. It is not clear whether the court will grant the warrant or whether Mr Yoon can be compelled to appear for questioning. Under the country’s laws, locations potentially linked to military secrets cannot be seized or searched without the consent of the person in charge and it is unlikely Mr Yoon will voluntarily leave his residence if he faces detainment. Mr Yoon’s presidential powers were suspended after the National Assembly voted to impeach him on December 14 over his imposition of martial law that lasted only hours but has triggered weeks of political turmoil, halted high-level diplomacy and rattled financial markets. His fate lies with the Constitutional Court, which has begun deliberations on whether to uphold the impeachment and formally remove Mr Yoon from office or reinstate him. Mr Yoon has defended the martial law decree as a necessary act of governance, describing it as a warning against the liberal opposition Democratic Party, which has been bogging down his agenda with its majority in the parliament. Parliament voted last week to also impeach Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who had assumed the role of acting president after Mr Yoon’s powers were suspended, over his reluctance to fill three Constitutional Court vacancies ahead of the court’s review of Mr Yoon’s case. The country’s new interim leader is Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, who is also finance minister.
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. 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." 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.
Motorola Solutions uses AI to help address delays in 911 emergency calls and improve response times. Its Vesta NXT software helps 911 call handlers gather and summarize data for quicker communication. This article is part of "CXO AI Playbook" — straight talk from business leaders on how they're testing and using AI. Motorola Solutions is a Chicago-based provider of technology and communications solutions focused on public safety and enterprise security. It has about 21,000 employees worldwide. Situation analysis: What problem was the company trying to solve? The National Emergency Number Association estimates that 240 million 911 calls are made in the US each year. But fragmented emergency-response systems across various agencies and organizations can lead to dangerous delays. "You hope to never call 911, but when you do, it needs to work," Jehan Wickramasuriya, the corporate vice president of AI and platforms at Motorola Solutions, told Business Insider. He added that call takers' jobs can be demanding and unpredictable, and they're often under intense pressure. "There can be a high level of stress if there's an active shooter or domestic disturbance," he said. "They're trying to keep a caller calm and simultaneously find out if they need medical help." Meanwhile, he said, callers may be "speaking so fast that it's difficult to understand and retain everything they say." Pinpointing a caller's location adds a layer of complexity. Mobile 911 calls are typically routed based on cell-tower locations rather than the caller's actual position. This requires calls to be redirected, adding several seconds to response times. "At the end of the day it's a data problem," Wickramasuriya said, "because a lot of information needs to get transmitted in each call." Motorola Solutions is using AI to consolidate this data in a single platform. Key staff and stakeholders The company structures its AI research team around specialized AI domains, such as computer vision and speech and audio processing, rather than individual product lines. Wickramasuriya said the core AI team consisted of about 50 scientists, developers, and engineers who collaborate closely with hundreds of product managers, designers, and user-experience specialists. Motorola Solutions also works with various cloud and technology vendors on its AI-enabled products and services. AI in action In June, Motorola Solutions launched Vesta NXT, software designed to help 911 call handlers manage emergency calls. It brings data from various public-safety systems onto one platform, helping the handlers gather and summarize information. The tool uses AI to surface details including the caller's location and, for callers who have opted to share their medical profile from their phone, any underlying health conditions. It can also suggest the best entrance to a building. "That's important information for first responders," Wickramasuriya said. The software has translation and transcription capabilities, helping English speakers and non-English speakers communicate. AI also helps call handlers manage nonemergency calls — by streamlining the reporting of issues like abandoned cars or stolen property, call handlers can focus more on critical emergencies. Most important, AI can improve the human element of emergency response. "AI is working in the background to help the call taker attend to the person on the other end of the line," Wickramasuriya said. Did it work, and how did leaders know? Motorola Solutions says roughly 60% of 911 call centers in the US use its call-handling software. It's transitioning existing Vesta 911 users to its new system with the AI features. The company says these AI tools are already translating millions of minutes of audio each month and have helped lighten emergency-call handlers' workloads partly by resolving nonemergency calls and connecting callers to other resources. Lee County is the first Public Safety Answering Point, which is a call center that handles emergency calls and coordinates responses, to use the VESTA NXT. Motorola Solutions said administrators there found the AI-generated searchable text transcripts and real-time summaries of 911 calls that call handlers can share with dispatchers and first responders helped save time and alleviate stress for call handlers. What's next? Wickramasuriya said the company was focused on improving Vesta NXT. He said the goal was to "expand the usefulness" of the software by integrating it more deeply into existing workflows, including by developing features that connect first responders directly with dispatchers and call takers. Another aim, he said, is to help understaffed 911 call centers "understand their staffing needs and identify which call takers are handling high-stress situations and address stress and fatigue among call handlers."
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. 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." 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.
President-elect Donald Trump reportedly switched gears and served as the DJ at his big Thanksgiving bash at Mar-a-Lago this year. The star-studded guest list of around 300 people included the likes of Elon Musk , who sat at Trump's VIP table , and his immediate family as well as actor Sylvester Stallone, 78, former Patriots coach Bill Belichick, 72, and his young girlfriend Jordon Hudson, 24, insiders dished to Page Six. The dinner was reportedly open to guests and members . Pete Hegseth's mother is 'praying' for 'abusive' son and begs him to 'get help' Trump wants Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange deal before he takes office “Melania looked very svelte and chic in a brown/orange fall-colored dress with long sleeves with bursts of color in squares," an inside source told The New York Post. "Eric and Lara [Trump] were there, as was Elon Musk and his mother Maye, and Tiffany Trump and her husband.” President Donald J Trump tonight at Mar-a-Lago for Thanksgiving with First Lady Melania Trump, Barron Trump, Elon Musk & Elon’s Mother! TRUMP-VANCE 2024! #MAGA #donaldtrump #trump2024 #maralago #thanksgiving #melaniatrump @realdonaldtrump @teamtrump @trumpwarroom @whitehouse45 ... pic.twitter.com/4s4jr2s9Rg — Michael Solakiewicz (@michaelsolakie) November 29, 2024 The Trump family arrived at 6:45 p.m. and left at 9:15 p.m., the source said. Trump, known for playing old-time hits at his rallies, reportedly scratched his music itch as the resident DJ for the affair. “Trump played DJ all night and opened up with ‘YMCA,’ and went on to play Elvis hits and ‘Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘Ave Maria’ as his go-to songs," the source said. Trump reportedly likes to DJ regularly at the club, where membership fees have skyrocketed to more than $1 million, according to The New York Post. "There were no speeches, but Elon was seen making a toast to the president and his family.” DON'T MISS... 'Do not underestimate' AOC for 2028 presidential run, ex-Trump official warns Fox Guest says Trump shouldn't be compared to Hitler as he's got 'humor' Canadian PM Trudeau has dinner with Trump at Mar-a-Lago after tariff threat Super thankful for Grandpa, for so many reasons. I was telling @TheSlyStallone that I just watched Demolition Man again and how well it predicted the crazy woke future 30 years ago! https://t.co/3wlYgdJus4 — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 29, 2024 Clips shared on social media appear to show Musk and Trump jamming out to the "YMCA." Attendees were required to cough up $350 per person, in addition to drinks, the insider claimed. “It was a lavish buffet with turkey and all the fixings, and literally everything else imaginable,” said the source, adding, “fall-colored [arrangements] were on the table.” Trump posted on social media for the holiday: “Happy Thanksgiving to all, including to the Radical Left Lunatics who have worked so hard to destroy our Country.”