Rev Richard Coles says girls threw knickers at him when he was in The CommunardsNEW YORK — If you're planning on ringing in the new year quietly at home, you're not alone. A majority of U.S adults intend to celebrate New Year’s Eve at home, according to a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research . “As I’ve gotten older over the last few years, it’s like if I don’t make it to midnight, it’s not a big deal, you know?” says Carla Woods, 70, from Vinton, Iowa. Nearly 2 in 10 will be celebrating at a friend or family member’s home, and just 5% plan to go out to celebrate at a bar, restaurant or organized event, the poll found. But many U.S. adults will celebrate the new year in a different way — by making a resolution. More than half say they'll make at least one resolution for 2025. There's some optimism about the year ahead, although more than half aren't expecting a positive change. About 4 in 10 say 2025 will be a better year for them personally. About one-third don’t expect much of a difference between 2024 and 2025, and about one-quarter think 2025 will be a worse year than 2024. Relaxed New Year's Eve plans for many Kourtney Kershaw, a 32-year-old bartender in Chicago, often fields questions from customers and friends about upcoming events for New Year's Eve. She said this year is trending toward low-key. “A majority of who I’ve spoken to in my age range, they want to go out, but they don’t know what they’re going to do because they haven’t found anything or things are just really expensive,” she said. “Party packages or an entry fee are like a turnoff, especially with the climate of the world and how much things cost.” As expected, younger people are more interested in ringing in the new year at a bar or organized event — about 1 in 10 U.S. adults under 30 say they plan to do that. But about 3 in 10 older adults — 60 and above — say they won’t celebrate the beginning of 2025 at all. Anthony Tremblay, 35, from Pittsburgh, doesn't usually go out to toast the arrival of the new year, but this year he's got something special cooked up: He and his wife will be traveling through Ireland. “I don’t do anything too crazy for New Year’s, usually. So this is definitely a change,” he said. “I wanted to do something unique this year, so I did.” Woods will be working New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. She answers calls on The Iowa Warmline, a confidential, noncrisis listening line for people struggling with mental health or substance use issues. “Holidays are really hard for people, so I don’t mind working,” she said. “I’m passionate about it because I have mental health issues in the family and so being able to help people is rewarding to me.” Younger Americans are more likely to make a resolution Every New Year's also triggers the eternal debate about resolutions. A majority of U.S. adults say they intend to make a New Year’s resolution of some type, but millennials and Gen Z are especially likely to be on board — about two-thirds expect to do so, compared to about half of older adults. Women are also more likely than men to say they will set a goal for 2025. Tremblay hopes to lose some weight and focus more on self-care — more sleep, meditation and breathing exercises. “It’s probably a good year to focus on mental health,” he said. Many others agree. About 3 in 10 adults choose resolutions involving exercise or eating healthier. About one-quarter said they'll make a resolution involving losing weight and a similar number said they'll resolve to make changes about priorities of money or mental health. Woods' resolutions are to stay social and active. As a mental health counselor, she knows those are key to a happy 2025 and beyond: “Probably one of my biggest resolutions is trying to make sure I stay social, try to get out at least once a week — get out and either have coffee or do something with a friend. That’s not only for the physical but also for the mental health part.” Kershaw, the bartender, says weight loss and better health are the top resolutions she hears people make. “Mental health is the new one, but I think it’s high up there as well as with regular health,” she said. She prefers more goal-oriented resolutions and, this time, it's to do more traveling and see more of the world: “I don’t know if that’s really a resolution, but that’s a goal that I’m setting.” And how will she welcome the arrival of 2025? Usually, she takes the night off and stays home watching movies with plenty of snacks, but this year Kershaw has a different plan, maybe one of the most Chicago things you can do. This die-hard sports fan will be at Wrigley Field on Tuesday watching the Chicago Blackhawks take on the St. Louis Blues. “Hockey’s my favorite sport. So I will be watching hockey and bringing in the new year,” she said. ___ The AP-NORC poll of 1,251 adults was conducted Dec. 5-9, 2024, using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 3.7 percentage points. ___ Sanders reported from Washington.
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There’s a boom coming. Bitcoin has arrived, and its price is setting records. Artificial intelligence (AI) is hot. And the American people just elected a president with a deregulatory mindset. All the ingredients are there. If everything is handled right, America will soon embark on a period of extended wealth creation rarely seen in modern history. For that to occur, a few things must happen, starting with the government staying largely out of the way. That’s hard to do since people rely on government to keep the currency and other mediums of exchange stable. It’s also supposed to root out and protect against fraudsters who take advantage of the hype surrounding any innovative technology to prey on unsuspecting, naïve investors looking to, as the saying goes, “Get rich quick.” None of that has to be tossed overboard in pursuit of the newest “new economy.” As we move forward with the integration of crypto technology into the global financial system and overlay AI onto the manufacturing sector, caveat emptor — Let the buyer beware — is still a sound strategy for everyone. The better the industry educates the American public about what digital tokens are, how to tell the good from the bad, and how they can be used to transform commerce, the more quickly it will be adopted widely. The same goes for AI, which, up to now, is still talked about as though it were part of a science fiction future where computers dominate humankind. What people don’t know or are choosing to ignore is that AI is already being used — to significant effect — in healthcare, energy and manufacturing, leading to lower costs, increased efficiency and driving breakthroughs that benefit us all. The Mayo Clinic says AI is already improving the quality of preventive screenings, diagnoses and treatments, particularly for cancer patients who are experiencing improved outcomes. Bitcoin is also making healthcare better, at least IBM thinks it does. The company has used blockchain, the technology that makes cryptocurrency viable as a transferable store of value, to make health data systems for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention better and safer. Accenture and Shell have partnered to use crypto technology to develop an airline booking system for American Express where business travelers can choose to reduce their carbon footprint by quickly matching them with flights that use cleaner fuel. There are groups out there, like the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), that are working to share information and best practices and educate consumers about the benefits of broader adoption of blockchain. They’re also working to combat misinformation and address the general lack of understanding at the end-user level regarding crypto. Blockchain seems to have a leg up on AI in this regard, but that’s perhaps because it’s been around longer. Nevertheless, the rules of the road are still being written. Gary Gensler, the crypto skeptic who served as chairman of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission under President Joe Biden, announced recently he’d be stepping down at the end of the current administration. Donald Trump can now replace him with someone friendly to crypto who can promulgate a set of rules that will allow America to close the gap that its regulatory inaction has created with nations like China, which are much further down the road on digital finance. There is growing recognition that a similar effort needs to be made with AI so that the public better understands how it works. The American Association of Retired Persons is one group that recently launched a major initiative, but more needs to be done. Groups like it and the NCA can and should take the lead in educating the public about these technologies, how they work, and why they are worth paying attention to. Modern technologies are for everyone, not a select few. Increasing awareness and education will help us better leverage these technologies from both a practical and policy perspective and will open the door for safe and beneficial mass adoption. We need to bring the public along instead of frightening them. Peter Roff is a media fellow at the Trans-Atlantic Leadership Network, a former columnist for U.S. News & World Report and senior political writer for United Press International. Contact Roff at RoffColumns@gmail.com .Stitch Buffalo refugees that make Bills-inspired hats to attend first NFL game
Google unveils Android Auto with new design and featuresAP News Summary at 2:23 p.m. EST
MADRID – Iran's ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali, announced that the two countries are set to sign a comprehensive cooperation agreement that will strengthen their bilateral relations. According to Jalali, the pact will be formalized during the official visit of Masoud Pezeshkian to Moscow on January 17, when the presidents of Iran and Russia will sign the document, which will include key areas of strategic collaboration. This rapprochement underscores the mutual interest in consolidating an alliance that goes beyond economics, extending to educational and cultural management. In an international context marked by uncertainties, Tehran and Moscow are working to solidify their cooperation to face common challenges. The Iranian ambassador highlighted progress in key economic projects, such as the North-South Transport Corridor, which remains a strategic priority for both countries. In this context, he recalled the recent visit to Tehran of two Russian deputy prime ministers, who met with the Iranian president and other high-ranking officials to discuss advancements in this initiative. Russia has solidified its position as one of Iran's key strategic partners on both the international and regional fronts. Amid a growing rift with the West, particularly the United States, and in the face of political and military instability in West Asia, Iran has intensified its efforts to strengthen ties with Moscow. This partnership, bolstered by mutual interest in countering U.S. influence, has been pivotal in areas such as the Caspian region, further strengthening the bond between the two nations. This strategic alignment has fostered a convergence of interests and positions on several fronts, particularly highlighting their collaboration in Syria. Both countries have aligned in their support for Bashar al-Assad's regime, allowing them to coordinate efforts in the fight against extremist groups and consolidate their influence in the region. However, both external and internal factors pose challenges to the expansion of cooperation between Iran and Russia. The economic dependence of both countries on energy exports, their economic difficulties, and cultural and social differences have been significant obstacles to the development of their political and economic relations. The impact of these obstacles is complex. On one hand, for Iranian leaders, even under Vladimir Putin's leadership, Russia has demonstrated that, despite its tensions with the West, it seeks to maintain peaceful and advantageous relations with the United States. On the other hand, the Iranian government views its hostility with Washington as "endless," a confrontation rooted in a political vision that challenges the traditional Western order. During periods of rapprochement between Russia and the United States, such as during Dmitry Medvedev's presidency, the ties between Tehran and Moscow suffered a noticeable cooling, and Russia failed to fulfill some of its commitments. A clear example of this was the refusal to deliver the S-300 missile systems to Iran. These dynamics highlight that any shift in relations between the United States and Russia can have significant repercussions for the ties between Moscow and Tehran. Russia's significance to Iran has primarily been on the international level, serving as a counterbalance to reduce the pressure exerted by the United States. In turn, Iran has taken on a strategic role for Russia in the regional sphere, particularly in West and Central Asia. Their cooperation in Syria has strengthened their mutual importance, solidifying a relationship that finds one of its main drivers in the structure of the international system. Russia has leveraged its relationships with regional powers such as Iran to counteract the influence of the West. Furthermore, Moscow, as a power capable of institutionalizing its presence in the region, seeks to strengthen its global influence through initiatives like the Eurasian Economic Union and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. These strategies underscore its intention to demonstrate to the West that it is not possible to address crises and global issues, especially on a regional level, without its involvement. Vladimir Putin's leadership has been crucial in the expansion of ties between Russia and Iran. During his tenure, political and economic relations between the two countries have deepened, particularly in the energy and military cooperation sectors. Putin's influence has been key in promoting common interests, such as their opposition to Western intervention in West Asia and their strategic collaboration in the Syrian conflict. Iran has become the third-largest importer of Russian arms, after India and China. This military collaboration has allowed Tehran to acquire significant capabilities to address its security needs. Access to Russian military technologies, combined with domestic missile production, has strengthened Iran's regional position and its ability to counter Western threats, particularly under the pretext of its nuclear program. However, between 2005 and 2010, relations between Iran and Russia went through a period of deterioration. The "reset" policy promoted by the Barack Obama administration led to greater cooperation between Moscow and Washington regarding Iran's nuclear program. This was reflected in the approval of UN Security Council Resolution 1737 in 2006 and the sanctions imposed by Russia on Tehran. In 2010, Dmitry Medvedev signed the implementation of UN Resolution 1929, which prohibited economic relations with Iran, including transactions with the Iranian government and citizens. It also banned Iranian citizens from traveling to Russia for activities related to nuclear matters, intensifying restrictions against Tehran. Between 2006 and 2009, Russia supported all UN Security Council resolutions against Iran following reports from the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency. In return, Moscow received strategic concessions from the United States, such as a halt in the development of a third missile defense area in Eastern Europe, the signing of the START-1 Treaty, an agreement for Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization, and the revival of the nuclear pact with Iran. Vladimir Putin's return to the Kremlin in 2012, following a constitutional reform that allowed him to remain president until 2018, marked a turning point in Russia's policy toward Iran. During Iran's negotiations with world powers, Moscow worked to reassure Israel that Iran's nuclear program did not pose a threat, acting as a mediator within the framework of the 5+1 agreement. The election of Hassan Rouhani in 2013, with his promise to ease tensions with the West and resolve the nuclear issue, increased Russia's interest in strengthening ties with Tehran. This period also solidified regional collaborations in conflicts such as those in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, leading Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to describe Iran as a "natural ally" in 2014. The outbreak of the so-called "Arab Revolutions" further emphasized the convergence between the two countries, highlighted by their firm opposition to Western interventions in North Africa and West Asia. This alliance, forged on shared interests, has redefined their strategic role in a region marked by profound political and social transformations. Since 2015, bilateral relations between Iran and Russia have experienced a notable strengthening in political, economic, and regional spheres. After Vladimir Putin's second visit to Tehran, the leaders of both countries agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic level, opening up new opportunities for cooperation. Since then, Iran has become a key ally for Russia, addressing its concerns beyond its borders. The Western sanctions imposed on both Iran and Russia have been a key factor driving both countries to strengthen their bilateral trade relations. Iran, with its large population, represents an attractive market for Russian products and services. Meanwhile, Russia has worked to promote closer cooperation between Iran and members of the Eurasian Economic Union. For Iran, this alliance represents an opportunity to consolidate itself as one of the main transit routes for goods and services between the Union's countries and South Asia, with a particular focus on India. Relations between Iran and Russia have taken a significant turn with the signing of contracts worth $4 billion with various Russian companies. These agreements, aimed at fostering investment, received considerable momentum during Ebrahim Raisi's administration. Iranian authorities believe that Russian energy companies, in collaboration with their Chinese partners, are well-positioned to manage Iran's energy sector. Despite the strengthening of this relationship, Iran does not benefit equitably. In the context of international isolation, the Persian country collaborates with Russia from a position of necessity, highlighting the asymmetry in this strategic alliance. Iran's stance on Russia's war in Ukraine has been characterized by caution and a delicate diplomatic balance. Officially, both state media and high-ranking Iranian officials have avoided openly condemning Russia, instead opting to justify its actions from a perspective that criticizes Western expansion. Iran's position also reflects the complexities of its foreign policy, which seeks to balance its strategic interests without alienating its international partners or exacerbating its already delicate geopolitical situation. This complexity is evident in how, from the Iranian government and with the backing of its military institutions, the country has refused any direct involvement in the conflict, continuously calling for a diplomatic solution to end the war in Ukraine. In this regard, former Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated in Geneva: "Unlike the West, which has provided billions of dollars in weapons to Ukraine, Iran has not supplied arms to either side in the war and does not support any faction." Recently, the current Foreign Minister, Sayyid Abbas Araghchi, made it clear in a post on the social media platform X that "Iran has not sent any ballistic missiles to Russia." These statements underscore Iran's stance of remaining neutral in the conflict, rejecting any direct involvement but offering its services as a mediator to resolve the crisis, while continuing to promote the expansion of its relations with Russia in other strategic areas. Thus, decision-makers in Iran, while maintaining multifaceted cooperation with Russia across various domains, express concern over the expansion of the conflict and constantly emphasize the importance of finding peaceful solutions to end the military confrontation between Russia and Ukraine. Understanding Tehran’s stance on the war in Ukraine requires considering not only its perception of the changing international order but also the geopolitical implications of regional rivalries in West Asia and Central Asia, as well as internal political considerations. These factors have led Iran to collaborate closely with Russia, while simultaneously continuing to proclaim "neutrality" in the conflict, primarily driven by concerns over the potential repercussions of the war. Currently, Tehran is paying a high price for its rapprochement with Moscow, while the benefits of this strategy are still not entirely clear. Iran has come to be considered a declared enemy of Ukraine, a country that, leveraging its international sympathy, is applying pressure on Tehran. Kyiv has intensified its lobbying efforts to attract allies against Iran. Finally, it is worth noting that, although during the election campaign the government of Masoud Pezeshkian mentioned the possibility of revisiting relations with Russia, everything points to the fact that, given the regional context and the arrival of Donald Trump to the White House, both countries will continue to view each other as strategic allies.AP News Summary at 2:23 p.m. EST
Disapproval for Sir Keir Starmer’s government is at a record high according to data in a new poll. According to the poll conducted by YouGov, 62% of those surveyed said that they disapprove of the government’s record to date up from 32% in the weeks following Labour’s landslide success in July. Such significant disapproval ratings so early into a premiership are almost unheard of, with Boris Johnson’s government sitting at just 44% six months after his general election win in 2019. Government approval ratings are down from 29% in July to just 17%, capping off a difficult second half of the year for Starmer who has been blighted by ‘ freebie-gate ’, farmers protests , fury over the removal of the winter fuel allowance and the surge of Reform UK in his short time in number 10. Outcry over policies such as the winter fuel allowance has seen Labour’s favourability fall sharply with older voters, with a staggering 82% of those surveyed over the age of 65 saying that they disapprove of the government’s performance to date – The highest figure recorded since the weekly tracker began in 2011. The survey gets no better amongst Labour voters, with an eye-watering 39% of Labour voters saying that they disapprove of the government’s performance to date. The Prime Minister has caused anger from his own side on several occasions and has been criticised publicly by trade unions and backbench MPs. Early into the government’s tenure, the refusal to remove the two-child benefit cap saw Starmer faced with his first MP rebellion as seven MPs were suspended from the party for voting against the government. The removal of the winter fuel payment , a measure introduced and celebrated by New Labour also saw Starmer faced with friendly fire whilst the decision earlier this month to reject the WASPI women’s fight for compensation saw Labour MPs turn on the Prime Minister on social media and in the Commons. Across Europe and North America, the approval ratings of centre-left parties are in similar decline, with the poll serving the government with a reminder that Britain is no outlier. In Germany and France, Olaf Scholz and Emmanuel Macron look set to be ousted from power by figures from the right whilst the same is set to happen in Canada as Justin Trudeau continues to flounder. The election of Giorgia Meloni in Italy and the re-election of Donald Trump in the US mean that Starmer could be set to be the only centre-left leader at next year's G7 meeting in Canada.
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