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By ALEXANDRA OLSON and CATHY BUSSEWITZ NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart’s sweeping rollback of its diversity policies is the strongest indication yet of a profound shift taking hold at U.S. companies that are revaluating the legal and political risks associated with bold programs to bolster historically underrepresented groups in business. The changes announced by the world’s biggest retailer followed a string of legal victories by conservative groups that have filed an onslaught of lawsuits challenging corporate and federal programs aimed at elevating minority and women-owned businesses and employees. The risk associated with some of programs crystalized with the election of former President Donald Trump, whose administration is certain to make dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs a priority. Trump’s incoming deputy chief of policy will be his former adviser Stephen Miller , who leads a group called America First Legal that has aggressively challenged corporate DEI policies. “There has been a lot of reassessment of risk looking at programs that could be deemed to constitute reverse discrimination,” said Allan Schweyer, principal researcher the Human Capital Center at the Conference Board. “This is another domino to fall and it is a rather large domino,” he added. Among other changes, Walmart said it will no longer give priority treatment to suppliers owned by women or minorities. The company also will not renew a five-year commitment for a racial equity center set up in 2020 after the police killing of George Floyd. And it pulled out of a prominent gay rights index . Schweyer said the biggest trigger for companies making such changes is simply a reassessment of their legal risk exposure, which began after U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in June 2023 that ended affirmative action in college admissions. Since then, conservative groups using similar arguments have secured court victories against various diversity programs, especially those that steer contracts to minority or women-owned businesses. Most recently, the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty won a victory in a case against the U.S. Department of Transportation over its use of a program that gives priority to minority-owned businesses when it awards contracts. Companies are seeing a big legal risk in continuing with DEI efforts, said Dan Lennington, a deputy counsel at the institute. His organization says it has identified more than 60 programs in the federal government that it considers discriminatory, he said. “We have a legal landscape within the entire federal government, all three branches — the U.S. Supreme Court, the Congress and the President — are all now firmly pointed in the direction towards equality of individuals and individualized treatment of all Americans, instead of diversity, equity and inclusion treating people as members of racial groups,” Lennington said. The Trump administration is also likely to take direct aim at DEI initiatives through executive orders and other policies that affect private companies, especially federal contractors. “The impact of the election on DEI policies is huge. It can’t be overstated,” said Jason Schwartz, co-chair of the Labor & Employment Practice Group at law firm Gibson Dunn. With Miller returning to the White House, rolling back DEI initiatives is likely to be a priority, Schwartz said. “Companies are trying to strike the right balance to make clear they’ve got an inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome, and they want to get the best talent, while at the same time trying not to alienate various parts of their employees and customer base who might feel one way or the other. It’s a virtually impossible dilemma,” Schwartz said. A recent survey by Pew Research Center showed that workers are divided on the merits of DEI policies. While still broadly popular, the share of workers who said focusing on workplace diversity was mostly a good thing fell to 52% in the November survey, compared to 56% in a similar survey in February 2023. Rachel Minkin, a research associated at Pew called it a small but significant shift in short amount of time. There will be more companies pulling back from their DEI policies, but it likely won’t be a retreat across the board, said David Glasgow, executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at New York University. “There are vastly more companies that are sticking with DEI,” Glasgow said. “The only reason you don’t hear about it is most of them are doing it by stealth. They’re putting their heads down and doing DEI work and hoping not to attract attention.” Glasgow advises organizations to stick to their own core values, because attitudes toward the topic can change quickly in the span of four years. “It’s going to leave them looking a little bit weak if there’s a kind of flip-flopping, depending on whichever direction the political winds are blowing,” he said. One reason DEI programs exist is because without those programs, companies may be vulnerable to lawsuits for traditional discrimination. “Really think carefully about the risks in all directions on this topic,” Glasgow said. Walmart confirmed will no longer consider race and gender as a litmus test to improve diversity when it offers supplier contracts. Last fiscal year, Walmart said it spent more than $13 billion on minority, women or veteran-owned good and service suppliers. It was unclear how its relationships with such business would change going forward. Organizations that that have partnered with Walmart on its diversity initiatives offered a cautious response. The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, a non-profit that last year named Walmart one of America’s top corporation for women-owned enterprises, said it was still evaluating the impact of Walmart’s announcement. Pamela Prince-Eason, the president and CEO of the organization, said she hoped Walmart’s need to cater to its diverse customer base will continue to drive contracts to women-owned suppliers even if the company no longer has explicit dollar goals. “I suspect Walmart will continue to have one of the most inclusive supply chains in the World,” Prince-Eason wrote. “Any retailer’s ability to serve the communities they operate in will continue to value understanding their customers, (many of which are women), in order to better provide products and services desired and no one understands customers better than Walmart.” Walmart’s announcement came after the company spoke directly with conservative political commentator and activist Robby Starbuck, who has been going after corporate DEI policies, calling out individual companies on the social media platform X. Several of those companies have subsequently announced that they are pulling back their initiatives, including Ford , Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s and Tractor Supply . Walmart confirmed to The Associated Press that it will better monitor its third-party marketplace items to make sure they don’t feature sexual and transgender products aimed at minors. The company also will stop participating in the Human Rights Campaign’s annual benchmark index that measures workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees. A Walmart spokesperson added that some of the changes were already in progress and not as a result of conversations that it had with Starbuck. RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, senior director of the HRC Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program, said companies that “abandon” their commitments workplace inclusion policies “are shirking their responsibility to their employees, consumers, and shareholders.” She said the buying power of LGBTQ customers is powerful and noted that the index will have record participation of more than 1,400 companies in 2025.
Subscribe to our newsletter Privacy Policy Success! Your account was created and you’re signed in. Please visit My Account to verify and manage your account. An account was already registered with this email. Please check your inbox for an authentication link. Support Independent Arts Journalism As an independent publication, we rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. If you value our coverage and want to support more of it, consider becoming a member today . Already a member? Sign in here. We rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. If you value our coverage and want to support more of it, please join us as a member . DETROIT — Food has always played a vital role in fostering and maintaining community. It’s a key component of cultural heritage: How food is prepared, served, and shared is oftentimes communal and ritualistic. Food tells us stories — be they personal, historical, or social. And food culture is a form of art. The Art of Dining: Food Culture in the Islamic World , currently on view at the Detroit Institute of Arts, transforms meals into narrative experiences, showing how food connects people not only to their roots, but also to each another. The exhibition showcases almost 230 pieces, spanning centuries and ranging from cooking vessels to paintings, from 30 public and private collections across the world. Our introduction to this realm comes initially from a map of the Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) region, which greets the visitor as they enter the show. Several cities are highlighted on this map: Istanbul, Cairo, Mecca, Baghdad, Isfahan, and Delhi. The captions explain that these sites have been significant for trade, artistic production, and pilgrimage. They were also both culturally and historically important for Islam, the exhibition posits, and they hold a special place for the food culture that was nurtured in historically Muslim-majority regions of the world. What makes this show truly commendable is its expansive perspective on food. The works on view emphasize everything associated with the craft of dining. Steel fruit sculptures (pear, quince, melon) made for the processions commemorating the martyrdom of Al-Ḥusayn ibn ʿAlī (626–80), a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and the third Shia imam , are on display. The exhibit also features different types of spice dishes, tin-glazed plates with peacock feather patterns, glazed porcelain bowls, copper alloy cauldrons, flasks, and drinking vessels. It draws our attention to the processes of preparation, presentation, and enjoyment associated with food culture, such as the hospitality of hand washing, demonstrated via an ewer from Iran or Iraq circa the 1200s; a basin from Egypt dating from the 1300s; and even a description of dining etiquette from the Sunni polyhistor and mujaddid (or “one who brings renewal to the religion”) Al-Ghazali (1058–1111). Get the latest art news, reviews and opinions from Hyperallergic. Daily Weekly Opportunities The Art of Dining also explores the etiquette of eating across this realm. In one large room, a table invites us to a digitally created sufra (floor spread) meal where adapted historical dishes, prepared by chef Najmieh Batmanglij , are projected at the center of each plate. There is even a cooking display with multiple televisions where you can watch the preparation of different dishes live on a screen. Cookbooks, handbooks for health, and a glimpse into the kitchens and pantries that supported food culture throughout the Islamic cultures emphasized in the show are dispersed throughout the galleries. Stories around food further narrate the visitor’s journey. Medieval illuminated manuscripts draw attention to images of picnics; depictions of scenes known as maqama (meaning “assembly” in Arabic) that would have been read out loud at social gatherings; and banquet scenes from a copy of the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdawsi. Together, these works foreground the importance of hospitality in class and political power. They illustrate how culinary traditions and communal meals serve as vital expressions of identity and social cohesion within various cultural and class contexts. These books are placed alongside musical instruments — a kamancha made from fish skin from the 1800s, the taus (meaning “peacock” in Persian) from 19th-century India, the oud of the Greek Maol (Emmanuel Venios) — calling to mind the practices of entertainment present in these cities and in Islamic courts. At one point, the viewer is also invited to join the table by sharing on circular, blank white pages “how food connected you to people, places, and memories.” The exhibition ends with a contemporary multimedia installation by Iraqi-born artist Sadik Kwaish Alfraji titled “A Thread of Light Between My Mother’s Fingers and Heaven.” This captivatingly layered piece is influenced by the artist’s memories of his mother and the bread she baked as they gathered as a family around their table in Baghdad. The black and white sketched animations reflect how memories and food intertwine to create a tapestry of shared experiences, evoking nostalgia and a profound sense of identity that transcends time and place. Though not all the objects on display serve religious functions, the show paints a well-rounded picture of food culture in Islam. The Art of Dining was originally organized and displayed by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. For the DIA iteration, the curators made modifications in response to feedback that called for a more multicultural perspective, as opposed to one that overly homogenizes what’s referred to here as the Islamic world. This approach is evident as the exhibition acknowledges how the everyday lives of different ethnoreligious cultures in these regions were informed by different or varying practices. While looking at food cultures through the lens of intercultural connection added complexity that was presumably lacking in the LACMA version, the DIA’s presentation would have been made stronger by recognizing the non-Islamic peoples who lived in these cities and across the SWANA region. Although these communities — for example, Greek, Chaldean, and Armenian — may not have practiced the Islamic faith, their customs around food were influenced by these same practices. Though a section of the exhibit acknowledges shared cultures in tableware from this region, identifying Chinese porcelain, Ottoman ceramics, and Italian pottery as points of connection, there are many other examples of commonalities around food that could have helped represent links between communities across these geographies. The city of Istanbul — with its far-reaching Byzantine, Cilician Armenian, Jewish, and Parthian presence — is one such example where multiple influences collectively shaped the cultural identity of its premodern history. Using the term “Islamicate,” coined by historian Marshall Hodgson, could have alluded to the importance of Islam as a cultural force that influenced non-Muslims in the region, while also acknowledging their presence and contribution to the development of a sociopolitical and economic cosmos there. Doing so would have also reinforced the exhibit’s already strong foundation by showcasing Islamicate civilization as an integral component of world history and Islam’s influence upon it — especially through the exquisite ways in which it highlighted the history of food culture as a unifying element within this narrative. The Art of Dining: Food Culture in the Islamic World continues at the Detroit Institute of Arts (5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan) through January 5, 2025. The exhibition was organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. We hope you enjoyed this article! Before you keep reading, please consider supporting Hyperallergic ’s journalism during a time when independent, critical reporting is increasingly scarce. Unlike many in the art world, we are not beholden to large corporations or billionaires. Our journalism is funded by readers like you , ensuring integrity and independence in our coverage. We strive to offer trustworthy perspectives on everything from art history to contemporary art. We spotlight artist-led social movements, uncover overlooked stories, and challenge established norms to make art more inclusive and accessible. With your support, we can continue to provide global coverage without the elitism often found in art journalism. If you can, please join us as a member today . Millions rely on Hyperallergic for free, reliable information. By becoming a member, you help keep our journalism free, independent, and accessible to all. Thank you for reading. Share Copied to clipboard Mail Bluesky Threads LinkedIn Facebook
Five Below, Inc. Announces Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 Financial ResultsITV Emmerdale's Kelvin Fletcher upholds 'special family tradition' in 'rare moment' on ITV showPresident reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to women’s rights, end to violence President expressed his satisfaction that in Pakistan, they were making meaningful efforts to end violence against women ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed on the ‘International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women’, that they were united in solidarity with women and girls across the world who endured violence in many forms. “This day serves as a reminder to intensify our efforts to end violence against women and girls,” he said in a message on the eve of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. According to statement issued from President House Media Wing on Sunday, President Zardari reaffirmed commitment to protect the rights of women, provide them with a safe and enabling environment, and reduce gender-based violence. “We need to empower women by providing them education, focusing on their skill-building and ensuring their financial independence. It is also essential to raise awareness about women’s rights and eliminate violence against them,” he stressed. The president said that violence against women was a pervasive human rights issue that affected nearly one in three women globally. “The urgency for immediate and collective action could be gauged from the fact that thousands of women lost their lives annually in acts of violence, he observed. “This year’s theme “Every 10 Minutes, a Woman is Killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women” calls upon us to increase investments in prevention strategies, survivor support, and systemic reforms to address this grave violation of human rights”, he said. The president said Pakistan stood committed to this cause, aligning its national efforts with this global call to action. “Former Prime Minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto championed the rights of women,” he said, adding in her address at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995, she called for economic independence, social equality, and education of women. “She firmly believed in creating a society free from exploitation and maltreatment of women where they could rise to the highest level in politics, business, diplomacy, and other spheres of life,” he further added. The president expressed his satisfaction that in Pakistan, they were making meaningful efforts to end violence against women. “We have enacted laws to protect them against sexual violence, and harassment at workplaces. Pakistan has also established Family Protection Centres and Women’s Crisis Shelters and increased access to counselling, helplines, and legal aid. Yet, we still have a long way to go. Violence continues to limit women’s access to education, employment, and equal opportunities, particularly for those in vulnerable communities,” he added. President Zardari said through their collective efforts, they could create a safer environment where no woman was subjected to violence.None
A deal which could see the Elgin Marbles returned to Greece is “still some distance” away, George Osborne has signalled. The former Tory chancellor, now chairman of the British Museum, suggested Sir Keir Starmer had contributed to a warmer spirit of the negotiations over the famous ancient artworks. Greece has long called for the return of the Marbles, also known as the Parthenon sculptures, and maintains they were illegally removed from Athens’ acropolis during a period of foreign occupation. The British Museum – where they are currently on display – is forbidden by law from giving away any of its artefacts, and the Government has no plans to change the law to permit a permanent move. But under Mr Osborne’s leadership, the museum is negotiating the possibility of a long-term loan of the sculptures, in exchange for rolling exhibitions of famous artworks. No 10 has indicated the Prime Minister is unlikely to stand in the way of such a deal. Speaking on Political Currency, the podcast he hosts alongside former Labour politician Ed Balls, Mr Osborne said the museum was “looking to see if we can come to some arrangement where at some point some of the sculptures are in Athens, where, of course, they were originally sited”. He added: “And in return, Greece lends us some of its treasures, and we made a lot of progress on that, but we’re still some distance from any kind of agreement.” The Greek government has suggested negotiations with the museum have taken a warmer tone since Labour came to power in the summer. Mr Osborne appeared to concur with this view and praised Sir Keir’s hands-off approach, adding: “It is not the same as Rishi Sunak, who refused to see the Greek prime minister, if you remember, he sort of stood him up. “So it seems to me a more sensible and diplomatic way to proceed.” Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Greek premier, discussed the Elgin Marbles with Sir Keir when they met on Tuesday morning at Downing Street, he said after returning to Athens. Mr Mitsotakis has signalled his government is awaiting developments on the negotiations. A diplomatic spat between the Greek leader and Mr Sunak emerged last year when the then-prime minister refused to meet his counterpart. Mr Mitsotakis had compared splitting the Elgin Marbles from those still in Athens to cutting the Mona Lisa in half. The marble statues came from friezes on the 2,500-year-old Parthenon temple and have been displayed at the British Museum for more than 200 years. They were removed by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century when he was British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. Some of the remaining temple statues are on display in the purpose-built Acropolis Museum in Athens, and Greece has called for the collections to be reunited.MLB Salary Arbitration Eligibles ListJetliner skids off runway and bursts into flames while landing in South Korea, killing 179 SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A jetliner skidded off a runway, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into flames in South Korea after its landing gear apparently failed to deploy. Officials said all but two of the 181 people on board were killed Sunday in one of the country’s worst aviation disasters. The 737-800 operated by Jeju Air plane arrived from Bangkok and crashed while attempting to land in the town of Muan, about 290 kilometers (180 miles) south of Seoul. Footage of the crash aired by South Korean television channels showed the plane skidding across the airstrip at high speed, evidently with its landing gear still closed. Tornadoes in Texas and Mississippi kill 2 and injure 6 as severe weather system moves east HOUSTON (AP) — A strong storm system is threatening to whip up tornadoes in parts of the U.S. Southeast, a day after severe weather claimed at least two lives as twisters touched down in Texas and Mississippi. Strong storms moving eastward Sunday are expected to continue producing gusty, damaging winds, hail and tornadoes through Sunday. That is according to National Weather Service meteorologist Frank Pereira. So far, the line of severe weather has led to about 40 tornado reports from southeastern Texas to Alabama, Pereira said, but those reports remain unconfirmed until surveys of damage are completed. Israeli hospital says Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — An Israeli hospital says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery. Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center said his prostate was removed late Sunday and that he was recovering. Netanyahu’s office had said Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, would serve as acting prime minister during the procedure. Doctors ordered the operation after detecting an infection last week. Netanyahu is expected to remain hospitalized for several days. Syria's de facto leader says it could take up to 4 years to hold elections BEIRUT (AP) — Syria’s de facto leader has said it could take up to four years to hold elections in Syria, and that he plans on dissolving his Islamist group that led the country’s insurgency at an anticipated national dialogue summit for the country. Ahmad al-Sharaa, who leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group leading the new authority in Syria, made the remarks in an interview Sunday. That's according to the Saudi television network Al-Arabiyya. It comes almost a month after a lightning insurgency led by HTS overthrew President Bashar Assad’s decades-long rule, ending the country’s uprising-turned civil war that started back in 2011. A fourth infant dies of the winter cold in Gaza as families share blankets in seaside tents DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — A fourth infant has died of hypothermia in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by nearly 15 months of war are huddled in tents along the rainy, windswept coast as winter arrives. The baby's father says the 20-day-old child was found with his head as “cold as ice” Sunday morning in their tent. The baby’s twin brother was moved to the intensive care unit of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Their father says the twins were born one month premature and spent just a day in hospital, which like other Gaza health centers has been overwhelmed and only partially functions. Musk causes uproar for backing Germany's far-right party ahead of key elections BERLIN (AP) — Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has caused uproar after backing Germany’s far-right party in a major newspaper ahead of key parliamentary elections in the Western European country, leading to the resignation of the paper’s opinion editor in protest. Germany is to vote in an early election on Feb. 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalize the country’s stagnant economy. Musk’s guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag, published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month he supported the Alternative for Germany, or AfD. 2024 was a year of triumphs and setbacks for Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Here's how it unfolded The year 2024 saw President Vladimir Putin further cement his power as he sought to counter Russia's isolation over the war in Ukraine. He won a fifth term that will keep him in office until 2030 following an election with only token opposition. He tightened a political crackdown on Russian society, and his top opponent, Alexei Navalny, died in prison under still unknown circumstances. But gunmen massacred scores of people in a Moscow concert hall, and a bomb killed a top general in attacks that underscored security flaws. Ukrainian forces swept into the Russian region of Kursk, Putin boasted about a lethal new hypersonic missile, and a new Trump administration raised concerns about continued U.S. support for Ukraine. Azerbaijan's president says crashed jetliner was shot down by Russia unintentionally Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev says the Azerbaijani airliner that crashed last week was shot down by Russia, albeit unintentionally. Aliyev told Azerbaijani state television on Sunday that the aircraft was hit by fire from the ground over Russia and rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare. He accused Russia of trying to “hush up” the issue for several days. The crash on Wednesday killed 38 of 67 people on board. Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to Aliyev on Saturday for what he called a “tragic incident” but stopped short of acknowledging Moscow’s responsibility. Russian man arrested for allegedly running LGBTQ+ travel agency found dead in custody A Russian man arrested for allegedly running a travel agency for gay customers has been found dead in custody in Moscow. That's according to independent news outlet Mediazona on Sunday. According to OVD-Info, Andrei Kotov of the Men Travel agency was in pretrial detention facing extremism charges. An investigator told Kotov’s lawyer that her client had died by suicide and was found dead in his cell. Just over a year ago, Russia’s Supreme Court effectively outlawed any LGBTQ+ activism in a ruling that designated “the international LGBT movement” as extremist. The move exposed anyone in the community or connected to it to criminal prosecution and prison. LeBron James at 40: A milestone birthday arrives Monday for the NBA's all-time scoring leader When LeBron James broke another NBA record earlier this month, the one for most regular-season minutes played in a career, his Los Angeles Lakers teammates handled the moment in typical locker room fashion. They made fun of him. Dubbed The Kid from Akron, with a limitless future, James is now the 40-year-old from Los Angeles with wisps of gray in his beard, his milestone birthday coming Monday, one that will make him the first player in NBA history to play in his teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. He has stood and excelled in the spotlight his entire career.
S Korea’s Yoon again ignores summons to appearMonday, December 30, 2024 Travel agencies report that group flight bookings from Singapore to China for the first half of 2025 have already equalled the total bookings for all of 2024. This significant increase is largely attributed to recent visa-free agreements between China and countries like Singapore and Malaysia. Visa-Free Travel Boosts Interest Since February 2024, Singaporeans have enjoyed visa-free entry into China for stays up to 30 days, an extension from the previous 15-day allowance. Similarly, Malaysia and Thailand have established mutual visa exemption policies with China, facilitating spontaneous travel plans. This ease of access has led to a surge in interest among Southeast Asian travelers. Diverse Destinations Attracting Travelers Travelers like Kerryn Lee May Xin, a 27-year-old Malaysian residing in Singapore, have taken advantage of these relaxed visa requirements to explore various Chinese cities. Over the past year, Lee has visited Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Beijing, Harbin, Chengdu, and Chongqing, often accompanied by friends sharing her enthusiasm for discovering China’s diverse landscapes and cultures. Cultural Experiences and Social Media Influence Lee’s experiences highlight the rich cultural tapestry awaiting visitors in China. From sailing in Dalian to indulging in local cuisines in Shenyang’s Korean community, travelers are immersing themselves in authentic local experiences. Notably, Lee’s introduction to China’s bathhouse culture left a lasting impression, showcasing the country’s unique social traditions. Social media platforms such as Xiaohongshu, TikTok, and YouTube have played a pivotal role in promoting China’s attractions. Scenic spots featured in Chinese dramas have become trendy destinations, with travelers sharing their experiences online, broadening the appeal to both Chinese-speaking and non-Chinese-speaking communities. Infrastructure Enhancements Facilitate Travel China’s advancements in infrastructure have further enhanced the travel experience. Enhanced mobile payment options now allow visitors to link overseas bank cards to platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay, simplifying transactions. Additionally, apps such as 12306 for train bookings and Xiaohongshu for travel tips make planning seamless. Reciprocal Tourism Growth The increase in travel is reciprocal. According to the Singapore Tourism Board, 2.89 million Chinese tourists visited Singapore in the first 11 months of 2024, marking a 134.1 percent year-on-year increase. This mutual interest underscores the strengthening tourism ties between Singapore and China. Future Outlook With the continuation of visa-free policies and growing interest fueled by social media and cultural curiosity, the upward trend in travel between Singapore and China is expected to persist. Travel agencies anticipate that the momentum will continue beyond the first half of 2025, further bolstering tourism and cultural exchange between the two nations. Conclusion The surge in travel bookings between Singapore and China reflects the success of visa-free agreements and the increasing desire among travelers to explore new destinations. As both countries continue to facilitate easier travel, the tourism sector is poised for sustained growth, enriching the cultural and economic landscapes of both nations.
SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks rode their dominant defense to a big win over a division rival to vault into first place in the NFC West. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks rode their dominant defense to a big win over a division rival to vault into first place in the NFC West. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks rode their dominant defense to a big win over a division rival to vault into first place in the NFC West. No, it isn’t 2013. These are the 2024 Seahawks, who, after struggling mightily against the run earlier this season, held the visiting Arizona Cardinals to 49 rushing yards in Sunday’s 16-6 victory. The defensive line kept Kyler Murray under consistent pressure thanks to a dominant performance from Leonard Williams, the secondary flew around to smack away passes, and safety Coby Bryant scored on a 69-yard pick-6. Sunday’s defensive performance was reminiscent of the Seahawks of a decade ago and a promising sign that first-year coach Mike Macdonald’s system is starting to click. Macdonald, who coordinated Baltimore’s NFL-best defense last year, was leading one of the worst rush defenses in the league earlier this season. But Seattle consistently stuffed the Cardinals, who came in as the fifth-best running team in the league at 149.4 yards per game. “Three games in a row now we played pretty decent on defense,” Macdonald said. “There is an expectation and standard here throughout the course of our Seahawks history that we’re trying to live up to and build on. So that’s the idea.” At 6-5, the Seahawks drew even with the Cardinals in the tightly bunched division. The teams play each other again in two weeks at Arizona. What’s working Last month’s trade for linebacker Ernest Jones IV has clearly paid off. Seattle hasn’t allowed a running back to rush for more than 79 yards since its Week 8 loss to Buffalo, which was Jones’ first game in a Seahawks uniform. He has led the team in tackles in every game he’s played and has helped resurrect the run defense. What needs help The Seahawks’ run game continues to underperform. Seattle got 65 yards on the ground Sunday, with the Cardinals holding Kenneth Walker III to 41 yards on 16 attempts. Zach Charbonnet had 22 yards on six carries. Walker hasn’t topped 100 yards since Week 1. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb needs to think of something different to get the running backs involved. Stock up Williams single-handedly disrupted the Cardinals with 2 1/2 sacks, four quarterback hits, three tackles for loss and one pass defensed. “I thought he was dominant,” Macdonald said. “I knew he played great and then I looked at the stat line and he played out of his mind.” The Seahawks finished with five sacks, seven quarterback hits, five tackles for loss and six pass deflections against the Cardinals, shutting down a team that had averaged 29.3 points over its previous three games. Stock down Geno Smith finished with 254 yards passing and a touchdown, but he threw another momentum-stalling interception. Smith was picked off on a third-and-6 play on the Arizona 18-yard line at the start of the fourth quarter, ending an 11-play, 73-yard drive. Smith has an NFL-most 12 interceptions this season, more than in either of his previous two seasons as the Seahawks’ full-time starter. “That was a huge drive for us. ... Obviously made a terrible mistake down there, something I got to clean up,” Smith said. “But it was a big drive. We wanted to put the game ahead at least two scores.” The offensive line has contributed to the problem. Guard Anthony Bradford left with an ankle injury, and the line struggled to protect Smith, who was sacked five times. Injuries Macdonald said Bradford is expected to miss next week’s game. Key number 77 — Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the team with six catches for 77 yards and a touchdown, marking the fourth consecutive game that Smith-Njigba has led the team in receptions. He topped 100 yards receiving in the previous two games. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. “He’s getting open,” Smith said. “He’s catching the ball. He’s doing a great job in the screen game. All-around great player. I just think the way that teams are playing us coverage-wise, I feel like it’s the ultimate sign of respect.” Up next The Seahawks play at the struggling New York Jets on Sunday. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Advertisement AdvertisementUnexpected Turn for Tech Giant: A Plunge in Stocks After Earnings Report
The Road Trip viewers give verdict on new rom-com with Harry Potter and Bridgerton starsThe Gender-Based Violence Unit of the Ministry of Social and Community Development, Housing and Gender Affairs wishes to raise urgent awareness about a pressing issue in our society: gender-based violence. This silent epidemic not only violates fundamental human rights but also inflicts harm on our communities, affecting individuals and families alike. In observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence from 25 November to 10 December, we invite the public to participate in activities aimed at raising awareness and fostering dialogue around this critical issue. One of the highlights of our campaign will be a commemorative National Candlelight Vigil, which will take place on 5 December from 5 pm – 7:30 pm at the Esplanade Mall. This solemn event serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of gender-based violence and an opportunity for the community to come together in solidarity. Attendees will have the chance to honour survivors, remember those we have lost, and commit to taking action against violence in all its forms. Senator the Hon. Gloria Thomas, Minister for Social and Community Development, Housing, and Gender Affairs emphasised at the church service launch for 16 Days of Activism, “This campaign isn’t just for government or organisations, it is for all of us collectively, each of us has a role to play in preventing violence by speaking out, offering support, reporting and challenging harmful behaviours.” Your presence matters. Please make every effort to attend this important event. Together, we can raise our voices, shine a light on this hidden issue, and work towards creating a safer, more equitable society for all. Information booths will be available starting at 3 pm, offering resources and support for anyone seeking more information about gender-based violence. Our team will be on hand to answer questions, distribute literature, and offer guidance on available services. For more information about the vigil and other activities during the 16 Days of Activism, please contact the Division of Gender and Family Affairs at 440-7952. Ministry of Social and Community Development, Housing and Gender Affairs
(BPT) - The holidays are almost here! It means parties and events, hustle and bustle ... and figuring out what to buy for everyone on your list. Sometimes it's hard to get inspired with great ideas that your nears and dears will love at a price you can afford, right? The good news? Inspiration + savings are covered this year. One of the top gifts of Holiday 2024 is technology, and there are a lot of deals out there right now. Done and done! Here are 5 ideas for hot tech gifts for everyone on your list. Smartphones for the family T-Mobile is running a hot deal right now. Get four new smartphones at T-Mobile — this includes Samsung Galaxy S24 and other eligible devices — and four lines for just $100/month . It doesn't get better than that! These new Galaxy phones are tech-tastic, too, with features like AI, Circle to Search with Google, which can be used to help solve math problems and translate entire pages of text in a different language, and Note Assist with Galaxy AI, which lets you focus on capturing your notes and then Note Assist will summarize, format and even translate them for you. High tech spiral notebook for students We've got to admit, this is pretty cool. The Rocketbook looks (a bit) like a regular spiral, paper notebook. Here's the high tech twist: You can take notes, capture ideas, brainstorm, draw — whatever you do on paper — on the pad, and the Rocketbook digitizes your doodles and saves to the cloud device of your choice. Then you simply wipe the pad clean and it's good to go. Look for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales at your favorite online retailer. Wrist-worthy smartwatches for athletes (or those who want to be) Everyone loves smartwatches (if you're not already tracking your sleep and heart rate, where have you been?) and the Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm & 45mm) takes it to the next level with features for athletes or anyone who may be setting fitness goals for the coming year. The watch has workout prompts like Real Time Guidance — audio and haptic cues for when to sprint, cool down or maintain pace. It gives you the ability to program your workouts and even monitors your cadence and stride. It also has Offline Maps, with driving navigation, search and maps. Here's the deal of the century: Get it for free at T-Mobile when adding a qualifying watch line. Cute wireless keyboard for people who are all thumbs Who else is annoyed by typing email or texts or social posts on a smartphone? The Logitech Multi-Device Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard solves that problem with style! It comes in sweet colors like lavender, it's wireless, it's small and portable, and it works with just about any device. Pop it into your backpack or purse and you'll never have to thumb-out a message again. Speakers perfect for hosting and giving Have a music lover in your life or need the perfect hosting gift? T-Mobile has you covered. For a limited time, you can get the JBL Clip 5 for free when you pick up a Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 . The JBL Clip 5 is an ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker perfect for those on the go and the Onyx Studio 9's sleek design and booming sound will take care of all your holiday hosting needs. For more tech-tastic holiday gift inspiration, check out T-Mobile's holiday gift guide at t-mobile.com/devices/tech-gifts .Controversial Andrew Tate ‘War Room’ Videos Leaked By HackersWho is Manuel Anido Cuesta? Ana de Armas’ rumored boyfriend and Cuban president’s stepson
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