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I'm A Celebrity's Reverend Richard Coles opens up about being gay in the church as he reveals to GK Barry he was 'not the first'CELH Investors Have Opportunity to Lead Celsius Holdings, Inc. Securities Fraud Lawsuit

136 Vande Bharat trains operational: Ministry of Railways

Major stock indexes rose on Wall Street in afternoon trading Monday, after a choppy start to a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.6%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average recovered from an early slide to gain 29 points, or 0.1% as of 3:40 p.m. Eastern time. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite rose 0.8%. Gains in technology and communications stocks helped outweigh losses in consumer goods companies and elsewhere in the market. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, rose 3.3%. Broadcom climbed 5.5% to also help support the broader market. Walmart fell 2% and PepsiCo slid 1.2%. Japanese automakers Honda Motor and Nissan said they are talking about combining in a deal that might also include Mitsubishi Motors. U.S.-listed shares in Honda jumped 13.4%, while Nissan slipped 0.2%. Eli Lilly rose 3.5% after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first and only prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Department store Nordstrom fell 1.6% after it agreed to be taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. The Conference Board said that consumer confidence slipped in December. Its consumer confidence index fell back to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Wall Street was expecting a reading of 113.8. The unexpectedly weak consumer confidence update follows several generally strong economic reports last week. One report showed the overall economy grew at a 3.1% annualized rate during the summer, faster than earlier thought. The latest report on unemployment benefit applications showed that the job market remains solid. A report on Friday said a measure of inflation the Federal Reserve likes to use was slightly lower last month than economists expected. Worries about inflation edging higher again had been weighing on Wall Street and the Fed. The central bank just delivered its third cut to interest rates this year, but inflation has been hovering stubbornly above its target of 2%. It has signaled that it could deliver fewer cuts to interest rates next year than it earlier anticipated because of concerns over inflation. Expectations for more interest rate cuts have helped drive a roughly 25% gain for the S&P 500 in 2024. That drive included 57 all-time highs this year. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the labor market's path ahead and shifting economic policies under an incoming President Donald Trump. "Put simply, much of the strong market performance prior to last week was driven by expectations that a best-case scenario was the base case for 2025," said Brent Schutte, chief investment officer at Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Treasury yields rose in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.59% from 4.53% late Friday. European markets were mostly lower, while markets in Asia gained ground. Wall Street has several other economic reports to look forward to this week. On Tuesday, the U.S. will release its November report for sales of newly constructed homes. A weekly update on unemployment benefits is expected on Thursday. Markets in the U.S. will close at 1 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday for Christmas Eve and will remain closed on Wednesday for Christmas.

NEW YORK , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Celsius Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CELH) between February 29, 2024 and September 4, 2024 , both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important January 21, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline. So what: If you purchased Celsius common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. What to do next: To join the Celsius class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31677 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 21 , 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, during the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Celsius materially oversold inventory to PepsiCo, Inc. ("Pepsi") far in excess of demand, and faced a looming sales cliff during which Pepsi would significantly reduce its purchases of Celsius products; (2) as Pepsi drew down significant amounts of inventory overstock, Celsius' sales would materially decline in future periods, hurting Celsius' financial performance and outlook; (3) Celsius' sales rate to Pepsi was unsustainable and created a misleading impression of Celsius' financial performance and outlook; (4) as a result, Celsius' business metrics and financial prospects were not as strong as indicated in defendants' Class Period statements; and (5) consequently, defendants' statements regarding Celsius' outlook and expected financial performance were false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Celsius class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31677 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/celh-investors-have-opportunity-to-lead-celsius-holdings-inc-securities-fraud-lawsuit-302327947.html SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.Stock market today: Wall Street mixed at the start of a holiday-shortened week

The audiovisual (AV) industry is poised for a transformative 2025. Advancements in AI, extended reality (XR), and immersive technologies are set to redefine communication, collaboration, and how we engage with technology. As the pace of innovation accelerates, it will bring extraordinary opportunities for businesses to thrive. However, these advancements come with significant challenges. Many organisations already struggle to integrate new technologies and address skills gaps, risking lost revenue and reduced competitiveness. To succeed in the year ahead, AV firms must embrace strategies like outcome-focused pilots and workforce upskilling, ensuring they are prepared to harness the full potential of these tools. As the pace of innovation ramps up in 2025, we’re left with one question: will businesses be ready to embrace the future and turn challenges into opportunities? XR will transform training and collaboration A significant technological advancement in 2025 will be the introduction of extended reality (XR) powered tools, starting with AI-powered holographic assistants. These assistants will become interactive and context-aware, serving as virtual team members capable of managing tasks, offering real-time insights during meetings, and personalising user experiences in ways that feel human. Imagine a project manager being guided through a complex design process by a holographic AI assistant, capable of providing tailored advice, adjusting 3D models in real time, and even responding to nuanced emotional cues. This shift will redefine collaboration, making technology not just a tool, but an active partner in enhancing productivity and creativity. Similarly, hyper-realistic virtual environments will redefine corporate training and onboarding. These environments will allow employees to simulate real-world scenarios in ways that traditional training cannot match, whether it’s a healthcare professional practising complex surgeries in a virtual operating room or an emergency responder navigating disaster scenarios in a safe, controlled environment. The realism of these experiences will not only enhance skill acquisition but also foster greater engagement and retention. The future of boardrooms is virtual Advancements in immersive collaboration and XR will enable seamless cross-continental teamwork in virtual spaces that feel more natural than ever before. Entire teams will step into virtual boardrooms or creative studios, where spatial computing and AI-enhanced avatars replicate the nuances of in-person interactions, from body language to conversational flow. Tools like eye-tracking and gesture recognition will make these environments feel lifelike, enabling tasks like product prototyping or creative brainstorming to be conducted as though everyone were physically present. By eliminating the need for travel, virtual boardrooms also offer the opportunity to reduce carbon footprints – directly contributing to broader sustainability efforts. Paired with sustainability-driven AV solutions, including energy-efficient displays and carbon-neutral technologies, these innovations ensure that the future of collaboration supports both business growth and global environmental goals. 2025 will address barriers to innovation Technology is advancing at a revolutionary speed – progress over the past three years has rivalled what will have taken decades in the past. But the question remains, are people ready to embrace this change? Recent history suggests not. A 2024 study by the Office for National Statistics revealed that while 39% of UK adults perceived artificial intelligence (AI) as beneficial, a quarter (25%) viewed it as a risk. Despite AI’s potential, only 16% of UK businesses have integrated AI technology into their operations as of this year. With hesitancy toward new technologies persisting and innovation set to thrive in 2025, the adoption gap is likely to widen. If organisations fail to integrate these tools into their workflows, they risk falling behind. The consequences include lost revenue, reduced competitiveness, and dissatisfied customers. To avoid this, 2025 will see AV firms prioritising outcome-focused pilots, where technologies are tested in smaller, controlled environments to deliver measurable results. These pilots can validate new technologies, address potential issues, and build confidence for broader adoption. Education and training programs will also become a cornerstone of success. People are an organisation’s greatest asset – prioritising their development is essential for long-term success. As we move into 2025, organisations that prioritise upskilling their teams will gain a significant competitive edge, but many have been lagging in this area. For instance, a Chartered Management Institute survey found that more than a third of British managers had never used AI tools like ChatGPT, and 86% had not received formal training in artificial intelligence. By empowering employees to adapt and excel with advanced technologies, companies can position themselves to thrive in an increasingly innovation-driven landscape. Bridging the gap The AV industry’s journey into 2025 will be defined by both its challenges and its potential. As technological advancements in AI, XR, and immersive tools redefine what’s possible, the key to success lies in preparation, adaptability, and vision. Those that can bridge the adoption gap and empower their workforce to thrive in this rapidly changing landscape will find themselves at the forefront of the industry. The path ahead is clear: innovate boldly, invest wisely, and create a foundation where people and technology work together to achieve transformative outcomes. Simon Watson is global head of innovation at Kinly.RIYADH: Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, visited several key security facilities in Saudi Arabia on Monday, as part of his official visit to the Kingdom. According to a statement from Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior, Sheikh Fahad’s visit on the second day of his official trip to Riyadh included a tour of the Saudi National Center for Security Operations (911), where he was welcomed by Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz. The Deputy Prime Minister was briefed on the center’s role in providing security services to citizens and residents, as well as the advanced technologies used to receive reports and direct the relevant authorities to handle them. Sheikh Fahad’s tour also included a visit to the Saudi National Cybersecurity Authority, where he was greeted by Saudi Minister of State and Chairman of the Cybersecurity Authority, Dr Musaed Al-Aiban. He was accompanied by Kuwait’s Acting Head of the National Cybersecurity Center, Dima Al-Sumait. During the visit, Sheikh Fahad was informed about the authority’s role in enhancing and protecting cybersecurity in the Kingdom, as well as its support for security agencies on cybersecurity-related matters. The minister also visited the King Fahd Security College where he watched a documentary film about the college. He learned about the college’s educational and security programs, which focus on research and studies related to security. Sheikh Fahad also visited the Saudi Reform and Rehabilitation Center, where he was welcomed by Deputy Head of State Security, Abdullah Al-Owais. The visit included an overview of the center’s programs for intellectual and psychological rehabilitation, aimed at enhancing intellectual security and reintegrating individuals into society. The Deputy Prime Minister’s tour concluded with a visit to the General Directorate of Border Guard, where he was received by the Director General, Major General Shaya Al-Wadani. He was briefed on the Border Guard’s mission to protect the Kingdom’s land and maritime borders. In his statement, Sheikh Fahad praised the technological and human progress he observed at the visited facilities, highlighting their role in enhancing security and stability in Saudi Arabia according to the best global law enforcement standards. He expressed his gratitude to Saudi Interior Ministry personnel for their outstanding efforts and dedication, wishing the Kingdom’s leadership, government, and people continued prosperity and success. The Deputy Prime Minister also commended the achievements of law enforcement agencies in both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in combating crime, underscoring the coordination and collaboration between the two countries’ security forces. Sheikh Fahad was accompanied on the tour by Kuwait’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Sabah Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and a security delegation. — KUNA

The move could usher in an end to a protracted political crisis in the European Union country following the annulment of a presidential election by a top court. Parliament approved the new administration in a 240-143 vote in Romania’s 466-seat legislature. The new coalition is made up of the leftist Social Democratic Party (PSD) the centre-right National Liberal Party (PNL), the small ethnic Hungarian UDMR party and national minorities. It caps a month-long period of turmoil in which far-right nationalists made significant gains in a parliamentary election on December 1 a week after a first-round presidential race saw the far-right outsider Calin Georgescu emerge as the front-runner. “It will not be an easy mandate for the future government,” Mr Ciolacu, whose PSD party topped the polls in the parliamentary election, said in a statement. “We are aware that we are in the midst of a deep political crisis,” he said. “It is also a crisis of trust, and this coalition aims to regain the trust of citizens, the trust of the people.” Romania’s 16 ministerial positions will be shared among the parties, which will hold a slim majority in the legislature. It is widely seen as a tactical partnership to shut out far-right nationalists whose voices found fertile ground amid high living costs and a sluggish economy. Mr Ciolacu, who came third in the first-round presidential ballot despite polls indicating he would win the most votes, has served as prime minister since June 2023. After parliament’s approval, President Klaus Iohannis swore in the new government and warned the new Cabinet that it is entering a “difficult new period” in which “for many Romanians, there are major concerns”. Romania was plunged into turmoil after Mr Georgescu’s surprise success in the presidential race, after allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference emerged. Days before the December 8 run-off, the Constitutional Court made the unprecedented move to annul the presidential race. “We go through complicated times, but I think we all learned from mistakes of the past,” Mr Ciolacu said. “I hope that together with my colleagues in the coalition, we’ll find the best solutions to get past the challenges we have in front of us.” Mr Ciolacu said that the new government would aim to quickly organise the rerun of the presidential election in which the new coalition has agreed to put forward an agreed common pro-European candidate. Cristian Andrei, a political consultant based in Bucharest, said that the new government made up of the same political parties will likely embrace “soft populist” rhetoric such as economic patriotism, anti-austerity, and a peace solution in neighbouring Ukraine to counter the rise of far-right populism. “This will be a way to answer the concerns of many Romanians who voted for populists... but will not solve the fundamental problem of trust,” he said. “The only decisive factor now will be who and how convincing the pro-European candidates will be against this popular revolt.” George Simion, the leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, which came second in the parliamentary election, said that all politicians from his party on Monday would vote against the Ciolacu government. In 2021, the PSD and the PNL also formed an unlikely but increasingly strained coalition together with UDMR, which exited the Cabinet last year after a power-sharing dispute.Horizon Science Academy of Lorain, 760 Tower Blvd. in Lorain, recently transformed its cafeteria into the cozy and inviting “StarBooks” Reading Cafe, where second-grade students eagerly showcased their reading progress to special guests, including parents and loved ones, according to a news release. The event was spearheaded by second-grade teacher Grace Brown, whose vision brought together families and students for a celebration of literacy, the release said. The joy on the children’s faces was undeniable as they confidently shared their developing reading skills, according to the release. Students practiced their literacy skills leading up to the much anticipated event. Each child proudly selected books to read aloud, and demonstrated their growth and enthusiasm for learning, according to the release. Guests were treated to delightful stories paired with cafe-style snacks, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere, the release said. The event was designed to achieve more than just a pleasant morning; it sought to strengthen the connection between home and school, according to the release. Parents learned practical strategies to support literacy at home, while students saw firsthand the value their families place on education., the release said. The sense of pride and accomplishment radiating from the young readers highlighted the importance of fostering a love for books and learning at an early age, according to the release. StarBooks Reading Cafe exemplifies Horizon Science Academy’s commitment to building a supportive community that values academic success, strong relationships and lifelong literacy. For more information about upcoming events and initiatives, visit www.horizonlorain.org . Horizon Science Academy of Lorain provides a college-prep curriculum to students in grades K-12 with a high-quality academic and social environment focused on rigorous instruction and high student expectations, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math. Concept Schools is a nonprofit charter management organization that provides a high-quality, STEM-focused and college-preparatory education through a network of charter schools while offering exceptional programs, comprehensive services and opportunities to partner in education, the release said. For more information on Concept, visit www.conceptschools.org .

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Opinions expressed by Digital Journal contributors are their own. Deep in the Amazon, the Indigenous Peoples of Aishalton are starting to use the latest aviation and space technology to protect their ancestral lands and cultural heritage. In an upcoming episode of “ First Flights with Kate Broug,” Kate Broug and her team trek to the Amazon rainforest in Guyana — where running water is scarce, electricity is rare, and where drones now have become unlikely allies in a decades-long fight against illegal mining and environmental collapse. Broug, a pilot, journalist, and documentary filmmaker takes her viewers on an eye-popping journey through the Amazon and its historic challenges. Kate’s latest episode showcases how a small indigenous community armed with modern aviation technology can fight and win high stakes battles for environmental conservation. Kate highlights the fascinating interaction of ancient traditions and technology as tribal villagers invoke long standing rituals and then mesh drones and satellite images to defend their environment and preserve their way of life. Guyana’s Aishalton community has embraced innovative drone technology to help protect the Amazon. Villagers first use drones to create detailed 3D maps of their historic and spiritual lands. Those maps both beautifully represent the terrain and serve as critical evidence in asserting indigenous rights. The maps also help to document and protect areas of cultural significance from encroachment. For example, the Aishalton drone team, led by a villager named Gavin, first successfully tracked an illegal aircraft and then used space assets to identify and document illegal clandestine airstrips being built near mining areas. Drones now act as the community’s eyes and ears in otherwise dangerous areas. They capture photographic evidence of illegal mining and drug smuggling, providing crucial information to national law enforcement without putting villagers at risk. Today, satellite assets detect illegal activity, patrolling drones document it and then the authorities intervene. Previously, those same activities would have put villagers very much at risk by hiking through dense rainforest to find and confront often armed intruders. Cameron Ellis, field director at The Rainforest Foundation US, explains, “With drones and satellite data, these communities can now see what’s happening deep in their own territories. This technology allows them to see and act, giving them the power to protect their lands in ways that previously were impossible.” The Aishalton community’s drone program did not spring out of thin air. Instead, The Rainforest Foundation US played a significant role in supporting both Aishalton and other indigenous communities in their conservation efforts. The Foundation provides essential resources, including the drones themselves and access to commercial satellite imagery, empowering local leaders to protect their own lands through a combination of technology and legal advocacy. “What we’re seeing here in Aishalton perfectly demonstrates how indigenous communities can use modern technology to protect their ancestral lands,” Cameron Ellis of The Rainforest Foundation US explains. “It doesn’t replace traditional knowledge but enhances it with new tools.” The program’s ultimate success has been proven in its sustainability. Today, the Aishalton drone program operates largely self-sufficiently, with local villagers like Ezra Jeoffreys both piloting and maintaining the tribe’s drones. This self-reliance ensures that an indigenous community like Aishalton can continue its vital monitoring work going forward. Kate Broug’s recent journey to Aishalton wasn’t without its own hurdles. Lying close to the disputed Venezuela-Guyana border, Aishalton is rife with international threats and illegal cross-border mining. The new Guyanese government’s pro-mining stance also often puts itself at odds with indigenous conservation efforts. And a recent double malaria outbreak added unique risks for the First Flights crew. Despite these difficulties, Broug maintained a singular focus. “The challenges we faced to tell this story pale in comparison to what the people of Aishalton endure every single day,” she reflects. Behind the scenes, Broug kept a diary of her recent visit on Voiijer, a new social media app that connects explorers, researchers and nature enthusiasts. For the Aishalton villagers, struggles such as violence and endemic disease are not fleeting, but constant. And they play out against a backdrop of competing interests — a precarious balance between preserving indigenous heritage and adapting to an increasingly invasive modern life. As Broug observed, “When I first set foot in Aishalton, I brought with me a convenient dichotomy: the miners as villains, the villagers as victims. But the truth is far more complex. The miners, many of them actually themselves Indigenous peoples (and some even Aishalton villagers) are not only plunderers, they are also survivors, navigating a harsh reality in which environmental exploitation often feels like the only way out. And the villagers, far from being passive, are changing too — trying to become true stewards of the forest, armed with a professional grasp of aviation tech. It has become a story about two ways of living, each struggling to survive.” “Chief of Chiefs” Tony James, former Tashao of the Aishalton village, encapsulates the community’s struggle: “We’ve always lived with the forest, but now we must defend it in new ways. The drones help us protect what’s ours from those who would destroy it for gold.” Aishalton’s story represents not just a tale of new technology; it showcases how indigenous communities can take control of their own environmental destiny. By embracing drone technology and other modern tools, the people of Aishalton have become models for other communities facing similar challenges. Kate Broug’s journey through the Amazon highlights a new fusion of traditional wisdom and modern technology, a trend that may help preserve many of the planet’s endangered ecosystems. The Aishalton community’s evolution serves as an inspiring call to action, reminding the world of the vital role indigenous peoples can play in environmental conservation and the power of technology to amplify their voices. Their story is proof of aviation technology’s potential to help fight for environmental preservation and cultural survival.Biden says he was ‘stupid’ not to put his name on pandemic relief checks like Trump did

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If you want to grab your favorite holiday drink while doing some last-minute gift shopping, you might want to call ahead. Starbucks union is currently on a five-day strike, extending through Christmas Eve. The strike, started by Starbucks Workers United, began on Friday, with walkouts happening in Seattle, Chicago and Los Angeles. Since then, the strikes spread to nine states, with locations in Ohio, Missouri, New Jersey, Oregon, New York and Colorado also joining by shutting down stores. The union told CNN the strike could spread to hundreds of stores by Christmas Eve. What the union seeks The union went on strike after “Starbucks failed to bring a viable economic policy to the bargaining table or resolve hundreds of unfair labor charges" per the union. The union represents 525 stores and 10,000 employees nationwide. Subscribe to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Be a smarter, better informed investor. Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail. Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail. On X , the union stated, “Since February, Starbucks has repeatedly pledged publicly that they intended to reach contracts by the end of the year — but they’ve yet to present workers with a serious economic proposal.” The goal of the union is to continue these escalating strikes, resulting in more closed stores and lost revenue, at one of the busiest times of the year for Starbucks. The baseline, according to the union , is for baristas to earn $20 per hour, while shift supervisors make $25.40. On top of this, they want a 5% annual raise and cost of living adjustments. They also want all workers to be enrolled in the employer-sponsored 401(k) plan. Another issue addressed is consistent scheduling. The union said often baristas work inconsistent hours that might fluctuate week-to-week, making it difficult to budget monthly income. The union demands that Starbucks provide a fairer process for consistent scheduling. How Starbucks handles it Starbucks responded to the strikes, claiming that union delegates backed out of bargaining talks. A spokesman told NBC News , “Workers United proposals call for an immediate increase in the minimum wage of hourly partners by 64%, and by 77% over the life of a three-year contract, and that isn’t sustainable. Announcing its fourth-quarter results in October, Starbucks fell short of their revenue mark. The coffee giant reported net revenue fell by 3.1% to $9.1 billion , which was short of the $9.4 billion mark anticipated by CNBC. The two sides plan to meet for the final time on Christmas Eve. So far, over 50 stores have shut their doors during the strike, in busy locations like Boston, Brooklyn, Denver, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Columbus and Portland. Will the Starbucks strike impact you? Chances are, the impact on you is minimal at this time since Starbucks has tens of thousands of stores nationwide. Still, if you plan to grab a drink or any gifts, it might be wise to call ahead just in case your stores are one of the ones impacted. Currently, here are some cities with closures: Columbus Portland, Oregon Los Angeles Chicago Seattle Denver Pittsburgh Philadelphia St. Louis Dallas Long Island You can also use this map of store closures , courtesy of Newsweek. Related Content What's Behind Starbucks Stock's New Sell Rating? Ways to Save Money at Starbucks What Starbucks' Latest Dividend Hike Means for Investors

Which snow sport helmet is best? Whether you’re skiing or snowboarding, a good snow sport helmet is a necessity. The best ones are designed to keep your head protected without limiting your enjoyment on the slopes. But with hundreds of different models on the market, how do you know which is the right one for you? For our buying guide on snow sport helmets, we’ve analyzed the latest developments so we can help you choose. Our favorite, the Smith’s Vantage MIPS Snow Helmet , offers the latest in safety technology and comfort, so your focus is on the experience, not your gear. What to know before you buy a snow sport helmet Construction A snow sport helmet usually consists of three layers: a hard outer shell, an inner impact layer, and a lining. The outer is usually molded plastic — either ABS or polycarbonate. ABS is a little heavier but also cheaper. The other option is carbon fiber. It is very strong and ultralight — but a lot more expensive. The inner layer is usually EPS, a polystyrene foam that’s great at absorbing impact. Other materials are occasionally used, notably Koroyd, which is claimed to deliver equal or better protection but with increased ventilation. Liners are generally made of synthetic fleece. Their features might include being hypoallergenic, antibacterial, moisture-wicking, and washable. MIPS (Multidirectional Impact Protection System) is an additional safety feature designed primarily to reduce rotational injury, which can cause serious brain damage. Essentially, this means that a portion of your helmet slides, dramatically reducing the force transmitted through your head. It’s highly effective, but adds considerably to the cost. When choosing a snow sport helmet, always look for one that meets one of the following safety standards: ASTM F2040 (US), EN 1077 (Europe), or Snell RS-98 (independent). Any one will do, though Snell is considered to be the toughest.) Fit You need to measure your head carefully to get a good fit — but a degree of adjustment is often provided. It can be horizontal and/or vertical, the more you get the better. If you’re buying a kids’ snow sport helmet, use the same principle — go for the best fit, not something they will grow into. If it’s oversized now, it’s simply not safe. What to look for in a quality snow sport helmet Venting Venting is important to keep your head cool — if you start to sweat, you’ll get uncomfortable and probably fog up your goggles. A cheap snow sport helmet might just have a few holes in the shell. The best offer control so you can adjust them for different conditions. Eyewear Drop-down visors are fitted to a few snow sport helmets, but it’s usually a case of wearing goggles. Often, there’s a clip on the back of the helmet to secure the goggle strap. Occasionally, goggles are included, but most of the time, you’ll need to buy them separately. Chin straps Chin straps should have a little padding for comfort and good adjustability so you can make the helmet nice and snug. Quick-release clasps that you can undo with your gloves on are common. The fastest are magnetic. Audio Like listening to music while you’re stuck on the ski lift or speeding down the mountain? Look for helmets with built-in speakers and Bluetooth technology so you can connect to your device and rock out. How much you can expect to spend on a snow sport helmet The cheapest snow sport helmet costs around $30. If it complies with a relevant standard (it should be marked), then safety won’t be an issue — but comfort might. For $50 and up, they tend to be lighter and have more features, with MIPS available on helmets from around $130 and up. Carbon fiber models can top $300. Snow Sport Helmets FAQ How do I get the right size snow sports helmet? A. Measure the widest part of your head — usually about half an inch up from your eyebrows. Keep the tape level. Use that measurement to select from the manufacturer’s chart. Check each one individually. Don’t assume they are the same. Try it on immediately so you can return it if necessary. Is a snow sports helmet required by law? A. In some areas, children may need to wear them, but adults have a choice. Some resorts insist on them, and it might be a provision of your travel insurance if you’re on vacation. However, given the potentially life-saving benefits, wearing one is simply common sense. What are the best snow sport helmets to buy? Top snow sport helmet Smith’s Vantage MIPS Snow Helmet What you need to know: This helmet has advanced safety and comfort features for hard-core snow fanatics. What you’ll love: It has a hybrid ABS/polycarbonate shell with an MIPS safety system. Aerocore adds impact protection and helps ventilation. It has good airflow control and accepts Skullcandy audio. What you should consider: MIPS is not available in all colors. Some feel that the sizing runs a little small. Top snow sport helmet for the money Lucky Bums’ Adult Snow Ski Helmet What you need to know: It’s a great value helmet for the snow sport fan on a budget. What you’ll love: The strong ABS shell meets the EN1077 standard. The lining is hypoallergenic and antibacterial. It has a padded chin strap with a quick-release button. What you should consider: The sizing can be tight, and it has a fragile goggles clip. Worth checking out Giro’s Launch Combo Kids’ Snow Helmet What you need to know: Excellent-quality youth helmet in a wide range of fun and funky colors. What you’ll love: It’s got a quick-and-easy adjustment for a snug fit. It’s well-vented and has a comfortable fleece lining. Matching dual-lens, anti-fog goggles are included. What you should consider: It’s a bit pricey. The clarity of the goggles’ lenses varies. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.